Refrigerant heater

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model discloses a refrigerant heater. The refrigerant heater comprises a snakelike flat pipe, the snakelike flat pipe comprises a plurality of U-shaped bent parts and a plurality of flat pipe sections arranged in parallel in the first direction, and the flat pipe sections are connected through the U-shaped bent parts to form a continuous flow channel; at least two flat tube runners are arranged in the snakelike flat tube; the flat pipe flow channels are arranged in parallel in the second direction and are used for refrigerant circulation; wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction; and the at least one heating sheet is arranged between the adjacent flat pipe sections. According to the embodiment of the utility model, the problem that the existing energy storage battery pack lacks a small refrigerant heater which is not in direct contact with a refrigerant is solved, and meanwhile, the problem of dry burning caused by non-uniform refrigerant distribution is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of heat exchange equipment technology, and in particular to a refrigerant heater. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the new energy industry, containerized energy storage systems have been widely used in photovoltaic power plants, smart grids, and other scenarios due to their compact design and modular deployment advantages. As the core thermal management component of the system, efficient and stable cooling technology is directly related to the thermal safety and operational life of the energy storage battery pack.

[0003] Existing refrigerant heating technologies generally employ a sleeve-type liquid fluorine heater structure. The main technical bottlenecks are threefold: First, the mechanical combination of the electric heating rod and the sleeve results in a large overall size, making it difficult to adapt to the increasingly miniaturized unit design requirements. Second, direct contact between the heating element and the refrigerant easily leads to carbonization and deterioration of the system lubricating oil. When the local temperature exceeds the flash point of the lubricating oil, coking may occur, potentially clogging precision components such as the expansion valve. Third, the high-voltage electrical wiring uses an embedded design, with the wires running through the refrigerant cavity and connecting to the outside. This shared-cavity structure not only poses a risk of refrigerant leakage along the wire insulation layer but also carries the potential for high-voltage breakdown due to seal failure. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention provides a refrigerant heater that heats the refrigerant through a serpentine flat tube and heating elements, thereby solving the problem of the lack of small refrigerant heaters that do not directly contact the refrigerant in existing energy storage battery packs, as well as the problem of dry burning caused by uneven local heating.

[0005] This utility model embodiment provides a refrigerant heater, comprising:

[0006] The serpentine flat tube includes multiple U-shaped bends and multiple flat tube segments arranged parallel to a first direction. The flat tube segments are connected by the U-shaped bends to form a continuous flow channel. The serpentine flat tube has at least two flat tube flow channels inside. The flat tube flow channels are arranged parallel to a second direction and are used for refrigerant flow. The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0007] At least one heating element is disposed between adjacent flat tube sections.

[0008] Optionally, the equivalent hydraulic diameter of the flat tube flow channel is 1-4 mm.

[0009] Optionally, the flat tube flow channel includes two first flow channels, which are respectively disposed adjacent to the two inner sidewalls of the flat tube flow channel in the second direction;

[0010] In the second direction within the first plane, the cross-section of the first flow channel is consistent with the cross-sectional shape of the serpentine tube on the side closest to the serpentine tube.

[0011] The first direction is perpendicular to the first plane.

[0012] Optionally, in the second direction within the first plane, the two ends of the serpentine flat tube are arc-shaped;

[0013] In the second direction within the first plane, the cross-section of the first flow channel is arc-shaped on the side near the serpentine tube and rectangular on the side away from the serpentine tube.

[0014] Optionally, the flat tube flow channel may also include at least one second flow channel;

[0015] In a second direction within the first plane, at least one second flow channel is arranged between two first flow channels in the second direction, and the cross-section of the second flow channel is rectangular.

[0016] Optionally, the heating element is a PTC electric heating element.

[0017] Optionally, the refrigerant heater also includes at least one set of flat tube interfaces, which are located at the beginning and end of the serpentine flat tube.

[0018] Optionally, the flat tube interface includes a flared flow channel transition section, which is connected to the flat tube flow channel.

[0019] Optionally, the refrigerant heater also includes a fixing assembly that surrounds and encloses the serpentine tube and heating element within a first plane; the fixing assembly is used to fix the heating element and the serpentine tube.

