JP7069298B2 - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an air conditioner. In particular, the present invention relates to an air conditioner that circulates a heat medium such as water different from the refrigerant to perform air conditioning.

A refrigerant circulation circuit that circulates the heat source side refrigerant by connecting a pipe between the outdoor unit (outdoor unit) and the relay unit, and a pipe connection between the circulating heat source side refrigerant and the relay unit and the indoor unit (indoor unit). There is an air conditioner having a heat medium circulation circuit for circulating a heat medium (indoor refrigerant) (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit, the outdoor unit and the relay unit are connected by piping, and in the heat medium circulation circuit, the relay unit and a plurality of indoor units are connected by piping. Then, by heat exchange between the heat source side refrigerant and the heat medium in the heat medium heat exchanger of the relay unit, the heat medium supplies hot or cold heat to the indoor side to perform air harmonization.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-101855

However, in the air conditioner of Patent Document 1, the temperature of the heat medium supplied to the indoor unit is controlled according to the indoor set temperature of the indoor unit. The data on the indoor space to which the indoor unit air-conditions is not used for temperature control of the heat medium. Therefore, in the air conditioner of Patent Document 1, even if the condition of the indoor space changes, a heat medium having the same temperature is supplied to the indoor unit, and control adapted to the condition of the indoor space is performed. I couldn't.

Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, it is an object of the present invention to obtain an air conditioner capable of saving energy by using the data on the indoor side.

The air balancer according to the present invention includes a pump that contains water or brine and pressurizes a heat medium that is a medium for transporting heat, an indoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the indoor air to be air-harmonized and the heat medium. A heat medium circulation circuit that circulates the heat medium by connecting a flow control device that is installed corresponding to the indoor heat exchanger and adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the indoor heat exchanger, and compresses the heat source side refrigerant. A heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the heat source side refrigerant and the outdoor air, a throttle device that reduces the pressure of the heat source side refrigerant, and heat medium heat that exchanges heat between the heat source side refrigerant and the heat medium. A heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit connected to the exchanger by a pipe is provided, and a plurality of indoor heat exchangers are installed in a plurality of indoor units, respectively. It has a detection device that detects the temperature to obtain the amount of heat exchanged between the two, communicates signals including data related to the detection of the detection device, and is set to indoor air in each indoor unit. A reference target temperature gradient is set from the target temperature gradient calculated from the set temperature and the temperature of the indoor air at the start of operation, and the heat flowing out from the indoor heat exchanger is set based on the set target temperature gradient. It is provided with a control device that controls a heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit so that the temperature of the medium is determined and heat exchange is performed based on the determined heat medium temperature .

In the present invention, the indoor unit is provided with a detection device that detects the amount of heat related to heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger, so that the data obtained by the detection in the indoor unit can be used in the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit. It can be used for driving. Therefore, energy can be saved.

It is a figure which shows the outline of the installation example of the air conditioner 0 which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the air conditioner 0 which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the relay unit control apparatus 200 which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flow of the control performed by the relay unit control apparatus 200 which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the result of having operated the air conditioner 0 which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the air conditioner 0 which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the air conditioner 0 which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the air conditioner 0 which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the air conditioner 0 which concerns on Embodiment 5 of this invention.

Hereinafter, the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings and the like. In the following drawings, those with the same reference numerals are the same or equivalent thereof, and are common to all the texts of the embodiments described below. Further, in the drawings, the relationship between the sizes of the constituent members may differ from the actual one. The form of the component represented in the entire specification is merely an example, and is not limited to the form described in the specification. In particular, the combination of components is not limited to the combination in each embodiment, and the components described in other embodiments can be applied to another embodiment. In addition, the high and low pressure and temperature are not fixed in relation to the absolute values, but are relatively fixed in terms of the state and operation of the device and the like. In addition, when it is not necessary to distinguish or specify a plurality of devices of the same type that are distinguished by subscripts, the subscripts and the like may be omitted.

Embodiment 1.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of an installation example of the air conditioner 0 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. An installation example of the air conditioner 0 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The air conditioner 0 includes a heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A that circulates the heat source side refrigerant and a heat medium circulation circuit B that circulates a heat medium such as water that transfers and transfers heat. Then, air conditioning is performed by cooling, heating, and the like. The heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A functions as a heat source side device for heating or cooling the heat medium in the heat medium circulation circuit B.

In FIG. 1, the air conditioner 0 according to the first embodiment is an outdoor unit 1 serving as a heat source unit, a plurality of indoor units 3 (indoor units 3a to indoor units 3c) serving as indoor units, and a relay unit 2. have. The relay unit 2 is a unit that relays heat transfer between the heat source side refrigerant circulating in the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A and the heat medium circulating in the heat medium circulation circuit B. The outdoor unit 1 and the relay unit 2 are connected by a refrigerant pipe 6 which is a flow path for the refrigerant on the heat source side. Here, a plurality of relay units 2 can be connected in parallel to one outdoor unit 1.

Further, each indoor unit 3 is connected to the relay unit 2 by a heat medium main pipe 5 which is a flow path of the heat medium. Here, each indoor unit 3 is connected to the heat medium main pipe 5 via the heat medium branch pipe 51.

Examples of the heat source side refrigerant that circulates in the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A include a single refrigerant such as R-22 and R-134a, a pseudo azeotropic mixed refrigerant such as R-410A and R-404A, and R-407C. A non-azeotropic mixed refrigerant can be used. In addition, it is possible to use a refrigerant having a relatively small global warming potential such as CF ₃ CF = CH ₂ or a mixture thereof, or a natural refrigerant such as CO ₂ or propane, which contains a double bond in the chemical formula. can.

Further, as the heat medium circulating in the heat medium circulation circuit B, for example, brine (antifreeze), water, a mixed solution of brine and water, a mixed solution of an additive having a high anticorrosion effect and water, and the like can be used. .. As described above, in the air conditioner 0 of the first embodiment, a highly safe one can be used as a heat medium.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the air conditioner 0 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the equipment and the like included in the air conditioner 0 will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, the outdoor unit 1 and the relay unit 2 are connected by a refrigerant pipe 6. Further, the relay unit 2 and each indoor unit 3 are connected by a heat medium main pipe 5. Here, in FIG. 2, the three indoor units 3 are connected to the relay unit 2 via the heat medium main pipe 5. However, the number of indoor units 3 connected is not limited to three.

<Outdoor unit 1>
The outdoor unit 1 is a unit that circulates the heat source side refrigerant in the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A to transfer heat, and causes the heat medium heat exchanger 21 of the relay unit 2 to exchange heat with the heat medium. In the first embodiment, cold heat is transferred by the heat source side refrigerant. The outdoor unit 1 has a compressor 10, a heat source side heat exchanger 12, a throttle device 13, and an accumulator 14 in a housing. The compressor 10, the refrigerant flow path switching device 11, the heat source side heat exchanger 12, and the accumulator 14 are connected by a refrigerant pipe 6 and mounted. The compressor 10 sucks in the heat source side refrigerant, compresses it, and discharges it in a high temperature and high pressure state. Here, the compressor 10 may be configured by, for example, an inverter compressor whose capacity can be controlled. The refrigerant flow path switching device 11 is a device that switches the flow path of the refrigerant on the heat source side depending on the cooling operation mode or the heating operation mode. When only the cooling operation or the heating operation is performed, it is not necessary to install the refrigerant flow path switching device 11.

The heat source side heat exchanger 12 exchanges heat between, for example, the outdoor air supplied from the heat source side blower 15 and the heat source side refrigerant. In the heating operation mode, it functions as an evaporator and causes the heat source side refrigerant to absorb heat. Further, in the cooling operation mode, it functions as a condenser or a radiator and dissipates heat to the heat source side refrigerant. Further, the throttle device 13 functions as a pressure reducing valve and an expansion valve, and is a device that depressurizes and expands the heat source side refrigerant. Here, the throttle device 13 may be, for example, a device such as an electronic expansion valve capable of controlling the opening degree to an arbitrary size and arbitrarily adjusting the flow rate of the heat source side refrigerant or the like. The accumulator 14 is provided on the suction side of the compressor 10. The accumulator 14 stores, for example, a difference in the amount of refrigerant used between the heating operation mode and the cooling operation mode, surplus refrigerant generated in a transitional period when the operation changes, and the like. Here, the accumulator 14 may not be installed in the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A.

