Rapid freezing and thawing equipment

Abstract

The utility model discloses rapid freezing and thawing equipment which comprises a water outlet pipe and a water return pipe and further comprises a refrigerating unit and a heating unit, the refrigerating unit comprises a cold water tank, a cold water pump, a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator, an inlet pipeline of the cold water pump is connected with the evaporator, and an outlet pipeline of the cold water pump is connected with the water outlet pipe; an inlet pipeline of the cold water tank is connected with the water return pipe; an outlet pipeline of the cold water tank is connected with the evaporator; the heating unit comprises a hot water tank, a hot water pump and a heater arranged in the hot water tank; an inlet pipeline of the hot water tank is connected with the water return pipe, and an outlet pipeline of the hot water tank is connected with the hot water pump. According to the technical scheme provided by the utility model, the refrigerating unit and the heating unit are integrated into a whole, and the same equipment can realize the function of switching between quick freezing and thawing at any time, so that the acquisition cost of the equipment can be greatly reduced, and the quantity and the operation cost of the equipment are reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of refrigeration and heating technology, and in particular to a rapid freeze-thaw device. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of product performance testing, many testing projects require simulating alternating freeze-thaw environments, demanding that equipment be able to alternately provide cold and hot water with rapid switching. Currently, the commonly used technical solution in the industry is to configure refrigeration and heating equipment separately, supplying cold and hot water through independent pipelines and control systems. However, this technology has significant drawbacks: firstly, the separate configuration of refrigeration and heating equipment leads to a substantial increase in equipment purchase costs and occupies a large amount of installation space, which is detrimental to the space planning of laboratories and production workshops; secondly, when the two independent sets of equipment are used alternately, switching pipelines and control systems is not only complex in operation but also time-consuming, seriously affecting testing efficiency and making it difficult to meet the needs of scenarios with high timeliness requirements. In addition, since the two sets of equipment cannot work together, there is energy waste in energy utilization, which is inconsistent with the development trend of green energy conservation. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a technical solution that can achieve rapid alternating supply of cold and hot water on the same equipment to solve the problems of high cost, low efficiency, and high energy consumption in existing technologies. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a rapid freeze-thaw device, which aims to solve the technical problems of high cost, large space occupation, cumbersome operation and low efficiency of switching between cold water and hot water caused by the need to configure refrigeration equipment and heating equipment separately in the prior art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] A rapid freeze-thaw device includes an outlet pipe and a return pipe, and further includes a refrigeration unit and a heating unit. The refrigeration unit includes a cold water tank, a cold water pump, a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator. The inlet pipe of the cold water pump is connected to the evaporator, and the outlet pipe of the cold water pump is connected to the outlet pipe. The inlet pipe of the cold water tank is connected to the return pipe, and the outlet pipe of the cold water tank is connected to the evaporator. The heating unit includes a hot water tank, a hot water pump, and a heater installed in the hot water tank. The inlet pipe of the hot water tank is connected to the return pipe, the outlet pipe of the hot water tank is connected to the hot water pump, and the outlet pipe of the hot water pump is connected to the outlet pipe.

[0006] Furthermore, in the aforementioned rapid freeze-thaw equipment, a three-way valve A is installed on the outlet pipe of the cold water pump. The three-way valve A is equipped with a first bypass pipe, which is connected to the inlet pipe of the cold water tank.

[0007] Furthermore, in the aforementioned rapid freeze-thaw equipment, a three-way valve B is installed on the outlet pipe of the hot water pump, and the three-way valve B is equipped with a second bypass pipe, which is connected to the inlet pipe of the hot water tank.

[0008] Furthermore, in the aforementioned rapid freeze-thaw equipment, a three-way valve C is also provided. The inlet end of the three-way valve C is connected to the return water pipe, the first outlet end of the three-way valve C is connected to the inlet pipe of the cold water tank, and the second outlet end of the three-way valve C is connected to the inlet pipe of the hot water tank.

[0009] Furthermore, in the aforementioned rapid freeze-thaw equipment, a first temperature sensor is installed in the cold water tank; and a second temperature sensor is installed in the hot water tank.

