Cold air conversion system with refrigerant generation function using liquid nitrogen

Abstract

The present invention may comprise: a nitrogen container unit configured to receive and store liquid nitrogen therein and containing liquid nitrogen therein; a cooling container unit configured to accommodate a predetermined fan therein such that air drawn in by the predetermined fan is introduced and discharged through a predetermined pipe; a heat exchange unit constituting the predetermined pipe, wherein one end of the heat exchange unit is exposed at one side of the nitrogen container unit so as to allow outside air to be drawn in, and the other end protrudes and is exposed at the other side of the nitrogen container unit, such that outside air drawn in from the one end passes through an internal flow passage and loses heat to the liquid nitrogen, and the resulting cooled air is introduced into the interior of the cooling container unit; and a fan unit configured to draw in outside air from one side of the heat exchange unit and to introduce the cooled air drawn in through the other side of the heat exchange unit so as to discharge the cooled air in a desired direction.

Description

Cold transfer system equipped with refrigerant generation function using liquid nitrogen

[0001] The present invention is a technical field related to a system that utilizes liquid nitrogen to produce a refrigerant and converts it into cold air.

[0002]

[0003] Liquid nitrogen-based refrigerant systems are likely to play a significant role in various industries in the future, as they can provide eco-friendly yet highly efficient cooling. In particular, stricter environmental regulations and increasing demand for high-efficiency cooling will be key factors driving market growth. Given this outlook, a strategic approach that considers technological advancements and regulatory changes in related industries is necessary.

[0004] 1. Environmental regulations and increasing demand for eco-friendly refrigerants

[0005] As environmental regulations become stricter worldwide, the impact of conventional chemical refrigerants on ozone depletion and global warming is becoming a concern. Liquid nitrogen is attracting attention as an eco-friendly refrigerant because it is harmless to the environment and poses no risk of ozone depletion. Consequently, the use of liquid nitrogen-based refrigerants in industrial and commercial cooling systems is expected to increase.

[0006] 2. Necessity for Improving Energy Efficiency

[0007] Liquid nitrogen can provide very low temperatures, making it particularly advantageous for applications requiring high-efficiency cooling. Demand for such high-performance cooling solutions continues to grow in industries such as superconductor cooling, aerospace, electronic equipment, and semiconductor manufacturing. Liquid nitrogen-based systems can be a powerful solution to meet these high-specification requirements.

[0008] 3. Expansion of Applications in Industrial Sectors

[0009] Liquid nitrogen cooling systems can be utilized in various industrial fields. For example, liquid nitrogen can be used in food freezing, biomedical research, cooling of precision machinery and equipment, and data center cooling. In particular, as demand in these high-value-added industries continues to increase, the market's growth potential is also rising.

[0010] 4. Technological Advancement and Cost Reduction

[0011] With technological advancements, the costs of producing and handling liquid nitrogen are gradually decreasing, making it economically viable in a wider range of industries. Furthermore, advancements in nitrogen recycling technology are enabling reduced operating costs, which is expected to further expand market demand.

[0012] 5. Risks and Challenges

[0013] On the other hand, systems using liquid nitrogen present some challenges, such as high initial investment costs and safety issues related to handling cryogenic temperatures. Further research and technological development are required to address these risks.

[0014] "A cooling and cold air device using a cooling chiller (Registration No. 10-1402106, Patent Document 1)" exists.

[0015] The invention of Patent Document 1 is a cold air and cold air device utilizing a cooling chiller that enhances the cooling effect by improving the efficiency of cold air or cold air through the latent heat of evaporation by a secondary heat exchange process by a heat exchange grille and a cooling chiller, thereby enabling heat exchange by contacting external air. The present invention is characterized by comprising: a water tray that provides an appropriate amount of water; a heat exchange grille installed inside the water tray, wherein water supplied through a water supply line by a pump diffuses from the bottom through several grille pipes to lower the pressure and flow velocity for heat exchange; and a cooling chiller installed inside the water tray and connected to the heat exchange grille via a connecting pipe, wherein water supplied through several grille pipes elutes to lower the pressure and flow velocity for heat exchange.

