Air conditioner duct structure and air conditioning system

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of air conditioner pipeline structure and air conditioning system, comprising: vortex tube, first branch pipeline and second branch pipeline.Vortex tube is connected in parallel in compressor exhaust side by first branch pipeline that can be disconnected.When first branch pipeline is in the state of communication, the refrigerant of compressor exhaust side enters vortex tube by first branch pipeline, after completing energy separation in vortex tube, high-temperature high-pressure gas exported by hot flow port circulates back to compressor exhaust side by first branch pipeline, and low-temperature low-pressure gas exported by cold flow port is injected into pipeline between indoor heat exchanger and outdoor heat exchanger by second branch pipeline.The hot flow and cold flow separation characteristics of vortex tube are used to establish defrost heat source circulation channel in compressor exhaust side, reduce defrost working time, and improve defrost efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air conditioning technology, specifically to an air conditioning duct structure and an air conditioning system. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the social economy and the continuous improvement of people's living standards, building energy consumption accounts for an increasingly significant proportion of the total energy consumption of the whole society, among which the energy consumption of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems has become a core component of building energy consumption. How to achieve efficient and energy-saving operation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems through technological innovation has become a key issue that urgently needs to be addressed in the current energy and environmental fields.

[0003] In low-temperature and high-humidity winter environments, air-cooled heat pump units are prone to frost buildup on the outdoor finned tube heat exchanger surface due to condensation and frosting during heating operation. As the frost thickness increases, the heat transfer efficiency of the heat exchanger decreases significantly, leading to deterioration in system heating performance and increased energy consumption. To address this issue, existing technologies commonly employ reverse-cycle defrosting, which involves switching the heat pump operating mode and using the heat from the compressor exhaust to defrost the heat exchanger surface. However, this method requires longer defrosting times, results in larger water temperature fluctuations, and consequently, poorer heating performance. Furthermore, prolonged defrosting can cause high pressure buildup in the heat pump circulation system, potentially triggering a protective shutdown.

[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, there is an urgent need to develop a new type of heat pump system to improve its energy efficiency and provide technical support for energy conservation and emission reduction in the building HVAC field. Utility Model Content

[0005] In order to solve the technical problem of low defrosting efficiency and long defrosting time in the prior art, this utility model proposes an air conditioning duct structure and an air conditioning system.

[0006] The technical solution adopted in this utility model is:

[0007] This utility model proposes an air conditioning pipe structure, including: a vortex tube connected in parallel to the compressor exhaust side pipe via a first branch pipe that can be disconnected, wherein the hot flow port and the air inlet of the vortex tube are connected to the first branch pipe; the cold flow port of the vortex tube is connected to the pipe between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger of the air conditioning system via a second branch pipe, wherein when the first branch pipe is connected, the refrigerant on the compressor exhaust side passes through the vortex tube.

[0008] Furthermore, the air conditioning piping structure also includes a pressure relief valve, which is connected between the outdoor heat exchanger and the inlet side of the gas-liquid separator via a pipe.

[0009] Furthermore, the first branch pipe includes: a first branch pipe and a second branch pipe, one end of the first branch pipe is connected to the air inlet of the vortex tube, and the other end is connected near the exhaust side of the compressor; one end of the second branch pipe is connected to the hot flow port of the vortex tube, and the other end is connected near the inlet of the four-way valve.

[0010] Furthermore, a first regulating valve is provided on the second branch pipeline, and a second regulating valve is provided on the second branch pipeline.

[0011] Furthermore, a capillary tube connects the pressure relief valve and the gas-liquid separator.

[0012] Furthermore, a third regulating valve is provided on the compressor exhaust side pipe, and the end of the first branch pipe that connects to the compressor exhaust side pipe is located between the third regulating valve and the compressor exhaust side.

[0013] Furthermore, a pressure sensor is installed at the compressor's exhaust port.

[0014] Furthermore, a defrosting temperature sensor is installed on the fins of the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0015] This utility model also proposes an air conditioning system, including the aforementioned air conditioning duct structure.

[0016] Furthermore, the air conditioning system also includes: an indoor heat exchanger, an electronic expansion valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, a gas-liquid separator, a compressor, and a four-way valve;

[0017] The D end of the four-way valve is connected in sequence to the compressor, the gas-liquid separator and the S end of the four-way valve via a pipe;

[0018] The E end of the four-way valve is connected in sequence to the indoor heat exchanger, the electronic expansion valve, the outdoor heat exchanger, and the C end of the four-way valve via a pipe.

