Intelligent volumetric condensing unit
By using a four-way reversing valve and vapor injection enthalpy enhancement technology in intelligent volumetric condensing units, the frost problem of condensing units has been solved, achieving efficient defrosting and energy-saving refrigeration, and improving the reliability and maintainability of the system.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHANGHAI RUENTROPY TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-21
AI Technical Summary
When condensing units operate in low-temperature and high-humidity environments, frost easily forms on the surface of the evaporator, affecting heat exchange efficiency and increasing energy consumption.
The unit adopts an intelligent volumetric condensing unit, which uses a four-way reversing valve to switch the high-temperature steam output from the compressor to the inner wall of the evaporator to generate hot air for defrosting. The medium-pressure refrigerant is separated in the economizer and introduced into the compressor's additional suction port to achieve vapor injection and enthalpy enhancement, thereby improving refrigeration efficiency.
It achieves defrosting function without consuming electricity, improves the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator and the efficiency of the compressor, saves energy and extends the system life.
Smart Images

Figure CN224534524U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of condensing unit technology, and in particular to an intelligent volumetric condensing unit. Background Technology
[0002] Condensing chillers, as efficient and reliable refrigeration equipment, are widely used in various applications requiring cooling. A condensing chiller mainly consists of key components such as a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator. Its working principle involves the compressor compressing low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas, which is then sent to the condenser for cooling and heat exchange, causing the refrigerant to change from a gaseous state to a liquid state and releasing a large amount of heat. Afterward, the liquid refrigerant passes through the expansion valve to reduce pressure and temperature, entering the evaporator to complete the refrigeration cycle. Condensing chillers play a crucial role in the refrigeration industry. They not only play an important role in residential and commercial air conditioning, providing a comfortable temperature environment for people's lives and work, but also play a key role in cold storage, maintaining the freshness of food, medicine, and other items by lowering the air temperature.
[0003] A common problem when using condensing chillers is frosting. When the condensing chiller operates in a low-temperature, high-humidity environment, a thick layer of frost easily forms on the evaporator surface. This frost layer severely affects the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator, leading to a decrease in cooling performance and potentially causing equipment failure. To solve the frosting problem of condensing chillers, electric defrosting is currently commonly used. Electric defrosting involves installing an electric heater on the evaporator, using the heat generated by electricity to melt the frost layer. However, while this method is simple to operate, it greatly increases the power consumption of the condensing chiller, resulting in significant energy waste. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to at least solve one of the aforementioned technical defects.
[0005] Therefore, one objective of this utility model is to propose an intelligent volumetric condensing unit to solve the problems mentioned in the background art and overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, one embodiment of this utility model provides an intelligent volumetric condensing unit, including a compressor and a four-way reversing valve. The four-way reversing valve includes a valve body, and a first connecting pipe, a second connecting pipe, a third connecting pipe, and a fourth connecting pipe are fixedly connected to the outer surface of the valve body. The input end of the compressor is connected to the second connecting pipe via a pipe, and the output end of the compressor is connected to an oil-water separator via a pipe. The water output end of the oil-water separator is connected to the fourth connecting pipe via a pipe. The output end of the first connecting pipe is connected to a condenser via a pipe, and the output end of the condenser is connected to a liquid receiver via a pipe. The output end of the liquid receiver is connected to an economizer via a pipe, and the first output end of the economizer is connected to an evaporator via a pipe. The output end of the evaporator is connected to the third connecting pipe via a pipe.
[0007] Preferably, in any of the above schemes, a first shut-off valve is provided on the pipe between the evaporator output end and the third connecting pipe, and a second shut-off valve is provided on the pipe between the first output end of the economizer and the input end of the evaporator.
[0008] Preferably, in any of the above embodiments, the output end of the condenser is connected to a first filter via a pipe, the output end of the first filter is connected to the input end of the liquid receiver via a pipe, the output end of the liquid receiver is connected to a second filter via a pipe, and the output end of the second filter is connected to the first input end of the economizer via a pipe. Both the first filter and the second filter are non-metallic fiber mesh filters.
[0009] Preferably, in any of the above embodiments, the first output end of the economizer is connected to an electronic expansion valve via a pipe, the output end of the electronic expansion valve is connected to the second input end of the economizer via a pipe, and the second output end of the economizer is connected to the input end of the compressor.
[0010] Preferably, in any of the above embodiments, the oil output end of the oil-water separator is connected to the input end of the compressor via a pipeline.
[0011] Preferably, the four-way directional valve is an electromagnetic directional valve, as described in any of the above schemes.
