DE102021200238A1 - air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

Air conditioning is provided. The air conditioner includes an outdoor unit through which a coolant circulates, an indoor unit through which water circulates, a heat exchange device configured to connect the outdoor unit to the indoor unit and in which the coolant and water are heat exchanged with each other, a first inner pipe that is configured to connect the outdoor unit to the heat exchange device and through which a high pressure refrigerant flows, a second inner pipe that is configured to connect the outdoor unit to the heat exchange device and through which a low pressure refrigerant flows, and a third inner pipe that is formed is to connect the outdoor unit to the heat exchange device and through which a liquid refrigerant flows. The heat exchange device includes a bypass pipe configured to bypass the second inner pipe and a flow control valve provided in the bypass pipe.

Description

The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner.

Air conditioners are devices that maintain air in a given space in a state that is most appropriate for the use and purpose. In general, such an air conditioner includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator. Therefore, the air conditioner has a refrigerant circuit in which a refrigerant is compressed, condensed, expanded and evaporated to cool or heat a given room.

The predetermined space can be variously provided according to the place where the air conditioner is used. For example, the air conditioner can be used at home or in an office.

When the air conditioner is performing a cooling operation, an outdoor heat exchanger provided in an outdoor unit can serve as a condenser, and an indoor heat exchanger provided in an indoor unit can serve as an evaporator. However, when the air conditioner is performing a heating operation, the indoor heat exchanger can serve as the condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger can serve as the evaporator.

According to environmental regulations, there has been a tendency in recent years to restrict the type of refrigerant used in the air conditioner and to reduce the amount of refrigerant used.

In order to reduce the amount of the coolant to be used, a method of performing cooling or heating by exchanging heat between a coolant and a predetermined fluid has been proposed. For example, the predetermined fluid can include water.

As for a system for performing cooling or heating by heat exchange between a coolant and water, reference is made to Japanese Patent Registration No. 5279919.

According to this prior art document, the air conditioner includes an outdoor unit, a heating medium converter, and an indoor unit.

The heat medium converter includes a heat exchanger, a fixing device disposed on an upstream side of the heat exchanger, and a coolant passage changing device disposed on a downstream side of the heat exchanger. The coolant passage changing device is connected to a coolant pipe through which a coolant that is in a low-temperature state flows during the cooling operation.

According to such a prior art document, however, there is a risk that a plate type heat exchanger will freeze if an electronic expansion valve (EEV) of a plate heat exchanger that is not in operation leaks because a flow changing unit is always connected to the low pressure gas pipe.

Further, one plate type heat exchanger functions as an evaporator and the other plate type heat exchanger functions as a condenser. Here, a heating-based simultaneous operation is performed in which a plurality of indoor units perform a heating operation, an evaporation temperature of the plate-type heat exchanger functioning as the evaporator drops below zero, and therefore there is a danger of freezing and breakage.

Embodiments provide an air conditioning system in which water freezes in a water passage of a heat exchanger during heating-based simultaneous operation.

Embodiments provide an air conditioning system in which, regardless of an outside temperature, an evaporation temperature of a heat exchanger is 0 ° C. or higher.

Embodiments provide an air conditioning system in which a flow speed in a compressor increases regardless of an evaporation temperature of a heat exchanger provided in an outdoor unit.

In an air conditioner according to one aspect, a pressure of a low pressure gas pipe may be adjusted by a flow control valve to prevent a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange for a cooling operation of an indoor unit from freezing during heating-based simultaneous operation.

In one embodiment, an air conditioner comprises: an outdoor unit through which a coolant circulates, an indoor unit through which water circulates, a heat exchange device which is configured to connect the outdoor unit to the indoor unit and in which the coolant and the water are heat exchanged with each other , a first inner pipe configured to connect the outdoor unit to the heat exchange device and through which a high pressure coolant flows, a second inner pipe configured to connect the outdoor unit to the heat exchange device and through which a low pressure coolant flows, and a third inner pipe which is configured to connect the outdoor unit to the heat exchange device and through which a liquid coolant flows.

The heat exchange device may include: a bypass pipe configured to bypass the second inner pipe, and a flow control valve provided in the bypass pipe.

The heat exchange device may include: a branch portion where one end of the bypass pipe is connected to the second inner pipe, and a combination portion where the other end of the bypass pipe is connected to the second inner pipe.

The heat exchange device may further include a valve provided between the branch portion and the combination portion.

A pressure sensor can be provided in the second inner tube, and the pressure sensor can be designed to measure a pressure of the coolant before the coolant is branched at the branch section.

When heating-based simultaneous operation is in progress, the valve may be closed.

