HYDRAULIC MODULE AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEM AND THERMAL SYSTEM INCLUDING THE SAME

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to the field of heat exchange equipment, and more particularly to a hydraulic module with compact structure and small volume and a thermal system including the same.

BACKGROUND

In the prior art, hydraulic modules can be used in fields such as central heating, heating, refrigeration, and cooling. However, the layout of components such as liquid tanks, liquid pumps, expansion tanks, and heat exchangers in the heat exchange system of the hydraulic module requires pipeline connections, which increases the configuration difficulty between various components in the heat exchange system and tends to make the connecting pipelines between components disorderly. Furthermore, it also results in a large overall volume of the hydraulic module, occupying space and failing to meet the market demand for energy conservation and emission reduction.

In view of this, it is necessary to provide an improved hydraulic module and a thermal system including the same to solve the above technical problems.

SUMMARY

The object of the present application is to provide a hydraulic module with compact structure and small volume and a thermal system including the same.

To solve one of the above technical problems, the present application adopts the following technical solution:

A hydraulic module, characterized in that it comprises a primary fluid inlet connector, a primary fluid outlet connector, a liquid pump and a heat exchanger connected between the primary fluid inlet connector and the primary fluid outlet connector; the liquid pump comprises a primary fluid inlet and a primary fluid outlet; the heat exchanger comprises a primary fluid heat exchange inlet, a primary fluid heat exchange outlet, and a primary fluid internal passage connecting the primary fluid heat exchange inlet with the primary fluid heat exchange outlet; wherein,

• • the primary fluid inlet connector is connected to the primary fluid inlet of the liquid pump through at least one quick connector, the primary fluid heat exchange inlet is connected to the primary fluid outlet of the liquid pump through at least one quick connector; the primary fluid outlet connector is connected to the primary fluid heat exchange outlet of the heat exchanger through at least one quick connector; or
  • the primary fluid heat exchange inlet is connected to the primary fluid inlet connector through at least one quick connector; the primary fluid inlet is connected to the primary fluid heat exchange outlet of the heat exchanger through at least one quick connector; the primary fluid outlet connector is connected to the primary fluid outlet of the liquid pump through at least one quick connector.

A refrigeration system, comprising a compressor, a condenser connected to the outlet of the compressor, an expansion valve connected to the outlet of the condenser, and an evaporator connected between the outlet of the expansion valve and the inlet of the compressor, wherein at least one of the condenser or the evaporator is a hydraulic module, the hydraulic module comprising:

• • a liquid pump, comprising a primary fluid inlet and a primary fluid outlet;
  • a primary fluid inlet connector, connected to the primary fluid inlet through at least one quick connector;
  • a primary fluid outlet connector, connected to the primary fluid outlet through at least one quick connector;
  • a heat exchanger, comprising a primary fluid heat exchange inlet, a primary fluid heat exchange outlet, and a primary fluid internal passage connecting the primary fluid heat exchange inlet with the primary fluid heat exchange outlet, a secondary fluid inlet, a secondary fluid outlet, and a secondary fluid passage connecting the secondary fluid inlet with the secondary fluid outlet;
  • wherein the primary fluid passage of the heat exchanger is connected between the liquid pump and the primary fluid inlet connector through at least one quick connector, or the heat exchanger is connected between the liquid pump and the primary fluid outlet connector through at least one quick connector; the secondary fluid passage is connected in the refrigeration system.

A thermal system, comprising the above hydraulic module and a heat release module or a cooling module, wherein the heat release module or the cooling module has a set of mating connectors for connecting with the primary fluid inlet connector and the primary fluid outlet connector.

The advantageous effects of the present application are: The hydraulic module of the present application adopts direct connection without piping, and quick connectors are used between components, resulting in short connection paths between components with high reliability, small overall structure volume, light weight, and convenient connection with other components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a first sectional view of a hydraulic module according to an embodiment of the utility model.

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of portion A in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a second sectional view of the hydraulic module according to the embodiment of the utility model.

