Vapor compression regenerative cycle apparatus and air conditioning system

Abstract

The utility model belongs to circulating refrigeration technical field discloses a kind of steam compression type regenerative cycle device.The device includes evaporator, compressor, condenser and throttling device, evaporator, compressor, condenser and throttling device are connected by pipeline circulation, and the coolant flows in pipeline, evaporator includes evaporative heat exchange part and regenerative part, and the coolant flowing from throttling device can pass evaporative heat exchange part and regenerative part in turn and flow to compressor, evaporative heat exchange part is heat transfer connected with the cooling medium to be heat exchanged, and regenerative part is connected between the outlet end of condenser and the inlet end of throttling device.Through above-mentioned setting, the coolant liquid before throttling and the coolant steam before suction of compressor can exchange heat in regenerative part, form supercooling section, optimize the flow distribution of two-phase flow, improve the overall performance of refrigeration cycle.In addition, since the evaporator in the device integrates evaporative heat exchange function and regenerative function, the setting of regenerator can be avoided, the cost is lower, and the structure is more compact.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cyclic refrigeration technology, and in particular to a vapor compression regenerative cycle device and air conditioning system. Background Technology

[0002] In a vapor compression refrigeration cycle, an internal regenerative mechanism on the refrigerant side allows for heat exchange between the refrigerant liquid before throttling and the refrigerant vapor before compressor intake, resulting in subcooling of the liquid and superheating of the vapor (a process known as regeneration), thereby improving the performance of the refrigeration cycle. For example... Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a vapor compression refrigeration cycle system provided by existing technology.

[0003] However, on the one hand, the regenerator 1', as a separate heat exchange device, increases system costs; on the other hand, the regenerator causes the steam at the compressor 2' inlet to overheat, resulting in the exhaust temperature reaching its upper limit more quickly and limiting the compressor's capacity. Based on this situation, there is an urgent need for a vapor compression regenerator cycle device and air conditioning system that retains the advantages of the regenerator in improving refrigeration cycle performance while avoiding the disadvantages of increased costs and limited compressor capacity, thereby addressing the shortcomings of existing technologies. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a vapor compression regenerative cycle device and air conditioning system that can improve refrigeration cycle performance and reduce costs.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A vapor compression regenerative cycle device includes an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, and a throttling device. The evaporator, the compressor, the condenser, and the throttling device are connected in a circulation via a pipeline. A refrigerant flows through the pipeline. The evaporator includes an evaporation heat exchange section and a regeneration section. The refrigerant flowing out of the throttling device can sequentially pass through the evaporation heat exchange section and the regeneration section and flow to the compressor. The evaporation heat exchange section is heat-transfer connected to the cooling medium to be exchanged. The regeneration section is connected between the outlet end of the condenser and the inlet end of the throttling device.

[0007] Preferably, the evaporative heat exchange section includes an inner refrigerant inlet pipe section, an inner refrigerant outlet pipe section, an outer liquid-cooled inlet pipe section, and an outer liquid-cooled outlet pipe section. The inner refrigerant inlet pipe section is connected to the outlet end of the throttle, the inner refrigerant outlet pipe section is connected to the regenerative section, the outer liquid-cooled inlet pipe section is connected to the outlet end of the component to be cooled, and the outer liquid-cooled outlet pipe section is connected to the inlet end of the component to be cooled.

[0008] Preferably, the regenerative section includes an inner pipe recirculation inlet section, an inner pipe recirculation outlet section, an outer pipe recirculation inlet section, and an outer pipe recirculation outlet section. The inner pipe recirculation inlet section is connected to the inner pipe refrigerant outlet section, the inner pipe recirculation outlet section is connected to the compressor suction port, the outer pipe recirculation inlet section is connected to the condenser outlet end, and the outer pipe recirculation outlet section is connected to the throttling device inlet end.

[0009] Preferably, the evaporator includes a plate heat exchanger, which includes a first plate group and a second plate group. The first plate group defines the evaporation heat exchange section and includes the inner tube refrigerant inlet section, the inner tube refrigerant outlet section, the outer tube liquid-cooled inlet section, and the outer tube liquid-cooled outlet section. The second plate group defines the regeneration section and includes the inner tube reflux inlet section, the inner tube reflux outlet section, the outer tube reflux inlet section, and the outer tube reflux outlet section.