The flow control valve can adjust a degree of opening such that a pressure measured by the pressure sensor belongs to a pressure range that extends from a first pressure (P1) to a second pressure (P2).

When the pressure measured by the pressure sensor is lower than the first pressure (P1), the degree of opening of the flow control valve may decrease, and when the pressure measured by the pressure sensor exceeds the second pressure (P2), the degree of opening of the flow control valve may increase.

An evaporation temperature of the second inner tube depending on the first pressure (P1) can exceed 0 ° C.

When a heating operation is performed, the flow control valve can be opened to a maximum degree.

The heat exchange device may include: a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger, a first branch pipe and a second branch pipe branching from the first inner pipe, and a third branch pipe and a fourth branch pipe branching from the second inner pipe.

The air conditioner may further include: a first valve provided in each of the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe, and a second valve provided in each of the third branch pipe and the fourth branch pipe.

The air conditioner may further include: a first coolant pipe and a second coolant pipe branched from the third inner pipe, a first expansion valve provided in the first coolant pipe, and a second expansion valve provided in the second coolant pipe.

The air conditioner may further include: a first common gas pipe to which the first branch pipe and the third branch pipe are connected, a fifth branch pipe configured to connect the second branch pipe to a second common gas pipe, a first bypass valve which is in the fifth branch pipe the second common gas pipe to which a second branch pipe and a fourth branch pipe are connected, a sixth branch pipe configured to connect the fourth branch pipe to the second common gas pipe, and a second bypass valve provided in the sixth branch pipe .

• 1 ist eine schematische Ansicht, die eine Konfiguration einer Klimaanlage gemäß einer Ausführungsform zeigt.
• 2 ist ein Kreislaufdiagramm, das die Konfiguration der Klimaanlage gemäß einer Ausführungsform zeigt.
• 3 ist ein Kreislaufdiagramm, das die Strömung eines Kühlmittels und von Wasser in der Wärmetauschvorrichtung während eines Heizbetriebs der Klimaanlage gemäß einer Ausführungsform zeigt.
• 4 ist ein Kreislaufdiagramm, das die Strömung eines Kühlmittels und von Wasser in der Wärmetauschvorrichtung während eines heizbasierten gleichzeitigen Betriebs der Klimaanlage gemäß einer Ausführungsform zeigt.
• 5 ist ein Kreislaufdiagramm, das die Strömung eines Kühlmittels und von Wasser in der Wärmetauschvorrichtung während eines Kühlbetriebs der Klimaanlage gemäß einer Ausführungsform zeigt.
• 6 ist ein Kreislaufdiagramm, das die Strömung eines Kühlmittels und von Wasser in der Wärmetauschvorrichtung während eines kühlbasierten gleichzeitigen Betriebs der Klimaanlage gemäß einer Ausführungsform zeigt.
• 7 ist eine graphische Ansicht, die einen eingestellten Bereich eines Drucksensorwerts einer Klimaanlage gemäß einer Ausführungsform zeigt.

Each of the heat exchangers may include: a coolant passage through which the coolant flows and a water passage through which the water to be heat exchanged with the coolant in the coolant passage flows, wherein the water flowing through the water passage can flow to the indoor unit.

• 1 Fig. 13 is a schematic view showing a configuration of an air conditioner according to an embodiment.
• 2 Fig. 13 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioner according to an embodiment.
• 3 Fig. 13 is a circuit diagram showing the flow of coolant and water in the heat exchange device during a heating operation of the air conditioner according to an embodiment.
• 4th Fig. 13 is a circuit diagram showing the flow of coolant and water in the heat exchange device during a shows heating-based simultaneous operation of the air conditioning system according to an embodiment.
• 5 Fig. 13 is a circuit diagram showing the flow of coolant and water in the heat exchange device during a cooling operation of the air conditioner according to an embodiment.
• 6th Fig. 13 is a circuit diagram showing the flow of coolant and water in the heat exchange device during cooling-based simultaneous operation of the air conditioner according to an embodiment.
• 7th Fig. 13 is a graphic view showing a set range of a pressure sensor value of an air conditioner according to an embodiment.

In the following, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar components in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in describing embodiments of the present disclosure, a detailed description is omitted if a detailed description of known configurations or functions would impair an understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

In describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, terms such as first / first / first, second / second / second, A, B, (a) and (b) may be used. Each of these terms serves only to distinguish the corresponding components from other components and does not restrict the essential, an arrangement or a sequence of the corresponding components. When a component is “connected” or “coupled” or “attached” to another component, it can be directly connected or attached to that other component, or it can be “connected” or “coupled” or “attached” to the other component. attached to it ”and a third component is arranged in between.

