EP1959204B1 - Air/water heat exchange apparatus - Google Patents
Air/water heat exchange apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1959204B1 EP1959204B1 EP20080000874 EP08000874A EP1959204B1 EP 1959204 B1 EP1959204 B1 EP 1959204B1 EP 20080000874 EP20080000874 EP 20080000874 EP 08000874 A EP08000874 A EP 08000874A EP 1959204 B1 EP1959204 B1 EP 1959204B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- heat exchanger
- refrigerant
- air
- water
- plate heat
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Not-in-force
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- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims description 104
- 239000003507 refrigerant Substances 0.000 claims description 125
- 239000011810 insulating material Substances 0.000 claims description 40
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 11
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 10
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 7
- 239000000498 cooling water Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000008236 heating water Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000005219 brazing Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000005057 refrigeration Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 4
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005728 strengthening Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000004378 air conditioning Methods 0.000 description 2
- 210000000078 claw Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000003209 petroleum derivative Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000002159 abnormal effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- AZDRQVAHHNSJOQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N alumane Chemical group [AlH3] AZDRQVAHHNSJOQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000005253 cladding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001143 conditioned effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011162 core material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000018109 developmental process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010030 laminating Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000001131 transforming effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
- F24F1/06—Separate outdoor units, e.g. outdoor unit to be linked to a separate room comprising a compressor and a heat exchanger
- F24F1/08—Compressors specially adapted for separate outdoor units
- F24F1/12—Vibration or noise prevention thereof
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
- F24F1/06—Separate outdoor units, e.g. outdoor unit to be linked to a separate room comprising a compressor and a heat exchanger
- F24F1/14—Heat exchangers specially adapted for separate outdoor units
- F24F1/16—Arrangement or mounting thereof
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
- F24F1/06—Separate outdoor units, e.g. outdoor unit to be linked to a separate room comprising a compressor and a heat exchanger
- F24F1/46—Component arrangements in separate outdoor units
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
- F24F1/06—Separate outdoor units, e.g. outdoor unit to be linked to a separate room comprising a compressor and a heat exchanger
- F24F1/46—Component arrangements in separate outdoor units
- F24F1/48—Component arrangements in separate outdoor units characterised by air airflow, e.g. inlet or outlet airflow
- F24F1/54—Inlet and outlet arranged on opposite sides
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/20—Casings or covers
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an air/water heat exchange apparatus that heats or cools water by using a refrigeration cycle.
- the plate type subcool heat exchanger to be installed in a machine room of an outdoor unit of refrigeration cycle equipment has been introduced (See e.g. Patent Document 1).
- the plate type subcool heat exchanger is formed to include five plate materials, i.e., a first end plate, a first flow channel plate, a partition plate, a second flow channel plate, and a second end plate.
- the first end plate is an aluminum plate, and formed to include a first inlet pipe for letting a main refrigerant A flow in and a second outlet pipe for letting a bypassed refrigerant B at low temperature flow out.
- the first flow channel plate, with an aluminum core material is made from a brazing sheet with cladding of aluminum, as a brazing material, on both sides.
- the first flow channel plate is formed to include a flow channel for letting the main refrigerant A pass through, and a hole for letting the low-temperature bypassed refrigerant B pass through.
- the partition plate is an aluminum plate, and formed to include a hole for letting the main refrigerant A pass through and a hole for letting the bypassed refrigerant B pass through.
- the second flow channel plate is made from a brazing sheet, and formed to include a flow channel for letting the bypassed refrigerant B pass through, and a hole for letting the main refrigerant A pass through.
- the second end plate is formed to include a first outlet pipe to let the main refrigerant A flow out, and a second inlet pipe to let the low-temperature bypassed refrigerant flow in. These five plate materials are combined and then heated together in an atmosphere furnace to be joined.
- the heat pump air conditioner and water heater is formed to include a hot water storage tank on one side of a frame body.
- On the other side are an outdoor heat exchanger and a fan provided at the upper portion, and a compressor, a water-refrigerant heat exchanger and a water circulation pump provided at the lower portion.
- On both or either of a top surface and a side surface facing the outdoor heat exchanger are suction openings provided.
- On a front surface is a discharge opening provided. Therefore, the hot water storing tank, the outdoor heat exchanger, the fan, etc. may be stored neatly within a single frame body.
- the outdoor heat exchanger can exchange heat normally with fresh air sucked from the top surface or the side surface of the frame body. Therefore, the outdoor heat exchanger can be installed close to wall of a house without gap.
- radiator heating mainly uses petroleum products as the heat source. Therefore, there has been a growing demand for replacing the petroleum products by a highly energy efficient heat pump heating system.
- An inverter heat pump heater can achieve low running costs by the use of R410A as a refrigerant.
- the fan coil unit is an assembly of a heat exchanger (a coil), a fan motor unit, and an air filter.
- the fan coil unit is used mainly for regulating room temperature while the required amount of fresh air is conditioned by an air conditioner.
- a method of installing a plate heat exchanger has been introduced (See e.g. Patent Document 3). According to this method, mounting hardware with screw holes is mounted on the back of the plate heat exchanger.
- the mounting hardware is screwed, for example, on a sheet metal base for the plate heat exchanger mounted on a hot water storage tank by spot welding.
- a plate heat exchanger that is used as a subcool heat exchanger described in the Patent Document 1 it is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner that exchanges heat between refrigerants. On-site refrigerant pipework is therefore required for connecting the outdoor unit to an indoor unit.
- a plate heat exchanger is fastened by screws and bolts and secured firmly to a heavy object such as a hot water storage tank and a pump.
- vibration transmitted from vibrating equipment, such as a compressor, a pump, etc. may be absorbed by transforming connection pipes for fluid circulation. Accordingly, stress on the connection pipes for fluid circulation is increased, and thereby the damage probability is increased.
- JP 2001 201107 A describes a heat pump device which is provided with a refrigerant circuit, a water-circulating circuit equipped with an indoor heat exchanger, and a plate-type heat exchanger.
- the heat exchanger is constituted by successively laminating a refrigerant plate, a water plate and a partition plate upon another and is provided with end plates at both ends and makes heat exchange between the refrigerant and water.
- Embodiments of this invention are designed to solve problems as described above. It is an object to provide a cost saving and energy efficient air/water heat exchange apparatus by utilizing parts of an outdoor unit designed for a separate type air conditioner, and thus utilizing existing plant and equipment.
- FIG. 1 shows an outline view of an outdoor unit 1.
- Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of an internal structure of the outdoor unit 1.
- Fig. 3 shows a top view of an internal structure of the outdoor unit 1.
- Fig. 4 shows a refrigerant circuit.
- Fig. 5 shows an exploded perspective view of a plate heat exchanger 9.
- Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of an internal structure of the outdoor unit 1.
- outdoor unit 1 looks very similar to an outdoor unit for a separate type air conditioner.
- the outdoor unit 1 has a front grill 1a on the font side, through which air is blown out.
- the outdoor unit 1 produces hot water by heating water and cold water by cooling water, for example, in a refrigeration cycle.
- the outdoor unit 1 is an air/water heat exchange apparatus as a type of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.
- the outdoor unit 1 is characterized by containing a closed refrigerant circuit. On site, therefore, installation requires nothing but water pipework.
- the outdoor unit 1 is also characterized in that an existing outdoor unit for an air conditioner may be utilized.
- the outdoor unit 1 contains a fan room 2 and a machine room 4, which are separated by a separator 7.
- the fan room 2 contains an air-refrigerant heat exchanger 6 that exchanges heat between air and a refrigerant, a fan 3 that sends air to the air-refrigerant exchanger 6, etc.
- the outdoor unit 1 also has a box placed over the machine room 4 for storing electrical parts, which does not appear in the figures.
- the machine room 4 contains a compressor 5 that compress a refrigerant, an accumulator 8 that is placed on a suction side of the compressor 5 to hold the refrigerant, a four-way valve 10 that switches the flow of the refrigerant, a plate heat exchanger 9 that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and water, electronic expansion valves 15a and 15b that decompress the refrigerant, etc.
- the compressor 5 is equipped with a suction muffler 5a on a suction side.
