EP3112768A1 - Air conditioner - Google Patents
Air conditioner Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3112768A1 EP3112768A1 EP14883758.6A EP14883758A EP3112768A1 EP 3112768 A1 EP3112768 A1 EP 3112768A1 EP 14883758 A EP14883758 A EP 14883758A EP 3112768 A1 EP3112768 A1 EP 3112768A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- refrigerant
- heat source
- source unit
- air conditioner
- blower
- 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.)
- Granted
Links
- 239000003507 refrigerant Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 172
- 238000005057 refrigeration Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 23
- 238000010792 warming Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 20
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 claims description 7
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 11
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 9
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 8
- 206010021143 Hypoxia Diseases 0.000 description 7
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000002265 prevention Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- ATUOYWHBWRKTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Propane Chemical compound CCC ATUOYWHBWRKTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000008021 deposition Effects 0.000 description 2
- NNPPMTNAJDCUHE-UHFFFAOYSA-N isobutane Chemical compound CC(C)C NNPPMTNAJDCUHE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000020169 heat generation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000001282 iso-butane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000001294 propane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
- F24F1/20—Electric components for separate outdoor units
- F24F1/22—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
- F24F1/20—Electric components for separate outdoor units
- F24F1/24—Cooling of electric components
-
- 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
- F24F1/26—Refrigerant piping
-
- 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
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B13/00—Compression machines, plants or systems, with reversible cycle
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B49/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
- F25B49/005—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices of safety devices
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
- F24F11/30—Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
- F24F11/32—Responding to malfunctions or emergencies
- F24F11/36—Responding to malfunctions or emergencies to leakage of heat-exchange fluid
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F2221/00—Details or features not otherwise provided for
- F24F2221/14—Details or features not otherwise provided for mounted on the ceiling
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2313/00—Compression machines, plants or systems with reversible cycle not otherwise provided for
- F25B2313/029—Control issues
- F25B2313/0294—Control issues related to the outdoor fan, e.g. controlling speed
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2400/00—General features or devices for refrigeration machines, plants or systems, combined heating and refrigeration systems or heat-pump systems, i.e. not limited to a particular subgroup of F25B
- F25B2400/12—Inflammable refrigerants
- F25B2400/121—Inflammable refrigerants using R1234
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2500/00—Problems to be solved
- F25B2500/22—Preventing, detecting or repairing leaks of refrigeration fluids
- F25B2500/222—Detecting refrigerant leaks
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an air conditioner and particularly to an air conditioner that uses a refrigerant having a low global warming potential (GWP) (Global Warming Potential).
- GWP global warming potential
- Patent Literature 1 JP-A-H11-37619 (Patent Literature 1), an air conditioner using a hydrocarbon natural refrigerant has been proposed. Additionally, in Patent Literature 1, refrigerant leakage detection means is provided to detect leakage of a hydrocarbon natural refrigerant, which is flammable. When the refrigerant leakage detection means detects the refrigerant leakage, the leaking refrigerant is stirred and diffused by a fan and the like to prevent the leaking refrigerant from residing and forming a flammable area.
- Patent Literature 2 A conventional air conditioner is described in JP-A-2002-61996 (Patent Literature 2) in consideration of a measure against refrigerant leakage.
- a gas detector is provided to detect refrigerant leakage in a room in which an indoor unit is arranged.
- An alert system provided to the indoor unit generates an alert in case of refrigerant leakage. Then, a compressor and an outdoor blower fan are operated, an outdoor expansion valve is closed, a four-way switching valve is switched to a cooling operation, an indoor expansion valve is opened, and an outdoor unit collects refrigerant.
- Patent Literature 1 since a hydrocarbon natural refrigerant is used as a refrigerant for the air conditioner, the global warming potential (GWP) is small. However, the hydrocarbon natural refrigerant has a strong flammability, and is therefore difficult to use as a refrigerant for air conditioners.
- GWP global warming potential
- Patent Literature 2 use of a refrigerant having a low global warming potential (GWP) is not taken into consideration.
- GWP global warming potential
- a refrigerant such as HFO1234yf and HF01234ze as a refrigerant for air conditioners, there is a problem that the refrigerants HF01234yf and HFO1234ze have low densities and large volumes in vapor condition.
- the vapor specific volume of HF01234yf is 180% of R410A and the vapor specific volume of HF01234ze is 240% of R410A, the vapor specific volumes assuming an inlet portion of a compressor.
- the refrigerant pressure loss on the low pressure side of the air conditioner increases (for example, three times or more when compared to R410A under the same condition) to increase power consumption of the compressor of the air conditioner.
