Gas-liquid separator, refrigerant replacement device and HVAC system

Abstract

This application provides a gas-liquid separator, a refrigerant replacement device, and a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The gas-liquid separator includes multiple spaced-apart tanks, an inlet pipe assembly, an outlet pipe assembly, and a drain pipe assembly. The first end of the inlet pipe assembly connects to an outdoor unit, and the second end forms multiple inlets, each corresponding to one of the tanks, with each inlet communicating with a corresponding inner cavity. The first end of the outlet pipe assembly forms multiple outlets, each corresponding to one of the tanks, with each outlet communicating with a corresponding inner cavity. The second end of the outlet pipe assembly connects to an indoor unit. The drain pipe assembly is located below the outlet pipe assembly, and the first end forms multiple drain ports, each corresponding to one of the tanks, with each drain port communicating with a corresponding inner cavity. The second end of the drain pipe assembly connects to the indoor unit. The gas-liquid separator of this application has high separation efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of HVAC technology, and in particular to a gas-liquid separator, a refrigerant replacement device using the gas-liquid separator, and an HVAC system using the refrigerant replacement device. Background Technology

[0002] The refrigerant switching device in an air conditioning system is used to regulate the refrigerant flow, and the gas-liquid separator, as its key component, directly affects the refrigerant separation effect and system energy efficiency.

[0003] Currently, North American safety regulations impose strict restrictions on refrigerant switching devices installed indoors. If the tank or pipe diameter of the gas-liquid separator is large, it will be classified as a pressure vessel and must be installed in a dedicated equipment room. Generally, to comply with regulatory requirements, smaller diameter gas-liquid separators are used, meaning that the internal volume of the gas-liquid separator is smaller.

[0004] However, small-diameter gas-liquid separators have poor separation efficiency, which can easily lead to liquid refrigerant carryover and increase the risk of liquid slugging in the compressor. Furthermore, incomplete separation can reduce system heat exchange efficiency and affect overall energy efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application provides a gas-liquid separator, a refrigerant replacement device, and a heating and ventilation system, which can improve the separation efficiency of the gas-liquid separator and the heat exchange efficiency of the heating and ventilation system.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a gas-liquid separator, including multiple tanks spaced apart, each tank having an inner cavity. The gas-liquid separator provided by this application further includes an inlet pipe assembly, an exhaust pipe assembly, and a drain pipe assembly. The first end of the inlet pipe assembly is used to connect to an outdoor unit, and the second end of the inlet pipe assembly forms multiple inlets, each inlet corresponding to one of the multiple tanks, and each inlet connecting to a corresponding inner cavity. The first end of the exhaust pipe assembly forms multiple exhaust ports, each exhaust port corresponding to one of the multiple tanks, and each exhaust port connecting to a corresponding inner cavity. The second end of the exhaust pipe assembly is used to connect to an indoor unit. The drain pipe assembly is located below the exhaust pipe assembly, and the first end of the drain pipe assembly forms multiple drain ports, each drain port corresponding to one of the multiple tanks, and each drain port connecting to a corresponding inner cavity. The second end of the drain pipe assembly is used to connect to the indoor unit.

[0007] As an optional implementation, the exhaust pipe assembly includes multiple exhaust sub-pipes and an exhaust main pipe; the multiple exhaust sub-pipes are arranged one-to-one with multiple tanks, and the first end of the exhaust sub-pipe forms an exhaust port; the first end of the exhaust main pipe is connected to the second end of the multiple exhaust sub-pipes, and the second end of the exhaust main pipe is used to connect with the indoor unit.

[0008] As an optional implementation, the exhaust pipe assembly also includes an exhaust manifold, which is connected between the second ends of a plurality of exhaust subpipes and the first end of the exhaust manifold. The exhaust manifold has a first outlet and multiple first sub-inlets. The first outlet is connected to the exhaust main pipe, and the multiple first sub-inlets are configured one-to-one with multiple exhaust sub-pipes. Each first sub-inlet is connected to the corresponding exhaust sub-pipe.

[0009] As an optional implementation, the drain pipe assembly includes multiple drain sub-pipes and a drain main pipe; the multiple drain sub-pipes are configured one-to-one with multiple tanks, and the first end of the drain sub-pipe forms a drain port; the first end of the drain main pipe is connected to the second ends of the multiple drain sub-pipes, and the second end of the drain main pipe is used to connect to the indoor unit.

