Vapor compression apparatus

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the field of vapor compression technology discloses vapor compression equipment, this vapor compression equipment can carry out multistage compression to steam through the compressor of multiple compressor components, converts low grade heat energy into high grade heat energy, can promote the utilization rate of waste heat, in addition, through setting up gas -liquid separator before the compressor, can remove the liquid drop mixed in the steam, to avoid liquid drop into the compressor, cause the air erosion damage to the compressor's impeller, guarantee the stability of compressor operation, in addition to the first compressor component, the rest compressor component in the compressor component, at least part compressor component's gas -liquid separator is connected with the condensate pipe for discharging liquid, and the condensate pipe is connected to the gas -liquid separator of the compressor component in the upstream, thereby can discharge the liquid in the gas -liquid separator to the gas -liquid separator of the compressor component in the upstream, thereby simplifies the structure of condensate discharge device, makes the overall structure of equipment more simple.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of steam compression technology, and in particular to steam compression equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Waste heat recovery from steam is a highly efficient energy-saving technology that recovers the waste heat contained in steam emitted from industrial production or energy systems and converts it into usable energy, thereby reducing energy consumption and operating costs. However, in some application scenarios, the temperature of the recoverable steam is too low; for example, the drying process in the food industry generates 80°C hot water, which is difficult to utilize effectively.

[0003] To address this, related technologies offer compressed steam energy storage systems. These systems utilize multi-stage compressor units to compress the working fluid, converting low-grade heat energy into high-grade heat energy, which is then stored in a thermal storage system and a high-pressure water tank, thus improving waste heat utilization. However, a remaining problem is that, to prevent cavitation in the high-speed impeller, some compressors need to be equipped with gas-liquid separators to ensure that the steam at the compressor inlet is free of liquid droplets. Since the gas-liquid separator needs to discharge condensate, additional condensate discharge pipelines are required, leading to a complex system structure. Utility Model Content

