Heat pump system for small residential spaces

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of heat pump system for small residential space, and small residential space is configured with several heat-using equipment, cold and hot contact system includes: compressor, with fluid inlet and fluid outlet;Automatic switching valve, with the first inlet, first outlet and second outlet of fluid communication fluid outlet;Four-way reversing valve, with the first interface, second interface, third interface of fluid communication first outlet and fourth interface of fluid communication fluid inlet;Indoor heat exchanger, configuration in the indoor of small residential space and fluid communication second interface;Throttle valve;Outdoor heat exchanger, configuration in the outdoor of small residential space and fluid communication third interface, indoor heat exchanger, throttle valve and outdoor heat exchanger are sequentially fluid communication;And hot water heat exchanger, with the heat transfer inlet of fluid communication second outlet, the heat transfer outlet of fluid communication first interface, the hot water inlet for the inflow of domestic hot water and the hot water outlet for the outflow of domestic hot water.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology, and in particular to a heat pump system for small living spaces. Background Technology

[0002] With economic development, RVs, trailers, small mobile bungalows, capsule apartments, and other similar devices or dwellings with small living spaces have emerged. These living spaces are typically characterized by their small size, complete functionality, and high degree of integration to meet the daily living needs of users. Understandably, heating, cooling, and the provision of domestic hot water are also among the basic functions that these small living spaces need to possess. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a heat pump system for small living spaces, which can provide domestic hot water to users while providing heating or cooling, so as to meet the users' daily living needs.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a heat pump system for small living spaces, wherein the small living space is equipped with several heat-using devices, the heat pump system comprising: a compressor having a fluid inlet for the inflow of heat transfer medium and a fluid outlet for the outflow of heat transfer medium; an automatic switching valve having a first inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet fluidly connected to the fluid outlet, the automatic switching valve having a first state connecting the first inlet and the first outlet and a second state connecting the first inlet and the second outlet; and a four-way reversing valve having a first interface, a second interface, a third interface fluidly connected to the first outlet and a fourth interface fluidly connected to the fluid inlet, the four-way reversing valve having a first interface connecting the first outlet and the second outlet; and a fourth interface for connecting the first outlet, the fourth interface for connecting the first outlet and the second outlet. The system includes a heating state where the interface is connected to the second interface and the third interface and the fourth interface, and a cooling state where the interface is connected to the first interface and the third interface, and the interface is connected to the second interface and the fourth interface; an indoor heat exchanger, configured indoors in a small living space and fluidly connected to the second interface; a throttling valve; an outdoor heat exchanger, configured outdoors in a small living space and fluidly connected to the third interface, wherein the indoor heat exchanger, the throttling valve, and the outdoor heat exchanger are fluidly connected in sequence; and a hot water heat exchanger having a heat transfer inlet fluidly connected to the second outlet, a heat transfer outlet fluidly connected to the first interface, a hot water inlet for domestic hot water to flow in, and a hot water outlet for domestic hot water to flow out, wherein the hot water outlet is fluidly connected to the plurality of heat-using devices.

[0005] In the above technical solution, preferably, the hot water heat exchanger includes a box body defining an inner cavity and a heat exchange coil disposed in the box body. The hot water inlet and the hot water outlet are both opened on the box body and are in fluid communication with the inner cavity. The heat transfer inlet, the heat exchange coil and the heat transfer outlet are in fluid communication in sequence.

[0006] In the above technical solution, preferably, the heat pump system further includes a water storage tank, and the hot water outlet, the water storage tank, and the plurality of heat-using devices are sequentially fluidly connected. More preferably, it also includes a recirculation pump, and the water storage tank has an inlet for domestic hot water inflow and an outlet for domestic hot water outflow, and the outlet, the recirculation pump, and the plurality of hot water inlets are sequentially fluidly connected. Even more preferably, it includes a water thermometer disposed on the water storage tank, and the recirculation pump is signal-connected to the water thermometer and can be selectively activated based on the signal from the water thermometer.

[0007] This utility model provides a heat pump system for small residential spaces. This system can selectively provide cooling or heating to users by switching the state of the four-way valve, allowing the heat transfer medium from the compressor to flow through the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers in a specific order. Furthermore, when the automatic switching valve is in its second state, a portion of the heat transfer medium from the compressor can first condense in the hot water heat exchanger, thereby heating the domestic hot water. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a system diagram of the heat pump system provided by this utility model. The arrows in the diagram indicate the flow direction of the fluid in the corresponding pipe.

