Subcoolers, condensers and refrigeration equipment

Abstract

This application relates to the field of condenser technology, specifically providing a subcooler, a condenser, and a refrigeration device, aiming to solve the problems of difficulty in inserting heat exchange tubes and excessively high requirements for assembly accuracy caused by increasing the number of baffles in existing subcoolers to achieve sufficient heat exchange and subcooling of liquid refrigerant. To this end, the subcooler of this application includes a casing with a first chamber formed therein, and an inlet and a outlet communicating with the first chamber. Multiple first baffles are arranged in the first chamber, each extending along a first direction to divide the first chamber into multiple independent flow channels. The first baffles are provided with flow holes that connect adjacent flow channels, allowing fluid to flow sequentially through the flow channels via the inlet and then exit from the outlet. The casing is provided with a first through hole for the heat exchange tubes to pass through. The subcooler provided by this application improves heat exchange efficiency without relying on excessive baffles, thereby solving the problem of difficult heat exchange tube assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of condenser technology, specifically providing a subcooler, a condenser, and a refrigeration device. Background Technology

[0002] A subcooler is part of a shell-and-tube heat exchanger and is usually integrated at the end of the condenser. Its core function is to further cool the condensed liquid refrigerant, thereby improving the operating efficiency of the refrigeration system and reducing flash evaporation losses of the refrigerant during throttling.

[0003] In existing technologies, to achieve sufficient subcooling heat exchange within the subcooler, a common approach is to increase the number of baffles. This enhances the heat exchange effect by forcibly altering the flow direction of the liquid refrigerant and extending its flow path. However, this design, reliant on dense baffles, presents significant drawbacks: excessive baffles, especially in cases of long condensers or multi-system intermediate expansion joints, lead to increased cumulative errors in the baffle hole positions, making the heat exchange tube installation process extremely difficult and severely impacting production efficiency and yield. Furthermore, to ensure effective baffle operation and installation feasibility, the assembly precision requirements for the installation position, levelness, and spacing of each baffle become exceptionally stringent. This not only significantly increases manufacturing costs and quality control difficulties but also complicates the subcooler structure.

[0004] Therefore, a new technical solution is needed in this field to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, namely, to solve the problems of difficulty in inserting heat exchange tubes and excessively high requirements for assembly error caused by increasing the number of baffles in existing subcoolers to achieve sufficient heat exchange and subcooling of liquid refrigerant.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a subcooler, comprising:

[0007] A cover having a first chamber inside, the cover having an inlet and an outlet communicating with the first chamber;

[0008] Multiple first partitions are disposed in the first chamber, each first partition extending along a first direction, and the multiple first partitions are spaced apart along a second direction to divide the first chamber into multiple independent flow channels. Each first partition is provided with a flow hole, the flow hole connecting adjacent flow channels so that fluid flows through the flow channels sequentially through the inlet and is discharged from the outlet.

[0009] Wherein, the first direction intersects with the second direction, and the cover is provided with a first through hole for the heat exchange tube to pass through.

[0010] One technical solution for the aforementioned subcooler also includes:

[0011] A second baffle is disposed in the flow channel along a second direction and divides the flow channel into independent sub-flow channels. In the second direction, adjacent sub-flow channels are connected through the flow holes so that the fluid flows through the sub-flow channels sequentially through the inlet and is discharged from the outlet.

[0012] In one technical solution of the above-mentioned subcooler, the casing includes a bottom wall and a first side wall and a second side wall disposed opposite to each other, the liquid inlet includes a first liquid inlet and a second liquid inlet, the first liquid inlet is disposed on the first side wall, the second liquid inlet is disposed on the second side wall, and the liquid outlet is disposed on the bottom wall.

[0013] In one technical solution of the above-mentioned subcooler, multiple first liquid inlets are provided, and the multiple first liquid inlets are distributed at intervals on the first sidewall. Each first liquid inlet is connected to one of the sub-channels. Multiple second liquid inlets are provided, and the multiple second liquid inlets are distributed at intervals on the second sidewall. Each second liquid inlet is connected to one of the sub-channels. The drain outlet is connected to the multiple sub-channels respectively.

[0014] In one technical solution of the above-mentioned subcooler, the angle between the first sidewall and the bottom wall and the angle between the second sidewall and the bottom wall are both less than 90 degrees.

[0015] In one technical solution of the above-mentioned subcooler, the second partition is provided with a second through hole for the heat exchange tube to pass through.

[0016] In one technical solution of the above-mentioned subcooler, the casing further includes a third sidewall and a fourth sidewall disposed opposite to each other, and the first through hole is distributed on the third sidewall and the fourth sidewall.

[0017] In a second aspect, this application provides a condenser comprising:

[0018] The casing has a second chamber inside it. The casing is provided with a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet communicating with the second chamber, as well as a cooling medium inlet and a cooling medium outlet communicating with the heat exchange tube.

