Building central air conditioning condensate water secondary utilization system
By designing a condensate recovery device and a power generation component, the central air conditioning condensate was recycled and reused multiple times, solving the problem of condensate waste and improving the energy efficiency and water resource utilization rate of the air conditioning system.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-07
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, central air conditioning condensate is not effectively reused after cooling the outdoor unit, resulting in water waste.
A secondary utilization system for condensate from a building's central air conditioning system was designed, including a condensate recovery device and a recovery tank. The condensate is recovered and stored in the recovery tank through a recovery water pipe, and the condensate in the recovery tank is used to cool the central air conditioning unit. At the same time, the condensate is used to generate electricity through a power generation component.
It enables multiple recycling and reuse of condensate, saving water resources, and improves the energy efficiency and water utilization rate of the air conditioning system through recycling and the application of power generation components.
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Figure CN224470415U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the technical fields of air conditioning condensate recovery and utilization, building water conservation, etc., and specifically to a secondary utilization system for condensate from a building central air conditioning system. Background Technology
[0002] Central air conditioning is an air conditioning system that integrates cooling, heating, and ventilation. It uses a centralized system of ductwork distributed throughout a building to deliver treated air to various terminal locations, thus achieving overall air conditioning. It is commonly found in commercial office buildings, shopping malls, and factories. The main unit of a central air conditioning system, also known as the outdoor unit responsible for core functions such as heat dissipation and compression, is typically located on the roof to address heat dissipation and noise issues.
[0003] When an air conditioner terminal unit is cooling, a large amount of water vapor in the air will condense on the outer surface of its cooling pipes, forming condensate. Existing technology CN115751491A discloses a central air conditioning condensate secondary recovery atomization cooling device, which uses condensate to cool the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, thereby reducing energy consumption. However, the condensate after cooling the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is not further reused.
[0004] Based on this, this application proposes a secondary utilization system for condensate water from building central air conditioning, aiming to further recycle and reuse condensate water in addition to using it to cool the air conditioning unit and reduce energy consumption. Utility Model Content
[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides a secondary utilization system for condensate water from building central air conditioning systems, which solves the problem of insufficient utilization rate of condensate water in secondary utilization of building central air conditioning systems.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:
[0007] This application proposes a secondary utilization system for condensate water from a building's central air conditioning system, including a condensate water recovery device. The condensate water recovery device is used to recover the condensate water from several central air conditioning terminal units on each floor of the building and to use the condensate water to cool the central air conditioning main unit.
[0008] A secondary condensate recovery device, comprising:
[0009] The system includes a water recovery pipe and a water recovery tank. One end of the water recovery pipe is connected to the central air conditioning unit, and the other end is connected to the water recovery tank. The water recovery pipe recovers the condensate water after cooling the central air conditioning unit and stores it in the water recovery tank.
[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the outlet of the recycling tank is connected to the building's water system.
[0011] In one embodiment, the condensate recovery device includes: a circulation pipeline, which includes an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe. The inlet of the inlet pipe is connected to a central air conditioning terminal unit for condensate recovery, and the outlet of the inlet pipe is connected to a condensate tank. The condensate tank is connected to one end of the outlet pipe, and the other end of the outlet pipe is equipped with a cooling component. The cooling component is installed inside the central air conditioning unit and uses condensate to cool the central air conditioning unit.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the cooling components include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: condensate pipes, spray heads, drip irrigation pipes, and atomizers.
[0013] In a further preferred embodiment, the condensate recovery device further includes a first water pump, which is used to pump the condensate in the condensate tank to the cooling component through the outlet pipe.
[0014] In a further preferred embodiment, the condensate secondary recovery device further includes: a connecting pipe that connects the condensate tank and the recovery tank; and a second water pump that is mounted on the connecting pipe.
[0015] In one embodiment, the condensate secondary recovery device further includes at least one power generation component, all of which are installed on the recovery water pipe.
[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the power generation component is electrically connected to an energy storage device, which is electrically connected to the building's power system. The power generation component includes a water-pipe generator.
[0017] In one embodiment, the condensate recovery device further includes a first main unit, which includes a first controller and a temperature monitor. The first controller is electrically connected to a first water pump, and the temperature monitor is installed inside the central air conditioning unit and electrically connected to the first controller.
[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the condensate secondary recovery device further includes a second main unit, which includes a second controller and a water level gauge. The second controller is electrically connected to a second water pump, and the water level gauge is respectively installed in the condensate tank and the recovery tank and is electrically connected to the second controller.
