Cold water and ice slurry combined cold supply system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a cold water and ice slurry combined cold supply system, and relates to the technical field of cold water and ice slurry cold supply. A heat exchange device; the double-channel conveying pipeline and the cold water and ice slurry mixing device are arranged between the ice making device and the heat exchange device, the double-channel conveying pipeline sequentially comprises an inner channel and an outer channel from inside to outside, the inner channel is an ice slurry conveying channel, and the outer channel is a cold water conveying channel; at least part of the double-channel conveying pipeline is provided with a spiral pipe section, and cold water and ice water are mixed at the tail ends of the ice slurry conveying channel and the cold water conveying channel through a cold water and ice slurry mixing device; wherein the heat exchange device, the cold water conveying channel and the cold water and ice slurry mixing device form a loop, and the heat exchange device, the ice making device, the ice slurry conveying channel and the cold water and ice slurry mixing device form a loop. The high-concentration ice slurry conveying device is used for solving the problems that high-concentration ice slurry is easy to layer, agglomerate and block a pipeline during long-distance conveying in the prior art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cold water and ice slurry cooling technology, specifically to a combined cold water and ice slurry cooling system. Background Technology

[0002] In modern refrigeration and related industrial applications, ice slurry, with its unique thermal properties, has become a high-performance cooling medium and energy storage medium. High-concentration ice slurry features high cooling density, meaning that a unit volume of ice slurry can carry more cooling capacity, improving refrigeration efficiency; low pump power consumption, meaning less power is required to transport the ice slurry, saving energy; and small footprint, making it more advantageous in space-constrained equipment or locations. These characteristics work together to make ice slurry outstanding in energy saving and rapid cooling, providing a new direction for the optimization of refrigeration systems.

[0003] Despite the numerous advantages of ice slurry, its practical application faces significant obstacles. When ice slurry is transported long distances through pipelines, stratification occurs, leading to uneven ice slurry concentration distribution and affecting cooling efficiency. Ice crystals tend to aggregate, forming larger particles that increase flow resistance. Furthermore, ice crystals adhere to the pipe walls, continuously growing and eventually forming large ice blocks that clog the pipes, rendering the entire refrigeration system inoperable. These problems severely limit the widespread application of high-concentration ice slurry, becoming a bottleneck in its development. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention provides a combined cold water and ice slurry cooling system to solve the problems of easy stratification, agglomeration, and pipe blockage during long-distance transportation of high-concentration ice slurry in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0006] This utility model provides a combined cold water and ice slurry cooling system, comprising:

[0007] Ice-making equipment used to produce ice slurry;

[0008] A heat exchanger is used to transfer the cooling capacity of cold water and ice slurry to end spaces or equipment.

[0009] A dual-channel conveying pipeline and a cold water-ice slurry mixing device are installed between the ice-making device and the heat exchange device. The dual-channel conveying pipeline consists of an inner channel and an outer channel from the inside out. The inner channel is an ice slurry conveying channel, and the outer channel is a cold water conveying channel. The ice slurry conveying channel and the cold water conveying channel exchange heat through the pipe wall. The dual-channel conveying pipeline has at least a spiral section. The ends of the ice slurry conveying channel and the cold water conveying channel are connected by a cold water-ice slurry mixing device to mix cold water and ice water.

[0010] The heat exchange device, the cold water conveying channel, and the cold water-ice slurry mixing device form a loop, and the heat exchange device, the ice making device, the ice slurry conveying channel, and the cold water-ice slurry mixing device form a loop.

[0011] As an improvement of this utility model, the ice slurry conveying channel is provided with several passive stirring blades, and the distance between two adjacent passive stirring blades is less than or equal to one kilometer.

[0012] As an improvement of this utility model, the spiral diameter of the spiral pipe section is greater than one-fifth of the inner diameter of the dual-channel conveying pipeline, and the number of spiral turns of the spiral pipe section is greater than one.

