header

Abstract

To provide a header for mixing water more surely in a header, providing water having a uniform temperature for every air conditioning machine or the like and for every heat exchanger, and performing a more stable and efficient operation as a whole air conditioning facility.SOLUTION: A header for introducing and distributing water comprises: a double pipe comprising an outer pipe 11 whose both ends are sealed and an inner pipe 12 installed in the outer pipe and having one end sealed and another end opened, in which a longitudinal direction of the outer pipe and a longitudinal direction of the inner pipe are parallel. The header further comprises: one or more introduction holes 14 which are provided on a side face of the outer pipe, for introducing water from an external part of the header into the outer pipe; and one or more derivation holes 16 in which a branch pipe 13 is provided on a side face of the inner pipe, the branch pipe 13 is communicated with the external part of the outer pipe to derive the water to the external part of the header from the inside of the inner pipe. The water in the outer pipe and at the outside of the inner pipe flows into the inside of the inner pipe from the other end which is opened of the inner pipe, and flows out from the derivation pipe provided in the inner pipe to the external part of the header.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to equipment used for headers and the like for separately operating the water flow paths in a system in a device for passing water, which is installed in a heat source device such as air conditioning equipment.

Background Art

[0002] Air conditioning equipment generally has a heat exchanger such as an outdoor unit, a device installed indoors, and equipment for connecting these and circulating water or the like. For example, in the case of a small building, it consists of a small number of outdoor units and the like and a small number of devices installed indoors, and is operated by equipment for connecting these and circulating water or the like. For example, as shown in Patent Documents 1 and 2, a plurality of refrigerators (outdoor units, etc.) and devices installed indoors (air conditioners, etc.) are connected by a circulation path via a supply header and a return header, and are operated as a whole air conditioning equipment in a plurality of systems.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the air conditioning equipment as described above, the header for forming a plurality of systems has hitherto consisted of a single pipe, with an inlet provided near one end of the pipe and an outlet provided near the other end of the pipe. In this case, for example, water discharged from heat exchangers such as a plurality of refrigerators is connected to the inlets corresponding to each of the headers, and pipes for supplying water toward load devices such as indoor air conditioners are connected to the outlets. The role of the header in this case is to adjust the temperature of the water supplied to the connected load equipment. However, it is difficult to completely mix the water introduced from multiple heat exchangers, etc., within such a header to achieve a uniform temperature. In other words, the water flowing in from multiple points on one end of the header tends to form laminar flow, creating layers at each point, and mixing within the header tends to be partial. Therefore, the water temperature of the water flowing in from multiple points is only reflected in each layer of water in the flow within the header, resulting in uneven temperature distribution within the header. Thus, if the temperature is not uniform, the properties and temperature of the water supplied to each air conditioning unit within the room will differ, which may make stable operation between the units difficult. Furthermore, for example, if the chilled water is not sufficiently agitated and mixed in the header, and chilled water that is not sufficiently cold is supplied to the air conditioning units, the units may not be able to operate. Furthermore, if the water supplied to each heat exchanger cannot be heated to the same temperature, the load on each heat exchanger will not be uniform, and consequently, the load between heat exchangers may also not be uniform. Furthermore, if the chilled water sent from the air conditioning unit is not sufficiently agitated and mixed within the header, and the chilled water that is not sufficiently mixed with the hotter chilled water is supplied from the header to the chiller, the chiller may shut down its operation, as it will not need to produce chilled water.

[0005] The present invention aims to ensure more reliable mixing of water within the header, providing water at a more uniform temperature to each air conditioning unit and heat exchanger, thereby enabling more stable and efficient operation of the entire air conditioning system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] 1. A header that introduces and distributes water, It has a double tube comprising an outer tube sealed at both ends and an inner tube installed inside the outer tube, with one end sealed and the other end open. The length direction of the outer tube and the length direction of the inner tube are parallel. The following header is either A. or B. A. One or more inlets provided on the side of the outer pipe for introducing water into the outer pipe from outside the header, A branch pipe is provided on the side of the inner pipe, and this branch pipe communicates with the outside of the outer pipe and has one or more outlets that discharge water from the inside of the inner pipe to the outside of the header. A header having a structure in which water inside the outer pipe and outside the inner pipe flows into the inner pipe from the other open end of the inner pipe, and the water flows out to the outside of the header from an outlet pipe provided in the inner pipe. B. One or more outlets provided on the side of the outer pipe for draining water to the outside of the header, A branch pipe is provided on the side of the inner pipe, and the branch pipe communicates with the outside of the outer pipe and has one or more inlets for introducing water into the inner pipe from outside the header, and / or an inlet provided at a location where the inner pipe is fixed to the end of the outer pipe. A header having a structure in which water inside the inner pipe flows out between the outer pipe and the inner pipe from the other open end of the inner pipe, and the water flows out to the outside of the header from an outlet pipe provided in the outer pipe. 2. The header according to 1, wherein multiple inlets are formed along the length of the side of the outer pipe, and / or multiple branch pipes are provided along the length of the side of the inner pipe, each of which communicates with the outside of the outer pipe and has multiple outlets that lead water from the inside of the inner pipe to the outside of the header, and the multiple inlets are not all of the same diameter, and / or the multiple outlets are not all of the same diameter. 3. The header described in 1 or 2, with one or more outlets for connection to the inlet side of the chiller. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, water can be mixed more reliably within the header, providing water at a more uniform temperature to each air conditioning unit and heat exchanger, thereby enabling more efficient operation of the entire air conditioning system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A diagram showing a system such as an air conditioning system that uses the header of the present invention. [Figure 2] Perspective view of the header of the present invention [Figure 3] Side view of the header of the present invention [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view of the header of the present invention [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view of the header of the present invention [Figure 6] Perspective view of the header of the present invention