- GWP global warming potential
- each of these refrigerants HFO1234yf, HFO1234ze, and R32 is flammable while having low flammability (a refrigerant having a lower flammability than those of hydrocarbon refrigerants is hereinafter called a slightly flammable refrigerant).
- Patent Literatures 1 and 2 describe measures against refrigerant leakage when the leakage is detected.
- a refrigerant leakage detector is needed to be provided to each of the outdoor unit and indoor unit to detect leakage of a flammable or slightly flammable refrigerant and to prevent the fire. There is therefore also a problem that cost increases.
- An object of the present invention is to obtain an air conditioner able to avoid the risk of fire and able to have a reduced number of refrigerant leakage detectors while using a refrigerant having a low global warming potential (GWP).
- GWP global warming potential
- an air conditioner of the present invention is provided with a heat source unit configured so as to use a flammable refrigerant having a low global warming potential, and configured by housing, inside a case, refrigeration cycle components such as a heat exchanger in which the refrigerant flows, an electric part box in which electric parts and the like are housed, and a blower driven by a motor. Airflow is formed by the blower in the case.
- the refrigeration cycle components in which the refrigerant flows are arranged in the airflow in the case.
- the electric part box and the electric parts such as the motor of the blower are arranged upstream from the refrigeration cycle components in the airflow.
- an air conditioner able to avoid the risk of fire and able to have a reduced number of refrigerant leakage detectors while using a refrigerant having a low global warming potential (GWP) is obtained.
- GWP global warming potential
- Embodiment 1 of an air conditioner of the present invention is explained in reference to Figs. 1 to 3 .
- Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram explaining Embodiment 1 of the air conditioner of the present invention.
- Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a refrigeration cycle of the air conditioner of Fig. 1 .
- Fig. 3 is a top view of a ceiling embedded type heat source unit in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
- An example of a conventional air conditioner also is explained using Figs. 4 and 5 for comparison.
- the present embodiment explains an example of an air conditioner using HFO1234yf or HF01234ze, which are slightly flammable refrigerants (for example, slightly flammable refrigerants having burning velocity of 10 cm/s or less).
- the slightly flammable refrigerants are less flammable than hydrocarbon refrigerants such as propane and isobutane, which are flammable refrigerants.
- Refrigerants having relatively low global warming potentials (GWPs) include R32, as described above.
- GWPs global warming potentials
- the heat source unit is a ceiling embedded type heat source unit that is arranged to a ceiling portion and the like in a building to shorten the distance between the heat source unit and an indoor unit (namely, the length of refrigerant piping) and that introduces outside air to perform heat exchange.
- Fig. 1 this specific configuration is explained using Fig. 1 .
- Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram explaining an example of an arrangement of the air conditioner of the present embodiment having the ceiling embedded type heat source unit.
- Fig. 1 illustrates a building 1 and a heat source unit 2 that includes, inside a case, refrigeration cycle components such as a heat exchanger in which the refrigerant flows, an electric part box in which electric parts and the like are housed, and a blower driven by a motor.
- this heat source unit 2 is the so-called ceiling embedded type heat source unit arranged to a ceiling portion 1a (attic) in the building 1.
- An indoor unit 3 conditions air in a room 1b.
- This indoor unit 3 and heat source unit 2 are connected to one another by refrigerant pipes 4 and 5 (4: gas side refrigerant pipe, 5: liquid side refrigerant pipe).
- the heat source unit 2 is configured so as to draw outdoor air as illustrated by an arrow 6, exchange heat between the outdoor air and refrigerant, and blow the air after this heat exchange out of the room as illustrated by an arrow 7.
- the indoor unit 3 draws the air in the room 1b as illustrated by an arrow 8.
- a heat exchanger provided inside the indoor unit 3 exchanges heat between the indoor air and refrigerant and blows the air cooled (in cooling) or heated (in heating) after the heat exchange into the room as illustrated by an arrow 9 to condition the air in the room 1b in which an occupant 10 is present.
- the heat source unit 2 is often arranged, e.g., to the rooftop of the building 1 or outside a wall of the building 1 as an outdoor unit, but arranged to a ceiling portion (an attic 1a in the present embodiment) nearer to the indoor unit 3 than to the rooftop and outside the building as the ceiling embedded type heat source unit 2 to enable the refrigerant pipes 4 and 5 that connect the indoor unit 3 and heat source unit 2 to one another to be shorter than those for the heat source unit arranged outside the room.
- the refrigerant pipes 4 and 5 that connect the heat source unit 2 and indoor unit 3 to one another are 10 m or less in length.
- the refrigerant pipes 4 and 5 can be made short to enable the refrigerant pressure loss to be reduced on the low pressure side of the compressor of the air conditioner.