FIG. 4 is a detailed view of portion B in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of another preferred embodiment of the hydraulic module according to the present application.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of another preferred embodiment of the hydraulic module according to the present application.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the refrigeration system according to the present application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present application will be described in detail below with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the present application, and any structural, methodological, or functional modifications made by those skilled in the art based on these embodiments fall within the protection scope of the present application.

In the various figures of the present application, for ease of illustration, certain dimensions of structures or portions may be exaggerated relative to other structures or portions, and therefore are only used to illustrate the basic structure of the subject matter of the present application.

For convenience of description, the upper and lower directions are defined according to the orientation of the hydraulic module of the present application in practical applications. The term “connection” described herein may be either a direct connection or an indirect connection through another quick connector/adapter; while “direct connection” refers to the absence of any other structure or quick connector between the two components.

As shown in FIGS. 1-6, the hydraulic module of the present application includes a primary fluid inlet connector 2, a liquid pump 1, a heat exchanger 3, a primary fluid outlet connector 4, and quick connectors connecting adjacent components; the heat exchanger 3 is connected between the liquid pump 1 and the primary fluid outlet connector 4, or the heat exchanger 3 is connected between the primary fluid inlet connector 2 and the liquid pump 1.

The primary fluid inlet connector 2 and the primary fluid outlet connector 4 are used to connect to a heat dissipation component, and the primary fluid circulates between the heat dissipation component and the hydraulic module under the drive of the liquid pump 1; when the primary fluid flows through the heat exchanger 3, and there is a temperature difference between the primary fluid and the secondary fluid flowing through the heat exchanger 3, heat exchange occurs between the primary fluid and the secondary fluid, causing the primary fluid to gain energy and rise in temperature to reach the desired temperature, then flow to the heat dissipation component to release heat externally, providing a heating function. Of course, the primary fluid inlet connector 2 and the primary fluid outlet connector 4 can also be connected to a cooling component, where the primary fluid undergoes heat exchange with the secondary fluid until its temperature drops to the desired temperature, then flows to the cooling component to release cold externally, providing a cooling function.

Furthermore, the primary fluid is preferably water, which has high specific heat capacity, low cost, and is environmentally friendly.

Of course, oil or other liquids can also be selected as the primary fluid. Particularly under special temperature requirements, for example, when the operating temperature of the primary fluid is below 0° C. or above 100° C., oil or other liquids can be selected. Other liquids include but are not limited to: alcohol and water mixtures, brine, and organic refrigerant carriers.

Preferably, the primary fluid inlet connector 2 and the primary fluid outlet connector 4 are located on the same side, facilitating quick detachable connection with the heat dissipation component or cooling component.

The heat exchanger 3 includes a primary fluid heat exchange inlet 31, a primary fluid heat exchange outlet 32, and a primary fluid internal passage connecting the primary fluid heat exchange inlet with the primary fluid heat exchange outlet. The heat exchanger 3 used in the present application is a compact heat exchanger 3, featuring small volume and low thermal resistance, its structure can be referenced in CN102706189A and CN202599167U, which will not be elaborated here.

The liquid pump 1 is selected with appropriate power according to factors such as the pressure and head of the heat dissipation component or cooling component. Specifically, a mounting bracket 13 is provided below the liquid pump 1, and multiple rubber foot pads 131 are provided at the bottom of the mounting bracket 13. The mounting bracket 13 facilitates the installation and fixation of the liquid pump 1, while the rubber foot pads 131 provide shock absorption, reducing noise/vibration during the operation of water pumps, oil pumps and other liquid pumps, making the operation more stable and avoiding resonance phenomena.

The hydraulic module of the present application adopts direct connection without piping, using quick connectors between components, resulting in short connection paths between components with high reliability. The assembled hydraulic module has a small overall structure volume, greatly reduced space occupation; light weight, easy to transport; and can be conveniently connected with other components.

The connection methods between various components and other additional components will be described in detail below.

