Air-cooled natural cooling water cooler

Abstract

The utility model discloses an air-cooled natural cooling water chiller which is provided with a refrigerant circulation loop and a water circulation loop. According to the refrigerant circulation loop, an outlet of a compressor is connected with an inlet of a condenser, an outlet of the condenser is connected with an inlet of a throttling valve, an outlet of the throttling valve is connected with a coolant channel inlet of an evaporator, and a coolant channel outlet of the evaporator is connected with an inlet of the compressor. According to the water circulation loop, an outlet of a water tank is connected with an inlet of a water pump, an outlet of the water pump is divided into two paths through a three-way pipe, one path is connected with a water channel inlet of an evaporator, and a water channel outlet of the evaporator is a system water outlet; a first outlet of the three-way electric ball valve is connected with a first water return port of the water tank, a second outlet of the three-way electric ball valve is connected with an inlet of the surface air cooler, and an outlet of the surface air cooler is connected with a second water return port of the water tank. By means of the design, the cooling requirements under different environment conditions can be met, and the purposes of saving energy and reducing consumption can be achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of refrigeration equipment technology, specifically relating to an air-cooled natural cooling water chiller, which is particularly suitable for industrial and commercial cooling systems for efficient cooling of water or other media. Background Technology

[0002] In existing refrigeration systems, chillers are widely used in industrial and commercial sectors to cool various equipment and processes. Traditional chillers primarily rely on mechanical refrigeration cycles, achieving cooling through compressors, condensers, expansion valves, and evaporators. However, this system still requires compressor operation when ambient temperatures are low, resulting in high energy consumption. To improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs, researchers have begun exploring natural cooling technologies, utilizing the low temperature of ambient air to assist or replace mechanical refrigeration. This invention aims to provide a chiller that combines air-cooled natural cooling and mechanical refrigeration to achieve highly efficient and energy-saving cooling. Utility Model Content

[0003] The problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide an air-cooled natural cooling chiller that can not only meet the cooling needs under different environmental conditions, but also achieve the goal of energy saving and consumption reduction.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides an air-cooled natural cooling chiller, which includes a compressor, a condenser, a throttling valve, an evaporator, a water tank, a water pump, a three-way electric ball valve, and a surface cooler. The outlet of the compressor is connected to the inlet of the condenser, the outlet of the condenser is connected to the inlet of the throttling valve, the outlet of the throttling valve is connected to the inlet of the coolant channel of the evaporator, and the outlet of the coolant channel of the evaporator is connected to the inlet of the compressor, thereby forming a closed coolant circulation loop. The outlet of the water tank is connected to the inlet of the water pump, and the outlet of the water pump is divided into two paths through a three-way pipe: one path is connected to the inlet of the water channel of the evaporator, and the outlet of the water channel of the evaporator is the system outlet; the other path is connected to the inlet of the three-way electric ball valve. The first outlet of the three-way electric ball valve is connected to the first return port of the water tank, the second outlet of the three-way electric ball valve is connected to the inlet of the surface cooler, and the outlet of the surface cooler is connected to the second return port of the water tank. The inlet of the water tank is the system inlet.

[0005] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, both the surface cooler and the condenser are equipped with fans.

[0006] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the air-cooled natural cooling chiller includes a frame, the frame having an upper mounting layer and a lower mounting layer, the compressor, the throttle valve, the evaporator, the water tank, the water pump and the three-way electric ball valve are all installed in the lower mounting layer, and the condenser, the surface cooler and the fan are all installed in the upper mounting layer.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the surface cooler and the condenser are arranged symmetrically and are inclinedly disposed on two opposite sides of the upper mounting layer. An air cavity is formed between the surface cooler and the condenser. Multiple fans are provided, and the multiple fans are evenly distributed on the top of the air cavity. The negative pressure side of the fan is connected to the outside, and the positive pressure side of the fan is connected to the air cavity.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the surface cooler is composed of multiple rows of copper tubes, the copper tubes are wrapped with aluminum fins, and the flowing medium inside the copper tubes is water from the water tank.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the condenser is an air-cooled condenser, which is composed of multiple rows of copper tubes, with aluminum fins wound around the outside of the copper tubes, and the flowing medium inside the copper tubes is refrigerant from the compressor.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the evaporator is a shell-and-tube evaporator, which consists of an outer shell and multiple rows of copper tubes. The copper tubes are disposed inside the outer shell, the flowing medium inside the copper tubes is refrigerant from the compressor, and the flowing medium outside the copper tubes is water from the water tank.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, a filter is provided on the connecting pipe between the condenser and the throttle valve.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the air-cooled natural cooling chiller implementing the embodiments of this utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0013] (1) High efficiency and energy saving:

[0014] Air-cooled natural cooling mode: When the ambient temperature is low, the system directly utilizes ambient air to cool the water through the surface cooler, stopping the compressor from running. This mode makes full use of the low ambient temperature, significantly reducing energy consumption, especially at night or in cold seasons, where the energy-saving effect is particularly obvious.

[0015] Hybrid Cooling Mode: When the ambient temperature is high and the water temperature in the tank is higher than the ambient temperature, the system simultaneously activates the surface cooler and compressor, achieving coordinated operation of natural cooling and mechanical refrigeration. This mode fully utilizes the advantages of both natural cooling and mechanical refrigeration, improving cooling efficiency and saving energy, resulting in a significant reduction in energy consumption compared to traditional mechanical refrigeration modes.

[0016] (2) Flexible cooling mode switching:

[0017] The three-way electric ball valve enables flexible switching between different cooling modes, allowing the system to automatically select the optimal cooling method according to actual needs, ensuring that the system is always in a state of high efficiency. In particular, in mechanical refrigeration mode, that is, when the ambient temperature is high and the water temperature in the water tank is lower than or equal to the ambient temperature, the three-way electric ball valve switches to the water tank direction to avoid supplying water to the surface cooler, prevent ambient heat from entering the system, and ensure that the cooling effect is not affected by the high external temperature. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments will be briefly described below.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the air-cooled natural cooling chiller according to an embodiment of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 2 This is an isometric view of the air-cooled natural cooling chiller according to an embodiment of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 3 This is an isometric view of the air-cooled natural cooling chiller according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Marked in the image:

[0023] Compressor 1; Condenser 2; Copper tube 21; Aluminum fins 22; Throttling valve 3; Evaporator 4; Outer shell 41; Copper tube 42; Water tank 5; Water pump 6; Three-way electric ball valve 7; Surface cooler 8; Copper tube 81; Aluminum fins 82; System outlet 9; System inlet 10; Fan 11; Frame 12; Upper mounting layer 121; Lower mounting layer 122; Filter 13. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions of the present utility model 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 the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0025] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., used to indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0026] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this is a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] An air-cooled natural cooling chiller includes a compressor 1, a condenser 2, a throttle valve 3, an evaporator 4, a water tank 5, a water pump 6, a three-way electric ball valve 7, and a surface cooler 8. The outlet of the compressor 1 is connected to the inlet of the condenser 2, the outlet of the condenser 2 is connected to the inlet of the throttle valve 3, the outlet of the throttle valve 3 is connected to the inlet of the coolant passage of the evaporator 4, and the outlet of the coolant passage of the evaporator 4 is connected to the inlet of the compressor 1, thus forming a closed coolant circulation loop. The outlet of the water tank 5 is connected to... The inlet of the water pump 6 is connected to the outlet of the water pump 6, which is divided into two paths via a three-way pipe: one path connects to the water channel inlet of the evaporator 4, and the water channel outlet of the evaporator 4 is the system outlet 9; the other path connects to the inlet of the three-way electric ball valve 7, the first outlet of the three-way electric ball valve 7 connects to the first return water port of the water tank 5, the second outlet of the three-way electric ball valve 7 connects to the inlet of the surface cooler 8, and the outlet of the surface cooler 8 connects to the second return water port of the water tank 5; the inlet of the water tank 5 is the system inlet 10.

