A heat exchange station and heat exchange system for a hot water storage tank
By using a three-way valve and a variable frequency water pump in the heat exchange station for the hot water storage tank, the structure is simplified, the cost is reduced, and the temperature regulation range is expanded. This solves the problems of numerous parts and complex piping in the existing technology, and achieves low-energy dual regulation of temperature and flow.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ZHEJIANG CHUNHUI INTELLIGENT CONTROL CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing centralized heat source heating and sanitary water control centers have many components, complex pipelines, high costs, and are not simple enough in structure.
The heat exchange station using the hot water storage tank reduces the number of parts and pipelines. It replaces the stepper motor and servo motor in the water control center with a three-way valve, and combines a variable frequency water pump and a mixing valve to achieve dual regulation of temperature and flow, simplifying the structure and reducing energy consumption.
It achieves reduced parts, simplified piping, low cost, and simple structure. Furthermore, by externalizing the mixing valve and water pump, it reduces the risk of heat exchanger scaling, expands the range of bathroom water temperature adjustment, and reduces energy consumption.
Smart Images
Figure CN224434532U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of heat exchange stations, and more specifically, to a heat exchange station and heat exchange system for hot water storage tanks. Background Technology
[0002] Application publication number CN113719888A discloses a centralized heat source heating and sanitary water control center, which has many components, complex pipelines, and high overall cost. Utility Model Content
[0003] The purpose of this utility model is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a heat exchange station and heat exchange system for hot water storage tanks, which reduces the number of parts and pipelines, has a small overall size, simple structure, and low cost.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0005] A heat exchange station for a hot water storage tank includes an inlet valve, a return valve, a three-way valve, a heat exchanger, a heating inlet, a heating return outlet, a bathroom outlet, a bathroom inlet, a first medium inlet, and a first medium return outlet. The inlet valve includes a first inlet port and a second inlet port, and the return valve includes a first return port and a third return port. The heat exchanger includes a first interface, a second interface, a third interface, and a fourth interface. The first and second interfaces are connected, and the third and fourth interfaces are connected. The heat exchange station has a heating operation mode and a bathroom operation mode. In the heating operation mode, the first medium inlet, the first inlet valve port, the second inlet valve port, and the bathroom outlet are connected. The heating inlet is connected to form the first flow path of the first medium. The heating return port, the third port of the return water valve, the first port of the return water valve, and the first medium return port are connected to form the second flow path of the first medium. When the bathroom is in operation, the first medium inlet, the first port of the inlet valve, the second port of the inlet valve, the first interface, the second interface, the third port of the return water valve, the first port of the return water valve, and the first medium return port are connected to form the third flow path of the first medium. The bathroom inlet, the fourth interface, the third interface, and the bathroom outlet are connected to form the flow path of the second medium. The three-way valve is located in the first flow path or the second flow path. The three-way valve allows the second port of the inlet valve to switch between the heating inlet and the first interface for flow.
[0006] As a further configuration, the three-way valve is located in the first flow path. The three-way valve includes a first port, a second port, and a third port. The second port of the inlet valve is connected to the second port of the three-way valve. The first port of the three-way valve is connected to the heating inlet. The third port of the three-way valve is connected to the first interface. In the heating operation state, the first port and the second port of the three-way valve are connected. In the bathroom operation state, the second port and the third port of the three-way valve are connected. The second port of the three-way valve is the inlet end of the first medium, and the first port and the third port of the three-way valve are the outlet ends of the first medium.
[0007] As a further configuration, the three-way valve is located in the second flow path. The three-way valve includes a first port, a second port, and a third port. The second port is connected to the third port of the return valve, the first port is connected to the heating return port, and the third port is connected to the second interface. In the heating operation state, the first and second ports are connected. In the bathroom operation state, the second and third ports are connected. The first and third ports are the inlet ends of the first medium, and the second port is the outlet end of the first medium.