<Indoor unit 3>
The indoor unit 3 is a unit that sends harmonious air to the interior space. Each indoor unit 3 in the first embodiment has an indoor heat exchanger 31 (indoor heat exchanger 31a to indoor heat exchanger 31c) and an indoor flow rate adjusting device 32 (indoor flow rate adjusting device 32a to indoor flow rate adjusting device) in a housing. 32c) and the indoor side blower 33 (indoor side blower 33a to indoor side blower 33c). The indoor heat exchanger 31 and the indoor flow rate adjusting device 32 are devices constituting the heat medium circulation circuit B.

The indoor flow rate adjusting device 32 is composed of, for example, a two-way valve capable of controlling the opening degree (opening area) of the valve. The indoor flow rate adjusting device 32 controls the flow rate of the heat medium flowing in and out of the indoor heat exchanger 31 by adjusting the opening degree. Then, the indoor flow rate adjusting device 32 adjusts the amount of the heat medium passing through the indoor heat exchanger 31 based on the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the indoor unit 3 and the temperature of the heat medium flowing out, and the indoor heat exchanger 32. 31 enables heat exchange by the amount of heat according to the heat load in the room. Here, when the indoor heat exchanger 31 does not need to exchange heat with the heat load, as in the case of stopping, thermo-off, etc., the indoor flow rate adjusting device 32 fully closes the valve to heat the room. The supply can be stopped so that the heat medium does not flow in and out of the exchanger 31. In FIG. 2, the indoor flow rate adjusting device 32 is installed in the piping on the heat medium outflow side of the indoor heat exchanger 31, but is not limited thereto. For example, the indoor flow rate adjusting device 32 may be installed on the heat medium inflow side of the indoor heat exchanger 31.

Further, the indoor heat exchanger 31 has, for example, a heat transfer tube and fins. Then, the heat medium passes through the heat transfer tube of the indoor heat exchanger 31. The indoor heat exchanger 31 exchanges heat between the air in the indoor space supplied from the indoor blower 33 and the heat medium. When a heat medium colder than air passes through the heat transfer tube, the air is cooled and the interior space is cooled. The indoor side blower 33 passes the air in the indoor space through the indoor heat exchanger 31 and generates an air flow to return to the indoor space.

<Relay unit 2>
Next, the configuration of the relay unit 2 will be described. The relay unit 2 is a unit having equipment related to heat transfer between the heat source side refrigerant circulating in the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A and the heat medium circulating in the heat medium circulation circuit B. The relay unit 2 has a heat medium heat exchanger 21 and a pump 22.

The heat medium heat exchanger 21 exchanges heat between the heat source side refrigerant and the heat medium, and transfers heat from the heat source side refrigerant side to the heat medium side. When the heat medium heat exchanger 21 heats the heat medium, it functions as a condenser or a radiator and dissipates heat to the heat source side refrigerant. When the heat medium is cooled, it functions as an evaporator and causes the heat source side refrigerant to absorb heat. The pump 22 is a device that sucks and pressurizes the heat medium to circulate the heat medium circulation circuit B. Here, the pump 22 can control the capacity, and adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium circulating in the heat medium circulation circuit B (the amount of the heat medium flowing in a unit time) according to the magnitude of the heat load in each indoor unit 3. can do.

Here, the operation of the components of the air conditioner 0 on the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A side will be described based on the flow of the heat source side refrigerant circulating in the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A. First, a case where the heat medium is cooled will be described. The compressor 10 sucks in the heat source side refrigerant, compresses it, and discharges it in a high temperature and high pressure state. The discharged heat source side refrigerant flows into the heat source side heat exchanger 12 via the refrigerant flow path switching device 11. The heat source side heat exchanger 12 exchanges heat between the air supplied by the heat source side blower 15 and the heat source side refrigerant to condense and liquefy the heat source side refrigerant. The condensed liquefied heat source side refrigerant passes through the drawing device 13. The drawing device 13 decompresses the condensed liquefied heat source side refrigerant that passes through. The decompressed heat source side refrigerant flows out from the outdoor unit 1, passes through the refrigerant pipe 6, and flows into the heat medium heat exchanger 21 of the relay unit 2. The heat medium heat exchanger 21 exchanges heat between the passing heat source side refrigerant and the heat medium, and turns the heat source side refrigerant into evaporative gas. At this time, the heat medium is cooled. The heat source side refrigerant flowing out of the heat medium heat exchanger 21 flows out from the relay unit 2, passes through the refrigerant pipe 6, and flows into the outdoor unit 1. Then, the compressor 10 sucks the evaporative gasified heat source side refrigerant that has passed through the refrigerant flow path switching device 11 again.

Next, the case of heating the heat medium will be described. The compressor 10 sucks in the heat source side refrigerant, compresses it, and discharges it in a high temperature and high pressure state. The discharged heat source side refrigerant flows out from the outdoor unit 1 via the refrigerant flow path switching device 11, passes through the refrigerant pipe 6, and flows into the heat medium heat exchanger 21 of the relay unit 2. The heat medium heat exchanger 21 exchanges heat between the passing heat source side refrigerant and the heat medium, and condenses and liquefies the heat source side refrigerant. At this time, the heat medium is heated. The condensed liquefied heat source side refrigerant flows out from the heat medium heat exchanger 21, the heat source side refrigerant flows out from the relay unit 2, passes through the refrigerant pipe 6, and passes through the throttle device 13 of the outdoor unit 1. The drawing device 13 decompresses the condensed liquefied heat source side refrigerant that passes through. The decompressed heat source side refrigerant flows into the heat source side heat exchanger 12. The heat source side heat exchanger 12 exchanges heat between the air supplied by the heat source side blower 15 and the heat source side refrigerant, and turns the heat source side refrigerant into evaporative gas. Then, the compressor 10 sucks the evaporative gasified heat source side refrigerant that has passed through the refrigerant flow path switching device 11 again.

Further, the air conditioner 0 is equipped with various sensors that serve as detection devices for detecting physical quantities. In the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A, a discharge temperature sensor 501, a discharge pressure sensor 502, and an outdoor temperature sensor 503 are installed on the outdoor unit 1 side. The discharge temperature sensor 501 detects the temperature of the refrigerant discharged by the compressor 10 and outputs a discharge temperature detection signal. The outdoor unit control device 100, which will be described later, obtains a discharge temperature detection signal output by the discharge temperature sensor 501. Here, the discharge temperature sensor 501 has a thermistor or the like. Further, it is assumed that the other temperature sensors described below also have a thermistor or the like. The discharge pressure sensor 502 detects the pressure of the refrigerant discharged by the compressor 10 and outputs a discharge pressure detection signal. The outdoor unit control device 100, which will be described later, obtains a discharge pressure detection signal output by the discharge pressure sensor 502. The outdoor temperature sensor 503 is installed in the air inflow portion of the heat source side heat exchanger 12 in the outdoor unit 1. The outdoor temperature sensor 503 detects, for example, the outdoor temperature, which is the ambient temperature of the outdoor unit 1, and outputs an outdoor temperature detection signal. The outdoor unit control device 100, which will be described later, obtains the outdoor temperature detection signal output by the outdoor temperature sensor 503.

Further, in the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A, the first refrigerant temperature sensor 504 and the second refrigerant temperature sensor 505 are installed on the relay unit 2 side. The first refrigerant temperature sensor 504 is installed in the refrigerant inflow side pipe of the heat medium heat exchanger 21 when cooling the heat medium in the flow of the refrigerant in the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A. Then, the first refrigerant temperature sensor 504 and the second refrigerant temperature sensor 505 detect the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in and out of the heat medium heat exchanger 21 and output the refrigerant side detection signal. The relay unit control device 200, which will be described later, obtains the refrigerant side detection signals output by the first refrigerant temperature sensor 504 and the second refrigerant temperature sensor 505.

