A vapor-liquid separator and air conditioner

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of vapor-liquid separator and air conditioner, a kind of vapor-liquid separator includes: air inlet pipe, air outlet pipe, cylinder, separating device and oil return device;The air inlet pipe is communicated with cylinder, the air outlet pipe is communicated with separating device, the separating device is arranged in cylinder inside, the separating device includes: oil filter plate, microporous filter cylinder net and spiral oil guide plate, the spiral oil guide plate is arranged in microporous filter cylinder net surface, the oil filter plate is arranged in microporous filter cylinder net one end, the oil return device is communicated with cylinder;The utility model significantly improves the separation efficiency of lubricating oil by separating device, lubricating oil can be efficiently backflow by oil return device, the lubricating performance of compressor is significantly improved, so as to reduce equipment friction and energy loss, improve the operating efficiency of compressor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and in particular to a vapor-liquid separator and an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] A gas-liquid separator is an indispensable key component in an air conditioning system. It is primarily used to separate gas and lubricating oil, preventing lubricating oil from entering the compressor or other equipment, thus ensuring efficient system operation and extending equipment lifespan. In air conditioning systems, lubricating oil is used to lubricate the moving parts of the compressor. However, due to the high-speed operation of the compressor, the lubricating oil is easily carried away by the gas, forming an oil-gas mixture. If the lubricating oil cannot be effectively separated, it will lead to insufficient lubrication of the compressor, affecting its performance and lifespan, and may even cause equipment failure.

[0003] As a commonly used auxiliary device in refrigeration and air conditioning systems, the vapor-liquid separator can separate the gaseous and liquid components in the refrigerant, ensuring that only dry saturated vapor enters the compressor. It also features an oil return port to facilitate oil return. Figure 1 As shown, after the refrigerant exits the evaporator, it enters the inlet pipe 3 of the vapor-liquid separator and flows into the cylinder 6 for separation. The separated gaseous refrigerant is discharged from the outlet pipe 1 of the vapor-liquid separator and enters the compressor. The outlet pipe 1 is a U-shaped pipe with an oil return hole at the bottom. Lubricating oil is drawn into the outlet pipe 1 through the oil return hole and enters the compressor along with the gaseous refrigerant, thus realizing the compressor oil return.

[0004] Traditional vapor-liquid separators are widely used in air conditioning systems, but they have some problems. For example, their separation efficiency is not high, especially under high temperature, high pressure, or high flow conditions. Lubricating oil can easily remain inside the equipment, leading to a decrease in separation efficiency. Therefore, traditional air conditioning systems add oil separators to improve the system's oil return capacity, ensuring sufficient oil supply to the compressor and reliable operation. However, adding an oil separator makes the pipeline structure design more complex, increases maintenance costs, and can easily cause blockages under certain special operating conditions.

[0005] The issues can be summarized as follows:

[0006] 1. Insufficient separation efficiency:

[0007] While traditional vapor-liquid separators can separate some lubricating oil in air conditioning systems, their design limitations make it difficult to achieve efficient oil return. Especially under high temperature, high pressure, or high flow conditions, lubricating oil is prone to remain inside the vapor-liquid separator or be carried away by the gas, leading to decreased separation efficiency and affecting the compressor's lubrication and service life.

[0008] 2. Limitations of a single function:

[0009] Traditional vapor-liquid separators and oil separators are typically designed independently with single functions. Vapor-liquid separators primarily target the initial separation of refrigerant vapor and liquid phases and lubricating oil, while oil separators focus on the deep separation of lubricating oil. This separation method requires multiple devices to work together, increasing system complexity and installation costs, and may also lead to secondary entrainment problems during the separation process.

[0010] 3. Complex structure and high cost:

[0011] Traditional separation equipment has a complex structural design, requiring the selection of different vapor-liquid separators and oil separators for different air conditioning systems. Furthermore, adding an oil separator necessitates numerous additional pipeline connections within the system, increasing costs. The increased number of weld points also makes the system prone to cracking and leaks. Once a leak occurs in the aftermarket, especially in large refrigeration systems, the maintenance difficulty and cost further increase.

