Low-charge brine injection unit

By integrating a plate-shell structure and a built-in oil separator, the layout of the flow channel and heat exchange unit is optimized, solving the problems of large refrigerant charge and large equipment size in low-temperature brine units. This improves system stability and energy efficiency, and reduces transportation costs and failure risks.

CN224230409UActive Publication Date: 2026-05-12FUJIAN SNOWMAN REFRIGERATION EQUIP CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
FUJIAN SNOWMAN REFRIGERATION EQUIP CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-04-29
Publication Date
2026-05-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing low-temperature brine units suffer from problems such as inaccurate refrigerant level control, large charging volume, large equipment size, high transportation costs, and high failure risk.

Method used

It adopts a plate-shell structure and integrated design, combined with a high-pressure float and built-in oil separator, and optimizes the layout of internal flow channels and heat exchange units to achieve efficient separation of refrigerant and refrigeration oil and precise flow control.

Benefits of technology

Reducing refrigerant charge reduces equipment size, lowers transportation costs, improves system stability and energy efficiency, simplifies piping structure, and reduces the risk of failure.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model provides a low-charge brine unit which comprises a bottom frame, a compressor with a built-in oil separator, a plate shell condenser, a plate shell evaporator, a high-pressure floating ball, a plate shell oil cooler and an electric control assembly. The compressor, the heat exchanger and the electric control component are integrated on the bottom frame, and the refrigerant flow is dynamically adjusted through the high-pressure floating ball. The plate-shell type heat exchanger adopts a staggered flow channel design, so that the filling amount is obviously reduced. Compared with the prior art, the refrigerant charging amount is reduced by 30%-40%, the size is reduced by 25%, the energy efficiency is improved by 15%-20%, and the device is suitable for industrial cooling and other scenes.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of refrigeration equipment technology, specifically relating to a low-charge brine unit. Background Technology

[0002] A low-temperature brine chiller is a device used in industries such as chemical, pharmaceutical, food, grain processing, and fruit processing to provide process cooling low-temperature water.

[0003] Existing conventional chiller units have the following drawbacks: the throttling mechanism adopts a conventional design, resulting in inaccurate refrigerant level control and a large charge; the evaporator and condenser adopt a shell-and-tube structure, which is not a low-charge design, resulting in large equipment size and high transportation costs; the compressor with built-in oil separator requires an additional external oil separator, which leads to complex piping and a high risk of failure.

[0004] Therefore, it is particularly important to design and manufacture a brine unit that requires low filling, has a compact structure, and operates stably. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the technical problems of large refrigerant charge and complex structure in existing technologies, this utility model provides a low-charge brine unit through precise throttling control, efficient heat exchange structure and integrated design.

[0006] This utility model proposes a low-refrigerant-charge unit, including a base frame and a compressor mounted on the base frame. It also includes: a plate-shell condenser, a plate-shell evaporator, and a high-pressure float. The plate-shell condenser and evaporator are integrated onto the base frame. The plate-shell condenser is connected to the compressor's exhaust port. The high-pressure float is positioned between the plate-shell condenser and evaporator, and the evaporator is connected to the condenser's outlet via the high-pressure float. A plate-shell oil cooler is also included, connected to the compressor. A control cabinet and a frequency converter are integrated onto the base frame and electrically connected to the compressor. By employing a plate-shell structure, a high-pressure float, and an integrated design, the refrigerant charge is reduced, the volume is decreased, and energy efficiency and stability are improved.

[0007] Preferably, the compressor has an internal oil separator and an intake valve assembly connected to it. The compressor is used to compress refrigerant gas and separate the refrigerant from the refrigeration oil through the oil separator.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, the compressor incorporates an oil separator and suction valve assembly, achieving efficient separation of refrigerant and refrigeration oil, simplifying the pipeline structure, and improving system stability and energy efficiency.

[0009] Preferably, both the plate condenser and the plate evaporator are provided with staggered internal flow channels.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solutions, the staggered internal flow channel design of the plate condenser and evaporator can enhance heat exchange efficiency, reduce refrigerant charge, and improve the compactness and energy efficiency of the unit.

[0011] More preferably, the gap of the flow channel is 0.8 to 1.2 mm to reduce the refrigerant charge.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the flow channel gap is set to 0.8-1.2mm, which optimizes space utilization, reduces refrigerant retention, further reduces the charge amount, and improves the unit's energy efficiency and economy.

[0013] More preferably, the plate-shell oil cooler is connected between the oil separator and the oil supply pipeline, and the plate-shell oil cooler is used to cool the separated refrigeration oil.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, the plate-shell oil cooler connects the oil separator and the oil supply pipeline, efficiently cooling the refrigeration oil, ensuring the stable operation of the compressor lubrication system, and improving the reliability of the unit.

