JP2019152430A - Compressor unit, heat source unit and air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a compressor unit for air conditioner installation which can be installed easily.SOLUTION: A compressor unit (32) includes: a compressor (37) arranged in a first case; first and second heat source side heat exchanger unit ports (42, 43) which are constituted to connect a heat source side heat exchanger, which is the heat source side heat exchanger (5) of a heat source side heat exchanger unit (31) of an air conditioner, located in a second case separated from the first case and constituted so as to exchange heat with a heat source, and the compressor unit; first and second indoor unit ports (46, 47) constituted so as to connect an indoor side heat exchanger (53) of at least one indoor unit (50) of the air conditioner and the compressor unit; and a first refrigerant pipeline (49) for fluid-connecting the first heat source side heat exchanger unit port and the first indoor unit port. The first and second heat source side heat exchanger unit ports and the first and second indoor unit ports are arranged close to a front surface of the compressor unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an air conditioner, and more particularly to an air conditioner that uses outside air as a heat source or circulates water. Such an air conditioner is sometimes called a heat pump. Furthermore, these air conditioners can be used to cool and / or heat the space to be air conditioned. In particular, the present invention relates to a compressor unit for such an air conditioner and a heat source unit for such an air conditioner.

  In general, an air conditioner includes one or more outdoor units and one or more indoor units connected via a refrigerant pipe. Each of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit includes a heat exchanger for exchanging heat with a heat source on one side, and a heat exchanger for exchanging heat with a space to be air-conditioned on the other side. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner is usually installed on the roof or outside of a building such as a facade. However, in this case, it becomes a specific situation that is recognized as disadvantageous from an aesthetic point of view. Therefore, EP 2 108 897 A1 proposes that the outdoor unit is integrated in the ceiling of the building and the outdoor unit is hidden inside so that it cannot be seen from the outside of the building.

However, the outdoor unit proposed in this document has several drawbacks. The first negative aspect is that such outdoor units can generate noise and annoy people inside the building. The second negative aspect relates to installation and maintenance. This is because the outdoor unit is relatively heavy, and its assembly requires a relatively large installation space with respect to the height.
In order to overcome such drawbacks, the applicant of the present application considered dividing the heat source unit into a compressor unit and a heat source side heat exchanger unit. Furthermore, depending on the instrument, it is necessary to increase the efficiency by integrating the supercooling section into the refrigerant circuit. However, if the supercooling unit is integrated in the divided heat source unit, more piping is required between the heat source side heat exchanger unit, the compressor unit, and the indoor unit, which complicates the installation and increases the installation cost. there is a possibility. In addition, more piping is required for the gaseous refrigerant to flow. Such piping is more expensive because it requires a larger diameter and requires more material. Furthermore, more time is required for installation. Moreover, when the piping for gaseous refrigerant between a compressor unit and a heat source side heat exchanger unit is too long, efficiency may be impaired. When the supercooling heat exchanger is arranged close to the heat source side heat exchanger, that is, in the heat source side heat exchanger unit, the above-mentioned drawbacks are recognized.

  EP 2 108 897 A1

  The compressor unit is provided with a plurality of ports. A part is for connecting piping connecting the compressor unit and the heat source heat exchanger unit. Another part is for connecting the piping which connects a compressor unit and an indoor unit. When these ports are provided in any place of the compressor unit, it is difficult for an operator to access the ports, and therefore piping connection work becomes difficult.

  Accordingly, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a compressor unit, preferably as part of the heat source unit described above, and a heat source unit having such a compressor unit, which is easy to install. Is to provide a unit.

  This object is achieved by a compressor unit according to claim 1 or a heat source unit according to claim 4. Embodiments of the invention are listed in the dependent claims, the following description and the attached drawings.

