Two-stage compression air-to-water and ice-making equipment

Abstract

This utility model discloses a two-stage compression air-to-water and air-to-ice device, comprising a condenser, a first compressor, a second compressor, a water-generating evaporator, an ice-generating evaporator, a fan, a first water storage tank, and an ice maker. The output end of the first compressor is connected to the input end of the condenser, and the output end of the second compressor is connected to the input end of the first compressor. The water-generating evaporator has a first medium pipe and a first refrigeration channel, with both ends of the first medium pipe connected to the output end of the condenser and the input end of the first compressor, respectively. The ice-generating evaporator has a second medium pipe and a second refrigeration channel, with both ends of the second medium pipe connected to the output end of the condenser and the input end of the second compressor, respectively. The first water storage tank is connected to the first and second refrigeration channels, and the ice maker is connected to the second refrigeration channel. This two-stage compression air-to-water and air-to-ice device solves the problems of low energy efficiency and limited functionality in existing air-to-water devices.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of refrigeration equipment technology, and in particular to a two-stage compression air-to-water-to-ice device. Background Technology

[0002] Air-to-water technology, as an emerging means of water resource acquisition, has been widely applied. However, existing air-to-water equipment's compression systems suffer from low energy efficiency, only achieving water vapor condensation and having limited capacity for subsequent deep cooling and icing of water. This limits its ability to simultaneously perform water production and ice-making functions, restricting its application scenarios. Furthermore, achieving efficient air dehumidification requires a large cooling capacity and a low evaporation temperature, which existing compression refrigeration systems struggle to meet in terms of energy efficiency and reliability. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a two-stage compression air-to-water and air-to-ice device. By employing a two-stage compression refrigeration cycle, in conjunction with a water-making evaporator and an ice-making evaporator, it can achieve efficient air dehumidification while simultaneously providing water and ice-making functions, thus solving the problems of low energy efficiency and limited functionality in existing air-to-water devices.

[0004] The two-stage compression air-to-water-to-ice device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a condenser, a first compressor, a second compressor, a water-making evaporator, an ice-making evaporator, a fan, a first water storage tank, and an ice maker. The output end of the first compressor is connected to the input end of the condenser, and the output end of the second compressor is connected to the input end of the first compressor. The water-making evaporator is provided with a first medium pipe and a first refrigeration channel. The two ends of the first medium pipe are respectively connected to the output end of the condenser and the input end of the first compressor. The ice-making evaporator is provided with a second medium pipe and a second refrigeration channel. The two ends of the second medium pipe are respectively connected to the output end of the condenser and the input end of the second compressor. The fan is used to input air into the first refrigeration channel. The first water storage tank is connected to the first refrigeration channel and the second refrigeration channel. The ice maker is connected to the second refrigeration channel.

[0005] The two-stage compressed air-to-water-to-ice device according to the embodiments of this utility model has at least the following beneficial effects: Air is blown into the first refrigeration channel of the water-making evaporator by a fan. As the refrigerant passes through the first medium tube of the evaporator, it absorbs heat from the air, causing the water vapor in the air to condense into water. This water enters the first water storage tank, thus producing water. The water in the first water storage tank then enters the second refrigeration channel of the ice-making evaporator. As the refrigerant passes through the second medium tube of the ice-making evaporator, it further absorbs heat from the water, further cooling it to form subcooled water. This subcooled water then enters the ice maker, thus producing ice. In this application, by setting up a first compressor and a second compressor, which work in conjunction with the water-making evaporator and the ice-making evaporator, a two-stage compression refrigeration cycle is achieved. This meets the energy efficiency requirements of both the water-making and ice-making evaporators, achieving efficient air dehumidification while simultaneously providing water and ice production functions. This solves the problems of low energy efficiency and limited functionality in existing air-to-water conversion equipment.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the two-stage compressed air-to-water-to-ice device further includes an intercooler, which forms a cooling chamber. The output end of the condenser, the output end of the second compressor, the input end of the first compressor, both ends of the first medium pipe, and the input end of the second medium pipe are all connected to the cooling chamber.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the cooling chamber includes a gas chamber and a liquid chamber that are distributed vertically and connected to each other. The input end of the first medium pipe, the input end of the second medium pipe, and the output end of the second compressor are all connected to the liquid chamber, and the input end of the first compressor is connected to the gas chamber.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a first expansion valve is provided between the output end of the condenser and the intercooler, and a second expansion valve is provided between the input end of the second medium pipe and the intercooler.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first water storage tank is provided with two first water outlets, the second cooling channel is connected to one of the first water outlets, and the other first water outlet is connected to the second water storage tank.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the second refrigeration channel is provided with two second water outlets, the ice maker is connected to one of the second water outlets, and the other second water outlet is connected to a drinking water pipe.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first refrigeration channel is connected to an air inlet pipe, the fan is located at the air inlet of the air inlet pipe, and a filter is provided inside the air inlet pipe.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first refrigeration channel is provided with an air outlet pipe, which is used to deliver cold air to the condenser.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a water pump is provided between the first water storage tank and the second refrigeration channel.

