A cleaning device for a water source heat pump heat exchanger and the heat exchanger thereof.
By installing a cleaning device at the end cap of the water source heat pump heat exchanger, the scale on the inner wall is cleaned by the pressure difference and the impact friction of the cleaning ball, which solves the problem of reduced heat transfer efficiency caused by scale buildup in the heat exchanger and achieves a highly efficient cleaning effect without shutting down the machine.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- JIANGSU EVEN GREEN TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-26
AI Technical Summary
Water source heat pump heat exchangers are prone to scaling after prolonged high-temperature operation, which reduces heat transfer efficiency. Existing physical cleaning methods require shutdown, affecting the continuous operation of the system.
Design a cleaning device for a water source heat pump heat exchanger. The device connects the first chamber and the second chamber using the inlet and outlet pipes on the end cap. A pressure difference is created by adjusting the valve group, and cleaning balls are sent in batches for cleaning. The device uses a pressure sensor to control the launch of the cleaning balls and uses the impact and friction of the cleaning balls to clean the inner wall.
It enables efficient cleaning of scale on the inner wall of the heat exchanger without shutting down the system, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency, reducing energy consumption, and lowering operating costs.
Smart Images

Figure CN224285637U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of heat exchanger technology, specifically relating to a cleaning device for a water source heat pump heat exchanger and the heat exchanger thereof. Background Technology
[0002] The water-source heat pump heat exchanger is the core component of the water-source heat pump system. It is responsible for transferring heat between the heat pump unit and the geothermal source, thereby achieving efficient energy transfer.
[0003] Currently, the heat exchanger in the water-based heat pump system is prone to scaling on the inner wall of the heat exchange tubes during prolonged high-temperature operation. The main reason is that calcium and magnesium ions in the water precipitate out when heated, forming hard scale such as calcium carbonate and calcium sulfate. This is particularly serious under conditions of high water hardness or low flow rate. The thicker scale layer significantly reduces heat transfer efficiency, and the increased thickness raises thermal resistance, leading to higher energy consumption.
[0004] Conventional cleaning uses a long-handled brush. First, the system is shut down, pressure is released, and the pipe connections are disconnected. Then, a rigid steel wire long-handled brush, combined with an electric rotating device, is used to scrape away the scale layer repeatedly. The advantage of this method is zero chemical pollution and low cost. Compared to chemical cleaning, physical cleaning with a long-handled brush is safer and more reliable, making it a core maintenance method for ensuring the long-term operation of ground source heat pump systems. However, this cleaning method requires shutting down and releasing pressure, affecting continuous system operation and increasing operating costs. Utility Model Content
[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, a cleaning device and heat exchanger for a water-source heat pump are provided to solve the problem of inconvenient cleaning of the inner wall of the pipe.
[0006] On the one hand, the technical solution of this utility model to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: a cleaning device for a water source heat pump heat exchanger, installed at the end cover of the heat exchanger, wherein the end cover is provided with an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe, and the cleaning device includes:
[0007] The first cavity is installed and connected to one side of the liquid outlet pipe;
[0008] The second cavity is installed and connected to one side of the inlet pipe;
[0009] A number of cleaning balls are stored in the first cavity, and the surface of the cleaning balls is continuously formed with an uneven surface;
[0010] A regulating valve assembly is connected between the first chamber and the second chamber, used to intermittently open and close the connection between the first chamber and the second chamber, and to send the cleaning ball into the inlet pipe in batches through the first chamber and the second chamber.
[0011] Compared with existing technologies, the above technical solutions have the following beneficial effects:
[0012] By connecting the first chamber and the second chamber to the liquid outlet and inlet pipes on the end cap respectively, and then connecting the two chambers to a regulating valve assembly for isolation, a pressure difference is formed between the two chambers. The cleaning ball is placed in the first chamber, and the pressure difference between the two chambers provides the power for the cleaning ball to be launched. When a certain pressure difference is reached, the regulating valve assembly opens to send in a certain number of cleaning balls in batches. After the cleaning ball enters the heat exchange tube of the heat exchanger, it can reduce the accumulation of scale on the inner wall through impact and friction, thereby achieving a cleaning effect.