[0012] 4. System energy efficiency issues:

[0013] Traditional air conditioning systems require additional piping to add an oil separator, which increases pressure loss on the exhaust side, leading to a decrease in exhaust temperature and consequently affecting system efficiency.

[0014] 5. Reliability and lifespan issues:

[0015] Due to insufficient separation efficiency, lubricating oil may accumulate in the system, leading to poor lubrication inside the compressor, increasing equipment failure rate, and shortening equipment life.

[0016] As air conditioning systems evolve towards higher efficiency, energy conservation, and environmental friendliness, the performance requirements for vapor-liquid separators are also increasing. Developing a vapor-liquid separator capable of efficient oil return, addressing the shortcomings of traditional equipment in terms of separation efficiency, structural design, and maintenance costs, is of great significance for improving the performance and reliability of air conditioning systems. Furthermore, efficient oil return not only improves system operating efficiency but also reduces energy waste and environmental pollution, resulting in significant economic and environmental benefits.

[0017] Therefore, researching and developing a new type of high-efficiency oil-gas-liquid separator, optimizing its structural design and separation principle, and improving its adaptability and reliability under complex operating conditions of air conditioning systems are urgent technical challenges that need to be addressed. Utility Model Content

[0018] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides a gas-liquid separator and air conditioner that can achieve efficient oil return, thereby solving the technical problems of low separation efficiency, single function, complex structure, high cost, low energy efficiency, poor reliability, and short lifespan in existing technologies.

[0019] The present invention adopts the following technical solution.

[0020] The first aspect of this utility model provides a gas-liquid separator, comprising: an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, a cylinder, a separation device, and an oil return device;

[0021] The air inlet pipe is connected to the cylinder body, and the air outlet pipe is connected to the separation device. The separation device is located inside the cylinder body and includes an oil-passing plate, a microporous filter cylindrical mesh, and a spiral oil guide plate. The spiral oil guide plate is arranged on the surface of the microporous filter cylindrical mesh, and the oil-passing plate is located at one end of the microporous filter cylindrical mesh. The oil return device is connected to the cylinder body.

[0022] Preferably, the microporous filter cylindrical mesh is cylindrical with openings at both the top and bottom, and the extension direction of the air inlet pipe is tangent to the outer surface of the microporous filter cylindrical mesh.

[0023] Preferably, the air outlet pipe is located on the upper side of the microporous filter cylindrical mesh.

[0024] Preferably, the oil guide plate is located below the spiral oil guide plate.

[0025] Preferably, the inner side of the spiral oil guide plate abuts against the microporous filter cylindrical mesh, and the outer side of the spiral oil guide plate abuts against the cylinder body.

[0026] Preferably, the oil return device includes: an electronic expansion valve, an oil return pipe assembly, and a filter. The two ends of the electronic expansion valve are respectively connected to the oil return pipe assembly and the compressor, and are used to return oil to the compressor. The filter is connected to the oil return pipe assembly.

[0027] Preferably, an oil collection trough is provided at the bottom of the cylinder, and the oil return device is connected to the oil collection trough.

[0028] Preferably, the outer side of the oil-passing plate abuts against the cylinder body, and the oil-passing plate has holes inside.

[0029] The second aspect of this utility model provides an air conditioner, including the vapor-liquid separator described in the first aspect of this utility model.

[0030] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0031] 1. High-efficiency separation, improving oil return efficiency

[0032] This invention integrates the functions of a vapor-liquid separator and an oil separator. Through optimized structural design and separation principle, it significantly improves the separation efficiency of lubricating oil. In air conditioning systems, when the mixture of refrigerant and lubricating oil passes through this vapor-liquid separator, it can achieve more efficient separation, reduce lubricating oil residue and loss, and ensure that the lubricating oil is fully returned to the compressor, thereby improving the compressor's lubrication effect and service life.

[0033] 2. Reduce the number of devices and decrease system complexity.