[0019] Compared with existing technologies, this application allows the refrigerant on the compressor discharge side to enter the vortex tube via a first branch pipe. After energy separation is completed within the vortex tube, the high-temperature, high-pressure gas output from the hot flow port circulates back to the compressor discharge side through the first branch pipe, while the low-temperature, low-pressure gas output from the cold flow port is injected into the pipeline between the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers through a second branch pipe. By utilizing the hot and cold flow separation characteristics of the vortex tube, a defrosting heat source circulation channel is established on the compressor discharge side, reducing defrosting time and improving defrosting efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, 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.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a connection diagram of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the operation process of an embodiment of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the heating process according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration process according to an embodiment of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the control flow of an embodiment of this utility model;

[0026] 1. Compressor; 2. Four-way valve; 3. Outdoor heat exchanger; 4. Outdoor fan; 5. Expansion valve; 6. Indoor heat exchanger; 7. Vortex tube; 8. Vapor-liquid separator; 9. Third regulating valve; 10. First regulating valve; 11. Second regulating valve; 12. Pressure relief valve; 13. Capillary tube; 14. Defrosting temperature sensor; 15. Pressure sensor; 16. First branch pipeline; 161. First branch pipeline; 162. Second branch pipeline; 17. Second branch pipeline. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0028] The principle and structure of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0029] In low-temperature and high-humidity winter environments, air-cooled heat pump units are prone to frost buildup on the outdoor finned tube heat exchanger surface due to condensation and frosting during heating operation. As the frost thickness increases, the heat transfer efficiency of the heat exchanger decreases significantly, leading to deterioration in system heating performance and increased energy consumption. To address this issue, existing technologies commonly employ reverse-cycle defrosting, which involves switching the heat pump operating mode and using the heat from the compressor exhaust to defrost the heat exchanger surface. However, this method requires longer defrosting times, results in larger water temperature fluctuations, and consequently, poorer heating performance. Furthermore, prolonged defrosting can cause high pressure buildup in the heat pump circulation system, potentially triggering a protective shutdown.

[0030] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, this application proposes an air conditioning duct structure, including a vortex tube 7, a first branch duct 16, and a second branch duct 17.

[0031] The vortex tube 7 is connected in parallel to the connecting pipe on the discharge side of the compressor 1 via a disconnectable first branch pipe 16. Both the hot flow port and the inlet of the vortex tube 7 are connected to the first branch pipe 16. The cold flow port of the vortex tube 7 is connected to the pipe between the indoor heat exchanger 6 and the outdoor heat exchanger 3 of the air conditioning system via a second branch pipe 17. When the first branch pipe 16 is open, the refrigerant on the discharge side of the compressor 1 enters the vortex tube 7 via the first branch pipe 16. After energy separation is completed within the vortex tube 7, the high-temperature, high-pressure gas output from the hot flow port circulates back to the discharge side of the compressor 1 via the first branch pipe 16, while the low-temperature, low-pressure gas output from the cold flow port is injected into the pipe between the indoor heat exchanger 6 and the outdoor heat exchanger 3 via the second branch pipe 17. This structure utilizes the hot and cold flow separation characteristics of the vortex tube 7. Compared to the fluid that has not been treated by the vortex tube 7, the pressure of the hot fluid from the hot flow port of the vortex tube 7 will decrease and the temperature will become higher after the exhaust of the compressor 1 is treated by the vortex tube 7. During defrosting operation, the defrosting time can be effectively shortened, and the risk of high pressure protection during defrosting operation is also reduced.

[0032] The air conditioning piping structure also includes a pressure relief valve 12. The pressure relief valve 12 is connected via a pipe between the outdoor heat exchanger 3 and the inlet side of the gas-liquid separator. The opening and closing of the pressure relief valve 12 is related to the system pressure, and it can also relieve pressure in non-defrosting states. For example, when the high pressure detected by the pressure sensor 15 exceeds the set high pressure, the pressure relief valve 12 can be opened to relieve pressure, improving the stability of the air conditioning system.