- Fig. 1 has been explained using the heat source unit 2 in direct contact with the air outside the building 1. It can be also considered that the heat source unit 2 is provided inside the building, e.g., to further shorten the distance to the indoor unit 3. In such a case, since the heat source unit 2 is not in direct contact with the air outside the building, the outdoor air may be introduced to the heat source unit 2 via an air duct. In such a configuration, the lengths of the refrigerant pipes 4 and 5 that connect the heat source unit 2 and indoor unit 3 to one another can be easily 10 m or less. Thus, the refrigerant pressure loss on the low pressure side can be reduced easily even when HFO1234yf and HF01234ze are used as the refrigerant.
- Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the refrigeration cycle of the air conditioner illustrated in Fig. 1 , and illustrates the heat source unit 2 and indoor unit 3. These heat source unit 2 and indoor unit 3 are connected by a gas side refrigerant pipe (gas side connection pipe) 4 and a liquid side refrigerant pipe (liquid side connection pipe) 5.
- a compressor 20, a four-way switching valve 21, a heat source side heat exchanger 22, and an expansion device 23 are sequentially connected by the refrigerant piping.
- a blower 24 draws outdoor air from outside the building and blows the air to the heat source side heat exchanger 22.
- the heat source side heat exchanger 22 exchanges heat between the drawn outdoor air and the refrigerant that flows inside the refrigerant piping of the heat exchanger 22 to condense the refrigerant (in cooling) and evaporate the refrigerant (in heating).
- the indoor unit 3 is configured to connect the indoor heat exchanger 30 and expansion device 31 by the refrigerant piping.
- a blower 32 draws indoor air and blows the air to the indoor heat exchanger 30.
- the indoor heat exchanger 30 exchanges heat between the drawn indoor air and the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant piping of the heat exchanger 30 to evaporate (in cooling) and condense (in heating) the refrigerant.
- cool air and warm air can be supplied into the room to condition air in the room.
- a refrigerant leakage detector (refrigerant leakage detection means) 33 is arranged in the indoor unit 3 and can detect refrigerant leakage immediately when the leakage occurs.
- This refrigerant leakage detector 33 may be arranged outside the indoor unit 3 or in the room in which the indoor unit 3 is arranged.
- the heat source unit 2 and indoor unit 3 are connected to one another by the gas side refrigerant pipe 4 and liquid side refrigerant pipe 5.
- a gas side prevention valve 25 is provided to the gas side refrigerant pipe 4.
- a liquid side prevention valve 26 is provided to the liquid side refrigerant pipe 5. Usually, these prevention valves 25 and 26 are provided to the heat source unit 2 side.
- an arrow A in the heat source unit 2 illustrates a flow of the refrigerant in heating
- an arrow B illustrates a flow of the refrigerant in cooling.
- Fig. 3 a configuration of the heat source unit 2 is explained using Fig. 3 .
- Figs. 4 and 5 a configuration of a conventional ceiling embedded type heat source unit is explained using Figs. 4 and 5 for comparison.
- Fig. 4 is a perspective view explaining an example of a ceiling embedded type heat source unit as the conventional air conditioner.
- Fig. 5 is a top view explaining airflow in the ceiling embedded type heat source unit illustrated in Fig. 4 .
- Fig. 4 illustrates the conventional ceiling embedded type heat source unit 2 corresponding to the ceiling embedded type heat source unit 2 illustrated in Fig. 1 , and illustrates a case 2a.
- the inside of the case 2a is partitioned to an upstream space 2c and a downstream space 2d by a partition plate 2b.
- An air inlet 2e is to draw outdoor air (open air).
- An air outlet 2f is to blow the heat-exchanged air out of the downstream space 2d to outside the building.
- the upstream space 2c includes the heat exchanger (heat source side heat exchanger) 22 that exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing in a heat transfer tube and the outdoor air introduced from the air inlet 2e, a blower 24 that draws the outdoor air to supply the outdoor air to the heat exchanger 22, the compressor 20 that compresses the refrigerant, and a receiver 27 that receives an excess refrigerant condensed by the heat exchanger 22 and the like.
- a motor 24a is to drive the blower 24.
- the downstream space 2d houses an electric part box 28 that houses electric parts such as a control substrate mounting electronic parts and a terminal base.
- the conventional the heat source unit 2 uses R407C, R410A, and the like as a refrigerant.
- the compressor 20, heat exchanger 22, and receiver 27 are refrigeration cycle components in which the refrigerant flows.
- the four-way switching valve 21 and expansion device 23 illustrated in Fig. 2 but not illustrated in Fig. 4 are also refrigeration cycle components in which the refrigerant flows.