[0034] Traditional air conditioning systems typically require separate vapor-liquid separators and oil separators, resulting in a large number of devices, complex system structure, and high installation and maintenance costs. This invention, through functional integration, reduces the number of devices, simplifies system design, lowers installation and maintenance costs, and also reduces secondary entrainment problems caused by devices working together.

[0035] 3. Improve system performance

[0036] With the help of the oil return device, the lubricating oil can be efficiently returned, significantly improving the lubrication performance of the compressor, thereby reducing equipment friction and energy loss, and improving the compressor's operating efficiency. Furthermore, the efficient operation of this invention also reduces lubricating oil residue in the refrigerant, avoiding the problem of refrigerant performance degradation caused by lubricating oil contamination, and further improving the overall energy efficiency of the air conditioning system.

[0037] 4. Extend equipment lifespan and reduce maintenance costs

[0038] Because the lubricating oil can be efficiently returned, the compressor's lubrication performance is guaranteed, reducing equipment failure rates caused by insufficient lubrication and thus extending the service life of the compressor and other equipment. Furthermore, the optimized structure and functional integration of the separator also reduce equipment maintenance frequency and costs, further improving the system's economic efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a traditional vapor-liquid separator.

[0040] Figure 2 This is a front view schematic diagram of the vapor-liquid separator of this utility model;

[0041] Figure 3 This is a side view of the vapor-liquid separator of this utility model;

[0042] Figure 4 For along Figure 3 Sectional view of line AA in the middle;

[0043] Figure 5 This is a top view schematic diagram of the vapor-liquid separator of this utility model;

[0044] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the interior of the vapor-liquid separator of this utility model.

[0045] 1. Air outlet pipe; 2. Upper cover plate; 3. Air inlet pipe; 4. Spiral oil guide plate; 5. Microporous filter cylindrical mesh; 6. Cylinder body; 7. Oil passage plate; 8. Electronic expansion valve; 9. Oil return pipe assembly; 10. Lower cover plate; 11. Cyclone separation zone; 12. Gravity settling zone; 13. Oil collection tank. Detailed Implementation

[0046] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. The embodiments described in this application are merely some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the spirit of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0047] Embodiment 1 of this utility model provides a vapor-liquid separator that eliminates the traditional oil return hole structure of a vapor-liquid separator. By combining a traditional vapor-liquid separator and an oil separator, with the inlet pipe tangentially positioned, the centrifugal force generated by high-speed rotation and the microporous filter cylindrical mesh are used to separate the lubricating oil and refrigerant. Then, gravity and the density difference between the gaseous and liquid refrigerants are used to separate them. Finally, an electronic expansion valve is used to control the oil return rate of the vapor-liquid separator, thereby achieving efficient oil return and significantly improving the performance and reliability of the air conditioning system. It can adapt to the separation requirements under different operating conditions, especially under high temperature, high pressure, high flow rate, or conditions containing complex components, it can still maintain stable separation efficiency. This allows the vapor-liquid separator to exhibit good performance under various operating conditions of the air conditioning system, improving the reliability and stability of the system.

[0048] Specifically, such as Figure 1-6 As shown, the vapor-liquid separator includes: an inlet pipe 3, an outlet pipe 1, a cylinder 6, a separation device, and an oil return device;

[0049] The air inlet pipe 3 is connected to the cylinder 6, and the air outlet pipe is connected to the separation device. The separation device is located inside the cylinder 6 and includes: an oil-passing plate 7, a microporous filter cylindrical mesh 5, and a spiral oil guide plate 4. The spiral oil guide plate 4 is spirally arranged on the surface of the microporous filter cylindrical mesh 5, and the oil-passing plate 7 is located at the bottom end of the microporous filter cylindrical mesh 5. The oil return device is connected to the cylinder 6.

[0050] Preferably, but not limitingly, the air inlet pipe 3 is connected to the evaporator, and the air outlet pipe 1 is connected to the compressor.