[0010] Preferably, the compressor's intake port is equipped with a combined temperature and pressure sensor.

[0011] Preferably, the vapor compression regenerative cycle device further includes a liquid storage tank, which is connected between the outlet end of the condenser and the regenerative section.

[0012] Preferably, the vapor compression regenerative cycle device further includes a gas-liquid separator connected between the outlet end of the evaporator and the suction port of the compressor.

[0013] Preferably, at least two evaporators are provided, and the at least two evaporators are connected in parallel. The outlet end of the condenser is simultaneously connected to the heat recovery section of the at least two evaporators, and the suction port of the compressor is simultaneously connected to the outlet end of the at least two evaporators.

[0014] Preferably, at least two throttles are provided, and each throttle corresponds to one evaporator.

[0015] Air conditioning system, including the aforementioned vapor compression regenerative cycle device.

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

[0017] The vapor compression regenerative cycle device provided by this utility model, in specific use, involves refrigerant that is a saturated liquid or a slightly subcooled liquid at the outlet of the condenser, entering the regenerative section of the evaporator through a pipe. This allows the refrigerant liquid before throttling to exchange heat with the refrigerant vapor before the compressor intake within the regenerative section, resulting in subcooling of the refrigerant liquid. Due to the increased subcooling, the two-phase flow entering the evaporator from the throttling device has a lower dryness, thereby optimizing the flow distribution of the two-phase flow and ultimately effectively improving the overall performance of the refrigeration cycle, thus increasing the refrigeration efficiency of the vapor compression regenerative cycle device. Furthermore, since the evaporator in this device integrates evaporation heat exchange and regeneration functions, the need for a separate regenerator is eliminated, resulting in lower costs and a more compact structure.

[0018] The air conditioning system provided by this utility model, by setting the above-mentioned vapor compression regenerative circulation device, not only has good cooling performance, but also has a simple structure, smaller size, and lower cost, and has a broad market for practical applications. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a vapor compression refrigeration cycle system provided by existing technology;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the vapor compression regenerative cycle device provided by this utility model;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the evaporator provided by this utility model;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the vapor compression regenerative circulation device provided by this utility model when equipped with a liquid storage tank;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the vapor compression regenerative cycle device provided by this utility model when equipped with a gas-liquid separator;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the vapor compression regenerative cycle device provided by this utility model when it is equipped with two evaporators;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the vapor compression regenerative cycle device provided by this utility model when it is equipped with three evaporators.

[0026] In the picture:

[0027] 1' Regenerator; 2' Compressor;

[0028] 1. Evaporator; 11. Evaporation heat exchange section; 111. Inner pipe refrigerant inlet section; 112. Inner pipe refrigerant outlet section; 113. Outer pipe liquid coolant inlet section; 114. Outer pipe liquid coolant outlet section; 12. Regenerator section; 121. Inner pipe reflux inlet section; 122. Inner pipe reflux outlet section; 123. Outer pipe reflux inlet section; 124. Outer pipe reflux outlet section; 2. Compressor; 3. Condenser; 4. Throttling device; 5. Piping; 6. Temperature and pressure composite sensor; 71. Liquid receiver; 72. Gas-liquid separator. Detailed Implementation

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," and "left," 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.

[0033] The vapor compression regenerative circulation device and air conditioning system provided by this utility model will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0034] Combination Figures 2 to 7 As shown, the vapor compression regenerative circulation device provided by this utility model includes an evaporator 1, a compressor 2, a condenser 3, and a throttling device 4. The evaporator 1, compressor 2, condenser 3, and throttling device 4 are circulated together via a pipe 5. Refrigerant flows through the pipe 5. The evaporator 1 includes an evaporation heat exchange section 11 and a regenerative section 12. The refrigerant flowing out of the throttling device 4 can pass through the evaporation heat exchange section 11 and the regenerative section 12 in sequence and flow to the compressor 2. The evaporation heat exchange section 11 is heat-transfer connected to the cooling medium to be heat-exchanged. The regenerative section 12 is connected between the outlet end of the condenser 3 and the inlet end of the throttling device 4.