[0013] Based on the above technical solution, the embodiments of this application can be further improved as follows:
[0014] In one embodiment, it further includes:
[0015] The controller is connected to the regulating valve group;
[0016] Two pressure sensors are respectively installed on the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe. The pressure sensors are connected to the controller and are used to transmit the pressure difference between the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe to provide the opening conditions for controlling the regulating valve assembly.
[0017] By installing pressure sensors on the inlet and outlet pipes respectively, the pressure is detected in real time and sent to the controller. The controller then calculates the pressure difference to determine whether the launch conditions have been met, and then controls the regulating valve group to open and send the cleaning ball into the heat exchanger.
[0018] In one embodiment, a first connecting pipe is connected between the first cavity and the outlet pipe, and a second connecting pipe is connected between the second cavity and the inlet pipe, wherein the diameter of the first connecting pipe is larger than the diameter of the second connecting pipe.
[0019] By setting a first connecting pipe and a second connecting pipe with different diameters to connect the two chambers and the inlet and outlet pipes, and setting the diameter of the second connecting pipe to be smaller, the cleaning ball ejected from the second chamber can achieve a higher flow rate.
[0020] In one embodiment, at least two second connecting pipes are provided, and the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the second connecting pipes is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the first connecting pipe.
[0021] By setting multiple second connecting tubes, the cleaning ball is prevented from entering the inlet tube from the second cavity and causing blockage. However, it is necessary to ensure that the total cross-sectional area is smaller than that of the first connecting tube to ensure that it can increase the pressure and improve the flow rate.
[0022] In one embodiment, the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are respectively provided with guide plates for intercepting the cleaning ball. The guide plates are located on the side of the connecting pipe away from the end cap, and the guide plates have a plurality of through holes with a diameter smaller than that of the cleaning ball.
[0023] The guide plate allows liquids to flow in and out normally through the inlet and outlet pipes, while the cleaning balls are blocked by the guide plate from entering the connecting pipe and then into the first chamber, serving to collect the cleaning balls for recycling.
[0024] In one embodiment, the guide plate is tilted toward the end cap from the side away from the connecting tube, for guiding a cleaning ball that contacts the surface of the guide plate toward the connecting tube.
[0025] The guide plate is tilted so that the cleaning ball impacting the guide plate can deflect towards the connecting pipe and flow more smoothly into the first cavity, avoiding congestion at the guide plate.
[0026] In one embodiment, a viewing window is provided on the second cavity.
[0027] In one embodiment, the first cavity and the second cavity have the same structure, and the first cavity has an opening at the end away from the regulating valve assembly, and a sealing cap is connected to the opening.
[0028] The two chambers are designed to be sealably connected and detachable, which facilitates maintenance and repair of the interior of the chambers, as well as operations such as replacing cleaning balls.
[0029] On the other hand, this utility model also discloses a heat exchanger that includes the above-mentioned cleaning device. Attached Figure Description
[0030] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.
[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model.
[0032] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A structural diagram from another perspective.
[0033] Figure 3 This is a top view of the structure of this utility model.
[0034] Figure label:
[0035] 1. End cap; 2. Inlet pipe; 3. Outlet pipe; 4. First chamber; 5. Second chamber; 6. Regulating valve assembly; 7. Controller; 8. Pressure sensor; 9. First connecting pipe; 10. Second connecting pipe; 11. Flow guide plate; 12. Sight glass window; 13. Sealing cap. Detailed Implementation
[0036] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are merely illustrative of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0037] It should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, the technical or scientific terms used in this application shall have the ordinary meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this utility model pertains.
[0038] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0039] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.
[0040] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0041] Example 1
[0042] like Figure 1-3As shown, the present invention provides a cleaning device for a water source heat pump heat exchanger, which is installed on the end cover 1 of the heat exchanger. The end cover 1 is provided with an inlet pipe 2 and an outlet pipe 3, which are located on the same end cover 1. The inlet pipe 2 and the outlet pipe 3 are respectively connected to the two ends of the heat exchange tube inside the heat exchanger. The cleaning device includes: a first cavity 4, a second cavity 5, a regulating valve group 6, and a number of cleaning balls.