- R410A is used for the refrigerant, and the compressor 5 is inverter-driven and operated by heat pumping. This may contribute to energy saving and CO 2 reduction.
- the plate heat exchanger 9 is formed to have a refrigerant pipe connecting port 9a on the front surface, and a water pipe connecting port 9b on the back surface thereof.
- the plate heat exchanger 9 is encased with a cover case, which does not appear in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 .
- Fig. 4 shows a block diagram of the refrigerant circuit.
- Fig. 4 shows a case of supplying a high-pressure and high-temperature gas refrigerant from the compressor 5 to plate heat exchanger 9 to heat water that enters a water circuit of the plate heat exchanger 9.
- the compressor 5 compresses the refrigerant (e.g., R410A) to the high-pressure and high-temperature gas refrigerant, which is then supplied to the plate heat exchanger 9 via the four-way valve 10.
- the plate heat exchanger 9 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and water, which flow in opposite directions there, to heat the water.
- a liquid refrigerant flowing out of the plate heat exchanger 9 is subcooled by the electronic expansion valve 15b, and enters the accumulator 8.
- the liquid refrigerant is reduced in pressure by the electronic expansion valve 15a to become a two-phase refrigerant.
- the two-phase refrigerant is evaporated in the air-refrigerant heat exchanger 6 to become a low pressure gas refrigerant.
- the low pressure gas refrigerant returns to the compressor 5 through the suction muffler 5a via the four-way valve 10.
- High-temperature water heated by the plate heat exchanger 9 is supplied to a hot water tank, a fan coil unit, etc., which do not appear in the figures.
- the flow direction of the refrigerant is opposite to that described above.
- the compressor 5 cools a refrigerant (e.g., R410A) to produce a high-pressure and high-temperature gas refrigerant, which is supplied to the air-refrigerant heat exchanger 6 via the four-way valve 10.
- a liquid refrigerant from the air-refrigerant heat exchanger 6 is subcooled by the electronic expansion valve 15a and enters the accumulator 8.
- the liquid refrigerant is reduced in pressure by the electronic expansion valve 15b to become a two-phase refrigerant.
- the two-phase refrigerant is evaporated in the plate heat exchanger 9 to become a low pressure gas refrigerant.
- the plate heat exchanger 9 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and water, which flow in parallel there, to cool the water.
- the low pressure gas refrigerant from the plate heat exchanger 9 returns to the compressor 5 through the suction muffler 5a via the four-way valve 10.
- Water cooled in the plate heat exchanger 9 is supplied to a fan coil unit, for example, to be used for air conditioning, etc.
- water pipework is performed on site to connect water pipes to the water pipe connecting port 9b formed on the back surface of the plate heat exchanger 9.
- R410A for the refrigerant may meet CO 2 emission reduction measures under European energy policies.
- FIG. 3 A further description will be give of a layout of parts in the machine room 4 with reference to Fig. 3 .
- the compressor 5, the heaviest part in the machine room 4 is placed on the separator 7 side, while the suction muffler 5a, with a relatively large surface area, is placed near the center of the machine room 4. This may allow for effective use of space in the machine room 4.
- the accumulator 8 is placed next to the compressor 5 at an end of the outdoor unit 1 in the longitudinal direction (in a corner at the front side of the outdoor unit 1).
- the compressor 5 and the accumulator 8 are placed at the front side of the outdoor unit 1 (at the lower side in the case of Fig. 2 ).
- the plate heat exchanger 9 is placed at the back side of the accumulator 8 and the compressor 5 (in a corner at the back side of the outdoor unit 1).
- the plate heat exchanger 9 is formed to have the refrigerant pipe connecting port 9a at the front side and the water pipe connecting port 9b at the back side (See Fig. 3 ).
- the machine room 4, thus containing the compressor 5, the accumulator 8, and the plate heat exchanger 9, may have neat connections of refrigerant pipes within the machine room 4. This may achieve well balanced weight distribution.
- the plate heat exchanger 9 is of an ordinary existing type, and therefore will not be discussed about the structure here in detail.
- Fig. 5 shows a brief description of an internal structure of the plate heat exchanger 9.
- the plate heat exchanger 9 of Fig. 5 is shown without a cylindrical body of a cover that encases the plate heat exchanger 9.
- the plate heat exchanger 9 has the refrigerant pipe connecting ports 9a formed on one of end plates 9d and the water pipe connecting ports 9b formed on the other end plate 9d.
- a refrigerant flow channels 9e and a water flow channels 9f are arranged alternately in gaps between the heat transfer plates 9c through the plurality of heat transfer plates 9c.
- the heat transfer plates 9c are formed to include refrigerant communicating holes 9g, respectively, to connect the refrigerant flow channels 9e with the refrigerant pipe connecting ports 9a, respectively.
- the heat transfer plates 9c are also formed to include the water communicating holes 9h, respectively, to connect the water flow channels 9f with the water pipe connecting ports 9b, respectively.
- the water pipe connecting ports 9b of the plate heat exchanger 9 may be formed on the side of the outdoor unit 1.
- the air/water heat exchange apparatus is allowed to utilize most parts of an outdoor unit designed for a separate type air conditioner. This may result in providing the market with a cost saving and energy efficient air/water heat exchange apparatus by the utilization of existing plant and equipment.
- the outdoor unit 1 looks very similar, design-wise, from an anterior view to an outdoor unit of an air conditioner. Therefore, when the water pipe connecting ports 9b are provided at the back or side of the outdoor unit 1, water pipework is allowed to be done in a similar manner to that of connecting an outdoor unit and an indoor unit of an air conditioner via refrigerant pipes.
- FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an internal structure of the outdoor unit 1.
- Fig. 8 shows an enlarged view of a part of a stay 11.
- a stay 11 (an example of a strengthening member) is screwed to the separator 7 and a side panel 12 of the outdoor unit 1 to increase the strength of the structure of the outdoor unit 1.
- the stay 11, as shown in Fig. 8 includes a U-shaped cut 11a or a notch 11b.
- the U-shaped cut 11a or the notch 11b may be used, for convenience sake, to hold a pressure meter 13 (See Fig. 7 ) for checking the pressure of the refrigerant temporarily at a regular check of the outdoor unit 1, for example.
- the stay 11 also includes a band 14, and therefore has a function to fix a cable for power supply or for communication.
- the use of the stay 11 as the strengthening member inside the outdoor unit 1, of this embodiment, may improve the strength of the structure of the outdoor unit 1.
- the use of a cutout, such as the U-shaped cut 11a or the notch 11b, may provide a temporary and steady place for necessary tools, such as a pressure meter, etc at a regular check.
- the four-way valve 10 is provided to switch the flow of refrigerant to heat and cool water.
- the four-way valve may be eliminated in the case of either heating or cooling water.
- the air/water heat exchange apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention may include the outdoor unit that may be separated by the separator into the fan room and the machine room.
- the fan room may include an air-refrigerant heat exchanger that exchanges heat between air and the refrigerant and the fan that sends the air to the air-refrigerant heat exchanger.
- the machine room may include the compressor that compresses the refrigerant, the plate heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and water, the electronic expansion valves, and the accumulator that accumulates the refrigerant.
- the outdoor unit contains the closed refrigerant circuit, which includes the compressor, the plate heat exchanger, the electronic valves, the air-refrigerant heat exchanger, and the accumulator.
- the air/water heat exchange apparatus is allowed to utilize most parts of an outdoor unit designed for a separate type air conditioner. This may allow for providing the market with a cost saving and energy efficient air/water heat exchange apparatus, such as a water heater, of a refrigerant cycle type by the utilization of existing plant and equipment.
- a cost saving and energy efficient air/water heat exchange apparatus such as a water heater
- the refrigerant circuit is a closed circuit contained in a product, which may eliminate on-site refrigerant pipework.
- the accumulator may be placed on the side of the compressor in the longitudinal direction of the outdoor unit in the machine room, and the plate heat exchanger may be placed at the back of the compressor and the accumulator in the machine room.
- the plate heat exchanger may be formed to include the connecting port to the water circuit, which is located on the back or side surface of the outdoor unit. This may achieve neat and space-saving refrigerant pipe connection in the machine room with well balanced weight distribution.