[0010] Furthermore, in the aforementioned rapid freeze-thaw equipment, the evaporator is a plate heat exchanger.

[0011] Furthermore, the rapid freeze-thaw equipment further includes a housing, and a cold water tank, a hot water tank, a cold water pump, a hot water pump, a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator are disposed within the housing.

[0012] Furthermore, in the aforementioned rapid freeze-thaw equipment, an air inlet is provided on at least one side of the housing, and an axial flow fan is provided on the top of the housing.

[0013] Beneficial effects: This utility model provides a rapid freeze-thaw device, which has at least the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0014] (1) In terms of cost and space optimization, this equipment integrates the refrigeration and heating units into one unit, abandoning the traditional model of purchasing refrigeration and heating equipment separately, which greatly reduces the equipment purchase cost, reduces the number of equipment, and avoids redundant investment. At the same time, the equipment has a compact structure and a small overall footprint, which effectively optimizes the space utilization of the laboratory and production workshop, reduces space waste, and provides more convenience for site planning.

[0015] (2) In terms of operation and efficiency improvement, the equipment achieves rapid switching between cold and hot water supply through carefully designed three-way valves A, B, and C. This simplifies the operation process, eliminates the traditional complex pipeline and control system switching steps, and greatly shortens the switching time. In scenarios such as product performance testing where temperature changes are frequent and timeliness is critical, it can quickly respond to changes in temperature demand, significantly improving testing efficiency and saving a lot of time and costs for production and research.

[0016] (3) Precise temperature control and efficient energy utilization are the outstanding advantages of the equipment. Temperature sensors in the cold water tank and hot water tank monitor the water temperature in real time and provide feedback to the control system to precisely control the working intensity of the refrigeration or heating unit. Three-way valves A and B can flexibly adjust the temperature of cold and hot water to ensure that the supply water temperature is stable within the set range and to ensure the accuracy of the test results. At the same time, when a large amount of cold and hot water is not needed, three-way valves A and B allow some water to flow back, reducing the working time of the refrigeration unit and heater and avoiding energy waste. Three-way valve C optimizes water flow distribution and circulation management, improving the overall energy utilization efficiency.

[0017] (4) Stable operation and ease of maintenance of the equipment are also fully guaranteed. The bypass settings of three-way valves A and B provide an emergency return channel for the hot and cold water system, preventing equipment damage and safety accidents caused by excessive pressure in the evaporator or hot water pipes when the system is abnormal. The axial flow fan and air inlet enhance heat dissipation, ensuring that all components of the equipment operate stably at a suitable temperature and extending the service life of the equipment. In addition, the equipment is integrated in design, with the main components concentrated in the cabinet and the three-way valves centrally located, which facilitates unified inspection, debugging and maintenance, quick location of fault points, saving maintenance time and improving the maintainability of the equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of a rapid freeze-thaw system.

[0019] Figure 2 Three-dimensional for rapid freeze-thaw equipment Figure 1 .

[0020] Figure 3 Three-dimensional for rapid freeze-thaw equipment Figure 2 .

[0021] Figure 4 Three-dimensional for rapid freeze-thaw equipment Figure 3 .

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0023] 11. Cold water tank; 111. Cold water tank inlet pipe; 112. Cold water tank outlet pipe; 12. Cold water pump; 121. Cold water pump inlet pipe; 122. Cold water pump outlet pipe; 13. Compressor; 14. Oil separator; 15. Condenser; 16. Evaporator;

[0024] 21. Hot water tank; 211. Hot water tank inlet pipe; 212. Hot water tank outlet pipe; 22. Hot water pump; 222. Hot water pump outlet pipe; 23. Heater

[0025] 31. Outlet pipe; 32. Return pipe;

[0026] 41. Three-way valve A; 42. Three-way valve B; 43. Three-way valve C;

[0027] 51. First bypass pipe; 52. Second bypass pipe;

[0028] 61. First temperature sensor; 62. Second temperature sensor;

[0029] 7. Housing; 701. Air inlet of housing; 71. Axial flow fan;

[0030] 8. Second box;

[0031] 9. Products. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and effects of this utility model clearer and more explicit, the present utility model is further described in detail below. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely for explaining this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model.

