A chiller unit

Abstract

A chiller unit includes a mechanical refrigeration system and a natural cooling system. The mechanical refrigeration system has an evaporator and a condenser, with refrigerant circulating between the evaporator and condenser. The natural cooling system includes a dry cooler, a main pipe, a water pump, a first bypass pipe, and a first electric valve. The dry cooler and the evaporator are connected in series via the main pipe. The water pump is installed on the main pipe to drive the refrigerant flow within it. The two ends of the first bypass pipe are connected to the main pipe on both sides of the evaporator, making it parallel to the evaporator. The first electric valve is installed on the first bypass pipe to control its opening and closing. When only the natural cooling system is used to cool the refrigerant, by controlling the opening of the first electric valve on the first bypass pipe, the refrigerant bypasses the evaporator and flows directly through the first bypass pipe. This avoids the resistance generated when the refrigerant flows through the evaporator, reduces the driving load on the water pump, and thus reduces the system's energy consumption.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of refrigeration equipment technology, and in particular to a water chiller unit. Background Technology

[0002] In the data center and commercial cooling sectors, chillers are critical equipment for ensuring the normal operation of data center equipment and maintaining a comfortable environment, accounting for a significant portion of energy consumption. Traditional chillers, regardless of outdoor temperature, largely rely on compressors for mechanical cooling, resulting in high energy consumption. While some chillers offer natural cooling capabilities, in this mode, water flow encounters resistance as it passes through components such as the evaporator, increasing pump energy consumption and preventing the achievement of maximum energy savings. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a chiller that can effectively reduce system energy consumption. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, this application provides a chiller unit and control method, which can effectively reduce system energy consumption.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the first aspect of this application provides a chiller unit, including a mechanical refrigeration system and a natural cooling system. The mechanical refrigeration system has an evaporator and a condenser, and a refrigerant circulates between the evaporator and the condenser. The natural cooling system includes: a dry cooler; a main pipe, wherein the dry cooler and the evaporator are connected in series through the main pipe; a water pump, which is installed on the main pipe to drive the refrigerant in the main pipe to circulate; a first bypass pipe, wherein both ends of the first bypass pipe are connected to the main pipe on both sides of the evaporator, so that the first bypass pipe is connected in parallel with the evaporator; and a first electric valve, which is installed on the first bypass pipe to control the opening and closing of the first bypass pipe.

[0005] As described above, by setting up a first bypass pipe, which is connected in parallel with the evaporator, when the mechanical refrigeration system is not operating and only the natural cooling system is used to cool the refrigerant, the first electric valve on the first bypass pipe can be opened, allowing the refrigerant to bypass the evaporator and flow directly through the first bypass pipe. This avoids the resistance generated when the refrigerant flows through the evaporator, reduces the driving load on the water pump, and thus reduces the system's energy consumption.

[0006] As one possible implementation of the first aspect, the natural cooling system further includes: a second bypass pipe, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the main pipe on both sides of the dry cooler, so that the second bypass pipe is connected in parallel with the dry cooler; and a second electric valve, which is disposed at the position where the main pipe and the second bypass pipe are connected in front of the dry cooler, to control the flow of refrigerant in the main pipe to the dry cooler or the second bypass pipe.

[0007] As described above, by setting up a second bypass pipe, which is connected in parallel with the dry cooler, when the natural cooling system is not operating and only the mechanical refrigeration system is used to cool the refrigerant, the second electric valve can be opened to allow the refrigerant to bypass the dry cooler and flow directly through the second bypass pipe. This avoids the resistance generated when the refrigerant flows through the dry cooler, reduces the driving load on the water pump, and thus reduces the system's energy consumption.

[0008] As one possible implementation of the first aspect, the natural cooling system further includes a fan located at a position corresponding to the dry cooler, which drives air to flow through the dry cooler.

[0009] As described above, by installing a fan to drive airflow through the dry cooler, the dry cooler can be cooled by airflow. This improves the performance of the dry cooler and increases the heat exchange efficiency between the dry cooler and the flowing refrigerant.

