Gas-liquid separator and refrigeration unit

Abstract

The application provides a gas-liquid separator and a refrigerating unit. The gas-liquid separator comprises a shell, a partition plate, a first outlet pipe and a second outlet pipe. The shell is provided with a receiving cavity, the partition plate is arranged in the receiving cavity and divides the receiving cavity into a gas separation cavity and an oil storage cavity arranged in an upper and lower mode. The first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe penetrate the gas separation cavity and the oil storage cavity. The first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe are provided with an oil return structure, and the first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe are communicated with the oil storage cavity through the oil return structure. The application divides the shell into the gas separation cavity and the oil storage cavity through the partition plate, and cooperates with the first outlet pipe, the second outlet pipe and the oil return structure penetrating the two cavities, so that the gas-liquid separator simultaneously has the functions of gas-liquid separation and oil storage, and the running stability and the running efficiency of the unit are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of refrigeration units, and more particularly to gas-liquid separators and refrigeration units. Background Technology

[0002] Refrigeration units for transport are critical equipment for ensuring temperature stability during cargo transportation. Among them, non-independent transport refrigeration units are widely used due to their strong adaptability. These units are typically equipped with a main swashplate compressor, and some customers will opt for an additional spare motor unit. The spare motor unit uses a scroll compressor, and the main swashplate compressor and the scroll compressor will not operate simultaneously.

[0003] However, existing non-independent transport refrigeration units have the following technical problems: First, swashplate compressors lack oil storage capabilities, with most lubricating oil circulating within the system, resulting in a high oil circulation rate. Scroll compressors, on the other hand, have a lower oil discharge rate. If the standby unit operates under high-flow conditions for an extended period, a large amount of lubricating oil will enter and accumulate in the scroll compressor. When the main swashplate compressor restarts, insufficient lubricating oil can cause damage, severely impacting unit reliability. Furthermore, the oil filling capacity of the refrigeration unit is determined by the swashplate compressor design. With the selection of a standby unit, lubricating oil will also remain inside the standby compressor, increasing the total oil circulation volume, raising refrigeration cycle resistance, and reducing unit operating efficiency.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an improved gas-liquid separator and refrigeration unit to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application provides a gas-liquid separator and refrigeration unit with high reliability and high operating efficiency.

[0006] This application provides a gas-liquid separator, comprising: a shell, a partition plate, a first outlet pipe and a second outlet pipe, wherein the shell has a receiving cavity, the partition plate is disposed in the receiving cavity and divides the receiving cavity into a gas separation cavity and an oil storage cavity arranged vertically; the first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe pass through the gas separation cavity and the oil storage cavity; the first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe are provided with an oil return structure, and the first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe are connected to the oil storage cavity through the oil return structure.

[0007] Furthermore, the oil return structure includes a first oil return hole provided on the first outlet pipe and a second oil return hole provided on the second outlet pipe. The first oil return hole and the second oil return hole are located in the oil storage cavity and are at different heights.

[0008] Furthermore, the first oil return hole is located at the bottom of the oil storage cavity, and the height of the second oil return hole is greater than the height of the first oil return hole.

[0009] Furthermore, the second outlet pipe is also provided with a gas-oil return hole, which is located at the bottom of the gas-oil separation chamber.

[0010] Furthermore, the first outlet pipe is provided with a first vent hole, and the second outlet pipe is provided with a second vent hole; the first vent hole is located in the oil storage cavity and its height is greater than the height of the first return oil hole; the second vent hole is located in the oil storage cavity and its height is greater than the height of the second return oil hole.

[0011] Furthermore, both the first oil return hole and the second oil return hole are equipped with filter screens.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes an intake pipe and an oil return pipe, wherein the intake pipe is connected to the gas distribution chamber and the oil return pipe is connected to the oil storage chamber; the height of the intake pipe is greater than the height of the oil return pipe.

[0013] Furthermore, the first outlet pipe includes a first extension section extending out of the housing, and the second outlet pipe includes a second extension section extending out of the housing, with the first extension section and the second extension section communicating with each other; the gas-liquid separator also includes a solenoid valve, which is disposed on the first extension section to open or close the first outlet pipe.

[0014] Furthermore, the first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe located in the gas separation chamber and the oil storage chamber are arranged in parallel and have the same diameter.

[0015] Furthermore, the partition plate is a transverse partition plate, and the outer periphery of the partition plate abuts against the inner wall of the housing, so that the gas separation chamber and the oil storage chamber are connected through the first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe.