- the outdoor unit may be formed to include the side panel as part of the housing of the outdoor unit.
- the separator and the side panel may be secured to the outdoor unit by means of the strengthening member. This may improve the strength of the structure of the outdoor unit.
- the air/water heat exchange apparatus may use R410A for the refrigerant. This may contribute to CO 2 emission reduction.
- the air/water heat exchange apparatus may include a four-way valve in the refrigerant circuit to switch the flow of the refrigerant. This may allow for both heating and cooling water.
- FIG. 9 shows an exploded perspective view of a main part of an internal structure of the outdoor unit 1 illustrating a method of installing the plate heat exchanger 9.
- Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of a main part of an internal structure of the outdoor unit 1.
- the plate heat exchanger 9 shown in Fig. 5 has the refrigerant pipe connecting ports 9a at the front side and the water pipe connecting ports 9b at the back side.
- the plate heat exchanger 9 is encased with a cover case, which does not appear in Fig. 5 .
- the plate heat exchanger 9 is covered all over, except for the refrigerant pipe connecting ports 9a and the water pipe connecting ports 9b, with a resilient thermal insulating material 102.
- the plate heat exchanger 9 is encased with a cover case part 103a (a first cover case part) and a cover case part 103b (a second cover case part) together.
- the cover case part 103a and the cover case part 103b are each formed to include three sides.
- the cover case parts 103a and 103b are a little smaller in shape than the outline of the plate heat exchanger 9 when covered with the resilient thermal insulating material 102.
- the cover case parts 103a and 103b are strong enough against the restoring force of the thermal insulating material 102 to keep their shape.
- the cover case parts 103a and 103b together encase the plate heat exchanger 9 covered with the resilient thermal insulating material 102 under compression.
- the cover case part 103a and the cover case part 103b are screwed to assemble a plate heat exchanger assembly 103.
- the plate heat exchanger assembly 103 is fixed temporarily to ease mounting work by sliding the cover case part 103a down until a claw 103c meets a fitting hole105b.
- the fitting hole 105b is formed on a base platform 105a that is fixed to a base board 105 by spot welding.
- the claw 103c is formed at the bottom portion of the cover case part 103a.
- the plate heat exchanger assembly 103 is finally screwed to the base platform 105a.
- the plate heat exchanger 9 is connected with refrigerant pipes 108 for refrigerant to circulate by the compressor 5, and water pipes 107a for water to circulate by a pump 107.
- the thermal insulating material 102 is a felt flat sheet, for example.
- the plate heat exchanger 9 is an approximate rectangular solid with six outer sides.
- the plate heat exchanger 9 is applied with six divided sheets of the thermal insulating material 102 for the respective six sides of the approximate hexahedron.
- the thermal insulating material 102 is approximately 20mm thick.
- the compression rate of the thermal insulating material 102 is approximately 60%.
- the thermal insulating material 102 thus divided into six flat sheets, may achieve accuracy of assembly, and also facilitate the efficiency of assembly.
- the cover case part 103a consists of a front wall, a top wall, and a side wall (a first side wall).
- the front wall includes two U shaped cuts 103d formed in upper and lower portions, respectively, for letting the refrigerant pipes 108 pass through.
- the U shaped cuts 103d are formed to have openings facing an assembly direction (the right direction in the case of Fig. 9 ). This may allow for the assembly of the cover case part 103a even after the refrigerant pipes 108 are welded and connected to the plate heat exchanger 9.
- the cover case part 103b consists of a back wall, bottom wall, and a side wall (a second side wall).
- the back wall of the cover case part 103b has two circular holes 103e in upper and lower portions thereof, respectively, to let the water pipe connecting ports 9b pass through.
- the plate heat exchanger 9 may have vibration transmitted from the compressor 5 or the pump 107 in operation, via the refrigerant pipes 108 and the water pipes 107a.
- the impact of water hammer caused by switching of operations may be transmitted as vibration to the plate heat exchanger 9 via the pipes.
- the resilient thermal insulating material 102 that covers the plate heat exchanger 9 may absorb vibration, and reduce stress on the refrigerant pipes 108 and the water pipes 107a.
- the resilient thermal insulating material 102 may support the plate heat exchanger 9 by surface pressure in case of a fall or drop, during transportation, etc., of the outdoor unit 1 that is manufactured by using the method of installing the plate heat exchanger 9 discussed above. This will not cause a major displacement in arrangement inside the place heat exchanger 9. This may result in an effect of reducing piping stress on the refrigerant pipes 108 and the water pipes 107a.
- a refrigerant circuit of the outdoor unit 1 discussed in the third embodiment is similar to that of the outdoor unit 1 shown in Fig. 5 discussed in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described here in detail.
- R410A is used for the refrigerant, which meets CO 2 emission reduction measures under European energy policies.
- the plate heat exchanger 9 is of an existing type described in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be discussed about the structure here in detail.
- FIG. 11 shows a cross sectional view illustrating an arrangement of an auxiliary support member 104, the cover case part 103a, and the plate heat exchanger 9.
- Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of the auxiliary support member 104.
- the thermal insulating material 102 is cut to create a space where the auxiliary member 104 is placed.
- the auxiliary support member 104 is placed to touch the inner wall of the cover case part 103a.
- the height (a horizontal length in the case of Fig. 11 ) of the auxiliary support member 104 is narrower than the thickness of the compressed thermal insulating material 102 in the plate heat exchanger assembly 103.
- a gap A is provided between the auxiliary support member 104 and the plate heat exchanger 9.
- the auxiliary support member 104 may hold and support the plate heat exchanger 9 when the thermal insulating material 102 is compressed by excessive force applied to reach the height of the auxiliary support member 104.
- the gap A between the plate heat exchanger 9 and the auxiliary support member 104 may be approximately 1mm to 4mm. When the gap A is 1mm or less, irregularity in size may cause interference between the plate heat exchanger 9 and the auxiliary support member 104. When the gap is 4mm or more, the auxiliary support member 104 does not function properly. (The auxiliary support member 104 cannot hold or support the plate heat exchanger 9 when the thermal insulating material 102 is compressed by excessive force up to the height of the auxiliary support member 104.)
- the auxiliary support member 104 is placed in the space created by cutting a part of the thermal insulating material 102 between the plate heat exchanger 9 and the cover case part 103a.
- the auxiliary support member 104 may also be placed in a space created by cutting a part of the thermal insulating material 102 between the plate heat exchanger 9 and the cover case part 103b, as well.
- the auxiliary support member 104 is a crank-shaped sheet metal part, as shown in Fig. 12 .
- the auxiliary support member 104 may be formed to create a cutout 104a on a surface on the plate heat exchanger 9 side.
- the plate heat exchanger 9 it is allowed for the plate heat exchanger 9 to touch the auxiliary support member 104 in case of a fall or drop of the outdoor unit 1 during transportation, etc.
- the amount of displacement in the plate heat exchanger 9 is thereby limited to a certain degree, regardless of the size of impact. This may result in an effect of limiting the amount of displacement of pipe connections.
- Fig. 13 shows a cross sectional view illustrating an arrangement of the auxiliary support member 104, the cover case 103a, and the plate heat exchanger 9.
- Fig. 13 shows that the thermal insulating material 102 is compressed and inserted between the inner walls of the auxiliary support member 104 and the cover case part 103a. This allows the thermal insulating material 102 to be held by the cover case part 103a, thereby improving efficiencies of manufacturing and assembly work and regular maintenance work of the plate heat exchanger assembly 103.
- the auxiliary support member 104 is formed to have the cutout 104a on the surface of the plate heat exchanger 9 side, as shown in Fig. 12 . This may facilitate the efficiency of compressing and inserting the thermal insulating material 102 between the inner walls of the auxiliary support member 104 and the cover case part 103a.
- the thermal insulating material 102 is compressed and inserted between the inner walls of the auxiliary support member 104 and the cover case part 103a.
- the thermal insulating material 102 may also be compressed and inserted in between the inner walls of the auxiliary support member 104 and the cover case part 103b, as well.
- the resilient thermal insulating material 102 thus sandwiched and held between the plate heat exchanger 9 and the cover case parts 103a and 103b, may remove the need of attaching the resilient thermal insulating material 102 to the plate heat exchanger 9 or the cover case parts 103a and 103b. This may have an effect of facilitating the efficiency of assembly work.