[0033] like Figure 2As shown, the first branch pipe 16 includes a first branch pipe 161 and a second branch pipe 162. One end of the first branch pipe 161 is connected to the inlet of the vortex tube 7, and the other end is connected near the exhaust side of the compressor 1, used to introduce gaseous refrigerant from the exhaust side of the compressor 1 into the vortex tube 7. One end of the second branch pipe 162 is connected to the hot flow port of the vortex tube 7, and the other end is connected near the inlet of the four-way valve 2, used to return the high-temperature, high-pressure gas output from the hot flow port of the vortex tube 7 to the inlet side of the four-way valve 2. This branch pipe structure ensures efficient refrigerant entry into the vortex tube 7 for energy separation by directly connecting the inlet of the vortex tube 7 to the exhaust side of the compressor 1; simultaneously, connecting the hot flow end near the inlet of the four-way valve 2 allows high-temperature gas to quickly participate in the system circulation during the defrosting stage, improving the utilization efficiency of the defrosting heat source.

[0034] The air conditioning duct structure also includes: a first regulating valve 10 and a second regulating valve 11. Specifically, the first regulating valve 10 is installed on the second branch pipe 162, and the second regulating valve 11 is installed on the second branch pipe. The first regulating valve 10 controls the opening and closing of the high-temperature, high-pressure gas output from the hot flow port of the vortex tube 7, allowing it to return to the inlet side of the four-way valve 2 through the second branch pipe, and regulates its flow rate. The second regulating valve 11 controls the opening and closing of the low-temperature, low-pressure gas output from the cold flow port of the vortex tube 7, allowing it to be injected into the pipeline between the indoor heat exchanger 6 and the outdoor heat exchanger 3 through the second branch pipe, and regulates its flow rate.

[0035] Specifically, the first regulating valve 10 and the second regulating valve 11 are electrically operated regulating valves.

[0036] like Figures 1-2 As shown, the air conditioning piping structure also includes a capillary tube 13. The capillary tube 13 is installed on the pipeline between the pressure relief valve 12 and the inlet of the gas-liquid separator. It is used to further reduce the pressure on the output side of the pressure relief valve 12 through a throttling effect and control the refrigerant flow rate at the inlet of the gas-liquid separator. By forming a local pressure gradient, the capillary tube 13 can effectively buffer the instantaneous high-pressure pulsations generated during the opening and closing of the pressure relief valve 12, avoiding mechanical stress or a decrease in separation efficiency in the gas-liquid separator caused by sudden pressure changes. The length and diameter of the capillary tube 13 can be designed according to the system pressure regulation requirements to achieve pressure control after the pressure relief valve 12, while ensuring stability at the inlet of the gas-liquid separator.

[0037] Furthermore, the air conditioning piping structure also includes a third regulating valve 9. The third regulating valve 9 is installed on the discharge side pipe of the compressor 1. Specifically, it is located on the pipe between the discharge side of the compressor 1 and the inlet of the four-way valve 2. The end of the first branch pipe 161 near the discharge side of the compressor 1 is located between the third regulating valve 9 and the discharge side of the compressor 1. It is used to control the opening and closing of a certain discharge side pipe section of the compressor 1 and to regulate the flow, so that when the third regulating valve 9 is closed, the refrigerant flows only to the vortex tube.

[0038] Furthermore, the first regulating valve 10, the second regulating valve 11, and the third regulating valve 9 are all stepless proportional electric regulating valves, which can control the fluid flow and on / off state of the pipeline in which they are located.

[0039] Furthermore, this application also includes a pressure sensor 15 on the connecting pipe of the compressor 1's exhaust port. The pressure sensor 15 is used to monitor the pressure parameters on the exhaust side of the compressor 1 in real time and uses these parameters as a feedback signal of the system's operating status.

[0040] Furthermore, a defrost temperature sensor 14 is installed on the fins of the outdoor heat exchanger 3. The defrost temperature sensor 14 is used to monitor the temperature change on the fin surface in real time. When the detected temperature is lower than a set threshold, a defrost mode activation signal is triggered. This sensor can determine the degree of frost by sensing the temperature anomaly caused by frost accumulation on the fin surface. The sensor's installation location should cover the main heat exchange area of ​​the fin surface to ensure the representativeness of temperature data acquisition, thereby reducing ineffective defrosting energy consumption and ensuring continuous and stable heat exchange efficiency.

[0041] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, this application also proposes an air conditioning system including the aforementioned air conditioning duct structure. Specifically, it can be a heat pump system that utilizes the thermal effect generated by vortex tubes for defrosting, effectively shortening defrosting time and reducing the risk of high-pressure protection; at the same time, a bypass branch is added to the heat pump system to relieve pressure during defrosting, further reducing the risk of high-pressure protection.