[0035] With the above configuration, the refrigerant, which becomes a saturated liquid or a slightly subcooled liquid at the outlet of the condenser 3, enters the regenerator section 12 of the evaporator 1 along the pipe 5. This allows the refrigerant liquid before throttling and the refrigerant vapor before being drawn into the compressor 2 to exchange heat in the regenerator section 12, resulting in subcooling of the refrigerant liquid. Due to the increased subcooling, the two-phase flow entering the evaporator 1 from the throttling device 4 will have a lower dryness, thereby optimizing the flow distribution of the two-phase flow and ultimately effectively improving the overall performance of the refrigeration cycle. In addition, since the evaporator 1 in this device integrates evaporation heat exchange and regeneration functions, the need for a separate regenerator is eliminated, resulting in lower costs and a more compact structure.

[0036] Preferably, in this embodiment, the evaporator 1 includes a plate heat exchanger, which comprises a first plate group and a second plate group. The first plate group defines the aforementioned evaporation heat exchange section 11, and the second plate group defines the aforementioned regenerative section 12. This allows the evaporator 1 to rationally distribute the internal heat exchange plates as needed. By changing the number of heat exchange plates, the subcooling of the refrigerant liquid before entering the throttling device 4 can be adjusted, facilitating the adjustment of the regenerative performance and simplifying operation. For example, the evaporator 1 has a total of 60 heat exchange plates, with the first plate group comprising 50 plates and the second plate group comprising the remaining 10 plates, ensuring good refrigeration and heat exchange performance of the heat exchange components.

[0037] Specifically, in combination Figure 2 , Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, the specific implementation of the evaporator 1 to achieve the evaporative heat exchange function is as follows: the evaporative heat exchange section 11 includes an inner tube refrigerant inlet pipe section 111, an inner tube refrigerant outlet pipe section 112, an outer tube liquid-cooled inlet pipe section 113, and an outer tube liquid-cooled outlet pipe section 114. The inner tube refrigerant inlet pipe section 111 is connected to the outlet end of the throttle 4, the inner tube refrigerant outlet pipe section 112 is connected to the regenerator section 12, the outer tube liquid-cooled inlet pipe section 113 is connected to the outlet end of the component to be cooled, and the outer tube liquid-cooled outlet pipe section 114 is connected to the inlet end of the component to be cooled. In the above configuration, the refrigerant liquid flowing into the inner pipe refrigerant inlet section 111 and the cooling medium to be cooled flowing into the outer pipe liquid cooling inlet section 113 can exchange heat in the first plate group. After heat exchange, the temperature of the cooling medium is reduced to the set temperature range, and then flows from the outer pipe liquid cooling outlet section 114 to the component to be cooled. The refrigerant liquid absorbs heat and rises in temperature, undergoes a phase change to form refrigerant vapor, and is all transported to the regenerator section 12 to participate in the regeneration process. The transport efficiency is high, the flow resistance transferred from the evaporation heat exchange section 11 to the regenerator section 12 is reduced, and the safety is high with a low risk of refrigerant leakage.

[0038] Specifically, in combination Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the specific implementation of the regenerative function of the evaporator 1 is as follows: the regenerative section 12 includes an inner tube recirculation inlet pipe section 121, an inner tube recirculation outlet pipe section 122, an outer tube recirculation inlet pipe section 123, and an outer tube recirculation outlet pipe section 124. The inner tube recirculation outlet pipe section 122 is connected to the suction port of the compressor 2, the outer tube recirculation inlet pipe section 123 is connected to the outlet end of the condenser 3, and the outer tube recirculation outlet pipe section 124 is connected to the inlet end of the throttle valve 4. In the above configuration, the refrigerant liquid flowing into the outer pipe return inlet section 123 and the refrigerant vapor flowing into the inner pipe return inlet section 121 can exchange heat in the second plate group, which increases the subcooling of the refrigerant liquid and raises the temperature and vapor purity of the refrigerant vapor. The refrigerant liquid with increased subcooling flows from the outer pipe return outlet section 124 to the throttle 4 for pressure and flow regulation. The refrigerant vapor flows out of the evaporator 1 from the inner pipe return outlet section 122 and is drawn into the compressor 2, ensuring the orderly circulation of the refrigerant in the device through heat recovery, evaporation heat exchange, and condensation phase change processes, thus ensuring the stability of the device's operation.