[0010] As one possible implementation of the first aspect, the condenser is located at a position corresponding to the fan, and the fan drives air to flow through the condenser.

[0011] As described above, by placing the condenser in the corresponding position of the fan, the fan can be reused to cool the condenser, thereby improving the working efficiency of the condenser and thus improving the working efficiency of the mechanical refrigeration system.

[0012] As one possible implementation of the first aspect, the condenser is located behind the dry cooler when viewed along the direction of the airflow driven by the fan.

[0013] As described above, by placing the condenser behind the dry cooler, the air can pass through the dry cooler first to cool it down before flowing through the condenser when the fan drives the airflow. This avoids the negative impact on the dry cooler caused by the air temperature rising after flowing through the condenser first.

[0014] As one possible implementation of the first aspect, the chiller unit further includes a control system electrically connected to the mechanical refrigeration system and the natural cooling system; the control system includes: a temperature sensor for detecting the ambient temperature; and a controller electrically connected to the temperature sensor for controlling the mechanical refrigeration system and the natural cooling system according to the ambient temperature.

[0015] As described above, the ambient temperature can be detected by a temperature sensor, and the controller can control the mechanical refrigeration system and the natural cooling system based on the ambient temperature, so as to make efficient use of natural cold sources and reduce system energy consumption.

[0016] As one possible implementation of the first aspect, when the ambient temperature is less than a first threshold, the controller issues a first control command, which is used to control the mechanical refrigeration system to stop working and control the first electric valve to open.

[0017] Therefore, when the ambient temperature is below the first threshold, meaning the ambient temperature is sufficient to cool the refrigerant, the mechanical refrigeration system is stopped, allowing the chiller unit to cool the refrigerant solely through the natural cooling system, thus reducing system energy consumption. Simultaneously, by opening the first electric valve, the refrigerant bypasses the evaporator and flows directly through the first bypass pipe. This avoids the resistance generated when the refrigerant flows through the evaporator, reducing the pump's driving load and further lowering system energy consumption.

[0018] As one possible implementation of the first aspect, when the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the controller issues a second control command, which is used to control the mechanical refrigeration system to work and control the first electric valve to close.

[0019] Therefore, when the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the first threshold, meaning the ambient temperature cannot meet the cooling requirements of the refrigerant, the mechanical refrigeration system is controlled to operate while the first electric valve is closed, allowing the refrigerant to be cooled through the evaporator. This allows for simultaneous cooling of the refrigerant through both the mechanical refrigeration system and the natural cooling system. Consequently, the cooling performance of the chiller unit can be improved, meeting the cooling requirements of the refrigerant.

[0020] As one possible implementation of the first aspect, the natural cooling system further includes a second bypass pipe and a second electric valve, the second bypass pipe being connected in parallel with the dry cooler, and the second electric valve being located at a position where the main pipe and the second bypass pipe are connected on the front side of the dry cooler; the first control command and the second control command are also used to control the second electric valve to allow the refrigerant in the main pipe to flow to the dry cooler.

[0021] As described above, by controlling the second electric valve, the refrigerant in the main pipeline flows to the dry cooler. This allows the refrigerant to flow through the main pipeline between the dry cooler and the evaporator, enabling simultaneous cooling of the refrigerant by both the mechanical refrigeration system and the natural cooling system. Consequently, the natural cooling system utilizes natural cold sources, reducing the workload of the mechanical refrigeration system and thus lowering system energy consumption.

[0022] As one possible implementation of the first aspect, when the temperature of the external environment is greater than the second threshold, the controller issues a third control command, wherein the second threshold is greater than the first threshold, and the third control command is used to control the second electric valve to cause the refrigerant in the main pipeline to flow to the second bypass pipeline.