In the first type of embodiments, the heat exchanger 3 is connected between the liquid pump 1 and the primary fluid outlet connector 4, wherein the primary fluid inlet connector 2 is connected to the primary fluid inlet 11 through at least one quick connector, the primary fluid outlet 12 is connected to the primary fluid heat exchange inlet 31 through at least one quick connector, and the primary fluid heat exchange outlet 32 is connected to the primary fluid outlet connector 4 through at least one quick connector. The primary fluid sequentially flows through the primary fluid inlet connector 2, liquid pump 1, heat exchanger 3, and primary fluid outlet connector 4 before returning to the cooling component or heat dissipation component.

Among all components of the hydraulic module, the liquid pump 1 has the largest volume and weight. The present application optimizes the arrangement based on the size and connection sequence of components, aiming to design a hydraulic module with a lower center of gravity. Based on the arrangement and the number and installation of additional components, two components are connected through one or multiple quick connectors.

Specifically, in the first type of embodiments, the connection methods between several basic structural components include but are not limited to the following:

Embodiment 1: The primary fluid inlet connector 2 is connected to the primary fluid inlet 11 through the first quick connector 21, the primary fluid outlet 12 is connected to the primary fluid heat exchange inlet 31 through the second quick connector 33, and the primary fluid heat exchange outlet 32 is connected to the outlet connector through the third quick connector 41. All “connections” in this embodiment are “direct connections”.

Embodiment 2: The primary fluid inlet connector 2 is connected to the primary fluid inlet 11 through the first quick connector 21, the primary fluid outlet 12 is connected to the primary fluid heat exchange inlet 31 through the second quick connector 33, the primary fluid heat exchange outlet 32 is connected to the third quick connector 41, and the third quick connector 41 is connected to the primary fluid outlet connector 4 through the second three-way connector 6. All “connections” in this embodiment are “direct connections”.

Embodiment 3: The primary fluid inlet connector 2 is connected to the primary fluid inlet 11 through the first quick connector 21, the primary fluid outlet 12 is connected to the primary fluid heat exchange inlet 31 through the second quick connector 33, the primary fluid heat exchange outlet 32 is connected to the third quick connector 41, the third quick connector 41 is connected to the fourth quick connector 42, and the fourth quick connector 42 is connected to the primary fluid outlet connector 4 through the second three-way connector 6. All “connections” in this embodiment are “direct connections”.

In the second type of embodiments, the heat exchanger 3 is connected between the primary fluid inlet connector 2 and the liquid pump 1, wherein the primary fluid inlet connector 2 is connected to the primary fluid heat exchange inlet 31 through at least one quick connector, the primary fluid heat exchange outlet 32 is connected to the primary fluid inlet 11 through at least one quick connector, and the primary fluid outlet 12 is connected to the primary fluid outlet connector 4 through at least one quick connector. The primary fluid sequentially flows through the primary fluid inlet connector 2, heat exchanger 3, liquid pump 1, and primary fluid outlet connector 4 before returning to the cooling component or heat dissipation component.

Similar to the connection methods in the first type of embodiments, the connection methods between several basic structural components in the second type of embodiments include but are not limited to the following:

Embodiment 4: The primary fluid inlet connector 2 is connected to the primary fluid heat exchange inlet 31 through the first quick connector 21, the primary fluid heat exchange outlet 32 is connected to the primary fluid inlet 11 through the second quick connector 33, and the primary fluid outlet 12 is connected to the primary fluid outlet connector 4 through the third quick connector 41. All “connections” in this embodiment are “direct connections”.

Embodiment 5: The primary fluid inlet connector 2 is connected to the primary fluid heat exchange inlet 31 through the first quick connector 21, the primary fluid heat exchange outlet 32 is connected to the primary fluid inlet 11 through the second quick connector 33, the primary fluid outlet 12 is connected to the third quick connector 41, and the third quick connector 41 is connected to the primary fluid outlet connector 4 through the fourth quick connector 42. All “connections” in this embodiment are “direct connections”.