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a case where a system using a header is a system used in air conditioning equipment or the like. In this example, the header of the present invention relates to a header that is used as a part of a path when a refrigerant circulates in a system including a refrigerator that cools a refrigerant such as chilled water to a predetermined temperature and a system including a header and an air conditioner or the like with the refrigerant such as chilled water as a heat medium.

[0010] (Example of a system using a header) In FIG. 1, the inlet side of a refrigerator, a chiller, a modular chiller, etc. (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "refrigerator") is connected to the outlet side of a primary pump whose rotational speed may be controlled. Although the explanation in each figure is based on chilled water as an example, a system using hot water may also be used. As shown in the figure, three sets of this combination of the primary pump and the refrigerator can be provided in parallel. Also, two sets may be provided in parallel, or four or more sets may be provided in parallel. The number of sets to be provided can be arbitrarily determined according to the scale of the heat source system or the like. Also, the primary pump may or may not be used.

[0011] The chilled water or the like cooled by those refrigerators is introduced into header 1, which is a supply header, through each pipeline. In this header, the chilled water or the like supplied from each refrigerator is mixed. By this mixing, the temperature difference between the chilled waters supplied from each refrigerator is eliminated and the temperature is made uniform. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, instead of installing one header 1, a plurality of headers 1 may be connected in series as necessary to allow cold water to flow through the plurality of headers 1. By connecting a plurality of headers in series, even if the temperature difference between the cold water flowing through each pipeline cannot be eliminated by one header, it can be surely eliminated.

[0012] Subsequently, cold water or the like is supplied from the header 1 to the load device by a secondary pump. At this time, each of the pipelines connected to the outlet of the header 1 has a structure connected to the load device (local side) via a secondary pump so as to correspond to the number of a plurality of load devices. The header 1 used here is used, for example, in a system in a building for introducing cold water supplied from a heat source such as a refrigerator and导出 to load devices such as air conditioners installed on each floor. As the load device, for example, an air conditioner, a refrigerator, an industrial machine, etc. installed in various places in a building, a device using a cooling medium, or not only a device that circulates cold water as described above, but also a system that circulates warm water can be adopted. Further, as the load device, known devices such as heating equipment and heating devices can be adopted.

[0013] The downstream side of the load device is connected to the header 2, which is a return header, by a pipeline via a valve or the like. The header 2 used here is used, for example, in a building for introducing the cold water returning from each load device and导出 it to a heat source such as a refrigerator. This header 2 introduces a plurality of systems of cold water (which may not actually be cold water after heat exchange in the load device) refluxed from a plurality of load devices into the inside through corresponding plurality of inlets that the header 2 has. Then, in the header 2, they are sufficiently mixed and cold water is circulated from the outlet of the header 2 toward the refrigerator, optionally via a primary pump. The temperature of the cold water refluxed from each system is not necessarily the same between each pipeline depending on the operating conditions of the load device and the like. Therefore, by mixing chilled water within header 2, the temperature of the water introduced between chillers does not vary when supplying chilled water to multiple chillers downstream. As a result, each chiller can be operated more uniformly, and the control for this purpose can be simplified. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, instead of installing just one header 2, multiple headers 2 may be connected in series as needed, allowing chilled water to circulate through multiple headers 2.

[0014] A. Example of a header As shown in Figure 1, headers are used to mix the chilled water from multiple chillers and loads in their respective pipes to achieve a uniform temperature before distributing it to downstream equipment. Alternatively, a balance pipe 3 may be provided to directly connect Header 1 and Header 2. When a difference in the flow rate of chilled water between Header 1 and Header 2 occurs due to the balance pipe 3, a balance water flow is generated from Header 1 to Header 2, or from Header 2 to Header 1, in order to balance the flow rates. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, a pipe can be installed to return the chilled water from the pump downstream of the header to the header. At the same time, the temperature of the chilled water from the pump can be detected, and the return flow can be controlled based on the result to achieve the desired uniform temperature. In Figure 1, a return pipe is installed in only one of the pipes downstream of the header, but it may be installed in all of the pipes.

