Heat exchanger

Abstract

This utility model belongs to the field of heat exchange technology and discloses a heat exchange device. The heat exchange device includes an inlet pipe, a circulating pump, a heat exchanger, and an outlet pipe connected in sequence, and also includes a closed water tank and a pressure stabilizing mechanism. The closed water tank is connected between the inlet pipe and the inlet end of the circulating pump. The pressure stabilizing mechanism includes a pressure tank and a flexible water bladder. The pressure tank can maintain a preset pressure inside, and the flexible water bladder is placed inside the pressure tank and is connected to the inside of the closed water tank. In this utility model, by setting up a pressure tank and a flexible water bladder, when the coolant inside the closed water tank heats up and expands, some of the coolant overflows into the flexible water bladder, depressurizing the closed water tank and preventing a sudden increase in pipeline pressure that could lead to pipeline rupture, thus reducing coolant loss. When the coolant inside the closed water tank cools down and contracts, a negative pressure is generated, causing the coolant inside the flexible water bladder to flow back into the closed water tank, thereby preventing external gases from mixing into the coolant.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of heat exchange technology, and in particular to a heat exchange device. Background Technology

[0002] The performance of electronic devices used in data centers, high-performance computing and other fields is becoming increasingly powerful, which leads to a significant increase in the heat generated by these devices. As a result, most electronic devices must be cooled by external heat exchange devices. Through the circulation of hot and cold fluids in the heat exchanger, the heat generated by the electronic devices is transferred to the external environment to avoid local overheating that could cause the devices to throttle down or be damaged.

[0003] In existing heat exchangers, the coolant temperature fluctuates significantly during operation. Because the coolant expands when heated, it overflows from the pressure relief valve as the temperature rises, resulting in continuous coolant loss. Conversely, as the coolant temperature drops, its volume contracts, creating negative pressure inside the pipes. This allows outside air to enter, forming airlocks and affecting heat exchange efficiency. Furthermore, air mixed with the coolant accelerates oxidation, and air bubble corrosion accelerates wear on the water pump, seals, and metal pipes.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a heat exchange device to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a heat exchange device to reduce coolant loss and prevent air from entering the pipeline.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] The heat exchange device includes an inlet pipe, a circulating pump, a heat exchanger, and an outlet pipe connected in sequence. The heat exchange device also includes:

[0008] A closed water tank, connected between the inlet pipe and the inlet end of the circulation pump; and,

[0009] The pressure stabilizing mechanism includes a pressure tank and a flexible water bladder. The pressure tank can maintain a preset pressure, and the flexible water bladder is placed inside the pressure tank and is connected to the inside of the closed water tank. When the coolant inside the closed water tank heats up and expands, the coolant inside the closed water tank can overflow into the flexible water bladder. When the coolant inside the closed water tank cools down and contracts, the coolant inside the flexible water bladder can flow back into the closed water tank.

[0010] Preferably, the voltage stabilizing mechanism further includes:

[0011] An overflow tank is connected to the interior of the flexible water bladder via an overflow pipe, and a safety valve is installed on the overflow pipe.

[0012] Preferably, a water supply pipe is connected between the overflow tank and the closed tank, and a water supply pump is installed on the water supply pipe.

[0013] Preferably, the water supply pipe is connected to a connecting pipe, and the connection end of the connecting pipe and the water supply pipe is located between the water supply pump and the overflow tank. A regulating valve is provided on the connecting pipe.

[0014] Preferably, at least two circulating pumps are connected in parallel.

[0015] Preferably, the heat exchange device further includes:

[0016] A filter, connected between the closed water tank and the heat exchanger, is configured to filter the coolant.

[0017] Preferably, the filter is connected between the circulating pump and the heat exchanger.

[0018] Preferably, a bypass pipe is connected in parallel to one side of the filter, and a regulating valve is provided on the bypass pipe.

[0019] Preferably, the heat exchange device further includes:

[0020] A fan is located on one side of the heat exchanger.

[0021] Preferably, the heat exchange device further includes:

[0022] A connecting pipe is provided between the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe, and a three-way valve is provided at the connection between the connecting pipe and the inlet pipe, and / or a three-way valve is provided at the connection between the connecting pipe and the outlet pipe, and / or a regulating valve is provided on the connecting pipe.