Embodiment 6: The primary fluid inlet connector 2 is connected to the primary fluid heat exchange inlet 31 through the first quick connector 21, the primary fluid heat exchange outlet 32 is connected to the primary fluid inlet 11 through the second quick connector 33, the primary fluid outlet 12 is connected to the third quick connector 41, the third quick connector 41 is connected to the fourth quick connector 42, and the fourth quick connector 42 is connected to the primary fluid outlet connector 4 through the second three-way quick connector. All “connections” in this embodiment are “direct connections”.

Embodiment 7: The primary fluid inlet connector 2 is connected to the primary fluid heat exchange inlet 31 through the first quick connector 21, the primary fluid heat exchange outlet 32 is connected to the primary fluid inlet 11 through the second quick connector 33, the primary fluid outlet 12 is connected to the third quick connector 41, the third quick connector 41 is connected to the fourth quick connector 42, and the fourth quick connector 42 is connected to the primary fluid outlet connector 4 through the second three-way quick connector and the third three-way quick connector. All “connections” in this embodiment are “direct connections”.

Furthermore, the hydraulic module also includes a first temperature measurement assembly 311 arranged at the primary fluid heat exchange inlet 31 side, and/or a second temperature measurement assembly 312 arranged at the primary fluid heat exchange outlet 32 side; both the first temperature measurement assembly 311 and the second temperature measurement assembly 312 are communicatively connected to a controller. The first temperature measurement assembly 311 real-time monitors the temperature of the primary fluid entering the heat exchanger 3, while the second temperature measurement assembly 312 real-time monitors the temperature of the primary fluid after flowing out of the heat exchanger 3; operators can view the corresponding values through the controller, and when the temperature difference detected by the first temperature measurement assembly 311 and the second temperature measurement assembly 312 falls below a preset value, the controller can remotely alarm to remind operators to timely check whether the heat exchanger 3 is working properly.

Specifically, the first temperature measurement assembly 311 includes a first temperature sensor 3112 and a first mounting structure 3111 for mounting the first temperature sensor 3112, wherein the first mounting structure 3111 mounts the first temperature sensor 3112 on any quick connector between the primary fluid heat exchange inlet 31 and the primary fluid inlet connector 2.

In a preferred solution, the first mounting structure 3111 mounts the first temperature sensor 3112 on the quick connector directly connected to the primary fluid heat exchange inlet 31, measuring the instantaneous temperature of the primary fluid just before entering the heat exchanger 3, eliminating the temperature influence caused by the primary fluid passing through other components. For example, based on the above Embodiment 1,Embodiment 2, and Embodiment 3 as shown in FIGS. 1-5, the first mounting structure 3111 mounts the first temperature sensor 3112 on the second quick connector 33. Or, based on the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4-7, the first mounting structure 3111 mounts the first temperature sensor 3112 on the first quick connector 21.

Moreover, the shape and mounting method of the first mounting structure 3111 are not limited, as long as it can securely mount the first temperature sensor 3112 without affecting its measurement of the primary fluid temperature. In one specific embodiment, referring to FIGS. 1-5, the first mounting structure 3111 is a first mounting bracket, fixed to a quick connector through screws, with the first temperature sensor 3112 mounted on the first mounting bracket, and the temperature sensing end of the first temperature sensor 3112 extends into the quick connector where it is mounted to detect the temperature of the primary fluid. In other embodiments, the first mounting structure 3111 can also be thermally conductive tape or similar materials, with the first temperature sensor 3112 attached to the quick connector for detecting the primary fluid temperature.

The second temperature measurement assembly 312 includes a second temperature sensor 3122 and a second mounting structure 3121 for mounting the second temperature sensor 3122; the second mounting structure 3121 mounts the second temperature sensor 3122 on any quick connector between the primary fluid heat exchange outlet 32 and the primary fluid outlet connector 4.