- the cover case parts 103a and 103b may be made of sheet metal.
- flammable materials such as the thermal insulating material 102, fitted around the plate heat exchanger 9
- the four-way valve 10 is provided to switch the flow of the refrigerant in order to both heat and cool water.
- the four-way valve 10, however, may be eliminated in the case of either heating or cooling water.
- the material, degree of thickness, and compression rate of the thermal insulating material 102 introduced in the aforementioned embodiments are only examples that are considered to be preferable. Other materials, etc. may also be applied to the aforementioned embodiments.
- the outdoor unit that is separated by the separator into the fan room and the machine room.
- the fan room may include an air-refrigerant heat exchanger that exchanges heat between air and the refrigerant, and the fan that sends the air to the air-refrigerant heat exchanger.
- the machine room may include the compressor that compresses the refrigerant, the plate heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and water, the electronic expansion valves, and the accumulator that accumulates the refrigerant.
- the outdoor unit has the closed refrigerant circuit, which includes the compressor, the plate heat exchanger, the electronic valves, the air-refrigerant heat exchanger, and the accumulator.
- the plate heat exchanger is covered with the resilient thermal insulating material.
- the air/water heat exchange apparatus may further include a cover case that encases the plate heat exchanger with the thermal insulating material under compression. Therefore, the thermal heat material, as a cushioning material, may absorb and distribute vibration generated by the compressor, pump, etc. in operation, which is transmitted to the plate heat exchanger via pipes for fluid circulation connected to the plate heat exchanger. This has an effect of reducing stress applied to the pipes for fluid circulation, thereby avoiding damage on the pipes, and also reducing resonantly generated abnormal sounds. Another effect may be based on the stable arrangement of the plate heat exchanger.
- the plate heat exchanger is formed to be held in a certain position against impact in case of a fall of the outdoor unit during transportation, and therefore a major displacement will not be caused in the plate heat exchanger. This allows for reducing stress applied to pipes connected to the plate heat exchanger, thereby thus avoiding damage on the pipes.
- the plate heat exchanger is formed to include the water pipe connecting port.
- the cover case is formed to include the first cover case part and the second cover case part.
- the first cover case part is formed to include the front wall, the top wall, and the first side wall, where the front wall is formed to include the U shaped cuts to let refrigerant pipes get out of the refrigerant circuit.
- the second cover case part that is formed to include the back wall, the bottom wall, and the second side wall, where the back wall is formed to include the circular holes to let the water pipe connecting port pass through. This may facilitate assembly of the cover case.
- the U shaped cut is formed to have the opening in the assembly direction. This may make the assemble work of the cover case possible even after the plate heat exchanger and the refrigerant pipes are welded.
- the plate heat exchanger is the approximate rectangular solid with six outer sides, and the six outer sides of the plate heat exchanger are covered, respectively, with the divided six sheets of the thermal insulating material. This may achieve accuracy of assembly with the divided sheets of the thermal insulating material, and also facilitate assembly.
- the auxiliary support member that is inserted between the plate heat exchanger and the cover case to provide complementarily support to the plate heat exchanger when the thermal insulating material is compressed excessively with excessive force applied by the plate heat exchanger.
- This may allow the plate heat exchanger to be supported by the auxiliary support member in case of a fall of the outdoor unit during transportation. Therefore, the amount of displacement in the plate heat exchanger may be limited to a certain degree, regardless of the size of impact. This therefore has an effect on limiting the amount of displacement of pipe connections.
- the thermal insulating material is compressed and inserted between the auxiliary support member and either the first cover case part or the second cover case part. This may hold the thermal insulating material within the cover case, thereby improving efficiencies of manufacturing and assembly work and regular maintenance work of the plate heat exchanger assembly.
- the cover case may be made of sheet metal. This may keep flammable materials, such as the thermal insulating material, fitted around the plate heat exchanger away from flames during the work of brazing the refrigerant pipes to the refrigerant pipe connecting port or the water pipes to the water pipe connecting port of the late heat exchanger. This may therefore restrict fire spread to flammable materials, thereby improving efficiencies of manufacturing products and regular maintenance work.
- flammable materials such as the thermal insulating material
- R410A may be used for the refrigerant. This may contribute to CO 2 emission reduction.
- the four-way valve may be included in the refrigerant circuit to switch the flow of the refrigerant. This may allow for both heating and cooling water.
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Description
- The present invention relates to an air/water heat exchange apparatus that heats or cools water by using a refrigeration cycle.
- A plate type subcool heat exchanger to be installed in a machine room of an outdoor unit of refrigeration cycle equipment has been introduced (See e.g. Patent Document 1). The plate type subcool heat exchanger is formed to include five plate materials, i.e., a first end plate, a first flow channel plate, a partition plate, a second flow channel plate, and a second end plate. The first end plate is an aluminum plate, and formed to include a first inlet pipe for letting a main refrigerant A flow in and a second outlet pipe for letting a bypassed refrigerant B at low temperature flow out. The first flow channel plate, with an aluminum core material, is made from a brazing sheet with cladding of aluminum, as a brazing material, on both sides. The first flow channel plate is formed to include a flow channel for letting the main refrigerant A pass through, and a hole for letting the low-temperature bypassed refrigerant B pass through. The partition plate is an aluminum plate, and formed to include a hole for letting the main refrigerant A pass through and a hole for letting the bypassed refrigerant B pass through. The second flow channel plate is made from a brazing sheet, and formed to include a flow channel for letting the bypassed refrigerant B pass through, and a hole for letting the main refrigerant A pass through. The second end plate is formed to include a first outlet pipe to let the main refrigerant A flow out, and a second inlet pipe to let the low-temperature bypassed refrigerant flow in. These five plate materials are combined and then heated together in an atmosphere furnace to be joined.
- A neat and space saving heat pump air conditioner and water heater, which can be installed without wasted space, has been introduced (See e.g. Patent Document 2). The heat pump air conditioner and water heater is formed to include a hot water storage tank on one side of a frame body. On the other side are an outdoor heat exchanger and a fan provided at the upper portion, and a compressor, a water-refrigerant heat exchanger and a water circulation pump provided at the lower portion. On both or either of a top surface and a side surface facing the outdoor heat exchanger are suction openings provided. On a front surface is a discharge opening provided. Therefore, the hot water storing tank, the outdoor heat exchanger, the fan, etc. may be stored neatly within a single frame body. The outdoor heat exchanger can exchange heat normally with fresh air sucked from the top surface or the side surface of the frame body. Therefore, the outdoor heat exchanger can be installed close to wall of a house without gap.
- In Europe, however, it is expected according to their energy policies that energy sources will be switched from oil to electricity very quickly. They used to have radiator heating, but their mainstream heating is currently radiant heating such as floor heating. Radiant heating mainly uses petroleum products as the heat source. Therefore, there has been a growing demand for replacing the petroleum products by a highly energy efficient heat pump heating system. An inverter heat pump heater can achieve low running costs by the use of R410A as a refrigerant.
- In the Southern European market, air/water heat exchange devices are dominant due to the housing and power source conditions. The air/water heat exchange devices are compact and produce hot water and cold water using a small amount of air. There is a large demand for these air/water heat exchange devices not only for heating water but also for other purposes by the connection to the local applications such as fan coil units. The fan coil unit is an assembly of a heat exchanger (a coil), a fan motor unit, and an air filter. The fan coil unit is used mainly for regulating room temperature while the required amount of fresh air is conditioned by an air conditioner.
- A method of installing a plate heat exchanger has been introduced (See e.g. Patent Document 3). According to this method, mounting hardware with screw holes is mounted on the back of the plate heat exchanger. The mounting hardware is screwed, for example, on a sheet metal base for the plate heat exchanger mounted on a hot water storage tank by spot welding.
- With a plate heat exchanger that is used as a subcool heat exchanger described in the Patent Document 1, it is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner that exchanges heat between refrigerants. On-site refrigerant pipework is therefore required for connecting the outdoor unit to an indoor unit.