[0033] Please see Figures 1 to 4 This utility model provides a rapid freeze-thaw device. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not proportional to actual products. The drawings only depict structures relevant to the present utility model; some conventional structures (such as conventional valves and fittings) are not specifically shown. Terms such as "first," "second," "cold water pump," "hot water pump," "three-way valve A," "three-way valve B," and "three-way valve C" used herein are merely different names for similar structures to facilitate explanation and are not intended to limit this application.

[0034] Figure 1 The dashed arrow indicates the direction of refrigerant flow; Figure 1 The thin solid arrow indicates the direction of cold water flow; Figure 1 The thick solid arrow indicates the direction of hot water flow.

[0035] To facilitate observation of the internal structure, Figure 3 and Figure 4 The axial flow fan, the top plate of the housing, and one of the side plates of the housing are not shown in the drawing.

[0036] For ease of understanding, the attached diagram illustrates the product 9 to be tested, which requires both cold and hot water. However, product 9 is not within the scope of protection of this application. Figure 1 The image only shows product 9 schematically with a dashed box.

[0037] Please refer to the following first. Figure 1The rapid freeze-thaw equipment includes an outlet pipe 31 and a return pipe 32, as well as a refrigeration unit and a heating unit. The refrigeration unit includes a cold water tank 11, a cold water pump 12, a compressor 13, a condenser 15, and an evaporator 16. The inlet pipe 121 of the cold water pump is connected to the evaporator, and the outlet pipe 122 of the cold water pump is connected to the outlet pipe 31. The inlet pipe 111 of the cold water tank is connected to the return pipe 32, and the outlet pipe 112 of the cold water tank is connected to the evaporator. The heating unit includes a hot water tank 21, a hot water pump 22, and a heater 23 (preferably an electric heater) installed in the hot water tank. The inlet pipe 211 of the hot water tank is connected to the return pipe 32, the outlet pipe 212 of the hot water tank is connected to the hot water pump 22, and the outlet pipe 222 of the hot water pump is connected to the outlet pipe 31.

[0038] In practical applications, a throttling element (e.g., an expansion valve) is usually installed upstream of the evaporator. Since the compressor, condenser, throttling element, and evaporator are connected in a closed loop in sequence, which is a standard configuration for refrigeration systems, this application will not elaborate on their connection relationship.

[0039] The water from the cold water tank enters the evaporator and exchanges heat with the refrigerant. Since the refrigerant absorbs heat and evaporates in the evaporator, the water in the evaporator cools down and becomes cold water after heat exchange.

[0040] As can be seen from the attached diagram, an oil separator 14 is installed in the outlet pipe of compressor 13, mainly to prevent lubricating oil from entering the system piping along with the refrigerant. The oil separator can separate the lubricating oil and return it to the compressor for recycling, avoiding compressor oil shortage failures and ensuring stable system operation.