[0023] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0024] This invention relates to a heat exchange device that utilizes a closed-loop water tank to store a certain amount of coolant, thereby ensuring a stable coolant circulation flow rate in the pipeline. The closed-loop water tank also separates gas from coolant by gravity, preventing gas from entering the circulating pump or heat exchanger and causing efficiency reduction or component damage. By incorporating a pressure tank and a flexible water bladder, when the coolant inside the closed-loop water tank heats up and expands, and the pressure inside the tank exceeds a preset pressure, coolant overflows from the closed-loop water tank into the flexible water bladder, depressurizing the tank and preventing a sudden increase in pipeline pressure that could lead to pipeline rupture, thus reducing coolant loss. When the coolant inside the closed-loop water tank cools and contracts, creating negative pressure, the pressure inside the flexible water bladder falls below the preset pressure, causing the coolant inside the bladder to flow back into the closed-loop water tank. This prevents external gas from mixing into the coolant, avoiding the adverse effects of air bubbles on the coolant, pipelines, and components. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the heat exchange device of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the pressure stabilizing mechanism in the heat exchange device of this utility model.

[0027] In the picture:

[0028] 1. Inlet pipe; 2. Circulation pump; 3. Heat exchanger; 4. Outlet pipe; 5. Closed water tank; 51. Makeup water pipe; 511. Makeup water pump; 6. Pressure stabilizing mechanism; 61. Pressure tank; 62. Flexible water bladder; 63. Overflow tank; 631. Overflow pipe; 6311. Safety valve; 632. Connecting pipe; 7. Filter; 71. Bypass pipe; 8. Fan; 9. Connecting pipe; 91. Three-way valve. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0030] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0032] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0033] The following reference Figures 1 to 2 The heat exchange device provided by this utility model will be described.

[0034] The heat exchange device includes an inlet pipe 1, a closed water tank 5, a circulating pump 2, a heat exchanger 3, and an outlet pipe 4 connected in sequence. The inlet pipe 1 is connected to the outlet end of the electronic device, and the outlet pipe 4 is connected to the inlet end of the electronic device. Driven by the circulating pump 2, the internal coolant of the electronic device absorbs heat and flows through the closed water tank 5, the circulating pump 2, and the heat exchanger 3 in sequence. The heat exchanger 3 exchanges heat with the coolant, thereby reducing the temperature of the coolant. Then, the coolant flows into the interior of the electronic device through the outlet pipe 4.

[0035] Specifically, both the inlet end of the water inlet pipe 1 and the outlet end of the water outlet pipe 4 are connected to regulating valves to adjust the flow rate of the water inlet pipe 1 and the outlet end and control the on / off state of the water inlet pipe 1 and the outlet end, thereby adjusting the flow rate entering the heat exchange device according to the cooling intensity requirements. The inlet end of the water inlet pipe 1 is also connected to multiple sensors to detect parameters such as the temperature, pressure, and / or pH value of the coolant. In this embodiment, the inlet end of the water inlet pipe 1 is equipped with a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a pH value sensor, and a conductivity sensor. In this embodiment, the outlet end of the water outlet pipe 4 is equipped with a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor, and two temperature sensors are provided to improve detection accuracy. The heat exchange device also includes a controller. All the valves and sensors mentioned above and subsequently described below are electrically connected to the controller. The controller collects and processes the sensor data and then controls the valves.

[0036] It is worth noting that the closed-loop water tank 5 can store a certain amount of coolant to ensure that there is always sufficient coolant in the pipeline, thus stabilizing the coolant circulation flow and guaranteeing the cooling effect. Furthermore, the closed-loop water tank 5 separates gas from coolant by gravity, preventing gas from entering the circulating pump 2 or heat exchanger 3 and causing efficiency reduction or component damage. In this embodiment, an exhaust valve is also provided on the top of the closed-loop water tank 5 to allow gas to escape.

[0037] Furthermore, the heat exchange device also includes a pressure stabilizing mechanism 6, which comprises a pressure tank 61 and a flexible water bladder 62. The flexible water bladder 62 is placed inside the pressure tank 61 and is connected to the interior of the closed water tank 5. The interior of the pressure tank 61 can maintain a preset pressure. It should be noted that the preset pressure here is lower than the maximum pressure that the pipeline in the heat exchange device can withstand. That is, when the pressure in the pipeline reaches the preset pressure, the pipeline is still in a sealed and normal operating state.