- With the heat pump water heater described in the
Patent Document 2, CO2 refrigerant and water are used for heat exchange. This poses a problem: it is hardly acceptable under European energy policies and measures for reducing emissions that CO2 is used as a refrigerant. - With the method of installing a plate heat exchanger described in the
Patent Document 3, a plate heat exchanger is fastened by screws and bolts and secured firmly to a heavy object such as a hot water storage tank and a pump. This poses a problem: vibration transmitted from vibrating equipment, such as a compressor, a pump, etc., may be absorbed by transforming connection pipes for fluid circulation. Accordingly, stress on the connection pipes for fluid circulation is increased, and thereby the damage probability is increased. - Another problem has been posed by a different type of a plate heat exchanger from that of the
Patent Document 3, which is covered with thermal insulating materials, and mounted to support pillars on a housing etc. by bounding together by means of a thin resin band. The plate heat exchanger is not held firmly enough to stand against vibration during transportation or vibration transmitted from vibrating equipment, such as a compressor, a pump, etc., in operation. Accordingly, the arrangement of the plate heat exchanger cannot be stable in position. This results in applying stress to connection pipes for fluid circulation connected to the plate heat exchanger. -
JP 2001 201107 A - [Patent Document 1]
JP 8-270984 - [Patent Document 2]
JP 2005-83712 - [Patent Document 3]
JP 2005-147583 - Embodiments of this invention are designed to solve problems as described above. It is an object to provide a cost saving and energy efficient air/water heat exchange apparatus by utilizing parts of an outdoor unit designed for a separate type air conditioner, and thus utilizing existing plant and equipment.
- It is another object to provide an air/water heat exchange apparatus that may hold a plate heat exchanger with constant strength, and absorb and distribute undue vibration transmitted from vibrating equipment, such as a compressor, a pump, etc. This may result in the effect of reducing stress on connection pipes for fluid circulation, and also facilitating assembly work.
- These and other objects of the embodiments of the present invention are accomplished by the air/water heat exchange apparatus according to claim 1. The dependent claims show advantageous developments of the air/water heat exchange apparatus according to the invention.
- Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
- The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinafter and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:
-
Fig. 1 shows an outline view of an outdoor unit 1 according to a first embodiment; -
Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of an internal structure of the outdoor unit 1 according to the first embodiment; -
Fig. 3 shows a top view of an internal structure of the outdoor unit 1 according to the first embodiment; -
Fig. 4 shows a refrigerant circuit according to the first embodiment; -
Fig. 5 shows an exploded perspective view of aplate heat exchanger 9 according to the first embodiment; -
Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of an internal structure of the outdoor unit 1 according to the first embodiment; -
Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of an internal structure of the outdoor unit 1 according to a second embodiment; -
Fig. 8 shows an enlarged view of a part of astay 11 according to the second embodiment; -
Fig. 9 shows an exploded perspective view of a main part of an internal structure of the outdoor unit 1 illustrating a method of installing theplate heat exchanger 9 according to a third embodiment; -
Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of a main part of an internal structure of the outdoor unit 1 according to the third embodiment; -
Fig. 11 shows a cross sectional view illustrating an arrangement of anauxiliary support member 104, acover case 103a, and theplate heat exchanger 9 according to a fourth embodiment; -
Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of theauxiliary support member 104 according to the fourth embodiment; and -
Fig. 13 shows a cross sectional view illustrating an arrangement of theauxiliary support member 104, thecover case part 103a, and theplate heat exchanger 9 according to a fifth embodiment. - Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate like devices through out the several views.
- A first embodiment, which is not an embodiment of the present invention, but which shows features of the invention and is therefore helpful for understanding the invention, will be discussed with reference to
Fig. 1 to Fig. 6 .Fig. 1 shows an outline view of an outdoor unit 1.Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of an internal structure of the outdoor unit 1.Fig. 3 shows a top view of an internal structure of the outdoor unit 1.Fig. 4 shows a refrigerant circuit.Fig. 5 shows an exploded perspective view of aplate heat exchanger 9.Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of an internal structure of the outdoor unit 1. - As shown in
Fig. 1 , then outdoor unit 1 looks very similar to an outdoor unit for a separate type air conditioner. The outdoor unit 1 has a front grill 1a on the font side, through which air is blown out. The outdoor unit 1 produces hot water by heating water and cold water by cooling water, for example, in a refrigeration cycle. Thus, the outdoor unit 1 is an air/water heat exchange apparatus as a type of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. The outdoor unit 1 is characterized by containing a closed refrigerant circuit. On site, therefore, installation requires nothing but water pipework. The outdoor unit 1 is also characterized in that an existing outdoor unit for an air conditioner may be utilized. - With reference to
Fig. 2 andFig. 3 , the outdoor unit 1 contains afan room 2 and amachine room 4, which are separated by aseparator 7. Thefan room 2 contains an air-refrigerant heat exchanger 6 that exchanges heat between air and a refrigerant, afan 3 that sends air to the air-refrigerant exchanger 6, etc. The outdoor unit 1 also has a box placed over themachine room 4 for storing electrical parts, which does not appear in the figures. - The
machine room 4 contains acompressor 5 that compress a refrigerant, anaccumulator 8 that is placed on a suction side of thecompressor 5 to hold the refrigerant, a four-way valve 10 that switches the flow of the refrigerant, aplate heat exchanger 9 that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and water,electronic expansion valves compressor 5 is equipped with asuction muffler 5a on a suction side. According to this embodiment, R410A is used for the refrigerant, and thecompressor 5 is inverter-driven and operated by heat pumping. This may contribute to energy saving and CO2 reduction. - The
plate heat exchanger 9 is formed to have a refrigerantpipe connecting port 9a on the front surface, and a waterpipe connecting port 9b on the back surface thereof. Theplate heat exchanger 9 is encased with a cover case, which does not appear inFig. 2 andFig. 3 . -
Fig. 4 shows a block diagram of the refrigerant circuit.Fig. 4 shows a case of supplying a high-pressure and high-temperature gas refrigerant from thecompressor 5 to plateheat exchanger 9 to heat water that enters a water circuit of theplate heat exchanger 9. Thecompressor 5 compresses the refrigerant (e.g., R410A) to the high-pressure and high-temperature gas refrigerant, which is then supplied to theplate heat exchanger 9 via the four-way valve 10. Theplate heat exchanger 9 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and water, which flow in opposite directions there, to heat the water. A liquid refrigerant flowing out of theplate heat exchanger 9 is subcooled by theelectronic expansion valve 15b, and enters theaccumulator 8. The liquid refrigerant is reduced in pressure by theelectronic expansion valve 15a to become a two-phase refrigerant. The two-phase refrigerant is evaporated in the air-refrigerant heat exchanger 6 to become a low pressure gas refrigerant. The low pressure gas refrigerant returns to thecompressor 5 through thesuction muffler 5a via the four-way valve 10. High-temperature water heated by theplate heat exchanger 9 is supplied to a hot water tank, a fan coil unit, etc., which do not appear in the figures. - In a case of cooling water in the
plate heat exchanger 9, the flow direction of the refrigerant is opposite to that described above. Thecompressor 5 cools a refrigerant (e.g., R410A) to produce a high-pressure and high-temperature gas refrigerant, which is supplied to the air-refrigerant heat exchanger 6 via the four-way valve 10. A liquid refrigerant from the air-refrigerant heat exchanger 6 is subcooled by theelectronic expansion valve 15a and enters theaccumulator 8. The liquid refrigerant is reduced in pressure by theelectronic expansion valve 15b to become a two-phase refrigerant. The two-phase refrigerant is evaporated in theplate heat exchanger 9 to become a low pressure gas refrigerant. Theplate heat exchanger 9 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and water, which flow in parallel there, to cool the water. The low pressure gas refrigerant from theplate heat exchanger 9 returns to thecompressor 5 through thesuction muffler 5a via the four-way valve 10. Water cooled in theplate heat exchanger 9 is supplied to a fan coil unit, for example, to be used for air conditioning, etc. - As mentioned earlier, water pipework is performed on site to connect water pipes to the water
pipe connecting port 9b formed on the back surface of theplate heat exchanger 9. - The use of R410A for the refrigerant may meet CO2 emission reduction measures under European energy policies.