[0009] 100. Heat pump systems; 10. Heat-using equipment; 1. Compressor; 2. Automatic switching valve; 3. Hot water heat exchanger; 31. Inner cavity; 32. Heat exchange coil; 4. Four-way reversing valve; 5. Outdoor heat exchanger; 6. Throttling valve; 7. Indoor heat exchanger; 8. Water storage tank; 81. Water thermometer; 9. Recirculation pump. Detailed Implementation

[0010] To explain in detail the technical content, structural features, achieved objectives and effects of this application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] In this application, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “below,” “down,” “above,” “above,” “higher,” and “side” (e.g., as in a “sidewall”) are used to describe the relationship between one element and another (other) element as shown in the accompanying drawings. Spatial relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use, operation, and / or manufacture other than those depicted in the drawings. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” another element or feature would then be positioned “above” said other element or feature. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can include both above and below orientations. Furthermore, the device may be otherwise positioned (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), thus interpreting the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein accordingly.

[0012] In this application, the term "fluid connectivity" refers to the existence of a fluid path between one fluid space (such as the internal space of a water tank, pipe, or pump) and another fluid space, allowing fluid to flow between them. It is understood that "fluid connectivity" in this application includes both direct communication between two fluid spaces and communication via several third fluid spaces. Furthermore, in this application, "fluid connectivity" refers to a simplified description of fluid connectivity between the internal fluid spaces of two devices (such as a pump or evaporator).

[0013] In this application, the term "small living space" refers to a small living space (such as a motorhome, trailer, small mobile bungalow, capsule apartment, etc., typically with a usable area of ​​20-40m²) but with complete functions to meet the basic living needs of the user. Furthermore, for ease of explanation, this application defines the interior of the aforementioned small living space as "indoor" and the exterior of the small living space as "outdoor" (such as the outside of a motorhome's body, the outside of a capsule apartment's walls or partitions, etc.).

[0014] In this application, the term "heating equipment" refers to equipment that provides hot water or heat to a user to meet the user's daily living needs. Heating equipment includes, but is not limited to, shower heads, faucets, bathtubs, etc.

[0015] See Figure 1 This utility model provides a heat pump system 100 for small living spaces, which can provide cooling, heating, and / or domestic hot water for the living space. Specifically, the heat pump system 100 includes a compressor 1, an automatic switching valve 2, a hot water heat exchanger 3, a four-way reversing valve 4, an outdoor heat exchanger 5 located outdoors, a throttling valve 6, and an indoor heat exchanger 7 located indoors. Several heat-using devices 10 are arranged in the small living space.

[0016] Compressor 1 compresses a heat transfer medium with a certain degree of superheat into a high-temperature, high-pressure heat transfer medium and provides flow power for the heat transfer medium. Automatic switching valve 2 is located downstream of compressor 1 and has a first inlet for the heat transfer medium to flow in, a first outlet for the heat transfer medium to flow out, and a second outlet for the heat transfer medium to flow out. Automatic switching valve 2 has a first state connecting the first inlet and the first outlet, and a second state connecting the first inlet and the second outlet. The structure and working principle of the automatic switching valve are common knowledge in the field and will not be described in detail here.

[0017] The four-way reversing valve 4 is located downstream of the automatic switching valve 2. It has a first port that is fluidly connected to the first outlet of the automatic switching valve 2, a second port that is fluidly connected to the indoor heat exchanger 7, a third port that is fluidly connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 5, and a fourth port that is fluidly connected to the compressor 1. The four-way reversing valve 4 has a heating state that connects the first port and the second port and the third port and the fourth port, and a cooling state that connects the first port and the third port and the second port and the fourth port. The structure and working principle of the four-way reversing valve are common knowledge in the field and will not be described in detail here.

[0018] A hot water heat exchanger 3 supplies heat transfer medium for heat exchange with domestic hot water and is located downstream of the automatic switching valve 2. The hot water heat exchanger 3 has a heat transfer inlet for the heat transfer medium to flow in, a heat transfer outlet for the heat transfer medium to flow out, a hot water inlet for the domestic hot water to flow in, and a hot water outlet for the domestic hot water to flow out. The heat transfer inlet and outlet of the hot water heat exchanger 3 are fluidly connected to the second outlet of the automatic switching valve 2 and the first port of the four-way reversing valve 4, respectively. The hot water outlet of the hot water heat exchanger 3 is fluidly connected to several heat-using devices 10.