Based on Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, and Embodiment 3, the second mounting structure 3121 can mount the second temperature sensor 3122 on the third quick connector 41, obtaining the temperature of the primary fluid at the outlet of the heat exchanger 3, which can directly reflect the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger 3. Based on Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 3, the second mounting structure 3121 can also mount the second temperature sensor 3122 on the second three-way connector 6. Based on Embodiment 3, the second mounting structure 3121 can also mount the second temperature sensor 3122 on the fourth quick connector 42.

Based on Embodiments 4-7, the second mounting structure 3121 mounts the second temperature sensor 3122 on the third quick connector 41; based on Embodiments 5-7, the second mounting structure 3121 mounts the second temperature sensor 3122 on the fourth quick connector 42; based on Embodiments 6-7, the second mounting structure 3121 mounts the second temperature sensor 3122 on the second three-way quick connector; based on Embodiment 7, the second mounting structure 3121 mounts the second temperature sensor 3122 on the third three-way quick connector.

The shape and mounting method of the second mounting structure 3121 are not limited, as long as it can securely mount the second temperature sensor 3122 without affecting its measurement of the primary fluid temperature. In one specific embodiment, referring to FIGS. 1-5, the second mounting structure 3121 is a second mounting bracket, fixed to a quick connector through screws, with the second temperature sensor 3122 mounted on the second mounting bracket, and the temperature sensing end of the second temperature sensor 3122 extends into the quick connector where it is mounted to detect the temperature of the primary fluid. In other embodiments, the second mounting structure 3121 can also be thermally conductive tape or similar materials, with the second temperature sensor 3122 attached to the quick connector for detecting the primary fluid temperature.

Furthermore, the hydraulic module includes a bypass pipe 7 connecting the primary fluid heat exchange inlet 31 side with the primary fluid heat exchange outlet 32 side. On one hand, it can form a protection circuit when the system is blocked, providing system protection. On the other hand, when the second temperature sensor 3122 detects that the temperature of the primary fluid after passing through the heat exchanger 3 has not reached the desired temperature value, the primary fluid flows back to the primary fluid heat exchange inlet 31 side through the bypass pipe 7, then undergoes secondary heat exchange through the heat exchanger 3, ensuring that the temperature of the primary fluid discharged from the primary fluid outlet connector 4 meets the requirements.

Preferably, one end of the bypass pipe 7 is connected to the side of the first temperature measurement assembly 311 away from the heat exchanger 3, ensuring that the returning primary fluid is measured by the first temperature measurement assembly 311 before entering the heat exchanger 3; the other end of the bypass pipe 7 is connected to the side of the second temperature measurement assembly 312 away from the heat exchanger 3. When unqualified primary fluid temperature is detected after measurement by the second temperature measurement assembly 312, the bypass pipe 7 is triggered to make the primary fluid recirculate; if the temperature reaches the expected value, no recirculation is needed.

Specifically, at least one quick connector between the primary fluid heat exchange inlet 31 and the primary fluid inlet connector 2 is a three-way quick connector; at least one quick connector between the primary fluid heat exchange outlet 32 and the primary fluid outlet connector 4 is a three-way quick connector, and the bypass pipe 7 is connected to these two three-way quick connectors.

Based on Embodiment 1: The first quick connector 21 and the third quick connector 41 are both three-way quick connectors, and the bypass pipe 7 is connected between the first quick connector 21 and the third quick connector 41. Alternatively, the first quick connector 21 and the third quick connector 41 are both three-way quick connectors, and the hydraulic module further includes a first three-way connector 5 connected to the first quick connector 21, with the bypass pipe 7 connected between the first three-way connector 5 and the third quick connector 41, and another port of the first three-way connector 5 connected to a functional component.

Based on Embodiment 2: The first quick connector 21 is a three-way quick connector, and the bypass pipe 7 is connected between the first quick connector 21 and the second three-way connector 6. Alternatively, the first quick connector 21 is a three-way quick connector, and the hydraulic module further includes a first three-way connector 5 connected to the first quick connector 21, with the bypass pipe 7 connected between the first three-way connector 5 and the second three-way connector 6, and another port of the first three-way connector 5 connected to a functional component.