- A further description will be give of a layout of parts in the
machine room 4 with reference toFig. 3 . Thecompressor 5, the heaviest part in themachine room 4, is placed on theseparator 7 side, while thesuction muffler 5a, with a relatively large surface area, is placed near the center of themachine room 4. This may allow for effective use of space in themachine room 4. - The
accumulator 8 is placed next to thecompressor 5 at an end of the outdoor unit 1 in the longitudinal direction (in a corner at the front side of the outdoor unit 1). Thecompressor 5 and theaccumulator 8 are placed at the front side of the outdoor unit 1 (at the lower side in the case ofFig. 2 ). Theplate heat exchanger 9 is placed at the back side of theaccumulator 8 and the compressor 5 (in a corner at the back side of the outdoor unit 1). Theplate heat exchanger 9 is formed to have the refrigerantpipe connecting port 9a at the front side and the waterpipe connecting port 9b at the back side (SeeFig. 3 ). - The
machine room 4, thus containing thecompressor 5, theaccumulator 8, and theplate heat exchanger 9, may have neat connections of refrigerant pipes within themachine room 4. This may achieve well balanced weight distribution. - The
plate heat exchanger 9 is of an ordinary existing type, and therefore will not be discussed about the structure here in detail.Fig. 5 shows a brief description of an internal structure of theplate heat exchanger 9. Theplate heat exchanger 9 ofFig. 5 is shown without a cylindrical body of a cover that encases theplate heat exchanger 9. Theplate heat exchanger 9 has the refrigerantpipe connecting ports 9a formed on one ofend plates 9d and the waterpipe connecting ports 9b formed on theother end plate 9d. There is a plurality of corrugatedheat exchange plates 9c placed adjacent to each other between the bothend plates 9d. A refrigerant flow channels 9e and a water flow channels 9f are arranged alternately in gaps between theheat transfer plates 9c through the plurality ofheat transfer plates 9c. Theheat transfer plates 9c are formed to include refrigerant communicatingholes 9g, respectively, to connect the refrigerant flow channels 9e with the refrigerantpipe connecting ports 9a, respectively. Theheat transfer plates 9c are also formed to include thewater communicating holes 9h, respectively, to connect the water flow channels 9f with the waterpipe connecting ports 9b, respectively. - Alternatively, as shown in
Fig. 6 , the waterpipe connecting ports 9b of theplate heat exchanger 9 may be formed on the side of the outdoor unit 1. - The air/water heat exchange apparatus, thus configured, is allowed to utilize most parts of an outdoor unit designed for a separate type air conditioner. This may result in providing the market with a cost saving and energy efficient air/water heat exchange apparatus by the utilization of existing plant and equipment.
- The outdoor unit 1 looks very similar, design-wise, from an anterior view to an outdoor unit of an air conditioner. Therefore, when the water
pipe connecting ports 9b are provided at the back or side of the outdoor unit 1, water pipework is allowed to be done in a similar manner to that of connecting an outdoor unit and an indoor unit of an air conditioner via refrigerant pipes. - A second embodiment, which is not an embodiment of the present invention, but which shows features of the invention and is therefore helpful for understanding the invention, will be discussed with reference to
Fig. 7 andFig. 8 .Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of an internal structure of the outdoor unit 1.Fig. 8 shows an enlarged view of a part of astay 11. - As shown in
Fig. 7 , a stay 11 (an example of a strengthening member) is screwed to theseparator 7 and aside panel 12 of the outdoor unit 1 to increase the strength of the structure of the outdoor unit 1. - The
stay 11, as shown inFig. 8 , includes aU-shaped cut 11a or anotch 11b. TheU-shaped cut 11a or thenotch 11b may be used, for convenience sake, to hold a pressure meter 13 (SeeFig. 7 ) for checking the pressure of the refrigerant temporarily at a regular check of the outdoor unit 1, for example. - The
stay 11 also includes aband 14, and therefore has a function to fix a cable for power supply or for communication. - The use of the
stay 11 as the strengthening member inside the outdoor unit 1, of this embodiment, may improve the strength of the structure of the outdoor unit 1. The use of a cutout, such as theU-shaped cut 11a or thenotch 11b, may provide a temporary and steady place for necessary tools, such as a pressure meter, etc at a regular check. - According to this embodiment, the four-
way valve 10 is provided to switch the flow of refrigerant to heat and cool water. Alternatively, however, the four-way valve may be eliminated in the case of either heating or cooling water. - Thus, the air/water heat exchange apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention may include the outdoor unit that may be separated by the separator into the fan room and the machine room. The fan room may include an air-refrigerant heat exchanger that exchanges heat between air and the refrigerant and the fan that sends the air to the air-refrigerant heat exchanger. The machine room may include the compressor that compresses the refrigerant, the plate heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and water, the electronic expansion valves, and the accumulator that accumulates the refrigerant. The outdoor unit contains the closed refrigerant circuit, which includes the compressor, the plate heat exchanger, the electronic valves, the air-refrigerant heat exchanger, and the accumulator. Therefore, the air/water heat exchange apparatus is allowed to utilize most parts of an outdoor unit designed for a separate type air conditioner. This may allow for providing the market with a cost saving and energy efficient air/water heat exchange apparatus, such as a water heater, of a refrigerant cycle type by the utilization of existing plant and equipment. Another market attraction of the air/water heat exchange apparatus is that the refrigerant circuit is a closed circuit contained in a product, which may eliminate on-site refrigerant pipework.
- According to the air/water heat exchange apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention, the accumulator may be placed on the side of the compressor in the longitudinal direction of the outdoor unit in the machine room, and the plate heat exchanger may be placed at the back of the compressor and the accumulator in the machine room. The plate heat exchanger may be formed to include the connecting port to the water circuit, which is located on the back or side surface of the outdoor unit. This may achieve neat and space-saving refrigerant pipe connection in the machine room with well balanced weight distribution.
- According to the air/water heat exchange apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention, the outdoor unit may be formed to include the side panel as part of the housing of the outdoor unit. The separator and the side panel may be secured to the outdoor unit by means of the strengthening member. This may improve the strength of the structure of the outdoor unit.
- The air/water heat exchange apparatus, according to one embodiment of the present invention, may use R410A for the refrigerant. This may contribute to CO2 emission reduction.
- The air/water heat exchange apparatus, according to one embodiment of the present invention, may include a four-way valve in the refrigerant circuit to switch the flow of the refrigerant. This may allow for both heating and cooling water.