[0015] The header of the present invention shown in Figure 1 is described in detail below. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the header of the present invention. The pipe extending from the lower left to the upper right is the main body of the header, and the inner pipe 12, shown by the dashed line, is installed inside the outer pipe 11, shown by the solid line. The flange at the end of the outer pipe 11 is shown open, but this flange will be sealed when the unit is installed and in operation. The lower left end of the inner tube 12 in Figure 2 is open, while the other end, the upper right, is sealed. This sealing may be achieved by a member that seals the flange at the end of the outer tube 11, or by a member adjacent to or in close contact with the member that seals the flange at the end of the outer tube 11. The inner diameter of the outer pipe, the outer diameter of the inner pipe, and the inner diameter of the inner pipe can be arbitrarily determined depending on the scale of the entire system to be installed. Similarly, the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path between the inner wall of the outer pipe and the outer surface of the inner pipe to the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path inside the inner pipe can be arbitrarily determined. For example, the inner diameter (diameter) of the outer pipe is 100 to 500 mm, and the outer diameter (diameter) of the inner pipe is 50 to 400 mm. Also, for example, the ratio of the cross-sectional area 1 of the flow path between the inner wall of the outer pipe and the outer surface of the inner pipe to the cross-sectional area 2 of the flow path inside the inner pipe is preferably 1:2 to 2:1, and more preferably 1:1.5 to 1.5:1. Multiple branch pipes 13 and inlet openings 14 are formed on the side of the outer pipe 11 of the inner pipe. The inner diameters of these branch pipes 13 and the inner diameters of the openings of the inlet openings 14 may all be the same or may be different. In addition, multiple branch pipes 15 are provided on the side of the inner pipe 12, and outlets 16 are formed at the ends of the branch pipes 15. The inner diameters of these branch pipes 15 and the inner diameters of the openings of the outlets 16 may all be the same or may be different. Furthermore, differential pressure piping may be provided between the downstream of each pump installed downstream of Header 1 and the corresponding piping that supplies chilled water to Header 1. Similarly, differential pressure piping may be provided between the downstream of each pump installed downstream of Header 2 and the corresponding piping that supplies chilled water to Header 2. By circulating some of the chilled water using such differential pressure piping, chilled water at a more uniform temperature can be supplied to each chiller and each load device.

[0016] Figure 3 shows a side view of the header shown in Figure 2. The chilled water introduced from the inlet 14 flows between the inner surface of the outer pipe 11 and the outer surface of the inner pipe 12, towards the opening of the inner pipe 12. The chilled water near the opening of the inner pipe 12 changes its path and moves from that opening towards the inside of the inner pipe 12. Here, the chilled water changes direction by 180 degrees, resulting in particularly strong agitation. This agitation causes the chilled water introduced from multiple inlets 14, which have different temperatures, to be strongly mixed, and as it flows through the inner pipe 12, the entire chilled water can be made to a uniform temperature. The chilled water in the inner pipe 12 is then distributed to multiple branch pipes 15 located on the side of the inner pipe, and supplied to the outside of the header from their respective outlets 16.

[0017] As shown in Figure 3, the pipe diameters of the branch pipes 13 equipped with inlets 14 do not all have to be the same, or they may all be the same. Although it is also affected by the pump connection point, the pipe diameter of the branch pipe 13 furthest from the outlet 16 can be made the largest, and the diameter of the branch pipes 13 closer to the outlet 16 can be made smaller. In this case, when a pump that sucks up chilled water is connected to the end of the outlet 16, it is easier to make the flow rate of chilled water introduced from each inlet 14 uniform when circulating chilled water in the header.

[0018] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the header in Figure 3, taken from a plane parallel to Figure 3. As indicated by the arrows in Figure 4, the chilled water introduced from the inlet 14 passes through the branch pipe 13 and flows through the gap between the inner surface of the outer pipe 11 and the outer surface of the inner pipe 12. By flowing through this gap, the chilled water is stirred to some extent, and its temperature becomes somewhat uniform. Next, the chilled water flows into the inner pipe 12 through the opening 17 of the inner pipe 12, which is installed inside the header near the end of the header, and the direction of flow of the chilled water is changed by 180 degrees. At this point, the chilled water is particularly mixed, and the chilled water flowing through it has a uniform temperature.