[0020] Optionally, the fixing components include an end plate and a C-clamp assembly, wherein the mounting plane of the end plate is set perpendicular to the second direction;

[0021] The C-clamp assembly includes two L-shaped clamp arms and a screw connecting rod;

[0022] The short side of the L-shaped clamp arm is fixed to the end plate, and the long side of the L-shaped clamp arm extends perpendicularly to the mounting plane of the end plate. The screw connecting rod is fixed between the long sides of the two L-shaped clamp arms.

[0023] This utility model provides a refrigerant heater comprising: a serpentine flat tube, including multiple U-shaped bends and multiple flat tube segments arranged parallel to a first direction, the flat tube segments being connected by the U-shaped bends to form a continuous flow channel; at least two flat tube flow channels are provided inside the serpentine flat tube; the flat tube flow channels are arranged parallel to a second direction and are used for refrigerant flow; wherein the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other; and at least one heating element is disposed between adjacent flat tube segments. This utility model, by using a repeatedly bent serpentine flat tube, reduces the size of the heater, solving the problem of the large size of existing refrigerant heaters in battery packs, which are difficult to adapt to increasingly miniaturized units. Secondly, by placing the PTC heating element between adjacent flat tube segments, direct contact between the heating element and the refrigerant is avoided, preventing system failures caused by excessively high local temperatures. Simultaneously, placing the PTC heating element between adjacent flat tube segments ensures the seal between the refrigerant cavity and the external connection, avoiding safety hazards caused by refrigerant leakage. The flat tube flow channels arranged parallel to the second direction ensure uniform distribution of the refrigerant in the second direction throughout the heating process, reducing local velocity differences and pressure imbalances, further ensuring uniform heating of the refrigerant, and avoiding dry burning caused by uneven refrigerant temperature due to flow channel differences. This solves the problem of the lack of small refrigerant heaters that do not directly contact the refrigerant in existing energy storage battery packs, while also avoiding dry burning caused by uneven local heating. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerant heater provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 A cross-sectional structural diagram of a refrigerant heater in a first plane is provided for an embodiment of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a flat tube interface provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another flat tube interface provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] In the diagram: 100, serpentine flat tube; 101, flat tube section 101; 102, U-shaped bend 102; 110, flat tube flow channel; 111, first flow channel; 112, second flow channel; 200, heating element; 201, wire; 300, flat tube interface; 310, flared flow channel transition section; 400, fixing component; 410, end plate; 420, C-type clamp component; 421, L-shaped clamp arm; 422, screw connecting rod. Detailed Implementation

[0029] 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 present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerant heater provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 A cross-sectional structural diagram of a refrigerant heater in a first plane is provided for an embodiment of this utility model. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a flat tube interface provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another flat tube interface provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The first direction x and the second direction y are two mutually perpendicular directions on a horizontal plane, and the first plane is perpendicular to the first direction x. In this embodiment of the present invention, the first direction x and the second direction y can be understood as the x-axis and y-axis in a Cartesian coordinate system on a horizontal plane. Specifically, as follows... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the refrigerant heater includes: a serpentine flat tube (100), including multiple U-shaped bends (102) and multiple flat tube segments (101) arranged parallel to each other along a first direction, the flat tube segments (101) being connected by the U-shaped bends (102) to form a continuous flow channel; at least two flat tube flow channels (110) are provided inside the serpentine flat tube (100); the flat tube flow channels (110) are arranged parallel to each other along a second direction, and the flat tube flow channels (110) are used for refrigerant flow; at least one heating element (200) is disposed between adjacent flat tube segments (101).

[0031] In the refrigerant heater provided in this embodiment of the invention, during operation, refrigerant flows in from the lower end of the serpentine flat tube (100) and sequentially passes through each flat tube segment (101) along the flat tube flow channel (110). Since the flat tube segments (101) are connected into a continuous flow channel by U-shaped bends (102), the refrigerant flows from the lower end to the higher end along the direction of the flow channel. By ensuring that the refrigerant flows in from the lower side, the flat tube flow channel (110) is filled, guaranteeing a uniform distribution of the refrigerant in the first direction. (Continue to refer to...) Figure 2The parallel arrangement of the flat tube flow channels (110) along the second direction ensures the uniform distribution of the refrigerant in the second direction, reducing local velocity differences and pressure imbalances, further ensuring uniform heating of the refrigerant, and avoiding dry burning caused by uneven refrigerant temperature due to flow channel differences. After ensuring that the refrigerant fills the flat tube flow channels (110), the heating element (200) starts to work and generates heat. This heat is transferred to the adjacent flat tube section (101) by thermal conduction, thereby realizing the heating process of the refrigerant to meet the refrigerant temperature requirements of energy storage battery packs and other related systems.