[0028] As can be understood, compressor 1 provides power to compress the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas; condenser 2 cools the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas into a low-temperature, high-pressure liquid, releasing heat into the atmosphere; throttling valve 3 reduces the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant liquid through throttling, allowing it to enter evaporator 4; the refrigerant evaporates in evaporator 4, absorbing heat from the water in water tank 5, thus lowering the water temperature; this part forms a closed refrigerant circulation loop, achieving heat transfer through the phase change of the refrigerant (liquid to gas). Water tank 5 stores cooling water; water pump 6 provides power to transport the water in water tank 5 to evaporator 4 and surface cooler 8; the water is cooled by the refrigerant in evaporator 4, lowering its temperature; surface cooler 8 further cools the water, or directly cools the water in natural cooling mode; three-way electric ball valve 7 controls the water flow direction, enabling switching between different cooling modes. This part forms a closed water circulation loop, achieving heat transfer and cooling through water circulation.

[0029] The details regarding the switching between different cooling modes using the three-way electric ball valve 7 are as follows:

[0030] Air-cooled natural cooling mode: When the ambient temperature is low (i.e., the user needs a lower cooling capacity from the chiller), the three-way electric ball valve 7 switches to the surface cooler 8, and the ambient air is used directly to cool the water through the surface cooler 8, stopping the operation of the compressor 1 and saving energy.

[0031] Mechanical refrigeration mode: When the ambient temperature is high (i.e., the user needs a high cooling capacity from the chiller) and the water temperature in the water tank 5 is lower than or equal to the ambient temperature, the compressor 1 is started, and cooling is achieved through the refrigerant circulation system. At this time, the three-way electric ball valve 7 is switched to the direction of the water tank 5, and water is not supplied to the surface cooler 8 to avoid ambient heat from entering the system and to ensure that the cooling effect is not affected by the high external temperature.

[0032] Hybrid cooling mode: When the ambient temperature is high (i.e., the user needs a higher cooling capacity from the chiller) and the water temperature in the water tank 5 is higher than the ambient temperature, the three-way electric ball valve 7 switches to the direction of the surface cooler 8, and the surface cooler 8 directly uses the ambient air to cool the water. At the same time, the compressor 1 is started to operate in coordination, which improves cooling efficiency and saves energy.

[0033] For example, both the surface cooler 8 and the condenser 2 are equipped with a fan 11 to enhance airflow and improve heat exchange efficiency.

[0034] For example, the air-cooled natural cooling chiller includes a frame 12, which is a rectangular frame structure with an upper mounting layer 121 and a lower mounting layer 122. The compressor 1, the expansion valve 3, the evaporator 4, the water tank 5, the water pump 6, and the three-way electric ball valve 7 are all installed in the lower mounting layer 122, while the condenser 2, the surface cooler 8, and the fan 11 are all installed in the upper mounting layer 121. This layout facilitates installation and maintenance, optimizes space utilization, and makes the entire system structure compact.

[0035] Furthermore, the surface cooler 8 and the condenser 2 are symmetrically arranged and inclined on two opposite sides of the upper mounting layer 121, forming an air cavity between them. Multiple fans 11 are provided, evenly distributed at the top of the air cavity, with the negative pressure side of each fan 11 connected to the outside and the positive pressure side connected to the air cavity. This design optimizes the airflow path. The air cavity forms a positive pressure chamber under the action of the fans 11, allowing ambient air to flow from the inside to the outside through the surface cooler 8 and the condenser 2 under positive pressure, ensuring smooth airflow and preventing heat transfer between them, further optimizing the cooling effect. The inclined arrangement of the surface cooler 8 and the condenser 2 not only optimizes space utilization but also significantly increases their surface area, thereby improving heat dissipation.

[0036] For example, the surface cooler 8 is composed of multiple rows of copper tubes 81, with aluminum fins 82 wound around the outside of the copper tubes. The flowing medium inside the copper tubes 81 is water from the water tank 5, thereby cooling the water through heat exchange between the water and the air.

[0037] For example, the condenser 2 is an air-cooled condenser, which consists of multiple rows of copper tubes 21. Aluminum fins 22 are wound around the outside of the copper tubes 21, and the flowing medium inside the copper tubes 21 is refrigerant from the compressor 1. Thus, the cooling medium at the condenser 2 is ambient air, and the fan 11 forces the air to flow through the condenser 2, carrying away the heat released by the refrigerant inside the copper tubes.

