A kiln cooling device

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of lithium-ion battery processing technology and discloses a kiln cooling device that operates on a kiln. The device includes: a water tank and a first pump, with the water tank connected to the first pump and the kiln via pipes, forming a first circulation loop; a second pump, a heat exchanger, a temperature sensor, and a regulating valve, with the water tank connected to the second pump and the heat exchanger via pipes, forming a second circulation loop; the heat exchanger is also connected to a cooling system, and the temperature sensor is connected to the water tank and the heat exchanger. Through the first and second circulation loops, the kiln cooling system operates efficiently. The linkage control system of the temperature sensor and the electric regulating valve can monitor water temperature changes in real time and dynamically adjust the cooling water flow rate based on the monitoring data, ensuring that the kiln temperature is always maintained within the optimal operating range.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of lithium-ion battery processing technology, specifically to a kiln cooling device. Background Technology

[0002] Kiln cooling refers to the process of gradually reducing the temperature inside a high-temperature kiln to room temperature by controlling the cooling rate after the firing process is completed. This stage must strictly follow the preset cooling curve to avoid cracking of products or damage to the kiln structure due to a sudden drop in temperature. Cooling methods include natural cooling, forced ventilation, or water cooling, which directly affect product quality and kiln life.

[0003] In the kiln cooling section, cooling water is used for temperature reduction. However, if the water temperature is too low, the outer surface temperature of the cooling pipes will drop below the ambient dew point temperature, causing condensation to form on the outer wall of the pipes. This condensation dripping onto the products may cause cracking, deformation, or surface defects, severely affecting product quality. Conversely, if the water temperature is too high, the cooling efficiency will be insufficient, and the kiln and cooling equipment may age faster due to continuous high temperatures, even leading to damage to critical components and affecting production stability. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a kiln cooling device to solve the problem that the existing technology cannot control the temperature of cold water to ensure the quality of products and equipment.

[0005] This utility model provides a kiln cooling device, which acts on a kiln and includes:

[0006] The water tank and the first pump are connected in sequence through pipes to the first pump and the kiln, and then back to the water tank to form the first circulation loop.

[0007] The second pump, heat exchanger, temperature sensor and regulating valve are connected to the water tank in sequence through pipes, forming a second circulation loop.

[0008] The heat exchanger is also connected to a cooling system, which is suitable for providing a cooling source for the heat exchanger. A regulating valve is installed on the connecting pipe between the heat exchanger and the cooling system. A temperature sensor is connected to the water tank and the heat exchanger, and the temperature sensor is electrically connected to the regulating valve, which is suitable for adjusting the regulating valve in real time according to the data provided by the temperature sensor to control the flow rate in the connecting pipe.

[0009] Beneficial Effects: The efficient operation of the kiln cooling system is achieved through the first and second circulation loops. The first circulation loop directly delivers cooling water to the kiln for heat exchange, ensuring rapid cooling. The second circulation loop uses a heat exchanger to further cool the cooling water, forming a dual cooling mechanism. The linkage control system of temperature sensors and electric regulating valves monitors water temperature changes in real time and dynamically adjusts the cooling water flow based on the monitoring data, keeping the kiln temperature within its optimal operating range. This closed-loop control system not only significantly improves cooling efficiency but also avoids the temperature fluctuation problems common in traditional cooling systems. Furthermore, precise control reduces energy waste and lowers operating costs.

[0010] In one optional implementation, the cooling system is a chilled water system, wherein the chilled water provided by the chilled water system has an inlet temperature of a first temperature and an outlet temperature of a second temperature, and the second temperature is greater than the first temperature.

[0011] Beneficial Effects: By using a chilled water system as the cooling source and controlling the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the chilled water, the heat exchanger achieves optimal operating conditions. This allows the heat exchanger to continuously and efficiently exchange heat, ensuring sufficient cooling capacity while avoiding energy waste caused by over-cooling. Specifically, the setting of the first temperature ensures that the cooling medium has sufficient initial cooling capacity, while the limitation of the second temperature prevents the cooling system from operating under overload. This temperature control method not only improves the energy efficiency ratio of the entire cooling system but also extends the service life of the equipment and reduces cooling water consumption.