[0019] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the header in Figure 3, obtained by cutting it with a plane perpendicular to Figure 3. In Figure 5, the inlet 14 is shown with a dashed line; this inlet 14 is an inlet 14 that opens towards the viewer of Figure 5. As explained in Figure 4 above, the chilled water that enters the inner pipe 12 flows through multiple branch pipes 15, each having an outlet 16 that connects to the side of the inner pipe 12 and directly supplies chilled water to the outside of the outer pipe 11, i.e., to the outside of the header. The water in the branch pipes 15 is then supplied further out through the outlet 16. Here, the inner diameters of each branch pipe 15 and outlet 16 do not all have to be the same, or they may all be the same. The pipe diameter of the branch pipe 15 furthest from the inlet 14 can be made the largest, and the diameter of the branch pipe 15 closer to the inlet 14 can be made smaller. In this case, a pump that supplies chilled water to the header is connected to the end of the inlet 14, making it easier to ensure that the amount of chilled water introduced from each inlet pipe 14 is uniform when circulating chilled water within the header. Alternatively, hot water may be supplied into the header from the inlet 14 instead of the cold water mentioned above.

[0020] B. Example of a header The above description assumes that an inlet 14 is provided in the branch pipe 13 installed in the outer pipe 11, and an outlet 16 is provided in the branch pipe 15 installed in the inner pipe 12. As shown in Figure 6, conversely, without changing the structure of the header, an outlet 16 may be provided in the branch pipe 13 on the outer pipe 11, and an inlet 14 may be provided in the branch pipe 15 on the inner pipe 12. In this case, the inlet side of a refrigerator, chiller, modular chiller, etc., is connected to the outlet 16. In this case, the inner diameters of the multiple branch pipes 13 and multiple outlets 16 do not all have to be the same, or they may all be the same. The pipe diameter of the branch pipe 13 furthest from the inlet 14 can be made the largest, and the diameter of the branch pipe 13 closer to the inlet 14 can be made smaller. Water returned from the load device connected beyond the inlet 14 is introduced into the header, thereby making it easier to mix the water introduced from each inlet 14 within the header and equalize the temperature. There is a possibility that the pipe length will not need to be increased in order to bring the temperature of the water returned from the load device closer to the ambient temperature. Furthermore, water can be supplied into the inner pipe 12 not through the inlet 14 in the branch pipe 15 provided in the inner pipe 12, but from an inlet 14A provided at the end of the header where the inner pipe 12 is fixed to the end of the outer pipe 11. In this case, water may not be supplied from the inlet 14 via the branch pipe 15 provided in the inner pipe 12, or the inlet 14 via the branch pipe 15 may not be provided in the inner pipe 12, or water may be supplied from the inlet 14 via the branch pipe 15 in combination. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0021] 1 Header 2 Header 3 Balance tubes 11 Outer tube 12 Inner tube 13 Branch pipe 14 Inlet 14A An inlet provided at the point where the inner pipe 12 is fixed to the end of the outer pipe 11. 15 Branch pipe 16 Outlet 17 Opening

Claims

1. The following header for installation in a path through which a heat transfer medium for an air conditioner circulates. A header that introduces and distributes water, It has a double tube comprising an outer tube sealed at both ends and an inner tube installed inside the outer tube, with one end sealed and the other end open. The length direction of the outer tube and the length direction of the inner tube are parallel. The following header is either A. or B. A. Multiple inlets are provided on the side of the outer pipe to introduce water into the outer pipe from outside the header, A branch pipe is provided on the side of the inner pipe, and this branch pipe communicates with the outside of the outer pipe, and has multiple outlets that lead water from the inside of the inner pipe to the outside of the header. A header having a structure in which water inside the outer pipe and outside the inner pipe flows into the inner pipe from the other open end of the inner pipe, and the water flows out to the outside of the header from an outlet pipe provided in the inner pipe. B. Multiple outlets provided on the side of the outer pipe for draining water to the outside of the header, A branch pipe is provided on the side of the inner pipe, and this branch pipe communicates with the outside of the outer pipe and has multiple inlets for introducing water into the inner pipe from outside the header, and / or an inlet provided at a point where the inner pipe is fixed to the end of the outer pipe. A header having a structure in which water inside the inner pipe flows out between the outer pipe and the inner pipe from the other open end of the inner pipe, and the water flows out to the outside of the header from an outlet pipe provided in the outer pipe.

2. The header according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of inlets are formed in the longitudinal direction of the side surface of the outer pipe, and / or a plurality of branch pipes are provided in the longitudinal direction of the side surface of the inner pipe, each of which communicates with the outside of the outer pipe and has a plurality of outlets that lead water from the inside of the inner pipe to the outside of the header, and the plurality of inlets are not all of the same opening diameter, and / or the plurality of outlets are not all of the same opening diameter.

3. The header according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of outlets are for connection to the inlet side of the chiller.

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