[0010] As an optional implementation, the drain pipe assembly also includes a drain branch pipe, which is connected between the second end of a plurality of drain sub-pipes and the first end of a drain main pipe; wherein, the drain branch pipe has a second outlet and a plurality of second sub-inlets, the second outlet is connected to the drain main pipe, and the plurality of second sub-inlets are configured one-to-one with the plurality of drain sub-pipes, with each second sub-inlet connected to the corresponding drain sub-pipe.

[0011] As an optional implementation, the inlet pipe assembly includes a main inlet pipe and multiple sub-inlet pipes; the first end of the main inlet pipe is used to connect with the outdoor unit; the multiple sub-inlet pipes are configured one-to-one with multiple tanks, the first end of the sub-inlet pipe is connected to the second end of the main inlet pipe, and the second end of the sub-inlet pipe forms an inlet that connects with the corresponding inner cavity.

[0012] As an optional implementation, the inlet assembly also includes a branch inlet, which is connected between the second end of the main inlet and the first ends of a plurality of sub-inlet pipes; wherein, the branch inlet has an inlet and a plurality of sub-outlets, the inlet is connected to the main inlet, and the plurality of sub-outlets are configured one-to-one with the plurality of sub-inlet pipes, and each sub-outlet is connected to the corresponding sub-inlet pipe.

[0013] As an optional implementation, the multiple tanks include a first sub-tank and multiple second sub-tanks, with the multiple second sub-tanks located on the same side of the first sub-tank. The first sub-tank has a first sub-cavity, and the second sub-tanks have second sub-cavities. The multiple inlets include a third sub-inlet and multiple notches. The inlet pipe assembly includes an inlet pipe, with a first end for communication with the outdoor unit and a second end forming a third sub-inlet that communicates with the first sub-cavity. The multiple notches are provided one-to-one with the multiple second sub-tanks, and each notch communicates with the corresponding second sub-cavity.

[0014] As an alternative implementation, the tank includes a body portion and an inner cavity formed therein; wherein a baffle is connected to the cavity wall of the inner cavity, and the baffle extends obliquely from top to bottom in the direction from the cavity wall side to the center side of the inner cavity.

[0015] Secondly, this application provides a refrigerant replacement device, including the aforementioned gas-liquid separator.

[0016] Thirdly, this application provides a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, including an outdoor unit, the aforementioned refrigerant replacement device, and multiple indoor units; the refrigerant replacement device is connected between the outdoor unit and the multiple indoor units.

[0017] The gas-liquid separator, refrigerant replacement device, and HVAC system provided in this application employ multiple small-diameter tanks operating in parallel. The diameter of each tank meets the regulatory requirements for non-pressure vessels, thereby avoiding the problem of being judged as a pressure vessel and requiring additional equipment room installation.

[0018] Meanwhile, through the multi-inlet diversion design of the inlet pipe assembly, the refrigerant is evenly distributed to each tank, reducing the refrigerant flow rate within a single tank and extending the gas-liquid separation time. This effectively overcomes the problem of liquid refrigerant carryover caused by excessively high flow rates in small-diameter single tanks. This not only reduces the risk of liquid slugging in the compressor but also improves the system's heat exchange efficiency through more thorough gas-liquid separation.

[0019] Furthermore, the separate arrangement of the exhaust pipe assembly and the drain pipe assembly further enhances the collection effect of liquid refrigerant by utilizing gravity. Thus, the gas-liquid separator provided in this application possesses good separation performance while complying with regulatory requirements, and simultaneously improves the overall energy efficiency and operational stability of the HVAC system. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the first gas-liquid separator provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure from another perspective; Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure from another perspective; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the first gas-liquid separator provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a first gas-liquid separator provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the second gas-liquid separator provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the second type of gas-liquid separator provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a second gas-liquid separator provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Tank body; 2. Inlet pipe assembly; 3. Exhaust pipe assembly; 4. Drain pipe assembly; 10. Gas-liquid separator; 1A. First sub-tank; 1B. Second sub-tank; 11. Inner cavity; 12. Main body; 13. Baffle; 21. Main inlet pipe; 22. Sub-inlet pipe; 23. Branch inlet pipe; 24. Inlet pipe; 31. Exhaust sub-pipe; 32. Exhaust main pipe; 33. Exhaust port; 34. Exhaust branch pipe; 41. Liquid drain sub-pipe; 42. Liquid drain main pipe; 43. Liquid drain branch pipe; 11A, First sub-cavity; 11B, Second sub-cavity; 121, Cylindrical section; 122, End cap; 231, Inlet; 232, Sub-outlet; 311, First pipe section; 312, Second pipe section; 341, First outlet; 342, First sub-inlet; 411, First liquid pipe section; 412, Second liquid pipe section; 421, First main pipe section; 422, Second main pipe section; 423, Third main pipe section; 431, Second outlet; 432, Second sub-inlet; 2311. Third sub-import; 2312. Gap.