[0019] In a further preferred embodiment, as shown in the figure, both the condensate tank and the recovery tank are equipped with overflow pipes.
[0020] This utility model provides a secondary utilization system for condensate from a building's central air conditioning system. Compared with existing technologies, it has the following advantages:
[0021] This application utilizes a secondary condensate recovery device (including a recovery pipe and a recovery tank) to recover the condensate used for cooling the central air conditioning system. This water is stored in the recovery tank and can be used for subsequent floor cleaning, public toilet cleaning, plant cultivation, fire fighting, etc. It can also be fed back into the condensate recovery device to participate in the cooling of the central air conditioning unit, thus realizing the multiple recycling and reuse of air conditioning condensate and saving water resources. Attached Figure Description
[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a secondary utilization system for condensate from a building's central air conditioning system, as proposed in this application.
[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a component including a connecting pipe, a second water pump, and a power generation component, as proposed in an embodiment of this application.
[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the water inlet pipe connection proposed in an embodiment of this application.
[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the condensate tank and the recovery tank and the various pipelines according to the embodiments of this application.
[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the outlet water pipe, the recovery water pipe, and the central air conditioning unit according to an embodiment of this application.
[0028] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the condensate pipeline proposed in the embodiments of this application.
[0029] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the spray head proposed in the embodiments of this application.
[0030] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the power generation component proposed in the embodiments of this application.
[0031] In the diagram: 1. Condensate recovery device; 2. Secondary condensate recovery device; 3. Overflow pipe;
[0032] 11. Circulation pipeline; 12. Condensate tank; 13. First water pump; 14. Cooling component; 21. Recycle water pipe; 22. Recycle water tank; 23. Connecting pipe; 24. Second water pump; 25. Power generation component;
[0033] 111. Water inlet pipe; 112. Water outlet pipe; 141. Condensate pipe; 142. Spray head. Detailed Implementation
[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model are described clearly and completely. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments 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.
[0035] The embodiments of this application provide a secondary utilization system for condensate from building central air conditioning, which solves the problem of insufficient secondary recycling rate of condensate from building central air conditioning and realizes multiple recycling and utilization of air conditioning condensate.
[0036] The term "building" as used in this application refers to building structures that use central air conditioning equipment. Buildings such as office buildings, factories, and shopping malls that use central air conditioning equipment are all within the scope of protection of this application.
[0037] The technical solution in this application is to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, and the general idea is as follows:
[0038] When an air conditioner terminal unit is cooling, a large amount of water vapor from the air condenses on the outer surface of its cooling pipes, forming condensate. Because the condensate is at a low temperature, existing technologies primarily use it to cool the compressor and pipes of the outdoor unit. However, the condensate is wasted after this cooling process, leading to significant water resource waste. In contrast, central air conditioning units (outdoor units) in buildings are typically located on the roof. The condensate, after being cooled by the unit, also carries gravitational potential energy as it flows downwards. Therefore, this application proposes a solution to reuse the condensate generated by the air conditioner itself, recirculating it to conserve water resources.
[0039] To better understand the above technical solutions, the following will provide a detailed explanation of the technical solutions in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods.
[0040] Example 1:
[0041] See Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 5As shown, this application proposes a secondary utilization system for condensate from a building's central air conditioning system. The system includes a condensate recovery device 1, which recovers condensate from several central air conditioning terminal units on each floor of the building and uses the condensate to cool the central air conditioning main unit. A secondary condensate recovery device 2 includes a recovery water pipe 21 and a recovery water tank 22. One end of the recovery water pipe 21 is connected to the central air conditioning main unit, and the other end is connected to the recovery water tank 22. The recovery water pipe 21 recovers the condensate after cooling the central air conditioning main unit and stores it in the recovery water tank 22.
[0042] In this embodiment, it should be noted that after the central air conditioning unit is cooled by the condensate water recovered by the condensate water recovery device 1, this part of the condensate water is then uniformly recovered again through the recovery water pipe 21.
[0043] The recovery water pipe 21 recovers the condensate water after cooling the central air conditioning unit. The process is similar to condensate water recovery in a typical air conditioner. One end of the recovery water pipe 21 is positioned close to the bottom of the central air conditioning unit, allowing the cooled condensate water to enter the recovery water pipe 21 for collection. Since the central air conditioning units in buildings such as office buildings are typically located on the roof, the cooled condensate water can flow along the recovery water pipe 21 into the recovery water tank 22 under the influence of gravity.