[0023] Therefore, when the ambient temperature exceeds the second threshold, meaning the ambient temperature is insufficient to cool the refrigerant, the second electric valve is controlled to direct the refrigerant in the main pipeline to the second bypass pipeline. This allows the refrigerant to bypass the dry cooler and be directly delivered to the evaporator. Consequently, when the ambient temperature is too high, the interference of the external environment on the refrigerant is reduced, allowing only the mechanical refrigeration system to cool the refrigerant, thus reducing system energy consumption.

[0024] A second aspect of this application provides a control method for controlling a chiller unit as described in any one of the first aspects of this application, comprising: acquiring the ambient temperature; and issuing a first control command when the ambient temperature is less than a first threshold, wherein the first control command is used to control the mechanical refrigeration system to stop working and to control the first electric valve to open.

[0025] Therefore, when the ambient temperature is below the first threshold, meaning the ambient temperature is sufficient to cool the refrigerant, the mechanical refrigeration system is stopped, allowing the chiller unit to cool the refrigerant solely through the natural cooling system, thus reducing system energy consumption. Simultaneously, by opening the first electric valve, the refrigerant bypasses the evaporator and flows directly through the first bypass pipe. This avoids the resistance generated when the refrigerant flows through the evaporator, reducing the pump's driving load and further lowering system energy consumption.

[0026] As a possible implementation of the second aspect, the control method further includes: when the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to a first threshold, issuing a second control command, the second control command being used to control the mechanical refrigeration system to operate and control the first electric valve to close.

[0027] Therefore, when the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the first threshold, meaning the ambient temperature cannot meet the cooling requirements of the refrigerant, the mechanical refrigeration system is controlled to operate while the first electric valve is closed, allowing the refrigerant to be cooled through the evaporator. This allows for simultaneous cooling of the refrigerant through both the mechanical refrigeration system and the natural cooling system. Consequently, the cooling performance of the chiller unit can be improved, meeting the cooling requirements of the refrigerant.

[0028] As a possible implementation of the second aspect, the natural cooling system further includes a second bypass pipe and a second electric valve, the second bypass pipe being connected in parallel with the dry cooler, and the second electric valve being located at a position where the main pipe and the second bypass pipe are connected on the front side of the dry cooler; the control method further includes: the first control command and the second control command are also used to control the second electric valve to cause the refrigerant in the main pipe to flow to the dry cooler.

[0029] As described above, by controlling the second electric valve, the refrigerant in the main pipeline flows to the dry cooler. This allows the refrigerant to flow through the main pipeline between the dry cooler and the evaporator, enabling simultaneous cooling of the refrigerant by both the mechanical refrigeration system and the natural cooling system. Consequently, the natural cooling system utilizes natural cold sources, reducing the workload of the mechanical refrigeration system and thus lowering system energy consumption.

[0030] As a possible implementation of the second aspect, the control method further includes: when the temperature of the external environment is greater than a second threshold, issuing a third control command, wherein the second threshold is greater than the first threshold, the third control command is used to control the second electric valve to cause the refrigerant in the main pipeline to flow to the second bypass pipeline.

[0031] Therefore, when the ambient temperature exceeds the second threshold, meaning the ambient temperature is insufficient to cool the refrigerant, the second electric valve is controlled to direct the refrigerant in the main pipeline to the second bypass pipeline. This allows the refrigerant to bypass the dry cooler and be directly delivered to the evaporator. Consequently, when the ambient temperature is too high, the interference of the external environment on the refrigerant is reduced, allowing only the mechanical refrigeration system to cool the refrigerant, thus reducing system energy consumption.

[0032] These and other aspects of this invention will become more readily apparent in the following description of several embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The various features of this utility model and the relationships between them are further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are exemplary; some features are not shown to scale, and some drawings may omit conventional features in the field of this application that are not essential to this application, or additional features that are not essential to this application may be shown. The combination of features shown in the drawings is not intended to limit this application. Furthermore, throughout this specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same things. Specific descriptions of the drawings are as follows:

[0034] Figure 1 This is a connection diagram of the chiller unit in this application;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical connections of the chiller unit in this application;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the control method in this application.