[0013] As an improvement of this utility model, the dual-channel conveying pipeline is provided with a heat insulation layer, which is disposed on the outer layer of the outer channel.

[0014] As an improvement of this utility model, it also includes a cold water delivery pump for driving cold water to flow in the cold water delivery channel.

[0015] As an improvement of this utility model, it also includes a main delivery water pump for pressurizing the return water after terminal heat exchange.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this utility model are as follows:

[0017] 1. This utility model's combined cold water and ice slurry cooling system utilizes a dual-channel pipeline structure to allow heat exchange between the cold water channel and the ice slurry channel, raising the inner channel wall temperature and preventing ice crystal adhesion and growth, thus preventing ice slurry blockage at its source. The spiral conveying pipeline, with its special structure, enhances ice slurry agitation and reduces stratification. Passive stirring blades continuously agitate the ice slurry, reducing the risk of ice crystal aggregation. These technologies work together to solve the problem of blockage easily caused by high-concentration ice slurry during long-distance transportation, achieving stable delivery of high-concentration ice slurry and ensuring stable operation of the cooling system.

[0018] 2. In this combined cooling system, the circulating chilled water in the jacket of the delivery pipeline serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it prevents blockage of the ice slurry delivery channel; secondly, the chilled water, cooled after heat exchange with the ice slurry, can be used for end-point cooling after being stirred by the mixing device, achieving the recovery and utilization of cooling capacity. Compared to traditional cooling methods, this combined cooling method reduces cooling capacity loss along the pipeline, fully utilizes the cooling effect of both chilled water and ice slurry, improves energy efficiency, achieves high efficiency and energy saving, and saves energy costs for users.

[0019] 3. The delivery pipeline adopts a design combining straight pipes and spiral delivery pipes, which can be freely combined according to actual site conditions and anti-clogging requirements. For delivery in limited space or over short distances, straight pipes, which are easy to install and have lower costs, can be selected; while for long-distance delivery or in sections prone to clogging, spiral delivery pipes are used, leveraging their anti-stratification advantage to ensure stable delivery of the ice slurry. This flexible structural design adapts to different installation environments and effectively solves the clogging problem in ice slurry delivery, improving the system's applicability and reliability.

[0020] 4. The combined cooling system successfully solved the ice slurry blockage problem, enabling the delivery of high-concentration ice slurry. High-concentration ice slurry has a high cooling density, meaning that for the same cooling capacity, a smaller flow rate of ice slurry needs to be delivered. Simultaneously, by resolving the blockage issue, the system reduced the power required for the delivery pumps. This reduction in flow rate and pump power significantly improves energy efficiency and lowers delivery costs. While achieving efficient cooling, it also saves users operating costs, resulting in significant economic benefits. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the combined cold water and ice slurry cooling system in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cold water ice slurry conveying channel in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the spiral conveying pipe in different spiral diameters and numbers of turns in the embodiments of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of the cold water and ice slurry combined cooling method in the embodiments of this utility model;

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Ice-making device; 2. Heat exchange device; 3. Main delivery water pump; 4. Cold water delivery pump; 5. Delivery pipeline; 5.1. Cold water delivery channel; 5.2. Ice slurry delivery channel; 5.3. Insulation layer; 6. Cold water and ice slurry mixing device; 7. Passive stirring blades. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0028] Example:

[0029] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this utility model are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this utility model described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the embodiments of this utility model are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or device that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0030] In the description of this utility model, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. Furthermore, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the combined cold water and ice slurry cooling system in an embodiment of this utility model; as shown. Figure 1 As shown, this utility model embodiment provides a combined cold water and ice slurry cooling system, including:

[0032] Ice-making equipment, which is used to produce ice slurry to provide a cold source for the cooling system;

[0033] The heat exchange device is used to transfer the cooling capacity of cold water and ice slurry to the terminal space or equipment. Specifically, the cold water and ice slurry, after being mixed by the cold water and ice slurry mixing device, exchange heat with the terminal space or equipment to transfer the cooling capacity to the terminal space or equipment, thereby achieving the purpose of cooling. After completing the cooling task, return water is generated.