[0016]

[0017] The cold air conversion system equipped with a refrigerant generation function using liquid nitrogen according to the present invention has been devised to solve the conventional problems described above, and presents the following problem to be solved.

[0018] We intend to provide an appropriate indoor temperature using the negative temperature of liquid nitrogen through a heat exchanger.

[0019] The problems solved by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0020]

[0021] A cold air conversion system equipped with a refrigerant generation function using liquid nitrogen according to the present invention has the following means for solving the problem to be solved above.

[0022] A cold air conversion system having a refrigerant generation function using liquid nitrogen according to the present invention comprises: a nitrogen container unit that accommodates and stores liquid nitrogen internally and has a predetermined pipe inserted horizontally penetrating the interior so that gas passing through the predetermined pipe exchanges heat with the liquid nitrogen contained internally and is cooled; a cooling container unit provided on the other side of the nitrogen container unit and accommodating a predetermined fan internally so that air sucked in through the predetermined fan is drawn in and discharged through the predetermined pipe; and a heat exchange unit that comprises the predetermined pipe disposed within the nitrogen container unit, wherein one end is exposed to one side of the nitrogen container unit to allow outside air to be drawn in, and the other end is protruded and exposed to the other side of the nitrogen container unit, so that cold air, which is sucked in from one end and cooled by losing heat to the liquid nitrogen while passing through an internal conduit, is drawn into the cooling container unit. It may be characterized by including a fan unit that is positioned and driven inside the cooling container unit to draw in outside air from one side of the heat exchange unit and draw in cold air drawn in from the other side of the heat exchange unit to discharge it in a desired direction.

[0023] In the case of a cold air conversion system having a refrigerant generation function using liquid nitrogen according to the present invention, the nitrogen container unit may be characterized by including a nitrogen chamber portion that forms an internal receiving space and receives and stores the liquid nitrogen in the receiving space.

[0024] In the case of a cold air conversion system having a refrigerant generation function using liquid nitrogen according to the present invention, the heat exchange unit comprises: a first cooling pipe section forming the uppermost part of the predetermined pipe, wherein one end is exposed to one side of the nitrogen container unit to allow outside air to be drawn in, and the other end is protruded and exposed to the other side of the nitrogen container unit, and cold air that is drawn in from one end and cooled by having heat removed by the liquid nitrogen while passing through an internal conduit is introduced into the interior of the cooling container unit; and a second cooling pipe section forming the middle part of the predetermined pipe, disposed at the lower part of the first cooling pipe section, wherein one end is exposed to one side of the nitrogen container unit to allow outside air to be drawn in, and the other end is protruded and exposed to the other side of the nitrogen container unit, and cold air that is drawn in from one end and cooled by having heat removed by the liquid nitrogen while passing through an internal conduit is introduced into the interior of the cooling container unit. It may be characterized by including a third cooling pipe section that forms the lower part of the aforementioned pipe and is positioned at the lower part of the second cooling pipe section, wherein one end is exposed to one side of the nitrogen container unit to allow outside air to be drawn in, and the other end is exposed protruding to the other side of the nitrogen container unit, and cold air that is drawn in from one end and cooled by having heat removed from the liquid nitrogen while passing through an internal conduit is introduced into the interior of the cooling container unit.

[0025] In the case of a cold air conversion system having a refrigerant generation function through liquid nitrogen according to the present invention, the heat exchange unit may be characterized by controlling the opening and closing of the first cooling pipe section, the second cooling pipe section, and the third cooling pipe section selectively or sequentially, thereby allowing the cold air passing through the first cooling pipe section, the second cooling pipe section, and the third cooling pipe section to be selectively introduced into the cooling container unit.

[0026] In the case of a cold air conversion system having a refrigerant generation function through liquid nitrogen according to the present invention, the fan unit may be characterized by arranging a first fan section and a second fan section in parallel and spaced apart inside the cooling container unit, and operating the first fan section and the second fan section arranged in parallel and spaced apart alternately to control the flow of cold air introduced through the first cooling pipe section, the second cooling pipe section and the third cooling pipe section.