[0044] The water recovery tank 22 can be equipped with an outlet and valves for subsequent use. Since condensate is neutral water produced by the condensation of water vapor in the air, the condensate recovered in the water recovery tank 22 can be used for floor cleaning, public toilet cleaning, plant cultivation, and fire fighting. Generally, the condensate used to cool the compressor and its piping of the central air conditioning unit is at a relatively high temperature (approximately 48 degrees Celsius). This condensate can dissipate heat during its entry into the water recovery tank 22 through the water recovery pipe 21 and within the water recovery tank 22, and can therefore be returned to the condensate recovery device 1 for recycling.
[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the outlet of the water recycling tank 22 is connected to the building's water system.
[0046] In this embodiment, it should be noted that the outlet of the recycled water tank 22 is connected to the building's water system. Based on the neutral water properties of condensate, it can supply water for floor cleaning, toilet cleaning, green plant irrigation, and fire fighting within the building. It can be set up independently, and therefore is suitable for water supply in the building during emergencies, such as providing fire fighting water in the event of a power outage or fire.
[0047] Example 2:
[0048] See Figures 1-2As shown, the present application proposes a secondary utilization system for condensate from a building's central air conditioning system, which includes all the contents of Embodiment 1. In addition, the condensate recovery device 1 includes: a circulation pipeline 11, which includes an inlet pipe 111 and an outlet pipe 112. The inlet of the inlet pipe 111 is connected to the central air conditioning terminal unit for condensate recovery, and the outlet of the inlet pipe 111 is connected to a condensate tank 12. The condensate tank 12 is connected to one end of the outlet pipe 112, and the other end of the outlet pipe 112 is provided with a cooling component 14. The cooling component 14 is installed inside the central air conditioning unit and uses condensate to cool the central air conditioning unit.
[0049] In this embodiment, it should be noted that the condensate inside the central air conditioning terminal unit, i.e., a typical indoor air conditioning unit, can be recovered through the inlet pipe 111. This process is consistent with the process of ordinary air conditioning units discharging condensate, and its specific principle will not be elaborated here. The condensate generated by all central air conditioning terminal units on each floor of the building is collected in the condensate tank 12 through the inlet pipe 111 and then pumped by a water pump and transported to the central air conditioning main unit through the outlet pipe 112. The compressor and its piping are then cooled by the cooling component 14. Because the condensate temperature is relatively low (generally about 12 degrees Celsius when recovered through the inlet pipe 111 and about 28 degrees Celsius when reaching the central air conditioning main unit for cooling through the outlet pipe 112), this process can reduce the temperature of the compressor and its piping, thereby improving the compressor's heat dissipation efficiency and achieving energy-saving effects.
[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the cooling component 14 includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: condensate pipe 141, spray head 142, drip irrigation pipe, and atomizer.
[0051] In this embodiment, it should be noted that the cooling component 14 mainly dissipates and cools the compressor and its pipelines within the central air conditioning unit by means of heat transfer, including but not limited to direct spraying, uniform spraying, atomization, and contact with heat-conducting components. Other methods and / or structures based on water-cooling principles that utilize condensate to cool the central air conditioning unit are all within the scope of protection of this application. Specifically:
[0052] See Figure 6 As shown, the cooling component uses a condensate pipe 141, which is a continuously bent condensate pipe that, in conjunction with external heat-conducting components such as copper sheets, dissipates heat. In this embodiment, the inlet of the recovery water pipe 21 can be directly connected to the outlet of the condensate pipe 141 to recover the condensate after cooling; see also... Figure 7As shown, when the cooling component 14 uses a spray head 142, it directly sprays condensate water for cooling through a structure similar to a shower head. In this embodiment, the inlet opening of the water recovery pipe 21 is close to the bottom of the central air conditioning outdoor unit to recover the condensate water flowing to the bottom.
[0053] In a further preferred embodiment, the condensate recovery device 1 further includes a first water pump 13, which is used to pump the condensate in the condensate tank 12 to the cooling component 14 through the outlet pipe 112.
[0054] In this embodiment, it should be noted that the condensate generated by all central air conditioning terminal units on each floor of the building enters the condensate tank 12 through the inlet pipe 111 for centralized collection, and is then pumped by the first water pump 13 and transported to the central air conditioning unit through the outlet pipe 112, and then cooled by the cooling component 14.
[0055] In a further preferred embodiment, the condensate secondary recovery device 2 further includes: a connecting pipe 23, which connects the condensate tank 12 and the recovery tank 22; and a second water pump 24, which is mounted on the connecting pipe 23.