- FIG. 5 an arrow C illustrates airflow within the case 2a of the heat source unit 2.
- the refrigeration cycle components such as the compressor 20, heat exchanger 22, and receiver 27 are arranged upstream from airflow C formed by the blower 24, and the blower 24 and electric part box 28 are arranged downstream from the airflow C. Therefore, when the refrigerant leaks from any of these refrigeration cycle components, the leaking refrigerant flows along the airflow C.
- the device arrangement inside the ceiling embedded type heat source unit 2 is configured as illustrated in Fig. 3 .
- the configuration corresponding to the conventional ceiling embedded type heat source unit illustrated in Figs. 4 and Fig. 5 is given the same reference numerals, the overlapped portions are not explained, and only the different portions are explained.
- the drawn airflow of the outdoor air illustrated by an outline arrow 6 flows from the air inlet 2e into the case 2a, and flows inside the case 2a and is blown from an air outlet 2f to outside the building as illustrated by the airflow C.
- the refrigeration cycle components such as the compressor 20, heat exchanger 22, and receiver 27 in which the refrigerant flows are arranged to the downstream space 2d in the case 2a, and the blower 24 and electric part box 28 are arranged to the upstream space 2c in the case 2a.
- the refrigeration cycle components are downstream from the airflow and the electric part box 28 and blower 24 are arranged upstream from the refrigeration cycle components in the airflow.
- the leaking refrigerant can be entrained in the airflow C and flown out of the building without contacting the electric part box 28 and blower 24. Therefore, even when a slightly flammable or flammable refrigerant leaks from the refrigeration cycle components, this refrigerant can be prevented from contacting the electric components in the electric part box 28 and the electric components such as the motor 24a of the blower 24, the electric components being capable of being ignition sources. Then, the risk of combustion can be avoided.
- the heat source unit is the ceiling embedded type heat source unit
- the following risks are present in case of refrigerant leakage of the heat source unit. These include the risk of combustion inside the heat source unit, the risk of combustion in the building when the refrigerant may flow into the building such as the attic in the event of the refrigerant leakage from the heat source unit, and the risk of oxygen deficiency when the leaking refrigerant enters the room.
- the electric part box 28 and blower 24 are arranged upstream from the refrigeration cycle components in the airflow.
- the leaking refrigerant can be discharged out of the building without contacting the electric part box 28 and blower 24.
- the advantageous effect that combustion and oxygen deficiency due to refrigerant leakage from the ceiling embedded type heat source unit is preventable can be obtained.
- the refrigerant leakage detector 33 is provided to the indoor unit to deal with refrigerant leakage from the indoor unit, the risks of combustion and oxygen deficiency can be avoided. That is, in the present embodiment, as illustrated in Fig. 2 , the refrigerant leakage detector 33 is provided to the indoor unit 3. Thus, when refrigerant leakage occurs in the indoor unit 3, the refrigerant leakage detector 33 can detect the leakage, and generate an alert and the like to enable prevention of combustion and oxygen deficiency caused by deposition of the refrigerant in the indoor unit 3 and room 1b.
- the refrigerant detector is expensive.
- the combustion and oxygen deficiency caused by the refrigerant leakage from the heat source unit can be prevented. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a refrigerant leakage detector in the heat source unit. Therefore, the number of expensive refrigerant detectors can be reduced and an inexpensive air conditioner can be obtained accordingly. That is, in the present embodiment, since the heat source unit 2 is configured as explained in Fig. 3 , it is not necessary to arrange a refrigerant leakage detector in the heat source unit 2. Therefore, the number of expensive refrigerant detectors can be reduced, and an inexpensive air conditioner can be realized by suppressing increase in cost.
- HFO1234yf and HF01234ze which are refrigerants having low global warming potentials (GWPs)
- GWPs global warming potentials
- the refrigerant such as HFO1234yf and HF01234ze having low densities and large volumes in vapor state
- the refrigerant pressure loss on the low pressure side of the air conditioner can be reduced.
- an efficient air conditioner that can also reduce power consumption can be obtained.
- the blower 24 of the ceiling embedded type heat source unit 2 is driven periodically even while the air conditioner does not operate. That is, even during shutdown of the air conditioner, the blower 24 is rotated periodically, for example, for several seconds to several minutes once to several times a day by use of a timer and the like to generate the airflow C in the case 2a of the heat source unit 2.
- the leaking refrigerant can be discharged out of the building periodically. As a result, gradual deposition of the leaking refrigerant in the case 2a to increase the risk of combustion can be prevented.
- the slightly flammable refrigerant remains in the heat source unit 2 and increases in density in case of the refrigerant leakage to increase the risk of fire.