[0019] Furthermore, to improve heat exchange efficiency, the hot water heat exchanger 3 is a coil-type heat exchanger. Specifically, the hot water heat exchanger 3 includes a housing (not shown in the figure) defining an inner cavity 31 and a heat exchange coil 32 disposed within the housing. The hot water inlet and hot water outlet are both located on the housing and are in fluid communication with the inner cavity 31, while the heat transfer inlet and heat transfer outlet are both in fluid communication with the heat exchange coil 32.

[0020] Outdoor heat exchanger 5 allows the heat transfer medium to exchange heat with the outdoor air. Understandably, if the temperature of the heat transfer medium is higher than the temperature of the outdoor air, the outdoor air can be considered a cold source; if the temperature of the heat transfer medium is lower than the temperature of the outdoor air, the outdoor air can be considered a heat source.

[0021] The outdoor heat exchanger 5, the throttling valve 6, and the indoor heat exchanger 7 are connected in sequence. The throttling valve 6 provides a throttling and pressure reduction function for the heat transfer medium flowing through it.

[0022] The indoor heat exchanger 7 provides a heat transfer medium for heat exchange with the indoor air. Understandably, if the temperature of the heat transfer medium is higher than the temperature of the indoor air, the indoor heat exchanger 7 provides heating for the user; if the temperature of the heat transfer medium is lower than the temperature of the indoor air, the indoor heat exchanger 7 provides cooling for the user.

[0023] The following describes several operating states of the heat pump system 100.

[0024] When the heat pump system 100 is providing cooling for a user, the compressor 1 starts, and the automatic switching valve 2 and the four-way reversing valve 4 are in the first state and the cooling state, respectively. The high-temperature and high-pressure heat transfer medium flowing out of the compressor 1 first flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 5 and exchanges heat with the outdoor air. The temperature of the heat transfer medium decreases and condenses. Then, the throttling valve 6 uses the throttling effect to reduce the pressure of the heat transfer medium. After that, the heat transfer medium reaches the indoor heat exchanger 7 and exchanges heat with the indoor air. The temperature of the heat transfer medium rises and evaporates, thereby providing cooling for the user. Finally, the heat transfer medium with a certain degree of superheat flows back to the compressor 1 through the four-way reversing valve 4.

[0025] If it is necessary to heat domestic hot water while simultaneously cooling the user, compressor 1 starts, and automatic switching valve 2 and four-way reversing valve 4 are in the second state and cooling state, respectively. A portion of the high-temperature, high-pressure heat transfer medium flowing from compressor 1 condenses in the hot water heat exchanger 3, thereby heating the domestic hot water. The remaining heat transfer medium continues to flow into the outdoor heat exchanger 5.

[0026] When the heat pump system 100 provides individual heating for users, the compressor 1 starts, and the automatic switching valve 2 and the four-way reversing valve 4 are in the first state and the heating state, respectively. The high-temperature and high-pressure heat transfer medium flowing out of the compressor 1 first flows into the indoor heat exchanger 7 and exchanges heat with the indoor air. The temperature of the heat transfer medium drops and condenses, thus providing heating for the user. Then, the throttling valve 6 uses the throttling effect to reduce the pressure of the heat transfer medium. After that, the heat transfer medium reaches the outdoor heat exchanger 5 and exchanges heat with the outdoor air. The temperature of the heat transfer medium rises and evaporates. Finally, the heat transfer medium with a certain degree of superheat flows back to the compressor 1 through the four-way reversing valve 4.

[0027] Similarly, if it is necessary to heat domestic hot water while providing heating for users, compressor 1 starts, and automatic switching valve 2 and four-way reversing valve 4 are in the second state and heating state, respectively. The high-temperature and high-pressure heat transfer medium flowing out of compressor 1 can be partially condensed in the hot water heat exchanger 3, thereby heating the domestic hot water. The remaining heat transfer medium continues to flow into the indoor heat exchanger 7 to provide heating for users.