[0032] This invention reduces the size of the heater by using a repeatedly bent serpentine flat tube, solving the problem of bulky refrigerant heaters in existing battery packs that are difficult to adapt to increasingly miniaturized units. Secondly, by placing the PTC heating element between adjacent flat tube sections, direct contact between the heating element and the refrigerant is avoided, preventing system malfunctions caused by localized overheating. Simultaneously, placing the PTC heating element between adjacent flat tube sections ensures a tight seal between the refrigerant cavity and external connections, preventing safety hazards caused by refrigerant leakage. This solves the problem of the lack of small, non-refrigerant-contact refrigerant heaters in existing energy storage battery packs.

[0033] Continue to refer to Figure 2 In an optional embodiment, the equivalent hydraulic diameter of the flat tube channel (110) is 1-4 mm.

[0034] The equivalent hydraulic diameter can be understood in fluid mechanics as the diameter of a circular pipe with the same hydraulic radius, calculated by converting a non-circular pipe or flow channel into a circular pipe based on the principle that it is equivalent to a circular pipe in terms of hydraulic characteristics.

[0035] Specifically, when the equivalent hydraulic diameter of the flat tube flow channel (110) is 1-4 mm, the refrigerant velocity within the flat tube flow channel (110) is relatively high. This higher velocity enhances the turbulence of the refrigerant, breaks down the stagnant boundary layer near the pipe wall, and allows the refrigerant to contact the pipe wall more fully, thereby increasing the convective heat transfer coefficient and accelerating the rate at which heat is transferred from the pipe wall to the refrigerant. Under the same heating power, an equivalent hydraulic diameter within this range can more efficiently transfer the heat generated by the heating element (200) to the refrigerant.

[0036] Continue to refer to Figure 2 In an optional embodiment, the flat tube flow channel (110) includes two first flow channels (111), which are respectively disposed adjacent to the two inner sidewalls of the flat tube flow channel (110) in the second direction.

[0037] In the second direction within the first plane, the cross-section of the first flow channel (111) is consistent with the cross-sectional shape of the serpentine tube (100) on the side near the serpentine tube (100).

[0038] Specifically, when the fluid flows in the first flow channel (111), because the cross-sectional shape of the side of the fluid near the serpentine tube (100) matches the serpentine tube (100), the refrigerant in the first flow channel (111) can always maintain a suitable distance from the wall of the serpentine tube (100) to the greatest extent, ensuring that the heat released by the serpentine tube (100) in different local areas is balanced.

[0039] Continue to refer to Figure 2 In an optional embodiment, the two ends of the serpentine tube (100) are arc-shaped in a second direction within the first plane;

[0040] In the second direction within the first plane, the cross-section of the first flow channel (111) is arc-shaped on the side near the serpentine tube (100) and rectangular on the side away from the serpentine tube (100).

[0041] Specifically, from a fluid dynamics perspective, the serpentine tube (100) has an arc-shaped wall in the second direction. The arc-shaped wall can effectively reduce the resistance of the refrigerant when entering and exiting the serpentine tube (100), and avoid local eddies and energy loss caused by right angles or sharp edges, thereby improving the flow efficiency of the fluid in the whole system. On the side away from the serpentine tube (100), the first flow channel (111) adopts a rectangular design to ensure that the first flow channel (111) can maintain the same distance from the serpentine tube (100) at all times, so that the refrigerant in the first flow channel (111) and the wall of the serpentine tube (100) are always kept at a suitable distance, ensuring that the heat released by the serpentine tube (100) in different local areas is relatively balanced.