Based on Embodiment 3: The first quick connector 21 is a three-way quick connector, and the bypass pipe 7 is connected between the first quick connector 21 and the second three-way connector 6. Alternatively, the first quick connector 21 is a three-way quick connector, and the hydraulic module further includes a first three-way connector 5 connected to the first quick connector 21, with the bypass pipe 7 connected between the first three-way connector 5 and the second three-way connector 6, and another port of the first three-way connector 5 connected to a functional component.

Based on Embodiment 4: The first quick connector 21 and the third quick connector 41 are both three-way quick connectors, and the bypass pipe 7 is connected between the first quick connector 21 and the third quick connector 41.

Based on Embodiment 5: The first quick connector 21 is a three-way quick connector, and one of the third quick connector 41 and the fourth quick connector 42 is a three-way quick connector, with the bypass pipe 7 connected between the first quick connector 21 and one of the third quick connector 41 and the fourth quick connector 42.

Based on Embodiment 6: The first quick connector 21 is a three-way quick connector, and the bypass pipe 7 is connected between the first quick connector 21 and the second three-way quick connector.

Based on Embodiment 7: The first quick connector 21 is a three-way quick connector, and the bypass pipe 7 is connected between the first quick connector 21 and the second three-way quick connector, with another connector of the third three-way quick connector connected to a functional component. Alternatively, the bypass pipe 7 is connected between the first quick connector 21 and the third three-way quick connector, with another connector of the second three-way quick connector connected to a functional component.

In the above embodiments, the functional component is an air vent valve 211 or a pressure relief valve 8.

Furthermore, the hydraulic module includes an air vent valve 211 and/or a pressure relief valve 8 connected to the flow passage of the hydraulic module.

The pressure relief valve 8 is used to release pressure within the system, preventing safety incidents caused by excessive pressure and helping improve the explosion-proof performance of the hydraulic module. It can be installed at any position of the hydraulic module.

When gas escapes in the hydraulic module, it will travel upward along the flow passage and eventually collect at the highest point of the flow passage; therefore, the air vent valve 211 can be connected at the highest point of the flow passage. Gas enters the air vent valve 211 and collects in the upper part of the valve chamber. As gas accumulates in the valve, pressure increases. When gas pressure exceeds system pressure, the gas causes the water level in the valve chamber to drop, and the float drops with the water level, opening the air vent; after the gas is exhausted, the water level rises, the float rises accordingly, closing the air vent. This structural design can remove excess gas from the system, improving the operational safety of the hydraulic module.

In the present application, the heat exchanger 3 is located at the upper end of the liquid pump 1, and the primary fluid heat exchange inlet 31 and the primary fluid heat exchange outlet 32 are distributed on both sides of the heat exchanger 3 in the vertical direction. At least one quick connector is arranged between the primary fluid heat exchange outlet 32 and the primary fluid outlet connector 4 as needed, with these quick connectors approximately at the same horizontal level. Any quick connector between the primary fluid heat exchange outlet 32 and the primary fluid outlet connector 4 is located at the highest point of the system flow passage and can be fitted with the air vent valve 211.

Additionally, if there is gas in the system, gas entering the heat exchanger 3 will affect heat exchange between the primary fluid and secondary fluid. Therefore, the air vent valve 211 can also be connected to the primary fluid heat exchange inlet 31 side. At least one quick connector between the primary fluid inlet connector 2 and the primary fluid heat exchange inlet 31 is a three-way quick connector, with the air vent valve 211 mounted on this three-way quick connector.

Preferably, the air vent valve 211 is connected to an upward-opening port of the three-way quick connector, facilitating gas discharge.

Specifically, based on Embodiments 1-7:

The first quick connector 21 is a three-way quick connector, and any quick connector between the first quick connector 21 and the primary fluid outlet connector 4 is a three-way quick connector. The air vent valve 211 is connected to the first quick connector 21, and the pressure relief valve 8 is connected to the aforementioned three-way quick connector.