[0038] As described above, when the coolant heats up, the coolant inside the closed-loop water tank 5 expands, causing the internal pressure of the closed-loop water tank 5 to rise above the preset pressure. This allows the coolant pressure to overcome the internal pressure of the pressure tank 61, causing the coolant inside the closed-loop water tank 5 to overflow into the flexible water bladder 62. This reduces the internal pressure of the closed-loop water tank 5, preventing a sudden increase in pipeline pressure that could lead to pipeline rupture and reducing coolant loss. When the coolant cools down, the coolant inside the closed-loop water tank 5 contracts, creating a negative pressure inside the closed-loop water tank 5. This causes the pressure inside the flexible water bladder 62 to fall below the preset pressure. At this time, the coolant inside the flexible water bladder 62 flows back into the closed-loop water tank 5 under the influence of the negative pressure inside the closed-loop water tank 5 and the gas inside the pressure tank 61. This prevents external gas from mixing into the coolant, thus avoiding the adverse effects of air bubbles on the coolant, pipelines, and components.

[0039] Furthermore, the pressure stabilizing mechanism 6 also includes an overflow tank 63, which is connected to the interior of the flexible water bladder 62 via an overflow pipe 631, and a safety valve 6311 is connected to the overflow pipe 631. With this connection, in extreme cases of high cooling capacity, when the internal pressure of the flexible water bladder 62 rises sharply after it is filled with coolant, the safety valve 6311 can automatically open, allowing excess coolant to overflow into the overflow tank 63, thereby providing pressure relief protection for components such as the closed water tank 5, the pressure tank 61, and the flexible water bladder 62. It should be noted that the opening pressure of the safety valve 6311 is greater than the preset pressure but less than the maximum pressure the pipeline can withstand, thus providing pressure relief protection for the heat exchange device. In this embodiment, the opening pressure of the safety valve 6311 is 5 barg.

[0040] Additionally, a water supply pipe 51 connects the overflow tank 63 and the closed tank 5, and a water supply pump 511 is connected to the water supply pipe 51. This allows the water supply pump 511 to pump the coolant from inside the closed tank 5 to the closed tank 5, enabling coolant recycling. A connecting pipe 632 connects to the water supply pipe 51, with the connection end between the connecting pipe 632 and the water supply pipe 51 located between the water supply pump 511 and the overflow tank 63. A regulating valve is connected to the connecting pipe 632, allowing the flow of coolant through the regulating valve. When the regulating valve is closed, the water supply pipe 51 is connected to the overflow tank 63. When the regulating valve is open, the connecting pipe 632 is connected to an external coolant supply source, allowing the water supply pump 511 to replenish coolant to the closed tank 5 when there is no coolant in the overflow tank 63. Alternatively, the water supply pump 511 can be used to allow coolant to flow out of the overflow tank 63 without starting the water supply pump 511. Optionally, in some other embodiments, the inlet end of the water supply pipe 51 can be directly connected to the connecting pipe 632, thereby directly pumping coolant into the interior of the closed water tank 5.

[0041] Optionally, at least two circulating pumps 2 are connected in parallel. This embodiment takes two as an example, so as to match the flow requirements under different loads, ensure the stable flow of coolant in the system, and ensure that the remaining circulating pumps 2 can still maintain system operation when one of the circulating pumps 2 fails, thereby improving the stability of the heat exchange device.

[0042] Furthermore, the heat exchange device also includes a filter 7, which is connected between the circulating pump 2 and the heat exchanger 3. The filter 7 is configured to filter the coolant. The filter 7 can be any type of filter 7 for filtering coolant in the prior art. The coolant can be filtered through the filter 7 to remove impurities in the coolant and prevent metal shavings, scale, microorganisms and other slime from depositing on the inner wall of the pipe, thereby ensuring heat transfer efficiency.

[0043] In addition, placing the circulating pump 2 before the filter 7 can increase the pressure at the inlet of the water supply pump and prevent cavitation in the water supply pump. Therefore, it has good anti-cavitation ability and is suitable for occasions that require high anti-cavitation ability, such as data center cooling systems.