[0042] Continue to refer to Figure 2 In an optional embodiment, the flat tube flow channel (110) further includes at least one second flow channel (112);

[0043] In the second direction within the first plane, at least one second flow channel (112) is arranged between two first flow channels (111) in the second direction, and the cross-section of the second flow channel (112) is rectangular.

[0044] Specifically, in the second direction, the presence of the second flow channel (112) allows for more precise distribution of the refrigerant. The refrigerant in the first flow channel (111) and the second flow channel (112) can more comprehensively contact the wall of the serpentine tube (100), thereby avoiding the refrigerant concentration in a certain area and improving the efficiency and uniformity of heat exchange. In the direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane, the rectangular cross-section ensures that the refrigerant in the flow channel maintains a suitable distance from the wall of the serpentine tube (100). Whether in the upper, middle, or lower part of the serpentine tube (100), the refrigerant can exchange heat with the tube wall at the same distance, avoiding local overheating or undercooling caused by distance differences. This ensures that the heat released by the serpentine tube (100) in different local areas is relatively balanced, further improving the stability and reliability of the entire heat exchange system.

[0045] Continue to refer to Figure 1 In an optional embodiment, the heating element (200) is a PTC electric heating element.

[0046] Specifically, the PTC electric heating element also includes a wire (201) for supplying power to the heating element (200). By using a PTC electric heating element and placing the heating element (200) externally, the heating power is controllable and the heating temperature is easily adjustable. In addition, compared to the layout of using a heating rod placed directly inside the refrigerant channel, the risk of refrigerant leakage into the environment along the wire is avoided.

[0047] Continue to refer to Figure 1 In an optional embodiment, the refrigerant heater further includes at least one set of flat tube interfaces (300) disposed at the beginning and end of the serpentine flat tube (100).

[0048] The flat tube connector (300) is used to connect to external refrigerant delivery pipes to ensure a tight and sealed connection, effectively preventing refrigerant leakage.

[0049] Continue to refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 In an optional embodiment, the flat tube interface (300) includes a flared flow channel transition section (310) that communicates with the flat tube flow channel (110).

[0050] Specifically, the flared transition section (310) can guide the refrigerant from the external pipe into multiple parallel flat tube channels (110) in a smooth and uniform manner, so as to avoid the refrigerant cavitation caused by the sudden expansion of the channel, which would generate bubbles in the flat tube channel (110) and affect the heating efficiency and heat distribution uniformity.

[0051] Continue to refer to Figure 1In an optional embodiment, the refrigerant heater further includes a fixing assembly that surrounds the serpentine tube (100) and the heating element (200) in a first plane; the fixing assembly is used to fix the heating element (200) and the serpentine tube (100).

[0052] Specifically, the heating element (200) is subjected to uniform fastening force from all directions by the fixing component to prevent the heating element (200) from detaching from the serpentine tube (100) due to vibration, displacement and other factors during equipment operation, and to ensure that the heating element (200) and the serpentine tube (100) always maintain a tight connection.

[0053] Continue to refer to Figure 1 In an optional embodiment, the fixing assembly includes an end plate and a C-clamp assembly (420), the mounting plane of the end plate being perpendicular to the second direction;

[0054] The C-type clamp assembly (420) includes two L-shaped clamp arms (421) and a screw connecting rod (422);

[0055] The short side of the L-shaped clamping arm (421) is fixed to the end plate, and the long side of the L-shaped clamping arm (421) extends perpendicularly to the mounting plane of the end plate. The screw connecting rod (422) is fixed between the long sides of the two L-shaped clamping arms (421).

[0056] The end plate can be understood as an installation plane, which can be a thin metal plate, a wall, etc., depending on the actual situation. It has a certain strength to support the structural components to be installed later. The C-type clamp assembly (420) can be understood as a fastening structure used to fix the serpentine flat tube (100) and the heating element (200) on the plane constructed by the end plate.