[0037] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0038] 10 Chiller unit; 100 Mechanical refrigeration system; 110 Compressor; 120 Condenser; 130 Electronic expansion valve; 140 Evaporator; 200 Natural cooling system; 210 Dry cooler; 220 Main piping; 221 Return water end; 222 Supply water end; 230 Water pump; 240 First bypass piping; 250 First electric valve; 260 Second electric valve; 270 Second bypass piping; 280 Fan; 300 Control system; 310 Temperature sensor; 320 Controller. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The terms "first, second, third, etc." or similar terms such as module A, module B, module C, etc., used in the specification and claims are only used to distinguish similar objects and do not represent a specific ordering of objects. It is understood that a specific order or sequence may be interchanged where permitted so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in an order other than that illustrated or described herein.

[0040] In the following description, the labels of the steps, such as S110, S120, etc., do not necessarily mean that the steps will be executed in this way. The order of the steps can be interchanged or executed simultaneously if permitted.

[0041] The term "comprising" as used in the specification and claims should not be construed as limiting itself to what follows; it does not exclude other elements or steps. Therefore, it should be interpreted as specifying the presence of the mentioned feature, integral, step, or component, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the statement "device comprising means A and B" should not be limited to a device consisting solely of components A and B.

[0042] The terms "an embodiment" or "an embodiment" as used in this specification mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the terms "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" appearing throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but may refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the particular features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[0043] This application provides a chiller unit 10. Below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, possible embodiments of the chiller unit 10 in this application will be described by way of example.

[0044] Figure 1 This is a connection diagram of the chiller unit 10 in this application. Figure 1 As shown, the chiller unit 10 in this application includes a mechanical refrigeration system 100 and a natural cooling system 200. The mechanical refrigeration system 100 has an evaporator 140 and a condenser 120, with refrigerant circulating between the evaporator 140 and the condenser 120. The natural cooling system 200 includes a dry cooler 210, a main pipe 220, a water pump 230, a first bypass pipe 240, and a first electric valve 250. The dry cooler 210 and the evaporator 140 are connected in series via the main pipe 220. The water pump 230 is installed on the main pipe 220 to drive the refrigerant flow within the main pipe 220. The two ends of the first bypass pipe 240 are connected to the main pipe 220 on both sides of the evaporator 140, thus connecting the first bypass pipe 240 and the evaporator 140 in parallel. The first electric valve 250 is installed on the first bypass pipe 240 to control its opening and closing.

[0045] As described above, by setting up a first bypass pipe 240, the first bypass pipe 240 is connected in parallel with the evaporator 140. Therefore, when the mechanical refrigeration system 100 is stopped and only the natural cooling system 200 is used to cool the refrigerant, the first electric valve 250 on the first bypass pipe 240 is opened, allowing the refrigerant to bypass the evaporator 140 and flow directly through the first bypass pipe 240. This avoids the resistance generated when the refrigerant flows through the evaporator 140, reduces the driving load on the water pump 230, and thus reduces the system's energy consumption.

[0046] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the natural cooling system 200 also includes a second bypass pipe 270 and a second electric valve 260. The two ends of the second bypass pipe 270 are connected to the main pipe 220 on both sides of the dry cooler 210, thus connecting the second bypass pipe 270 in parallel with the dry cooler 210. The second electric valve 260 is located at the point where the main pipe 220 connects to the second bypass pipe 270 in front of the dry cooler 210, controlling the flow of refrigerant in the main pipe 220 to either the dry cooler 210 or the second bypass pipe 270. Therefore, by providing the second bypass pipe 270, which is connected in parallel with the dry cooler 210, when the natural cooling system 200 is stopped and only the mechanical refrigeration system 100 is used to cool the refrigerant, the second electric valve 260 can be opened, allowing the refrigerant to bypass the dry cooler 210 and flow directly through the second bypass pipe 270. This avoids the resistance generated when the coolant flows through the dry cooler 210, reduces the driving burden of the water pump 230, and thus reduces the energy consumption of the system.

