A phase change dehumidifier based on defrost cycle

Abstract

The utility model relates to air humidity adjusting equipment technical field discloses a kind of phase change humidifier based on defrosting circulation, including heat exchange device, water supply part, guiding device and controller;Heat exchange device can be switched to heat absorption state or heat release state;Water supply part is set to heat exchange device, for transporting water to the heat exchange device in heat absorption state to form frost layer;Guiding device provides airflow, and the water vapor generated by the defrosting of heat exchange device in heat release state is guided to the space to be humidified;Controller is electrically connected with heat exchange device, water supply part and guiding device respectively, for controlling each component cooperative operation to realize the circulation humidification process of frost formation and defrosting. To solve the technical problems, such as high energy consumption, low efficiency and difficult to control the amount of humidification, of the existing humidification equipment in the related art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air humidity control equipment technology, and in particular to a phase change humidifier based on a defrost cycle. Background Technology

[0002] As living standards improve, people have increasingly higher requirements for the comfort of their indoor environment. Humidity is one of the key factors affecting environmental comfort. Existing humidity control equipment mostly relies on passive evaporation or direct heating. The atomizing plate structure of traditional ultrasonic humidifiers is prone to producing powder pollution, while the heating element and other components of electric humidifiers consume a lot of energy. Furthermore, the defrosting waste heat of heat pump systems is not effectively utilized. Moreover, because the humidification process is direct spraying and passive evaporation through the condenser, it results in high energy consumption, low humidity control efficiency, and difficulty in controlling the humidification output. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application discloses a phase change humidifier based on a defrost cycle to solve the technical problems of high energy consumption, low efficiency, and difficulty in controlling the humidification amount in existing humidification equipment in related technologies.

[0004] To solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A phase change humidifier based on a defrost cycle includes: The heat exchanger can be switched to a heat absorption state or a heat release state. Water supply unit, which is installed in the heat exchange device, is used to supply water to the heat exchange device in the heat absorption state to form a frost layer; The guiding device provides airflow, which directs the water vapor generated by the defrosting of the heat exchanger (which is in an exothermic state) to the space to be humidified. The controller is electrically connected to the heat exchanger, water supply unit, and guide device, and is used to control the coordinated operation of each component to achieve the cyclical humidification process of frosting and defrosting.

[0005] Optionally, it also includes a mounting housing for providing mounting support, with the heat exchanger, water supply unit and guide device disposed inside the mounting housing; the mounting housing is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet; the guide device guides air from the air inlet into the mounting housing and from the air outlet to the space to be humidified.

[0006] Optionally, the heat exchange device includes a compressor, a control valve, at least two heat exchange ends, and connecting pipelines. The compressor, control valve, and heat exchange ends form a closed refrigerant circulation loop through the connecting pipelines. The control valve is electrically connected to the controller and is used to switch the refrigerant flow direction under the control of the controller, so that at least one heat exchange end switches to a heat absorption state or a heat release state.

[0007] Optionally, the water supply unit includes a water tank, pipes, a pump, and nozzles; the nozzles are connected to the water tank via pipes; the pump is installed on the pipes to pump the liquid in the water tank to the nozzles; the nozzles are oriented towards the heat exchange end.

[0008] Optionally, a water treatment module is also included, located in the water supply section and the guiding device, for the purification of water vapor.

[0009] Optionally, the guiding device includes a fan and an airflow duct, the airflow duct being connected in sequence to the air inlet, the heat exchange device and the air outlet; the fan is located on one side of the heat exchange device and drives water vapor to be transported along the airflow duct.

[0010] Optionally, a frost condition sensor is also included. The frost condition sensor is located at the heat exchange end and electrically connected to the controller. It is used to detect the frost condition on the surface of the heat exchange end and feed it back to the controller.

[0011] Optionally, the frost condition sensor can be a non-contact infrared sensor or an ultrasonic sensor.

[0012] Optionally, a temperature sensor is also included. The temperature sensor is located at the heat exchange end and electrically connected to the controller to detect the temperature at the heat exchange end and feed it back to the controller.

