Auxiliary heating and anti-liquid-punching heat pump system

Abstract

A heat pump system with auxiliary heating and anti-liquid slugging includes: an air compression module for drawing in air from the environment and pressurizing it to generate compressed air with a predetermined pressure; a vortex generator having an inlet connected to the output end of the air compression module; a first outlet for outputting low-temperature gas; and a second outlet for outputting high-temperature gas; the vortex chamber connecting the inlet and the second outlet for heating the compressed air flowing through it due to energy conversion; and a heat exchange heating structure connected to the second outlet of the vortex generator and thermally coupled to the refrigerant return pipeline of the air-source heat pump system for heating the refrigerant return pipeline with the high-temperature gas discharged from the second outlet, thereby preventing liquid slugging in the heat pump system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of heat pump technology, specifically a heat pump system with auxiliary heating and anti-liquid slugging. Background Technology

[0002] Air source heat pumps, as efficient, energy-saving, and environmentally friendly heat lifting and transfer devices, absorb a large amount of low-temperature heat energy from the air by consuming a small amount of electricity and convert it into usable high-temperature heat energy. They are widely used in building heating, domestic hot water, and other fields. Their core working principle utilizes the reverse Carnot cycle, achieving heat transfer through changes in the physical state of the refrigerant, such as evaporation, compression, condensation, and throttling.

[0003] However, in practical applications, especially in cold winter regions, traditional air source heat pump systems face a severe challenge in heating mode. When the ambient temperature is too low (e.g., below -5°C), the outdoor unit, acting as the evaporator, experiences a reduced temperature difference between its finned heat exchanger and the low-temperature air, leading to a sharp decline in heat exchange efficiency. This directly triggers a core problem: incomplete refrigerant vaporization.

[0004] Specifically, the liquid refrigerant flowing through the outdoor evaporator cannot fully absorb enough heat to complete the phase change, resulting in a large amount of liquid refrigerant or wet vapor with extremely low saturation (i.e., "liquid-laden return gas") flowing along the return gas pipeline to the compressor, the core component of the system.

[0005] Compressors are designed to compress gases, not liquids, because liquids are essentially incompressible. When liquid refrigerant enters the compressor's cylinders, it creates instantaneous, extremely high pressures during the piston's rapid compression stroke—a phenomenon known as "liquid slugging." Liquid slugging can cause devastating damage to the compressor.

[0006] To address or mitigate the aforementioned liquid slugging problem, existing technologies typically employ the installation of a gas-liquid separator. This separator is installed on the compressor's return gas line, utilizing volume changes and gravity to allow liquid refrigerant in the return gas to settle at the bottom, while gaseous refrigerant enters the compressor from the top outlet. However, this approach has significant drawbacks: it is a passive protection method, only separating droplets but not eliminating the liquid itself. Under extreme conditions of persistently low ambient temperatures and large system return liquid volumes, the gas-liquid separator will gradually become filled with liquid, eventually losing its separating function, and the risk of liquid slugging remains. Furthermore, the refrigerant accumulated in the separator needs to slowly vaporize using the system's own heat, which is extremely inefficient at low temperatures, still posing a possibility of liquid slugging. Therefore, further improvements are necessary. Utility Model Content

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies and provide a heat pump system with auxiliary heating and anti-liquid slugging, which has a simple structure, low manufacturing cost, and can actively, efficiently, with low energy consumption and safe and reliable auxiliary heating of return gas refrigerant, thereby eliminating the risk of compressor liquid slugging from the root.

[0008] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following method: a heat pump system with auxiliary heating and anti-liquid slugging, comprising:

[0009] An air compression module is used to draw in air from the environment and pressurize it to produce compressed air with a predetermined pressure;

[0010] A vortex generator having: an air inlet connected to the output of the air compression module;

[0011] A first outlet for outputting low-temperature gas; a second outlet for outputting high-temperature gas; and a throttling valve plate disposed therein, the throttling valve plate connecting the inlet and the first outlet, for cooling the compressed air flowing through it due to the throttling effect;

[0012] The vortex chamber located inside it, which connects the air inlet and the second air outlet, is used to heat the compressed air flowing through it due to energy conversion.

[0013] A heat exchange heating structure is connected to the second outlet of the eddy current generator and thermally coupled to the refrigerant return gas pipeline of the air source heat pump system, for heating the refrigerant return gas pipeline using the high-temperature gas discharged from the second outlet.