1 FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing a configuration of an air conditioner according to an embodiment, and FIG 2 Fig. 13 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioner according to an embodiment.

As in 1 and 2 shown is an air conditioner 1 according to one embodiment with an external unit 200 , an indoor unit 50 and one with the outdoor unit 200 and the indoor unit 50 connected heat exchange device.

The outdoor unit 200 and the heat exchange device 100 can be fluidly connected by a first fluid. For example, the first fluid can include a coolant.

The coolant can pass through a coolant-side passage of a heat exchanger in the heat exchange device 100 is provided, and the outdoor unit 200 stream.

The outdoor unit 200 includes several compressors 240 and 242 and oil separator 241 and 243 that are on outlet sides of the multiple compressors 240 and 242 are arranged to take oil from the out of the multiple compressors 240 and 242 to separate escaped coolant.

The multiple compressors 240 and 242 include a first compressor 240 and a second compressor 242 connected in parallel. Also include the oil separator 241 and 243 a first oil separator 241 that is on the outlet side of the first compressor 240 is arranged, and a second oil separator 243 that is on the outlet side of the second compressor 242 is arranged.

The outdoor unit 200 includes a collection passage 245 to collect the oil from the oil separators 241 and 243 in the compressors 240 and 242 . That is, the oil collection passage 245 may differ from the first oil separator 241 to the first compressor 240 and from the second oil separator 243 to the second compressor 242 extend.

Flow change sections 260 and 262 that got that out of the compressors 240 and 242 Discharged coolant to the outdoor heat exchange device 200 or to the indoor unit are on the outlet side of the oil separator 241 and 243 intended.

For example, the flow changing sections 260 and 262 a first flow changing section 260 and a second flow changing section 262 include.

When the air conditioner is operating in a cooling mode, the refrigerant can flow from the flow changing section 262 in the outdoor heat exchanger 210 be initiated. On the other hand, when the air conditioner is performing a heating operation, the refrigerant flows from the flow changing portion 262 to the indoor heat exchanger 300 the indoor unit.

Furthermore, the outdoor unit 200 a gas-liquid separator 250 on, the one with inlet sides of the multiple compressors 240 and 242 connected is.

The gas-liquid separator 250 can be designed so that it separates a gaseous refrigerant from the refrigerant before the refrigerant enters the compressors 240 and 242 is initiated. The separated gaseous refrigerant can be used in the compressors 240 and 242 be initiated.

When the air conditioner is performing the cooling operation, it can do so through the outdoor heat exchanger 210 flowing refrigerants into the third outdoor unit connection pipe 27 be initiated.

The outdoor heat exchange device 210 comprises several heat exchange sections 211 and 212 and an outdoor fan 218 . The multiple heat exchange sections 211 and 212 comprise a first heat exchange section 211 and a second heat exchange section 212 connected in parallel.

Furthermore, the outdoor heat exchange device comprises 210 a variable passage 220 for directing a flow of the coolant from an outlet side of the first heat exchange section 211 to an inlet side of the second heat exchange section 212 . The variable passage 220 extends from a first outlet pipe 230 that is an outlet-side pipe of the first heat exchange section 211 is to an inlet pipe 212a that is an inlet side tube of the second heat exchange section 212 is.

A first valve 222 for selectively blocking a flow of the to the variable passage 220 flowing coolant is in the outdoor heat exchange device 210 intended. That through the first heat exchange section 211 flowing coolant can selectively enter the second heat exchange section 212 be initiated, depending on whether the first valve 222 is on or off.

More precisely when the first valve 222 is switched on or open, the flows through the first heat exchange section 211 coolant flowing through the variable passage 220 into the first inlet pipe 212a and then becomes in the second heat exchange section 212 heat exchanged. Furthermore, this can be the second heat exchange section 212 coolant flowing through through a second outlet pipe 231 into the third outdoor unit connection pipe 27 be initiated.

However, if the first valve 222 is switched off or closed, this can be done by the first heat exchange section 211 flowing coolant through the first outlet pipe 230 into the third outdoor unit connection pipe 27 be initiated.

A second valve 232 for adjusting a flow of the coolant is in the first outlet pipe 230 arranged, and a third valve 233 for adjusting a flow of the coolant is in the second outlet pipe 231 arranged. The second valve 232 and the third valve 233 can be connected to each other in parallel.

When the second valve 232 is opened or when its opening degree increases, one can through the first exhaust pipe 230 increasing the amount of coolant flowing. Furthermore, when the third valve 233 is opened or if its opening degree increases, one can through the second outlet pipe 231 increasing the amount of coolant flowing.

Both the second valve 232 as well as the third valve 233 may include an electronic expansion valve (EEV).