Alternatively, at least one quick connector between the primary fluid heat exchange inlet 31 and the primary fluid inlet connector 2, and at least one quick connector at the highest point of the flow passage are three-way quick connectors. One of the air vent valve 211 and the pressure relief valve 8 is mounted on one quick connector, and the other is mounted on another three-way quick connector.

Based on the above description, the hydraulic module in Embodiments 1-7 may include at least one of the first temperature measurement assembly 311, second temperature measurement assembly 312, bypass pipe 7, air vent valve 211, and pressure relief valve 8.

In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-5, the primary fluid inlet connector 2 is connected to the primary fluid inlet 11 through the first quick connector 21, the primary fluid outlet 12 is connected to the primary fluid heat exchange inlet 31 through the second quick connector 33, the primary fluid heat exchange outlet 32 is connected to the third quick connector 41, the third quick connector 41 is connected to the fourth quick connector 42, and the fourth quick connector 42 is connected to the primary fluid outlet connector 4 through the second three-way connector 6. The first quick connector 21 is a three-way quick connector, and the hydraulic module further includes a first three-way connector 5 connected to the first quick connector 21. The first temperature sensor 3112 is connected to the second quick connector 33, and the second temperature sensor 3122 is connected to the fourth quick connector 42, both quick connectors being two-way quick connectors for easy modular customization and installation. The bypass pipe 7 connects the first three-way connector 5 with the second three-way connector 6. One of the air vent valve 211 and pressure relief valve 8 is connected to the first three-way connector 5, and the other is directly connected or connected through a 90° quick connector to the third quick connector 41.

Referring to FIG. 1, the 90° quick connector is arranged to install the pressure valve facing downward, with the pressure valve installation position close to the heat exchanger 3, thereby reducing the impact on overall volume after pressure valve installation and improving space utilization for a more compact overall structure. Referring to FIG. 5, the 90° quick connector is arranged to have the port of the air vent valve 211 opening upward, facilitating gas discharge.

In another preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the primary fluid inlet connector 2 is connected to the primary fluid heat exchange inlet 31 through the first quick connector 21, the primary fluid heat exchange outlet 32 is connected to the primary fluid inlet 11 through the second quick connector 33, the primary fluid outlet 12 is connected to the third quick connector 41, the third quick connector 41 is connected to the fourth quick connector 42, and the fourth quick connector 42 is connected to the primary fluid outlet connector 4 through the second three-way connector 6 and the third three-way connector 61. The first temperature sensor 3112 is connected to the first quick connector 21, and the second temperature sensor 3122 is connected to the fourth quick connector 42, both being two-way quick connectors for easy modular customization and installation. The first quick connector 21 and the third quick connector 41 are three-way quick connectors, and two of the third quick connector 41, second three-way quick connector, and third three-way quick connector are respectively connected to the air vent valve 211 and pressure relief valve 8, while another is connected to the first quick connector 21 through the bypass pipe 7.

In the present application, O-ring seals and hose clamps are used to achieve sealing connections between connectors and components, as well as between connectors.

Furthermore, the hydraulic module includes a housing 10, which has a first opening 101 for the primary fluid inlet connector 2 to extend through and a second opening 102 for the primary fluid outlet connector 44 to extend through. The housing 10 provides good protection for various components in the hydraulic module, with only the primary fluid inlet connector 2 and primary fluid outlet connector 44 exposed on the outside for operators to connect with corresponding heat dissipation or cooling components, facilitating transportation while improving overall aesthetics.

Furthermore, the hydraulic module includes a filter 22, which is connected to the primary fluid inlet connector 2. For example, the filter can be connected between the first quick connector 21 and the primary fluid inlet connector 2 to filter the liquid entering the hydraulic module and protect other components. Alternatively, the primary fluid can flow into the hydraulic module through the filter, that is, the filter is connected to the outside of the primary fluid inlet connector, providing protection for the entire hydraulic module.

Additionally, the filter 22 can also integrate units for preventing water scale formation and descaling.