[0034] A dual-channel delivery pipeline and a cold water-ice slurry mixing device are installed between the ice-making device and the heat exchange device, such as Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cold water-ice slurry conveying channel in an embodiment of this utility model. Specifically, the dual-channel conveying pipeline consists of an inner channel and an outer channel from the inside out. The inner channel is the ice slurry conveying channel, which is the space for ice slurry flow; the outer channel is the cold water conveying channel, used for cold water flow. This structure allows the cold water and ice slurry to exchange heat through the inner channel wall during the conveying process. The cold water transfers heat to the wall of the ice slurry conveying channel, keeping the wall surface temperature above zero degrees Celsius, melting any ice crystals that may adhere. Ice crystals cannot adhere to or grow on the inner surface, thus preventing blockage by the ice slurry and effectively preventing the ice slurry from clogging the pipeline during the conveying process.

[0035] The dual-channel delivery pipeline has at least a portion of a spiral section; specifically, the dual-channel delivery pipeline includes two structural types: straight pipe sections and spiral pipe sections. During long-distance delivery, ice slurry is prone to stratification, meaning uneven distribution of ice crystals and liquid components, which severely affects the cooling effect and delivery stability. The special structure of the spiral delivery pipe generates a unique disturbance effect during ice slurry flow, ensuring thorough mixing of ice crystals and liquid, effectively preventing stratification and ensuring the ice slurry remains uniform throughout the delivery process, guaranteeing the efficient operation of the cooling system. In practical applications, straight and spiral delivery pipes can be freely combined according to specific circumstances. When the delivery distance is short, the straight pipe structure is preferred due to the relatively low risk of ice slurry stratification, considering cost and ease of installation. The straight pipe structure is simple, with lower installation and maintenance costs, meeting the basic requirements for short-distance delivery. However, for long-distance delivery or easily clogged flow sections, the spiral delivery structure is more suitable. The risk of ice slurry stratification is high during long-distance transport, and spiral conveyor pipes can effectively solve this problem. In sections prone to blockage, the special structure of spiral conveyor pipes can enhance the fluidity of ice slurry, reduce the possibility of ice crystal adhesion and pipe blockage, ensure smooth ice slurry transport, and ensure the stable operation of the entire cooling system.

[0036] The ends of the ice slurry conveying channel and the cold water conveying channel are connected by a cold water-ice slurry mixing device for mixing cold water and ice water; specifically, the cold water-ice slurry mixing device is the site where cold water and ice slurry are mixed. Here, cold water from the cold water conveying channel is fully mixed with ice slurry from the ice slurry conveying channel to form a cold water-ice slurry mixture that meets the cooling needs of the end user, and then it is conveyed to the heat exchange device.

[0037] The heat exchange device, the main water pump, the cold water pump, the cold water delivery channel, and the cold water-ice slurry mixing device form a loop. The heat exchange device, the main water pump, the ice-making device, the ice slurry delivery channel, and the cold water-ice slurry mixing device also form a loop.

[0038] In one embodiment, the ice slurry conveying channel is equipped with several passive stirring blades, with the distance between two adjacent passive stirring blades being less than or equal to one kilometer. Specifically, the passive stirring blades, positioned within the ice slurry conveying channel, can directly act on the flowing ice slurry. During ice slurry conveying, ice crystals easily attract each other and aggregate, forming agglomeration. This not only affects the fluidity of the ice slurry but may also lead to pipe blockage. The passive stirring blades rotate along with the flowing ice slurry, generating a stirring effect, causing the ice crystals and liquid in the ice slurry to mix more evenly, effectively breaking up the aggregation between ice crystals, reducing the risk of agglomeration, ensuring uniform delivery of the ice slurry, and thus maintaining the stable operation of the entire cooling system. Different cooling scenarios and ice slurry characteristics require different stirring techniques. For example, when the ice slurry concentration is high, more stirring blades may be needed to ensure its uniformity. Preferably, the maximum distance between two adjacent passive stirring blades does not exceed 1000 meters.