The EEV can set an opening degree so that a pressure of the coolant flowing through the expansion valve can decrease. For example, when the expansion valve is fully opened, the refrigerant can flow through the expansion valve without loss of pressure, and when the opening degree of the expansion valve decreases, the refrigerant can be decompressed. The degree of decompression of the coolant can increase as the degree of opening decreases.

The first exhaust pipe 230 and the second outlet pipe 231 are combined with each other and with the third outdoor unit connecting pipe 27 connected.

The air conditioner 1 can also include outdoor unit connection pipes 21 , 25th and 27 that include the outdoor unit 200 with the heat exchange device 100 associate.

The outdoor unit connection pipes 21 , 25th and 27 can be a first outdoor unit connecting pipe 21 as a gas pipe (a high pressure gas pipe) through which a high pressure gas refrigerant flows, a second outdoor unit connection pipe 25th as a gas pipe (a low-pressure gas pipe) through which a low-pressure gas refrigerant flows and a third outdoor unit connection pipe 27 as a liquid pipe through which a liquid coolant flows.

That is, the outdoor unit 200 and the heat exchange device 100 can have a “three-pipe connection structure”, and the refrigerant can pass through the three connection pipes 21 , 25th and 27 through the outdoor unit 200 and the heat exchange device 100 stream.

In addition, the heat exchange device 100 three inner tubes 11 , 15th and 17th have and with the three outdoor unit connection pipes 21 , 25th and 27 be connected, and the three inner tubes 11 , 15th and 17th can with the heat exchange device 100 be connected.

The heat exchange device 100 and the indoor unit 50 can through a second fluid be fluid-connected. For example, the second fluid can comprise water.

The water can pass through a water passage of a heat exchanger in the heat exchange device 100 is provided, and the outdoor unit 200 stream.

The heat exchange device 100 can have multiple heat exchangers 140 and 141 include. Each of the heat exchangers 140 and 141 can for example comprise a plate heat exchanger.

The indoor unit 50 can have multiple indoor units 60 and 70 include. In this embodiment, the number of the plural indoor units is 60 and 70 not restricted. In 1 are for example two indoor units 60 and 70 with the heat exchange device 100 connected.

The multiple indoor units 60 and 70 can be a first indoor unit 60 and a second indoor unit 70 include.

The air conditioner 1 can also use pipes 30th and 35 having the heat exchange device 100 with the indoor unit 50 associate.

The pipes 30th and 35 can be a first indoor unit connecting pipe 30th and a second indoor unit connecting pipe 35 include that the heat exchange device 100 with each of the indoor units 60 and 70 associate.

The water can be drawn from the indoor unit connection pipes 30th and 35 through the heat exchange device 100 and the indoor unit 50 circulate.

As the number of indoor units increases, so does the number of tubes that make up the heat exchange device 100a connect to the indoor units, increase.

According to the configuration described above, these are achieved by the outdoor unit 200 and the heat exchange device 100 circulating coolant and that through the heat exchange device 100 and the indoor unit 50 circulating water through the in the heat exchange device 100 provided heat exchanger 140 and 141 heat exchanged with each other.

The water cooled or heated by the heat exchange can be transferred to the indoor heat exchangers 61 and 71 be exchanged heat in order to carry out cooling or heating in the interior.

The number of multiple heat exchangers provided 140 and 141 can be equal to the number of multiple indoor units 60 and 70 being. Alternatively, two or more indoor units can be connected to one heat exchanger.

The following is the heat exchange device 100 described in detail.

The heat exchange device 100 can have a first heat exchanger 140 and a second heat exchanger 141 included with the indoor unit 60 or. 70 are fluid-connected.

The first heat exchanger 140 and the second heat exchanger 141 can have the same structure.

Each of the heat exchangers 140 and 141 may comprise a plate heat exchanger, for example, and the water passage and the coolant passage may be stacked alternately.

Each of the heat exchangers 140 and 141 can coolant passages 140a and 141a and water passages 140b and 141b include.

The coolant passages 140a and 141a can with the outdoor unit 200 be fluid-connected, and that from the external unit 200 Discharged coolant can enter the coolant passages 140a and 141a can be initiated, and then that can be the coolant passages 140a and 141a coolant flowing through into the external unit 200 be initiated.

Each of the water passages 140b and 141b can be used with any of the indoor units 60 and 70 connected from each of the indoor units 60 and 70 Drained water can enter the water passages 140b and 141b can be initiated, and then that can be the water passages 140b and 141b flowing water into each of the indoor units 60 and 70 be initiated.

The heat exchange device 100 can be a first branch pipe 101 and a second branch pipe 102 include that of the first inner tube 11 branch off.