[0012] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0013] 1. During the condensation stage of the condensing unit, the compressor pushes high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant to the condenser. The refrigerant releases heat and liquefies, flowing out of the condenser. Subsequently, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows through the throttling device to reduce its pressure and partially flashes into a gaseous state. After entering the evaporator, it absorbs heat and completely vaporizes. Finally, the gaseous refrigerant is drawn back into the compressor and compressed to do work, forming a continuous and efficient refrigeration cycle. When frost appears on the compressor return pipe, the high-temperature steam generated at the compressor output end can be input to the inner wall of the evaporator by switching the valve of the four-way reversing valve. This allows the evaporator's fan to generate hot air, which is then blown towards the frosted area, achieving hot air defrosting. Compared with traditional electric defrosting, this saves a significant amount of electricity.
[0014] 2. In the economizer, a portion of the refrigerant in the receiver is separated. This medium-pressure refrigerant may then be introduced into the compressor's additional suction port, where it mixes with the partially compressed refrigerant and is then compressed again, thus achieving a vapor injection enthalpy enhancement effect. Vapor injection enthalpy enhancement increases the refrigerant flow rate in the condenser, widens the enthalpy difference in the main circulation loop, and thereby improves the compressor's efficiency. Attached Figure Description
[0015] Fig. 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.
[0016] Fig. 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the system flowchart of this utility model;
[0017] Fig. 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure at point A of this utility model.
[0018] In the diagram: 1-Compressor, 2-Four-way reversing valve, 201-Valve body, 202-First connecting pipe, 203-Second connecting pipe, 204-Third connecting pipe, 205-Fourth connecting pipe, 3-Oil-water separator, 4-Condenser, 5-Liquid receiver, 6-Economizer, 7-Evaporator, 8-First shut-off valve, 9-Second shut-off valve, 10-First filter, 11-Second filter, 12-Electronic expansion valve. Detailed Implementation
[0019] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto.
[0020] like Figs. 1 to 3As shown, an intelligent volumetric condensing unit includes a compressor 1 and a four-way reversing valve 2. The four-way reversing valve 2 includes a valve body 201. A first connecting pipe 202, a second connecting pipe 203, a third connecting pipe 204, and a fourth connecting pipe 205 are fixedly connected to the outer surface of the valve body 201. The input end of the compressor 1 is connected to the second connecting pipe 203 through a pipe. The output end of the compressor 1 is connected to an oil-water separator 3 through a pipe. The water output end of the oil-water separator 3 is connected to the fourth connecting pipe 205 through a pipe. The output end of the first connecting pipe 202 is connected to a condenser 4 through a pipe. The output end of the condenser 4 is connected to a liquid receiver 5 through a pipe. The output end of the liquid receiver 5 is connected to an economizer 6 through a pipe. The first output end of the economizer 6 is connected to an evaporator 7 through a pipe. The output end of the evaporator 7 is connected to the third connecting pipe 204 through a pipe.
[0021] As an optional technical solution of this utility model, a first shut-off valve 8 is installed on the pipe between the output end of the evaporator 7 and the third connecting pipe 204, and a second shut-off valve 9 is installed on the pipe between the first output end of the economizer 6 and the input end of the evaporator 7. The installation of the first shut-off valve 8 and the second shut-off valve 9 allows the system to flexibly cut off the pipes when necessary, facilitating system maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting. By closing the corresponding shut-off valves, a certain part of the system can be isolated without affecting the normal operation of other parts, thus improving the reliability and maintainability of the system.
[0022] As an optional technical solution of this utility model, the output end of the condenser 4 is connected to a first filter 10 via a pipe. The output end of the first filter 10 is connected to the input end of the receiver 5 via a pipe. The output end of the receiver 5 is connected to a second filter 11 via a pipe. The output end of the second filter 11 is connected to the first input end of the economizer 6 via a pipe. Both the first filter 10 and the second filter 11 are non-metallic fiber mesh filters. Non-metallic fiber mesh filters can effectively remove impurities and particulate matter from the refrigerant, ensuring that the refrigerant entering the receiver 5 and the economizer 6 is pure and free of impurities. This helps prevent impurities from causing wear and blockage to system components, extending the system's service life, and improving the system's cooling efficiency and stability.
[0023] As an optional technical solution of this utility model, the first output end of the economizer 6 is connected to an electronic expansion valve 12 via a pipe. The output end of the electronic expansion valve 12 is connected to the second input end of the economizer 6 via a pipe. The second output end of the economizer 6 is connected to the input end of the compressor 1. The electronic expansion valve 12 has the ability to precisely control the refrigerant flow rate and can automatically adjust its opening degree according to system requirements, thereby optimizing the cooling effect and energy efficiency ratio of the system. In addition, the electronic expansion valve 12 has a fast response speed and can quickly respond to system changes, improving the stability and response speed of the system.
[0024] As an optional technical solution of this utility model, the oil-water separator 3 has its oil output end connected to the input end of the compressor 1 via a pipeline. The economizer 6 separates the medium-pressure refrigerant and introduces it into the compressor's additional suction port, achieving a vapor injection enthalpy-increasing effect. This increases the refrigerant flow rate in the condenser, increases the enthalpy difference of the main circulation loop, and thus improves the compressor's efficiency.