[0051] Preferably, but not limitingly, the tops of the microporous filter cylindrical mesh 5 and the cylindrical body 6 are flush and the top is provided with an upper cover plate 2, the upper cover plate 2 is provided with a through groove, and the air outlet pipe 1 is inserted into the through groove.

[0052] Preferably, but not limitingly, a lower cover plate 10 is provided below the cylinder body, and the lower cover plate 10 is located below the oil collection tank 13.

[0053] Preferably, but not limitingly, the microporous filter cylindrical mesh 5 is a cylindrical shape with openings at both the top and bottom, and the extending direction of the air inlet pipe 3 is tangent to the outer surface of the microporous filter cylindrical mesh 5.

[0054] Preferably, but not limitingly, the air outlet pipe 1 is located above the microporous filter cylindrical mesh 5, and the oil passage plate 7 is located below the spiral oil guide plate 4.

[0055] Preferably, but not limitingly, the inner side of the spiral oil guide plate 4 abuts against the microporous filter cylindrical mesh 5, and the outer side of the spiral oil guide plate 4 abuts against the cylinder 6. The spiral oil guide plate 4 is used to guide the separated lubricating oil.

[0056] Preferably, but not limitingly, the oil return device includes: an electronic expansion valve 8, an oil return pipe assembly 9, and a filter. The two ends of the electronic expansion valve 8 are respectively connected to the oil return pipe assembly 9 and the compressor. The oil return rate of the gas-liquid separator can be controlled by controlling the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve 8. The filter is connected to the oil return pipe assembly 9 to prevent impurities from clogging the oil return device.

[0057] Preferably, but not limitingly, a cyclone separation zone is provided on the upper side of the inner side of the cylinder 6. The pores on the spiral oil guide plate 4 and the microporous filter cylindrical mesh 5 are all located within the cyclone separation zone. The microporous filter cylindrical mesh 5 is used to intercept the lubricating oil particles separated in the cyclone separation zone and to allow gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant to enter the inner side of the microporous filter cylindrical mesh 5.

[0058] Preferably, but not limitingly, an oil collection groove is provided on the lower side of the interior of the cylinder 6, and the oil return device is connected to the oil collection groove.

[0059] Preferably, but not limitingly, the outer side of the oil-passing plate 7 abuts against the cylinder 6, and the inside of the oil-passing plate 7 is provided with holes to facilitate the passage of lubricating oil.

[0060] Preferably, but not limitingly, the bottom end of the microporous filter cylindrical mesh 5 is provided with a gravity settling zone for settling liquid refrigerant.

[0061] like Figure 4 As shown, the pores on the microporous filter cylindrical mesh 5 are small enough to capture lubricating oil, but large enough to allow refrigerant to pass through. The microporous filter cylindrical mesh 5 is preferably 300 mesh or larger, and the material is preferably an oleophobic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0062] Embodiment 2 of this utility model provides an air conditioner, including the vapor-liquid separator described in Embodiment 1.

[0063] Working principle:

[0064] like Figure 3As shown, the high-speed mixed refrigerant (containing gaseous refrigerant, liquid refrigerant, and oil) from the evaporator enters the cyclone separation zone 11 tangentially from the inlet pipe 3. Due to the sufficiently small pores of the microporous filter cylindrical mesh 5, the lubricating oil cannot pass through the microporous filter cylindrical mesh 5. Under the action of centrifugal force and blocked by the cylinder 6, it flows downward along the spiral oil guide plate 4 and flows through the oil passer plate 7 to the oil collection tank 13 at the bottom of the cylinder 6. The liquid and gaseous refrigerants will enter the inner side of the microporous filter cylindrical mesh 5. The liquid refrigerant, with a higher density, will settle down under the action of gravity and be stored in the gravity settling zone 12, while the less dense gaseous refrigerant will be discharged through the outlet pipe 1 and enter the compressor. The liquid refrigerant in the gravity settling zone 12 will be converted into gaseous refrigerant as the operating conditions change. The opening of the electronic expansion valve 8 can control the rate at which the lubricating oil returns from the oil collection tank 13 to the compressor.