[0023] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions in this application will be clearly and thoroughly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " means "or," for example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in the text is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" refers to two or more than two.

[0025] Hereinafter, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as implying or suggesting relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0026] Currently, North American safety regulations impose strict restrictions on indoor refrigerant switching devices. If the tank or pipe diameter of the gas-liquid separator is large, it will be classified as a pressure vessel and must be installed in a dedicated equipment room. Generally, to comply with regulations, smaller diameter gas-liquid separators are used, meaning their internal volume is smaller. However, small-diameter gas-liquid separators have poor separation efficiency, making them prone to liquid refrigerant carryover and increasing the risk of liquid slugging in the compressor. Furthermore, incomplete separation reduces system heat exchange efficiency, affecting overall energy efficiency.

[0027] Based on this, embodiments of this application provide a gas-liquid separator, a refrigerant replacement device, and a heating and ventilation system, which can improve the separation efficiency of the gas-liquid separator, reduce the risk of liquid slugging in the compressor, and improve the heat exchange efficiency of the heating and ventilation system.

[0028] The embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific implementation details.

[0029] Please combine Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the first gas-liquid separator provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure from another perspective. Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure from another perspective. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the first gas-liquid separator provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0030] As shown in the figure, this embodiment provides a gas-liquid separator 10, which includes multiple tanks 1, an inlet pipe assembly 2, an exhaust pipe assembly 3, and a drain pipe assembly 4.

[0031] Please continue to combine Figures 5 to 8 , Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the first gas-liquid separator provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the second type of gas-liquid separator provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the second type of gas-liquid separator provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 8This is a cross-sectional view of a second type of gas-liquid separator provided in an embodiment of this application. Multiple tanks 1 are spaced apart, each tank 1 having an inner cavity 11. The first end of the inlet pipe assembly 2 is connected to the outdoor unit, and the second end of the inlet pipe assembly 2 forms multiple inlets, each corresponding to one of the multiple tanks 1, and each inlet is connected to its corresponding inner cavity 11. The first end of the exhaust pipe assembly 3 forms multiple exhaust ports 33, each corresponding to one of the multiple tanks 1, and each exhaust port 33 is connected to its corresponding inner cavity 11. The second end of the exhaust pipe assembly 3 is connected to the indoor unit. A drain pipe assembly 4 is located below the exhaust pipe assembly 3, and the first end of the drain pipe assembly 4 forms multiple drain outlets, each corresponding to one of the multiple tanks 1, and each drain outlet is connected to its corresponding inner cavity 11. The second end of the drain pipe assembly 4 is connected to the indoor unit.

[0032] In the gas-liquid separator 10 provided in this embodiment, multiple small-diameter tanks 1 are connected in parallel. The diameter of each tank 1 meets the regulatory requirements for non-pressure vessels, thereby avoiding the problem of being judged as a pressure vessel and requiring additional equipment for installation.

[0033] Meanwhile, through the multi-inlet diversion design of the inlet pipe assembly 2, the refrigerant is evenly distributed to each tank 1, reducing the refrigerant flow rate within a single tank and extending the gas-liquid separation time. This effectively overcomes the problem of liquid refrigerant carryover caused by excessively high flow rates in small-diameter single tanks. This not only reduces the risk of liquid slugging in the compressor but also improves the system's heat exchange efficiency through more thorough gas-liquid separation.

[0034] Furthermore, the separate arrangement of the exhaust pipe assembly 3 and the drain pipe assembly 4 further enhances the collection effect of liquid refrigerant by utilizing gravity. Thus, the gas-liquid separator provided in this application possesses good separation performance while complying with regulatory requirements, and simultaneously improves the overall energy efficiency and operational stability of the HVAC system.