On the other hand, in the heat medium circulation circuit B, a heat medium inlet side temperature sensor 511 and a heat medium outlet side temperature sensor 512 are installed on the relay unit 2 side. The heat medium inflow side temperature sensor 511 is installed in the heat medium inflow side pipe of the heat medium heat exchanger 21 in the flow of the heat medium in the heat medium circulation circuit B. Then, the heat medium inflow side temperature sensor 511 detects the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the heat medium heat exchanger 21 and outputs a heat medium inflow side detection signal. The relay unit control device 200, which will be described later, obtains the heat medium inflow side detection signal output by the heat medium inflow side temperature sensor 511. Then, the heat medium outlet side temperature sensor 512 is installed in the heat medium outflow side pipe of the heat medium heat exchanger 21 in the heat medium flow in the heat medium circulation circuit B. Then, the heat medium outlet side temperature sensor 512 detects the temperature of the heat medium flowing out from the heat medium heat exchanger 21 and outputs a heat medium outflow side detection signal. The relay unit control device 200, which will be described later, obtains the heat medium outflow side detection signal output by the heat medium outflow side temperature sensor 512. Here, although it is not installed in the air conditioner 0 of the first embodiment, a detection device such as a pressure sensor or a flow rate sensor may be installed on the relay unit 2 side in the heat medium circulation circuit B.

In the heat medium circulation circuit B, indoor inlet side temperature sensors 513 (indoor inlet side temperature sensors 513a to indoor inlet side temperature sensors 513c) are installed on each indoor unit 3 side. Further, an indoor outlet side temperature sensor 514 (indoor outlet side temperature sensor 514a to indoor outlet side temperature sensor 514c) is installed. The indoor inlet side temperature sensor 513 detects the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 31 and outputs an inflow side detection signal. The indoor unit control device 300 included in each indoor unit 3 described later obtains an inflow side detection signal output by the corresponding indoor outlet side temperature sensor 514. Each indoor outlet side temperature sensor 514 detects the temperature of the heat medium flowing out from the indoor heat exchanger 31 and outputs an outflow side detection signal. The indoor unit control device 300, which will be described later, obtains an inflow side detection signal output by the corresponding indoor outlet side temperature sensor 514.

Further, in the heat medium circulation circuit B, the indoor inflow side pressure sensor 521 (indoor inflow side pressure sensor 521a to the indoor inflow side pressure sensor 521c) is installed on the indoor unit 3 side. Further, an indoor outflow side pressure sensor 522 (indoor outflow side pressure sensor 522a to an indoor outflow side pressure sensor 522c) is installed. The indoor inflow side pressure sensor 521 and the indoor outflow side pressure sensor 522 are installed on the heat medium inflow / outflow side of the indoor flow rate adjusting device 32 of each indoor unit 3, and send signals according to the detected pressure. The indoor unit control device 300 included in each indoor unit 3 described later obtains a signal corresponding to the pressure output by the corresponding indoor inflow side pressure sensor 521 and the indoor outflow side pressure sensor 522.

Here, for example, when the relay unit 2 is equipped with a pressure sensor for detecting the total pressure of the heat medium circulating in the heat medium circulation circuit B, the indoor inflow side pressure sensor 521 may be omitted. Can be done. Further, a flow rate detection device for detecting the flow rate may be installed instead of the pressure sensor. Further, a heat quantity detecting device capable of detecting the heat quantity related to heat exchange with the air in the indoor space, which is a heat load, may be installed.

Each indoor unit control device 300 obtains the amount of heat related to heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger 31 by performing calculations and the like. Then, each indoor unit control device 300 sends a signal including the acquired heat amount data to the relay unit control device 200.

Further, an indoor temperature sensor 515 (indoor temperature sensor 515a to indoor temperature sensor 515c) is installed on each indoor unit 3 side. The indoor temperature sensor 515 detects the suction temperature, which is the temperature of the air flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 31, by the flow of air driven by the indoor blower 33, and outputs the suction temperature detection signal. Here, the suction temperature can be the temperature of the indoor air in the indoor space, which is a heat load.

Next, the configuration of the control system device in the air conditioner 0 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, each unit has a control device for controlling the equipment of each unit. Further, each control device performs processing based on signals such as physical quantity data included in signals sent from various sensors, instructions sent from an input device (not shown), and settings. Here, each control device is connected to another control device by wire communication or wireless communication, and can communicate signals including various data with the other control device. The outdoor unit 1 has an outdoor unit control device 100. Further, the relay unit 2 has a relay unit control device 200. Each indoor unit 3 has an indoor unit control device 300 (indoor unit control device 300a to indoor unit control device 300c).

Regarding communication, in the first embodiment, each indoor unit control device 300 includes data such as pressure and temperature detected by the sensors in the corresponding indoor units 3 in the signal, and the relay unit 2 has a relay. It can be sent to the unit control device 200. Each indoor unit control device 300 also has data related to the indoor set temperature input from a remote controller (not shown), and as will be described later, the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the corresponding indoor heat exchanger 31. Data that has undergone arithmetic processing, such as the amount of heat related to heat exchange with the air in the indoor space in the indoor heat exchanger 31, can be sent to the relay unit control device 200 of the relay unit 2.

Here, the calculation of the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the indoor heat exchanger 31 by the indoor unit control device 300 and the amount of heat related to the heat exchange with the air in the indoor space in the indoor heat exchanger 31 will be described. The indoor unit control device 300 can calculate the differential pressure of the heat medium before and after passing through the indoor flow rate adjusting device 32 by the pressure related to the detection of the indoor inflow side pressure sensor 521 and the indoor outflow side pressure sensor 522. Further, at least, the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the indoor heat exchanger 31 can be calculated from the Cv value representing the characteristics of the differential pressure and the valve of the indoor flow rate adjusting device 32. Here, the Cv value is a value determined by the type of the valve and the port diameter in the flow rate adjusting device, and is a capacitance coefficient possessed by the valve. The Cv value is a numerical value representing the flow rate of the fluid passing through the valve at a certain differential pressure. Further, from the temperature related to the detection of the indoor inlet side temperature sensor 513 and the indoor outlet side temperature sensor 514 and the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the indoor heat exchanger 31, the heat with the air in the indoor space in the indoor heat exchanger 31 is obtained. The amount of heat related to replacement can be calculated.

The calculation of the amount of heat in each indoor unit control device 300 will be described. First, each control device obtains the above-mentioned Cv value from the opening degree of the valve in the corresponding flow rate adjusting device. The flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the heat exchanger and the flow rate adjusting device is calculated from the Cv value and the differential pressure of the heat medium before and after passing through the flow rate adjusting device. Here, when the Cv value is large, the flow rate of the heat medium increases. Further, even if the differential pressure of the heat medium is large, the flow rate of the heat medium increases. Further, the amount of heat supplied to the heat load by heat exchange is calculated from the temperature difference between the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the corresponding heat exchanger, the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger, and the temperature of the heat medium flowing out. When the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the heat exchanger is large, the amount of heat supplied increases. Further, if the temperature difference between the heat media before and after heat exchange is large, the amount of heat supplied increases. Then, the control device of each unit compares the calculated amount of heat supplied to the heat load with the required capacity (the amount of heat required to be supplied to the heat load), and if the required capacity is large, Increase the opening of the corresponding flow rate regulator. Further, when the total amount of heat calculated does not satisfy the total required capacity of all the indoor units 3, the drive frequency of the compressor 10 of the outdoor unit 1 that increases the output of the pump 22 of the relay unit 2 is used. Raise it, etc.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the relay unit control device 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As described above, the process related to the control in the first embodiment is performed by the relay unit control device 200. The relay unit control device 200 includes a control processing device 210, a storage device 220, a timekeeping device 230, and a communication device 240.