[0039] In this embodiment, a temperature-pressure composite sensor 6 is also installed at the suction port of the compressor 2. This sensor detects the real-time temperature T and pressure P of the refrigerant vapor flowing from the outlet of the evaporator 1 and sends the detection results to the control unit (PLC or microcontroller) for processing. This allows the sensor to determine the suction superheat SH of the refrigerant vapor, and thus whether refrigerant liquid is present in the refrigerant vapor. For example, based on the actual pressure P, the saturation temperature T of the refrigerant type at that pressure P can be determined by looking up a table or by calculation.sat Through the formula SH=TT sat The superheat SH is calculated. If T > T sat If SH is positive (indicating overheating); if T = T sat If SH is 0 (representing saturated steam); if T < T sat This indicates the presence of refrigerant liquid. The above settings effectively reduce the phenomenon of refrigerant liquid carrying into the compressor 2's intake, preventing refrigerant liquid from limiting the compressor 2's performance and extending its service life.

[0040] Optionally, in this embodiment, the vapor compression regenerative cycle device further includes a refrigerant storage device. The refrigerant storage device can temporarily store the refrigerant and ensure the purity of the refrigerant flowing into the next component, thereby improving the refrigerant phase conversion efficiency and providing effective protection for the refrigeration performance of the device.

[0041] For example, refer to Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment of this invention, the refrigerant storage device includes a liquid storage tank 71, which is connected between the outlet end of the condenser 3 and the regenerator 12. The refrigerant liquid flowing from the outlet end of the condenser 3 can flow into the liquid storage tank 71 for storage. The liquid storage tank 71 not only stores the refrigerant liquid but also performs gas-liquid separation. Through static storage, the refrigerant naturally separates into layers; the refrigerant liquid remains at the bottom under gravity, while the refrigerant vapor rises to the top, thus ensuring that only the refrigerant liquid flows out from the outlet end of the liquid storage tank 71 and is supplied to the regenerator 12.

[0042] refer to Figure 5 As shown, in an alternative embodiment of this invention, the refrigerant storage device includes a gas-liquid separator 72. The gas-liquid separator 72 is connected between the outlet end of the evaporator 1 and the suction port of the compressor 2. The refrigerant vapor flowing out from the outlet end of the evaporator 1 can flow into the gas-liquid separator 72, where the gas-liquid mixture is separated by gravity settling or baffle impact, preventing the refrigerant liquid from entering the compressor 2 and causing liquid slugging damage. Simultaneously, the separated and temporarily stored refrigerant liquid protects the compressor 2 for safe operation. It should be noted that the separated refrigerant liquid can flow out of the gas-liquid separator 72 through a return hole at the bottom of the gas-liquid separator 72 and be recycled, thereby effectively reducing refrigerant consumption and ensuring that the device can provide sufficient cooling capacity for the components to be cooled.

[0043] Optionally, the vapor compression regenerative cycle device provided by this utility model is also applicable to embodiments in which at least two evaporators 1 are provided. For example, refer to... Figure 6As shown, in this embodiment, two evaporators 1 are provided, connected in parallel. The outlet end of the condenser 3 is connected to the regenerator section 12 of both evaporators 1, and the suction port of the compressor 2 is connected to the outlet end of both evaporators 1. If one evaporator 1 shuts down due to scaling, blockage, or malfunction, the other evaporator 1 can still maintain some cooling capacity, reducing the risk of a complete system shutdown. Alternatively, the two evaporators 1 can be operated alternately to ensure continuous cooling. Furthermore, when the refrigerant flowing from the outlet end of the condenser 3 simultaneously enters the regenerator section 12 of both evaporators 1, the sufficient heat exchange between the refrigerant liquid and the refrigerant liquid in the regenerator section 12 reduces flash gas before the refrigerant liquid enters the evaporator 1, thereby improving evaporation efficiency. Moreover, the dual evaporator 1 configuration can also balance the refrigerant flow to a certain extent, reducing the impact of sudden changes in flow rate along a single path on the compressor 2 and extending the service life of the compressor 2.

[0044] Of course, it is understandable that reference Figure 7 As shown, in other parallel embodiments, evaporators 1 can be provided in three or more forms to meet the cooling intensity requirements of different usage scenarios. Therefore, this utility model does not limit the number of evaporators 1 provided.

[0045] Preferably, in this embodiment, two throttle valves 4 are provided, and each throttle valve 4 corresponds one-to-one with an evaporator 1, so that the independent throttle valve 4 can adjust the refrigerant flow rate according to the actual operating conditions of the corresponding evaporator 1 (such as evaporation pressure and superheat). Moreover, if multiple evaporators 1 share a single throttle valve 4, the refrigerant distribution may be uneven due to differences in pipeline resistance, resulting in insufficient refrigerant supply to some evaporators 1 and poor cooling effect, or excessive refrigerant supply, which may cause liquid slugging risk to the compressor 2.