[0047] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the natural cooling system 200 also includes a fan 280, which is positioned corresponding to the dry cooler 210 and drives airflow through the dry cooler 210. Thus, by using the fan 280 to drive airflow through the dry cooler 210, air cooling can be achieved on the dry cooler 210. This improves the performance of the dry cooler 210 and increases the heat exchange efficiency between the dry cooler 210 and the flowing refrigerant.

[0048] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the condenser 120 is positioned corresponding to the fan 280, and the fan 280 drives air to flow through the condenser 120. Therefore, by positioning the condenser 120 corresponding to the fan 280, the fan 280 can be reused to cool the condenser 120, thereby improving the working efficiency of the condenser 120 and consequently improving the working efficiency of the mechanical refrigeration system 100.

[0049] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, looking along the direction of airflow driven by the fan 280, the condenser 120 is located behind the dry cooler 210. Therefore, by placing the condenser 120 behind the dry cooler 210, when the fan 280 drives the airflow, the air can first pass through the dry cooler 210 to cool it down before flowing through the condenser 120. This avoids the impact on the dry cooler 210 caused by the air temperature rising after flowing through the condenser 120.

[0050] In some embodiments, the fan 280 may be located on one side of the condenser 120, on one side of the dry cooler 210, or between the condenser 120 and the dry cooler 210.

[0051] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical connections of the chiller unit 10 in this application. In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the chiller unit 10 also includes a control system 300, which is electrically connected to the mechanical refrigeration system 100 and the natural cooling system 200. The control system 300 includes a temperature sensor 310 and a controller 320. The temperature sensor 310 detects the ambient temperature, and the controller 320 is electrically connected to the temperature sensor 310, controlling the mechanical refrigeration system 100 and the natural cooling system 200 based on the ambient temperature. Therefore, the ambient temperature can be detected by the temperature sensor 310, and the controller 320 can control the mechanical refrigeration system 100 and the natural cooling system 200 based on the ambient temperature, thereby efficiently utilizing natural cooling sources and reducing system energy consumption.

[0052] In some embodiments, the refrigerant may be water, antifreeze, or other suitable liquid.

[0053] This application also provides a control method 40. The specific steps of the control method 40 in this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the control method 40 in this application. The control method 40 in this application is used to control the chiller unit 10 in any of the above-described implementations, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the specific steps of control method 40 include:

[0055] Step S410: Obtain temperature information.

[0056] In step S410, the ambient temperature is acquired. Specifically, the ambient temperature can be detected by a temperature sensor 310, for example.

[0057] Step S420: Determine whether the temperature is less than the first threshold.

[0058] In step S420, the temperature sensor 310 sends the detected ambient temperature to the controller 320, and the controller 320 determines whether the ambient temperature detected by the temperature sensor 310 is less than a first threshold.

[0059] Step S430: Issue the first control command.

[0060] In step S430, when the ambient temperature is less than the first threshold, the controller 320 issues a first control command. The first control command is used to control the mechanical refrigeration system 100 to stop working and to control the first electric valve 250 to open.

[0061] Therefore, when the ambient temperature is below the first threshold, i.e., the ambient temperature is sufficient to cool the refrigerant, the mechanical refrigeration system 100 is stopped, allowing the chiller unit 10 to cool the refrigerant solely through the natural cooling system 200, thus reducing system energy consumption. Simultaneously, by opening the first electric valve 250, the refrigerant bypasses the evaporator 140 and flows directly through the first bypass pipe 240. This avoids the resistance generated when the refrigerant flows through the evaporator 140, reducing the driving load on the water pump 230 and further lowering system energy consumption.

[0062] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, control method 40 further includes:

[0063] Step S440: Determine whether the temperature is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

[0064] In step S440, the controller 320 determines whether the ambient temperature detected by the temperature sensor 310 is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

[0065] Step S450: Issue the second control command.

[0066] In step S450, when the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the controller 320 issues a second control command. The second control command is used to control the mechanical refrigeration system 100 to work and control the first electric valve 250 to close.