The storage device 220 stores data used when the control processing device 210 performs processing. The storage device 220 includes a volatile storage device (not shown) such as a random access memory (RAM) capable of temporarily storing data and a non-volatile auxiliary storage device (not shown) such as a flash memory capable of storing data for a long period of time. Do not have). Further, the storage device 220 stores the program, the control processing device 210 executes the processing based on the program, and realizes the processing performed by each part of the control processing device 210.

Further, the time measuring device 230 has a timer or the like, and the control processing device 210 measures the time used for calculation or the like. The communication device 240 is a device that serves as an interface in which the control processing device 210 performs signal conversion and the like when communicating a signal including data with a control device of another unit. Hereinafter, communication between the control processing device 210 and the control device of another unit shall be performed via the communication device 240.

The control processing device 210 includes a temperature gradient setting processing unit 211, an arithmetic processing unit 212, a determination processing unit 213, and a heat source side control processing unit 214. The temperature gradient setting processing unit 211 generates a target temperature gradient in each indoor unit 3 from the data of the suction temperature and the indoor set temperature at the start of operation of the indoor unit 3 sent from the indoor unit control device 300 of each indoor unit 3. do. Then, one of the generated target temperature gradients is set as a reference target temperature gradient (hereinafter referred to as a reference temperature gradient). The reference temperature gradient is a temperature gradient that serves as a reference for determining the temperature of the heat medium that exchanges heat in the heat medium heat exchanger 21 when controlling the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A. Here, as described above, the suction temperature is the temperature related to the detection of the indoor temperature sensor 515, and can be the temperature of the air in the indoor space. The arithmetic processing unit 212 calculates the temperature difference of the suction temperature in each indoor unit 3 at a preset time interval. Further, the determination processing unit 213 determines whether or not to change the temperature of the heat medium from the state of the air in the indoor space, which is the heat load in each indoor unit 3, obtained from the calculated temperature difference. Then, the heat source side control processing unit 214 gives an instruction based on the processing performed by the determination processing unit 213 to the equipment on the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A side, and controls the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A. Specifically, a signal such as an instruction to change the drive frequency of the compressor 10 is sent to the outdoor unit control device 100 of the outdoor unit 1 to be controlled. Then, the evaporation temperature or the condensation temperature of the heat source side refrigerant in the heat medium heat exchanger 21 is changed, and the temperature of the heat medium flowing out from the heat medium heat exchanger 21 is changed. Here, it is assumed that the control processing device 210 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer having a control calculation processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

Then, in the first embodiment, the relay unit control device 200 performs processing based on the data sent from the indoor unit control device 300, and sends an instruction or the like to the outdoor unit control device 100 to circulate the refrigerant on the heat source side. It is assumed that the circuit A is controlled. Here, the process of the first embodiment will be described as being mainly performed by the relay unit control device 200, but the present invention is not limited to this. One or a plurality of control devices of the outdoor unit control device 100 or the indoor unit control device 300 may perform control or the like. Further, a control device outside the unit may perform control or the like. Further, for example, the indoor unit control device 300 may perform the processing performed by the arithmetic processing unit 212, and the outdoor unit control device 100 may perform the processing performed by the heat source side control processing unit 214.

Next, the operation of the air conditioner 0 will be described. The outdoor unit 1 circulates the heat source side refrigerant with the relay unit 2 through the refrigerant pipe 6. At this time, the heat source side refrigerant exchanges heat with the heat medium when passing through the heat medium heat exchanger 21 in the relay unit 2, which will be described later. The heat medium is heated or cooled by heat exchange. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the heat source side refrigerant is heated and the heat medium is cooled.

The heat medium cooled in the relay unit 2 is circulated to and from each indoor unit 3 through the heat medium main pipe 5 by a pump 22 described later. At this time, the heat medium exchanges heat with the air sent by the blower in the indoor heat exchanger 31 in the indoor unit 3, which will be described later. The air exchanged with the heat medium is used for air conditioning in the indoor space.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a flow of control performed by the relay unit control device 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The control in the air conditioner 0 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the control processing device 210 of the relay unit control device 200 performs processing related to control.

The temperature gradient setting processing unit 211 of the control processing device 210 generates the target temperature gradient in each indoor unit 3 as data from the suction temperature and the indoor set temperature data sent from the indoor unit control device 300 of each indoor unit 3. Step S1). The calculation method, calculation formula, etc. related to the target temperature gradient are not particularly limited. For example, if the suction temperature T0 at the operation start time reaches the indoor set temperature Tp at a predetermined time ta, the target temperature gradient becomes (Tp-T0) / ta. Here, the target temperature gradient in each indoor unit 3 is calculated by using the same method, formula, or the like so as not to complicate the processing. At this time, since the suction temperature and the indoor set temperature in each indoor unit 3 are not always the same, the target temperature gradient in each indoor unit 3 may be different. Further, the time ta is an ideal time for the temperature of the air in the indoor space to reach the set temperature. For example, if the temperature of the air reaches the set temperature within the time ta, it is a time that the person in the indoor space does not feel uncomfortable.

The temperature gradient setting processing unit 211 sets the temperature gradient having the maximum inclination among the temperature gradients related to each indoor unit 3 as the reference temperature gradient (step S2). Therefore, by setting the reference temperature gradient according to the maximum heat load, the amount of heat can be supplied to the heat load of all the indoor units 3.

The temperature gradient setting processing unit 211 determines the temperature of the heat medium related to the heat exchange of the heat medium heat exchanger 21 based on the set target temperature gradient (step S3). For example, in the case of cooling operation, the temperature gradient setting processing unit 211 makes the temperature of the heat medium lower as the temperature gradient becomes larger. Therefore, the target evaporation temperature of the heat source side refrigerant in the heat medium heat exchanger 21 is set low. Further, in the case of the heating operation, the temperature gradient setting processing unit 211 makes the temperature of the heat medium higher as the temperature gradient becomes larger. Therefore, the target condensation temperature of the heat source side refrigerant in the heat medium heat exchanger 21 is set high.

The heat source side control processing unit 214 gives an instruction to the equipment on the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A side so that the temperature of the heat medium is determined by the temperature gradient setting processing unit 211, and controls the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A. And perform the operation (step S4).

Then, the arithmetic processing unit 212 of the control processing apparatus 210 determines whether or not the set time has elapsed (step S5). Here, in the first embodiment, the temperature difference is calculated with the set time as 1 minute, but the set time is not limited to 1 minute.

Further, the arithmetic processing unit 212 calculates the temperature difference of the suction temperature in each indoor unit 3 at the set time interval (step S6). At this time, if the temperature T at the time t is expressed by a linear function, it becomes as shown in Eq. (1).

T = ((Tp-T0) / ta) t + T0 ... (1)

Then, the determination processing unit 213 determines whether or not to change the temperature of the heat medium related to the heat exchange of the heat medium heat exchanger 21 based on the temperature change of the indoor air due to the temperature difference calculated by the arithmetic processing unit 212. (Step S7).

When the determination processing unit 213 determines, for example, that the temperature difference is outside the range of the temperature difference threshold range, the determination processing unit 213 determines the temperature of the heat medium related to the heat exchange of the heat medium heat exchanger 21 (step S8). Here, in the first embodiment, the upper limit and the lower limit of the temperature difference threshold range are assumed to be ± 1 ° C. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the upper and lower limits of the temperature difference threshold range may be set in the range of ± 0.5 ° C to 1 ° C.

Then, the heat source side control processing unit 214 gives an instruction to the equipment on the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A side so that the temperature of the heat medium determined by the determination processing unit 213 is reached, and controls the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A. And perform the operation (step S9). Here, in the first embodiment, the determination processing unit 213 determines, for example, the temperature at which the heat medium is changed by 2 ° C. However, the temperature is not limited to 2 ° C., and the determined temperature may be changed. For example, the horsepower of the compressor 10 included in the outdoor unit 1 may be used to determine the temperature interval of the heat medium to be changed.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the temperature difference is equal to or greater than the temperature difference threshold value, the temperature of the heat medium is not changed (step S10).