[0035] It should be noted that the aforementioned tank 1 includes a main body 12, which includes a cylindrical part 121 and two end caps 122. The two end caps 122 are provided on opposite ends of the cylindrical part 121, and the cylindrical part 121 and the two end caps 122 enclose and form an inner cavity 11.

[0036] like Figure 5 As shown, in order to improve the separation effect of the gas-liquid separator 10 provided in this embodiment, the tank body 1 may also include a baffle 13 disposed on the cavity wall of the inner cavity 11. The baffle 13 extends obliquely from top to bottom in the direction from the cavity wall side of the inner cavity 11 to the center side of the inner cavity 11.

[0037] During the actual separation process, the liquid refrigerant hitting the surface of baffle 13 will form a countercurrent heat exchange with the rising gaseous refrigerant, promoting the full evaporation of low-boiling-point components in the liquid refrigerant. In other words, the blocking effect of baffle 13 gives the tiny droplets that might otherwise be directly discharged with the airflow an additional evaporation opportunity, improving the thoroughness of gas-liquid separation and providing a drier intake quality for the subsequent compressor.

[0038] In order to ensure that the gas-liquid separation environment in each tank 1 has high stability, in some optional embodiments, the exhaust pipe assembly 3 includes multiple exhaust sub-pipes 31 and an exhaust main pipe 32; the multiple exhaust sub-pipes 31 are arranged one-to-one with the multiple tanks 1, and the first end of the exhaust sub-pipe 31 forms an exhaust port 33; the first end of the exhaust main pipe 32 is connected to the second end of the multiple exhaust sub-pipes 31, and the second end of the exhaust main pipe 32 is used to connect to the indoor unit.

[0039] Each exhaust sub-pipe 31 has its first end directly connected to the inner cavity 11 of the corresponding tank 1 via an exhaust port 33, ensuring that the gaseous refrigerant output of each tank 1 does not interfere with each other. In actual operation, when there are differences in the refrigerant vaporization rate of different tanks 1, the independent exhaust sub-pipe 31 can effectively isolate the airflow pressure fluctuations of each branch, avoid airflow crosstalk, and thus maintain a stable gas-liquid separation environment inside each tank 1.

[0040] Secondly, as an integrated channel, the exhaust manifold 32 can smoothly absorb the airflow from each branch and reduce the flow velocity through the cross-sectional expansion effect, allowing any potentially entrained micro-droplets to have a secondary settling opportunity within the exhaust manifold 32. This increases the level of protection for gas-liquid separation.

[0041] Moreover, when the system needs to adjust its capacity, the independent exhaust sub-pipe 31 can automatically form an airflow isolation to prevent the exhaust of the active tank 1 from being interfered with by the residual pressure of the inactive tank 1.

[0042] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in some specific embodiments, both the exhaust sub-pipe 31 and the exhaust main pipe 32 are straight pipes; for example Figures 6 to 8 As shown, in some specific embodiments, some exhaust sub-pipes 31 and exhaust main pipe 32 can both be straight pipes, while other exhaust sub-pipes 31 can be configured, depending on the specific internal structure of the refrigerant replacement device, to include a first pipe section 311 and a second pipe section 312 that are at an angle to each other, and the included angle between the first pipe section 311 and the second pipe section 312 is an obtuse angle. Here, the shape of the exhaust sub-pipes 31 and exhaust main pipe 32 is not specifically limited.

[0043] In order to achieve the connection between the exhaust manifold 32 and the multiple exhaust sub-pipes 31, in some embodiments, the exhaust pipe assembly 3 further includes an exhaust branch pipe 34, which is connected between the second end of the multiple exhaust sub-pipes 31 and the first end of the exhaust manifold 32. The exhaust branch pipe 34 has a first outlet 341 and multiple first sub-inlets 342. The first outlet 341 is connected to the exhaust manifold 32, and the multiple first sub-inlets 342 are arranged one-to-one with the multiple exhaust sub-pipes 31. Each first sub-inlet 342 is connected to the corresponding exhaust sub-pipe 31.