[0013] Optionally, a humidity sensor is also included. The humidity sensor is placed in the space to be humidified and electrically connected to the controller. It is used to detect the real-time humidity of the space to be humidified and feed it back to the controller.

[0014] The technical solution adopted in this utility model can achieve the following beneficial effects: This invention relates to a phase change humidifier based on a defrosting cycle. The device directly utilizes the waste heat generated during defrosting in a heat pump system as humidification energy. The water supply section only needs to provide a small amount of water for frosting, with the energy primarily derived from the system's own circulation. Compared to traditional electric humidifiers, it possesses high energy efficiency at the hardware level. Furthermore, it achieves continuous humidification through alternating frosting and defrosting at two heat exchange ends. The frosting and defrosting steps occur simultaneously at the two heat exchange ends during heat absorption and release, improving energy utilization. The water treatment module in the water supply section also purifies the supplied water or water vapor, removing bacteria and impurities, and preventing "white powder" pollution and bacterial growth. Simultaneously, the "water → frost → water vapor" phase change process further reduces residual impurities, improving indoor air hygiene. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model 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 utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure disclosed in some embodiments of this application; Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the refrigerant and airflow direction during the defrosting and humidification phase at the first heat exchange end and the frosting phase at the second heat exchange end. Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the refrigerant and airflow during the defrosting and humidification phase at the second heat exchanger end and the frosting phase at the first heat exchanger end.

[0017] In the diagram: 101-mounting housing, 102-air inlet, 103-air outlet, 104-airflow duct, 105-fan, 201-compressor, 202-control valve, 203-first heat exchange end, 204-second heat exchange end, 301-water tank, 302-pump, 303-nozzle, 304-pipe, 4-controller. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model will be described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other implementation methods obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0019] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such use of data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class and the number of objects is not limited; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0020] Existing humidification equipment suffers from high energy consumption, low efficiency, and difficulty in controlling humidification. Therefore, this application utilizes the two heat exchange ends of the heat exchange device to alternately absorb and release heat while performing frosting and defrosting steps, thereby improving energy utilization. Furthermore, by frosting, liquid water is converted into solid water. Since the amount of solid frost layer is easy to measure, the humidification can also be controlled.

[0021] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 1 to 3 This application provides a detailed description of a phase change humidifier based on a defrost cycle through specific embodiments and application scenarios.

[0022] The present invention relates to a phase change humidifier based on a defrosting cycle, comprising a mounting housing 101, a heat exchange device, a water supply unit, a guiding device, and a controller 4; through the coordinated operation of each component, an active cycle of humidification from frost formation to defrosting is completed, and water vapor is ultimately directionally transported to the space to be humidified to achieve the purpose of quantitative humidity regulation; the mounting housing 101 provides mounting support for the heat exchange device, the water supply unit, the guiding device, and the controller 4; The mounting housing 101 is used to provide mounting support. The housing has an air inlet 102 on the side and an air outlet 103 on the front. Preferably, thermal insulation cotton is attached to the inner wall of the housing to prevent water vapor from condensing on the inner wall of the housing. The heat exchange device, as the core carrier of phase change humidity control, is installed in the mounting housing 101 and can switch between heat absorption and heat release states to perform the frosting and defrosting steps respectively. The water supply unit is installed in the heat exchange device inside the mounting housing 101 and works directly with the heat exchange device to supply water to the heat exchange device in the heat absorption state, ensuring that the water condenses into frost on the heat exchange device. The guiding device is installed inside the mounting housing 101 and located next to the heat exchange device. Driven by airflow, it guides the water vapor generated by the defrosting of the heat exchange device to the space to be humidified, thereby achieving the purpose of humidification. Controller 4 serves as the control center of the entire equipment. It is electrically connected to the heat exchanger, water supply unit, and guide device, respectively. It receives operation feedback signals from each structure and outputs commands to control the coordinated action of the three to achieve cyclical humidification of frosting → defrosting → water vapor transportation. Specifically, the humidity control function of this utility model is based on the phase change process of water → frost → water vapor, and is completed through the coordinated operation of various structures. During the frosting stage, the controller 4 sends a command to switch the heat exchange device to the heat absorption state. At the same time, the water supply unit is activated to deliver water to the surface of the heat exchange device, where the water quickly condenses into a frost layer at low temperature. During the defrosting stage, when the frost layer reaches the preset thickness, the controller 4 commands the heat exchange device to switch to the heat release state, where the frost layer absorbs heat, melts, and evaporates into water vapor. During the water vapor delivery stage, the controller 4 simultaneously activates the guiding device to directionally push the water vapor generated during defrosting to the space to be humidified through airflow. The controller 4 continuously monitors the indoor humidity and the frost layer status, repeating the above process until the indoor humidity reaches the target value, thus achieving precise humidity control.