For example, high pressure coolant can flow through the first branch pipe 101 and the second branch pipe 102 stream. Therefore, the first branch pipe 101 and the second branch pipe 102 are referred to as high pressure pipes.

In the first branch pipes 101 and the second branch pipes 102 can first valves 103 or. 104 be provided.

The number of from the first inner tube 11 branch pipes is not limited.

The heat exchange device 100 can have a third branch pipe 105 and a fourth branch pipe 106 include that of the second inner tube 15th branch off.

For example, a low pressure coolant can pass through the third branch pipe 105 and the fourth branch pipe 106 stream. Therefore, the third branch pipe 105 and the fourth branch pipe 106 for example, be referred to as low pressure pipes.

In the third branch pipe 105 and in the fourth branch pipe 106 can second valves 107 or. 108 be provided.

The number of from the second inner tube 15th branch pipes is not limited.

A flow control valve 161 can also be in the second inner tube 15th be provided.

For example, a valve 163 in the second inner tube 15th be provided, and the flow control valve 161 can be parallel to the valve 163 be provided. The valve 163 can be a solenoid valve.

More specifically, the flow control valve 161 in the bypass pipe 162 be provided by the second inner tube 15th branches off, and the valve 163 can between the branch section 162a that is an inlet side and a combination portion 162b , the one outlet side of the branch portion 162a is to be arranged.

For example, the bypass pipe 162 at the branch section 162a and at the combination section 162b with the second inner tube 15th be connected, and at least part of the through the second inner tube 15th flowing coolant can go to the bypass pipe 162 stream.

An evaporation pressure of the second inner tube 15th can be adjusted by adjusting an amount of the through the second inner tube 15th through the flow control valve 161 flowing coolant can be controlled.

Furthermore, the second inner tube 15th a pressure sensor 164 for measuring a pressure of the second inner pipe 15th include.

For example, the pressure sensor 164 on the outlet side of the second inner tube 15th be provided. More precisely, the pressure sensor 164 between the branch pipes 105 and 106 of the second inner tube 15th and the flow control valve 161 be provided.

The heat exchange device 100 comprises a first common gas pipe 111 with which the first branch pipe 101 and the third branch pipe 105 are connected, and a second common gas pipe 112 with which the second branch pipe 102 and the fourth branch pipe are connected.

The first common gas pipe 111 can with one end of the coolant passage 140a each of the heat exchangers 140 and 141 be connected.

The coolant pipes 121 and 122 can connect each of the heat exchangers to the other end of the coolant passage 140 and 141 be connected.

The first coolant pipe 121 can with the first heat exchanger 140 be connected and the second coolant pipe 122 can with the second heat exchanger 141 be connected.

A first expansion valve 123 can in the first coolant pipe 121 be provided and a second expansion valve 124 can in the second coolant pipe 122 be provided.

The first coolant pipe 121 and the second coolant pipe 122 can with the third inner tube 17th be connected.

Each of the expansion valves 123 and 124 may for example comprise an electronic expansion valve (EEV).

The EEV can set an opening degree so that a pressure of the coolant flowing through the expansion valve can decrease. For example, when the expansion valve is fully opened, the refrigerant can flow through the expansion valve without loss of pressure, and when the opening degree of the expansion valve decreases, the refrigerant can be decompressed. The degree of decompression of the coolant can increase as the degree of opening decreases.

The heat exchange device 100 can also have a fifth branch pipe 113 include the third branch pipe 105 with the first common gas pipe 111 connects.

The fifth branch pipe 113 allows the coolant to pass through the second valve 107 of the third branch pipe 105 to bypass. A first control valve 114 can in the fifth branch pipe 113 be provided.

The heat exchange device 100 can also have a sixth branch pipe 115 include the fourth branch pipe 106 with the second common gas pipe 112 connects.

The sixth branch pipe 115 allows the coolant to pass through the second valve 108 the fourth Branch pipe 106 to bypass. A second control valve 116 can in the sixth branch pipe 115 be provided.

The first and second control valves 114 and 116 are valves that are suitable for setting a flow rate of the coolant. That is, the control valve 114 , 116 may be an electronic expansion valve capable of adjusting an opening degree.

The indoor unit connecting pipes 30th and 35 can heat exchanger inlet pipes 31 and 36 and heat exchanger outlet pipes 32 and 37 include.

Each of the heat exchanger inlet pipes 31 and 36 can pump 151 or. 152 exhibit.

Each of the heat exchanger inlet pipes 31 and 36 and each of the heat exchanger outlet pipes 32 and 37 can with the indoor heat exchanger 61 or. 71 be connected.