[0044] Specifically, when the gaseous refrigerant in each tank 1, after gas-liquid separation, enters the exhaust branch pipe 34 through the exhaust sub-pipe 31, the independent channel design of multiple first sub-inlet 342 ensures that the airflow of each branch remains relatively independent in the initial merging stage, which to a certain extent avoids the airflow collision disturbance that is easy to be generated by the direct merging method.

[0045] Moreover, the exhaust manifold 34 enables the airflow from different first sub-inlets 342 to be smoothly mixed as it moves toward the first outlet 341. On the one hand, the reasonable transition of the flow channel cross-section avoids abrupt changes in airflow velocity and reduces pressure loss caused by turbulence; on the other hand, it provides additional settling space for any potentially entrained micro-droplets, complementing the gas-liquid separation function of the baffle 13.

[0046] Furthermore, in order to enable the drain pipe assembly 4 to discharge liquid refrigerant, in some embodiments, the drain pipe assembly 4 includes a plurality of drain sub-pipes 41 and a drain main pipe 42; the plurality of drain sub-pipes 41 are arranged one-to-one with a plurality of tanks 1, and the first end of the drain sub-pipe 41 forms a drain port; the first end of the drain main pipe 42 is connected to the second end of the plurality of drain sub-pipes 41, and the second end of the drain main pipe 42 is used to connect to the indoor unit.

[0047] Each drain sub-pipe 41 is independently connected to the drain port at the bottom of the corresponding tank 1, allowing the liquid refrigerant separated by the baffle 13 to be discharged through a dedicated channel. This, to a certain extent, prevents cross-flow between multiple tanks 1 due to differences in liquid level, maintaining the hydraulic independence of each tank 1. Moreover, the main drain pipe 42, as a collection channel for liquid refrigerant, can provide a buffer space for possible instantaneous large-flow discharge while ensuring flow resistance.

[0048] In some specific embodiments, in order to achieve communication with the main drain pipe 42, the drain sub-pipe 41 may include a first liquid pipe section 411 and a second liquid pipe section 412 that are perpendicular to each other, and the first liquid pipe section 411 is connected to the cylindrical part 121 of the corresponding tank body 1.

[0049] Furthermore, in some specific embodiments, to avoid interference with other components within the refrigerant replacement device, the drain manifold 42 may include a first main pipe section 421, a second main pipe section 422, and a third main pipe section 423 connected in sequence. The third main pipe section 423 is used to communicate with the indoor unit, and the first main pipe section 421, the second main pipe section 422, and the third main pipe section 423 are perpendicular to each other. Of course, in some other embodiments, the drain sub-pipe 41 and the drain manifold 42 may also have other shapes. Here, the shapes of the drain sub-pipe 41 and the drain manifold 42 are not specifically limited.

[0050] In order to achieve the connection between the main drain pipe 42 and the multiple drain sub-pipes 41, in some embodiments, the drain pipe assembly 4 further includes a drain branch pipe 43, which is connected between the second end of the multiple drain sub-pipes 41 and the first end of the main drain pipe 42. The drain branch pipe 43 has a second outlet 431 and multiple second sub-inlets 432. The second outlet 431 is connected to the main drain pipe 42, and the multiple second sub-inlets 432 are arranged one-to-one with the multiple drain sub-pipes 41. Each second sub-inlet 432 is connected to the corresponding drain sub-pipe 41.

[0051] When the liquid refrigerant separated from each tank 1 enters the drain branch pipe 43 through the independent drain sub-pipe 41, the multiple second sub-inlets 432 maintain the flow independence of each branch, which to a certain extent avoids the hydraulic fluctuation transmission problem common in the direct connection method, and is conducive to balancing the drain pressure difference between different tanks 1.

[0052] Moreover, in actual operation, when some tanks 1 need to adjust the discharge volume due to load changes, the buffering effect of the discharge branch pipe 43 can effectively absorb flow fluctuations and prevent hydraulic shock to the discharge main pipe 42 to a certain extent.

[0053] This embodiment provides two specific implementation methods for the specific structure of the inlet pipe assembly 2.

[0054] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in the first embodiment, the inlet pipe assembly 2 includes a main inlet pipe 21 and a plurality of sub-inlet pipes 22; the first end of the main inlet pipe 21 is used to connect with the outdoor unit; the plurality of sub-inlet pipes 22 are arranged one-to-one with the plurality of tanks 1, the first end of the sub-inlet pipe 22 is connected to the second end of the main inlet pipe 21, and the second end of the sub-inlet pipe 22 forms an inlet and is connected to the corresponding inner cavity 11.