[0044] To ensure the normal operation of the heat exchanger in the event of filter 7 blockage, a bypass pipe 71 is connected in parallel to one side of filter 7, and a regulating valve is connected to the bypass pipe 71. Specifically, the inlet end of the bypass pipe 71 is located between the circulating pump 2 and filter 7, and the outlet end of the bypass pipe 71 is located between the heat exchanger 3 and filter 7. When filter 7 is working normally, the regulating valve is closed, allowing all coolant to pass through the inside of filter 7 for filtration. When filter 7 is blocked or under maintenance, the regulating valve can be opened to allow coolant to pass through the inside of bypass pipe 71.

[0045] Furthermore, the heat exchange device also includes a fan 8, which is connected to one side of the heat exchanger 3. The fan 8 accelerates the airflow inside the heat exchanger 3, thereby improving the cooling effect of the heat exchanger 3.

[0046] In addition, the heat exchange device also includes a connecting pipe 9, which connects the inlet pipe 1 and the outlet pipe 4. A three-way valve is connected to the connection between the connecting pipe 9 and the outlet pipe 4. Two of the three ports of the three-way valve are connected to the outlet pipe 4, and one is connected to the connecting pipe 9. This allows the three-way valve to regulate the circulation path of the coolant. Specifically, the connection between the inlet pipe 1 and the outlet pipe 4 can be interrupted, in which case all the coolant will enter the heat exchanger 3 for heat exchange, suitable for conditions with large temperature drops. Alternatively, the inlet pipe 1 and the outlet pipe 4 can be directly connected through the connecting pipe 9, so that at least part of the coolant does not pass through the heat exchanger 3, thereby reducing the cooling intensity of the coolant, suitable for conditions with small temperature drops. Optionally, in some other embodiments, the three-way valve is only connected at the connection between the connecting pipe 9 and the inlet pipe 1, or only a regulating valve is connected to the connecting pipe 9, or both a three-way valve and a regulating valve are provided.

[0047] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A heat exchange device, comprising an inlet pipe (1), a circulating pump (2), a heat exchanger (3), and an outlet pipe (4) connected in sequence, characterized in that, The heat exchange device further includes: A closed water tank (5) is connected between the water inlet pipe (1) and the water inlet end of the circulating pump (2); and, The pressure stabilizing mechanism (6) includes a pressure tank (61) and a flexible water bladder (62). The pressure tank (61) can maintain a preset pressure inside. The flexible water bladder (62) is placed inside the pressure tank (61) and is connected to the inside of the closed water tank (5). After the coolant inside the closed water tank (5) heats up and expands, the coolant inside the closed water tank (5) can overflow into the flexible water bladder (62). After the coolant inside the closed water tank (5) cools down and contracts, the coolant inside the flexible water bladder (62) can flow back into the closed water tank (5).

2. The heat exchange device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The voltage stabilizing mechanism (6) also includes: The overflow tank (63) is connected to the interior of the flexible water bladder (62) through the overflow pipe (631), and a safety valve (6311) is provided on the overflow pipe (631).

3. The heat exchange device according to claim 2, characterized in that, A water supply pipe (51) is connected between the overflow water tank (63) and the closed water tank (5), and a water supply pump (511) is installed on the water supply pipe (51).

4. The heat exchange device according to claim 3, characterized in that, A connecting pipe (632) is connected to the water supply pipe (51). The connection end of the connecting pipe (632) and the water supply pipe (51) is located between the water supply pump (511) and the overflow tank (63). A regulating valve is provided on the connecting pipe (632).

5. The heat exchange device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, At least two circulating pumps (2) are connected in parallel.

6. The heat exchange device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The heat exchange device further includes: A filter (7) is connected between the closed water tank (5) and the heat exchanger (3), and the filter (7) is configured to filter the coolant.

7. The heat exchange device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The filter (7) is connected between the circulating pump (2) and the heat exchanger (3).

8. The heat exchange device according to claim 6, characterized in that, A bypass pipe (71) is connected in parallel to one side of the filter (7), and a regulating valve is provided on the bypass pipe (71).

9. The heat exchange device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The heat exchange device further includes: A fan (8) is located on one side of the heat exchanger (3).

10. The heat exchange device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The heat exchange device further includes: A connecting pipe (9) is connected between the inlet pipe (1) and the outlet pipe (4), and a three-way valve is provided at the connection between the connecting pipe (9) and the inlet pipe (1), and / or a three-way valve is provided at the connection between the connecting pipe (9) and the outlet pipe (4), and / or a regulating valve is provided on the connecting pipe (9).

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