[0043] The first cavity 4 is installed and connected to one side of the liquid outlet pipe 3, and the second cavity 5 is installed and connected to one side of the liquid inlet pipe 2. The first cavity 4 and the second cavity 5 are located on the same side and correspond to the liquid outlet pipe 3 and the liquid inlet pipe 2, respectively. Specifically, the side walls of the first cavity 4 and the second cavity 5 are connected to the liquid outlet pipe 3 and the liquid inlet pipe 2, and the first cavity 4 and the second cavity 5 are also connected to each other.
[0044] Several cleaning balls are stored in the first cavity 4. The surface of the cleaning balls is continuously uneven. The cleaning balls can be made of rubber balls, and their surfaces are continuously concave or convex, thereby increasing the friction when in contact with scale.
[0045] The regulating valve assembly 6 is connected between the first chamber 4 and the second chamber 5, and is used to intermittently open and close the connection between the first chamber 4 and the second chamber 5, so that the cleaning ball is sent into the inlet pipe 2 in batches through the first chamber 4 and the second chamber 5. The regulating valve assembly 6 can separate the first chamber 4 and the second chamber 5, so that the two chambers maintain the same pressure with the outlet pipe 3 and the inlet pipe 2 respectively, thereby forming a pressure difference.
[0046] By connecting the liquid outlet pipe 3 and the liquid inlet pipe 2 on the end cap 1 to the first chamber 4 and the second chamber 5 respectively, and then connecting the regulating valve group 6 between the two chambers to isolate them, a pressure difference is formed in the two chambers. The cleaning ball is placed in the first chamber 4, and the pressure difference between the two chambers provides the power for the cleaning ball to be launched. When a certain pressure difference is reached, the regulating valve group 6 opens to send in a certain number of cleaning balls in batches. After the cleaning ball enters the heat exchange tube of the heat exchanger, it can reduce the accumulation of scale on the inner wall through impact and friction, thereby achieving a cleaning effect.
[0047] To precisely control the opening timing of the regulating valve assembly 6, this embodiment further includes: a controller 7 and two pressure sensors 8. The controller 7 is installed at the end cap 1 and connected to the regulating valve assembly 6 for controlling the opening and closing of the regulating valve assembly 6. The two pressure sensors 8 are respectively installed on the inlet pipe 2 and the outlet pipe 3. The pressure sensors 8 are connected to the controller 7 and are used to transmit the pressure difference between the inlet pipe 2 and the outlet pipe 3 to provide the opening conditions for controlling the regulating valve assembly 6.
[0048] By installing pressure sensors 8 on the inlet pipe 2 and the outlet pipe 3 respectively, the pressure sensor 8 detects the pressure value in real time and sends it to the controller 7. Then, the controller 7 calculates the pressure difference to determine whether the launch conditions have been met. After that, it controls the regulating valve group 6 to open and send the cleaning ball into the heat exchanger.
[0049] To further improve the launching speed of the cleaning ball, a first connecting pipe 9 is connected between the first cavity 4 and the liquid outlet pipe 3, and a second connecting pipe 10 is connected between the second cavity 5 and the liquid inlet pipe 2. The diameter of the first connecting pipe 9 is larger than the diameter of the second connecting pipe 10.
[0050] By setting a first connecting pipe 9 and a second connecting pipe 10 with different diameters to connect the two chambers and the inlet and outlet pipes 3, and setting the diameter of the second connecting pipe 10 to be smaller, the cleaning ball ejected from the second chamber 5 can achieve a higher flow rate.
[0051] In another embodiment, instead of providing a single second connecting pipe 10 with a diameter smaller than the first connecting pipe 9, at least two second connecting pipes 10 are provided. The sum of the cross-sectional areas of the second connecting pipes 10 and the first connecting pipe 9 is smaller. In other words, the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the multiple second connecting pipes 10 is ensured to be less than the cross-sectional area of the first connecting pipe 9. Similarly, by providing multiple second connecting pipes 10, blockage is prevented when the cleaning ball enters the inlet pipe 2 from the second cavity 5. However, it is necessary to ensure that the total cross-sectional area is less than the cross-sectional area of the first connecting pipe 9 to ensure that the pressure is increased and the flow rate is improved.