[0008] As a further configuration, the inlet valve also includes a third inlet valve port, and the return valve also includes a second return valve port. The third inlet valve port is connected to the second return valve port via a bypass. The first medium inlet, the first inlet valve port, the third inlet valve port, the bypass, the second return valve port, the first return valve port, and the first medium return port are connected to form a fourth flow path for the first medium. The bypass is unidirectional and has an opening pressure. The first inlet valve port is the inlet end of the first medium, the second and third inlet valve ports are the outlet ends of the first medium, the second and third return valve ports are the inlet ends of the first medium, and the first return valve port is the outlet end of the first medium.
[0009] As a further feature, the first medium and the second medium in the third flow path complete heat exchange in the heat exchanger.
[0010] As a further configuration, the heating inlet, heating return outlet, bathroom outlet, bathroom inlet, first medium inlet, and first medium return outlet are all exposed in the heat exchange station. The inlet valve, bypass, and return valve form an inlet valve group. The first port of the inlet valve and the first medium inlet are the same port, and the first port of the return valve and the first medium return outlet are the same port.
[0011] A heat exchange system includes a water tank, a mixing valve, a water pump, and a heat exchange station for a hot water storage tank. The water tank includes a water tank outlet and a water tank return outlet. The mixing valve includes a first mixing valve port, a second mixing valve port, and a third mixing valve port. The water tank outlet is connected to the second mixing valve port. The first mixing valve port is connected to a first medium inlet via the water pump. The water tank return outlet is connected to a first medium return outlet, and the first medium return outlet is connected to the third mixing valve port.
[0012] As a further configuration, the third port and the second port of the mixing valve are both inlet ports of the first medium, the first port of the mixing valve is the outlet port of the first medium, the mixing valve is an electric regulating valve, and the flow rate of the first medium entering from the third port of the mixing valve is adjustable.
[0013] As a further configuration, the heating operating state includes a first heating state and a second heating state, wherein the temperature of the first medium in the first heating state is higher than the temperature of the first medium in the second heating state.
[0014] As a further feature, the water pump is a variable frequency water pump.
[0015] In summary, this utility model has the following beneficial effects:
[0016] First, a three-way valve is used to replace one stepper motor (where the second heat exchanger is located) and one servo motor (where the first heat exchanger is located) in the water control center of the background technology. This reduces the number of parts and pipelines, simplifies the structure, and lowers the cost.
[0017] Second, since total heat capacity = specific heat coefficient × temperature difference × flow rate, in the prior art, for the primary side (i.e., the heat source side of the plate heat exchanger), the temperature difference is the inlet temperature minus the outlet temperature, and the temperature difference remains constant. The primary side (including the primary side of plate heat exchanger 1 and plate heat exchanger 2) adjusts the total heat capacity by regulating the flow rate through a motor. This is a case of primary side flow rate regulation controlling secondary side temperature regulation. A high temperature on the primary side of the plate heat exchanger makes it prone to scaling. However, this application controls the bathroom temperature by adjusting the temperature through a mixing valve. With a constant flow rate, the inlet temperature on the primary side decreases. This is a case of primary side temperature regulation controlling secondary side temperature regulation. The primary side temperature is lower than in the prior art, making the heat exchanger less prone to scaling.
[0018] Third, the use of a variable frequency water pump allows for adjustable flow. By using a mixing valve in conjunction with the variable frequency water pump, both flow and temperature can be adjusted, ensuring a wider range of adjustment for the bathroom water temperature. In summer, if the bathroom water temperature is too high and the temperature is still too high after mixing, the flow can be reduced by using the variable frequency water pump.
[0019] Fourth, the mixing valve and water pump are located outside the heat exchange station, which allows the heat exchange station to be made smaller and consumes less energy compared to a heat exchange station that integrates the mixing valve and water pump.
[0020] Fifth, the water pumps are moved to an external location, and the power is centralized at the water tank, avoiding the need for both the water tank and the heat exchange station to have water pumps. This ensures controllable energy consumption and avoids pump coupling. Attached Figure Description
[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the heating operation in Example 1.
[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the bathroom operation in Example 1.
[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the heating operation in Example 2.
[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the bathroom operation in Example 2.