[0042] Specifically, the air conditioning system includes: an indoor heat exchanger 6, an electronic expansion valve 5, an outdoor heat exchanger 3, a gas-liquid separator 8, a compressor 1, and a four-way valve 2. The four-way valve 2 has four connection sections: D, S, E, and C. The D section of the four-way valve 2 connects sequentially to the compressor 1, the gas-liquid separator 8, and the S section of the four-way valve 2, forming the basic flow path between the discharge and suction sides of the compressor 1. The E section of the four-way valve 2 connects sequentially to the indoor heat exchanger 6, the electronic expansion valve 5, the outdoor heat exchanger 3, and the C section of the four-way valve 2. The electronic expansion valve 5 is located between the indoor heat exchanger 6 and the outdoor heat exchanger 3, and is used to regulate the refrigerant flow to match the heat exchange requirements under different operating conditions. The gas-liquid separator is installed on the suction side of the compressor 1, and prevents liquid slugging from damaging the compressor 1 by separating incompletely evaporated liquid refrigerant. The four-way valve 2 switches between cooling and heating modes by changing the connection status of different ports. At the same time, it works with the pressure sensor 15 and the defrost temperature sensor 14 in the defrost structure to monitor the system's operating status.

[0043] like Figure 3As shown, during air conditioning cooling, the first regulating valve 10 and the second regulating valve 11 are closed, while the third regulating valve 9 is open. The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, after passing through the compressor 1, flows through the third regulating valve 9, enters the D end of the four-way valve 2, and then flows out from the C end into the outdoor heat exchanger 3. It releases heat and condenses in the outdoor heat exchanger 3, then flows out through the electronic expansion valve 5 and into the indoor heat exchanger 6 for evaporation and heat absorption for cooling. After flowing out from the indoor heat exchanger 6, it enters the E end of the four-way valve 2, then flows out from the S end, passes through the vapor-liquid separator 8, and finally enters the suction side of the compressor 1 to complete the refrigeration cycle.

[0044] like Figure 4 As shown, during air conditioning heating, the first regulating valve 10 and the second regulating valve 11 are closed, while the third regulating valve 9 is open. The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, after passing through the compressor 1, flows through the third regulating valve 9 and enters the D end of the four-way valve 2. It then flows out from the E end and enters the indoor heat exchanger 6. After releasing heat and condensing in the heat exchanger, it flows out through the electronic expansion valve 5 and enters the outdoor heat exchanger 3 for evaporation and heat absorption. After flowing out from the outdoor heat exchanger 3, it enters the C end of the four-way valve 2, flows out from the S end, passes through the vapor-liquid separator 8, and then enters the suction side of the compressor 1 to complete the heating cycle.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, during air conditioner defrosting, the first regulating valve 10 and the second regulating valve 11 are open, and the third regulating valve 9 is closed. The high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant passes through the compressor 1 and enters the vortex tube 7. After passing through the vortex tube 7, the fluid is divided into two streams, one hot and one cold. The hot fluid flows out through the hot outlet of the vortex tube 7, flows through the first regulating valve 10 and enters the D end of the four-way valve 2. After flowing out from the C end, it enters the outdoor heat exchanger 3, where it releases heat and condenses. After flowing out, it flows through the electronic expansion valve 5. The other cold fluid flows out through the cold outlet of the vortex tube 7 and flows through the second regulating valve 11. After flowing out from the second regulating valve 11, it merges with the fluid flowing through the electronic expansion valve 5 and enters the indoor heat exchanger 6 to evaporate and absorb heat. After flowing out from the indoor heat exchanger 6, the refrigerant enters the E end of the four-way valve 2, and then flows out from the S end. After passing through the vapor-liquid separator 8, it enters the suction side of the compressor 1 to complete the refrigeration cycle.

[0046] At this time, the outdoor fan 4 is in a stopped state; the pressure relief valve 12 can open and close according to the pressure changes in the system;

[0047] The vortex tube 7 is a device that separates compressed air into hot and cold air streams. Due to centrifugal force, the hotter portion of the high-speed rotating air stream is pushed towards the outer wall of the vortex tube 7, while the colder portion remains in the central region. The vortex tube 7 has separate hot and cold flow ends. The cold air stream near the center of the vortex tube 7 exits from the cold flow end, while the hot air stream on the outer side exits from the hot flow end. By adjusting the opening of the hot and cold flow ends, the ratio of hot and cold air streams and their temperatures can be changed, thereby controlling the cooling or heating effect.