  According to one aspect, a compressor unit for an air conditioner is proposed. This air conditioner is configured to heat or cool a space such as a room inside a building for air conditioning. The compressor unit includes a compressor disposed in the first case. Thus, the first case houses the compressor and preferably wraps around the compressor. Furthermore, a soundproof material is provided inside or outside the case so that noise generated by the compressor is not transmitted to the environment where the compressor is installed. Also, first and second heat source ports are provided, preferably the first and second heat source ports are accessible from the outside of the case and can be easily connected. The first and second heat source ports are configured to connect the heat source side heat exchanger of the heat source unit of the air conditioner and the compressor by a refrigerant pipe. The first and second heat source ports may be any type of port as long as one end is open and a refrigerant pipe can be connected to the compressor, such as a pipe having an external thread at the end. However, a so-called self-sealing connector or a quick fastener may be used. However, in most cases, due to restrictions, connection by flare or brazing is required. The heat source side heat exchanger is configured to be disposed in a second case separated from the first case to exchange heat with the heat source. Here, “separation” means that each case represents a different part or unit, and is not included when one case is placed inside the other case. In certain embodiments, the heat source side heat exchanger unit uses outside air (ie, air outside the building) as a heat source. For this purpose, the second case preferably has a first connection on one side of the heat exchanger and a second connection on the other side of the heat exchanger. The first and second connections are preferably connected to a conduit in fluid communication with the outside of the building so that outside air flows through the first heat exchanger. The compressor unit further includes first and second indoor unit ports configured to connect the compressor to the indoor heat exchanger of at least one indoor unit of the air conditioner by a refrigerant pipe. The first and second indoor unit ports may be the same type or different types from the first and second heat source ports. Furthermore, the compressor unit preferably comprises a first refrigerant pipe arranged in the first case. The first refrigerant pipe fluidly connects the first heat source port and the first indoor unit port. Therefore, the first heat source port and the first indoor unit port are used to fluidly connect the heat source side heat exchanger unit to one or more indoor units using the refrigerant pipe. Although the connection between the heat source side heat exchanger unit and the indoor unit may be made directly, according to one aspect, these units are connected via the compressor unit, and the refrigerant that connects these units is connected. It is proposed that a part of the piping passes through the first case of the compressor unit. Further, the supercooling heat exchanger is disposed inside the first case, fluidly connected to the first refrigerant pipe, and the supercooled refrigerant flows through the first refrigerant pipe. Since the first refrigerant pipe passes through the first case, the compressor unit and the heat source side heat exchanger unit, especially the heat source side heat exchanger unit, and the suction side of the compressor passing through the supercooling heat exchanger It is possible to integrate the supercooling heat exchanger in the air conditioner without the need to provide additional gaseous refrigerant piping to connect the two. Since such a longer pipe for the gaseous refrigerant is integrated in the compressor unit, the pipe is considerably shortened, less material is required, and less time is required for installation. Therefore, installation becomes easy and installation costs can be reduced.

  According to one embodiment, the compressor unit further comprises a second refrigerant pipe. The second refrigerant pipe fluidly connects or connects the second heat source port and the second indoor unit port. A compressor and preferably a four-way valve are interposed between the second heat source port and the second indoor unit port or in particular in the second refrigerant piping connecting these ports. An accumulator may be provided on the suction side of the compressor. Further, on the suction side of the compressor between the compressor and the four-way valve, a bypass flow path is connected to the second refrigerant pipe, and a supercooling heat exchanger is fluidly connected to the bypass flow path so that the inside of the bypass flow path is Heat moves between the flowing refrigerant and the refrigerant flowing in the first refrigerant pipe. Therefore, all the piping related to the subcooling unit is accommodated in the first case, and in one embodiment, it is necessary to connect the compressor unit, the heat source side heat exchanger unit, and one indoor unit. There are only four ports. In particular, a heat source side heat exchanger is provided by arranging a supercooling heat exchanger in the compressor unit and looping a refrigerant pipe connecting the heat source side heat exchanger module with the indoor unit through the compressor unit. An additional path between the unit and the indoor unit can be avoided. A further advantage of placing a supercooling heat exchanger in the compressor module is that the large diameter piping normally required for flowing gaseous refrigerant can be avoided.

  According to one aspect, the compressor unit does not include the main expansion valve of the air conditioner. The “main expansion valve” of an air conditioner is defined as an expansion valve through which the total amount of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit passes during cooling. During heating, the main expansion valve defines overheating after the heat source side heat exchanger. During cooling, the main expansion valve is always fully open so that the pressure drop does not increase. During cooling, the total amount of refrigerant passes through the main expansion valve. During heating, the amount of refrigerant is separated into a flow through the supercooling heat exchanger and the heat source side heat exchanger.

  During the heating operation, a relatively large pressure drop is caused by a relatively long refrigerant pipe connecting the supercooling heat exchanger to the heat source side heat exchanger. Since the main expansion valve is not disposed in the compressor unit, it is possible to compensate for a decrease in refrigerant pressure between the compressor unit and the heat source side heat exchanger unit, and noise of a two-phase flow can be suppressed.

  According to one embodiment, the compressor unit may comprise an oil separator located on the discharge side of the compressor between the compressor and the four-way valve.