[0015] Preferably, the high-pressure float is used to dynamically adjust the refrigerant flow rate.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solutions, the high-pressure float can accurately monitor the liquid level and dynamically adjust the refrigerant flow, thereby improving refrigeration efficiency and system stability.

[0017] Preferably, the plate condenser, plate evaporator, and plate oil cooler are all plate-type.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solutions and using a patented plate-shell structure design, the internal flow channels and heat exchange unit layout are optimized, resulting in a reduction in refrigerant charge, product weight, and overall size.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial results of this utility model are as follows:

[0020] (1) By equipping a high-precision high-pressure float throttling device, the system can accurately control the refrigerant charge by monitoring the liquid level dynamics in real time. Compared with traditional throttling methods, this not only effectively improves the energy efficiency of the refrigeration system, but also reduces the operational risks caused by liquid level fluctuations, reduces the refrigerant charge, reduces leakage hazards, lowers operating costs, and ensures long-term stable operation of the system.

[0021] (2) Adopting a patented plate-shell structure design, the internal flow channels and heat exchange unit layout are optimized to reduce the refrigerant charge, product weight, and overall size. This compact design not only saves installation space but also reduces transportation costs, while improving the spatial adaptability of the equipment to meet the needs of diverse application scenarios.

[0022] (3) The integrated oil separator compressor, which is independently developed, integrates the oil separation function into the compressor, eliminating the need for an external secondary oil separator. This design reduces the number of system pipelines, improves structural simplicity, effectively reduces the risk of failure caused by connecting parts, improves operational stability, simplifies the installation process, and saves installation space and maintenance costs. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. Other embodiments and many anticipated advantages of the embodiments will be readily recognized as they become better understood through reference to the following detailed description. Elements in the drawings are not necessarily to scale. The same reference numerals refer to corresponding similar parts.

[0024] Figure 1 A front view of a low-fill brine unit according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0025] Figure 2 A side view of a low-fill brine unit according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0026] Figure 3 A view of a low-fill brine unit according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0027] The meanings of the numbers in the diagram are as follows: 1. Compressor; 2. Plate condenser; 3. High-pressure float; 4. Plate evaporator; 5. Plate oil cooler; 6. Base frame; 7. Control and start-up cabinet; 8. Frequency converter. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the relevant utility model and not intended to limit the scope of the utility model. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to the utility model are shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0029] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other. The present utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0030] This utility model proposes a low-filling brine unit, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the low-charge brine unit includes a base frame 6 and a compressor 1, which is mounted on the base frame 6. It also includes a plate condenser 2, a plate evaporator 4, and a high-pressure float 3.

[0031] Plate condenser 2 and plate evaporator 4 are integrated on the base frame 6. Plate condenser 2 is connected to the exhaust port of compressor 1. High-pressure float 3 is located between plate condenser 2 and plate evaporator 4. Plate evaporator 4 is connected to the outlet of plate condenser 2 through high-pressure float 3. Plate oil cooler 5 is connected to compressor 1. Control starter cabinet 7 and frequency converter 8 are integrated on the base frame 6 and electrically connected to compressor 1. By adopting a plate structure, high-pressure float 3, and integrated design, the refrigerant charge is reduced, the volume is reduced, and energy efficiency and stability are improved.

[0032] In this embodiment, combined with Figure 3 The compressor 1 has a built-in oil separator and a suction valve assembly connected to it. The compressor 1 compresses refrigerant gas and separates the refrigerant from the refrigeration oil through the oil separator. The built-in oil separator and suction valve assembly in the compressor 1 achieve efficient separation of refrigerant and refrigeration oil, simplifying the piping structure and improving system stability and energy efficiency. This integrated oil separator compressor deeply integrates the oil separation function within the compressor 1, eliminating the need for an external secondary oil separator. This design reduces system piping, improves structural simplicity, effectively reduces the risk of failure due to connecting components, enhances operational stability, simplifies installation, and saves installation space and maintenance costs.

[0033] Specifically, both the plate condenser 2 and the plate evaporator 4 are equipped with staggered internal flow channels. The gap between these channels is 0.8–1.2 mm to reduce the refrigerant charge. This staggered internal flow channel design of the plate condenser 2 and evaporator enhances heat exchange efficiency, reduces refrigerant charge, and improves the unit's compactness and energy efficiency. The 0.8–1.2 mm gap optimizes space utilization, reduces refrigerant retention, further reduces the charge, and improves the unit's energy efficiency and economy.