The heat exchanger inlet pipes 31 and 36 serve with regard to the indoor heat exchanger 61 and 71 as the indoor unit inlet pipes and the heat exchanger outlet pipes 32 and 37 serve with regard to the indoor heat exchanger 61 and 71 as indoor unit outlet pipes.

3 Fig. 13 is a circuit diagram showing the flow of coolant and water in the heat exchange device during the heating operation of the air conditioner according to an embodiment.

As in 3 can shown when the air conditioner 1 performs heating operation by the compressors 240 and 242 the outdoor unit 200 high pressure compressed gaseous refrigerant to the first outdoor unit connection pipe 21 and to the first inner tube 11 flow and then into the first branch pipe 101 and the second branch pipe 102 be branched.

When the air conditioner 1 performs the heating operation are the first valves 103 and 104 the first and second branch pipes 101 and 102 open and the second valves 107 and 108 the third and fourth branch pipes 105 and 106 are closed. Also the first and second bypass valves 114 and 116 are closed.

That in the first branch pipe 101 branched coolant flows along the first common gas pipe 111 and then flows into the coolant passage 140a of the first heat exchanger 140 .

That in the second branch pipe 102 branched coolant flows along the second common gas pipe 112 and then flows into the coolant passage 141a of the second heat exchanger 141 .

In this embodiment, if the air conditioner 1 performs the heating operation, each of the heat exchangers 140 and 141 serve as a capacitor.

When the air conditioner 1 performs heating operation are the first expansion valve 123 and the second expansion valve 124 open.

That the coolant passages 140a and 141a the heat exchanger 140 and 141 Coolant flowing through flows to the third inner tube 17th after it each of the expansion valves 123 and 124 has flowed through.

That in the third inner tube 17th Discharged coolant can enter the outdoor unit 200 can then be introduced into the compressors 240 and 242 be initiated. For example, it may be the third outdoor unit connecting pipe 27 Coolant flowing through to the external heat exchange device 210 stream.

That for performing heat exchange, the outdoor heat exchange device 210 Coolant flowing through can the second flow change section 262 flow through to in the multiple compressors 240 and 242 to stream. That of the several compressors 240 and 242 high pressure compressed refrigerant flows through the first outdoor unit connection pipe 21 back to the heat exchange device 100 .

That through the water passages of each of the heat exchangers 140 and 141 flowing water can be heated by the heat exchange with the coolant, and the heated water can be each of the indoor heat exchangers 61 and 71 can be supplied to perform heating.

During each of the heat exchangers 140 and 141 performs the heating operation, the valve 163 be open and the flow control valve 161 can be open, maximizing an opening degree.

That is, one to the second inner tube 15th The amount of coolant flowing can be maximized.

4th Fig. 13 is a circuit diagram showing the flow of coolant and water in the heat exchange device during the heating operation of the air conditioner according to an embodiment.

The heating-based simultaneous operation of the air conditioner means a case where the multiple indoor units work for heating. One of the heat exchangers can be used here 140 and 141 perform heat exchange for heating and the other can perform heat exchange for cooling.

As described above, for example, when the first heat exchanger is in operation 140 the first valve 103 of the first branch pipe 101 opened, the second valve of the third branch pipe 105 is closed and the first expansion valve 123 is open so that the coolant flows like in heating mode.

However, the first valve is 104 of the second branch pipe 102 closed and the second valve 108 of the fourth branch pipe 106 and the second expansion valve 124 are opened. Furthermore, the bypass valves 114 and 116 closed.

That is, the one from the third inner tube 17th branched off and the second coolant pipe 122 supplied coolant can be reduced to a low pressure coolant while it is through the second expansion valve 124 flows.

The decompressed coolant is exchanged with water along the coolant passage of the second heat exchanger 141 evaporates and then flows to the second common gas pipe 112 . That to the second common gas pipe 112 flowing coolant flows through the fourth branch pipe 106 to get into the second inner tube 15th to stream.

That about the external unit 200 Flowing refrigerant can also flow in the same way as when the air conditioner 1 carries out heating operation.

When the air conditioner 1 performs the heating-based simultaneous operation, an evaporation temperature of the heat exchanger performing heat exchange for cooling may drop below zero or below, and therefore there is a danger of freezing and breakage.

Therefore, it is possible to determine an evaporation pressure of the second inner pipe 15th increase by going through that in the second inner tube 15th arranged flow control valve 161 a pressure drop is applied.

That is, if the air conditioner 1 works in heating-based simultaneous operation, the valve can 163 be closed, and only the flow control valve 161 can be opened to one through the second inner tube 15th adjust the amount of coolant flowing.