[0055] It should be noted that each sub-inlet pipe 22 is independently connected to its corresponding tank 1, allowing each tank 1 to maintain a completely independent flow path. When the system is under partial load, the refrigerant flow rate of a specific sub-inlet pipe 22 can be selectively adjusted without interfering with the normal operation of other tanks 1, thus achieving modular flow control. In addition, the main inlet pipe 21 ensures sufficient flow capacity and provides initial flow stabilization for the refrigerant through appropriate flow rate control; while the sub-inlet pipes 22 maintain an optimal flow rate for the refrigerant entering each tank 1, creating conditions for gas-liquid separation by the subsequent baffle 13.

[0056] In order to connect the main inlet pipe 21 and the multiple sub-inlet pipes 22, in some embodiments, the inlet pipe assembly 2 further includes a branch inlet pipe 23, which is connected between the second end of the main inlet pipe 21 and the first end of the multiple sub-inlet pipes 22. The branch inlet pipe 23 has an inlet 231 and multiple sub-outlets 232. The inlet 231 is connected to the main inlet pipe 21, and the multiple sub-outlets 232 are configured one-to-one with the multiple sub-inlet pipes 22. Each sub-outlet 232 is connected to the corresponding sub-inlet pipe 22.

[0057] Among them, the branch inlet pipe 23 forms a hydraulic balance center in the refrigerant delivery path, enabling the mixed refrigerant from the main inlet pipe 21 to achieve proportional distribution of each branch through the fluid dynamic self-balancing characteristics.

[0058] like Figures 6 to 8 As shown, in the second embodiment, the multiple tanks 1 include a first sub-tank 1A and multiple second sub-tanks 1B, with the multiple second sub-tanks 1B located on the same side of the first sub-tank 1A. The first sub-tank 1A has a first sub-cavity 11A, and the second sub-tanks 1B have a second sub-cavity 11B. The multiple inlets 231 include a third sub-inlet 2311 and multiple notches 2312. The inlet pipe assembly 2 includes an inlet pipe 24, with the first end of the inlet pipe 24 used to connect to the outdoor unit, and the second end of the inlet pipe 24 forming a third sub-inlet 231, which connects to the first sub-cavity 11A. The multiple notches 2312 are provided one-to-one with the multiple second sub-tanks 1B, and each notch 2312 connects to the corresponding second sub-cavity 11B.

[0059] In other words, the first sub-tank 1A, as the main separation unit, is directly connected to the outdoor unit via the inlet pipe 24, while the third sub-inlet 2311 ensures a stable input of the main refrigerant. Multiple second sub-tanks 1B, as auxiliary separation units, are connected to the inlet pipe 24 via notches 2312 to bypass the main refrigerant. When the system is under low load, the refrigerant mainly enters the first sub-tank 1A via the third sub-inlet 2311 to complete the separation. As the load increases, excess refrigerant is automatically diverted to each of the second sub-tanks 1B through the notches 2312, achieving seamless capacity expansion.

[0060] In some specific embodiments, the inlet pipe 24 is a straight pipe. Here, there is no specific limitation on the shape of the inlet pipe 24.

[0061] This embodiment also provides a refrigerant replacement device, including the gas-liquid separator 10 described above. It should be noted that the gas-liquid separator 10 has been described in detail in the above embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0062] Furthermore, the refrigerant replacement device provided in this embodiment should also include other valve bodies and piping structures, etc. Here, other structures will not be described one by one.

[0063] The refrigerant replacement device provided in this embodiment can improve the stability of the refrigerant replacement device by adopting the gas-liquid separator 10 described above.

[0064] This embodiment also provides a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, including an outdoor unit, the aforementioned refrigerant replacement device, and multiple indoor units; the refrigerant replacement device is connected between the outdoor unit and the multiple indoor units. Here, the structure of the outdoor unit and the indoor units is not limited in detail.

[0065] The HVAC system provided in this embodiment has high heat exchange efficiency by adopting the above-mentioned refrigerant replacement device.