- A third embodiment will be discussed with reference to
Fig. 9 andFig. 10 .Fig. 9 shows an exploded perspective view of a main part of an internal structure of the outdoor unit 1 illustrating a method of installing theplate heat exchanger 9.Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of a main part of an internal structure of the outdoor unit 1. - The
plate heat exchanger 9 shown inFig. 5 has the refrigerantpipe connecting ports 9a at the front side and the waterpipe connecting ports 9b at the back side. Theplate heat exchanger 9 is encased with a cover case, which does not appear inFig. 5 . - With reference to
Fig. 9 andFig. 10 , theplate heat exchanger 9 is covered all over, except for the refrigerantpipe connecting ports 9a and the waterpipe connecting ports 9b, with a resilient thermal insulatingmaterial 102. Theplate heat exchanger 9 is encased with acover case part 103a (a first cover case part) and acover case part 103b (a second cover case part) together. Thecover case part 103a and thecover case part 103b are each formed to include three sides. Thecover case parts plate heat exchanger 9 when covered with the resilient thermal insulatingmaterial 102. Thecover case parts material 102 to keep their shape. Thecover case parts plate heat exchanger 9 covered with the resilient thermal insulatingmaterial 102 under compression. Thecover case part 103a and thecover case part 103b are screwed to assemble a plateheat exchanger assembly 103. - The plate
heat exchanger assembly 103 is fixed temporarily to ease mounting work by sliding thecover case part 103a down until aclaw 103c meets a fitting hole105b. Thefitting hole 105b is formed on abase platform 105a that is fixed to abase board 105 by spot welding. Theclaw 103c is formed at the bottom portion of thecover case part 103a. The plateheat exchanger assembly 103 is finally screwed to thebase platform 105a. Theplate heat exchanger 9 is connected withrefrigerant pipes 108 for refrigerant to circulate by thecompressor 5, and water pipes 107a for water to circulate by apump 107. - The thermal insulating
material 102 according to this embodiment is a felt flat sheet, for example. Theplate heat exchanger 9 is an approximate rectangular solid with six outer sides. Theplate heat exchanger 9 is applied with six divided sheets of the thermal insulatingmaterial 102 for the respective six sides of the approximate hexahedron. The thermal insulatingmaterial 102 is approximately 20mm thick. The compression rate of the thermal insulatingmaterial 102 is approximately 60%. The thermal insulatingmaterial 102, thus divided into six flat sheets, may achieve accuracy of assembly, and also facilitate the efficiency of assembly. - The
cover case part 103a consists of a front wall, a top wall, and a side wall (a first side wall). The front wall includes two U shapedcuts 103d formed in upper and lower portions, respectively, for letting therefrigerant pipes 108 pass through. The U shapedcuts 103d are formed to have openings facing an assembly direction (the right direction in the case ofFig. 9 ). This may allow for the assembly of thecover case part 103a even after therefrigerant pipes 108 are welded and connected to theplate heat exchanger 9. - The
cover case part 103b consists of a back wall, bottom wall, and a side wall (a second side wall). The back wall of thecover case part 103b has twocircular holes 103e in upper and lower portions thereof, respectively, to let the waterpipe connecting ports 9b pass through. - The
plate heat exchanger 9 may have vibration transmitted from thecompressor 5 or thepump 107 in operation, via therefrigerant pipes 108 and the water pipes 107a. The impact of water hammer caused by switching of operations may be transmitted as vibration to theplate heat exchanger 9 via the pipes. In such cases, the resilient thermal insulatingmaterial 102 that covers theplate heat exchanger 9 may absorb vibration, and reduce stress on therefrigerant pipes 108 and the water pipes 107a. - The resilient thermal insulating
material 102 may support theplate heat exchanger 9 by surface pressure in case of a fall or drop, during transportation, etc., of the outdoor unit 1 that is manufactured by using the method of installing theplate heat exchanger 9 discussed above. This will not cause a major displacement in arrangement inside theplace heat exchanger 9. This may result in an effect of reducing piping stress on therefrigerant pipes 108 and the water pipes 107a. - A refrigerant circuit of the outdoor unit 1 discussed in the third embodiment is similar to that of the outdoor unit 1 shown in
Fig. 5 discussed in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described here in detail. - Like the case of the fist embodiment, R410A is used for the refrigerant, which meets CO2 emission reduction measures under European energy policies.
- The
plate heat exchanger 9 is of an existing type described in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be discussed about the structure here in detail. - A fourth embodiment will be discussed with reference to
Fig. 11 andFig. 12 .Fig. 11 shows a cross sectional view illustrating an arrangement of anauxiliary support member 104, thecover case part 103a, and theplate heat exchanger 9.Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of theauxiliary support member 104. - As shown in
Fig. 11 , the thermal insulatingmaterial 102 is cut to create a space where theauxiliary member 104 is placed. Theauxiliary support member 104 is placed to touch the inner wall of thecover case part 103a. The height (a horizontal length in the case ofFig. 11 ) of theauxiliary support member 104 is narrower than the thickness of the compressed thermal insulatingmaterial 102 in the plateheat exchanger assembly 103. A gap A is provided between theauxiliary support member 104 and theplate heat exchanger 9. Theauxiliary support member 104 may hold and support theplate heat exchanger 9 when the thermal insulatingmaterial 102 is compressed by excessive force applied to reach the height of theauxiliary support member 104. - The gap A between the
plate heat exchanger 9 and theauxiliary support member 104 may be approximately 1mm to 4mm. When the gap A is 1mm or less, irregularity in size may cause interference between theplate heat exchanger 9 and theauxiliary support member 104. When the gap is 4mm or more, theauxiliary support member 104 does not function properly. (Theauxiliary support member 104 cannot hold or support theplate heat exchanger 9 when the thermal insulatingmaterial 102 is compressed by excessive force up to the height of theauxiliary support member 104.) - With the example of
Fig. 11 , theauxiliary support member 104 is placed in the space created by cutting a part of the thermal insulatingmaterial 102 between theplate heat exchanger 9 and thecover case part 103a. Theauxiliary support member 104 may also be placed in a space created by cutting a part of the thermal insulatingmaterial 102 between theplate heat exchanger 9 and thecover case part 103b, as well. - The
auxiliary support member 104 is a crank-shaped sheet metal part, as shown inFig. 12 . Theauxiliary support member 104 may be formed to create acutout 104a on a surface on theplate heat exchanger 9 side. - Thus, it is allowed for the
plate heat exchanger 9 to touch theauxiliary support member 104 in case of a fall or drop of the outdoor unit 1 during transportation, etc. The amount of displacement in theplate heat exchanger 9 is thereby limited to a certain degree, regardless of the size of impact. This may result in an effect of limiting the amount of displacement of pipe connections. - A fifth embodiment will be discussed with reference to
Fig. 13. Fig. 13 shows a cross sectional view illustrating an arrangement of theauxiliary support member 104, thecover case 103a, and theplate heat exchanger 9. -
Fig. 13 shows that the thermal insulatingmaterial 102 is compressed and inserted between the inner walls of theauxiliary support member 104 and thecover case part 103a. This allows the thermal insulatingmaterial 102 to be held by thecover case part 103a, thereby improving efficiencies of manufacturing and assembly work and regular maintenance work of the plateheat exchanger assembly 103. Theauxiliary support member 104 is formed to have thecutout 104a on the surface of theplate heat exchanger 9 side, as shown inFig. 12 . This may facilitate the efficiency of compressing and inserting the thermal insulatingmaterial 102 between the inner walls of theauxiliary support member 104 and thecover case part 103a. - According to the example of
Fig. 13 , the thermal insulatingmaterial 102 is compressed and inserted between the inner walls of theauxiliary support member 104 and thecover case part 103a. The thermal insulatingmaterial 102 may also be compressed and inserted in between the inner walls of theauxiliary support member 104 and thecover case part 103b, as well. - The resilient thermal insulating
material 102, thus sandwiched and held between theplate heat exchanger 9 and thecover case parts material 102 to theplate heat exchanger 9 or thecover case parts - The
cover case parts material 102, fitted around theplate heat exchanger 9, may be kept away from flames during the work of brazing therefrigerant pipes 108 to the refrigerantpipe connecting port 9a, or the water pipes 107a to the waterpipe connecting port 9b of theplate heat exchanger 9. This may restrict fire spread to flammable materials, thereby improving efficiencies of manufacturing products and regular maintenance work. - With reference to the examples discussed in the aforementioned embodiments, the four-
way valve 10 is provided to switch the flow of the refrigerant in order to both heat and cool water. The four-way valve 10, however, may be eliminated in the case of either heating or cooling water. - The material, degree of thickness, and compression rate of the thermal insulating
material 102 introduced in the aforementioned embodiments are only examples that are considered to be preferable. Other materials, etc. may also be applied to the aforementioned embodiments. - Thus, according to the air/water heat exchange apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention, the outdoor unit that is separated by the separator into the fan room and the machine room. The fan room may include an air-refrigerant heat exchanger that exchanges heat between air and the refrigerant, and the fan that sends the air to the air-refrigerant heat exchanger. The machine room may include the compressor that compresses the refrigerant, the plate heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and water, the electronic expansion valves, and the accumulator that accumulates the refrigerant. The outdoor unit has the closed refrigerant circuit, which includes the compressor, the plate heat exchanger, the electronic valves, the air-refrigerant heat exchanger, and the accumulator. The plate heat exchanger is covered with the resilient thermal insulating material. The air/water heat exchange apparatus may further include a cover case that encases the plate heat exchanger with the thermal insulating material under compression. Therefore, the thermal heat material, as a cushioning material, may absorb and distribute vibration generated by the compressor, pump, etc. in operation, which is transmitted to the plate heat exchanger via pipes for fluid circulation connected to the plate heat exchanger. This has an effect of reducing stress applied to the pipes for fluid circulation, thereby avoiding damage on the pipes, and also reducing resonantly generated abnormal sounds. Another effect may be based on the stable arrangement of the plate heat exchanger. The plate heat exchanger is formed to be held in a certain position against impact in case of a fall of the outdoor unit during transportation, and therefore a major displacement will not be caused in the plate heat exchanger. This allows for reducing stress applied to pipes connected to the plate heat exchanger, thereby thus avoiding damage on the pipes.