[0056] In this embodiment, it should be noted that the connecting pipe 23 connects the condensate water tank 12 and the recovery water tank 22, and the second water pump 24 can pump the water in the recovery water tank 22 into the condensate water tank 12 to achieve recycling.
[0057] Example 3:
[0058] See Figure 2 , Figure 8 As shown, the building central air conditioning condensate secondary utilization system proposed in this application includes all the contents of Embodiment 1 to Embodiment 2 and their preferred embodiments. In addition, the condensate secondary recovery device 2 also includes: at least one power generation component 25, and the power generation components 25 are all installed on the recovery water pipe 21.
[0059] In this embodiment, it should be noted that the central air conditioning unit (outdoor unit) in a typical building is located on the roof. After the condensate cools it down, it also contains gravitational potential energy as it flows downstairs. The power generation component 25 can generate electricity after the condensate flows through it, thus realizing the multi-faceted secondary utilization of the condensate.
[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the power generation component 25 is electrically connected to an energy storage device, which is electrically connected to the building's power system. The power generation component 25 includes a water pipe generator.
[0061] In this embodiment, it should be noted that the generation of condensate varies depending on the number and power of the central air conditioning terminal units. Generally, for a main unit power of 600 horsepower, approximately 300 liters of condensate can be generated per hour. The water pipe generator can convert the gravitational potential energy of the condensate into electrical energy as it falls through the pipes. Water pipe generators are commonly found in hydroelectric power plants and are existing technology. Here, an F50 water pipe generator can be used, and its specific principle will not be elaborated further. Since the power generation component 25 generally only generates electricity when the central air conditioning system generates condensate, the generated electrical energy can be stored through an energy storage device, such as a battery. The energy storage device is electrically connected to the building's power system. Because it can be set independently, it can provide emergency lighting for the building in the event of a power outage, or it can directly supply low-energy power systems such as LED lighting systems.
[0062] Example 4:
[0063] This application proposes a secondary utilization system for condensate from a building's central air conditioning system, including all contents of Embodiments 1 to 3 and their preferred embodiments. In addition, the condensate recovery device 1 also includes a first host unit, which includes a first controller and a temperature monitor. The first controller is electrically connected to a first water pump 13, and the temperature monitor is installed inside the central air conditioning unit and is electrically connected to the first controller.
[0064] In this embodiment, it should be noted that the first controller is used to turn the first water pump 13 on and off, and the temperature monitor can monitor the operating temperature of the central air conditioning unit. This type of device is commonly found in facilities such as factory central control systems. Here, a temperature monitor such as the XW-THS can be used, and its specific principle will not be elaborated further. The temperature monitor monitors the operating temperature of the central air conditioning unit and feeds it back to the first controller, which then uses the first controller to change the pump momentum of the first water pump 13 to achieve appropriate heat dissipation control of the central air conditioning unit. The aforementioned first controller can be a water pump controller with models such as S-2000, DXZK1005, or SSYP-PSC-01. This type of controller is commonly found in water pumping stations, rural water supply systems, etc., and belongs to existing technology. Its specific principle will not be elaborated further.
[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the condensate secondary recovery device 2 further includes a second main unit, which includes a second controller and a water level gauge. The second controller is electrically connected to the second water pump 24, and the water level gauge is respectively installed in the condensate tank 12 and the recovery tank 22 and is electrically connected to the second controller.
[0066] In this embodiment, it should be noted that the water level gauge is used to monitor the water levels of the condensate tank 12 and the recovery water tank 22, so that when the water level in the condensate tank 12 is insufficient, water is added to it through the water in the recovery water tank 22 for cooling of the condensate recovery device 1; the second controller mentioned above can be a controller of model S-2000, DXZK1005, SSYP-PSC-01, or other controllers that can achieve similar control functions. Such controllers are common in water pumping stations, rural water supply systems, etc., and belong to the prior art. Their specific principles will not be elaborated here.
[0067] In a further preferred embodiment, see Figure 3 As shown, both the condensate tank 12 and the recovery tank 22 are equipped with overflow pipes 3.
[0068] In this embodiment, it should be noted that the overflow pipe 3 is mainly used to prevent the water tank from becoming too full or overpressurized, and to discharge accumulated water when the water level is too high. It is commonly found in rooftop water tanks, fire water tanks, and domestic water heater systems, and is existing technology. A DN65 overflow pipe can be used here, and its specific principle will not be elaborated further. The overflow pipe 3 can discharge excess liquid when the water level in the condensate tank 12 and the recovery water tank 22 exceeds the set height.