[0023] In one embodiment, the heat exchange device is the core carrier for realizing phase change, and its structure needs to meet the requirements of refrigerant circulation and state switching. The heat exchange device includes a compressor 201, a control valve 202, two heat exchange ends, and connecting pipes. The compressor 201, control valve 202, and heat exchange ends form a closed refrigerant circulation loop through the connecting pipes. The control valve 202 is electrically connected to the controller 4 and is used to switch the refrigerant flow direction under the control of the controller 4, so that the heat exchange end switches between the heat absorption state and the heat release state. Specifically, compressor 201 is preferably a variable frequency compressor 201, which serves as the core component of the refrigerant circulation loop and is used to switch the heat exchange end between heat absorption and heat release states; control valve 202 is preferably a four-way solenoid directional valve, which has four ports on its body, connecting to the compressor 201 outlet, compressor 201 inlet, and two heat exchange ends respectively; the two heat exchange ends are the first heat exchange end 203 and the second heat exchange end 204, which are preferably finned tube heat exchangers. The water supply section sprays water onto the surface of the finned tube heat exchanger to improve heat absorption and heat release efficiency, resulting in faster frosting and defrosting speeds; the connecting pipes are preferably insulated copper pipes, which are used to connect compressor 201, control valve 202, and two heat exchange ends in series to form a closed refrigerant circulation loop; Specifically, by controlling the reversing function of valve 202, the flow direction of refrigerant in the pipeline is switched, so that the refrigerant flows from compressor 201 → first heat exchange end 203 → second heat exchange end 204 → compressor 201. The first heat exchange end 203 absorbs heat, which cools the water sprayed on the first heat exchange end 203, achieving a frosting effect. When the refrigerant flows from compressor 201 → second heat exchange end 204 → first heat exchange end 203 → compressor 201, the first heat exchange end 203 releases heat, melting the frost layer formed on the first heat exchange end 203, and the water after defrosting evaporates quickly at high temperature, achieving a defrosting effect. The evaporated water vapor is driven by the airflow generated by the guide device to directionally push the water vapor generated by defrosting to the space to be humidified. Preferably, the variable frequency compressor 201 controls the refrigerant circulation speed by adjusting the frequency. The higher the frequency of the variable frequency compressor 201, the greater the heat absorption or release intensity at the heat exchange end, which can be used to adapt to the requirements of frosting speed and defrosting efficiency under different environments.

[0024] In one embodiment, the water supply unit needs to ensure that water can evenly cover the heat exchange end and form a stable frost layer; The water supply unit includes a water tank 301, a pipe 304, a pump 302, and a nozzle 303; the nozzle 303 is connected to the water tank 301 through the pipe 304; the pump 302 is installed on the pipe 304 and pumps the liquid in the water tank 301 to the nozzle 303 through the pipe 304; the nozzle 303 is oriented towards the heat exchange end. Water tank 301 has a water inlet on one side and a water outlet on the other side; One end of pipe 304 is connected to the water outlet, and the other end is connected to the nozzle 303; Pump 302 is installed in pipeline 304 to provide power for pumping water; pump 302 is preferably a micro variable frequency water pump and is electrically connected to controller 4, and the water supply can be controlled by adjusting the speed. The nozzle 303 is preferably an atomizing cone nozzle 303, which is mounted on a bracket above the heat exchange end. The nozzle 303 outlet faces the surface of the heat exchange end fins to ensure that the spray covers the entire fin area. Preferably, the water supply unit also includes a water treatment module, preferably a UV sterilization unit and a softening unit, connected in series on the pipe 304 between the water outlet of the water tank 301 and the pump 302; Specifically, the water tank 301 stores water to be sprayed, and water can be added through the water inlet. The water treatment module ensures water quality cleanliness. The UV sterilization unit destroys bacteria in the water, preventing bacteria from spreading with water vapor. The softening unit removes calcium and magnesium ions, reducing scale buildup that clogs the nozzles 303 or adheres to the heat exchanger fins. The pump 302 works in conjunction with the nozzles 303 to atomize the water into fine droplets, which are then sprayed evenly onto the heat exchanger surface, ensuring a uniform frost layer thickness across all areas of the fins and laying the foundation for uniform defrosting. The variable frequency pump 302 can adjust the water supply by adjusting the speed: a high speed in the early stages of frosting to quickly form a basic frost layer, and a low speed in the later stages of frosting to prevent the frost layer from becoming too thick.