[0027]

[0028] A cold air conversion system according to the present invention, having a refrigerant generation function using liquid nitrogen configured as described above, provides the following effects.

[0029] Reduced electricity bills, reduced construction costs, resource conservation, RE100 environmental protection

[0030] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0031]

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cold air conversion system having a refrigerant generation function through liquid nitrogen according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a nitrogen container unit and a heat exchanger in a cold air conversion system equipped with a refrigerant generation function using liquid nitrogen according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of each element provided within a nitrogen container unit and a cooling container unit in a cold air conversion system equipped with a refrigerant generation function using liquid nitrogen according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating the elements provided within the nitrogen container unit and the cooling container unit of a cold air conversion system equipped with a refrigerant generation function using liquid nitrogen according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates a first cooling pipe section of a cold air conversion system equipped with a refrigerant generation function through liquid nitrogen according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a partial enlarged view of the internal piping of a heat exchange unit in a cold air conversion system equipped with a refrigerant generation function through liquid nitrogen according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038]

[0039] A cold switching system equipped with a refrigerant generation function using liquid nitrogen according to the present invention may be subject to various modifications and may have various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that it includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the technical spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cold air conversion system equipped with a refrigerant generation function using liquid nitrogen according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 illustrates the nitrogen container unit and the heat exchanger section of the cold air conversion system equipped with a refrigerant generation function using liquid nitrogen according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 illustrates, in the form of a cross-sectional view, the elements placed within the nitrogen container unit and the cooling container unit of the cold air conversion system equipped with a refrigerant generation function using liquid nitrogen according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 illustrates, in the form of a plan view, the elements placed within the nitrogen container unit and the cooling container unit of the cold air conversion system equipped with a refrigerant generation function using liquid nitrogen according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 illustrates the first cooling pipe section of the cold air conversion system equipped with a refrigerant generation function using liquid nitrogen according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a partial enlarged view of the internal piping of the heat exchanger section of the cold air conversion system equipped with a refrigerant generation function using liquid nitrogen according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] The cold air conversion system having a refrigerant generation function through liquid nitrogen according to the present invention comprises two housing cases, a nitrogen container unit (110) and a cooling container unit (120), as shown in FIG. 1.

[0042] In the case of a cold air conversion system having a refrigerant generation function through liquid nitrogen according to the present invention, it may include a nitrogen container unit (100); a cooling container unit (120); a heat exchange unit (200) and a fan unit (300).

[0043] In the case of the nitrogen container unit (110), as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, it is configured to accommodate and store liquid nitrogen inside, and to provide a space in which a predetermined pipe (see 200) horizontally penetrating the interior is inserted so that the gas passing through the predetermined pipe exchanges heat with the liquid nitrogen contained inside and is cooled.

[0044] It is important that the liquid nitrogen (LN2) is prepared at a temperature of -196 degrees Celsius or lower.

[0045] In the case of the cooling container unit (120), it is provided on the other side of the nitrogen container unit (110) and accommodates a predetermined fan (see fan in FIG. 3) inside so that air sucked in through the predetermined fan is drawn in and discharged through a predetermined pipe.

[0046] In the case of the heat exchange unit (200), as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, it is configured to have a predetermined pipe placed inside the nitrogen container unit (110), one end of which is exposed to one side of the nitrogen container unit (110) to allow outside air to be drawn in, and the other end of which is exposed protruding to the other side of the nitrogen container unit (110), so that cold air, which is drawn in from one end and cooled by having heat taken away by liquid nitrogen while passing through an internal pipe, is introduced into the cooling container unit (110).

[0047] In the case of the fan unit (300), the configuration is such that outside air is drawn in from one side of the heat exchange unit (200) through a fan that is positioned and driven inside the cooling container unit (120), and cold air drawn in from the other side of the heat exchange unit (200) is discharged in a desired direction.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the nitrogen container unit (110) may include a nitrogen chamber (111).