[0065] It is worth noting that selecting a spiral oil guide plate 4 of appropriate length can prevent a small portion of the refrigerant from passing through the oil guide plate 7.

[0066] The beneficial effect of this utility model is that, compared with the prior art,

[0067] 1. High-efficiency separation, improving oil return efficiency

[0068] This invention integrates the functions of a vapor-liquid separator and an oil separator. Through optimized structural design and separation principle, it significantly improves the separation efficiency of lubricating oil. In air conditioning systems, when the mixture of refrigerant and lubricating oil passes through this vapor-liquid separator, it can achieve more efficient separation, reduce lubricating oil residue and loss, and ensure that the lubricating oil is fully returned to the compressor, thereby improving the compressor's lubrication effect and service life.

[0069] 2. Reduce the number of devices and decrease system complexity.

[0070] Traditional air conditioning systems typically require separate vapor-liquid separators and oil separators, resulting in a large number of devices, complex system structure, and high installation and maintenance costs. This invention, through functional integration, reduces the number of devices, simplifies system design, lowers installation and maintenance costs, and also reduces secondary entrainment problems caused by devices working together.

[0071] 3. Improve system performance

[0072] With the help of the oil return device, the lubricating oil can be efficiently returned, significantly improving the lubrication performance of the compressor, thereby reducing equipment friction and energy loss, and improving the compressor's operating efficiency. Furthermore, the efficient operation of this invention also reduces lubricating oil residue in the refrigerant, avoiding the problem of refrigerant performance degradation caused by lubricating oil contamination, and further improving the overall energy efficiency of the air conditioning system.

[0073] 4. Extend equipment lifespan and reduce maintenance costs

[0074] Because the lubricating oil can be efficiently returned, the compressor's lubrication performance is guaranteed, reducing equipment failure rates caused by insufficient lubrication and thus extending the service life of the compressor and other equipment. Furthermore, the optimized structure and functional integration of the separator also reduce equipment maintenance frequency and costs, further improving the system's economic efficiency.

[0075] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and not to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can still be made to the specific implementation of this utility model. Any modifications or equivalent substitutions that do not depart from the spirit and scope of this utility model should be covered within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A vapor-liquid separator comprising: The air inlet pipe, air outlet pipe, and cylinder are characterized in that they further include: a separation device and an oil return device; The air inlet pipe is connected to the cylinder body, and the air outlet pipe is connected to the separation device. The separation device is located inside the cylinder body and includes an oil-passing plate, a microporous filter cylindrical mesh, and a spiral oil guide plate. The spiral oil guide plate is arranged on the surface of the microporous filter cylindrical mesh, and the oil-passing plate is located at one end of the microporous filter cylindrical mesh. The oil return device is connected to the cylinder body.

2. The vapor-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The microporous filter cylindrical mesh is cylindrical with openings at both the top and bottom, and the extension direction of the air inlet pipe is tangent to the outer surface of the microporous filter cylindrical mesh.

3. A vapor-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air outlet pipe is located on the upper side of the microporous filter cylindrical mesh.

4. A vapor-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The oil guide plate is located below the spiral oil guide plate.

5. A vapor-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner side of the spiral oil guide plate abuts against the microporous filter cylindrical mesh, and the outer side of the spiral oil guide plate abuts against the cylinder body.

6. A vapor-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The oil return device includes an electronic expansion valve, an oil return pipe assembly, and a filter. The two ends of the electronic expansion valve are respectively connected to the oil return pipe assembly and the compressor, and are used to return oil to the compressor. The filter is connected to the oil return pipe assembly.

7. A vapor-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that: An oil collection trough is provided at the bottom of the cylinder, and the oil return device is connected to the oil collection trough.

8. A vapor-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer side of the oil-absorbing plate abuts against the cylinder body, and holes are provided inside the oil-absorbing plate.

9. An air conditioner, characterized in that: Includes a vapor-liquid separator as described in any one of claims 1-8.

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