- the leaking refrigerant moves from the heat source unit 2 into the room 1b (see Fig. 1 ) through the attic and the like, the risks of combustion and oxygen deficiency arise in the room.
- the blower 24 is periodically driven even during shutdown of the air conditioner as mentioned above.
- the leaking refrigerant can be prevented from remaining in the heat source unit 2 to increase in density and from entering the room 1b, the combustion and oxygen deficiency due to the leakage of the slightly flammable refrigerant can be prevented certainly.
- the risk of fire can be avoided while using the slightly flammable refrigerant having a low global warming potential (GWP), and cost reduction can be achieved because the number of the refrigerant leakage detectors can be reduced. Since the refrigerant pressure loss on the low pressure side of the air conditioner can also be reduced, an advantageous effect that the efficient air conditioner can be obtained is also obtained.
- GWP global warming potential
- the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but includes various modifications.
- the above embodiment explains the example using HF01234yf and HFO1234ze, which have low global warming potentials (GWP) and are slightly flammable, as the refrigerant, but is applicable also when R32, which has a relatively small GWP and is slightly flammable, is used or when other refrigerants and mixed refrigerants having a similar property are used.
- the heat source unit has been explained as the ceiling embedded type heat source unit.
- the heat source unit is not limited to a ceiling embedded type.
- the technical concept of the present invention is also applicable to an outdoor unit arranged outside a building. Further, the above embodiment has been explained in detail for understanding the present invention, but is not necessarily limited to having all the explained configurations.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to an air conditioner and particularly to an air conditioner that uses a refrigerant having a low global warming potential (GWP) (Global Warming Potential).
- Recently, use of the refrigerants having low global warming potentials (GWP) is being considered in terms of stop of global warming. In
JP-A-H11-37619 - A conventional air conditioner is described in
JP-A-2002-61996 Patent literature 2, a gas detector is provided to detect refrigerant leakage in a room in which an indoor unit is arranged. An alert system provided to the indoor unit generates an alert in case of refrigerant leakage. Then, a compressor and an outdoor blower fan are operated, an outdoor expansion valve is closed, a four-way switching valve is switched to a cooling operation, an indoor expansion valve is opened, and an outdoor unit collects refrigerant. -
- Patent Literature 1:
JP-A-H11-37619 - Patent Literature 2:
JP-A-2002-61996 - In Patent Literature 1, since a hydrocarbon natural refrigerant is used as a refrigerant for the air conditioner, the global warming potential (GWP) is small. However, the hydrocarbon natural refrigerant has a strong flammability, and is therefore difficult to use as a refrigerant for air conditioners.
- In
Patent Literature 2, use of a refrigerant having a low global warming potential (GWP) is not taken into consideration. - As refrigerants having low global warming potentials (GWP), refrigerants such as HF01234yf (GWP = 4) and HFO1234ze (GWP = 6) are being noted in these days. When using a refrigerant such as HFO1234yf and HF01234ze as a refrigerant for air conditioners, there is a problem that the refrigerants HF01234yf and HFO1234ze have low densities and large volumes in vapor condition. For example, in comparison with the refrigerant R410A, the vapor specific volume of HF01234yf is 180% of R410A and the vapor specific volume of HF01234ze is 240% of R410A, the vapor specific volumes assuming an inlet portion of a compressor. Thus, there is a problem that the refrigerant pressure loss on the low pressure side of the air conditioner increases (for example, three times or more when compared to R410A under the same condition) to increase power consumption of the compressor of the air conditioner.
- The refrigerant R32 (GWP = 675) also is being considered as a refrigerant having a relatively low global warming potential (GWP). However, each of these refrigerants (HFO1234yf, HFO1234ze, and R32) is flammable while having low flammability (a refrigerant having a lower flammability than those of hydrocarbon refrigerants is hereinafter called a slightly flammable refrigerant).
-
Patent Literatures 1 and 2 describe measures against refrigerant leakage when the leakage is detected. A refrigerant leakage detector is needed to be provided to each of the outdoor unit and indoor unit to detect leakage of a flammable or slightly flammable refrigerant and to prevent the fire. There is therefore also a problem that cost increases. - An object of the present invention is to obtain an air conditioner able to avoid the risk of fire and able to have a reduced number of refrigerant leakage detectors while using a refrigerant having a low global warming potential (GWP).
- To attain the above object, an air conditioner of the present invention is provided with a heat source unit configured so as to use a flammable refrigerant having a low global warming potential, and configured by housing, inside a case, refrigeration cycle components such as a heat exchanger in which the refrigerant flows, an electric part box in which electric parts and the like are housed, and a blower driven by a motor. Airflow is formed by the blower in the case. The refrigeration cycle components in which the refrigerant flows are arranged in the airflow in the case. The electric part box and the electric parts such as the motor of the blower are arranged upstream from the refrigeration cycle components in the airflow.