[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the spiral conveying pipe in different spiral diameters and numbers of turns according to embodiments of this utility model, as shown below. Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the spiral diameter of the spiral section is greater than one-fifth of the inner diameter of the dual-channel conveying pipeline, and the number of spiral turns in the spiral section is greater than one. Specifically, the ice slurry concentration and flow rate are important factors affecting the ice slurry conveying process. Different concentrations result in different ice slurry viscosities and different interactions between ice crystals, leading to varying degrees of impact on pipeline blockage; different flow rates result in different flow states of the ice slurry within the pipeline, altering the friction with the pipe wall and the trajectory of the ice crystals. The spiral conveying pipe can be optimized for anti-clogging design under different spiral diameters and numbers of turns based on design parameters such as the concentration and flow rate of the ice slurry to be conveyed. Preferably, the spiral diameter is greater than the inner diameter of the conveying pipeline / 5, and the number of spiral turns is greater than 1.

[0040] In one embodiment, the dual-channel delivery pipeline is provided with an insulation layer, which is disposed on the outer layer of the outer channel. Its main function is to reduce the loss of cold energy during delivery. On the one hand, it prevents the temperature of the cold water in the cold water delivery channel from rising too quickly, ensuring that there is a sufficient temperature difference between the cold water and the ice slurry for heat exchange; on the other hand, it prevents the ice slurry in the ice slurry delivery channel from melting excessively due to the introduction of external heat, maintaining the concentration and cooling capacity of the ice slurry, and improving the energy utilization efficiency of the system.

[0041] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of the combined cold water and ice slurry cooling method in an embodiment of this utility model; as shown. Figure 4 As shown, this utility model embodiment provides a method for combined cold water and ice slurry cooling, applicable to the aforementioned combined cold water and ice slurry cooling system, including the following steps:

[0042] Acquisition Operation: Acquire the first ice slurry concentration, the second ice slurry concentration, and the outlet temperature, wherein the first ice slurry concentration is the ice slurry concentration at the inlet of the dual-channel delivery pipeline, the second ice slurry concentration is the ice slurry concentration at the outlet of the cold water ice slurry mixing device, and the outlet temperature is the temperature at the outlet of the cold water delivery channel.

[0043] Specifically, real-time monitoring of the ice slurry concentration P at the inlet of the delivery pipeline. ice1 The ice slurry concentration P at the outlet of the cold water ice slurry mixing device ice2 The changes in these two concentration values ​​reflect the state of the ice slurry during transport and blending. If P ice1 and P ice2 Significant differences indicate that a considerable amount of ice crystals may melt during the ice slurry's transport process, necessitating attention to its impact on cooling efficiency and ice slurry stability. Monitoring the outlet temperature T of the chilled water transport channel is crucial, as this temperature reflects the state of the chilled water after heat exchange with the ice slurry and is a key indicator of system proper operation. A suitable chilled water temperature ensures that the inner surface temperature of the ice slurry transport pipe remains above zero degrees Celsius, preventing blockages, while also meeting the cooling demands of the end-users.

[0044] First judgment operation: Determine the relationship between the difference between the first ice slurry concentration and the second ice slurry concentration and a preset threshold. If the difference is greater than the preset threshold, then execute the second judgment operation; if the difference is less than or equal to the preset threshold, then repeat the acquisition operation.

[0045] Specifically, calculate the amount of ice melt P. ice1 -P ice2 The value is then compared with the value 'a'. The preferred value for 'a' is 5%-10%, which is an empirically set threshold. When the amount of ice melted is greater than the value 'a', it means that a large amount of ice slurry has melted during transportation, which may affect the cooling capacity and stability of the ice slurry. In this case, proceed to the next adjustment step. If the amount of ice melted is less than or equal to the value 'a', it indicates that the state of the ice slurry is relatively stable. Continue monitoring and return to the acquisition operation to re-monitor each parameter.