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a steam compression device is provided to solve the problem in the related art that the need to set up an additional condensate discharge pipeline leads to a complex system structure.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A vapor compression device includes multiple compressor assemblies, each compressor assembly including a gas-liquid separator and a compressor. The gas-liquid separator outlet is connected to the compressor inlet. The multiple compressor assemblies are connected sequentially, and the compressor outlet of the compressor in the upstream compressor assembly is connected to the gas-liquid separator inlet of the gas-liquid separator in the downstream compressor assembly. Among the multiple compressor assemblies, the upstream compressor assembly is a primary compressor assembly. In the remaining compressor assemblies, at least some of the gas-liquid separators are connected to condensate drain pipes for discharging liquid, and the condensate drain pipes are connected to the gas-liquid separator of the upstream compressor assembly.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment of the vapor compression equipment, in at least some of the compressor assemblies other than the primary compressor assembly, the condensate drain pipe of the gas-liquid separator is connected to the gas-liquid separator of the primary compressor assembly.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment of the steam compression equipment, at least part of the compressor assembly further includes a spray system for spraying liquid water into the compressor.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the steam compression equipment, the spray system is connected to the compressor via a spray interface located at the compressor outlet end of the compressor.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the steam compression equipment, the compressor assembly equipped with a spray system further includes a drain pipe, one end of which is connected to the compressor and the other end to the gas-liquid separator, and is used to discharge liquid in the compressor to the gas-liquid separator.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the vapor compression equipment, the gas-liquid separator of the primary compressor assembly is provided with an inlet pipeline at its inlet end, and the inlet pipeline is provided with an inlet pipeline spraying system for spraying liquid into the inlet pipeline.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the vapor compression equipment, the inlet pipeline is further provided with an inlet pipeline drain pipe. One end of the inlet pipeline drain pipe is connected to the inlet pipeline, and the other end is connected to the gas-liquid separator of the first-stage compressor assembly, and is used to discharge the liquid in the inlet pipeline to the gas-liquid separator of the first-stage compressor assembly.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the steam compression equipment, the compressors of at least two of the compressor assemblies are driven to the same power source.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the steam compression equipment, at least a portion of the compressor assembly is provided with at least one of a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor at the compressor inlet end, and / or at least one of a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor at the compressor outlet end.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment of the steam compression equipment, at least a portion of the gas-liquid separator in the compressor assembly is a horizontal gas-liquid separator. The horizontal gas-liquid separator is connected to the condensate drain pipe through multiple condensate drain branch pipes, and the connection positions between the multiple condensate drain branch pipes and the horizontal gas-liquid separator are spaced apart along the length direction of the horizontal gas-liquid separator.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0017] This utility model provides a steam compression device, including multiple compressor assemblies. Each compressor assembly includes a gas-liquid separator and a compressor. The outlet end of the gas-liquid separator is connected to the inlet end of the compressor. The multiple compressor assemblies are connected in sequence, and the outlet end of the compressor of the upstream compressor assembly is connected to the inlet end of the gas-liquid separator of the downstream compressor assembly. Thus, the steam can be compressed in multiple stages through the compressors of the multiple compressor assemblies, converting low-grade heat energy into high-grade heat energy, thereby improving the utilization rate of waste heat. In addition, by setting a gas-liquid separator before the compressor, liquid droplets mixed in the steam can be removed to prevent liquid droplets from entering the compressor and causing cavitation damage to the compressor impeller, thus ensuring the stability of compressor operation. In addition, among the multiple compressor assemblies, the upstream compressor assembly is the first-stage compressor assembly. Among the remaining compressor assemblies, at least some of the compressor assemblies have gas-liquid separators connected to condensate drain pipes for discharging liquid. The condensate drain pipes are connected to the gas-liquid separators of the upstream compressor assembly, thereby discharging the liquid in the gas-liquid separators to the gas-liquid separators of the upstream compressor assembly. This simplifies the structure of the condensate drain device and makes the overall structure of the equipment simpler. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a first structural schematic diagram of the steam compression device in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a second structural schematic diagram of the steam compression device in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the gas-liquid separator in the first-stage compressor assembly;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the gas-liquid separator in a two-stage, three-stage, or four-stage compressor assembly.

[0023] In the picture:

[0024] 110. First-stage compressor assembly; 120. Second-stage compressor assembly; 130. Third-stage compressor assembly; 140. Fourth-stage compressor assembly;

[0025] 1. Gas-liquid separator; 11. Condensate drain pipe; 12. Condensate drain branch pipe; 13. Gas-liquid separator inlet end; 14. Gas-liquid separator outlet end;

[0026] 2. Compressor;

[0027] 3. Sprayer interface;

[0028] 4. Drainage pipe;

[0029] 5. Gearbox. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0031] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0032] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0033] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0034] To address the issue of low-temperature recyclable water vapor in some application scenarios, making it difficult to utilize effectively, related technologies have provided compressed water vapor energy storage systems. These systems use multi-stage compressor units to compress the working fluid in multiple stages, converting low-grade heat energy into high-grade heat energy, which is then stored in a thermal storage system and a high-pressure water tank, improving waste heat utilization. However, a remaining problem is that to prevent cavitation in the high-speed impeller, some compressors need to be equipped with gas-liquid separators to ensure that the water vapor at the compressor inlet is free of droplets. The gas-liquid separator needs to discharge condensate, thus requiring additional condensate discharge pipelines, leading to a complex system structure.

[0035] In response, this embodiment provides a vapor compression device to solve the above-mentioned problems, which can be used in the field of vapor compression technology.