[0019] The subcooler as described in any one of the first aspects, wherein the subcooler is disposed in the second chamber, the liquid inlet is connected to the second chamber, and the liquid outlet is connected to the refrigerant outlet.

[0020] In one technical solution of the above-mentioned condenser, the subcooler is located near the refrigerant outlet.

[0021] In a third aspect, this application provides a refrigeration device, characterized in that it includes a condenser as described in any one of the second aspects.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, the subcooler provided in this application extends the flow path and flow time of the liquid refrigerant within the subcooler through the deflection channel formed by the first baffle and the flow holes, allowing it to fully contact the heat exchange tubes within the channel. This design ensures heat exchange performance without relying on excessive baffles, thereby simplifying the tube insertion process, effectively reducing assembly difficulties caused by too many baffles, and lowering the requirements for assembly error. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The preferred embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a condenser according to an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the internal structure of the condenser.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a subcooler according to an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the internal structure. List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0028] 1-Subcooler, 101-Inlet, 102-Outlet, 100-First through hole, 1001-First inlet, 1002-Second inlet, 111-First sidewall, 112-Second sidewall, 113-Third sidewall, 114-Fourth sidewall, 115-Top wall, 116-Bottom wall, 121-First partition, 1210-Flow hole, 122-Second partition, 1220-Second through hole;

[0029] 2-Condenser, 20-Casing, 201-Refrigerant Inlet, 202-Refrigerant Outlet, 21-Heat Exchanger Tube. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Preferred embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments as needed to adapt to specific application scenarios.

[0031] It should be noted that in the description of this application, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer," which indicate direction or positional relationship, are based on the direction or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are used merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the relevant device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0032] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0033] refer to Figure 1 and 2 A shell-and-tube condenser 2 typically consists of a shell, tube sheets at both ends, and multiple heat exchange tubes 21 that penetrate the tube sheets. The shell side is formed inside the shell to allow the flow of high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, while the heat exchange tubes 21 are circulated with a cooling medium (such as cooling water). The gaseous refrigerant condenses into a liquid state during the heat exchange process between the shell side and the outer wall of the heat exchange tubes 21.

[0034] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The subcooler 1 provided in this application is integrated inside the shell of the shell-and-tube condenser 2. Its exterior is immersed in the refrigerant in the shell-side space. Multiple first through holes 100 are provided on the shell corresponding to the position of the heat exchange tube 21, so that the heat exchange tube 21 can penetrate through the interior of the subcooler 1 to form a heat exchange structure.

[0035] Specifically, the subcooler 1 provided in this application mainly consists of a casing, inside which a first chamber is formed, and an inlet 101 and a outlet 102 are provided. The refrigerant can enter the first chamber through the inlet 101, exchange heat with the cooling medium in the heat exchange tube 21 within the first chamber, and then be discharged from the outlet 102. Further, a plurality of first partitions 121 extending along a first direction are provided within the first chamber, and the plurality of first partitions 121 are arranged at intervals along a second direction, dividing the chamber into a plurality of independent flow channels. Each first partition 121 has an outlet hole 1210, and adjacent flow channels are connected through the outlet holes 1210 to form a series flow path. Wherein, as... Figure 4 As shown, in the conventional installation orientation of the subcooler 1, the first direction (i.e., the X direction in the figure) is longitudinal, and the second direction (i.e., the Y direction in the figure) is transverse.

[0036] The refrigerant can enter from the inlet 101 and flow along the flow channel in a zigzag path, which can fully contact the surface of the heat exchange tube 21 to achieve efficient heat exchange, and finally be discharged from the outlet 102.

[0037] In one specific embodiment, the liquid inlet 101 and the liquid outlet 102 are respectively located on opposite sides of the subcooler 1, and the flow holes 1210 on the adjacent first partition 121 are staggered so that each flow channel forms a series flow path. In this way, after the liquid refrigerant enters the first flow channel from the liquid inlet 101, it needs to be deflected by the staggered flow holes 1210 between the flow channels to form an S-shaped multi-pass flow path, and finally converges to the liquid outlet 102 for discharge.

[0038] As described above, the subcooler 1 provided in this application extends the flow path and flow time of the liquid refrigerant within the subcooler 1 through the deflection channel formed by the first baffle 121 and the flow hole 1210, allowing it to fully contact the heat exchange tube 21 within the channel. This design ensures heat exchange performance without relying on excessive baffles, thus simplifying the tube insertion operation of the heat exchange tube 21, effectively reducing assembly difficulties caused by excessive baffles, and lowering the requirements for assembly error.