[0041] Furthermore, a three-way valve A (41) is installed on the outlet pipe of the cold water pump. The three-way valve A is equipped with a first bypass pipe 51, which is connected to the inlet pipe 111 of the cold water tank. The significance of this setting includes: (1) Regulating the cold water temperature. After the equipment has been running for a period of time, the water temperature in the cold water tank may drop excessively due to the continuous operation of the refrigeration unit. At this time, the three-way valve A can be switched to allow some cold water to flow back to the cold water tank through the first bypass pipe. This part of the relatively high-temperature cold water mixes with the low-temperature water in the tank, which can effectively avoid the water temperature being too low, ensure that the cold water temperature supplied to the test product is maintained within a suitable range, and ensure the stability and accuracy of the test environment. (2) Preventing equipment damage. If the refrigeration unit continues to refrigerate, and the cold water does not circulate smoothly in the system or is not supplied to the test product in time, it may cause abnormal pressure in the evaporator, or even cause equipment failure. The three-way valve A and the first bypass pipe provide an emergency return channel, so that the cold water can circulate in the system, relieve the evaporator pressure, reduce the risk of equipment damage, and ensure the long-term stable operation of the equipment. (3) Improving energy utilization efficiency. In cases where a large amount of low-temperature chilled water is not required, such as when the product being tested has relatively small fluctuations in water temperature requirements or when the equipment is in standby mode, some chilled water can be returned through three-way valve A, which can reduce unnecessary cooling work of the refrigeration unit. This avoids energy waste and improves the energy utilization efficiency of the entire equipment. (4) Quick response to system needs. During the testing process, the product's water temperature requirements may change at any time. The flexible switching function of three-way valve A allows the equipment to quickly adjust the supply path and flow rate of chilled water. When more low-temperature chilled water is needed, the bypass is closed to increase the chilled water output; when the water temperature needs to be stabilized or increased, the bypass is opened to achieve a quick response to system needs and improve the working efficiency and adaptability of the equipment.

[0042] Furthermore, a three-way valve B (42) is installed on the outlet pipe of the hot water pump. The three-way valve B is equipped with a second bypass pipe 52, which is connected to the inlet pipe 211 of the hot water tank. The significance of this setting includes: (1) Precisely controlling the hot water temperature. During the testing process, different products have different requirements for hot water temperature, which may change over time. When the three-way valve B opens the second bypass pipe, some hot water can flow back to the hot water tank. The high-temperature hot water mixes with the lower-temperature hot water in the tank, which can finely adjust the water temperature and avoid damage to the tested products due to excessive temperature, or affect the accuracy of the test due to insufficient temperature. For example, when testing certain temperature-sensitive electronic products, precise control of the hot water temperature can ensure reliable test results. (2) Improving the safety of equipment operation. Hot water flows continuously in the pipe and is constantly heated. If it cannot be adjusted in time, it may cause excessive pressure in the pipe, leading to safety hazards. The second bypass pipe provides a pressure relief path, which can return some hot water to the hot water tank, effectively reduce the pipe pressure, prevent pipe rupture, leakage at the connection, etc., ensure the safety of equipment operation, and extend the service life of the equipment. (3) Enhance energy efficiency. When the equipment does not require a large amount of high-temperature hot water temporarily, such as when the testing process is in an intermittent phase, the hot water can be returned through the three-way valve B, which can reduce the working time of the heater and avoid energy waste. The heater does not need to run at full power continuously, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the equipment and enabling the equipment to achieve energy saving and emission reduction while meeting the testing requirements. (4) Optimize system response speed. The rapid freeze-thaw equipment needs to respond quickly to the different water temperature requirements of the product. The three-way valve B can quickly change the direction and flow rate of hot water. When more high-temperature hot water is needed, the bypass is closed to allow all the hot water to be output; when it is necessary to reduce the output hot water temperature or reduce the amount of hot water used, the bypass is opened for adjustment. This rapid response capability improves the working efficiency of the equipment and meets the complex and ever-changing testing requirements.