The arithmetic processing unit 212 and the determination processing unit 213 continue the processing of steps S5 to S10 until it is determined that the air in the indoor space in all the indoor units 3 involved in the operation has reached the indoor set temperature (step S11). ).

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the result of operating the air conditioner 0 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows a case where the indoor unit 3 of the air conditioner 0 is operated for cooling. In FIG. 5, the target temperature gradient of the indoor unit 3a is set as the reference temperature gradient. As shown in FIG. 5, when the set temperature is approached, the evaporation temperature is raised to change the temperature of the heat medium so that the temperature of the indoor space follows the target temperature gradient.

As described above, the target temperature gradient corresponding to the maximum load is set as the reference temperature gradient, and the temperature of the heat medium supplied to the indoor unit 3 side is determined. Therefore, the indoor unit 3 having a small heat load reaches the set temperature before the indoor unit 3 that supplies heat to the maximum load. In FIG. 5, the indoor space that is the heat load of the indoor unit 3b and the indoor unit 3c reaches the set temperature earlier than the indoor space that is the target of air conditioning of the indoor unit 3a. Therefore, in the indoor unit 3 where the air in the indoor space, which is a heat load, has reached the set temperature, the indoor unit control device 300 controls to close the indoor flow rate adjusting device 32. By closing the indoor flow rate adjusting device 32, the heat medium is prevented from passing through the indoor heat exchanger 31, the heat supply is stopped, and the air in the indoor space is prevented from becoming lower than the set temperature.

In conventional chillers and the like, the indoor situation was not reflected in the control of heat supply to a heat medium such as water. Therefore, the heat is supplied by keeping the temperature of the heat medium constant. According to the air conditioner 0 of the first embodiment, a signal including data related to detection of physical quantities such as temperature, flow rate, and heat quantity can be communicated between the indoor unit 3, the outdoor unit 1, and the relay unit 2, respectively. can. Then, data indicating the indoor situation in the indoor unit 3 can be sent to another unit. Therefore, in the air conditioning device 0, it is possible to perform control in cooperation with the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A side according to the air conditioning condition in the indoor unit 3, the indoor space condition, etc., such as the temperature change of the heat medium. , The air conditioner 0 can save energy.

For example, a reference temperature gradient is set and set from the target temperature gradient of each indoor unit 3 obtained from the temperature of the air in the indoor space related to the detection of the indoor temperature sensor 515 installed in each indoor unit 3 and the set set temperature. The temperature of the heat medium related to the heat exchange of the heat medium heat exchanger 21 is determined by the target temperature gradient, and the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A is operated. Then, based on the change in the indoor temperature detected on the indoor unit 3 side, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the heat medium is changed, and in this way, the temperature of the heat medium is changed to be the indoor space which is a heat load. It is possible to cope with the air, reduce power consumption, and save energy. Here, it is desirable that the target temperature gradient is a gradient that gently approaches the indoor set temperature. It is easier to control and save energy by adjusting the temperature gently. Further, by controlling the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A according to the temperature change of the indoor air, it is possible to control the temperature of the indoor space and the temperature of the heat medium while keeping a certain width.

Embodiment 2.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the air conditioner 0 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Next, the air conditioner 0 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Here, the same reference numerals are given to devices and the like having the same functions and functions as those in the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment, the outdoor unit 1 and the relay unit 2 are connected by using two refrigerant pipes 6, and the relay unit 2 and the indoor units 3a to 3c each have two heat medium branch pipes 51. Is connected using. In this way, the air conditioner 0 is constructed by connecting the outdoor unit 1 and the relay unit 2 and the relay unit 2 and the indoor units 3a to 3c using two pipes, respectively. It can be done easily.

<Outdoor unit 1>
The outdoor unit 1 has a compressor 10, a refrigerant flow path switching device 11, a heat source side heat exchanger 12, an accumulator 14, and a heat source side blower 15, as in the first embodiment. The outdoor unit 1 of the second embodiment is further provided with a first connection pipe 16, a second connection pipe 17, and first backflow prevention devices 18a to 18d. Here, a check valve is used as the first check valve 18a to 18d. The first backflow prevention device 18a is a device for preventing backflow of high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant from the first connection pipe 16 to the heat source side heat exchanger 12 in the full heating operation mode and the heating main operation mode. be. The first backflow prevention device 18b is a device for preventing backflow of a high-pressure liquid or a gas-liquid two-phase state refrigerant from the first connection pipe 16 to the accumulator 14 in the full cooling operation mode and the cooling main operation mode. Is. The first backflow prevention device 18c is a device for preventing backflow of a high-pressure liquid or a gas-liquid two-phase state refrigerant from the second connection pipe 17 to the accumulator 14 in the full cooling operation mode and the cooling main operation mode. Is. The first backflow prevention device 18d prevents backflow of high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant from the flow path on the discharge side of the compressor 10 to the second connection pipe 17 in the full heating operation mode and the heating main operation mode. It is a device to do.

By providing the first connection pipe 16, the second connection pipe 17, and the first backflow prevention devices 18a to 16 in this way, the flow of the refrigerant flowing into the relay unit 2 can be prevented regardless of the operation required by the indoor unit 3. It can be in a certain direction. Here, the check valve is used as the first check valve 18a to 16, but any check valve may be used as long as it can prevent the backflow of the refrigerant. For example, as the first backflow prevention devices 18a to 18d, a switchgear, a throttle device having a fully closed function, and the like can also be used.

<Relay unit 2>
The relay unit 2 in the second embodiment has two heat medium heat exchangers 21 and two pumps 22 described in the first embodiment. Further, the relay unit 2 has two relay side throttle devices 23, two switchgear 24, and two relay side refrigerant flow path switching devices 25. Further, the relay unit 2 corresponds to each indoor unit 3, three first heat medium flow path switching devices 26, three second heat medium flow path switching devices 27, and three heat medium flow rate adjusting devices. Has 28.

The two heat medium heat exchangers 21 (heat medium heat exchanger 21a, heat medium heat exchanger 21b) in the second embodiment function as a condenser (radiator) or an evaporator. The heat medium heat exchanger 21a is provided between the relay side throttle device 23a and the relay side refrigerant flow path switching device 25a in the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A, and heats the heat medium in the cooling / heating mixed operation mode. It becomes a heat exchanger. Further, the heat medium heat exchanger 21b is provided between the relay side throttle device 23b and the relay side refrigerant flow path switching device 25b in the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A, and is a heat medium in the cooling / heating mixed operation mode. It becomes a heat exchanger that cools.

The two relay-side throttle devices 23 (relay-side throttle device 23a, relay-side throttle device 23b) have functions as a pressure reducing valve and an expansion valve, and reduce the pressure of the heat source-side refrigerant to expand it. The relay side throttle device 23a is provided on the upstream side of the heat medium heat exchanger 21a in the flow of the heat source side refrigerant during the cooling operation. Further, the relay side throttle device 23b is provided on the upstream side of the heat medium heat exchanger 21b in the flow of the heat source side refrigerant during the cooling operation. The two relay side throttle devices 23 may be composed of, for example, an electronic expansion valve capable of controlling the opening degree.

The two switchgear 24 (switchgear 24a, switchgear 24b) are composed of a two-way valve or the like, and open and close the refrigerant pipe 6. The switchgear 24a is provided in the refrigerant pipe 6 on the inlet side of the heat source side refrigerant. Further, the switchgear 24b is provided in a pipe connecting the refrigerant pipes 6 on the inlet side and the outlet side of the heat source side refrigerant. The two relay-side refrigerant flow path switching devices 25 (relay-side refrigerant flow path switching device 25a, relay-side refrigerant flow path switching device 25b) are composed of a four-way valve or the like, and flow the heat source-side refrigerant according to the operation mode. Switch. The relay side refrigerant flow path switching device 25a is provided on the downstream side of the heat medium heat exchanger 21a in the flow of the heat source side refrigerant during the cooling operation. Further, the relay side refrigerant flow path switching device 25b is provided on the downstream side of the heat medium heat exchanger 21b in the flow of the heat source side refrigerant during the total cooling operation.