[0046] The second judgment operation is to determine the relationship between the outlet temperature and the preset range. If the outlet temperature is less than the minimum value of the preset range, the flow rate of the cold water delivery pump is increased by a preset ratio. If the outlet temperature is within the preset range, the current flow rate of the cold water delivery pump is maintained. If the outlet temperature is greater than the maximum value of the preset range, the flow rate of the cold water delivery pump is decreased by a preset ratio.

[0047] Specifically, the outlet temperature T of the cold water delivery channel is compared with the value b, with b preferably being 1-5℃. When T < b-1, it indicates that the cold water temperature is too low, which may lead to insufficient melting of the ice slurry, affecting the fluidity and cooling capacity of the ice slurry. In this case, the flow rate c of the cold water delivery pump (preferably 5%-10%) is increased to increase the flow rate of the cold water, improve the heat exchange efficiency with the ice slurry, raise the inner surface temperature of the ice slurry delivery pipe, melt more ice crystals, and ensure the normal delivery of the ice slurry. When b-1 < T < b+1, it indicates that the cold water temperature is within a suitable range, the system is operating stably, and the current state remains unchanged. When T > b+1, it indicates that the cold water temperature is too high, which may lead to excessive melting of the ice slurry, affecting the cooling effect. In this case, the flow rate c of the cold water delivery pump is reduced to decrease the heat exchange between the cold water and the ice slurry, maintaining the concentration of the ice slurry and the cooling capacity.

[0048] After completing one adjustment, the system returns to the acquisition operation to continue real-time monitoring of parameters such as ice slurry concentration and chilled water temperature. By continuously cycling through this process, the system's operating status is continuously adjusted, enabling dynamic monitoring and regulation of the ice slurry delivery process. This effectively prevents ice slurry blockage and allows for flexible adjustment of the chilled water and ice slurry supply ratio according to the cooling needs of the end users, improving the stability and adaptability of the cooling system.

[0049] It should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0050] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0051] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0052] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical concept and features of this utility model, and are intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of this utility model and implement it accordingly. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model. All equivalent changes or modifications made based on the substance of the content of this utility model should be covered within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A combined cold water and ice slurry cooling system, characterized in that, include: Ice-making equipment used to produce ice slurry; A heat exchanger is used to transfer the cooling capacity of cold water and ice slurry to end spaces or equipment. A dual-channel conveying pipeline and a cold water-ice slurry mixing device are installed between the ice-making device and the heat exchange device. The dual-channel conveying pipeline consists of an inner channel and an outer channel from the inside out. The inner channel is an ice slurry conveying channel, and the outer channel is a cold water conveying channel. The ice slurry conveying channel and the cold water conveying channel exchange heat through the pipe wall. The dual-channel conveying pipeline has at least a spiral section. The ends of the ice slurry conveying channel and the cold water conveying channel are connected by a cold water-ice slurry mixing device to mix cold water and ice water. The heat exchange device, the cold water conveying channel, and the cold water-ice slurry mixing device form a loop, and the heat exchange device, the ice making device, the ice slurry conveying channel, and the cold water-ice slurry mixing device form a loop.

2. The combined cold water and ice slurry cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice slurry conveying channel is equipped with several passive stirring blades, and the distance between two adjacent passive stirring blades is less than or equal to one kilometer.

3. The combined cold water and ice slurry cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spiral diameter of the spiral section is greater than one-fifth of the inner diameter of the dual-channel conveying pipeline, and the number of spiral turns of the spiral section is greater than one.

4. The combined cold water and ice slurry cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dual-channel delivery pipeline is equipped with an insulation layer, which is located on the outer layer of the outer channel.

5. The combined cold water and ice slurry cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a chilled water delivery pump for driving the flow of chilled water within the chilled water delivery channel.

6. The combined cold water and ice slurry cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a main delivery pump for pressurizing the return water after the terminal heat exchange.

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