  According to another embodiment, a heat source unit for an air conditioner comprising the above-described compressor unit and a heat source side heat exchanger unit is proposed. The heat source side heat exchanger unit includes a heat source side heat exchanger disposed in the second case separated from the first case as described above. The heat source side heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat with a heat source, particularly outside air, and is in fluid connection or communication with the compressor unit via first and second heat source ports. In this regard, the connection between the first heat source port and the first indoor unit port via the first refrigerant pipe forms a loop between the heat source side heat exchanger unit and the indoor unit via the compressor unit (first case). ing. Thereby, a supercooling unit can be integrated in a compressor unit, without the need of the further piping required in order to connect a compressor unit and a heat source side heat exchanger unit.

  As described above, the main expansion valve of the air conditioner is arranged in the second case, that is, in the heat source side heat exchanger unit. Therefore, a decrease in refrigerant pressure between the compressor unit and the heat source side heat exchanger unit is kept to a minimum, and two-phase flow noise can be avoided.

As indicated above, the one or more indoor units can be fluidly connected or in communication with the compressor unit via the first and second indoor unit ports. In this regard, the first indoor unit port serves as a connection between the indoor unit, in particular the indoor heat exchanger, and the heat source side heat exchanger unit, in particular the heat source side heat exchanger. The second indoor unit port serves to connect the indoor unit, in particular the indoor heat exchanger and the second refrigerant pipe, and thus the compressor. When providing a plurality of indoor units, these indoor units can be connected in parallel.
Preferably the first and second heat source ports and the first and second indoor unit ports are all located proximate to the front face of the compressor unit. For this reason, maintainability is improved.

  Further features and effects of the heat source unit can be obtained from the description of the following embodiments. In the description of these embodiments, reference is made to the following drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic circuit diagram of an air conditioner. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 1 installed in a building. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the heat source side heat exchanger unit. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the compressor unit. FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the heat source side heat exchanger unit of FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a schematic circuit diagram of an air conditioner according to a modification of the configuration shown in FIG.

  FIG. 1 shows a circuit diagram of the air conditioner. The air conditioner has a heat source unit 30 including a heat source side heat exchanger unit 31 and a compressor unit 32.

  The heat source side heat exchanger unit 31 is composed of an upper heat exchanger element 6 and a lower heat exchanger element 7 which are positioned with respect to each other so as to form a V shape in a side view or a sectional view (see FIG. 5). A vessel 5 is provided. The heat source side heat exchanger unit 31 further includes a main expansion valve 33 of the refrigerant circuit. As is apparent from FIG. 1, the entire amount of refrigerant accommodated in the circuit further passes through the main expansion valve 33 during cooling. That is, the entire amount of the refrigerant sent from the compressor 37, that is, supplied, flows through the main expansion valve 33 during cooling.

  The heat source side heat exchanger unit is shown in more detail in FIGS.

  3 and 5 are diagrams showing a heat source side heat exchanger unit 31 which is a part of the heat source unit 30. FIG.

  The heat source side heat exchanger unit 31 includes a case 2 (second case) configured for connection with an outside air duct of an air conditioner. In particular, the heat source side heat exchanger unit is configured as an “outdoor” unit of the air conditioner, but is arranged on the ceiling of the building, in particular inside the ceiling. Therefore, the case 2 is provided with the first connection part 3 for connection with the air duct that allows the heat source side heat exchanger unit 31 to communicate with the outside of the building, so that the outside air can be taken into the case 2. On the opposite side of the case 2, there is provided a connecting portion 4 (see FIG. 5) for connecting the heat source side heat exchanger unit 31 to the air duct, and the air duct is again connected to the outside of the building. The air that has passed through 5 can be discharged to the outside.

  The case 2 is substantially rectangular and flat, and the height H is smaller than the width W and the length L. In one embodiment, the height H is 50 cm or less, preferably 45 cm or less, more preferably 40 cm or less, and most preferably 35 cm or less.

  The heat source side heat exchanger unit 31 further includes a heat exchanger 5 (heat source side heat exchanger) that can also be seen in FIG. However, the configuration of the heat exchanger 5 is best shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a side view of the heat exchanger 5 in the sense of the present application.