[0043] Furthermore, the rapid freeze-thaw cycle is also equipped with a three-way valve C (43), the inlet end of which ( Figure 1 The left end (as seen in the perspective) is connected to the return water pipe 32, and the first outlet end of the three-way valve C ( Figure 1 (From the top viewpoint) is connected to the inlet pipe 111 of the cold water tank, and the second outlet end of the three-way valve C ( Figure 2(The lower end in the view) is connected to the inlet pipe 211 of the hot water tank. The significance of this setting includes: (1) Optimizing water flow distribution and circulation management. The direction of return water flow can be flexibly controlled through the three-way valve C. When the equipment is in the cooling mode, the three-way valve C guides the return water to the cold water tank, so that the return water can participate in the cooling cycle to cool down again, improve the utilization rate of cold water, and maintain a stable cold water supply. In the heating mode, the return water is introduced into the hot water tank to realize the recycling of hot water, avoid water waste, and at the same time ensure that the water volume in the hot water tank is sufficient to ensure that the equipment continuously and stably provides hot water. (2) Ensuring the accuracy of temperature control. During the test, the product is more sensitive to changes in water temperature, and the equipment needs to accurately control the temperature of cold water and hot water. There is a difference between the return water temperature and the water temperature in the cold water tank and the hot water tank. The three-way valve C reasonably distributes the return water according to the actual needs, which helps to regulate the water temperature in the tank. For example, when the water temperature in the cold water tank is too low, introducing a suitable amount of return water with a relatively high temperature for mixing can keep the water temperature within a suitable range, improve the accuracy of temperature control, and provide a more stable environmental condition for product testing. (3) Improve system switching efficiency. In the rapid freeze-thaw test, it is necessary to frequently switch between cold water and hot water supply. The setting of the three-way valve C simplifies the water flow switching process. Compared with the traditional method of setting separate return water pipes, it can change the return water path more quickly. When switching from cooling mode to heating mode, the return water can be switched from flowing to the cold water tank to flowing to the hot water tank through the simple action of the three-way valve C, which greatly shortens the system switching time, improves the working efficiency of the equipment, and meets the high requirements for the timeliness of testing.

[0044] Please see Figure 1 Furthermore, a first temperature sensor 61 is installed in the cold water tank, and a second temperature sensor 62 is installed in the hot water tank. The significance of this arrangement is twofold: firstly, it enables precise water temperature control, as the sensors provide real-time temperature feedback to the control system, which then adjusts the cooling or heating units to ensure a stable output water temperature that meets testing requirements. Secondly, it ensures the safe and stable operation of the equipment, promptly detecting abnormal water temperatures and preventing equipment malfunctions and product damage. Simultaneously, it helps optimize energy utilization by adjusting component power according to water temperature, reducing energy consumption. In addition, it facilitates operators' understanding of the equipment status, improving operational convenience and the equipment's level of intelligence.

[0045] Preferably, the evaporator 16 is a plate heat exchanger. A plate heat exchanger is composed of numerous corrugated metal plates stacked together. The corrugated structure of the plates increases the heat exchange area, and the fluid between the plates is in a turbulent state, greatly improving the heat transfer coefficient. In rapid freeze-thaw equipment, it enables efficient heat exchange between refrigerant and water at a relatively small temperature difference. The refrigerant rapidly evaporates and absorbs heat, causing the water in the cold water tank to cool down quickly, shortening the cooling time. When used in conjunction with a heating unit, it can also accelerate the heat transfer speed of the entire system, achieving rapid freeze-thaw and meeting the timeliness requirements of product testing.

[0046] Please see the appendix Figure 2-4 Furthermore, the rapid freeze-thaw equipment also includes a housing 7, in which the cold water tank 11, hot water tank 21, cold water pump 12, hot water pump 22, compressor 13, condenser 15, and evaporator 16 are housed. This arrangement makes the rapid freeze-thaw equipment compact and occupies a small area.

[0047] From the appendix Figures 2 to 4 It can also be observed that the rapid freeze-thaw equipment is equipped with a second housing 8. The three-way valves A, B, and C are housed in this second housing. Concentrating these three important valves in the second housing facilitates unified inspection, debugging, and maintenance by operators. When water flow control issues arise, the valves can be quickly located without needing to search throughout the entire equipment, saving maintenance time, improving maintainability, and ensuring the equipment's normal operating efficiency.

[0048] Furthermore, the enclosure 7 has an air inlet 701 on at least one side, and an axial flow fan is installed on the top of the enclosure. This arrangement enhances heat dissipation and ensures stable equipment operation. During equipment operation, components such as the compressor and condenser of the refrigeration unit and the heater of the heating unit generate a large amount of heat. The axial flow fan creates suction, drawing in cool outside air through the air inlet. The cool air flows within the enclosure, carrying away the heat, and is then exhausted by the axial flow fan. This process effectively reduces the temperature inside the enclosure, ensuring that all components operate in a suitable temperature environment, preventing performance degradation and frequent malfunctions due to overheating, and maintaining stable equipment operation.