[0066] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A gas-liquid separator, characterized in that, include: Multiple tanks are spaced apart, and each tank has an internal cavity. The inlet pipe assembly has a first end for connecting to the outdoor unit and a second end forming multiple inlets. Each of the multiple inlets is configured to correspond one-to-one with a multiple of the tanks, and each of the inlets is connected to the corresponding inner cavity. The exhaust pipe assembly has multiple exhaust ports at its first end, with each exhaust port corresponding to one of the multiple tanks. Each exhaust port is connected to the corresponding inner cavity. The second end of the exhaust pipe assembly is used to connect to the indoor unit. as well as A drain pipe assembly is located below the exhaust pipe assembly. The first end of the drain pipe assembly forms multiple drain ports, which are respectively arranged in correspondence with multiple tanks. Each drain port is connected to the corresponding inner cavity. The second end of the drain pipe assembly is used to connect to the indoor unit.

2. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The exhaust pipe assembly includes: Multiple exhaust sub-pipes are provided, each corresponding to one of the multiple tanks, with the first end of each exhaust sub-pipe forming an exhaust port; and The exhaust main pipe has a first end connected to the second end of a plurality of exhaust sub-pipes, and the second end is used to connect to the indoor unit.

3. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The exhaust pipe assembly also includes an exhaust manifold, which connects the second ends of the plurality of exhaust sub-pipes to the first end of the exhaust main pipe; The exhaust branch pipe has a first outlet and multiple first sub-inlets. The first outlet is connected to the exhaust main pipe, and the multiple first sub-inlets are configured to correspond one-to-one with the multiple exhaust sub-pipes. Each first sub-inlet is connected to the corresponding exhaust sub-pipe.

4. The gas-liquid separator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The drain pipe assembly includes: Multiple drain pipes are provided, each corresponding to one of the tanks, with the first end of each drain pipe forming a drain outlet; and The main drain pipe has a first end connected to the second end of a plurality of drain sub-pipes, and the second end is used to connect to the indoor unit.

5. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The drain pipe assembly also includes a drain branch pipe, which is connected between the second ends of the plurality of drain sub-pipes and the first end of the drain main pipe; The drainage branch pipe has a second outlet and multiple second sub-inlets. The second outlet is connected to the main drainage pipe, and the multiple second sub-inlets are configured one-to-one with the multiple drainage sub-pipes. Each second sub-inlet is connected to the corresponding drainage sub-pipe.

6. The gas-liquid separator according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5, characterized in that, The inlet pipe assembly includes: The main inlet pipe, the first end of which is used to connect to the outdoor unit; and Multiple sub-inlet pipes are provided, each corresponding to one of the multiple tanks. The first end of each sub-inlet pipe is connected to the second end of the main inlet pipe, and the second end of each sub-inlet pipe forms the inlet, which is connected to the corresponding inner cavity.

7. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The inlet pipe assembly further includes a branch inlet pipe, which is connected between the second end of the main inlet pipe and the first ends of the plurality of sub-inlet pipes; The branch inlet pipe has an inlet and multiple sub-outlets. The inlet is connected to the main inlet pipe, and the multiple sub-outlets are configured one-to-one with the multiple sub-inlet pipes. Each sub-outlet is connected to the corresponding sub-inlet pipe.

8. The gas-liquid separator according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5, characterized in that, The plurality of tanks include a first sub-tank and a plurality of second sub-tanks, the plurality of second sub-tanks being located on the same side of the first sub-tank, the first sub-tank having a first sub-cavity, and the second sub-tanks having a second sub-cavity; The plurality of inlets include a third sub-inlet and a plurality of notches, the inlet pipe assembly includes an inlet pipe, the first end of the inlet pipe is used to communicate with the outdoor unit, and the second end of the inlet pipe forms the third sub-inlet, which communicates with the first sub-cavity; The multiple notches are provided one-to-one with the multiple second sub-cans, and each of the notches is connected to the corresponding second sub-cavity.

9. The gas-liquid separator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 5, and 7, characterized in that, The tank includes a body portion, and the inner cavity is formed in the body portion; The inner cavity has a baffle connected to its wall, and the baffle extends obliquely from top to bottom in the direction from the wall side of the inner cavity to the center side of the inner cavity.

10. A refrigerant replacement device, characterized in that, Includes the gas-liquid separator according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, characterized in that, Includes an outdoor unit, the refrigerant replacement device as described in claim 10, and multiple indoor units; The refrigerant replacement device is connected between the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units.

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