  The heat exchanger 5 includes an upper heat exchanger element 6 and a lower heat exchanger element 7. Both the upper and lower heat exchanger elements 6, 7 are flat or planar and are arranged to form an angle α therebetween. As best seen in FIG. 1, the upper and lower heat exchanger elements 6, 7 are fluidly connected in parallel to the refrigerant piping. Accordingly, the heat exchanger 5 has a V shape, and this “V” shape has a horizontal orientation. The line CL passing through the apex 8 of the “V” shape has a horizontal orientation and is along the length L in which the heat source side heat exchanger unit 31 extends. The line CL is also the center line of the heat exchanger 5, in other words the axis of symmetry with respect to the heat exchanger elements 6, 7.

  The heat exchanger 5 is arranged inside the air duct formed by the case 2, and all of the air sucked through the opening of the connection portion 3 flows through the heat exchanger 5, and the heat exchanger 5 extends in the width direction W. Air does not rub through the heat exchanger 5 at the top, bottom or side.

  The upper and lower heat exchanger elements 6, 7 are connected to each other at the top 8 by a connecting element 9. The connecting element is impermeable to air and is used to mechanically or physically connect the upper and lower heat exchanger elements 6, 7. Each of the heat exchanger elements 6 and 7 includes a heat exchanger coil 10 (a tubular member formed as a loop) and a fin 11 disposed therebetween. The heat exchanger of the present embodiment is used for outdoor use, that is, as a part of a heat source unit of an air conditioner. In this case, the fins of the upper and lower heat exchanger elements 6, 7 are preferably waffled fins. Although it is preferred to use louvered fins to improve the air flow through the heat exchanger, several holes are provided to allow air to flow through the fins so that the ambient temperature is about 7 °. If it falls below C, condensed water can accumulate in these holes, which can lead to the problem of frost formation during heating operations. In order to prevent such a problem, it is preferable to use lattice-like fins in these cases.

  Two centrifugal fans 20 curved backward are provided in the case. Each of the centrifugal fans 20 curved rearward has a suction port 21. In the side view (FIG. 5), the central axis of the suction port 21 and hence the fan 20 is substantially coincident with, ie, in line with, the center line CL of the heat exchanger 5. However, depending on the instrument, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the central axis of the suction port 21 and the central line CL of the heat exchanger 5 may be parallel to each other but may be offset from each other in the horizontal direction.

  In use, a suction force is generated at the suction port 21 by the fan 20, and a fluid flow (air flow) in the direction F is caused. Air, in particular outside air, is thus drawn through the connection 3 towards the open end 12 of the heat exchanger 5, passes through the upper and lower heat exchanger elements 6, 7 and is sucked in through the inlet 21. And flows out through the connection 4. As described above, the case 2 forms a duct from the connection portion 3 to the connection portion 4 via the heat exchanger 5 and the fan 20. In this sense, the connecting part 3 and the connecting part 4 form an inlet 13 and an outlet 14.

  Further, a drain pan 15 is provided inside the case. The drain pan 15 is divided into parts 16 and 17 which are divided into two along the length L of the case 2 in the side view. In FIG. 5, the divided parts 16 and 17 are indicated by dotted lines, one on the left side of the dotted line and the other on the right side of the dotted line. The drain pan 15 has a lowermost position 18, and a drainage port 19 is provided at this position. The bottom of the drain pan 15 is inclined toward the drain port 19, that is, toward the lowest position 18. Therefore, the water that has fallen into the drain pan from any part is directly guided to the drainage port 19 and the lowest position 18 that are farthest from the fan 20. This prevents water accumulated in the drain pan from being sucked into the fan 20 and sucked into the duct through the opening 14. The drainage port 19 is directly connected to the drainage facility, and water is directly discharged.

  Furthermore, a soundproofing and / or heat insulating material 22 is provided inside the case 2 on the opposite side of the drain pan 15 with respect to the center line CL. In the cross-sectional view or side view (FIG. 5), the inner surfaces of the drain pan 15 and the sound insulation 22 facing the heat exchanger 15 should be similar so that the ducts formed in the case 2 are as symmetrical as possible. is there.

  Furthermore, in order to reduce the length, the distance between the apex 8 and the inlet 21 should be as short as possible. In particular, the high speed area of the fan should not overlap the heat exchanger 5 and / or the drain pan 15 in the side view.

  At the side portion of the case 2, first and second refrigerant pipe connection portions 34 and 35 for connecting the heat source side heat exchanger unit 31 to the refrigerant pipe of the refrigerant circuit are seen. In addition, a connection port 36 for connecting the drainage port 19 to a drainage facility (not shown) extends from the same side surface of the case 2 as the refrigerant pipe connection portions 34 and 35.