[0012] In one alternative implementation, multiple vent valves are respectively located at the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger relative to the cooling system.

[0013] Beneficial effects: Installing multiple air vents at key locations on the heat exchanger effectively solves the common airlock problem in cooling water circulation systems. These vents promptly expel accumulated air from the pipes, ensuring smooth cooling water flow and preventing issues such as reduced heat exchange efficiency and pump cavitation caused by air buildup. Especially during system startup or water replenishment, the vents quickly release air, shortening system stabilization time. This significantly improves system reliability and stability, reduces downtime due to airlock, and lowers maintenance costs.

[0014] In one alternative implementation, one end of the water supply pipe is connected to an external water supply system, and the other end is connected to a water tank.

[0015] Beneficial effects: The water replenishment pipeline system solves the problem of water loss in the cooling water circulation. By directly connecting the external water supply system to the water tank, water lost due to evaporation, leakage, or sewage discharge can be replenished in a timely manner, ensuring that the system is always in optimal working condition.

[0016] In one alternative embodiment, the first pump is adapted to introduce water from the water tank into the kiln, and the second pump is adapted to introduce water from the water tank into the heat exchanger.

[0017] Beneficial effects: By setting up independent first and second pumps, specialized split control of cooling water is achieved. The first pump is dedicated to delivering cooling water to the kiln for direct cooling, ensuring the kiln receives sufficient cooling water; the second pump focuses on heat exchanger circulation, ensuring heat exchange efficiency. Each pump can be optimized and selected according to its specific function, improving working efficiency; the system operation is more flexible, allowing for individual adjustment of the flow rates of the two loops as needed; the load on a single pump is reduced, extending the service life of the equipment.

[0018] In one alternative implementation, the heat exchanger is a plate heat exchanger, which is connected to the second pump and the water tank via pipes to form the heat exchange section of the second circulation loop.

[0019] Beneficial effects: Plate heat exchangers, as heat exchange components, have significant advantages over traditional shell-and-tube heat exchangers. Their compact plate structure design greatly increases the heat exchange area, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency within the same volume.

[0020] In one alternative embodiment, the regulating valve is an electrically operated regulating valve, which is installed on the pipeline between the cooling system and the heat exchanger and is suitable for regulating the water flow rate entering the heat exchanger.

[0021] Beneficial effects: The intelligent control system of the electric regulating valve enables precise regulation of cooling water flow. Driven by a high-precision stepper motor and combined with a temperature sensor, the valve forms a closed-loop control system that dynamically adjusts the valve opening based on real-time temperature changes. This system reduces cooling water flow fluctuations, improves temperature stability, and eliminates the need for manual adjustments.

[0022] In one alternative implementation, the temperature sensor is connected to the water tank in an embedded fixed manner, and the sensing end of the temperature sensor is in direct contact with the water in the water tank.

[0023] Beneficial effects: The innovative installation method of the embedded temperature sensor ensures the accuracy and reliability of temperature detection, improves temperature detection accuracy, speeds up system response, reduces failure rate, and provides a reliable data foundation for intelligent control systems.

[0024] In one alternative implementation, a control valve is provided on the water supply pipe for controlling the supply of water to the water tank from the external water supply system.

[0025] Beneficial effects: The setting of the control valve for the water replenishment pipeline enables intelligent management of the water tank level, reduces the range of water level fluctuations, avoids overflow and water shortage accidents, improves water saving effect, and automates the water replenishment process, saving manual operation costs.

[0026] In one optional implementation, flow monitoring components are provided on the pipes connecting the kiln and the water tank in the first circulation loop and on the pipes connecting the heat exchanger and the water tank in the second circulation loop.

[0027] Beneficial effects: The flow monitoring system provides operational data support for the entire cooling unit. By setting monitoring points in key pipe sections, the flow status of each loop can be monitored in real time, allowing for the timely detection of abnormalities such as pipe blockages and leaks. This shortens fault diagnosis time, improves preventative maintenance efficiency, reduces system energy consumption, and provides a solid foundation for the intelligent management of the unit. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the kiln cooling device of this utility model.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0031] 1. Kiln; 2. Water tank; 3. Temperature sensor; 4. Heat exchanger; 5. Cooling system; 6. Regulating valve; 7. First pump; 8. Second pump; 9. Exhaust valve. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 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.