For example, the amount of coolant can be adjusted so that the evaporation temperature corresponds to one from the pressure sensor 164 measured pressure exceeds 0 ° C.

5 FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram showing the flow of coolant and water in the heat exchange device during a cooling operation of the air conditioner according to an embodiment, and FIG 6th Fig. 13 is a circuit diagram showing the flow of coolant and water in the heat exchange device during cooling-based simultaneous operation of the air conditioner according to an embodiment.

As in 5 can shown when the air conditioner 1 performs the cooling operation in the outdoor heat exchanger 210 the outdoor unit 200 condensed high pressure liquid refrigerants through the third outdoor unit connection pipe 27 and the third inner tube 17th flow and then into the first coolant tube 121 and the second coolant pipe 122 be distributed.

Because those in the first and second coolant pipes 121 and 122 provided expansion valves 123 and 124 are opened to a certain degree, the refrigerant can be decompressed into the low pressure refrigerant as it passes through the expansion valves 123 and 124 flows.

The decompressed coolant can be heat exchanged with the water and thereby evaporated as it moves along the coolant passages 140a and 141a the heat exchanger 140 and 141 flows.

That is, if the air conditioner 1 performs the cooling operation, each of the heat exchangers can 140 and 141 serve as a vaporizer.

While the air conditioner 1 performs the cooling operation are the first valves 103 and 104 the first and second branch pipes 101 and 102 closed, and the second valves 107 and 108 the third and fourth branch pipes 105 and 106 are opened. Also the bypass valves 114 and 116 are closed.

Therefore, it flows through the coolant passages 140a and 141a the heat exchanger 140 and 141 coolant flowing through to each of the common gas pipes 111 and 112 .

That to each of the common gas pipes 111 and 112 flowing coolant flows into the second inner tube 15th after it through the third and fourth branch pipes 105 and 106 has streamed.

That in the second inner tube 15th Discharged coolant can enter the outdoor unit 200 initiated and into the compressor 240 be sucked. The one from the compressors 240 and 242 Compressed high pressure coolant can be used in the outdoor heat exchanger 210 can be condensed, and the condensed liquid refrigerant can be returned along the third outdoor unit connection pipe 27 stream.

Since the flow of water is equal to that in 3 is the flow described, a corresponding detailed description is dispensed with.

6th Fig. 13 shows a flow of coolant and water when the heat exchange device 1 performs the cooling-based simultaneous operation, that is, when the multiple indoor units are performing the cooling operation.

That is, one of the heat exchangers 140 and 141 can do the heat exchange for heating and the other can do the heat exchange for cooling. The external unit can 200 equal to the external unit of the in 5 be described in the cooling mode.

During each of the heat exchangers 140 and 141 performs the heating operation, the valve 163 be open and the flow control valve 161 can be open, maximizing an opening degree.

That is, one to the second inner tube 15th The amount of coolant flowing can be maximized.

7th Fig. 13 is a graphic view showing a set range of a pressure sensor value of an air conditioner according to an embodiment.

7th shows that the opening degree of the flow control valve 161 is controlled by the low pressure gas pipe, that is, by the pressure or the temperature of the second inner pipe 25th .

More specifically, the flow control valve 161 adjust the amount of coolant so that the pressure sensor 164 measured pressure decreases to belong to a predetermined pressure range. The predetermined pressure range may be a range extending from a first pressure P1 to the second pressure P2.

For example, if the one from the pressure sensor 164 measured pressure is lower than the first pressure P1, the opening degree of the flow control valve increases 161 from, and if that from the pressure sensor 164 measured pressure exceeds the second pressure P2, the opening degree of the flow control valve may increase.

The reference to the constant pressure range means a range in which the temperature of the coolant corresponding to the pressure exceeds 0 ° C.

More specifically, the first pressure P1 means a pressure at which the evaporation temperature of the second inner tube 25th exceeds 0 ° C corresponding to the first pressure P1. That is, an evaporation temperature T1 of the second inner pipe 25th corresponding to the first pressure P1 can be greater than 0 ° C.

So that the heat exchange device 100 works, the second inner tube must also 25th function as the low pressure gas pipe, and therefore the second inner pipe 25th be kept at a pressure lower than a certain pressure. That is, the one from the pressure sensor 164 measured pressure can be equal to or lower than the second pressure P2.

For example, the first pressure P1 can be approximately 740 kPaG, the second pressure P2 can be approximately 800 kPaG.

According to the embodiment, when the evaporation pressure of the heat exchanger provided in the outdoor unit decreases due to the low temperature of the external environment during the heating-based simultaneous operation, the evaporation pressure of the heat exchanger provided in the heat exchange device can also decrease to prevent the heat exchanger from freezing.