[0025] Reference numerals: Inlet valve 1, Inlet valve first port 11, Inlet valve second port 12, Inlet valve third port 13, Bypass 2, Return valve 3, Return valve first port 31, Return valve second port 32, Return valve third port 33, Mixing valve 4, Mixing valve first port 41, Mixing valve second port 42, Mixing valve third port 43, Water pump 5, Three-way valve 6, Three-way valve first port 61, Three-way valve second port 62, Three-way valve third port 63, Heat exchanger 7, First interface 71, Second interface 72, Third interface 73, Fourth interface 74, Water tank 8, Water tank outlet 81, Water tank return port 82, Heating inlet 91, Heating return port 92, Bathroom outlet 93, Bathroom inlet 94, First medium inlet 95, First medium return port 96. Detailed Implementation
[0026] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0027] Example 1:
[0028] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, a heat exchange station for a hot water storage tank includes an inlet valve 1, a bypass 2, a return valve 3, a three-way valve 6, a heat exchanger 7, a heating inlet 91, a heating return outlet 92, a bathroom outlet 93, a bathroom inlet 94, a first medium inlet 95, and a first medium return outlet 96.
[0029] Figure 1 and Figure 2The area enclosed by the dotted box is the heat exchange station. Heating inlet 91, heating return outlet 92, bathroom outlet 93, bathroom inlet 94, first medium inlet 95, and first medium return outlet 96 are all exposed within the heat exchange station. First medium inlet 95 and first medium return outlet 96 can be connected to an external heat source (water tank 8), which provides the first medium (usually hot water). Heating inlet 91 and heating return outlet 92 can be connected to underfloor heating pipes and radiator pipes. Bathroom outlet 93 and bathroom inlet 94 can be connected to bathroom water pipes.
[0030] The inlet valve 1, bypass valve 2, and return valve 3 form an inlet valve group, that is, the three are integrated together. At this time, the first port 11 of the inlet valve and the first medium inlet 95 are the same port, and the first port 31 of the return valve and the first medium return port 96 are the same port.
[0031] The inlet valve 1 includes an inlet valve first port 11, an inlet valve second port 12, and an inlet valve third port 13. The return valve 3 includes a return valve first port 31, a return valve second port 32, and a return valve third port 33. The inlet valve third port 13 is connected to the return valve second port 32 through a bypass 2. The bypass 2 is unidirectional, meaning that the first medium can only flow from the inlet valve third port 13 to the return valve second port 32. The inlet valve first port 11 is the inlet end of the first medium, and the inlet valve second port 12 and the inlet valve third port 13 are the outlet ends of the first medium. That is, the first medium enters from the inlet valve first port 11 and exits from the inlet valve second port 12 and the inlet valve third port 13. The return valve second port 32 and the return valve third port 33 are the inlet ends of the first medium, and the return valve first port 31 is the outlet end of the first medium. The first medium inlet 95, the first port 11 of the inlet valve, the third port 13 of the inlet valve, the bypass 2, the second port 32 of the return valve, the first port 31 of the return valve, and the first medium return port 96 are connected to form the fourth flow path of the first medium. The bypass 2 is equipped with an opening pressure. When the pressure of the external heat source exceeds the set pressure, the bypass 2 opens, and part of the first medium flows back to the external heat source from the third port 13 of the inlet valve, the bypass 2, and the second port 32 of the return valve. The bypass 2 is a prior art technique.
[0032] The heat exchanger 7 includes a first interface 71, a second interface 72, a third interface 73 and a fourth interface 74. The first interface 71 and the second interface 72 are connected, and the third interface 73 and the fourth interface 74 are connected.