[0036] Reference Figures 1-5 The steam compression equipment includes multiple compressor assemblies, each comprising a gas-liquid separator 1 and a compressor 2. The outlet 14 of the gas-liquid separator 1 is connected to the inlet 14 of the compressor 2. The multiple compressor assemblies are connected in sequence, with the outlet 14 of the compressor 2 of the upstream compressor assembly connected to the inlet 13 of the gas-liquid separator 1 of the downstream compressor assembly. This allows for multi-stage compression of steam through the compressor 2 of the multiple compressor assemblies, converting low-grade heat energy into high-grade heat energy and improving the utilization rate of waste heat. Furthermore, by installing the gas-liquid separator 1 before the compressor 2, liquid droplets mixed in the steam can be removed to prevent them from entering the compressor 2 and causing cavitation damage to the impeller of the compressor 2, thus ensuring the stability of the compressor 2's operation. Furthermore, among the multiple compressor assemblies, the upstream compressor assembly is the primary compressor assembly 110. In the remaining compressor assemblies (excluding the primary compressor assembly 110), at least some of the gas-liquid separators 1 are connected to a condensate drain pipe 11 for discharging liquid. This condensate drain pipe 11 is connected to the gas-liquid separator 1 of the upstream compressor assembly, thereby discharging the liquid in the gas-liquid separator 1 to the gas-liquid separator 1 of the upstream compressor assembly. This simplifies the structure of the condensate drain device and makes the overall equipment structure simpler. It is understood that because the pressure inside the gas-liquid separator 1 of the upstream compressor assembly is necessarily lower, the liquid can be smoothly discharged into the gas-liquid separator 1 of the upstream compressor assembly.

[0037] Continue to refer to Figures 1-5 In at least some of the compressor assemblies other than the primary compressor assembly 110, the condensate discharge pipe 11 of the gas-liquid separator 1 is connected to the gas-liquid separator 1 of the primary compressor assembly 110. Since the negative pressure of the gas-liquid separator 1 of the primary compressor assembly 110 is the largest, this arrangement can achieve better condensate discharge effect.

[0038] Optionally, in at least a portion of the compressor assembly, the condensate drain pipe 11 of the gas-liquid separator 1 is connected to the gas-liquid separator 1 of the compressor assembly adjacent to and upstream therefrom, in order to further simplify the structure and facilitate pipeline layout.

[0039] In this embodiment, the vapor compression device includes four compressor assemblies, namely a first-stage compressor assembly 110, a second-stage compressor assembly 120, a third-stage compressor assembly 130, and a fourth-stage compressor assembly 140. The gas-liquid separator 1 of the first-stage compressor assembly 110, the compressor 2 of the first-stage compressor assembly 110, the gas-liquid separator 1 of the second-stage compressor assembly 120, the compressor 2 of the second-stage compressor assembly 120, the gas-liquid separator 1 of the third-stage compressor assembly 130, the compressor 2 of the third-stage compressor assembly 130, the gas-liquid separator 1 of the fourth-stage compressor assembly 140, and the compressor 2 of the fourth-stage compressor assembly 140 are connected in sequence.

[0040] Continue to refer to Figures 1-5 At least some compressor components also include a spray system, which sprays liquid water into the compressor 2, thereby mixing the high-temperature steam compressed by the compressor 2 with water to form saturated water vapor, reducing the overall power consumption of the machine. Furthermore, it is understood that although the introduction of liquid water through the spray system will generate a certain amount of droplets, these droplets will be separated from the steam when passing through the gas-liquid separator 1 of the downstream compressor component. This ensures that the water vapor at the inlet of the compressor 2 of the downstream compressor component is free of droplets, preventing cavitation of the high-speed impeller and ensuring the stability of equipment operation. In this embodiment, the first-stage compressor component 110, the second-stage compressor component 120, the third-stage compressor component 130, and the fourth-stage compressor component 140 all include a spray system.

[0041] Continue to refer to Figures 1-5 The spray system is connected to the compressor 2 via a spray interface 3, which is located at the compressor outlet end of the compressor 2. Specifically, it is a pipeline located at the compressor outlet end of the compressor 2. Optionally, the spray system also includes a nozzle located inside the pipeline, which is used to spray liquid water into the pipeline.