- According to the present invention, an air conditioner able to avoid the risk of fire and able to have a reduced number of refrigerant leakage detectors while using a refrigerant having a low global warming potential (GWP) is obtained.
-
-
Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram explaining Embodiment 1 of an air conditioner of the present invention; -
Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a refrigeration cycle of the air conditioner illustrated inFig. 1 ; -
Fig. 3 is a top view illustrating a ceiling embedded type heat source unit in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; -
Fig. 4 is a perspective view explaining an example of a ceiling embedded type heat source unit as a conventional air conditioner; and -
Fig. 5 is a top view explaining airflow of in the ceiling embedded type heat source unit illustrated inFig. 4 . - Hereafter, a specific embodiment of an air conditioner of the present invention is explained using the drawings. In each figure, the portions having the same reference numerals illustrate the same or corresponding portions.
- Embodiment 1 of an air conditioner of the present invention is explained in reference to
Figs. 1 to 3 .Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram explaining Embodiment 1 of the air conditioner of the present invention.Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a refrigeration cycle of the air conditioner ofFig. 1 .Fig. 3 is a top view of a ceiling embedded type heat source unit in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. An example of a conventional air conditioner also is explained usingFigs. 4 and5 for comparison. - The present embodiment explains an example of an air conditioner using HFO1234yf or HF01234ze, which are slightly flammable refrigerants (for example, slightly flammable refrigerants having burning velocity of 10 cm/s or less). The slightly flammable refrigerants are less flammable than hydrocarbon refrigerants such as propane and isobutane, which are flammable refrigerants. Refrigerants having relatively low global warming potentials (GWPs) include R32, as described above. In the present embodiment, an example using HF01234yf or HF01234ze as the refrigerant is explained.
- The refrigerants HF01234yf and HFO1234ze in vapor state have low densities and large volumes, as mentioned above. Therefore, there is a problem that the refrigerant pressure loss is large on the low pressure side to increase power consumption of a compressor of an air conditioner. In the present embodiment, for reduction of the refrigerant pressure loss on the low pressure side, the heat source unit is a ceiling embedded type heat source unit that is arranged to a ceiling portion and the like in a building to shorten the distance between the heat source unit and an indoor unit (namely, the length of refrigerant piping) and that introduces outside air to perform heat exchange. Hereafter, this specific configuration is explained using
Fig. 1 . -
Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram explaining an example of an arrangement of the air conditioner of the present embodiment having the ceiling embedded type heat source unit.Fig. 1 illustrates a building 1 and aheat source unit 2 that includes, inside a case, refrigeration cycle components such as a heat exchanger in which the refrigerant flows, an electric part box in which electric parts and the like are housed, and a blower driven by a motor. In the present embodiment, thisheat source unit 2 is the so-called ceiling embedded type heat source unit arranged to aceiling portion 1a (attic) in the building 1. Anindoor unit 3 conditions air in aroom 1b. Thisindoor unit 3 andheat source unit 2 are connected to one another byrefrigerant pipes 4 and 5 (4: gas side refrigerant pipe, 5: liquid side refrigerant pipe). - The
heat source unit 2 is configured so as to draw outdoor air as illustrated by anarrow 6, exchange heat between the outdoor air and refrigerant, and blow the air after this heat exchange out of the room as illustrated by anarrow 7. - The
indoor unit 3 draws the air in theroom 1b as illustrated by anarrow 8. A heat exchanger provided inside theindoor unit 3 exchanges heat between the indoor air and refrigerant and blows the air cooled (in cooling) or heated (in heating) after the heat exchange into the room as illustrated by anarrow 9 to condition the air in theroom 1b in which anoccupant 10 is present. - Generally, the
heat source unit 2 is often arranged, e.g., to the rooftop of the building 1 or outside a wall of the building 1 as an outdoor unit, but arranged to a ceiling portion (anattic 1a in the present embodiment) nearer to theindoor unit 3 than to the rooftop and outside the building as the ceiling embedded typeheat source unit 2 to enable therefrigerant pipes indoor unit 3 andheat source unit 2 to one another to be shorter than those for the heat source unit arranged outside the room. In the present embodiment, therefrigerant pipes heat source unit 2 andindoor unit 3 to one another are 10 m or less in length. Thus, therefrigerant pipes - Thai is, since the refrigerants HFO1234yf and HFO1234ze have low densities and large volumes in vapor state, the refrigerant pressure loss on the low pressure side easily becomes high. With the configuration as in the present embodiment, the refrigerant pressure loss on the low pressure side can be reduced, and power consumption of the compressor can be reduced. Even when using HFO1234yf and HF01234ze, which are refrigerants having low global warming potentials, an efficient air conditioner can be obtained.