  The case 2 is completely closed with respect to the surroundings except for the connection portions 3 and 4 and the refrigerant pipe connection portions 34 and 35 and the connection portion 36 to the drainage facility. Therefore, as can be seen from FIG. 5, the case is soundproofed so that, for example, noise from a fan or the like is wrapped so as not to be transmitted to the air-conditioned space. Further, as will be described below, the compressor 37 is arranged not in the case 2 but in the compressor unit 32, so that the air connected to the outside of the building through the air flowing through the heat source side heat exchanger unit 31. The noise of the compressor is not caused and transmitted in the duct.

  The compressor unit 32 has a case 44 (first case). In FIG. 4, the front wall of the case 44 and the corresponding soundproof material are omitted so that the inside of the case 44 can be partially seen. A compressor 37 (see FIG. 1) is disposed in the case 44. Furthermore, all other parts of the compressor unit described below and such parts are also arranged in the case 44. In addition, the compressor unit may include an optional accumulator 38 and a four-way valve 39.

  Further, the compressor unit 32 includes a supercooling heat exchanger 40 and a supercooling expansion valve 41. The supercooling heat exchanger is a tubular heat exchanger.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the compressor unit 32 further includes first and second refrigerant pipe connection portions 42 and 43 (first and second heat source side heat exchanger unit ports).

  Stop valves 45 (two stop valves, one for each connection 42, 43) may be provided proximate to the first and second refrigerant pipe connections 42, 43, respectively.

  Further, third and fourth refrigerant pipe connections 46, 47 (first and second indoor unit ports) are provided, but one or more indoor units 50 (this embodiment) arranged to be in fluid communication with the air-conditioned space. It is for connecting with 1) in the form. Stop valves 48 (two stop valves, one for each connection 46, 47) are further provided proximate to the refrigerant piping connections 46, 47, respectively.

  All of the ports 42, 43 and 46, 47 are arranged close to the front surface of the compressor unit, so that maintainability is improved. In particular, if the front wall of the case 44 and the corresponding sound insulation are removed as shown in FIG. 4, these ports are easily accessible.

  Furthermore, the refrigerant pipe connection part 42 and the refrigerant pipe connection part 47 are connected by the refrigerant pipe 80 (second refrigerant pipe), and the four-way valve 39, the compressor 37, the accumulator 38, the connection part 81 to the refrigerant pipe 57, the refrigerant. The connection part 82 to the piping 52 and the four-way valve 39 are interposed in this order.

  Considering the cooling operation (solid arrow in FIG. 1), the above-described components are arranged from the refrigerant pipe connection portion 47 to the refrigerant pipe connection portion 42 in the following order. The order is the four-way valve 39, the accumulator 38, the compressor 37, the four-way valve 39, and the refrigerant pipe connection part 42. The above components are arranged in the following order from the refrigerant pipe connection portion 42 to the refrigerant pipe connection portion 47 in consideration of the heating operation (broken arrows in FIG. 1). The order is the four-way valve 39, the accumulator 38, the compressor 37, the four-way valve 39, and the refrigerant pipe connection portion 47.

  Further, the first refrigerant pipe connecting portion 43 and the third refrigerant pipe connecting portion 46 are connected by the refrigerant pipe 49. The supercooling heat exchanger 40 is configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe 49 and the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe 52. The supercooling expansion valve 41 is disposed in the refrigerant pipe 52 between the supercooling heat exchanger and the refrigerant pipe connecting portion 43. In other words, the supercooling expansion valve 41 is disposed between the connection portion between the refrigerant pipe 49 and the refrigerant pipe 52 and the supercooling heat exchanger 40. In any case, the supercooling expansion valve 41 is disposed upstream of the supercooling heat exchanger 40 in the refrigerant pipe 52 during the heating and cooling operations.

  The accumulator 38 and the four-way valve 39 are connected by the refrigerant pipe 51. Further, a refrigerant pipe 52 (gaseous refrigerant pipe) is connected to the refrigerant pipe 49 at one end and to the refrigerant pipe 51 at the other end. Further, the refrigerant pipe 49 and the refrigerant pipe 51 are connected by the refrigerant pipe 57, and the pressure adjustment valve 58 is integrated in the refrigerant pipe 57 at the intermediate position.

  The case 44 of the compressor unit 32 may be soundproofed so as to prevent noise generated by the compressor 37 from coming out of the case and causing inconvenience to people in the building. Furthermore, because the case 44 is small, it can be placed on the floor for easy installation and maintenance, and can also be placed under a kitchen cupboard or in the space of other technical devices. The case 44 may further include a foot 59 as shown in FIG. 4 for placing and fixing the case 44 on the horizontal support surface. In particular, the size of the case 44 with respect to height, width and depth conforms to the standard DIN EN 1116 for kitchen furniture and kitchen utensils.