[0042] Continue to refer to Figures 1-5 The compressor assembly equipped with the spray system also includes a drain pipe 4. One end of the drain pipe 4 is connected to the compressor 2, and the other end is connected to the gas-liquid separator 1. It is used to discharge the liquid in the compressor 2 to the gas-liquid separator 1. That is, all the liquid in the compressor 2 of the compressor assembly will be discharged to the gas-liquid separator 1 of the same compressor assembly. Optionally, the drain pipe 4 is located below the housing of the compressor 2 to facilitate liquid discharge.

[0043] Continue to refer to Figures 1-5The gas-liquid separator 1 of the first-stage compressor assembly 110 is provided with an inlet pipeline at the inlet end 13. The inlet pipeline is provided with an inlet pipeline spraying system, which is used to spray liquid into the inlet pipeline. In this embodiment, the liquid sprayed into the inlet pipeline is water, so that it can mix with steam to form saturated water vapor and reduce the power consumption of the whole machine.

[0044] Continue to refer to Figures 1-5 The inlet pipeline is also equipped with an inlet pipeline drain pipe. One end of the inlet pipeline drain pipe is connected to the inlet pipeline, and the other end is connected to the gas-liquid separator 1 of the first-stage compressor assembly 110. It is used to drain the liquid in the inlet pipeline to the gas-liquid separator 1 of the first-stage compressor assembly 110. This can further simplify the pipeline layout of the inlet pipeline drain pipe and simplify the overall system structure.

[0045] Continue to refer to Figures 1-5 At least two compressor units 2 are connected to the same power source. Specifically, in this embodiment, since there are four compressor units, only two power sources are needed, and the compressors 2 of every two compressor units are connected to the same power source, thus enabling simultaneous driving of the compressors 2 of all four compressor units. In this embodiment, the steam compression device also includes a gearbox 5, which contains two drive gears. The compressors 2 of the first-stage compressor unit 110 and the compressors 2 of the second-stage compressor unit 120 are connected to the same drive gear, and the compressors 2 of the third-stage compressor unit 130 and the compressors 2 of the fourth-stage compressor unit 140 are connected to the same drive gear. The two drive gears can be driven by the same low-speed gear.

[0046] Continue to refer to Figures 1-5 In at least a portion of the compressor assembly, the compressor inlet of compressor 2 is equipped with at least one of a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. In this embodiment, both a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor are provided at the compressor inlet of compressor 2, thereby enabling the detection of pressure and temperature at the compressor inlet of compressor 2. In other embodiments, only a pressure sensor or only a temperature sensor may be provided. Furthermore, the pressure sensor and temperature sensor can also be communicatively connected to a controller and used to send the detected pressure and temperature data to the controller for automatic detection and control. And / or, the compressor outlet of compressor 2 is equipped with at least one of a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. In this embodiment, both a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor are provided at the compressor outlet of compressor 2, thereby enabling the detection of pressure and temperature at the compressor outlet of compressor 2. In other embodiments, only a pressure sensor or only a temperature sensor may be provided. Furthermore, the pressure sensor and temperature sensor can also be communicatively connected to a controller and used to send the detected pressure and temperature data to the controller for automatic detection and control.

[0047] Optionally, in at least a portion of the compressor assembly, the gas-liquid separator 1 is equipped with a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and a level gauge. The pressure sensor is used to detect the pressure inside the gas-liquid separator 1, the temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature inside the gas-liquid separator 1, and the level gauge is used to detect the liquid level inside the gas-liquid separator 1. The pressure sensor, temperature sensor, and level gauge can also be connected to the controller for communication and to send the detected pressure, temperature, and liquid level data to the controller to achieve automatic detection and control.