[0016] This application also provides a refrigeration unit, including the gas-liquid separator as described above, and further including a main compressor, a backup compressor, and an oil separator; the gas-liquid separator is connected to the main compressor, the backup compressor, and the oil separator via pipelines; the main compressor and the backup compressor operate independently.

[0017] Furthermore, it also includes a liquid receiver, a condenser, a regenerator, and an evaporator, wherein the oil separator, the condenser, the liquid receiver, the regenerator, and the gas-liquid separator are connected in sequence via pipelines; the regenerator and the evaporator are connected via pipelines.

[0018] This application uses a partition plate to divide the interior of the shell into a gas separation chamber and an oil storage chamber. With the first outlet pipe, the second outlet pipe and the oil return structure running through the two chambers, the gas-liquid separator can simultaneously perform gas-liquid separation and oil storage functions, thereby improving the unit's operational stability and efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a gas-liquid separator according to an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the refrigeration unit of this application.

[0021] Explanation of icon numbers: 10. Shell; 11. Gas separator chamber; 12. Oil storage chamber; 20. Divider plate; 30. First outlet pipe; 31. First oil return hole; 32. First extension section; 33. First exhaust hole; 40. Second outlet pipe; 41. Second oil return hole; 42. Second extension section; 43. Gas separator oil return hole; 44. Second exhaust hole; 50. Inlet pipe; 60. Oil return pipe; 70. Solenoid valve; 100. Gas-liquid separator; 200. Main compressor; 300. Backup compressor; 400. Oil separator; 500. Liquid receiver; 600. Condenser; 700. Regenerator; 800. Evaporator. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions in the embodiments (or "implementations") of this application will be clearly and completely described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements.

[0023] If the embodiments of this application contain terms relating to directional indications or positional relationships (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, inside, outside, top, bottom, center, vertical, horizontal, longitudinal, transverse, length, width, counterclockwise, clockwise, axial, radial, circumferential, etc.), such terms are only used to explain the relative positional relationships and movement of the components in a specific posture (as shown in the attached figures); if the specific posture changes, the directional indications or positional relationships will also change accordingly. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" used in the embodiments of this application are only for descriptive convenience and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0024] See Figure 1 As shown, this application provides a gas-liquid separator for oil storage and gas-liquid separation. The gas-liquid separator includes a housing 10, a partition plate 20, a first outlet pipe 30, a second outlet pipe 40, an air inlet pipe 50, an oil return pipe 60, and a solenoid valve 70. The partition plate 20 is housed within the housing 10. The first outlet pipe 30 and the second outlet pipe 40 partially protrude into the housing 10 and penetrate the partition plate 20. The air inlet pipe 50 and the oil return pipe 60 are disposed on the housing 10 and communicate with the inner cavity of the housing 10. The solenoid valve 70 is disposed on the first outlet pipe 30.

[0025] The housing 10 has a receiving cavity, and a partition plate 20 is disposed within the receiving cavity, dividing it into an upper and lower gas separation cavity 11 and an oil storage cavity 12. This integrates gas-liquid separation and oil storage functions, providing a basic structure for dynamic distribution of lubricating oil and enhancing the adaptability of the gas-liquid separator. In the embodiments of this application, the housing 10 is cylindrical. Alternatively, the housing 10 can also be designed as rectangular or polygonal to accommodate different installation spaces.

[0026] According to embodiments of this application, the gas separation chamber 11 is located at the upper part of the housing 10, and the oil storage chamber 12 is located at the lower part of the housing 10, allowing for oil separation by gravity. Furthermore, according to other embodiments of this application, the arrangement of the gas separation chamber 11 and the oil storage chamber 12 is not limited to a vertical arrangement; they can be arranged horizontally side-by-side, with internal baffles used to separate the chambers. The housing 10 can be made of stainless steel or aluminum alloy for corrosion resistance; this application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0027] The partition plate 20 is a transverse partition, with its outer periphery abutting against the inner wall of the housing 10, allowing the gas separation chamber 11 and the oil storage chamber 12 to be connected via the first outlet pipe 30 and the second outlet pipe 40. The partition plate 20 completely isolates the gas separation chamber 11 from the oil storage chamber 12, connecting them only through the two outlet pipes. This ensures that the gas-liquid separation and lubricating oil storage functions do not interfere with each other, improving the separation effect of the gas separation chamber 11 and the oil storage stability of the oil storage chamber 12, and optimizing the overall structural rationality. Furthermore, the partition plate 20 may not be fully abutting; a small gap may be left between it and the inner wall of the housing 10 to accommodate a sealing ring, making the abutment more reliable.