[0025] In one embodiment, the guiding device needs to achieve airflow drive and directional delivery of water vapor to prevent water vapor generated during defrosting from condensing inside the equipment; The guiding device includes a fan 105 and several airflow pipes 104; the airflow pipes 104 are connected in sequence to the air inlet 102, the heat exchange device and the air outlet 103; the fan 105 is located on one side of the heat exchange device, drives water vapor to be transported along the airflow pipes 104, and causes the water vapor to be output from the air outlet 103 to the space to be humidified. In this embodiment, the space to be humidified is set as indoors, and the air inlet 102 is connected to the outside space. The fan 105 is preferably a variable frequency centrifugal fan 105, which is set on the side close to the heat exchange device. The airflow of the fan 105 is directed towards the heat exchange device and leads to the air outlet 103. The airflow duct 104 connects the air inlet 102, the heat exchange device, and the air outlet 103. Preferably, the heat exchange end is placed inside the airflow duct 104, and all connecting pipes connected to the heat exchange end pass through the airflow duct 104. The nozzle 303 passes through the airflow duct 104 and is placed next to the heat exchange end. When the fan 105 is started, air from the outside space can be introduced from the air inlet 102, pass through the heat exchange device, and then enter the room through the air outlet 103.

[0026] In another embodiment, in order to ensure continuous humidification, a reversing valve is provided at the other end of the airflow duct 104 connected to the air inlet 102. The reversing valve extends two airflow ducts 104 that lead to two heat exchange ends respectively. The reversing valve is used to switch the airflow to the two heat exchange ends respectively. Through the alternating frosting and defrosting of the two heat exchange ends, the heat exchange end on the side where the airflow is connected defrosts and evaporates water vapor, while the heat exchange end on the side that is not connected frosts and forms an ice layer. After the frost layer on one heat exchange end disappears, the reversing valve and the switching control valve 202 are switched to achieve continuous humidification.

[0027] Specifically, the fan 105 adjusts the airflow intensity by rotating its speed. In the early stage of defrosting, the speed is low to avoid taking away too much heat. In the middle stage of defrosting, the speed is high to quickly push water vapor to the space to be humidified. The amount of water vapor generated changes over time, and the speed of the fan 105 is adjusted accordingly. Preferably, the housing 101 has two air inlets 102, one leading to the outside and the other to the inside. By setting a reversing valve, the airflow duct 104 can be connected to the air inlet 102 of the outside or the inside, so as to realize external circulation and internal circulation as needed.