[0028] If a user needs to heat domestic hot water separately, compressor 1 starts, and automatic switching valve 2 and four-way reversing valve 4 are in the second state and heating state, respectively. The high-temperature, high-pressure heat transfer medium flowing from compressor 1 will first condense partially in the hot water heat exchanger 3, thus heating the domestic hot water. Afterwards, the remaining heat transfer medium flows into the indoor heat exchanger 7 for further condensation, depending on the state of the four-way reversing valve 4. In this mode, indoor heat exchanger 7 is not turned on (indoor heat exchanger 7 is generally equipped with a convection fan; if indoor heat exchanger 7 is not turned on, it means that its convection fan is not turned on), and no heating is provided to the user. Because at least part of the heat transfer medium has condensed in the hot water heat exchanger 3, this cycle can still operate normally.

[0029] Furthermore, considering the potential time discrepancy between users' need for domestic hot water and their need for cooling or heating, this embodiment also includes a water storage tank 8 to temporarily store a certain amount of domestic hot water. Specifically, the water storage tank 8 has an inlet and an outlet for domestic hot water to flow in and out, respectively. Its inlet is fluidly connected to the hot water outlet of the hot water heat exchanger 3, and its outlet is fluidly connected to the general heating equipment 10.

[0030] Furthermore, considering that the water storage tank 8 may experience a temperature drop if it is not used for a period of time, this embodiment also includes a recirculation pump 9 to maintain the water temperature inside the water storage tank 8. Specifically, the outlet of the water storage tank 8, the recirculation pump 9, and the hot water heat exchanger 3 are sequentially fluidly connected. When the recirculation pump 9 is turned on, at least a portion of the domestic hot water in the water storage tank 8 can flow back into the hot water heat exchanger 3, thereby causing the water temperature inside the water storage tank 8 to gradually rise.

[0031] Furthermore, the water storage tank 8 is also equipped with a water thermometer 81 for monitoring water temperature. The water thermometer 81 is connected to the recirculation pump 9 so that the recirculation pump 9 can start and heat domestic hot water in a timely manner based on the water temperature in the water storage tank 8.

[0032] The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of this application, and are intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of this application and implement it accordingly. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A heat pump system for small living spaces, wherein the small living space is equipped with a plurality of heat-using devices, characterized in that, The heat pump system includes: A compressor has a fluid inlet for the inflow of heat transfer medium and a fluid outlet for the outflow of heat transfer medium; An automatic switching valve has a first inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet that are in fluid communication with the fluid outlet. The automatic switching valve has a first state that connects the first inlet and the first outlet and a second state that connects the first inlet and the second outlet. A four-way reversing valve has a first port, a second port, a third port that are fluidly connected to the first outlet, and a fourth port that is fluidly connected to the fluid inlet. The four-way reversing valve has a heating state that connects the first port and the second port and connects the third port and the fourth port, and a cooling state that connects the first port and the third port and connects the second port and the fourth port. An indoor heat exchanger is installed in the interior of a small living space and is fluidly connected to the second interface; Throttling valve; An outdoor heat exchanger, configured outdoors in a small residential space and fluidly connected to the third interface, wherein the indoor heat exchanger, the throttling valve, and the outdoor heat exchanger are sequentially fluidly connected; and A hot water heat exchanger has a heat transfer inlet fluidly connected to a second outlet, a heat transfer outlet fluidly connected to a first interface, a hot water inlet for domestic hot water to flow in, and a hot water outlet for domestic hot water to flow out, wherein the hot water outlet is fluidly connected to a plurality of heat-using devices.

2. The heat pump system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hot water heat exchanger includes a housing with an inner cavity and a heat exchange coil disposed within the housing. The hot water inlet and the hot water outlet are both located on the housing and are in fluid communication with the inner cavity. The heat transfer inlet, the heat exchange coil, and the heat transfer outlet are in sequential fluid communication.

3. The heat pump system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a water storage tank, and the hot water outlet, the water storage tank, and the heat-using equipment are sequentially fluidly connected.

4. The heat pump system according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a recirculation pump, and the water storage tank has an inlet for domestic hot water to flow in and an outlet for domestic hot water to flow out. The outlet, the recirculation pump, and the plurality of hot water inlets are in sequential fluid communication.

5. The heat pump system according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a water thermometer configured on the water storage tank, and the recirculation pump is signal-connected to the water thermometer and can be selectively started based on the signal from the water thermometer.

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