[0039] In one embodiment, a second partition 122 is further provided in the first chamber. The second partition 122 is arranged along a second direction, and each second partition 122 is embedded in a single flow channel formed by the first partition 121, dividing the flow channel into multiple independent sub-flow channels. Adjacent sub-flow channels are connected through flow holes 1210 on the first partition 121 to form multiple serial sub-flow paths. Specifically, after the refrigerant enters from the inlet 101, it first flows into the initial sub-flow channel and flows along the sub-flow path, finally exiting from the outlet 102 after passing through all the sub-flow channels. Figure 4 The middle arrow indicates the flow path of the refrigerant.

[0040] In one embodiment, the housing includes a bottom wall 106 and a first side wall 111 and a second side wall 112 disposed opposite to each other. The liquid inlet 101 includes a first liquid inlet 1001 and a second liquid inlet 1002. The first liquid inlet 1001 is disposed on the first side wall 111, and the second liquid inlet 1002 is disposed on the second side wall 112. The liquid outlet 102 is disposed on the bottom wall 106. Preferably, the liquid outlet 102 is disposed near the middle region of the bottom wall 106. In this way, liquid refrigerant can simultaneously enter the first chamber from the first liquid inlet 1001 and the second liquid inlet 1002 located on the two side walls, and flow into their respective sub-channels. The refrigerant entering from both sides flows back and forth in their respective sub-channels, gradually merging during the flow process, and finally all exiting from the liquid outlet 102 located on the bottom wall 106. This double-sided liquid inlet and bottom liquid outlet structural design not only improves heat exchange efficiency but also balances the fluid pressure in the second chamber and reduces flow resistance by dispersing the liquid inlets 101.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, each longitudinal flow channel is provided with a plurality of first baffles 121. Correspondingly, a plurality of first liquid inlets 1001 are provided and spaced apart along the first sidewall 111, each first liquid inlet 1001 connecting to a sub-flow channel. Similarly, a plurality of second liquid inlets 1002 are provided and spaced apart along the second sidewall 112, each second liquid inlet 1002 also connecting to a sub-flow channel. After the refrigerant in each sub-flow channel enters from the corresponding liquid inlet 101, it flows along its respective sub-flow path and fully exchanges heat with the heat exchange tube 21. Finally, the refrigerant in each sub-flow channel is collected and discharged through the drain port 102.

[0042] In one embodiment, reference Figure 4 The angles between the first sidewall 111 and the bottom wall 106, and between the second sidewall 112 and the bottom wall 106, are both less than 90 degrees. That is, the first sidewall 111 and the second sidewall 112 are not perpendicular to the bottom wall 106, but rather slope downwards from the top wall 115 of the casing towards the bottom wall 106. This inclined structure causes the two sidewalls to form an outward opening angle. Combined with the multiple liquid inlets 101 distributed on the first sidewall 111 and the second sidewall 112, when liquid refrigerant enters from the liquid inlets 101, the inclined sidewalls can guide the refrigerant to slide naturally down the wall surface by gravity, reducing the retention and accumulation of refrigerant at the inlet.

[0043] The enclosure also includes a third sidewall 113 and a fourth sidewall 114 disposed opposite to each other. The third sidewall 113 and the fourth sidewall 114 serve as the other two sides of the enclosure, and together with the first sidewall 111 and the second sidewall 112, they form the enclosed space of the enclosure. A first through hole 100 for the heat exchange tube 21 to pass through is provided on the third sidewall 113 and the fourth sidewall 114.

[0044] This application also provides a condenser 2, see reference. Figure 1 and2 The system includes a housing 20, inside which a closed second chamber is formed as a space for refrigerant condensation and subcooling. The side walls of the housing 20 are respectively provided with a refrigerant inlet 201 and a refrigerant outlet 202 communicating with the second chamber. The refrigerant inlet 201 is used to introduce high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor, while the refrigerant outlet 202 is used to output the condensed and subcooled liquid refrigerant. Furthermore, the housing 20 has a cooling medium inlet and a cooling medium outlet at both ends, communicating with internal heat exchange tubes 21. The cooling medium enters the heat exchange tubes 21 through the cooling medium inlet, absorbs heat, and is discharged from the cooling medium outlet, achieving heat exchange with the refrigerant in the second chamber.

[0045] As described above, the subcooler 1 is integrated into the second chamber and located near the refrigerant outlet 202. In one specific implementation, the subcooler 1 is welded to the condenser. The liquid inlet 101 of the subcooler 1 communicates with the interior of the second chamber and can directly receive the partially condensed liquid refrigerant from the second chamber. The liquid outlet 102 of the subcooler 1 is connected to the refrigerant outlet 202 on the casing 20, discharging the subcooled liquid refrigerant out of the condenser 2.