[0033] The heat exchange station has both heating and bathroom operation modes, such as... Figure 1As shown, in the heating operation state, the first medium inlet 95, the first port 11 of the inlet valve, the second port 12 of the inlet valve, the second port 62 of the three-way valve, the first port 61 of the three-way valve, and the heating inlet 91 are connected to form the first flow path of the first medium. At this time, the three-way valve 6 is located in the first flow path. The three-way valve 6 includes the first port 61, the second port 62, and the third port 63. The second port 62 is the inlet end of the first medium, and the first port 61 and the third port 63 are the outlet ends of the first medium. The second port 12 of the inlet valve is connected to the second port 62 of the three-way valve, the first port 61 of the three-way valve is connected to the heating inlet 91, and the third port 63 of the three-way valve is connected to the first interface 71. The heating return port 92, the third port 33 of the return water valve, the first port 31 of the return water valve, and the first medium return port 96 are connected to form the second flow path of the first medium. In this state, the first port 61 and the second port 62 of the three-way valve are connected, while the second port 62 and the third port 63 of the three-way valve are not connected.
[0034] The first medium provided by the external heat source enters the first flow path through the first medium inlet 95. The first medium in the first flow path enters the radiator pipes and underfloor heating pipes. After passing through the radiator pipes and underfloor heating pipes, the first medium enters the second flow path. Finally, the first medium in the second flow path flows back to the external heat source through the first medium return outlet 96. The first medium is used in a cyclical manner throughout the heating process. The temperature of the first medium decreases after passing through the radiator pipes and underfloor heating pipes. Therefore, the first medium before entering the radiator pipes and underfloor heating pipes is marked in red, and the first medium after passing through the radiator pipes and underfloor heating pipes is marked in blue. The temperature of the red first medium is higher than that of the blue first medium.
[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, in the bathroom's operating state, the first medium inlet 95, the first port 11 of the inlet valve, the second port 12 of the inlet valve, the second port 62 of the three-way valve, the third port 63 of the three-way valve, the first interface 71, the second interface 72, the third port 33 of the return valve, the first port 31 of the return valve, and the first medium return port 96 are connected to form the third flow path for the first medium. The bathroom inlet 94, the fourth interface 74, the third interface 73, and the bathroom outlet 93 are connected to form the flow path for the second medium (generally tap water). At this time, the second port 62 and the third port 63 of the three-way valve are connected, while the first port 61 and the second port 62 of the three-way valve are not connected.
[0036] The first medium supplied by the external heat source enters the third flow path through the first medium inlet 95. After passing through the heat exchanger 7, the first medium in the third flow path flows back to the external heat source through the first medium return outlet 96. The first medium is recycled throughout the process. The first medium in the third flow path exchanges heat with the second medium in the heat exchanger 7. Therefore, the temperature of the first medium after passing through the heat exchanger 7 is reduced. The first medium before entering the heat exchanger 7 is marked in red, and the first medium after passing through the heat exchanger 7 is marked in blue. The temperature of the red first medium is higher than that of the blue first medium. The second medium before entering the heat exchanger 7 is marked in blue, and the second medium after passing through the heat exchanger 7 is marked in red.
[0037] This embodiment also discloses a heat exchange system, including a water tank 8, a mixing valve 4, a water pump 5, and a heat exchange station for a hot water storage tank. The water tank 8 includes a water tank outlet 81 and a water tank return outlet 82. The mixing valve 4 includes a first mixing valve port 41, a second mixing valve port 42, and a third mixing valve port 43. The third mixing valve port 43 and the second mixing valve port 42 are both inlet ends of the first medium, and the first mixing valve port 41 is the outlet end of the first medium. The mixing valve 4 is an electric regulating valve, and the flow rate of the first medium entering from the third mixing valve port 43 is adjustable.
[0038] The water tank outlet 81 is connected to the second port 42 of the mixing valve. The first port 41 of the mixing valve is connected to the first medium inlet 95 via the water pump 5. The water tank return port 82 is connected to the first medium return port 96, and the first medium return port 96 is connected to the third port 43 of the mixing valve. The water tank 8 provides the first medium (usually hot water) to the heat exchange station. The hot water exits from the water tank outlet 81 and flows into the first medium inlet 95 to enter the heat exchange station. After passing through the heat exchange station, the hot water exits from the first medium return port 96 and flows back into the water tank return port 82, returning to the water tank 8, thus circulating in a cycle.