[0067] Therefore, when the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the first threshold, meaning the ambient temperature cannot meet the cooling requirements of the refrigerant, the mechanical refrigeration system 100 is activated while the first electric valve 250 is closed. This allows the refrigerant to be cooled through the evaporator 140, thus enabling simultaneous cooling of the refrigerant by both the mechanical refrigeration system 100 and the natural cooling system 200. This improves the cooling performance of the chiller unit 10 and meets the cooling requirements of the refrigerant.

[0068] In some embodiments, the first control command and the second control command are also used to control the second electric valve 260, causing the refrigerant in the main pipe 220 to flow to the dry cooler 210. Thus, by controlling the second electric valve 260 to direct the refrigerant in the main pipe 220 to the dry cooler 210, the refrigerant can flow through the main pipe 220 past the dry cooler 210 and the evaporator 140 in a timely manner. This means that the refrigerant can be cooled simultaneously by the mechanical refrigeration system 100 and the natural cooling system 200. Consequently, the natural cooling system 200 can utilize natural cold sources, reducing the workload of the mechanical refrigeration system 100 and thus reducing system energy consumption.

[0069] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, control method 40 further includes:

[0070] Step S460: Determine whether the temperature is greater than the second threshold.

[0071] In step S460, the controller 320 determines whether the ambient temperature detected by the temperature sensor 310 is greater than the second threshold.

[0072] Step S470: Issue the third control command.

[0073] In step S470, when the temperature of the external environment is greater than the second threshold, the controller 320 issues a third control command. The second threshold is greater than the first threshold. The third control command is used to control the second electric valve 260 so that the refrigerant in the main pipe 220 flows to the second bypass pipe 270.

[0074] Therefore, when the ambient temperature exceeds the second threshold, meaning the ambient temperature is insufficient to cool the refrigerant, the second electric valve 260 is controlled to direct the refrigerant in the main pipe 220 to the second bypass pipe 270. This allows the refrigerant to bypass the dry cooler 210 and be directly delivered to the evaporator 140. Consequently, when the ambient temperature is too high, the interference of the external environment on the refrigerant is reduced, allowing only the mechanical refrigeration system 100 to cool the refrigerant, thus reducing system energy consumption.

[0075] The above description provides an exemplary description of possible embodiments of the water-cooled unit and control method in this application. Below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a detailed description of the specific structure of the water-cooled unit in this application will be given in a particular embodiment.

[0076] like Figure 1 As shown, the water-cooled unit in this application includes a mechanical refrigeration system 100 and a natural cooling system 200. The mechanical refrigeration system 100 cools the refrigerant through mechanical refrigeration, while the natural cooling system 200 cools the refrigerant through a natural cold source.

[0077] like Figure 1 As shown, the mechanical refrigeration system 100 includes a compressor 110, a condenser 120, an electronic expansion valve 130, and an evaporator 140. The compressor 110, condenser 120, electronic expansion valve 130, and evaporator 140 are connected by pipes and refrigerant circulates within them.

[0078] like Figure 1 As shown, the natural cooling system 200 includes a dry cooler 210, a main pipe 220, a water pump 230, a first bypass pipe 240, and a first electric valve 250. The main pipe 220 has a return water end 221 and a supply water end 222 at its two ends. Cooling water flows through the main pipe 220. After flowing out from the supply water end 222, the cooling water can be used to cool other equipment, and then flows back into the main pipe 220 from the return water end 221. The water pump 230 is installed on the main pipe 220, specifically near the return water end 221, and is used to drive the cooling water in the main pipe 220 to flow from the return water end 221 to the supply water end 222. The dry cooler 210 and evaporator 140 are connected in series on the main pipe 220. Water returning to the main pipe 220 from the return end 221 flows through the dry cooler 210 and evaporator 140 for cooling before flowing out from the supply end 222 to cool other equipment. When the water in the main pipe 220 flows through the dry cooler 210, it exchanges heat with the external environment, lowering its temperature. When the water in the main pipe 220 flows through the evaporator 140, it exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator 140, further lowering its temperature, so that it can flow out from the supply end 222 to cool other equipment.