[0048] Continue to refer to Figures 1-5 At least some of the gas-liquid separators 1 in the compressor assembly are horizontal gas-liquid separators. In this embodiment, specifically the gas-liquid separator 1 of the first-stage compressor assembly 110, since it does not need to discharge the condensed liquid upstream, can be a vertical gas-liquid separator, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the gas-liquid separator 1 of the two-stage compressor assembly 120, the gas-liquid separator 1 of the three-stage compressor assembly 130, and the gas-liquid separator 1 of the four-stage compressor assembly 140 are all horizontal gas-liquid separators, such as... Figure 5 As shown. The horizontal gas-liquid separator is connected to the condensate drain pipe 11 through multiple condensate drain branch pipes 12. The connection positions between the multiple condensate drain branch pipes 12 and the horizontal gas-liquid separator are spaced apart along the length direction of the horizontal gas-liquid separator, so that the liquid inside the horizontal gas-liquid separator can be discharged through the condensate drain branch pipes 12 as much as possible along the length direction of the horizontal gas-liquid separator.

[0049] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A steam compression device, characterized in that, The system includes multiple compressor assemblies, each comprising a gas-liquid separator (1) and a compressor (2). The gas-liquid separator outlet (14) of the gas-liquid separator (1) is connected to the compressor inlet of the compressor (2). The multiple compressor assemblies are connected in sequence, and the compressor outlet of the compressor (2) of the upstream compressor assembly is connected to the gas-liquid separator inlet (13) of the gas-liquid separator (1) of the downstream compressor assembly. Among the multiple compressor assemblies, the upstream compressor assembly is a primary compressor assembly (110). In the remaining compressor assemblies other than the primary compressor assembly (110), at least some of the gas-liquid separators (1) in the compressor assemblies are connected to a condensate drain pipe (11) for discharging liquid, and the condensate drain pipe (11) is connected to the gas-liquid separator (1) of the upstream compressor assembly to discharge the liquid discharged from the gas-liquid separator (1) of the downstream compressor assembly into the gas-liquid separator (1) of the upstream compressor assembly.

2. The steam compression device according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the remaining compressor assemblies other than the primary compressor assembly (110), the condensate drain pipe (11) of the gas-liquid separator (1) in at least a portion of the compressor assemblies is connected to the gas-liquid separator (1) of the primary compressor assembly (110) to discharge liquid discharged from the gas-liquid separator (1) of at least a portion of the compressor assemblies other than the primary compressor assembly (110) into the gas-liquid separator (1) of the primary compressor assembly (110).

3. The steam compression device according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least part of the compressor assembly also includes a spray system for spraying liquid water into the compressor (2).

4. The steam compression device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The spray system is connected to the compressor (2) via a spray interface (3), which is located at the compressor outlet end of the compressor (2).

5. The steam compression device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The compressor assembly equipped with the spray system also includes a drain pipe (4), one end of which is connected to the compressor (2) and the other end is connected to the gas-liquid separator (1), and is used to discharge the liquid in the compressor (2) to the gas-liquid separator (1).

6. The steam compression device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas-liquid separator (1) of the first-stage compressor assembly (110) is provided with an inlet pipeline at the gas-liquid separator inlet end (13), and the inlet pipeline is provided with an inlet pipeline spraying system for spraying liquid into the inlet pipeline.

7. The steam compression device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The inlet pipeline is also provided with an inlet pipeline drain pipe. One end of the inlet pipeline drain pipe is connected to the inlet pipeline, and the other end is connected to the gas-liquid separator (1) of the first-stage compressor assembly (110), and is used to discharge the liquid in the inlet pipeline to the gas-liquid separator (1) of the first-stage compressor assembly (110).

8. The steam compression apparatus according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The compressors (2) of at least two of the compressor assemblies are driven to the same power source.

9. The steam compression apparatus according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, In at least part of the compressor assembly, the compressor (2) is provided with at least one of a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor at its compressor inlet end, and / or the compressor (2) is provided with at least one of a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor at its compressor outlet end.

10. The steam compression apparatus according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, At least part of the gas-liquid separator (1) in the compressor assembly is a horizontal gas-liquid separator. The horizontal gas-liquid separator is connected to the condensate drain pipe (11) through a plurality of condensate drain branch pipes (12). The connection positions between the plurality of condensate drain branch pipes (12) and the horizontal gas-liquid separator are spaced apart along the length direction of the horizontal gas-liquid separator.

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