The two pumps 22 (pumps 22a and 22b) pressurize the heat medium conducting the heat medium main pipe 5 to circulate the heat medium circulation circuit B. The pump 22a is provided in the heat medium main pipe 5 between the heat medium heat exchanger 21a and the second heat medium flow path switching device 27. Further, the pump 22b is provided in the heat medium main pipe 5 between the heat medium heat exchanger 21b and the second heat medium flow path switching device 27.

The three first heat medium flow path switching devices 26 (first heat medium flow path switching device 26a to first heat medium flow path switching device 26c) are composed of a three-way valve or the like, and form a flow path of the heat medium. Switch. The number of the first heat medium flow path switching devices 26 is provided according to the number of installed indoor units 3 (here, 3 units). In the first heat medium flow path switching device 26, one of the three flow paths is connected to the heat medium heat exchanger 21a. Further, the other one is connected to the heat medium heat exchanger 21b. Then, the other is connected to the heat medium flow rate adjusting device 28. The first heat medium flow path switching device 26 is provided on the outlet side of the heat medium flow path in the indoor heat exchanger 31. Here, in FIG. 6, the first heat medium flow path switching device 26a, the first heat medium flow path switching device 26b, and the first heat medium flow path switching device 26c are shown from the lower side of the paper surface in correspondence with the indoor unit 3. Shows.

The three second heat medium flow path switching devices 27 (second heat medium flow path switching device 27a to second heat medium flow path switching device 27c) are composed of a three-way valve or the like, and the flow path of the heat medium is formed. Switch. The number of the second heat medium flow path switching devices 27 (here, three) is provided according to the number of indoor units 3 installed. In the second heat medium flow path switching device 27, one of the three flow paths is connected to the heat medium heat exchanger 21a. Further, the other one is connected to the heat medium heat exchanger 21b. Then, the other is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 31. The second heat medium flow path switching device 27 is provided on the inlet side of the heat medium flow path in the indoor heat exchanger 31. Here, in FIG. 6, the second heat medium flow path switching device 27a, the second heat medium flow path switching device 27b, and the second heat medium flow path switching device 27c are shown from the lower side of the paper surface in correspondence with the indoor unit 3. Shows.

The three heat medium flow rate adjusting devices 28 (heat medium flow rate adjusting devices 28a to heat medium flow rate adjusting device 28c) are devices provided on the relay unit 2 side instead of the indoor flow rate adjusting device 32 described in the first embodiment. Is. The heat medium flow rate adjusting device 28 is composed of a two-way valve or the like that can control the opening area, and controls the flow rate flowing through the heat medium branch pipe 51. The number of heat medium flow rate adjusting devices 28 is provided according to the number of installed indoor units 3 (here, 3 units). One end of the heat medium flow rate adjusting device 28 is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 31. The other is connected to the first heat medium flow path switching device 26. Here, the heat medium flow rate adjusting device 28 is provided on the outlet side of the heat medium flow path in the indoor heat exchanger 31. However, the heat medium flow rate adjusting device 28 may be provided on the inlet side of the heat medium flow path of the indoor heat exchanger 31. Here, in FIG. 6, corresponding to the indoor unit 3, the heat medium flow rate adjusting device 28a, the heat medium flow rate adjusting device 28b, and the heat medium flow rate adjusting device 28c are shown from the lower side of the paper surface.

In addition, various installed sensors will be described. In the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A, a discharge temperature sensor 501, a discharge pressure sensor 502, and an outdoor temperature sensor 503 are installed on the outdoor unit 1 side as in the first embodiment. Further, in the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A, the first refrigerant temperature sensor 504 installed on the relay unit 2 side corresponds to the two heat medium heat exchangers 21 and corresponds to the first refrigerant temperature sensor 504a and the first. A refrigerant temperature sensor 504b is installed. Similarly, in the second refrigerant temperature sensor 505, a second refrigerant temperature sensor 505a and a second refrigerant temperature sensor 505b are installed corresponding to the two heat medium heat exchangers 21.

In the second embodiment, the heat source side refrigerant pressure sensor 506 (heat source side refrigerant pressure sensor 506a, heat source side refrigerant pressure sensor 506b) is installed. The heat source side refrigerant pressure sensor 506a detects the pressure of the heat source side refrigerant flowing in and out of the heat medium heat exchanger 21a. Further, the heat source side refrigerant pressure sensor 506b detects the pressure of the heat source side refrigerant flowing between the heat medium heat exchanger 21b and the relay side throttle device 23b.

On the other hand, in the heat medium circulation circuit B, the heat medium inlet side temperature sensor 511 (heat medium inlet side temperature sensor 511a, heat medium inlet side temperature sensor 511b) and the heat medium outlet side temperature sensor are located on the relay unit 2 side. 512 (heat medium outlet side temperature sensor 512a, heat medium outlet side temperature sensor 512b) are installed.

Here, in the first embodiment, the indoor inflow side pressure sensor 521 (indoor inflow side pressure sensor 521a to the indoor inflow side pressure sensor 521c) and the indoor outflow side pressure sensor 522 (indoor outflow side pressure sensor 522a to the indoor outflow side pressure). The sensor 522c) was installed on the indoor unit 3 side. In the air conditioner 0 of the second embodiment, it is installed on the heat medium inflow / outflow side of the heat medium flow rate adjusting device 28 installed in the relay unit 2 corresponding to the indoor flow rate adjusting device 32 of the first embodiment. , Sends a signal according to the detected pressure.

Further, as in the first embodiment, the indoor inlet side temperature sensor 513 (indoor inlet side temperature sensor 513a to the indoor inlet side temperature sensor 513c) and the indoor outlet side temperature sensor 514 are located on each indoor unit 3 side. (Indoor outlet side temperature sensor 514a to indoor outlet side temperature sensor 514c) and indoor temperature sensor 515 (indoor temperature sensor 515a to indoor temperature sensor 515c) are installed.

In the operation mode of the air conditioner 0 in the second embodiment, all the indoor units 3 being driven execute the cooling operation and all the indoor units 3 being driven execute the heating operation. There is a heating operation mode. Further, there is a cooling main operation mode to be executed when the cooling load in the driving indoor unit 3 is larger and a heating main operation mode to be executed when the heating load is larger.

<Full cooling operation mode>
In the full cooling operation mode, the high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 flows into the heat source side heat exchanger 12 via the refrigerant flow path switching device 11 and dissipates heat to the surrounding air to condense and liquefy. Then, it becomes a high-pressure liquid refrigerant and flows out from the outdoor unit 1 through the first backflow prevention device 18a. Then, it flows into the relay unit 2 through the refrigerant pipe 6. The refrigerant flowing into the relay unit 2 passes through the switchgear 24a and expands in the relay side throttle device 23a and the relay side throttle device 23b to become a low-temperature low-pressure two-phase refrigerant. The two-phase refrigerant flows into each of the heat medium heat exchanger 21a and the heat medium heat exchanger 21b acting as an evaporator, absorbs heat from the heat medium circulating in the heat medium circulation circuit B, and becomes a low-temperature low-pressure gas refrigerant. .. The gas refrigerant flows out from the relay unit 2 via the relay side refrigerant flow path switching device 25a and the relay side refrigerant flow path switching device 25b. Then, it flows into the outdoor unit 1 again through the refrigerant pipe 6. The refrigerant flowing into the outdoor unit 1 is sucked into the compressor 10 again through the first backflow prevention device 18d, the refrigerant flow path switching device 11 and the accumulator 14.