- The embodiment illustrated in
Fig. 1 has been explained using theheat source unit 2 in direct contact with the air outside the building 1. It can be also considered that theheat source unit 2 is provided inside the building, e.g., to further shorten the distance to theindoor unit 3. In such a case, since theheat source unit 2 is not in direct contact with the air outside the building, the outdoor air may be introduced to theheat source unit 2 via an air duct. In such a configuration, the lengths of therefrigerant pipes heat source unit 2 andindoor unit 3 to one another can be easily 10 m or less. Thus, the refrigerant pressure loss on the low pressure side can be reduced easily even when HFO1234yf and HF01234ze are used as the refrigerant. -
Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the refrigeration cycle of the air conditioner illustrated inFig. 1 , and illustrates theheat source unit 2 andindoor unit 3. Theseheat source unit 2 andindoor unit 3 are connected by a gas side refrigerant pipe (gas side connection pipe) 4 and a liquid side refrigerant pipe (liquid side connection pipe) 5. In theheat source unit 2, acompressor 20, a four-way switching valve 21, a heat sourceside heat exchanger 22, and anexpansion device 23 are sequentially connected by the refrigerant piping. Ablower 24 draws outdoor air from outside the building and blows the air to the heat sourceside heat exchanger 22. The heat sourceside heat exchanger 22 exchanges heat between the drawn outdoor air and the refrigerant that flows inside the refrigerant piping of theheat exchanger 22 to condense the refrigerant (in cooling) and evaporate the refrigerant (in heating). - The
indoor unit 3 is configured to connect theindoor heat exchanger 30 andexpansion device 31 by the refrigerant piping. Ablower 32 draws indoor air and blows the air to theindoor heat exchanger 30. Theindoor heat exchanger 30 exchanges heat between the drawn indoor air and the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant piping of theheat exchanger 30 to evaporate (in cooling) and condense (in heating) the refrigerant. Thus, cool air and warm air can be supplied into the room to condition air in the room. - The present embodiment describes that a refrigerant leakage detector (refrigerant leakage detection means) 33 is arranged in the
indoor unit 3 and can detect refrigerant leakage immediately when the leakage occurs. Thisrefrigerant leakage detector 33 may be arranged outside theindoor unit 3 or in the room in which theindoor unit 3 is arranged. - The
heat source unit 2 andindoor unit 3 are connected to one another by the gas siderefrigerant pipe 4 and liquid siderefrigerant pipe 5. A gasside prevention valve 25 is provided to the gas siderefrigerant pipe 4. A liquidside prevention valve 26 is provided to the liquid siderefrigerant pipe 5. Usually, theseprevention valves heat source unit 2 side. In theheat source unit 2, an arrow A in theheat source unit 2 illustrates a flow of the refrigerant in heating, and an arrow B illustrates a flow of the refrigerant in cooling. - Next, a configuration of the
heat source unit 2 is explained usingFig. 3 . Before that, a configuration of a conventional ceiling embedded type heat source unit is explained usingFigs. 4 and5 for comparison.Fig. 4 is a perspective view explaining an example of a ceiling embedded type heat source unit as the conventional air conditioner.Fig. 5 is a top view explaining airflow in the ceiling embedded type heat source unit illustrated inFig. 4 . -
Fig. 4 illustrates the conventional ceiling embedded typeheat source unit 2 corresponding to the ceiling embedded typeheat source unit 2 illustrated inFig. 1 , and illustrates acase 2a. The inside of thecase 2a is partitioned to anupstream space 2c and adownstream space 2d by apartition plate 2b. Anair inlet 2e is to draw outdoor air (open air). Anair outlet 2f is to blow the heat-exchanged air out of thedownstream space 2d to outside the building. - The
upstream space 2c includes the heat exchanger (heat source side heat exchanger) 22 that exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing in a heat transfer tube and the outdoor air introduced from theair inlet 2e, ablower 24 that draws the outdoor air to supply the outdoor air to theheat exchanger 22, thecompressor 20 that compresses the refrigerant, and areceiver 27 that receives an excess refrigerant condensed by theheat exchanger 22 and the like. Amotor 24a is to drive theblower 24. - On the other hand, the
downstream space 2d houses anelectric part box 28 that houses electric parts such as a control substrate mounting electronic parts and a terminal base. The conventional theheat source unit 2 uses R407C, R410A, and the like as a refrigerant. InFig. 4 , thecompressor 20,heat exchanger 22, andreceiver 27 are refrigeration cycle components in which the refrigerant flows. The four-way switching valve 21 andexpansion device 23 illustrated inFig. 2 but not illustrated inFig. 4 are also refrigeration cycle components in which the refrigerant flows. - Next, airflow in the conventional ceiling embedded type heat source unit illustrated in