[0039] The heating system operates in two states: a first heating state and a second heating state. In the first heating state, the temperature of the first medium is higher than that in the second heating state. The first heating state can supply heat to radiator pipes, while the second heating state can supply heat to underfloor heating pipes. One state can be selected for heating. In both states, when the heat source temperature is too high, the third port 43 of the mixing valve is opened to mix the water and lower the temperature of the first medium. At this time, the slightly cooled first medium returning from the first medium return port 96 mixes with the initial first medium that has not yet cooled. That is, the relatively high-temperature first medium entering from the second port 42 of the mixing valve mixes with the relatively low-temperature first medium returning from the first medium return port 96. The mixed first medium flows out from the first port 41 of the mixing valve. The temperature of the first medium flowing out from the first port 41 is between the relatively high-temperature first medium entering from the second port 42 and the relatively low-temperature first medium returning from the first medium return port 96. By adjusting the flow rate of the first medium entering the third port 43 of the mixing valve, the heating temperature can be controlled.
[0040] Water pump 5 is a variable frequency water pump, used in conjunction with mixing valve 4. Mixing valve 4 adjusts the temperature, and water pump 5 adjusts the flow rate. In this way, both temperature and flow rate can be adjusted, ensuring a wider range of adjustment for the bathroom water temperature.
[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, when the bathroom is in operation, if the temperature of the second medium is too high, the third port 43 of the mixing valve can be opened to mix water and reduce the temperature of the first medium. As the temperature of the first medium decreases, the temperature of the second medium will also decrease.
[0042] Example 2:
[0043] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, compared with Embodiment 1, the difference is that the three-way valve 6 is located in the second flow path, the second port 62 of the three-way valve is connected to the third port 33 of the return water valve, the first port 61 of the three-way valve is connected to the heating return port 92, the third port 63 of the three-way valve is connected to the second interface 72, the first port 61 and the third port 63 of the three-way valve are the inlet end of the first medium, and the second port 62 of the three-way valve is the outlet end of the first medium.
[0044] Reference Figure 3 When in heating mode, the first port 61 and the second port 62 of the three-way valve are connected, while the second port 62 and the third port 63 of the three-way valve are not connected.
[0045] Reference Figure 4 When the bathroom is in operation, the second port 62 and the third port 63 of the three-way valve are connected, while the first port 61 and the second port 62 of the three-way valve are not connected.
[0046] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model. The protection scope of this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions falling within the scope of this utility model's concept are protected. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, any improvements and modifications made without departing from the principle of this utility model should also be considered within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A heat exchange station for a hot water storage tank, characterized in that, The system includes an inlet valve (1), a return valve (3), a three-way valve (6), a heat exchanger (7), a heating inlet (91), a heating return outlet (92), a bathroom outlet (93), a bathroom inlet (94), a first medium inlet (95), and a first medium return outlet (96). The inlet valve (1) includes an inlet valve first port (11) and an inlet valve second port (12). The return valve (3) includes a return valve first port (31) and a return valve third port (33). The heat exchanger (7) includes a first interface (71), a second interface (72), a third interface (73), and a fourth interface (74). The first interface (71) and the second interface (72) are connected, and the third interface (73) and the fourth interface (74) are connected. The heat exchange station has a heating working state and a bathroom working state. In the heating working state, the first medium inlet (95), the first port (11) of the inlet valve, and the second port (12) of the inlet valve are connected. 2) The heating inlet (91) is connected to form the first flow path of the first medium. The heating return port (92), the third port (33) of the return valve, the first port (31) of the return valve, and the first medium return port (96) are connected to form the second flow path of the first medium. When the bathroom is in working state, the first medium inlet (95), the first port (11) of the inlet valve, the second port (12) of the inlet valve, the first interface (71), the second interface (72), the third port (33) of the return valve, the first port (31) of the return valve, and the first medium return port (96) are connected to form the third flow path of the first medium. The bathroom inlet (94), the fourth interface (74), the third interface (73), and the bathroom outlet (93) are connected to form the flow path of the second medium. The three-way valve (6) is located in the first flow path or the second flow path. The three-way valve (6) allows the second port (12) of the inlet valve to switch with the heating inlet (91) and the first interface (71) for circulation.