[0014] Furthermore, the heat exchange heating structure is installed on the return gas pipeline of the main compressor of the air source heat pump system, and its installation position is upstream of the gas-liquid separator in the refrigerant flow direction.

[0015] Furthermore, the heat exchange heating structure includes heating pipes disposed on the outer surface of the gas-liquid separator.

[0016] Furthermore, the heating pipeline is a serpentine tube coiled around the outer surface of the gas-liquid separator.

[0017] Furthermore: the heating pipeline includes an air intake manifold connected to the second air outlet of the vortex generator; and multiple pipes connected in parallel between the air intake manifold and an exhaust outlet, the multiple pipes being coiled around the outer surface of the gas-liquid separator.

[0018] Furthermore, the outer wall of the pipe is provided with heat dissipation fins for enhancing heat transfer to the gas-liquid separator, and an insulation layer is provided on the outside of the pipe and the heat dissipation fins.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: 1. Simple structure, low manufacturing cost, and improved market competitiveness. 2. This utility model creatively adopts a combination of an air compression module and a vortex generator as an auxiliary heat source for the refrigerant return pipeline. Its core advantage lies in utilizing the principle of fluid energy conversion. The input electrical energy is used to drive the air compression module to generate high-pressure air, and then the vortex generator separates the pressure energy of the compressed air into heat energy and cold energy, maximizing the economic efficiency and environmental friendliness of the heat pump system.

[0020] 3. This utility model utilizes a heat exchange heating structure to actively heat the refrigerant before it enters the compressor, ensuring that the refrigerant enters the compressor in a fully vaporized state, thus eliminating the possibility of liquid slugging at its source. This is a proactive and preventative protection measure that provides continuous and reliable protection regardless of the ambient temperature or the amount of liquid return from the system, thereby greatly extending the compressor's service life and ensuring the operational stability and safety of the entire heat pump system. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is an assembly drawing of the gas-liquid separator and heat exchange heating structure in this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. A heat pump system with auxiliary heating and anti-liquid slugging includes: an air compression module 1, used to draw in air from the environment and pressurize it to generate compressed air with a predetermined pressure;

[0024] Eddy current generator 2 has the following features:

[0025] An air inlet 21 is connected to the output of the air compression module 1;

[0026] A first outlet 22 for outputting cryogenic gas;

[0027] A second outlet 23 for outputting high-temperature gas;

[0028] A throttle valve plate is installed inside it, which connects the air inlet 21 and the first air outlet 22, and is used to cool the compressed air flowing through it due to the throttling effect.

[0029] The vortex chamber located inside it connects the air inlet 21 and the second air outlet 23, and is used to heat the compressed air flowing through it due to energy conversion.

[0030] The heat exchange heating structure 3 is connected to the second outlet 23 of the eddy current generator 2 and is thermally coupled to the refrigerant return gas pipeline of the air source heat pump system, and is used to heat the refrigerant return gas pipeline with the high temperature gas discharged from the second outlet 23.

[0031] In this embodiment, the air compression module 1 is activated, drawing in ambient air at normal temperature and pressure from the surrounding environment and compressing it to generate compressed air with a certain pressure. This compressed air is then sent to the air inlet 21 of the vortex generator 2. Inside the vortex generator 2, the compressed air rotates at high speed in the vortex chamber, reaching up to 1 million revolutions per minute, and energy separation occurs during this process.

[0032] A portion of the air flows through the internal throttling valve plate, causing a throttling expansion effect, resulting in a sharp drop in pressure and temperature, forming a low-temperature airflow, which is discharged from the first outlet 22.

[0033] Another portion of the air rotates around the periphery of the vortex chamber, where its energy is converted into Rank-Helsch effect, kinetic energy is converted into thermal energy, forming a high-temperature airflow that is discharged from the second outlet 23.

[0034] Finally, the high-temperature gas discharged from the second outlet 23 is guided to the heat exchange heating structure 3, which is tightly thermally coupled with the refrigerant return gas pipeline of the air source heat pump system itself used to send the refrigerant back to the compressor, thereby transferring its own heat to the low-temperature refrigerant in the pipeline and heating it.