[0014] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and some advantages will become apparent from the description or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the two-stage compression air-to-water-to-ice device of this utility model.

[0016] Icon labels: Condenser 100; First compressor 200; Second compressor 300; Water evaporator 400; First medium pipe 401; Air inlet pipe 402; Air outlet pipe 403; Ice evaporator 500; Second medium pipe 501; Drinking water pipe 502; Fan 600; First water storage tank: 700; Ice maker 800; Intercooler 900; Cooling chamber 901; First expansion valve 1000; Second expansion valve 1100; Second water storage tank 1200; Filter 1300; Water pump 1400. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0018] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the 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 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.

[0019] In the description of this utility model, "multiple" refers to two or more. The use of "first" and "second" is for distinguishing technical features only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of technical features or their sequential relationship.

[0020] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0021] The following is for reference. Figure 1 This invention describes a two-stage compressed air-to-water and ice-making device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a two-stage compression air-to-water and air-to-ice making device is described, with reference to... Figure 1 As shown, it includes a condenser 100, a first compressor 200, a second compressor 300, a water evaporator 400, an ice evaporator 500, a fan 600, a first water storage tank 700, and an ice maker 800.

[0023] The output end of the first compressor 200 is connected to the input end of the condenser 100, and the output end of the second compressor 300 is connected to the input end of the first compressor 200.

[0024] The water evaporator 400 is provided with a first medium pipe 401 and a first refrigeration channel. The two ends of the first medium pipe 401 are connected to the output end of the condenser 100 and the input end of the first compressor 200, respectively. The first medium pipe 401 is used to transport refrigerant. The first refrigeration channel can be formed by a pipe, for example, in the water evaporator 400, it can be formed by a duct. Of course, other structures can also be used to form the first refrigeration channel, as long as the refrigerant can absorb heat in the first refrigeration channel when passing through the first medium pipe 401.

[0025] The ice-making evaporator 500 is provided with a second medium pipe 501 and a second refrigeration channel. The two ends of the second medium pipe 501 are respectively connected to the output end of the condenser 100 and the input end of the second compressor 300. The second medium pipe 501 is used to transport refrigerant. The second refrigeration channel can be formed by a pipe. For example, in the ice-making evaporator 500, the second refrigeration channel can be formed by a water pipe. Of course, other structures can also be used to form the second refrigeration channel, as long as the refrigerant can absorb heat in the second refrigeration channel when passing through the second medium pipe 501.

[0026] The fan 600 is used to input air into the first refrigeration channel. Specifically, the first refrigeration channel may be provided with an air inlet, through which the fan 600 inputs air into the first refrigeration channel.

[0027] The first water storage tank 700 is connected to the first refrigeration channel and the second refrigeration channel. The water condensed in the first refrigeration channel enters the first water storage tank 700 for storage, thereby realizing water production. The water in the first water storage tank 700 can also enter the second refrigeration channel of the ice evaporator 500 to realize subsequent ice production.

[0028] Ice maker 800 is connected to a second refrigeration channel. Ice maker 800 can use rapid freezing and continuous demolding technology to form edible ice cubes.

[0029] Air is blown into the first refrigeration channel of the water evaporator 400 by the fan 600. When the refrigerant passes through the first medium pipe 401 of the water evaporator 400, it absorbs heat from the air in the first refrigeration channel, causing the water vapor in the air in the first refrigeration channel to condense into water. The water enters the first water storage tank 700, thus realizing water production. The water in the first water storage tank 700 enters the second refrigeration channel of the ice evaporator 500. When the refrigerant passes through the second medium pipe 501 of the ice evaporator 500, it absorbs heat from the water in the second refrigeration channel, thus further cooling the water in the second refrigeration channel to form subcooled water. The subcooled water enters the ice maker 800, thus realizing ice production. In this application, by setting up a first compressor 200 and a second compressor 300, in conjunction with a water-making evaporator 400 and an ice-making evaporator 500, a two-stage compression refrigeration cycle is achieved. This meets the energy efficiency requirements of the water-making evaporator 400 and the ice-making evaporator 500, achieving efficient air dehumidification while simultaneously providing water and ice production functions. This solves the problems of low energy efficiency and limited functionality in existing air-to-water devices. It improves the overall efficiency of air-to-water and air-to-ice production, addressing the shortage of drinking water and ice in areas with scarce freshwater resources.