In addition, the flow rate of the low pressure gas pipe can be adjusted to control the evaporation temperature of the low pressure gas pipe to be kept at 0 ° C or higher, thereby preventing the heat exchanger provided in the heat exchange device from freezing.

In addition, since the flow rate of the compressor increases without being affected by the evaporation pressure of the heat exchanger provided in the outdoor unit, it may be possible to effectively prevent the heating performance from deteriorating.

Claims (15)

An air conditioner comprising: an outdoor unit (200) through which a refrigerant circulates, an indoor unit (50) through which water circulates, a heat exchange device (100) configured to connect the outdoor unit (200) with the indoor unit (50) connect, and in which the coolant and the water are heat exchanged with each other, a first inner pipe (11) formed, the outdoor unit (200) with the heat exchange device (100) and through which a high-pressure refrigerant flows, a second inner pipe (15) which is configured to connect the outdoor unit (200) to the heat exchange device (100) and through which a low-pressure refrigerant flows, and a third inner pipe ( 17) configured to connect the outdoor unit (200) to the heat exchange device (100) and through which a liquid coolant flows, the heat exchange device (100) comprising: a bypass pipe (162) formed, the second inner pipe (15) and a flow control valve (161) provided in the bypass pipe (162). Air conditioning after Claim 1 wherein the heat exchange device (100) further comprises: a branch portion (162a) at which one end of the bypass pipe (162) is connected to the second inner pipe (15), and a combination portion (162b) at which the other end of the bypass pipe ( 162) is connected to the second inner tube (15). Air conditioning after Claim 2 wherein the heat exchange device (100) further comprises a valve (163) provided between the branch portion (162a) and the combination portion (162b). Air conditioning after Claim 3 , wherein a pressure sensor (164) is provided in the second inner tube (15). Air conditioning after Claim 4 , wherein the pressure sensor (164) is configured to measure a pressure of the coolant before the coolant is branched at the branch section (162a). Air conditioning after Claim 4 or 5 wherein, when performing heating based simultaneous operation, the valve (163) is closed. Air conditioning after Claim 6 wherein an opening degree of the flow control valve (161) can be adjusted so that a pressure measured by the pressure sensor (164) belongs to a pressure range which extends from a first pressure (P1) to a second pressure (P2). Air conditioning after Claim 7 wherein when the pressure measured by the pressure sensor (164) is lower than the first pressure (P1), the air conditioning system is configured to decrease the opening degree of the flow control valve (161), and when the pressure measured by the pressure sensor (164) is the second pressure (P2), the air conditioner is configured to increase the opening degree of the flow control valve (161). Air conditioning after Claim 8 , wherein an evaporation temperature of the second inner tube (15) exceeds 0 ° C depending on the first pressure (P1). Air conditioning after Claim 3 wherein, when performing a heating operation, the air conditioner is configured to open the flow control valve (161) to a maximum degree of opening. Air conditioning according to one of the Claims 1 until 10 wherein the heat exchange device (100) comprises: a first heat exchanger (140) and a second heat exchanger (141), a first branch pipe (101) and a second branch pipe (102) branching off from the first inner pipe (11), and a third branch pipe (105) and a fourth branch pipe (106) which branch off from the second inner pipe (15). Air conditioning after Claim 11 further comprising: a first valve (103, 104) provided in each of the first branch pipe (101) and the second branch pipe (102), and a second valve (107, 108) provided in each of the third branch pipe ( 105) and the fourth branch pipe (106) is provided. Air conditioning according to one of the Claims 1 until 11 further comprising: a first coolant pipe (121) and a second coolant pipe (122) branching off from the third inner pipe (17), a first expansion valve (123) provided in the first coolant pipe (121), and a second expansion valve ( 124) provided in the second coolant pipe (122). Air conditioning after Claim 11 further comprising: a first common gas pipe (111) to which the first branch pipe (101) and the third branch pipe (105) are connected, a fifth branch pipe (113) formed, the second branch pipe (102) with a the second common gas pipe (112), a first bypass valve provided in the fifth branch pipe (113), the second common gas pipe (112) to which a second branch pipe (102) and a fourth branch pipe (106) are connected sixth branch pipe (115) configured to connect the fourth branch pipe (106) to the second common gas pipe (112); and a second bypass valve provided in the sixth branch pipe (115). Air conditioning according to one of the Claims 11 until 14th wherein each of the heat exchangers (140, 141) comprises: a coolant passage (140a, 141a) through which the coolant flows, and a water passage (140b, 141b) through which the water flowing with the coolant in the The coolant passage (140a, 141a) is to be heat exchanged, the water flowing through the water passage flowing to the indoor unit (50).

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