[0049] To facilitate understanding, the working principle will be further explained below.

[0050] During freezing, the refrigeration unit starts. The compressor compresses the refrigerant, which, after passing through the oil separator, liquefies in the condenser due to heat dissipation. It then passes through a throttling element to reduce its pressure before entering the plate evaporator. The chilled water pump pumps water from the chilled water tank into the evaporator for cooling, turning it into chilled water. If cooling is not required, three-way valve A allows the chilled water to return via the first bypass pipe; if cooling is required, the chilled water flows to the product through the outlet pipe, absorbs heat to rise, and then returns to the chilled water tank via three-way valve C through the return pipe for circulation.

[0051] When heating, the hot water pump pumps water from the hot water tank, which is then heated by the heater. If heating is not required, the three-way valve B allows the hot water to return through the second bypass pipe; if heating is required, the hot water flows to the product through the outlet pipe, releases heat and cools down, and then returns to the hot water tank through the return pipe and the three-way valve C for circulation.

[0052] During mode switching, precise control of the three-way valve enables rapid transition. From freezing to thawing, three-way valve A cuts off the cold water supply and opens the bypass; three-way valve B closes the bypass and supplies hot water; and three-way valve C switches the return water flow. When switching from thawing to freezing, three-way valve A closes the bypass and reopens the cold water supply to the product; three-way valve B closes the hot water supply path and opens the second bypass pipe to allow hot water self-circulation; three-way valve C again switches the return water flow, changing the return water flow from the hot water tank to the cold water tank.

[0053] In addition, temperature sensors in the cold and hot water tanks monitor the water temperature in real time and feed it back to the control system (such as PLC), which automatically adjusts the unit's workload and the status of the three-way valve to ensure stable water temperature and achieve efficient and precise rapid freeze-thaw cycles.

[0054] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model in any way. It is understood that those skilled in the art can make equivalent substitutions or modifications based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present utility model, and all such modifications or substitutions should fall within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A rapid freeze-thaw device, comprising an outlet pipe and a return pipe, characterized in that: It also includes a refrigeration unit and a heating unit. The refrigeration unit includes a cold water tank, a cold water pump, a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator. The inlet pipe of the cold water pump is connected to the evaporator, and the outlet pipe of the cold water pump is connected to the outlet pipe. The inlet pipe of the cold water tank is connected to the return pipe, and the outlet pipe of the cold water tank is connected to the evaporator. The heating unit includes a hot water tank, a hot water pump, and a heater installed in the hot water tank. The inlet pipe of the hot water tank is connected to the return pipe, the outlet pipe of the hot water tank is connected to the hot water pump, and the outlet pipe of the hot water pump is connected to the outlet pipe.

2. The rapid freeze-thaw equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: A three-way valve A is installed on the outlet pipe of the cold water pump. The three-way valve A is equipped with a first bypass pipe, which is connected to the inlet pipe of the cold water tank.

3. The rapid freeze-thaw equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: A three-way valve B is installed on the outlet pipe of the hot water pump. The three-way valve B is equipped with a second bypass pipe, which is connected to the inlet pipe of the hot water tank.

4. The rapid freeze-thaw equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rapid freeze-thaw cycle is also equipped with a three-way valve C. The inlet end of the three-way valve C is connected to the return water pipe, the first outlet end of the three-way valve C is connected to the inlet pipe of the cold water tank, and the second outlet end of the three-way valve C is connected to the inlet pipe of the hot water tank.

5. The rapid freeze-thaw equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first temperature sensor is installed in the cold water tank; a second temperature sensor is installed in the hot water tank.

6. The rapid freeze-thaw equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The evaporator is a plate heat exchanger.

7. The rapid freeze-thaw equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rapid freeze-thaw equipment also includes a housing, with a cold water tank, a hot water tank, a cold water pump, a hot water pump, a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator housed inside the housing.

8. The rapid freeze-thaw apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that: The enclosure has an air inlet on at least one side and an axial flow fan on the top.

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