[0028] In the embodiments of this application, the partition plate 20 is a circular transverse flat plate. Alternatively, the partition plate 20 can be modified to be arc-shaped or conical to improve flow. The material of the partition plate 20 can be metal, plastic, or composite material, etc., and this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0029] According to other embodiments of this application, a partition plate 20 with guide holes can also be used. The guide holes are evenly distributed on the edge of the partition plate 20, so that the gas separation chamber 11 and the oil storage chamber 12 are relatively independent, while allowing a small amount of gaseous refrigerant to be supplemented to the oil storage chamber 12 through the guide holes, thus avoiding poor oil return due to low pressure in the oil storage chamber 12. In addition, the partition plate 20 can be an adjustable partition plate, such as adjusting the height of the partition plate 20 by threads, so as to flexibly change the ratio of the gas separation chamber 11 and the oil storage chamber 12.

[0030] The first outlet pipe 30 and the second outlet pipe 40 pass through the gas separator 11 and the oil storage chamber 12. The first outlet pipe 30 and the second outlet pipe 40 are equipped with an oil return structure, which connects them to the oil storage chamber 12. The first outlet pipe 30 and the second outlet pipe 40, located within the gas separator 11 and the oil storage chamber 12, are arranged in parallel with the same diameter to ensure consistent gas-liquid flow resistance in both pipes. This avoids flow imbalance caused by differences in pipe structure, ensures the uniformity and stability of lubricating oil distribution, and improves the working efficiency of the gas-liquid separator.

[0031] According to other embodiments of this application, the number of outlet pipes may be increased to three or more, for example, by adding a spare outlet pipe for connecting auxiliary equipment or redundant control.

[0032] The oil return structure includes a first oil return hole 31 on the first outlet pipe 30 and a second oil return hole 41 on the second outlet pipe 40. The first oil return hole 31 and the second oil return hole 41 are located in the oil storage chamber 12 and are at different heights. The design of the different heights of the first oil return hole 31 and the second oil return hole 41 can control the lubricating oil level in the oil storage chamber 12 and meet the lubricating oil flow requirements under different operating conditions.

[0033] According to embodiments of this application, the first oil return hole 31 and the second oil return hole 41 are configured as circular holes. The oil return holes are not limited to circular holes; they can be replaced with slits or mesh-like structures to regulate the oil return flow. According to other embodiments of this application, the oil return structure is not limited to oil return holes; a one-way valve or capillary tube can also be used as the oil return channel.

[0034] The first oil return hole 31 is located at the bottom of the oil storage chamber 12, and the height of the second oil return hole 41 is greater than the height of the first oil return hole 31. The height difference between the first oil return hole 31 and the second oil return hole 41 is calculated based on the amount of oil required by the compressor. In the embodiment of this application, the compressor requires a minimum of 400ml of oil, so the height of the second oil return hole 41 is 27.8mm higher than the height of the first oil return hole 31.

[0035] The high and low oil return hole design allows for precise control of oil storage, preventing the risk of oil shortage while reducing excess oil circulation and improving efficiency. Furthermore, the height of the second oil return hole 41 is adjustable via a sliding sleeve design to accommodate the minimum oil requirements of different compressors, achieving multi-stage oil storage control.

[0036] Both the first oil return hole 31 and the second oil return hole 41 are equipped with filter screens. The filter screens can intercept impurities, prevent particulate matter from entering the compressor, protect the internal components of the compressor, extend the compressor's life, improve the operational reliability of the refrigeration unit, and reduce maintenance costs.

[0037] According to embodiments of this application, the filter screen material can be stainless steel mesh, nylon mesh, or sintered metal. Furthermore, the filter screen is designed to be detachable for easy cleaning or replacement, or it can be equipped with a magnetic adsorption function to capture metal shavings.

[0038] The first outlet pipe 30 includes a first extension section 32 extending out of the housing 10, and the second outlet pipe 40 includes a second extension section 42 extending out of the housing 10. The first extension section 32 and the second extension section 42 are connected. The gas-liquid separator also includes a solenoid valve 70, which is located on the first extension section 32 to open or close the first outlet pipe 30, thereby enabling selective operation of the dual outlet pipes, adapting to the operating status of different compressors in the refrigeration unit, precisely controlling the distribution of lubricating oil, and meeting the lubrication needs of different compressors.