[0033] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0034] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0035] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this utility model described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0036] Kiln cooling refers to the crucial process of gradually reducing the kiln temperature to room temperature after the high-temperature kiln 1 has completed its firing process, through scientifically controlled cooling rate. This stage requires strict adherence to a pre-set cooling curve, as excessively rapid cooling can lead to thermal stress concentration within the products, causing defects such as cracking and deformation. It can also potentially cause thermal shock damage to the kiln's refractory materials, shortening the service life of kiln 1. Depending on process requirements, cooling methods can be categorized as natural cooling, forced ventilation, or water cooling systems. Different cooling strategies not only directly affect the mechanical strength, dimensional accuracy, and appearance quality of the products but also have a profound impact on the thermal efficiency, energy consumption, and maintenance cycle of kiln 1.

[0037] Temperature control is crucial in the operation of cooling water systems. When the cooling water temperature is too low, the outer surface temperature of the pipes may drop below the ambient dew point. At this point, water vapor in the air will condense on the outer wall of the pipes, forming condensate. This condensate dripping onto the surface of high-temperature products can cause localized rapid cooling, which may lead to cracking of brittle materials such as ceramics and glass, or uneven oxidation of metal products. On the other hand, if the cooling water temperature is too high, its heat exchange efficiency will decrease significantly, failing to effectively remove the residual heat from the kiln 1. This may cause the kiln lining to remain at a high temperature for a long time, resulting in sintering embrittlement. At the same time, equipment such as water pumps and heat exchangers 4 are prone to sealing failure and metal fatigue under continuous high-temperature conditions.

[0038] The following is combined Figure 1 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.

[0039] According to an embodiment of this utility model, a kiln 1 cooling device is provided, comprising: a water tank 2, a first pump 7, wherein the water tank 2 is connected to the first pump 7 and the kiln 1 in sequence via pipes and then back to the water tank 2 to form a first circulation loop; a second pump 8, a heat exchanger 4, a temperature sensor 3, and a regulating valve 6, wherein the water tank 2 is connected to the second pump 8 and the heat exchanger 4 in sequence via pipes and then back to the water tank 2 to form a second circulation loop; the heat exchanger 4 is also connected to a cooling system 5, the cooling system 5 being adapted to provide a cooling source for the heat exchanger 4; the regulating valve 6 is disposed on the connecting pipe between the heat exchanger 4 and the cooling system 5; the temperature sensor 3 is connected to the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 4, and the temperature sensor 3 is electrically connected to the regulating valve 6, adapted to adjust the regulating valve 6 in real time according to the data provided by the temperature sensor 3 to control the flow rate in the connecting pipe.

[0040] Specifically, the first pump 7 is adapted to introduce water from the water tank 2 into the kiln 1, and the second pump 8 is adapted to introduce water from the water tank 2 into the heat exchanger 4. By setting up independent first pump 7 and second pump 8, specialized diversion control of the cooling water is achieved. The first pump 7 is specifically responsible for delivering cooling water to the kiln 1 for direct cooling, ensuring that the kiln 1 receives sufficient cooling water; the second pump 8 focuses on circulation in the heat exchanger 4, ensuring heat exchange efficiency. Each pump can be optimized and selected according to its specific function, improving working efficiency; the system operation is more flexible, and the flow rate of the two loops can be adjusted separately according to actual needs; the load on a single pump is reduced, extending the service life of the equipment.

[0041] In one feasible implementation, the first pump 7 and the second pump 8 are variable frequency pumps, with pressure sensors added to the pipes of the first and second circulation loops. The pressure sensors are electrically connected to the variable frequency pumps, adjusting the pump speed in real time based on the pipe pressure, thereby dynamically controlling the cooling water flow rate. The variable frequency pumps can adjust their output power according to the actual needs of the kiln 1 and heat exchanger 4, avoiding energy waste and achieving significant energy savings. The introduction of pressure sensors enables the system to automatically adapt to load changes, reducing water hammer effects and extending the lifespan of pipes and equipment. Compared to fixed-speed pumps, variable frequency control makes the cooling water flow rate more stable and further optimizes temperature control accuracy.