[0030] It should be noted that the compressor is mainly used to compress the low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The condenser 100 mainly cools the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant into a high-pressure liquid refrigerant through heat dissipation. The evaporator mainly absorbs heat to evaporate the high-pressure liquid refrigerant into a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. Heat is absorbed during the evaporation process. Both the compressor and condenser 100 are common components in refrigeration systems, and their structure and working principles will not be elaborated upon here.

[0031] Understandably, the cooling temperature of the water-making evaporator 400 can be lower than the dew point temperature to facilitate water vapor condensation, and the cooling temperature of the ice-making evaporator 500 is lower than that of the water-making evaporator 400 to ensure that the chilled water can be optimally converted into subcooled water. The first compressor 200 further compresses the refrigerant output from the second compressor 300.

[0032] refer to Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the two-stage compressed air-to-water-to-ice device further includes an intercooler 900, which forms a cooling chamber 901. The output end of the condenser 100, the output end of the second compressor 300, the input end of the first compressor 200, both ends of the first medium pipe 401, and the input end of the second medium pipe 501 are all connected to the cooling chamber 901.

[0033] In this embodiment, the output end of the condenser 100, the input end of the first medium pipe 401, and the input end of the second medium pipe 501 are all connected to the cooling chamber 901. The condensed liquid refrigerant enters the cooling chamber 901 of the intercooler 900, and then enters the first medium pipe 401 of the water evaporator 400 and the second medium pipe 501 of the ice evaporator 500. Furthermore, the output end of the second compressor 300 and the input end of the first compressor 200 are both connected to the cooling chamber 901. Thus, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant output from the second compressor 300 can be cooled by the lower-temperature refrigerant in the intercooler 900, preventing the high-temperature refrigerant from carbonizing the lubricating oil or damaging components in the first compressor 200 when it enters. Simultaneously, the overheated gaseous refrigerant is cooled to near-saturation at intermediate pressure before entering the first compressor 200, reducing the ineffective overheating energy consumption of the first compressor 200. In addition, the intercooler 900 facilitates communication between the various components.

[0034] refer to Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the cooling chamber 901 includes a gas chamber and a liquid chamber that are distributed vertically and connected to each other. The input end of the first medium pipe 401, the input end of the second medium pipe 501, and the output end of the second compressor 300 are all connected to the liquid chamber, and the input end of the first compressor 200 is connected to the gas chamber.

[0035] In this embodiment, the input ends of the first medium pipe 401 and the second medium pipe 501 are both connected to the liquid chamber, facilitating the entry of the liquid refrigerant output from the condenser 100 into the first medium pipe 401 of the water evaporator 400 and the second medium pipe 501 of the ice evaporator 500. The output end of the second compressor 300 is connected to the liquid chamber, allowing the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant output from the second compressor 300 to directly contact the low-temperature refrigerant in the intercooler 900 for cooling, resulting in a better cooling effect. The input end of the first compressor 200 is connected to the gas chamber, which reduces the amount of liquid refrigerant entering the first compressor 200.

[0036] It should be noted that the output end of the first medium pipe 401 can be connected to either the gas chamber or the liquid chamber. The output end of the condenser 100 can be directly connected to either the liquid chamber or the gas chamber, with the liquid refrigerant flowing downwards into the liquid chamber after entering the gas chamber.

[0037] refer to Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, a first expansion valve 1000 is provided between the output end of the condenser 100 and the intercooler 900, and a second expansion valve 1100 is provided between the input end of the second medium pipe 501 and the intercooler 900. In this embodiment, the provision of the first expansion valve 1000 and the second expansion valve 1100 enables the refrigerant output from the condenser 100 to become a low-temperature, low-pressure vapor-liquid mixture, making it easier for the refrigerant to evaporate after entering the first medium pipe 401 of the water evaporator 400 and the second medium pipe 501 of the ice evaporator 500, thereby improving the cooling effect.

[0038] refer to Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the first water storage tank 700 is provided with two first water outlets, the second refrigeration channel is connected to one of the first water outlets, and the other first water outlet is connected to the second water storage tank 1200. In this embodiment, the first water storage tank 700 is connected to the second refrigeration channel of the ice evaporator 500 and also to the second water storage tank 1200. The water in the first water storage tank 700 is recently extracted and its temperature is lower than that in the second water storage tank 1200. When there is a need for ice making or ice water, water can be drawn from the first water storage tank 700 to reduce the cooling load of the ice evaporator 500.

[0039] refer to Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the second refrigeration channel is provided with two second water outlets. The ice maker 800 is connected to one of the second water outlets, and the other second water outlet is connected to a drinking water pipe 502. The subcooled water in the second refrigeration channel, in addition to entering the ice maker 800 for ice making, can also enter the drinking water pipe 502, allowing people to directly drink the iced water.