[0052] like Figure 3 As shown, to ensure the recycling of cleaning balls, the inlet pipe 2 and the outlet pipe 3 are respectively equipped with guide plates 11 for intercepting the cleaning balls. The guide plates 11 are located on the side of the connecting pipe away from the end cap 1. The guide plates 11 have several through holes with a diameter smaller than that of the cleaning balls. That is, the guide plates 11 are horizontally positioned in the entire inlet pipe 2 or outlet pipe 3. The through holes on the guide plates 11 can ensure the liquid flows out, but block the cleaning balls. At the same time, the guide plates 11 are located on the outside of the connecting pipe, which includes a first connecting pipe 9 and a second connecting pipe 10. The guide plates 11 allow the liquid to flow normally into and out of the inlet pipe 2 and the outlet pipe 3, while the cleaning balls are blocked by the guide plates 11 and enter the connecting pipe and the first cavity 4, which serves to collect the cleaning balls for recycling.
[0053] To improve the smooth flow of cleaning balls between the connecting pipe and the inlet pipe 2 or outlet pipe 3, the guide plate 11 is tilted away from the connecting pipe and towards the end cap 1. This is used to guide the cleaning balls that come into contact with the surface of the guide plate 11 to the connecting pipe. The tilted arrangement of the guide plate 11 allows the cleaning balls that hit the guide plate 11 to deflect and flow towards the connecting pipe, thus entering the first cavity 4 more smoothly. The tilted guide plate 11 can also prevent clogging at the guide plate 11.
[0054] To facilitate observation of whether the cleaning ball in the cavity is clogged, a viewing window 12 is provided on the second cavity 5, through which the interior of the cavity can be observed.
[0055] In this embodiment, the first cavity 4 and the second cavity 5 have the same structure. The first cavity 4 has an opening at the end away from the regulating valve group 6, and a sealing cap 13 is connected to the opening. Both the first cavity 4 and the second cavity 5 are three-way structures. One end of the first cavity 4 and the second cavity 5 are connected and separated by the regulating valve group 6. The two ends on the side are connected to the inlet pipe 2 and the outlet pipe 3, respectively. The last end forms an opening and is sealed by the sealing cap 13. It is only opened when maintenance is required. The two cavities are set as a sealable and detachable structure, which facilitates maintenance and replacement of the cleaning ball inside the cavity.
[0056] Example 2
[0057] This embodiment discloses a heat exchanger, on which the end cap 1 is provided with a cleaning device as described in Embodiment 1, the effect of which is as described in Embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here.
[0058] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.
Claims
1. A cleaning device for a water-source heat pump heat exchanger, installed at the end cap of the heat exchanger, characterized in that, The end cap is provided with an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe, and the cleaning device includes: The first cavity is installed and connected to one side of the liquid outlet pipe; The second cavity is installed and connected to one side of the inlet pipe; A number of cleaning balls are stored in the first cavity, and the surface of the cleaning balls is continuously formed with an uneven surface; A regulating valve assembly is connected between the first chamber and the second chamber, used to intermittently open and close the connection between the first chamber and the second chamber, and to send the cleaning ball into the inlet pipe in batches through the first chamber and the second chamber.
2. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The controller is connected to the regulating valve group; Two pressure sensors are respectively installed on the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe. The pressure sensors are connected to the controller and are used to transmit the pressure difference between the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe to provide the opening conditions for controlling the regulating valve assembly.
3. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first connecting pipe is connected between the first cavity and the outlet pipe, and a second connecting pipe is connected between the second cavity and the inlet pipe. The diameter of the first connecting pipe is larger than the diameter of the second connecting pipe.
4. The cleaning device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second connecting pipe is provided in at least two parts, and the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the second connecting pipe is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the first connecting pipe.
5. The cleaning device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are respectively provided with guide plates for intercepting the cleaning ball. The guide plates are located on the side of the connecting pipe away from the end cap, and the guide plates have several through holes with a diameter smaller than that of the cleaning ball.
6. The cleaning device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The guide plate is tilted from the side away from the connecting pipe toward the side closer to the end cap, so as to guide the cleaning ball that contacts the surface of the guide plate to the connecting pipe.
7. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second cavity has a viewing window.
8. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first cavity and the second cavity have the same structure. The first cavity has an opening at the end away from the regulating valve group, and a sealing cap is connected to the opening.
9. A heat exchanger, characterized in that, Includes the cleaning device as described in any one of claims 1-8.