[0049] The nitrogen chamber (111) forms an internal receiving space and is configured to receive and store liquid nitrogen in the receiving space.

[0050] The nitrogen chamber (111) is a liquid nitrogen container and requires basic design requirements, such as internal pressure design, that is, as a pressure vessel. Generally, it is desirable for the liquid nitrogen to be composed of a double-walled container with vacuum insulation, and since the internal pressure may increase as vaporization occurs due to the difference with the ambient temperature, an internal pressure design must be implemented.

[0051] The nitrogen chamber (111) is preferably designed to withstand a pressure of about several atmospheres (2 to 10 bar) and is equipped with a pressure safety valve (PSV, 113) to prevent overpressure.

[0052] The nitrogen chamber (111) must also have mechanical strength at low temperatures. Since general metals increase brittle fracture at extremely low temperatures, it is desirable to use a material that maintains ductility and toughness even at -196°C, such as stainless steel (Stainless Steel 304, 316L, etc.), aluminum alloy, or nickel alloy (Inconel, etc.), or 9% Ni Steel.

[0053] In the case of the heat exchange unit (200), as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, it may include a first cooling pipe section (10), a second cooling pipe section (220), and a third cooling pipe section (230).

[0054] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6, the first cooling pipe section (210) forms the uppermost part of a predetermined pipe, and one end is exposed to one side of the nitrogen container unit (110) to allow outside air to be drawn in, and the other end is protruded and exposed to the other side of the nitrogen container unit (110), and is configured so that cold air, which is drawn in from one end and cooled by having heat removed by liquid nitrogen while passing through an internal conduit, is drawn into the cooling container unit (120).

[0055] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6, the second cooling pipe section (220) forms a middle section of a predetermined pipe and is positioned at the lower part of the first cooling pipe section (210), so that one end is exposed to one side of the nitrogen container unit (110) to allow outside air to be drawn in, and the other end is exposed protruding to the other side of the nitrogen container unit (110), and is configured so that cold air, which is drawn in from one end and cooled by having heat removed by liquid nitrogen while passing through an internal conduit, is drawn into the cooling container unit (120).

[0056] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6, the third cooling pipe section (230) forms the lower part of a predetermined pipe and is positioned at the lower part of the second cooling pipe section (220), so that one end is exposed to one side of the nitrogen container unit (110) to allow outside air to be drawn in, and the other end is exposed protruding to the other side of the nitrogen container unit (110), and is configured so that cold air, which is drawn in from one end and cooled by having heat removed by liquid nitrogen while passing through an internal conduit, is drawn into the interior of the cooling container unit (110).

[0057] In the case of the heat exchange unit (200), it is preferable to selectively or sequentially control the opening and closing of the first cooling pipe section (210), the second cooling pipe section (220), and the third cooling pipe section (230) so that the cold air passing through the first cooling pipe section (210), the second cooling pipe section (220), and the third cooling pipe section (230) is selectively introduced into the cooling container unit (120).

[0058] In the case of the fan unit (300), it is preferable to arrange the first fan section (310) and the second fan section (320) in parallel and spaced apart inside the cooling container unit (120), and to operate the first fan section (310) and the second fan section (320) spaced apart in parallel alternately to control the flow of cold air introduced through the first cooling pipe section (210), the second cooling pipe section (220), and the third cooling pipe section (230).

[0059] Each of the first- and third cooling pipe sections (210 to 230) may include a case section (211), an inner wall section (212), a holding section (213), and a slope section (214), as shown in FIG. 6.

[0060] The case section (211) forms the main outer case of each of the first- and third cooling pipe sections (210 to 230), and the inner wall section (212) corresponds to another case that forms a double inner wall together with the outer case of the case section (211).