  As an example, the indoor unit 50 includes an indoor heat exchanger connected to the third and fourth refrigerant connection portions 46 and 47 of the compressor unit 32 via the third and fourth refrigerant pipe connection portions 54 and 55 and the refrigerant piping, respectively. 53 (second heat exchanger). Optionally, the indoor unit 50 may include an indoor expansion valve 56 disposed between the indoor heat exchanger 53 and the third refrigerant pipe connection portion 54. The indoor unit 50 can be configured as a general indoor unit used in an air conditioner or the like in principle.

  As best understood from FIG. 2, the air conditioner can be installed in the building 70. In one possible embodiment, the heat source side heat exchanger unit 31 can be arranged so as to be concealed in the ceiling 71 in the ceiling 71 of the space 72 to be air-conditioned. It is preferable to connect the connecting portions 3 and 4 to the air duct 73 so that the case 2 of the heat source side heat exchanger unit 31 forms a part of the air duct 73. The end of the air duct 73 opens to the outside of the building at both ends 74 and 75, sucks outside air through the end 74, and the outside air passes through the heat exchanger 5 of the heat source side heat exchanger unit 31. , Through the end 75.

  The heat source side heat exchanger unit 31 is connected to the compressor unit 32 by the refrigerant pipe 76 using the refrigerant pipe connecting portions 34 and 35 and 43 and 42, respectively. The compressor unit 32 is again connected to one or a plurality of indoor units 50 through the refrigerant pipe 77 using the third to fourth refrigerant pipe connections 46, 47 and 54, 55, respectively.

  The operation of the above air conditioner will be described below. During the cooling operation (solid line arrow in FIG. 1), the refrigerant flows into the compressor unit 32 at the refrigerant pipe connection portion 47, passes through the four-way valve 39, and is introduced into the accumulator 38. As it passes through the accumulator, the associated liquid refrigerant is separated from the gaseous refrigerant and the accumulator 38 temporarily stores the liquid refrigerant.

  Next, gaseous refrigerant is introduced into the compressor 37 and compressed. The compressed refrigerant is introduced into the heat source side heat exchanger unit 31 via the first refrigerant pipe connection portions 42 and 35 and the refrigerant pipe 71. The refrigerant passes through the heat exchanger 5 including the plates 6 and 7 of the heat source side heat exchanger unit 31, thereby condensing the refrigerant (the heat exchanger 5 functions as a condenser). Thus, heat is transferred to the outside air passing in parallel through the heat exchanger elements 6, 7 of the heat exchanger 5. The expansion valve 33 is fully opened so that the pressure does not drop greatly during cooling. Next, the refrigerant flows into the compressor unit 32 through the third refrigerant pipe connection portions 34 and 43 and the refrigerant pipe. In the compressor unit 32, the refrigerant partially flows through the refrigerant pipe 52, thereby flowing through the supercooling expansion valve 41 and the supercooling heat exchanger 40, and partly passes through the refrigerant pipe 49 and the third refrigerant pipe connection portion. 46 and flows into the indoor unit 50 through the refrigerant pipe and the third refrigerant connection portion 54. Next, the refrigerant is further expanded by the indoor expansion valve 56 and evaporated in the heat exchanger 53 (the heat exchanger 53 functions as an evaporator) to cool the space 72 to be air-conditioned. Accordingly, heat is transferred from the air in the air-conditioned space to the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger 53. In the cooling, the main purpose of the supercooling heat exchanger 40 is to supercool the liquid refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe 49 to the indoor unit 50. Finally, the refrigerant is reintroduced into the compressor unit 32 through the fourth refrigerant pipe connections 55 and 47 and the refrigerant pipe.

  As is generally known, the capacity of an indoor air conditioner is a product of enthalpy and mass flow rate. Thus, if the enthalpy increases, a reduced mass flow rate can be used. The supercooling heat exchanger serves to increase the enthalpy on the indoor side. As a result, the mass flow rate can be reduced without impairing the capacity. As a result, the pressure drop in the liquid piping can be reduced, and the amount of work to be generated by the compressor 37 can be reduced, so that the efficiency of the entire system is improved.