In the heat medium circulation circuit B, the heat medium is cooled by the refrigerant in both the heat medium heat exchanger 21a and the heat medium heat exchanger 21b. The cooled heat medium flows in the heat medium main pipe 5 and the heat medium branch pipe 51 by the pumps 22a and 22b. The heat medium that has flowed into the indoor heat exchangers 31a to 31c via the second heat medium flow path switching devices 27a to 27c absorbs heat from the indoor air. The indoor air is cooled to cool the air-conditioned space. The refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchangers 31a to 31c flows into the heat medium flow rate adjusting devices 28a to 28c. Then, the refrigerant flows into the heat medium heat exchanger 21a and the heat medium heat exchanger 21b through the first heat medium flow path switching devices 26a to 26c, is cooled, and is sucked into the pump 22a and the pump 22b again. The heat medium flow rate adjusting devices 28a to 28c corresponding to the indoor heat exchangers 31a to 31c having no heat load are fully closed. Further, the heat medium flow rate adjusting devices 28a to 28c corresponding to the indoor heat exchangers 31a to 31c having a heat load adjust the opening degree to adjust the heat load in the indoor heat exchangers 31a to 31c.

<Cooling main operation mode>
In the cooling main operation mode, the high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 flows into the heat source side heat exchanger 12 via the refrigerant flow path switching device 11, dissipates heat to the surrounding air, and condenses. It becomes a two-phase refrigerant and flows out from the outdoor unit 1 through the first backflow prevention device 18a. Then, it flows into the relay unit 2 through the refrigerant pipe 6. The refrigerant flowing into the relay unit 2 flows into the heat medium heat exchanger 21b acting as a condenser through the relay side refrigerant flow path switching device 25b, and dissipates heat to the heat medium circulating in the heat medium circulation circuit B to obtain high pressure. It becomes the liquid refrigerant of. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant expands at the relay side throttle device 23b to become a low-temperature low-pressure two-phase refrigerant. The two-phase refrigerant flows into the heat medium heat exchanger 21a acting as an evaporator via the relay side throttle device 23a, absorbs heat from the heat medium circulating in the heat medium circulation circuit B, and becomes a low-pressure gas refrigerant, and becomes the relay side. It flows out from the relay unit 2 via the refrigerant flow path switching device 25a. Then, it flows into the outdoor unit 1 again through the refrigerant pipe 6. The refrigerant flowing into the outdoor unit 1 is sucked into the compressor 10 again through the first backflow prevention device 18d, the refrigerant flow path switching device 11 and the accumulator 14.

In the heat medium circulation circuit B, the heat of the refrigerant is transferred to the heat medium by the heat medium heat exchanger 21b. Then, the warmed heat medium flows in the heat medium main pipe 5 and the heat medium branch pipe 51 by the pump 22b. The heat medium that has flowed into the indoor heat exchangers 31a to 31c that require heating by operating the first heat medium flow path switching devices 26a to 26c and the second heat medium flow path switching devices 27a to 27c dissipates heat to the indoor air. .. The indoor air is heated to heat the air-conditioned space. On the other hand, the cold heat of the refrigerant is transferred to the heat medium by the heat medium heat exchanger 21a. Then, the cooled heat medium flows in the heat medium main pipe 5 and the heat medium branch pipe 51 by the pump 22a. The heat medium that has flowed into the indoor heat exchangers 31a to 31c that have a cooling request by operating the first heat medium flow path switching devices 26a to 26c and the second heat medium flow path switching devices 27a to 27c absorbs heat from the indoor air. .. The indoor air is cooled to cool the air-conditioned space. The heat medium flow rate adjusting devices 28a to 28c corresponding to the indoor heat exchangers 31a to 31c having no heat load are fully closed. Further, the heat medium flow rate adjusting devices 28a to 28c corresponding to the indoor heat exchangers 31a to 31c having a heat load adjust the opening degree to adjust the heat load in the indoor heat exchangers 31a to 31c.

<Full heating operation mode>
In the full heating operation mode, the high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 passes through the first connection pipe 16 and the first backflow prevention device 18b via the refrigerant flow path switching device 11 and flows out from the outdoor unit 1. do. Then, it flows into the relay unit 2 through the refrigerant pipe 6. The refrigerant that has flowed into the relay unit 2 passes through the relay side refrigerant flow path switching device 25a and the relay side refrigerant flow path switching device 25b, flows into the heat medium heat exchanger 21a and the heat medium heat exchanger 21b, respectively, and heats. It dissipates heat to the heat medium circulating in the medium circulation circuit B and becomes a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant expands in the relay-side throttle device 23a and the relay-side throttle device 23b to become a low-temperature low-pressure two-phase refrigerant, passes through the switchgear 24b, and flows out from the relay unit 2. Then, it flows into the outdoor unit 1 again through the refrigerant pipe 6. The refrigerant flowing into the outdoor unit 1 passes through the second connection pipe 17 and the first backflow prevention device 18c, flows into the heat source side heat exchanger 12 acting as an evaporator, absorbs heat from the surrounding air, and has a low temperature and low pressure. It becomes a gas refrigerant. The gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 10 again via the refrigerant flow path switching device 11 and the accumulator 14. The operation of the heat medium in the heat medium circulation circuit B is the same as in the case of the full cooling operation mode. In the full heating operation mode, the heat medium is heated by the refrigerant in the heat medium heat exchanger 21a and the heat medium heat exchanger 21b, and radiates heat to the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger 31a and the indoor heat exchanger 31b to be subject to air conditioning. Heat the space.

<Heating-based operation mode>
In the heating main operation mode, the high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 passes through the first connection pipe 16 and the first backflow prevention device 18b via the refrigerant flow path switching device 11, and the outdoor unit 1 Outflow from. Then, it flows into the relay unit 2 through the refrigerant pipe 6. The refrigerant flowing into the relay unit 2 flows into the heat medium heat exchanger 21b acting as a condenser through the relay side refrigerant flow path switching device 25b, and dissipates heat to the heat medium circulating in the heat medium circulation circuit B to obtain high pressure. It becomes the liquid refrigerant of. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant expands at the relay side throttle device 23b to become a low-temperature low-pressure two-phase refrigerant. The two-phase refrigerant flows into the heat medium heat exchanger 21a acting as an evaporator via the relay side throttle device 23a, absorbs heat from the heat medium circulating in the heat medium circulation circuit B, and absorbs heat from the relay side refrigerant flow path switching device 25a. Outflow from the relay unit 2 via. Then, it flows into the outdoor unit 1 again through the refrigerant pipe 6. The refrigerant flowing into the outdoor unit 1 flows into the heat source side heat exchanger 12 acting as an evaporator through the second connection pipe 17 and the first backflow prevention device 18c, absorbs heat from the surrounding air, and is low temperature and low pressure. It becomes the gas refrigerant of. The gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 10 again via the refrigerant flow path switching device 11 and the accumulator 14. The operation of the heat medium in the heat medium circulation circuit B, the first heat medium flow path switching devices 26a to 26c, the second heat medium flow path switching devices 27a to 27c, the heat medium flow rate adjusting devices 28a to 28c, and the indoor heat. The operation of the exchangers 31a to 31c is the same as that of the cooling main operation mode.

Next, the control of the air conditioner 0 of the second embodiment will be described. In the air conditioner 0 of the first embodiment, the heat medium heat exchanger 21 functions as an evaporator or a condenser, and either cools or heats the heat medium. Therefore, on the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A side, either the evaporation temperature or the condensation temperature of the heat medium heat exchanger 21 is controlled.

Here, in the air conditioner 0 of the second embodiment, in the case of the full cooling operation mode, the heat medium heat exchanger 21a and the heat medium heat exchanger 21b function as an evaporator. Further, in the case of the full heating operation mode, the heat medium heat exchanger 21a and the heat medium heat exchanger 21b function as a condenser. Therefore, the same control as that in the first embodiment can be performed.

On the other hand, in the case of the cooling main operation mode and the heating main operation mode, as described above, in the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A, the heat medium heat exchanger 21 serving as an evaporator and the heat medium heat exchanger 21 serving as a condenser 21 are used. And exist at the same time. At this time, it is difficult to perform optimum control based on both the target temperature gradient related to cooling and the target temperature gradient related to heating in the indoor space. In the cooling main operation mode, the heat load related to cooling is large. Therefore, the control processing device 210 of the relay unit control device 200 sets a reference temperature gradient from the target temperature gradient of the indoor unit 3 related to cooling, and controls by performing the processing described in the first embodiment. do. On the other hand, in the heating-based operation mode, the heat load related to heating is larger. Therefore, the control processing device 210 sets a reference temperature gradient from the target temperature gradient of the indoor unit 3 related to heating, and performs the processing described in the first embodiment to control the control.