[0042] The efficient operation of the kiln 1 cooling system 5 is achieved through the first and second circulation loops. The first circulation loop directly delivers cooling water to the kiln 1 for heat exchange, ensuring rapid cooling of the kiln 1; the second circulation loop uses heat exchanger 4 to perform secondary cooling of the cooling water, forming a dual cooling mechanism. The linkage control system of temperature sensor 3 and electric regulating valve 6 can monitor water temperature changes in real time and dynamically adjust the cooling water flow rate based on the monitoring data, keeping the temperature of the kiln 1 within the optimal operating range. This closed-loop control system not only significantly improves cooling efficiency but also avoids the temperature fluctuation problem common in traditional cooling systems 5, while reducing energy waste and lowering operating costs through precise control.

[0043] Specifically, heat exchanger 4 is a plate heat exchanger 4, which is connected to the second pump 8 and the water tank 2 via pipes to form the heat exchange section of the second circulation loop. As a heat exchange component, the plate heat exchanger 4 has significant advantages over the traditional shell-and-tube heat exchanger 4. Its compact plate structure design greatly increases the heat exchange area, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency within the same volume.

[0044] Specifically, the regulating valve 6 is an electrically operated regulating valve, installed on the pipeline between the cooling system 5 and the heat exchanger 4, suitable for regulating the water flow rate entering the heat exchanger 4. The intelligent control system of the electrically operated regulating valve 6 achieves precise control of the cooling water flow rate. This valve is driven by a high-precision stepper motor and forms a closed-loop control system with the temperature sensor 3. It can dynamically adjust the valve opening according to real-time temperature changes. This regulating system reduces cooling water flow fluctuations, improves temperature stability, and eliminates the need for manual adjustment.

[0045] Furthermore, the cooling system 5 is a chilled water system. The chilled water supplied by the chilled water system has an inlet temperature of a first temperature and an outlet temperature of a second temperature, with the second temperature being greater than the first temperature. By using a chilled water system as the cooling source and controlling the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the chilled water, the optimal operating state of the heat exchanger 4 is achieved. This allows the heat exchanger 4 to continuously and efficiently exchange heat, ensuring sufficient cooling capacity while avoiding energy waste caused by over-cooling. Specifically, the setting of the first temperature ensures that the cooling medium has sufficient initial cooling capacity, while the limitation of the second temperature prevents the cooling system 5 from operating under overload. This temperature control method not only improves the energy efficiency ratio of the entire cooling system 5 but also extends the service life of the equipment and reduces cooling water consumption.

[0046] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1As shown, multiple air vents 9 are respectively installed at the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger 4 relative to the cooling system 5. The placement of multiple air vents 9 at key locations on the heat exchanger 4 effectively solves the common airlock problem in cooling water circulation systems. These air vents 9 can promptly expel accumulated air from the pipes, ensuring smooth flow of cooling water in the system and preventing problems such as decreased heat exchange efficiency and pump cavitation caused by air accumulation. Especially during system startup or water replenishment, the air vents 9 can quickly expel air, shortening the system stabilization time. This significantly improves the reliability and stability of the system, reduces downtime due to airlock, and lowers maintenance costs.

[0047] In some embodiments, one end of the water supply pipe is connected to an external water supply system, and the other end is connected to water tank 2. The water supply pipe system solves the problem of water loss during cooling water circulation. By directly connecting the external water supply system to water tank 2, water lost due to evaporation, leakage, or sewage discharge can be replenished promptly, ensuring the system is always in optimal working condition.

[0048] Furthermore, a control valve is installed on the water supply pipeline to control the water supply from the external water supply system to water tank 2. The control valve on the water supply pipeline enables intelligent management of the water level in water tank 2, reducing the range of water level fluctuations, preventing overflow and water shortage accidents, improving water-saving effects, and automating the water supply process, thus saving labor costs.

[0049] As one feasible implementation, the temperature sensor 3 is connected to the water tank 2 via an embedded fixing method, and the detection end of the temperature sensor 3 is in direct contact with the water in the water tank 2. This innovative installation method of the embedded temperature sensor 3 ensures the accuracy and reliability of temperature detection, improves temperature detection accuracy, speeds up system response, reduces the failure rate, and provides a reliable data foundation for the intelligent control system.