[0039] The second outlet pipe 40 is also provided with a gas-liquid return hole 43. The gas-liquid return hole 43 is located at the bottom of the gas-liquid chamber 11, allowing the lubricating oil separated from the gas-liquid chamber 11 to flow back directly, preventing lubricating oil from accumulating in the gas-liquid chamber 11 and affecting the gas-liquid separation effect. It also improves the lubricating oil recovery efficiency and reduces system oil consumption. The gas-liquid return hole is not limited to the second outlet pipe 40; it can also be located on the first outlet pipe. According to other embodiments of this application, the gas-liquid return hole 43 can be replaced with multiple small holes to improve the uniformity of oil return.

[0040] The first outlet pipe 30 is provided with a first vent hole 33, and the second outlet pipe 40 is provided with a second vent hole 44. The first vent hole 33 is located inside the oil storage chamber 12 and its height is greater than the height of the first oil return hole 31. The second vent hole 44 is located inside the oil storage chamber 12 and its height is greater than the height of the second oil return hole 41. The vent holes in the oil storage chamber 12 are higher than the corresponding oil return holes, which can quickly discharge the gaseous refrigerant entrained in the return oil, prevent the refrigerant from condensing and accumulating in the oil storage chamber, avoid the mixing of liquid refrigerant and lubricating oil, and prevent it from affecting the lubrication effect. At the same time, it can ensure the pressure balance inside the oil storage chamber and ensure smooth oil return.

[0041] According to other embodiments of this application, the height of the exhaust port can be designed to be adjustable to adapt to the condensation characteristics of different refrigerants. Alternatively, an exhaust valve can be added for manual control of exhaust. In the embodiments of this application, the first exhaust port 33 and the second exhaust port 44 are circular holes. Furthermore, the exhaust ports are not limited to circular shapes, but can be microporous arrays or breathable membranes to balance exhaust and prevent clogging.

[0042] The intake pipe 50 is connected to the gas separation chamber 11, and the return oil pipe 60 is connected to the oil storage chamber 12. The height of the intake pipe 50 is greater than the height of the return oil pipe 60. The height difference between the intake pipe 50 and the return oil pipe 60 promotes natural gas-liquid separation, improves the separation effect, reduces oil carryover into the gas path, and optimizes system stability. In the embodiments of this application, the intake pipe 50 is located at the upper part of the gas separation chamber 11, and the return oil pipe 60 is located at the upper part of the oil storage chamber 12. In specific implementation, the height difference between the intake pipe 50 and the return oil pipe 60 can be calculated based on the flow rate.

[0043] See Figure 2 As shown, this application also provides a refrigeration unit, including the aforementioned gas-liquid separator 100. It also includes a main compressor 200, a standby compressor 300, an oil separator 400, a liquid receiver 500, a condenser 600, a regenerator 700, and an evaporator 800. The gas-liquid separator 100 is connected to the main compressor 200, the standby compressor 300, and the oil separator 400 via pipelines. The main compressor 200 and the standby compressor 300 operate independently. The oil separator 400, the condenser 600, the liquid receiver 500, the regenerator 700, and the gas-liquid separator 100 are sequentially connected via pipelines; the regenerator 700 is connected to the evaporator 800 via a pipeline.

[0044] The refrigeration unit uses the aforementioned gas-liquid separator 100, in conjunction with the separately operating main compressor 200, backup compressor 300, and oil separator 400. Based on the different lubrication characteristics of the main compressor 200 and backup compressor 300, such as the main compressor 200 requiring more circulating oil and the backup compressor 300 having a low oil discharge rate, the gas-liquid separator 100 can achieve precise distribution and storage of lubricating oil, preventing damage to the main compressor 200 due to oil shortage, while reducing the total oil circulation volume of the system and improving the unit's operating efficiency and reliability.

[0045] Specifically, the regenerator 700 is connected to the intake pipe 50 via a pipeline. The oil separator 400 is connected to the oil return pipe 60 via a pipeline. The first outlet pipe 30 and the second outlet pipe 40 are both connected to the main compressor 200 and the standby compressor 300. The oil separator 400, condenser 600, liquid receiver 500, regenerator 700, and gas-liquid separator 100 are connected in sequence via pipelines, and the regenerator 700 exchanges heat with the evaporator 800 to form a complete refrigeration cycle system. This allows the lubrication oil regulation function of the gas-liquid separator 100 to be efficiently adapted to the refrigeration cycle, ensuring the lubrication needs of each component, optimizing the refrigeration process, and improving the refrigeration performance and energy utilization rate of the refrigeration unit.