[0079] like Figure 1 As shown, the two ends of the first bypass pipe 240 are connected to the main pipe 220 on both sides of the evaporator 140, so that the first bypass pipe 240 and the evaporator 140 are connected in parallel. The first electric valve 250 is an electric two-way valve, which is installed on the first bypass pipe 240 to control the opening and closing of the first bypass pipe 240. Thus, when the first electric valve 250 is open, due to the large resistance of the evaporator 140 to the cooling water passing through it, the cooling water flowing to the evaporator 140 in the main pipe 220 can bypass the evaporator 140 through the first bypass pipe 240 and flow to the water supply end 222. When the first electric valve 250 is closed, the cooling water in the main pipe 220 can exchange heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator 140 through the evaporator 140, and flow to the water supply end 222 after cooling down.

[0080] like Figure 1As shown, the natural cooling system 200 also includes a second electric valve 260 and a second bypass pipe 270. The second electric valve 260 is installed on the main pipe 220, specifically between the return water end 221 and the dry cooler 210. The second electric valve 260 is an electric three-way valve. One end of the second bypass pipe 270 is connected to the main pipe 220 via the second electric valve 260; that is, two of the three connectors of the second electric valve 260 are connected to the main pipe 220, and one is connected to one end of the second bypass pipe 270. The other end of the second bypass pipe 270 is connected to the main pipe 220 between the dry cooler 210 and the evaporator 140, thus the second bypass pipe 270 and the dry cooler 210 are connected in parallel. Therefore, the second electric valve 260 can control the flow of cooling water in the main pipe 220 to the dry cooler 210 or to bypass the dry cooler 210 and flow directly to the evaporator 140.

[0081] like Figure 1 As shown, the natural cooling system 200 also includes a fan 280, which is arranged in a straight line with the condenser 120 and the dry cooler 210, allowing the fan 280 to provide air cooling for the condenser 120 and the dry cooler 210. Viewed along the direction of airflow driven by the fan 280, the condenser 120 is located behind the dry cooler 210. This allows air to pass through the dry cooler 210 first, cooling it before flowing through the condenser 120. This avoids the impact on the dry cooler 210 caused by the air temperature rising after passing through the condenser 120 first.

[0082] like Figure 2 As shown, the chiller unit 10 in this application also includes a control system 300, which is electrically connected to the mechanical refrigeration system 100 and the natural cooling system 200. The control system 300 includes a temperature sensor 310 and a controller 320. The temperature sensor 310 is used to detect the ambient temperature, and the controller 320 is electrically connected to the temperature sensor 310 to control the mechanical refrigeration system 100 and the natural cooling system 200 according to the ambient temperature.

[0083] Specifically, the control system 300 can control the mechanical refrigeration system 100 and the natural cooling system 200 to operate in three modes according to the ambient temperature, as detailed below.

[0084] Natural cooling mode (when the outdoor ambient temperature is low): When the outdoor temperature sensor 310 detects a low temperature that meets the natural cooling conditions (i.e., the outdoor ambient temperature is below the first threshold), the mechanical refrigeration system 100 does not start the compressor 110. At this time, the second electric valve 260 controls the water flow through the dry cooler 210, and the fan 280 operates to cool the water in the dry cooler 210. The cooled water is then directly supplied to the load to complete the cooling process. Simultaneously, if the system enters a completely natural cooling state, the second electric valve 260 opens, and the first bypass pipe 240 bypasses the evaporator 140, allowing the cooling water in the main pipe 220 to bypass the evaporator 140, thereby further reducing water resistance.