[0048] Compared to traditional refrigerants without vortex tube 7 treatment, the pressure of the hot fluid discharged from the hot flow port after the compressor 1 exhaust passes through vortex tube 7 will decrease and the temperature will become higher; during defrosting operation, the defrosting time can be effectively shortened.

[0049] like Figure 5 As shown, after the air conditioning unit is turned on, the mode selection is performed to determine whether it is defrosting mode;

[0050] When defrosting mode is selected, the first regulating valve 10 and the second regulating valve 11 are in the open state, and the third regulating valve 9 is closed; the pressure sensor's detection value P_detection and the value P_set are compared. If P_detection > P_set for n consecutive seconds, the pressure relief valve 12 is opened; if P_detection ≤ P_set - preset deviation value for n consecutive seconds, the pressure relief valve 12 is closed.

[0051] After adjusting the pressure relief valve 12, obtain the defrosting temperature and compare it with the set temperature. If the defrosting temperature is detected to be greater than the set temperature plus the deviation value for m consecutive seconds, exit the defrosting mode; otherwise, continue running the defrosting mode.

[0052] Compared with existing technologies, this utility model proposes an air conditioning pipe structure, including: a vortex tube 7, a first branch pipe, and a second branch pipe. The vortex tube 7 is connected in parallel to the discharge side of the compressor 1 through the disconnectable first branch pipe. When the first branch pipe is in the connected state, the refrigerant on the discharge side of the compressor 1 enters the vortex tube 7 through the first branch pipe. After energy separation is completed in the vortex tube 7, the high-temperature and high-pressure gas output from the hot flow port circulates back to the discharge side of the compressor 1 through the first branch pipe, while the low-temperature and low-pressure gas output from the cold flow port is injected into the pipeline between the indoor heat exchanger 6 and the outdoor heat exchanger 3 through the second branch pipe. By utilizing the heat and cold flow separation characteristics of the vortex tube 7, a defrosting heat source circulation channel is established on the discharge side of the compressor 1, reducing the defrosting time and improving defrosting efficiency.

[0053] It should be noted that the terminology used above is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this utility model. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0054] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following drawings denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it need not be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

Claims

1. An air conditioning duct structure, characterized in that, include: A vortex tube is connected in parallel to the compressor exhaust side pipe via a first branch pipe that can be disconnected. The hot flow port and the air inlet of the vortex tube are connected to the first branch pipe. The cold flow port of the vortex tube is connected to the pipe between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger of the air conditioning system via a second branch pipe. When the first branch pipe is connected, the refrigerant on the compressor exhaust side passes through the vortex tube.

2. The air conditioning duct structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The air conditioning piping structure also includes a pressure relief valve, which is connected between the outdoor heat exchanger and the inlet side of the gas-liquid separator via a pipe.

3. The air conditioning duct structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first branch pipeline includes: a first branch pipeline and a second branch pipeline. One end of the first branch pipeline is connected to the air inlet of the vortex tube, and the other end is connected near the exhaust side of the compressor. One end of the second branch pipeline is connected to the hot flow port of the vortex tube, and the other end is connected near the inlet of the four-way valve.

4. The air conditioning duct structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The second branch pipeline is equipped with a first regulating valve, and the second branch pipeline is equipped with a second regulating valve.

5. The air conditioning duct structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that, A capillary tube connects the pressure relief valve and the gas-liquid separator.

6. The air conditioning duct structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The compressor exhaust side pipe is provided with a third regulating valve, and the end of the first branch pipe that connects to the compressor exhaust side pipe is located between the third regulating valve and the compressor exhaust side.

7. The air conditioning duct structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A pressure sensor is installed on the exhaust side of the compressor.

8. The air conditioning duct structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outdoor heat exchanger is equipped with a defrosting temperature sensor on its fins.

9. An air conditioning system, characterized in that, Includes the air conditioning duct structure as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. The air conditioning system as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The air conditioning system also includes: an indoor heat exchanger, an electronic expansion valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, a gas-liquid separator, a compressor, and a four-way valve; The D end of the four-way valve is connected in sequence to the compressor, the gas-liquid separator and the S end of the four-way valve via a pipe; The E end of the four-way valve is connected in sequence to the indoor heat exchanger, the electronic expansion valve, the outdoor heat exchanger, and the C end of the four-way valve via a pipe.

Images