[0034] Furthermore, the plate-shell oil cooler 5 is connected between the oil separator and the oil supply line, and is used to cool the separated refrigeration oil. In one specific embodiment, a balance line can also be provided between the oil separator and the plate-shell oil cooler 5. The inner diameter of the balance line is 12-16 mm, and the refrigeration oil backflow pressure difference in the balance line is ≤0.05 MPa.

[0035] The plate oil cooler 5 connects the oil separator and the oil supply line, efficiently cooling the refrigeration oil, ensuring the stable operation of the compressor 1 lubrication system, and improving the reliability of the unit; a balance pipeline with an inner diameter of 12-16mm is installed between the oil separator and the plate oil cooler 5 to control the backflow pressure difference ≤0.05MPa, ensuring stable backflow of refrigeration oil and improving the reliability of system operation.

[0036] In this embodiment, the plate condenser 2, plate evaporator 4, and plate oil cooler 5 are all plate-type. By adopting a patented plate-type structural design and optimizing the internal flow channels and heat exchange unit layout, the refrigerant charge is reduced, the product weight is lightened, and the overall size is reduced.

[0037] For ease of understanding, combined with Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The working principle of this embodiment generally includes:

[0038] Refrigerant gas enters compressor 1 from the suction valve assembly. After being compressed by compressor 1, it is discharged to the oil separator for separation. The separated refrigerant gas enters the plate condenser 2 and condenses into liquid. The high-pressure float 3 adjusts its opening according to the liquid level signal. The refrigerant liquid after being throttled by the high-pressure float 3 enters the plate evaporator 4 for evaporation and heat absorption. The low-temperature, low-pressure gas then returns to compressor 1 to complete the cycle.

[0039] The high-temperature refrigerant oil separated by the oil separator of compressor 1 flows into the plate oil cooler 5. After being cooled by the plate oil cooler 5, the refrigerant oil is then supplied to compressor 1 through the oil supply pipe assembly to ensure lubrication.

[0040] The inverter 8 automatically adjusts the frequency of the compressor 1 according to the control signal from the outlet of the plate evaporator 4 through a PID algorithm. For example, when the cooling load decreases, the speed is 2000-3600, avoiding the phenomenon of "overpowered engine and underpowered vehicle" and reducing energy consumption.

[0041] In one specific embodiment, the installation connection of the low-charge brine unit includes: the compressor 1 is fixed to the upper part of the base frame 6 by a shock-absorbing support, the suction valve assembly is connected to the external refrigerant circuit, and the exhaust port is connected to the inlet of the plate condenser 2 through a pressure-resistant pipeline.

[0042] The outlet of plate condenser 2 is connected to the inlet of high-pressure float 3, the outlet of high-pressure float 3 is connected to the inlet of plate evaporator 4, and the outlet of plate evaporator 4 returns to the suction end of compressor 1, forming a refrigerant circulation loop.

[0043] The bottom interface of the oil separator of compressor 1 is connected to the inlet of the plate oil cooler 5. The cooled refrigeration oil returns to the crankcase of compressor 1 through the oil supply pipeline to achieve lubrication circulation.

[0044] The control starter cabinet 7 and the frequency converter 8 are connected to the compressor 1, electronic expansion valve and other electrical control components via cables to form an automatic control system.

[0045] The specific embodiments of this utility model have been described above, but the scope of protection of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model. Therefore, the scope of protection of this utility model should be determined by the scope of the claims.

[0046] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," etc., indicating 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. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps not listed in the claims. The word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The simple fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used for improvement. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A low-filling brine unit, comprising a base frame and a compressor, the compressor being mounted on the base frame, characterized in that, Also includes: The system includes a plate condenser, a plate evaporator, and a high-pressure float. The plate condenser and the plate evaporator are respectively integrated on the base frame. The plate condenser is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor. The high-pressure float is disposed between the plate condenser and the plate evaporator. The plate evaporator is connected to the outlet of the plate condenser through the high-pressure float. A plate-shell oil cooler, which is connected to the compressor; The control starter cabinet and frequency converter are integrated on the base frame and electrically connected to the compressor.

2. The low-filling brine unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The compressor has an internal oil separator and a suction valve assembly connected to it. The compressor is used to compress refrigerant gas and separate the refrigerant from the refrigeration oil through the oil separator.

3. The low-filling brine unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the plate condenser and the plate evaporator have staggered internal flow channels.

4. The low-filling brine unit according to claim 3, characterized in that, The gap of the flow channel is 0.8 to 1.2 mm to reduce the refrigerant charge.

5. The low-filling brine unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The plate-shell oil cooler is connected between the oil separator and the oil supply pipeline, and is used to cool the separated refrigeration oil.

6. The low-filling brine unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The high-pressure float is used to dynamically adjust the refrigerant flow rate.

7. The low-filling brine unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plate condenser, plate evaporator, and plate oil cooler are all plate type.