The present application also provides a thermal system, comprising any one of the above hydraulic modules and a heat release module or cooling module (not shown); the heat release module or cooling module has a set of mating connectors for connecting with the primary fluid inlet connector and the primary fluid outlet connector, enabling quick connection with the hydraulic module. The form of the heat release module or cooling module is not limited and can be applied to central air conditioning, floor heating, etc.

Referring to FIG. 7, the present application also provides a refrigeration system, comprising a compressor 04, a condenser 01 connected to the outlet of the compressor 04, an expansion valve 02 connected to the outlet of the condenser 01, and an evaporator 03 connected between the outlet of the expansion valve 02 and the inlet of the compressor 04. The refrigeration system uses natural refrigerants, which can be hydrocarbons such as ethane, propane, propylene, butane, isobutane, and pentane.

The refrigeration system works as follows: The compressor 04 compresses the refrigerant from a low-temperature, low-pressure gas into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas, which is then condensed through the condenser 01 into a medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid. After throttling through the expansion valve 02, it becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid. This low-temperature, low-pressure liquid working medium is sent into the evaporator 03, where it absorbs heat and evaporates into a low-temperature, low-pressure vapor, then is sent back into the compressor, thus completing the refrigeration cycle.

The heat exchanger 3 in the above hydraulic module also includes a secondary fluid inlet 34, a secondary fluid outlet 35, and a secondary fluid internal passage connecting the secondary fluid inlet 34 and the secondary fluid outlet 35. This hydraulic module can serve as the condenser, with its secondary fluid internal passage connected in series between the outlet of compressor 04 and the inlet of expansion valve 02; or it can serve as the evaporator, with its secondary fluid internal passage connected in series between the outlet of expansion valve 02 and the inlet of compressor 04.

After adopting the above hydraulic module, the refrigeration system achieves: compact overall structure with reduced volume and space occupation; significantly shortened refrigerant flow path, greatly reducing refrigerant usage; efficient heat exchange through external heat release module for condenser cooling and cooling module for evaporator heating; improved refrigeration effect.

Based on practical applications, a conventional 5 kW air-source heat pump, composed of copper tube-aluminum fin and plate heat exchanger 3, requires 1050 g of refrigerant. Since 70% of the refrigerant charge is in the heat exchanger 3, the copper tube-aluminum fin and plate heat exchanger 3 contains 735 g refrigerant. When replacing either the condenser or evaporator with the above hydraulic module and associated connection piping, the refrigerant charge is 800 g, with 560 g refrigerant in the heat exchanger 3 of the hydraulic module. This reduces system refrigerant usage by 250 g (24%), while improving the system's coefficient of performance (COP) by 8-10% compared to the original system.

When the hydraulic module serves as a condenser in the refrigeration system: the secondary fluid inlet 34 connects to compressor outlet, the secondary fluid outlet 35 connects to expansion valve inlet; the refrigerant as secondary fluid releases heat, the primary fluid temperature rises through heat absorption, and heat is provided externally through heat release component.

When the hydraulic module serves as an evaporator in the refrigeration system: the secondary fluid outlet connects to expansion valve outlet, the secondary fluid inlet connects to compressor inlet; the refrigerant as secondary fluid absorbs heat from primary fluid, the primary fluid temperature decreases through heat release, and cooling is provided externally through cooling component. Note: When the hydraulic module serves as an evaporator, the refrigerant inlet and outlet are opposite to when it serves as a condenser. For example, in FIG. 1, the secondary fluid port 34 should serve as the secondary fluid outlet for the evaporator, and the secondary fluid port 35 should serve as the secondary fluid inlet for the evaporator.

It should be understood that although this specification describes the application according to embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This manner of description in the specification is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in various embodiments can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

The series of detailed descriptions listed above are only specific descriptions of feasible embodiments of the present application and are not used to limit the protection scope of the present application. Any equivalent implementations or modifications made without departing from the technical spirit of the present application should be included in the protection scope of the present application.