2. A heat exchange station for a hot water storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The three-way valve (6) is located in the first flow path. The three-way valve (6) includes a first port (61), a second port (62), and a third port (63). The second port (12) of the inlet valve is connected to the second port (62) of the three-way valve. The first port (61) of the three-way valve is connected to the heating inlet (91). The third port (63) of the three-way valve is connected to the first interface (71). When the heating is working, the first port (61) and the second port (62) of the three-way valve are connected. When the bathroom is working, the second port (62) and the third port (63) of the three-way valve are connected. The second port (62) of the three-way valve is the inlet end of the first medium. The first port (61) and the third port (63) of the three-way valve are the outlet ends of the first medium.
3. A heat exchange station for a hot water storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The three-way valve (6) is located in the second flow path. The three-way valve (6) includes a first port (61), a second port (62), and a third port (63). The second port (62) is connected to the third port (33) of the return water valve. The first port (61) is connected to the heating return port (92). The third port (63) is connected to the second interface (72). When the heating is working, the first port (61) and the second port (62) of the three-way valve are connected. When the bathroom is working, the second port (62) and the third port (63) of the three-way valve are connected. The first port (61) and the third port (63) of the three-way valve are the inlet end of the first medium, and the second port (62) of the three-way valve is the outlet end of the first medium.
4. A heat exchange station for a hot water storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet valve (1) also includes a third inlet valve port (13), and the return valve (3) also includes a second return valve port (32). The third inlet valve port (13) is connected to the second return valve port (32) through a bypass (2). The first medium inlet (95), the first inlet valve port (11), the third inlet valve port (13), the bypass (2), the second return valve port (32), the first return valve port (31), and the first medium return port (96) are connected to form a fourth flow path for the first medium. The bypass (2) is a unidirectional flow and has an opening pressure. The first inlet valve port (11) is the inlet end of the first medium. The second inlet valve port (12) and the third inlet valve port (13) are the outlet ends of the first medium. The second return valve port (32) and the third return valve port (33) are the inlet ends of the first medium. The first return valve port (31) is the outlet end of the first medium.
5. A heat exchange station for a hot water storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first medium and the second medium in the third flow path complete heat exchange in the heat exchanger (7).
6. A heat exchange station for a hot water storage tank according to claim 4, characterized in that, The heating inlet (91), heating return outlet (92), bathroom outlet (93), bathroom inlet (94), first medium inlet (95), and first medium return outlet (96) are all exposed in the heat exchange station. The inlet valve (1), bypass (2), and return valve (3) form an inlet valve group. The first port (11) of the inlet valve and the first medium inlet (95) are the same port. The first port (31) of the return valve and the first medium return outlet (96) are the same port.
7. A heat exchange system, characterized in that, The system includes a water tank (8), a mixing valve (4), a water pump (5), and a heat exchange station for a hot water storage tank as described in any one of claims 1-6. The water tank (8) includes a water tank outlet (81) and a water tank return outlet (82). The mixing valve (4) includes a first mixing valve port (41), a second mixing valve port (42), and a third mixing valve port (43). The water tank outlet (81) is connected to the second mixing valve port (42). The first mixing valve port (41) is connected to the first medium inlet (95) via the water pump (5). The water tank return outlet (82) is connected to the first medium return outlet (96). The first medium return outlet (96) is connected to the third mixing valve port (43).
8. A heat exchange system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The third port (43) and the second port (42) of the mixing valve are both inlet ports of the first medium, the first port (41) of the mixing valve is the outlet port of the first medium, the mixing valve (4) is an electric regulating valve, and the flow rate of the first medium entering from the third port (43) of the mixing valve is adjustable.
9. A heat exchange system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The heating operation states include a first heating state and a second heating state, wherein the temperature of the first medium in the first heating state is higher than the temperature of the first medium in the second heating state.
10. A heat exchange system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The water pump (5) is a variable frequency water pump.