[0046] According to the embodiments of this application, the main compressor 200 is a swashplate compressor, and the backup compressor 300 is a scroll compressor. The refrigeration unit includes two operating modes: a main unit operating mode and a backup power operating mode, and the control scheme is as follows: Main unit operating mode: When the oil control solenoid valve 70 is open, both the first outlet pipe 30 and the second outlet pipe 40 can return gas. The oil in the gas-liquid separator 100 returns to the suction side of the main compressor 200 through the gas-liquid return oil hole 43 on the second outlet pipe 40. No oil is stored in the oil storage chamber 12, and all oil returns are through the first oil return hole 31 of the first outlet pipe 30.

[0047] Backup power operation mode: With the oil control solenoid valve 70 closed, only the second outlet pipe 40 allows for gas return. The oil in the gas-liquid separator 100 returns to the compressor suction side through the gas-liquid return port 43 of the second outlet pipe 40. As the system operates, after the oil storage chamber 12 reaches the minimum oil volume (400ml in this embodiment), the remaining oil can return to the system through the second return port 41. Storing some lubricating oil in the oil storage chamber 12 reduces the amount of oil circulating in the system, improving efficiency while preventing most of the oil in the system from being stored in the backup compressor 300, thus reducing the risk of failure due to lack of oil when the main compressor 200 resumes operation.

[0048] This application uses a partition plate 20 to divide the interior of the housing 10 into a gas separation chamber 11 and an oil storage chamber 12. With the first outlet pipe 30 and the second outlet pipe 40 penetrating the two chambers and the oil return structure, the gas-liquid separator 100 can simultaneously perform gas-liquid separation and oil storage functions, thereby improving the operational stability and efficiency of the refrigeration unit.

[0049] It should be noted that the technical solutions or features described in the above embodiments can be combined or complemented by each other without conflict. The scope of protection of this application is not limited to the precise structures described in the above embodiments and shown in the accompanying drawings; all modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A gas-liquid separator, characterized in that, include: The device comprises a housing, a partition plate, a first outlet pipe, and a second outlet pipe. The housing has a receiving cavity, and the partition plate is disposed in the receiving cavity and divides the receiving cavity into an upper and lower gas separation cavity and an oil storage cavity. The first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe pass through the gas separation cavity and the oil storage cavity. The first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe are provided with an oil return structure, and the first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe are connected to the oil storage cavity through the oil return structure.

2. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The oil return structure includes a first oil return hole on the first outlet pipe and a second oil return hole on the second outlet pipe. The first oil return hole and the second oil return hole are located in the oil storage chamber and are at different heights.

3. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first oil return hole is located at the bottom of the oil storage chamber, and the height of the second oil return hole is greater than the height of the first oil return hole.

4. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second outlet pipe is also provided with a gas-oil return hole, which is located at the bottom of the gas-oil chamber.

5. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first outlet pipe is provided with a first vent hole, and the second outlet pipe is provided with a second vent hole; the first vent hole is located in the oil storage chamber and its height is greater than the height of the first return oil hole; the second vent hole is located in the oil storage chamber and its height is greater than the height of the second return oil hole.

6. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 2, characterized in that, Both the first and second oil return holes are equipped with filter screens.

7. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an intake pipe and an oil return pipe, wherein the intake pipe is connected to the gas distribution chamber and the oil return pipe is connected to the oil storage chamber; the height of the intake pipe is greater than the height of the oil return pipe.

8. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first outlet pipe includes a first extension section extending out of the housing, and the second outlet pipe includes a second extension section extending out of the housing. The first extension section and the second extension section are in communication. The gas-liquid separator also includes a solenoid valve, which is disposed on the first extension section to open or close the first outlet pipe.

9. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe, located in the gas separation chamber and the oil storage chamber, are arranged in parallel and have the same diameter.

10. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The partition plate is a transverse partition plate, and the outer periphery of the partition plate abuts against the inner wall of the housing so that the gas separation chamber and the oil storage chamber are connected through the first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe.

11. A refrigeration unit, characterized in that, The device includes a gas-liquid separator as described in any one of claims 1-10, and further includes a main compressor, a backup compressor, and an oil separator; the gas-liquid separator is connected to the main compressor, the backup compressor, and the oil separator via pipelines; the main compressor and the backup compressor operate independently.

12. The refrigeration unit according to claim 11, characterized in that, It also includes a liquid receiver, a condenser, a regenerator, and an evaporator. The oil separator, the condenser, the liquid receiver, the regenerator, and the gas-liquid separator are connected in sequence by pipelines. The regenerator and the evaporator are connected by pipelines.

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