This circuit is reversed during heating, which is indicated by the dotted arrows in FIG. The process is the same in principle. However, during heating, the first heat exchanger 5 functions as an evaporator, while the second heat exchanger 53 functions as a condenser. In particular, the refrigerant is introduced into the compressor unit 32 through the first refrigerant pipe connection portion 42, flows into the accumulator 38 through the four-way valve 39, and is then compressed in the compressor 37 to the four-way valve 39. The refrigerant flows into the indoor unit 50, particularly the indoor heat exchanger 53 through the fourth refrigerant pipe connection portions 47 and 55 and the refrigerant pipe, where the refrigerant is condensed (the indoor heat exchanger 53 functions as a condenser). To do). Next, the refrigerant is expanded by the expansion valve 56, and then reintroduced into the compressor unit 32 through the third refrigerant pipe connection portions 54 and 46, flows into the pipe 49, and enters the supercooling heat exchanger 40. pass.
By injecting the refrigerant after the evaporator, the suction superheat before the compressor can be optimized. As a result, the exhaust temperature is lowered, so that a beneficial effect is obtained that the efficiency of the system is improved and the life is extended. During heating, the supercooling heat exchanger 40 serves to improve the quality of the refrigerant at the compressor inlet, that is, on the suction side, through the refrigerant pipe 52 connected to the refrigerant pipe 51 upstream of the compressor 37. Fulfill. Furthermore, the supercooling heat exchanger 40 serves to evaporate the two-phase refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe 49 as desired.

  Next, part of the refrigerant flows into the refrigerant pipe 52, expands in the supercooling expansion valve 41, flows through the supercooling heat exchanger 40, and is reintroduced into the refrigerant pipe 51 upstream of the accumulator 38. Thus, the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe 49 and passing through the supercooling heat exchanger 40 is precooled. The remaining portion flows into the heat source side heat exchanger unit 31 through the second refrigerant pipe connection portions 43 and 34 and the refrigerant pipe. The refrigerant further expands by the main expansion valve 33 in the heat source side heat exchanger unit 31, and then evaporates in the heat exchanger 5 (the heat exchanger 5 functions as an evaporator), and the first refrigerant pipe connection portion. 35 and 42 and the refrigerant pipe are reintroduced into the compressor unit 32.

  By dividing the compressor unit 32 and the heat source side heat exchanger unit 31, the compressor unit 32 can be installed in a place that is not sensitive to noise. No more bothering. Furthermore, the case 44 of the compressor unit 32 is firmly soundproofed by a soundproofing material. Further, the idea of separating the heat source side heat exchanger unit 31 and the compressor unit 32 eliminates compressor noise that may have been transmitted to the air-conditioned space in the air flowing through the heat source side heat exchanger unit 31.

  Since the weight of each unit of the heat source side heat exchanger unit 31 and the compressor unit 32 is reduced, the installation work is improved. In addition, the compressor unit 32 can be installed on the floor and does not require lifting heavy compressor units. Because the installation area (width and depth) of the compressor unit 32 is relatively small and the height of the compressor unit 32, especially the case 44, is low, the interior of the room subject to air conditioning, such as under a cupboard or a counter board, etc. The compressor unit 32 can also be concealed when placed in

  The heat source side heat exchanger unit 31 also has the advantage that it is not bothered by noise. Since the compressor is not housed in the heat source side heat exchanger unit 31, the only sound that may get on the airflow is only the fan noise, which greatly reduces the noise of the airflow. Furthermore, since the case 2 is completely closed in the space 72 to be air-conditioned, no sound is transmitted to this space. This case is also soundproofed by soundproofing material. Since the heat source side heat exchanger unit 31 is low in height, for example, it is easy to hide the unit in the ceiling. Therefore, the unit 31 is not visible from the outside. Since the weight is smaller than the unit having the compressor in the same case and the height of the heat source side heat exchanger unit 31 is low, the installation work is further improved. The low height is due to the “V” shape of the heat exchanger 5 in particular, and a high efficiency is obtained at a relatively low height.

  One long gaseous refrigerant connecting the heat source side heat exchanger and the suction side of the compressor by integrating the subcooling unit, particularly the supercooling heat exchanger, in the compressor unit instead of the heat source side heat exchanger unit It is possible to replace the piping with a short line 52 housed in the compressor unit. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the large-diameter pipe that is normally required for flowing the gaseous refrigerant. That is, the heat source side heat exchanger is arranged by arranging a supercooling heat exchanger in the compressor unit and looping the refrigerant pipe connecting the heat source side heat exchanger module with the indoor unit through the compressor unit. An additional path between the unit and the indoor unit can be avoided.