[0025] As an optional technical solution of this utility model, the four-way reversing valve 2 is an electromagnetic reversing valve, and the oil-water separator 3 can effectively separate the oil and water produced by the compressor 1, preventing them from entering the refrigeration system and causing pollution and blockage. This helps to maintain the cleanliness and efficient operation of the system and extend its service life.
[0026] A smart volumetric condensing chiller unit operates on the following principle:
[0027] 1): During the condensation stage of the condensing unit, compressor 1 pushes the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant to condenser 4. The refrigerant in condenser 4 releases heat and then liquefies and flows out.
[0028] 2): The liquid high-pressure refrigerant flows through the throttling device to reduce its pressure and partially flashes into a gaseous state. After entering the evaporator 7, it absorbs heat and completely vaporizes. Finally, the gaseous refrigerant is drawn back into the compressor 1 and compressed to do work, forming a continuous and efficient refrigeration cycle.
[0029] 3): The valve switching of the four-way reversing valve 2 can allow the high-temperature steam generated at the output end of the compressor 1 to be input into the inner wall of the evaporator 7, which can generate hot air in the fan section of the evaporator 7.
[0030] In summary, this intelligent volumetric condensing unit, during the condensation stage, compressor 1 pushes high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant to condenser 4. The refrigerant in condenser 4 releases heat and liquefies, flowing out. Subsequently, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows through a throttling device to reduce pressure and partially flashes into a gaseous state. It then enters evaporator 7, absorbs heat, and completely vaporizes. Finally, the gaseous refrigerant is drawn back into compressor 1 and compressed to perform work, forming a continuous and efficient refrigeration cycle. When frost forms on the return pipe of compressor 1, the high-temperature steam generated at the output of compressor 1 can be input to the inner wall of evaporator 7 by switching the valve of the four-way reversing valve 2. This allows the fan section of evaporator 7 to generate hot air, which is then blown towards the frosted area, achieving hot air defrosting. Compared to traditional electric defrosting, this saves a significant amount of energy. In the economizer, a portion of the refrigerant in receiver 5 is separated. This medium-pressure refrigerant may then be introduced into the additional suction port of compressor 1, mixed with the partially compressed refrigerant, and then compressed again, thus achieving a vapor injection enthalpy-increasing effect. Vacuum injection enthalpy enhancement can increase the refrigerant flow rate in condenser 4, increase the enthalpy difference of the main circulation loop, and thus improve the efficiency of compressor 1.
Claims
1. An intelligent volumetric condensing chiller unit, characterized in that: The system includes a compressor (1) and a four-way reversing valve (2). The four-way reversing valve (2) includes a valve body (201). The outer surface of the valve body (201) is fixedly connected to a first connecting pipe (202), a second connecting pipe (203), a third connecting pipe (204), and a fourth connecting pipe (205). The input end of the compressor (1) is connected to the second connecting pipe (203) through a pipe. The output end of the compressor (1) is connected to an oil-water separator (3) through a pipe. The water output end of the oil-water separator (3) is connected to the fourth connecting pipe (205) through a pipe. The output end of the first connecting pipe (202) is connected to a condenser (4) through a pipe. The output end of the condenser (4) is connected to a liquid receiver (5) through a pipe. The output end of the liquid receiver (5) is connected to an economizer (6) through a pipe. The first output end of the economizer (6) is connected to an evaporator (7) through a pipe. The output end of the evaporator (7) is connected to the third connecting pipe (204) through a pipe.
2. The intelligent volumetric condensing chiller unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first shut-off valve (8) is provided on the pipe between the output end of the evaporator (7) and the third connecting pipe (204), and a second shut-off valve (9) is provided on the pipe between the first output end of the economizer (6) and the input end of the evaporator (7).
3. The intelligent volumetric condensing chiller unit according to claim 2, characterized in that: The output end of the condenser (4) is connected to a first filter (10) via a pipe. The output end of the first filter (10) is connected to the input end of the liquid reservoir (5) via a pipe. The output end of the liquid reservoir (5) is connected to a second filter (11) via a pipe. The output end of the second filter (11) is connected to the first input end of the economizer (6) via a pipe. Both the first filter (10) and the second filter (11) are non-metallic fiber mesh filters.
4. The intelligent volumetric condensing chiller unit according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first output end of the economizer (6) is connected to an electronic expansion valve (12) via a pipe. The output end of the electronic expansion valve (12) is connected to the second input end of the economizer (6) via a pipe. The second output end of the economizer (6) is connected to the input end of the compressor (1).
5. The intelligent volumetric condensing chiller unit according to claim 4, characterized in that: The oil output end of the oil-water separator (3) is connected to the input end of the compressor (1) via a pipeline.
6. The intelligent volumetric condensing chiller unit according to claim 5, characterized in that: The four-way directional valve (2) is an electromagnetic directional valve.