[0046] Based on the structure of the subcooler 1, it can be seen that the first through holes 100 on the third side wall 113 and the fourth side wall 114 of its casing allow the heat exchange tubes 21 of the condenser 2 to pass through, so that the heat exchange tubes 21 pass through both the second chamber and the interior of the subcooler 1. When the gaseous refrigerant enters the second chamber from the refrigerant inlet 201, it condenses into a liquid state under the action of the cooling medium in the heat exchange tubes 21. Part of the liquid refrigerant flows into the subcooler 1, exchanges heat with the heat exchange tubes 21 through the flow channel inside the casing to achieve subcooling, and finally enters the subsequent throttling stage from the drain port 102 through the refrigerant outlet 202.

[0047] Furthermore, in conjunction with references Figure 2 and 3 The third sidewall 113 and the fourth sidewall 114 of the subcooler 1 are arranged opposite each other in the second chamber, with the third sidewall 113 closer to the cooling medium inlet side and the fourth sidewall 114 closer to the cooling medium outlet side. This arrangement restricts the exposed section of the heat exchange tube 21 in the second chamber to both sides of the subcooler 1 casing, significantly shortening the direct contact length between the heat exchange tube 21 and the refrigerant in the second chamber. This reduces direct heat exchange between the heat exchange tube 21 and the refrigerant in the second chamber, preventing the heat exchange tube 21 from absorbing too much heat and interfering with the refrigerant state in the second chamber, thereby ensuring the subcooling effect inside the subcooler 1.

[0048] This application also provides a refrigeration device, including the condenser 2 as described above. Since the condenser 2 has the above features and advantages, the refrigeration device can not only achieve higher refrigeration efficiency during operation, but also has the characteristics of convenient assembly and low maintenance cost, which will not be elaborated here.

[0049] The technical solutions of this application have been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of this application is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of this application, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after these changes or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A subcooler (1), characterized in that, include: A cover having a first chamber inside, the cover having an inlet (101) and an outlet (102) communicating with the first chamber; Multiple first partitions (121) are disposed in the first chamber. Each first partition (121) extends along a first direction. The multiple first partitions (121) are arranged at intervals along a second direction to divide the first chamber into multiple independent flow channels. Each first partition (121) is provided with a flow hole (1210). The flow hole (1210) connects to the adjacent flow channels so that the fluid flows through the inlet (101) sequentially through the flow channels and is discharged from the outlet (102). Wherein, the first direction intersects with the second direction, and the cover is provided with a first through hole (100) through which the heat exchange tube (21) passes.

2. The subcooler (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A second partition (122) is disposed in the flow channel along the second direction and divides the flow channel into independent sub-flow channels. In the second direction, adjacent sub-flow channels are connected through the flow hole (1210) so that the fluid flows through the sub-flow channels in sequence through the inlet (101) and is discharged from the outlet (102).

3. The subcooler (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The housing includes a bottom wall (106) and a first side wall (111) and a second side wall (112) disposed opposite to each other. The liquid inlet (101) includes a first liquid inlet (1001) and a second liquid inlet (1002). The first liquid inlet (1001) is disposed on the first side wall (111), the second liquid inlet (1002) is disposed on the second side wall (112), and the liquid outlet (102) is disposed on the bottom wall (106).

4. The subcooler (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, Multiple first inlets (1001) are provided, and the multiple first inlets (1001) are spaced apart on the first sidewall (111). Each first inlet (1001) is connected to one of the sub-channels. Multiple second inlets (1002) are provided, and the multiple second inlets (1002) are spaced apart on the second sidewall (112). Each second inlet (1002) is connected to one of the sub-channels. The drain outlet (102) is connected to the multiple sub-channels respectively.

5. The subcooler (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The angle between the first sidewall (111) and the bottom wall (106) and the angle between the second sidewall (112) and the bottom wall (106) are both less than 90 degrees.

6. The subcooler (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The second partition (122) is provided with a second through hole (1220) through which the heat exchange tube (21) passes.

7. The subcooler (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The housing also includes a third sidewall (113) and a fourth sidewall (114) disposed opposite to each other, and the first through hole (100) is distributed on the third sidewall (113) and the fourth sidewall (114).

8. A condenser (2), characterized in that, include: The casing (20) has a second chamber inside it. The casing (20) is provided with a refrigerant inlet (201) and a refrigerant outlet (202) communicating with the second chamber, as well as a cooling medium inlet and a cooling medium outlet communicating with the heat exchange tube (21). The subcooler (1) as described in any one of claims 1-7 is disposed in the second chamber, the liquid inlet (101) is connected to the second chamber, and the liquid outlet (102) is connected to the refrigerant outlet (202).

9. The condenser (2) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The subcooler (1) is located near the refrigerant outlet (202).

10. A refrigeration device, characterized in that, Includes the condenser (2) as described in claim 8 or 9.

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