[0035] The core advantage of this basic combination lies in its highly efficient and energy-saving heat generation method. Instead of using traditional resistance wires or PTC heating elements to directly generate heat, it utilizes an eddy current generator to convert air pressure energy into heat energy. This energy conversion method is far more efficient than direct electric heating, thus providing a reliable heat source while significantly reducing the energy consumption of auxiliary heating functions. This protects the high COP (Coefficient of Performance) of the air source heat pump system itself, fundamentally resolving the contradiction between "efficiency" and "energy consumption" in existing technologies.

[0036] The heat exchange heating structure 3 is installed on the return gas pipeline of the main compressor of the air source heat pump system, and its installation position is upstream of the gas-liquid separator 4 in the direction of refrigerant flow.

[0037] In this embodiment, the heating point is not located on any arbitrary return gas line, but is precisely positioned on the main compressor return gas line, and specifically upstream of the gas-liquid separator 4 in the refrigerant flow direction. This ensures that the low-temperature refrigerant returning from the outdoor evaporator, which may carry liquid droplets, is preheated by the heat exchange heating structure before reaching the gas-liquid separator 4.

[0038] The advantage of this setup is its preventative approach and early intervention. By heating upstream of the gas-liquid separator 4, most of the liquid refrigerant can be vaporized in advance. This not only directly protects the compressor but also significantly reduces the workload of the gas-liquid separator 4 itself, avoiding the risk of it failing due to being filled with liquid under extreme operating conditions. This provides double protection for the system, resulting in higher reliability.

[0039] In one embodiment: the heat exchange heating structure 3 includes heating pipes disposed on the outer surface of the gas-liquid separator 4.

[0040] In this embodiment, the heat exchange heating structure 3 is specifically defined as a heating pipe directly installed on the outer surface of the gas-liquid separator 4. The high-temperature gas flowing out from the eddy current generator 2 does not heat the pipe entering the separator, but flows through these pipes that are coiled or attached to the surface of the separator tank, directly transferring heat to the tank of the gas-liquid separator 4.

[0041] Ordinary gas-liquid separators 4 can only passively separate and store liquids, but cannot process them. This solution transforms the gas-liquid separator 4 into an active "reboiler" or "evaporator" by directly heating the tank. Any liquid refrigerant that is separated and settles at the bottom of the tank will be continuously heated and vaporized by the heat transferred from the tank wall, thus ensuring that the gas-liquid separator will never saturate and fail due to excessive liquid. The heating target is more precise, and the effect is more thorough.

[0042] In one embodiment: the heating pipeline is a serpentine tube 31 coiled around the outer surface of the gas-liquid separator 4.

[0043] In this embodiment, the pipeline is formed as a continuous serpentine tube 31, coiled around the outer surface of the tank of the gas-liquid separator 4. High-temperature gas from the vortex generator 2 flows within this long, curved pipe and exchanges heat with the tank surface. Its advantages include simple structure, ease of manufacturing, and guaranteed heat exchange area. The serpentine tube 31 is one of the most common and economical ways to achieve large-area contact between the pipeline and the cylindrical tank surface. It can achieve a long heat exchange path with a small space occupation, ensuring that the high-temperature gas has sufficient time to transfer its heat to the gas-liquid separator 4.

[0044] In one embodiment: the heating pipeline includes an intake manifold 32 connected to the second outlet 23 of the vortex generator 2; and multiple pipes 34 connected in parallel between the intake manifold 32 and an exhaust outlet 33, the multiple pipes 34 being coiled around the outer surface of the gas-liquid separator 4.

[0045] In this embodiment: the high-temperature gas flowing out from the second outlet 23 of the vortex generator 2 first enters an intake manifold 32. This manifold distributes the concentrated airflow into multiple parallel pipes 34. These parallel pipes 34 are coiled together on the outer surface of the gas-liquid separator 4, and finally converge at the exhaust port 33 before being discharged.

[0046] The main advantages of this parallel structure are increased flow cross-section, reduced flow resistance, and improved heat exchange efficiency. Compared to a single serpentine tube, multiple parallel pipes 34 allow a larger flow rate of high-temperature gas to pass through with a lower pressure drop, which is beneficial to the operation of the vortex generator 2. At the same time, the total heat exchange area of ​​multiple pipes is usually larger than that of a single pipe, enabling faster and more uniform heat transfer to the gas-liquid separator 4.

[0047] In one embodiment, the outer wall of the pipe 34 is provided with heat dissipation fins for enhancing heat transfer to the gas-liquid separator 4, and an insulation layer is provided on the outside of the pipe 34 and the heat dissipation fins.