[0028] In one embodiment, the controller 4 serves as the control center and must meet the requirements of signal acquisition, logic operation, and instruction output; The controller 4 includes a control motherboard, an input and display module, and a sensor interface. The control motherboard has a PID control module for dynamically adjusting the frequency of compressor 201, the speed of fan 105, and the speed of pump 302. It also has a relay interface to control the start and stop of compressor 201, control valve 202, pump 302, and fan 105, and a communication interface to support communication with various sensors. The input and display module can display indoor humidity, frost thickness, and equipment operating status, and supports user settings and control. The sensor interface is used to connect various sensors to receive different signals. Specifically, the various sensors include a frost condition sensor, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor; the frost condition sensor is preferably an ultrasonic sensor, which is set at the heat exchange end and electrically connected to the controller 4, and is used to detect the frost condition on the surface of the heat exchange end and feed it back to the controller 4; the temperature sensor is set at the heat exchange end and electrically connected to the controller 4, and is used to detect the temperature of the heat exchange end and feed it back to the controller 4; the humidity sensor is set at the space to be humidified and electrically connected to the controller 4, and is used to detect the real-time humidity of the space to be humidified and feed it back to the controller 4. Specifically, controller 4 receives data from each sensor in real time and determines the operating stage based on the collected data. When the humidity sensor detects that the indoor humidity is less than the lower threshold, it starts frosting; when the frost layer status sensor detects that the frost layer thickness is ≥5mm, it switches to defrosting; when the frost layer status sensor detects that the frost layer thickness is 0mm and the temperature sensor detects that the heat exchange end temperature is ≥12℃, it ends defrosting; when the indoor humidity is ≥ the target humidity, the cycle stops.

[0029] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0030] Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of the methods and apparatus in the embodiments of this application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, but may also include performing functions substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. In addition, features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0031] The above description is only a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A phase change humidifier based on a defrost cycle, characterized in that, include: A heat exchange device, which can be switched to a heat absorption state or a heat release state; A water supply unit is provided in the heat exchange device for supplying water to the heat exchange device in a heat absorption state to form a frost layer. A guiding device provides airflow, which directs the water vapor generated by the defrosting of the heat exchange device, which is in an exothermic state, to the space to be humidified. The controller is electrically connected to the heat exchange device, the water supply unit and the guide device respectively, and is used to control the coordinated operation of each component to realize the cyclical humidity conditioning process of frosting and defrosting.

2. A phase change humidifier based on a defrosting cycle according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a mounting housing for providing installation support, and the heat exchange device, water supply unit and guiding device are disposed inside the mounting housing; the mounting housing is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet; the guiding device guides air from the air inlet into the mounting housing and from the air outlet to the space to be humidified.

3. A phase change humidifier based on a defrosting cycle according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heat exchange device includes a compressor, a control valve, at least two heat exchange ends, and connecting pipes. The compressor, control valve, and heat exchange ends form a closed refrigerant circulation loop through the connecting pipes. The control valve is electrically connected to the controller and is used to switch the refrigerant flow direction under the control of the controller, so that at least one heat exchange end switches to a heat absorption state or a heat release state.

4. A phase change humidifier based on a defrosting cycle according to claim 3, characterized in that, The water supply unit includes a water tank, pipes, a pump, and nozzles; the nozzles are connected to the water tank via the pipes; the pump is mounted on the pipes and pumps the liquid in the water tank to the nozzles via the pipes; the nozzles are oriented towards the heat exchange end.

5. A phase change humidifier based on a defrosting cycle according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a water treatment module, located in the water supply section and the guiding device, for the purification of water vapor.

6. A phase change humidifier based on a defrosting cycle according to claim 5, characterized in that, The guiding device includes a fan and an airflow duct, the airflow duct being connected in sequence to the air inlet, the heat exchange device and the air outlet; the fan is located on one side of the heat exchange device and drives water vapor to be transported along the airflow duct.

7. A phase change humidifier based on a defrosting cycle according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a frost condition sensor, which is disposed at the heat exchange end and electrically connected to the controller, for detecting the frost condition on the surface of the heat exchange end and feeding it back to the controller.

8. A phase change humidifier based on a defrosting cycle according to claim 7, characterized in that, The frost layer status sensor is a non-contact infrared sensor or an ultrasonic sensor.

9. A phase change humidifier based on a defrosting cycle according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a temperature sensor, which is disposed at the heat exchange end and electrically connected to the controller, for detecting the temperature of the heat exchange end and feeding it back to the controller.

10. A phase change humidifier based on a defrosting cycle according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes a humidity sensor, which is disposed in the space to be humidified and electrically connected to the controller, for detecting the real-time humidity of the space to be humidified and feeding it back to the controller.

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