[0057] Specifically, when installing the fixing components, first, the end plate is set perpendicular to the second direction according to the design requirements. Then, the short sides of the two L-shaped clamping arms (421) are fixed to the end plate. At this time, the long sides of the L-shaped clamping arms (421) will naturally extend outward perpendicular to the mounting plane of the end plate. Then, the serpentine flat tube (100) and the heating element (200) are placed between the two L-shaped clamping arms (421), and the screw connecting rod (422) is passed through the long sides of the two L-shaped clamping arms (421). By tightening the screws, the long sides of the two L-shaped clamping arms (421) gradually move closer, thereby generating a squeezing and fastening force on the serpentine flat tube (100) and the heating element (200), ensuring their stability during the operation of the refrigerant heater and preventing a decrease in heat transfer efficiency or equipment failure due to vibration, displacement, etc.

[0058] For example, based on the thickness and number of layers of the serpentine flat tube (100) and the heating element (200), a slightly loose L-shaped clamping arm (421) spacing is determined, and the L-shaped clamping arms (421) are fixed to the corresponding positions on the end plate with bolts. When setting up the serpentine flat tube (100) and the heating element (200), thermally conductive and insulating materials can be filled around and between the layers of the serpentine flat tube (100) and the heating element (200) to fill gaps and increase heat conduction efficiency. Finally, the refrigerant heater is fixed by passing the screw connecting rod (422) through the long side of the two L-shaped clamping arms (421). Using a screw structure for installation allows for flexible adaptation to refrigerant heaters of different specifications, and facilitates fine-tuning of the installation position and tightness when there are tolerances in the components, ensuring the stability and reliability of the entire system.

[0059] Note that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and various obvious changes, readjustments, combinations, and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention has been described in detail through the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Many other equivalent embodiments may be included without departing from the concept of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A refrigerant heater, characterized in that, include: A serpentine flat tube (100) includes multiple U-shaped bends (102) and multiple flat tube segments (101) arranged parallel to a first direction. The flat tube segments (101) are connected by the U-shaped bends (102) to form a continuous flow channel. The serpentine flat tube (100) has at least two flat tube flow channels (110) inside. The flat tube flow channels (110) are arranged parallel to a second direction and are used for refrigerant flow. The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other. At least one heating element (200) is disposed between adjacent flat tube segments (101).

2. The refrigerant heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The equivalent hydraulic diameter of the flat tube flow channel (110) is 1-4 mm.

3. The refrigerant heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flat tube flow channel (110) includes two first flow channels (111), and the two first flow channels (111) are respectively arranged adjacent to the two inner sidewalls of the flat tube flow channel (110) in the second direction; In the second direction within the first plane, the cross-section of the first flow channel (111) is consistent with the cross-sectional shape of the serpentine tube (100) on the side closest to it. Wherein, the first direction is perpendicular to the first plane.

4. The refrigerant heater according to claim 3, characterized in that, In the second direction within the first plane, the two ends of the serpentine flat tube (100) are arc-shaped. In the second direction within the first plane, the cross-section of the first flow channel (111) is arc-shaped on the side near the serpentine tube (100) and rectangular on the side away from the serpentine tube (100).

5. The refrigerant heater according to claim 3, characterized in that, The flat tube flow channel (110) further includes at least one second flow channel (112); In the second direction within the first plane, the at least one second flow channel (112) is arranged between two first flow channels (111) in the second direction, and the cross-section of the second flow channel (112) is rectangular.

6. The refrigerant heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating element (200) is a PTC electric heating element.

7. The refrigerant heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigerant heater also includes at least one set of flat tube interfaces (300), which are located at the first and second ends of the serpentine flat tube (100).

8. The refrigerant heater according to claim 7, characterized in that, The flat tube interface (300) includes a flared flow channel transition section (310), which is connected to the flat tube flow channel (110).

9. The refrigerant heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigerant heater further includes a fixing component that surrounds the serpentine tube (100) and the heating element (200) in the first plane; the fixing component is used to fix the heating element (200) and the serpentine tube (100).

10. The refrigerant heater according to claim 9, characterized in that, The fixing component includes an end plate and a C-clamp assembly (420), wherein the mounting plane of the end plate is perpendicular to the second direction; The C-type clamp assembly includes two L-shaped clamp arms (421) and a screw connecting rod (422); The short side of the L-shaped clamping arm (421) is fixed to the end plate, and the long side of the L-shaped clamping arm (421) extends perpendicularly to the mounting plane of the end plate. The screw connecting rod (422) is fixed between the long sides of the two L-shaped clamping arms (421).

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