[0069] In summary, compared with existing technologies, it has the following beneficial effects:
[0070] 1. This application utilizes a secondary condensate recovery device (including a recovery pipe and a recovery tank) to recover the condensate used for cooling the central air conditioning system. This water is stored in the recovery tank and can be used for subsequent floor cleaning, public toilet cleaning, plant cultivation, fire fighting, etc. It can also be fed back into the condensate recovery device to participate in the cooling of the central air conditioning unit, thus realizing the multiple recycling and reuse of air conditioning condensate and saving water resources.
[0071] 2. This application, by setting up a connecting pipe, a second water pump and a power generation component, enables the condensate collected in the recycling tank to be transported back to the condensate cooling device for cooling the central air conditioning unit, thus achieving recycling; the power generation component can also utilize the gravitational potential energy brought by the central air conditioning unit being installed on the roof, and generate electricity after the condensate flows through, thus realizing multiple secondary uses of the condensate.
[0072] 3. This application monitors the operation of equipment such as the central air conditioning unit, condensate water tank, and recovery water tank by setting up a first host (first controller and temperature monitor), a second host (second controller and water level gauge) and an overflow pipe; based on the monitoring of the central air conditioning unit by the temperature monitor, appropriate heat dissipation control of the central air conditioning unit is achieved, further realizing energy saving and consumption reduction.
[0073] It should be noted that in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the term "comprising"...
[0074] "Comprising" or any other variation thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.
[0075] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although this 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 of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.
Claims
1. A secondary utilization system for condensate from a building's central air conditioning system, characterized in that, include: Condensate recovery device (1), the condensate recovery device (1) is used to recover the condensate from several central air conditioning terminal units on each floor of the building, and to use the condensate to cool the central air conditioning main unit; A secondary condensate recovery device (2) includes a recovery water pipe (21) and a recovery water tank (22). One end of the recovery water pipe (21) is connected to the central air conditioning unit, and the other end is connected to the recovery water tank (22). The recovery water pipe (21) recovers the condensate after cooling the central air conditioning unit and stores it in the recovery water tank (22).
2. The building central air conditioning condensate secondary utilization system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The condensate recovery device (1) includes: A circulation pipeline (11) is provided, which includes an inlet pipe (111) and an outlet pipe (112). The inlet of the inlet pipe (111) is connected to the central air conditioning terminal unit for condensate recovery, and the outlet of the inlet pipe (111) is connected to the condensate tank (12). The condensate tank (12) is connected to one end of the outlet pipe (112), and the other end of the outlet pipe (112) is provided with a cooling component (14). The cooling component (14) is installed in the central air conditioning unit and uses condensate to cool the central air conditioning unit.
3. The building central air conditioning condensate secondary utilization system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The cooling component (14) includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: condensate pipe (141), spray head (142), drip irrigation pipe, and atomizer.
4. The building central air conditioning condensate secondary utilization system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The condensate recovery device (1) further includes a first water pump (13), which is used to pump the condensate in the condensate tank (12) to the cooling component (14) through the outlet pipe (112).
5. The building central air conditioning condensate secondary utilization system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The condensate secondary recovery device (2) also includes: A connecting pipe (23) is provided, which connects the condensate tank (12) and the recovery tank (22). The second water pump (24) is installed on the connecting pipe (23).
6. The building central air conditioning condensate secondary utilization system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The condensate secondary recovery device (2) also includes: At least one power generation component (25) is provided on the recycled water pipe (21).
7. The building central air conditioning condensate secondary utilization system as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The power generation component (25) is electrically connected to an energy storage device, which is electrically connected to the building's power system. The power generation component (25) includes a water pipe generator.
8. The building central air conditioning condensate secondary utilization system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The condensate recovery device (1) further includes a first host unit, which includes a first controller and a temperature monitor. The first controller is electrically connected to a first water pump (13), and the temperature monitor is installed inside the central air conditioning unit and electrically connected to the first controller.
9. The building central air conditioning condensate secondary utilization system as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The condensate secondary recovery device (2) also includes a second host, which includes a second controller and a water level gauge. The second controller is electrically connected to a second water pump (24). The water level gauge is installed in the condensate tank (12) and the recovery tank (22) respectively, and is electrically connected to the second controller.
10. The building central air conditioning condensate secondary utilization system as described in claim 9, characterized in that, Both the condensate tank (12) and the recovery tank (22) are equipped with overflow pipes (3).