  When the supercooling heat exchanger is arranged in the heat source side heat exchanger module and the fluid connection between the units 31 and 50 is directly connected through the case 44 of the compressor unit 32 without being looped, A third heat source side heat exchanger port is required in the compressor unit 32, and an additional line connecting the compressor unit 32 and the heat source side heat exchanger unit 31 is required to realize the line 52. . As described above, the present embodiment is improved as compared with such a case, and the result is that an easier installation work and installation cost can be suppressed.

  Further, since the main expansion valve 33 is disposed in the heat source side heat exchanger unit 31, compensation for a decrease in refrigerant pressure due to a relatively long refrigerant pipe between the compressor unit 32 and the heat source side heat exchanger unit 31 is compensated. It is possible that the noise of the two-phase flow is at least somewhat reduced.

  FIG. 6 shows a circuit diagram of an air conditioner according to a modification of the configuration shown in FIG. The difference in configuration between FIG. 1 and FIG. 6 is that a heat source side heat exchanger module 31 ′ configured to use a water heat source is used.

  The air conditioner according to this modification includes a heat source unit 30 including a heat source side heat exchanger unit 31 ′, a cooling tower 90, and a compressor unit 32. The heat source side heat exchanger unit 31 ′ functions as a water heat source by operating in cooperation with the cooling tower 90.

  During the cooling operation (solid line arrow in FIG. 8), gaseous refrigerant is introduced into the compressor 37 and compressed. The compressed refrigerant is introduced into the heat source side heat exchanger unit 31 ′ via the first refrigerant pipe connection portions 42 and 35 and the refrigerant pipe 76. The refrigerant passes through the refrigerant circuit section of the water-refrigerant heat exchanger 5 ′ of the heat source side heat exchanger unit 31 ′, thereby condensing the refrigerant (the water-refrigerant heat exchanger 5 ′ functions as a condenser). ). Thus, heat is transferred to the water passing through the water circuit portion of the water-refrigerant heat exchanger '5. The expansion valve 33 is fully opened so that the pressure does not drop greatly during cooling. Next, the refrigerant flows into the compressor unit 32 through the third refrigerant pipe connection portions 34 and 43 and the refrigerant pipe.

  This water circulates in a water circuit comprising a cooling tower 90 and a water circuit part of the water-refrigerant heat exchanger 5 '. In the cooling tower 90, the circulating water releases heat and is cooled.

  Regarding the installation, for example, the heat source side heat exchanger unit 31 ′ can be arranged in the ceiling of the space to be air-conditioned, and the cooling tower 90 can be arranged on the roof of the building or the like.

  For the heating operation, a boiler facility (not shown) for heating the circulating water can be employed instead of or in addition to the cooling tower 90.

Claims (5)

A compressor unit (32) for an air conditioner,
A compressor (37) disposed in the first case (44);
First and second heat source side heat exchanger units configured to connect the heat source side heat exchanger (5) of at least one heat source side heat exchanger unit (31) of the air conditioner and the compressor unit. It is a port (42, 43), Comprising: The heat source side heat exchanger is arrange | positioned in the 2nd case (2) isolate | separated from said 1st case, and it is comprised so that a heat source may be exchanged. , First and second heat source side heat exchanger unit ports (42, 43);
First and second indoor unit ports (46, 47) configured to connect an indoor heat exchanger (53) of at least one indoor unit (50) of the air conditioner and the compressor unit; Prepared,
The first and second heat source side heat exchanger unit ports (42, 43) and the first and second indoor unit ports (46, 47) are disposed close to the front surface of the compressor unit (32). The compressor unit (32). Two stop valves (45) respectively disposed close to the first and second heat source side heat exchanger unit ports (42, 43).
The compressor unit according to claim 1. Two stop valves (48) respectively disposed adjacent to the first and second indoor unit ports (46, 47);
The compressor unit according to claim 1 or 2. A heat source unit for an air conditioner,
A compressor unit (32) according to any one of claims 1 to 3;
A heat source side heat exchanger unit (31) having a heat source side heat exchanger (5),
The heat source side heat exchanger is arranged in a second case (2) separated from the first case (44) and configured to exchange heat with the heat source, and the heat source side heat exchanger unit Is a heat source unit fluidly connected to the compressor unit via the first and second heat source side heat exchanger unit ports (42, 43).   5. Air conditioning with heat source unit according to claim 4, wherein at least one indoor unit (50) is fluidly connected to the compressor unit (32) via the first and second indoor unit ports (46, 47). apparatus.

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