[0061] The holding portion (213) is configured to protrude inward toward the inner conduit, and the slope portion (214) is a slanted surface facing the direction of the outside air penetrating the inner conduit, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0062] In the case of these case section (211), inner wall section (212), holding section (213) and slope section (214), the internal surface area is increased so that the heat of the outside air is removed by the flow of outside air to the cold of the liquid nitrogen inside the nitrogen chamber section (111), while ensuring that the flow of outside air is not significantly obstructed.

[0063] The scope of rights of the present invention is determined by the matters described in the patent claims, and the parentheses used in the patent claims are not intended for optional limitation but for clear components, and the descriptions within the parentheses should also be interpreted as essential components.

Claims

1. A nitrogen container unit that accommodates and stores liquid nitrogen internally, and has a predetermined pipe inserted horizontally penetrating the interior so that gas passing through the predetermined pipe exchanges heat with the liquid nitrogen contained internally and is cooled; A cooling container unit provided on the other side of the above nitrogen container unit and accommodating a predetermined fan inside, such that air sucked in through the predetermined fan is drawn in and discharged through the predetermined pipe; A heat exchange unit comprising a predetermined pipe disposed within the nitrogen container unit, wherein one end is exposed to one side of the nitrogen container unit to allow outside air to be drawn in, and the other end is protruded and exposed to the other side of the nitrogen container unit, and cold air that is drawn in from one end and cooled by having heat removed by the liquid nitrogen while passing through an internal conduit is introduced into the cooling container unit; A cold air conversion system having a refrigerant generation function using liquid nitrogen, characterized by including a fan unit that allows outside air to be drawn in from one side of the heat exchange unit and cold air drawn in from the other side of the heat exchange unit to be discharged in a desired direction through a fan that is positioned and driven inside the cooling container unit.

2. In paragraph 1, the nitrogen container unit is, A cold air conversion system having a refrigerant generation function through liquid nitrogen, characterized by including a nitrogen chamber section that forms an internal receiving space and receives and stores the liquid nitrogen in the receiving space.

3. In paragraph 2, the heat exchange unit is, A first cooling pipe section forming the uppermost part of the aforementioned predetermined pipe, wherein one end is exposed to one side of the nitrogen container unit to allow outside air to be drawn in, and the other end is protruded and exposed to the other side of the nitrogen container unit, and cold air that is drawn in from one end and cooled by having heat removed by the liquid nitrogen while passing through an internal conduit is introduced into the interior of the cooling container unit; A second cooling pipe section forming the middle portion of the aforementioned predetermined pipe and disposed at the lower part of the first cooling pipe section, wherein one end is exposed to one side of the nitrogen container unit to allow outside air to be drawn in, and the other end is protruded and exposed to the other side of the nitrogen container unit, and cold air that is drawn in from one end and cooled by having heat removed by the liquid nitrogen while passing through an internal conduit is introduced into the interior of the cooling container unit; and A cold air conversion system having a refrigerant generation function using liquid nitrogen, characterized by including a third cooling pipe section that forms the lower part of the aforementioned predetermined pipe and is disposed at the lower part of the second cooling pipe section, wherein one end is exposed to one side of the nitrogen container unit to allow outside air to be drawn in, and the other end is protruded and exposed to the other side of the nitrogen container unit, and cold air that is drawn in from one end and cooled by having heat removed by the liquid nitrogen while passing through an internal conduit is introduced into the interior of the cooling container unit.

4. In paragraph 3, the heat exchange unit is, By selectively or sequentially controlling the opening and closing of the first cooling pipe section, the second cooling pipe section, and the third cooling pipe section, A cold air conversion system equipped with a refrigerant generation function using liquid nitrogen, characterized by selectively introducing cold air passing through the first cooling pipe section, the second cooling pipe section, and the third cooling pipe section into the cooling container unit.

5. In paragraph 1, the fan unit is, A first fan section and a second fan section are arranged in parallel and spaced apart inside the above cooling container unit, and A cold air conversion system equipped with a refrigerant generation function using liquid nitrogen, characterized by controlling the flow of cold air introduced through the first cooling pipe section, the second cooling pipe section, and the third cooling pipe section by alternately operating the first fan section and the second fan section, which are spaced apart in parallel.

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