[0038] Understandably, both the surface cooler 8 and the condenser 2 adopt a multi-row copper tube and aluminum fin structure, which significantly increases the heat exchange area and improves the heat exchange efficiency.

[0039] For example, the evaporator 4 is a shell-and-tube evaporator, which consists of an outer shell 41 and multiple rows of copper tubes 42. The copper tubes 42 are disposed inside the outer shell 41. The flowing medium inside the copper tubes 42 is refrigerant from the compressor 1, and the flowing medium outside the copper tubes 42 is water from the water tank 5. Thus, the refrigerant evaporates inside the copper tubes 42, absorbing heat from the water in the water tank 5, thereby lowering the water temperature.

[0040] For example, a filter 13 is provided on the connecting pipe between the condenser 2 and the throttle valve 3 to filter impurities in the refrigerant, prevent impurities from entering the throttle valve 3 and the evaporator 4, and ensure the normal operation of the system.

[0041] In summary, the air-cooled natural cooling chiller of this utility model significantly improves the system's cooling efficiency and energy efficiency by flexibly switching between three modes: air-cooled natural cooling, mechanical refrigeration, and hybrid cooling. It also optimizes space utilization and enhances the system's reliability and service life. This design not only meets cooling requirements under different environmental conditions but also achieves the goal of energy conservation and consumption reduction.

[0042] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" used in this utility model 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.

[0043] The above-disclosed embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present utility model. Therefore, any equivalent changes made in accordance with the claims of the present utility model shall still fall within the scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A wind-cooled natural cooling water chiller, characterized in that, Includes compressor, condenser, expansion valve, evaporator, water tank, water pump, three-way electric ball valve, and surface cooler; The compressor outlet is connected to the condenser inlet, the condenser outlet is connected to the throttle valve inlet, the throttle valve outlet is connected to the evaporator coolant passage inlet, and the evaporator coolant passage outlet is connected to the compressor inlet, thereby forming a closed coolant circulation loop. The outlet of the water tank is connected to the inlet of the water pump. The outlet of the water pump is divided into two paths via a three-way pipe: one path is connected to the inlet of the water channel of the evaporator, and the outlet of the water channel of the evaporator is the system outlet; the other path is connected to the inlet of the three-way electric ball valve. The first outlet of the three-way electric ball valve is connected to the first return port of the water tank, and the second outlet of the three-way electric ball valve is connected to the inlet of the surface cooler. The outlet of the surface cooler is connected to the second return port of the water tank. The inlet of the water tank is the system inlet.

2. The air-cooled natural cooling chiller as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Both the surface cooler and the condenser are equipped with fans.

3. The air-cooled natural cooling chiller as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The device includes a frame, which has an upper mounting layer and a lower mounting layer. The compressor, the throttle valve, the evaporator, the water tank, the water pump, and the three-way electric ball valve are all installed in the lower mounting layer, while the condenser, the surface cooler, and the fan are all installed in the upper mounting layer.

4. The air-cooled natural cooling chiller as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The surface cooler and the condenser are arranged symmetrically and are inclinedly disposed on two opposite sides of the upper mounting layer. An air cavity is formed between the surface cooler and the condenser. Multiple fans are provided, and the multiple fans are evenly distributed on the top of the air cavity. The negative pressure side of the fan is connected to the outside, and the positive pressure side of the fan is connected to the air cavity.

5. The air-cooled natural cooling chiller as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The surface cooler consists of multiple rows of copper tubes, with aluminum fins wrapped around the outside of the copper tubes, and the flowing medium inside the copper tubes is water from the water tank.

6. The air-cooled natural cooling chiller as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The condenser is an air-cooled condenser, which consists of multiple rows of copper tubes with aluminum fins wrapped around them. The refrigerant flowing inside the copper tubes is from the compressor.

7. The air-cooled natural cooling chiller as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The evaporator is a shell-and-tube evaporator, which consists of an outer shell and multiple rows of copper tubes. The copper tubes are located inside the outer shell, and the flowing medium inside the copper tubes is refrigerant from the compressor. The flowing medium outside the copper tubes is water from the water tank.

8. The air-cooled natural cooling chiller as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A filter is installed on the connecting pipe between the condenser and the throttle valve.

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