- According to the air/water heat exchange apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention, the plate heat exchanger is formed to include the water pipe connecting port. The cover case is formed to include the first cover case part and the second cover case part. The first cover case part is formed to include the front wall, the top wall, and the first side wall, where the front wall is formed to include the U shaped cuts to let refrigerant pipes get out of the refrigerant circuit. The second cover case part that is formed to include the back wall, the bottom wall, and the second side wall, where the back wall is formed to include the circular holes to let the water pipe connecting port pass through. This may facilitate assembly of the cover case.
- According to the air/water heat exchange apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention, the U shaped cut is formed to have the opening in the assembly direction. This may make the assemble work of the cover case possible even after the plate heat exchanger and the refrigerant pipes are welded.
- According to the air/water heat exchange apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention, the plate heat exchanger is the approximate rectangular solid with six outer sides, and the six outer sides of the plate heat exchanger are covered, respectively, with the divided six sheets of the thermal insulating material. This may achieve accuracy of assembly with the divided sheets of the thermal insulating material, and also facilitate assembly.
- According to the air/water heat exchange apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention, the auxiliary support member that is inserted between the plate heat exchanger and the cover case to provide complementarily support to the plate heat exchanger when the thermal insulating material is compressed excessively with excessive force applied by the plate heat exchanger. This may allow the plate heat exchanger to be supported by the auxiliary support member in case of a fall of the outdoor unit during transportation. Therefore, the amount of displacement in the plate heat exchanger may be limited to a certain degree, regardless of the size of impact. This therefore has an effect on limiting the amount of displacement of pipe connections.
- According to the air/water heat exchange apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention, the thermal insulating material is compressed and inserted between the auxiliary support member and either the first cover case part or the second cover case part. This may hold the thermal insulating material within the cover case, thereby improving efficiencies of manufacturing and assembly work and regular maintenance work of the plate heat exchanger assembly.
- According to the air/water heat exchange apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention, the cover case may be made of sheet metal. This may keep flammable materials, such as the thermal insulating material, fitted around the plate heat exchanger away from flames during the work of brazing the refrigerant pipes to the refrigerant pipe connecting port or the water pipes to the water pipe connecting port of the late heat exchanger. This may therefore restrict fire spread to flammable materials, thereby improving efficiencies of manufacturing products and regular maintenance work.
- According to the air/water heat exchange apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention, R410A may be used for the refrigerant. This may contribute to CO2 emission reduction.
- According to the air/water heat exchange apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention, the four-way valve may be included in the refrigerant circuit to switch the flow of the refrigerant. This may allow for both heating and cooling water.
Claims (9)
- An air/water heat exchange apparatus comprising:an outdoor unit that is separated by a separator (7) into a fan room (2) and a machine room (4),the fan room including an air-refrigerant heat exchanger (6) that exchanges heat between air and a refrigerant, and a fan (3) that sends the air to the air-refrigerant heat exchanger, andthe machine room including a compressor (5) that compresses the refrigerant, a plate heat exchanger (9) that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and water, electronic expansion valves (15a, 15b) and an accumulator (8) that accumulates the refrigerant,wherein the outdoor unit has a closed refrigerant circuit, which includes the compressor, the plate heat exchanger, the electronic valves, the air-refrigerant heat exchanger, and the accumulator,characterized in thatthe plate heat exchanger is covered with a resilient thermal insulating material (102),the air/water heat exchange apparatus further comprisesa cover case (103a, 103b) that encases the plate heat exchanger covered with the thermal insulating material under compression.
- The air/water heat exchange apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the plate heat exchanger is formed to include a water pipe connecting port (9b), and
wherein the cover case is formed to include:a first cover case part (103a) that is formed to include a front wall, a top wall, and a first side wall, the front wall being formed to include a U shaped cut (103d) to let refrigerant pipes (108) get out of the refrigerant circuit; anda second cover case part (103b) that is formed to include a back wall, a bottom wall, and a second side wall, the back wall being formed to include a circular hole (103e) to let the water pipe connecting port pass through. - The air/water heat exchange apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the U shaped cut is formed to have an opening in an assembly direction.
- The air/water heat exchange apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
wherein the plate heat exchanger is an approximate rectangular solid with six outer sides, and
wherein the six outer sides of the plate heat exchanger are covered, respectively, with divided six sheets of the thermal insulating material. - The air/water heat exchange apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 further comprising:an auxiliary support member (104) that is inserted between the plate heat exchanger and the cover case to provide complementarily support to the plate heat exchanger when the thermal insulating material is compressed excessively with excessive force applied by the plate heat exchanger.
- The air/water heat exchange apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the thermal insulating material is compressed and inserted between the auxiliary support member and one of the first cover case part and the second cover case part.
- The air/water heat exchange apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cover case is made of sheet metal.
- The air/water heat exchange apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein R410A is used for the refrigerant.
- The air/water heat exchange apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the refrigerant circuit includes a four-way valve (10) to switch a flow of the refrigerant.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2007032567A JP4782034B2 (en) | 2007-02-13 | 2007-02-13 | Water heat exchanger |
JP2007032568A JP2008196777A (en) | 2007-02-13 | 2007-02-13 | Heat exchange apparatus for water |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP1959204A1 EP1959204A1 (en) | 2008-08-20 |
EP1959204B1 true EP1959204B1 (en) | 2011-08-03 |
Family
ID=39363934
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP20080000874 Not-in-force EP1959204B1 (en) | 2007-02-13 | 2008-01-17 | Air/water heat exchange apparatus |
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EP (1) | EP1959204B1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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EP4317825A4 (en) * | 2021-03-31 | 2024-09-04 | Daikin Ind Ltd | Air conditioner |
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CN101846370A (en) * | 2010-05-26 | 2010-09-29 | 广东欧科空调制冷有限公司 | Working method of heat-recovery multi-connected air conditioning unit |
CN102052720A (en) * | 2010-12-24 | 2011-05-11 | 北京华阳新能源投资有限公司 | Heat pipe type heat exchanger unit |
JP6429986B2 (en) * | 2015-02-17 | 2018-11-28 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Outdoor unit |
JP6643627B2 (en) * | 2015-07-30 | 2020-02-12 | パナソニックIpマネジメント株式会社 | Heat generation unit |
CN106642416B (en) * | 2015-11-02 | 2020-09-29 | 维谛技术有限公司 | Air conditioning system, composite condenser and operation control method and device of air conditioning system |
Family Cites Families (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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JPH08270984A (en) | 1995-03-30 | 1996-10-18 | Mitsubishi Electric Corp | Outdoor machine for air conditioner |
JP3726541B2 (en) * | 1999-03-25 | 2005-12-14 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Refrigeration air conditioner |
JP2001201107A (en) | 2000-01-21 | 2001-07-27 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Heat pump device |
JP2003097828A (en) * | 2001-09-21 | 2003-04-03 | Toshiba Kyaria Kk | Outdoor machine for air-conditioner |
JP2005083712A (en) | 2003-09-11 | 2005-03-31 | Corona Corp | Heat pump type cooler/heater water heater |
JP2005106303A (en) * | 2003-09-26 | 2005-04-21 | Kimura Kohki Co Ltd | Water heat source heat pump-type air conditioner |
JP3917581B2 (en) | 2003-11-18 | 2007-05-23 | 松下電器産業株式会社 | Heat pump water heater |
EP1548377B1 (en) * | 2003-12-24 | 2013-10-23 | Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. | Refrigerating machine having refrigerant/water heat exchanger |
EP1717522B1 (en) * | 2005-04-28 | 2011-01-26 | Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. | Air conditioner |
-
2008
- 2008-01-17 EP EP20080000874 patent/EP1959204B1/en not_active Not-in-force
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP4317825A4 (en) * | 2021-03-31 | 2024-09-04 | Daikin Ind Ltd | Air conditioner |
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