[0048] The function of the heat dissipation fins is to greatly increase the effective heat exchange surface area between the pipe and the wall of the gas-liquid separator, which makes the efficiency and speed of heat transfer from high-temperature gas to refrigerant leap forward.

[0049] Insulation layer: Its function is to prevent the high temperature heat on the pipes and fins from being lost to the surrounding low temperature environment air, and to ensure that every bit of heat generated is transferred to the gas-liquid separator 4 as much as possible, so as to achieve the best heating effect with minimal energy consumption.

[0050] In cold heating conditions, when the system detects a risk of liquid return from the compressor, for example through temperature or pressure sensors, this auxiliary system is activated. Air compression module 1 generates compressed air and sends it to vortex generator 2. Vortex generator 2 utilizes the principle of fluid energy conversion to efficiently separate the compressed air into a low-temperature exhaust gas and a high-temperature working gas.

[0051] The high-temperature gas is directed to a specially designed heat exchange heating structure 3. In the optimal implementation, this structure consists of multiple parallel pipes 34 with heat dissipation fins, which are tightly coiled around the tank of the gas-liquid separator 4, and the entire heating assembly is tightly covered by an insulation layer.

[0052] High-temperature gas flows through these parallel pipes 34, efficiently transferring heat to the tank wall of the gas-liquid separator 4 via heat dissipation fins. This transforms the gas-liquid separator 4 from a passive separation container into an active, continuously operating "reboiler." Any cryogenic liquid refrigerant entering or accumulating within the separator is rapidly heated and completely vaporized.

[0053] Ultimately, after this series of active, efficient, and precise heating processes, it is ensured that only pure gaseous refrigerant can flow out from the upper outlet of the gas-liquid separator 4 and eventually enter the compressor. This fundamentally and reliably eliminates the compressor "liquid slugging" phenomenon caused by insufficient refrigerant vaporization, greatly improving the operational stability and service life of the air source heat pump system in extremely cold environments. At the same time, its unique energy-saving heating method avoids the high energy consumption associated with traditional electric heating.

[0054] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated.

[0055] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed utility model.

Claims

1. A heat pump system with auxiliary heating and anti-liquid-impact, characterized in that, include: An air compression module (1) is used to draw in air from the environment and pressurize it to generate compressed air with a predetermined pressure; The eddy current generator (2) has the following characteristics: An air inlet (21) is connected to the output of the air compression module (1). A first outlet (22) for outputting cryogenic gas; A second outlet (23) for outputting high-temperature gas; A throttle valve plate is installed inside it, which connects the air inlet (21) and the first air outlet (22) to cool the compressed air flowing through it due to the throttling effect; The vortex chamber located inside it connects the air inlet (21) and the second air outlet (23) to heat the compressed air flowing through it due to energy conversion; The heat exchange heating structure (3) is connected to the second outlet (23) of the eddy current generator (2) and thermally coupled to the refrigerant return gas pipeline of the air source heat pump system, and is used to heat the refrigerant return gas pipeline by using the high temperature gas discharged from the second outlet (23).

2. A heat pump system with auxiliary heating and anti-liquid slugging as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The heat exchange heating structure (3) is installed on the return gas pipeline of the main compressor of the air source heat pump system, and its installation position is upstream of the gas-liquid separator (4) in the direction of refrigerant flow.

3. The anti-liquid-pulse heat pump system with auxiliary heating according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat exchange heating structure (3) includes heating pipes disposed on the outer surface of the gas-liquid separator (4).

4. The anti-liquid-pulse heat pump system with auxiliary heating according to claim 3, characterized in that: The heating pipeline is a serpentine tube (31) coiled around the outer surface of the gas-liquid separator (4).

5. The anti-liquid-pulse heat pump system with auxiliary heating according to claim 3, characterized in that: The heating pipeline includes an intake manifold (32) connected to the second outlet (23) of the vortex generator (2); and multiple pipes (34) connected in parallel between the intake manifold (32) and an exhaust outlet (33), the multiple pipes (34) being coiled around the outer surface of the gas-liquid separator (4).

6. A heat pump system with auxiliary heating and anti-liquid slugging as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The outer wall of the pipe (34) is provided with heat dissipation fins for enhancing heat transfer to the gas-liquid separator (4), and an insulation layer is covered on the outside of the pipe (34) and the heat dissipation fins.

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