[0050] In some embodiments, flow monitoring components are installed on the pipes connecting the kiln 1 and the water tank 2 in the first circulation loop, and on the pipes connecting the heat exchanger 4 and the water tank 2 in the second circulation loop. The flow monitoring system provides operational data support for the entire cooling device. By setting monitoring points in key pipe sections, the flow status of each loop can be monitored in real time, and abnormalities such as pipe blockages and leaks can be detected promptly. This shortens fault diagnosis time, improves preventative maintenance efficiency, reduces system operating energy consumption, and provides a solid foundation for the intelligent management of the device.

[0051] The working process of the kiln 1 cooling device of this utility model is as follows: the cooling water in the water tank 2 is transported to the kiln 1 by the first pump 7 for direct heat exchange, and after absorbing heat, it returns to the water tank 2 to form the first circulation loop; at the same time, the water in the water tank 2 is sent to the plate heat exchanger 4 by the second pump 8, and after indirect heat exchange and cooling with the chilled water provided by the cooling system 5, it flows back to the water tank 2 to form the second circulation loop; the temperature sensor 3 monitors the water temperature in real time and links the electric regulating valve 6 to dynamically adjust the chilled water flow to maintain the best heat exchange efficiency, while the exhaust valve 9 timely discharges the gas in the pipeline, and the water replenishment pipeline automatically replenishes the consumed water, thereby realizing efficient and stable closed-loop cooling control of the kiln 1.

[0052] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely examples for clear illustration and are not intended to limit the implementation. Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and all such modifications and variations fall within the scope defined by the present invention.

Claims

1. A furnace cooling device acting on a furnace, characterized by, include: Water tank (2) and first pump (7) are connected in sequence to the first pump (7) and the kiln (1) through pipes and then back to the water tank (2) to form a first circulation loop; The second pump (8), heat exchanger (4), temperature sensor (3) and regulating valve (6) are connected in sequence to the second pump (8) and the heat exchanger (4) through pipes and then back to the water tank (2) to form a second circulation loop; The heat exchanger (4) is also connected to a cooling system (5), which is adapted to provide a cooling source for the heat exchanger (4). The regulating valve (6) is installed on the connecting pipe between the heat exchanger (4) and the cooling system (5). The temperature sensor (3) is connected to the water tank (2) and the heat exchanger (4). The temperature sensor (3) is electrically connected to the regulating valve (6) and is adapted to adjust the regulating valve (6) in real time according to the data provided by the temperature sensor (3) to control the flow rate in the connecting pipe.

2. The kiln cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling system (5) is a chilled water system. The chilled water provided by the chilled water system has an inlet temperature of a first temperature and an outlet temperature of a second temperature, and the second temperature is greater than the first temperature.

3. The kiln cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes multiple exhaust valves (9), which are respectively located at the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger (4) relative to the cooling system (5).

4. The kiln cooling device according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a water supply pipe, one end of which is connected to an external water supply system and the other end is connected to the water tank (2).

5. The kiln cooling device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first pump (7) is adapted to introduce water from the water tank (2) into the kiln (1), and the second pump (8) is adapted to introduce water from the water tank (2) into the heat exchanger (4).

6. The kiln cooling device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The heat exchanger (4) is a plate heat exchanger (4), which is connected to the second pump (8) and the water tank (2) through pipes to form the heat exchange part of the second circulation loop.

7. The kiln cooling device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The regulating valve (6) is an electric regulating valve (6), which is installed on the pipeline between the cooling system (5) and the heat exchanger (4) and is suitable for regulating the water flow rate entering the heat exchanger (4).

8. The kiln cooling device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The temperature sensor (3) is connected to the water tank (2) by an embedded fixed method, and the detection end of the temperature sensor (3) is in direct contact with the water in the water tank (2).

9. The kiln cooling device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The water supply pipe is equipped with a control valve for controlling the water supply from the external water supply system to the water tank (2).

10. The kiln cooling device according to claim 8, characterized in that, Flow monitoring components are provided on the pipes connecting the kiln (1) and the water tank (2) in the first circulation loop and on the pipes connecting the heat exchanger (4) and the water tank (2) in the second circulation loop.

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