[0046] This utility model also provides an air conditioning system, including the vapor compression regenerative cycle device described above. This air conditioning system not only has good cooling performance, but also has a simple structure, smaller size, and lower cost, thus having a wider range of practical applications. This air conditioning system can be applied in scenarios such as automobiles, commercial chillers, or commercial heat pumps, and this utility model is not limited to these applications.

[0047] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "some embodiments," "other embodiments," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0048] 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 vapor compression regenerative circulation device, characterized in that, include: An evaporator (1), a compressor (2), a condenser (3), and a throttle (4) are connected in a loop via a pipe (5). A refrigerant flows through the pipe (5). The evaporator (1) includes an evaporation heat exchange section (11) and a regeneration section (12). The refrigerant flowing out of the throttle (4) can pass through the evaporation heat exchange section (11) and the regeneration section (12) in sequence and flow to the compressor (2). The evaporation heat exchange section (11) is connected to the cooling medium to be exchanged for heat transfer. The regeneration section (12) is connected between the outlet end of the condenser (3) and the inlet end of the throttle (4).

2. The vapor compression regenerative cycle device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The evaporative heat exchange section (11) includes an inner tube refrigerant inlet pipe section (111), an inner tube refrigerant outlet pipe section (112), an outer tube liquid-cooled inlet pipe section (113), and an outer tube liquid-cooled outlet pipe section (114). The inner tube refrigerant inlet pipe section (111) is connected to the outlet end of the throttle (4), the inner tube refrigerant outlet pipe section (112) is connected to the heat recovery section (12), the outer tube liquid-cooled inlet pipe section (113) is connected to the outlet end of the component to be cooled, and the outer tube liquid-cooled outlet pipe section (114) is connected to the inlet end of the component to be cooled.

3. The vapor compression regenerative cycle device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The regenerating section (12) includes an inner pipe recirculation inlet section (121), an inner pipe recirculation outlet section (122), an outer pipe recirculation inlet section (123), and an outer pipe recirculation outlet section (124). The inner pipe recirculation inlet section (121) is connected to the inner pipe refrigerant outlet section (112), the inner pipe recirculation outlet section (122) is connected to the suction port of the compressor (2), the outer pipe recirculation inlet section (123) is connected to the outlet end of the condenser (3), and the outer pipe recirculation outlet section (124) is connected to the inlet end of the throttle (4).

4. The vapor compression regenerative cycle device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The evaporator (1) includes a plate heat exchanger, which includes a first plate group and a second plate group. The first plate group defines the evaporation heat exchange section (11) and includes the inner tube refrigerant inlet section (111), the inner tube refrigerant outlet section (112), the outer tube liquid-cooled inlet section (113), and the outer tube liquid-cooled outlet section (114). The second plate group defines the heat recovery section (12) and includes the inner tube reflux inlet section (121), the inner tube reflux outlet section (122), the outer tube reflux inlet section (123), and the outer tube reflux outlet section (124).

5. The vapor compression regenerative cycle device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The compressor (2) is equipped with a temperature and pressure composite sensor (6) at its air intake.

6. The vapor compression regenerative cycle device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vapor compression regenerative cycle device also includes a liquid storage tank (71), which is connected between the outlet end of the condenser (3) and the regenerative section (12).

7. The vapor compression regenerative cycle device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vapor compression regenerative cycle device also includes a gas-liquid separator (72), which is connected between the outlet end of the evaporator (1) and the suction port of the compressor (2).

8. The vapor compression regenerative cycle device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The evaporator (1) is provided in at least two, and the at least two evaporators (1) are connected in parallel. The outlet end of the condenser (3) is simultaneously connected to the heat recovery section (12) of the at least two evaporators (1), and the suction port of the compressor (2) is simultaneously connected to the outlet end of the at least two evaporators (1).

9. The vapor compression regenerative cycle device according to claim 6, characterized in that, At least two throttles (4) are provided, and each throttle (4) corresponds to one evaporator (1).

10. An air conditioning system, characterized in that, The device includes the vapor compression regenerative cycle device according to any one of claims 1-9.

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