[0040] refer to Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the first refrigeration channel is connected to an air inlet pipe 402, a fan 600 is located at the air inlet of the air inlet pipe 402, and a filter 1300 is provided inside the air inlet pipe 402. In this embodiment, the filter 1300 is provided inside the air inlet pipe 402, and the filter 1300 is used to efficiently filter the air entering the first refrigeration channel to remove particulate matter, bacteria, and harmful gases.

[0041] refer to Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the first refrigeration channel is connected to an air outlet pipe 403, which is used to deliver cold air to the condenser 100. In this embodiment, the air entering the first refrigeration channel is cooled and dehumidified, and then delivered to the condenser 100 through the air outlet pipe 403. This not only improves the condensation effect of the condenser 100, but also prevents damage caused by excessively high ambient temperature around the condenser 100.

[0042] refer to Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, a water pump 1400 is provided between the first water storage tank 700 and the second refrigeration channel. In this embodiment, the water pump 1400 can quickly transport water from the first water storage tank 700 to the second refrigeration channel, resulting in higher ice-making efficiency.

[0043] In some embodiments of this invention, the first refrigeration channel is made of a hydrophobic material. This reduces the amount of water adhering to the inner wall of the first refrigeration channel after condensation, making it easier for condensate to enter the first water storage tank 700.

[0044] In some embodiments of this invention, both the first water storage tank 700 and the second water storage tank 1200 may be equipped with level sensors. The level sensors can accurately detect whether the water level in the first water storage tank 700 and the second water storage tank 1200 has reached its upper limit. When the water level reaches the upper limit, the water production process is paused to prevent overflow. Level sensors are common sensors, and their structure and working principle will not be described in detail here.

[0045] In some embodiments of this invention, a detection unit may be provided within the ice maker 800. This detection unit can detect whether the size of the ice cubes produced by the ice maker 800 has reached its upper limit. When the upper limit is reached, the ice-making process is paused to prevent blockage or damage to the ice maker 800. The detection unit can be a photoelectric sensor, a contact switch, or other suitable sensors, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0046] In some embodiments of this invention, the air-to-water and air-to-ice generator may also be equipped with temperature and humidity sensors. These sensors detect the temperature and humidity of the environment surrounding the generator, allowing operators to adjust the workload of each component based on the detection results. Temperature and humidity sensors are common sensors, and their structure and working principles will not be elaborated upon here.

[0047] The embodiments of the present utility model have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A two-stage compressed air-to-water and ice-making device, characterized in that, include: Condenser; A first compressor, the output end of which is connected to the input end of the condenser; The second compressor has its output end connected to the input end of the first compressor. The water-making evaporator is provided with a first medium pipe and a first refrigeration channel, and the two ends of the first medium pipe are respectively connected to the output end of the condenser and the input end of the first compressor; An ice-making evaporator is provided with a second medium pipe and a second refrigeration channel. The two ends of the second medium pipe are respectively connected to the output end of the condenser and the input end of the second compressor. A fan is used to introduce air into the first refrigeration passage; The first water storage tank is connected to the first refrigeration channel and the second refrigeration channel; An ice maker is connected to the second refrigeration channel.

2. The two-stage compression air-to-water-to-ice making equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: An intercooler is formed with a cooling chamber. The output end of the condenser, the input end of the first compressor, the output end of the second compressor, both ends of the first medium pipe, and the input end of the second medium pipe are all connected to the cooling chamber.

3. The two-stage compression air-to-water-to-ice making equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cooling chamber includes a gas chamber and a liquid chamber that are distributed vertically and connected to each other. The input end of the first medium pipe, the input end of the second medium pipe, and the output end of the second compressor are all connected to the liquid chamber, and the input end of the first compressor is connected to the gas chamber.

4. The two-stage compression air-to-water-to-ice making equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, A first expansion valve is provided between the output end of the condenser and the intercooler.

5. The two-stage compression air-to-water-to-ice making equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, A second expansion valve is provided between the inlet end of the second medium pipe and the intercooler.

6. The two-stage compression air-to-water-to-ice making device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first water storage tank is provided with two first water outlets. The second cooling channel is connected to one of the first water outlets, and the other first water outlet is connected to the second water storage tank.

7. The two-stage compression air-to-water-to-ice making device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second refrigeration channel is provided with two second water outlets. The ice maker is connected to one of the second water outlets, and the other second water outlet is connected to a drinking water pipe.

8. The two-stage compression air-to-water-to-ice device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first refrigeration channel is connected to an air inlet pipe, the fan is located at the air inlet of the air inlet pipe, and a filter is installed inside the air inlet pipe.

9. The two-stage compression air-to-water-to-ice device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first refrigeration channel is connected to an air outlet pipe, which is used to deliver cold air to the condenser.

10. The two-stage compression air-to-water-to-ice making device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A water pump is installed between the first water storage tank and the second refrigeration channel.

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