As described above, even in the air conditioner 0 of the second embodiment capable of performing simultaneous cooling and heating operation, the control described in the first embodiment can be performed. Therefore, the temperature of the heat medium circulating in the heat medium circulation circuit B can be changed by controlling the heat supply from the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A side according to the temperature of the indoor space that becomes the heat load.

Embodiment 3.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioner 0 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7, for devices and the like having the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1, the same operation as in the first embodiment is performed. In the air conditioner 0 of the third embodiment, the plurality of relay units 2 described in the first and second embodiments are connected in parallel with the outdoor unit 1 by a refrigerant pipe 6, and the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A Is configured.

As described above, according to the air conditioner 0 of the third embodiment, each unit is also in the air conditioner 0 of the third embodiment, which has a plurality of relay units 2 and is connected in parallel with the outdoor unit 1. Can communicate between. Therefore, the control described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment can be performed.

Embodiment 4.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioner 0 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 8, for devices and the like having the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2, the same operation as in the first embodiment is performed. The air conditioner 0 of the fourth embodiment includes the devices in the relay unit 2 described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment in the outdoor unit 1 and integrates them. Therefore, in the air conditioner 0 of the fourth embodiment, the outdoor unit 1 and each indoor unit 3 are connected by the heat medium main pipe 5 and the heat medium branch pipe 51. The amount of the refrigerant can be reduced by accommodating all the equipment of the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A in the outdoor unit 1. Further, since the outdoor unit 1 and each indoor unit 3 may be connected by piping, the piping work can be simplified. Further, even if the relay unit 2 is not provided independently, the control described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment can be performed.

Embodiment 5.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioner 0 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 9, for the devices and the like having the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2, the same operations as described in the first embodiment and the like are performed. As shown in FIG. 9, the air conditioner 0 of the fifth embodiment has a plurality of flow rate adjusting devices 41 (flow rate adjusting devices 41a to 41c) instead of installing the indoor flow rate adjusting device 32 in the indoor unit 3. The flow rate adjusting unit 4 is installed. The flow rate adjusting unit 4 has a flow rate adjusting control device 400. The flow rate adjustment control device 400 can communicate with the control devices of other units. By installing the flow rate adjusting unit 4 and consolidating a plurality of flow rate adjusting devices 41 as in the air conditioner 0 of the fifth embodiment, maintenance and the like can be facilitated. Also in the air conditioner 0 of the fifth embodiment, the air conditioner 0 capable of efficiently operating can be obtained by enabling the flow rate adjusting unit 4 to communicate signals including various data.

Embodiment 6.
In the above-described embodiment, the relay unit control device 200 determines the change in the temperature of the heat medium based on the change in the temperature difference of the suction temperature, which is the temperature of the indoor space, but the present invention is not limited to this. not. For example, the temperature of the heat medium may be determined based on the relationship between the target temperature gradient and the suction temperature. Further, the temperature of the heat medium may be determined based on the amount of heat or the like.

0 Air conditioner, 1 outdoor unit, 2 relay unit, 3,3a, 3b, 3c indoor unit, 4 flow control unit, 5 heat medium main piping, 6 refrigerant piping, 10 compressor, 11 refrigerant flow path switching device, 12 Heat source side heat exchanger, 13 throttle device, 14 accumulator, 15 heat source side blower, 16 first connection pipe, 17 second connection pipe, 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d first backflow prevention device, 21,21a, 21b heat medium Heat exchanger, 22,22a, 22b pump, 23,23a, 23b relay side throttle device, 24, 24a, 24b opening / closing device, 25, 25a, 25b relay side refrigerant flow path switching device, 26, 26a, 26b, 26c 1 heat medium flow path switching device, 27, 27a, 27b, 27c second heat medium flow path switching device, 28, 28a, 28b, 28c heat medium flow rate adjusting device, 31, 31a, 31b, 31c indoor heat exchanger, 32 , 32a, 32b, 32c Indoor flow control device, 33, 33a, 33b, 33c Indoor side blower, 41, 41a, 41b, 41c Flow control device, 51 heat medium branch piping, 100 outdoor unit control device, 200 relay unit control device , 210 Control processing device, 211 Temperature gradient setting processing unit, 212 Calculation processing unit, 213 Judgment processing unit, 214 Heat source side control processing unit, 220 Storage device, 230 Measuring device, 240 Communication device, 300, 300a, 300b, 300c Indoor Unit control device, 400 flow rate adjustment control device, 501 discharge temperature sensor, 502 discharge pressure sensor, 503 outdoor temperature sensor, 504,504a, 504b first refrigerant temperature sensor, 505,505a, 505b second refrigerant temperature sensor, 506,506a , 506b Heat source side refrigerant pressure sensor, 511,511a, 511b Heat medium inlet side temperature sensor, 512,512a, 512b Heat medium outlet side temperature sensor, 513,513a, 513b, 513c Indoor inlet side temperature sensor, 514 514a, 514b, 514c Indoor outlet side temperature sensor, 515, 515a, 515b, 515c Indoor temperature sensor, 521, 521a, 521b, 521c Indoor inflow side pressure sensor, 522,522a, 522b, 522c Indoor outflow side pressure sensor.

Claims (10)

A pump that pressurizes a heat medium that contains water or brine and is a medium for transporting heat.
An indoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the indoor air to be air-conditioned and the heat medium,
A heat medium circulation circuit that is installed corresponding to the indoor heat exchanger and is connected by a pipe to a flow rate adjusting device that adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the indoor heat exchanger to circulate the heat medium.
A compressor that compresses the heat source side refrigerant,
A heat source side heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the heat source side refrigerant and the outdoor air,
A throttle device that reduces the pressure of the heat source side refrigerant, and
It is provided with a heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit in which a heat medium heat exchanger for heat exchange between the heat source side refrigerant and the heat medium is connected by a pipe.
A plurality of the indoor heat exchangers are installed in a plurality of indoor units, respectively.
The plurality of indoor units have a detection device for detecting the temperature for obtaining the amount of heat exchanged between the indoor air and the heat medium in the indoor heat exchanger, and for detecting the detection device. Communicate signals containing such data and
In each of the indoor units, the reference target temperature gradient was set and set from the target temperature gradient calculated from the set temperature set for the indoor air and the temperature of the indoor air at the start of operation. The temperature of the heat medium flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger is determined based on the target temperature gradient, and the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit is controlled so that heat exchange is performed based on the determined temperature of the heat medium. An air conditioner equipped with a control device . The amount of heat is calculated from the temperature difference between the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the corresponding indoor heat exchanger and the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the indoor heat exchanger and the temperature of the heat medium flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger. The air conditioner according to 1. The flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the indoor heat exchanger is calculated from the Cv value obtained from the opening degree of the valve in the corresponding flow rate adjusting device and the differential pressure of the heat medium before and after passing through the flow rate adjusting device. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2. A plurality of indoor units send a signal including the data related to the detection of the detection device to a unit having a component of the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit, and the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit is controlled. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 3. The control device controls the temperature of the heat source side refrigerant passing through the heat medium heat exchanger based on the temperature change of the indoor air at the set time interval, and causes the heat medium heat exchanger to be combined with the heat source side refrigerant. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , which controls the temperature of the heat medium related to the heat exchange of the above. The compressor and the heat source side heat exchanger are installed in the outdoor unit.
The invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the heat medium heat exchanger and the pump are installed in a relay unit that relays heat transfer between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit. Air conditioner. The air conditioner according to claim 6 , wherein a plurality of the relay units are connected by piping in parallel to the outdoor unit. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the component of the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit and the pump are installed in an outdoor unit. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the flow rate adjusting device is installed in the indoor unit. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the plurality of the flow rate adjusting devices are installed in the flow rate adjusting unit.

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