[0085] Hybrid cooling mode (when outdoor ambient temperature rises): When the outdoor ambient temperature rises and natural cooling cannot meet the cooling demand (outdoor ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than or equal to the second threshold), the mechanical refrigeration system 100 is controlled to start the compressor 110. The second electric valve 260 switches to close the second bypass pipe 270, and the first electric valve 250 closes the first bypass pipe 240, allowing the cooling water to first undergo preliminary natural cooling through the dry cooler 210, and then enter the evaporator 140, where it undergoes mechanical refrigeration under the action of the compressor 110 to achieve the required cooling effect. Thus, an external cold source can be used to cool the cooling water, thereby reducing the cooling load on the mechanical refrigeration system 100 and reducing system energy consumption.

[0086] Mechanical refrigeration mode (when outdoor ambient temperature continues to rise): When the outdoor ambient temperature continues to rise and natural cooling sources cannot be effectively utilized (i.e., the outdoor ambient temperature exceeds the second threshold), the second electric valve 260 switches to allow water to bypass the dry cooler 210 directly through the second bypass pipe 270. Simultaneously, the first electric valve 250 closes the first bypass pipe 240, allowing cooling water to directly enter the evaporator 140 for complete mechanical refrigeration via the compressor 110. This avoids the influence of high outdoor temperatures on the cooling water temperature, thereby reducing system energy consumption.

[0087] Note that the above are merely preferred embodiments and the technical principles employed in this application. Those skilled in the art will understand that this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions can be made without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, although this application has been described in detail through the above embodiments, this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. Many other equivalent embodiments may be included without departing from the concept of this utility model, all of which fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A water chiller unit, characterized in that, The system includes a mechanical refrigeration system and a natural cooling system. The mechanical refrigeration system has an evaporator and a condenser, and a refrigerant circulates between the evaporator and the condenser. The natural cooling system includes: Dry cooler; The main pipeline connects the dry cooler and the evaporator in series. A water pump is installed on the main pipeline to drive the flow of refrigerant within the main pipeline; A first bypass pipe, the two ends of which are connected to the main pipe on both sides of the evaporator, so that the first bypass pipe is connected in parallel with the evaporator; A first electric valve is installed on the first bypass pipe to control the opening and closing of the first bypass pipe.

2. The chiller unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The natural cooling system also includes: The second bypass pipe has its two ends connected to the main pipe on both sides of the dry cooler, so that the second bypass pipe is connected in parallel with the dry cooler. The second electric valve is located at the position where the main pipe and the second bypass pipe are connected on the front side of the dry cooler, and controls the flow of the refrigerant in the main pipe to the dry cooler or the second bypass pipe.

3. The chiller unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The natural cooling system also includes: A fan is installed at a position corresponding to the dry cooler to drive airflow through the dry cooler.

4. The chiller unit according to claim 3, characterized in that, The condenser is located at the position corresponding to the fan, and the fan drives air to flow through the condenser.

5. The chiller unit according to claim 4, characterized in that, Viewed along the direction of the airflow driven by the fan, the condenser is located behind the dry cooler.

6. The chiller unit according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, It also includes a control system, which is electrically connected to the mechanical refrigeration system and the natural cooling system; the control system includes: A temperature sensor, used to detect the ambient temperature; The controller is electrically connected to the temperature sensor and controls the mechanical refrigeration system and the natural cooling system according to the ambient temperature.

7. The chiller unit according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the ambient temperature is lower than a first threshold, the controller issues a first control command, which is used to control the mechanical refrigeration system to stop working and to control the first electric valve to open.

8. The chiller unit according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the controller issues a second control command, which is used to control the mechanical refrigeration system to work and control the first electric valve to close.

9. The chiller unit according to claim 8, characterized in that, The natural cooling system also includes a second bypass pipe and a second electric valve. The second bypass pipe is connected in parallel with the dry cooler, and the second electric valve is located at the position where the main pipe and the second bypass pipe are connected in front of the dry cooler. The first control command and the second control command are also used to control the second electric valve so that the refrigerant in the main pipeline flows to the dry cooler.

10. The chiller unit according to claim 9, characterized in that, When the temperature of the external environment is greater than the second threshold, the controller issues a third control command. The second threshold is greater than the first threshold. The third control command is used to control the second electric valve so that the refrigerant in the main pipeline flows to the second bypass pipeline.

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