Fig. 4 is explained usingFig. 5 . InFig. 5 , an arrow C illustrates airflow within thecase 2a of theheat source unit 2. In the conventional ceiling embedded typeheat source unit 2, the refrigeration cycle components such as thecompressor 20,heat exchanger 22, andreceiver 27 are arranged upstream from airflow C formed by theblower 24, and theblower 24 andelectric part box 28 are arranged downstream from the airflow C. Therefore, when the refrigerant leaks from any of these refrigeration cycle components, the leaking refrigerant flows along the airflow C. - When a refrigerant such as HFO1234yf and HFO1234ze having low global warming potentials (GWPs) or a refrigerant such as R32 having a relatively small GWP, these refrigerants being slightly flammable refrigerants, is used as the refrigerant, the slightly flammable refrigerant is entrained in the airflow C and contacts the
motor 24a of theblower 24 and theelectric part box 28. It has been found that there is the risk of combustion of a flammable refrigerant when the refrigerant is present around the electric parts in the event of heat generation and current leakage of the electric parts because the electric parts are housed in theelectric part box 28. The same may occur also with respect to themotor 24a of theblower 24. - Therefore, in the present embodiment, the device arrangement inside the ceiling embedded type
heat source unit 2 is configured as illustrated inFig. 3 . In the ceiling embedded type heat source unit illustrated inFig. 3 , the configuration corresponding to the conventional ceiling embedded type heat source unit illustrated inFigs. 4 andFig. 5 is given the same reference numerals, the overlapped portions are not explained, and only the different portions are explained. - In the ceiling embedded type
heat source unit 2 of the present embodiment, when theblower 24 is activated, the drawn airflow of the outdoor air illustrated by anoutline arrow 6 flows from theair inlet 2e into thecase 2a, and flows inside thecase 2a and is blown from anair outlet 2f to outside the building as illustrated by the airflow C. - In the present embodiment, the refrigeration cycle components such as the
compressor 20,heat exchanger 22, andreceiver 27 in which the refrigerant flows are arranged to thedownstream space 2d in thecase 2a, and theblower 24 andelectric part box 28 are arranged to theupstream space 2c in thecase 2a. - With such a configuration, the refrigeration cycle components are downstream from the airflow and the
electric part box 28 andblower 24 are arranged upstream from the refrigeration cycle components in the airflow. Thus, even when refrigerant leakage occurs from any of the refrigeration cycle components, the leaking refrigerant can be entrained in the airflow C and flown out of the building without contacting theelectric part box 28 andblower 24. Therefore, even when a slightly flammable or flammable refrigerant leaks from the refrigeration cycle components, this refrigerant can be prevented from contacting the electric components in theelectric part box 28 and the electric components such as themotor 24a of theblower 24, the electric components being capable of being ignition sources. Then, the risk of combustion can be avoided. - Further explanation will be made in detail. In the present embodiment, since HFO1234yf, HF01234ze, and the like, which are slightly flammable refrigerants, are used and the heat source unit is the ceiling embedded type heat source unit, the following risks are present in case of refrigerant leakage of the heat source unit. These include the risk of combustion inside the heat source unit, the risk of combustion in the building when the refrigerant may flow into the building such as the attic in the event of the refrigerant leakage from the heat source unit, and the risk of oxygen deficiency when the leaking refrigerant enters the room. In the present embodiment, to deal with such problems, the
electric part box 28 andblower 24 are arranged upstream from the refrigeration cycle components in the airflow. Thus, even when refrigerant leakage occurs in the ceiling embedded type heat source unit, the leaking refrigerant can be discharged out of the building without contacting theelectric part box 28 andblower 24. The advantageous effect that combustion and oxygen deficiency due to refrigerant leakage from the ceiling embedded type heat source unit is preventable can be obtained. - Since the
refrigerant leakage detector 33 is provided to the indoor unit to deal with refrigerant leakage from the indoor unit, the risks of combustion and oxygen deficiency can be avoided. That is, in the present embodiment, as illustrated inFig. 2 , therefrigerant leakage detector 33 is provided to theindoor unit 3. Thus, when refrigerant leakage occurs in theindoor unit 3, therefrigerant leakage detector 33 can detect the leakage, and generate an alert and the like to enable prevention of combustion and oxygen deficiency caused by deposition of the refrigerant in theindoor unit 3 androom 1b. - The refrigerant detector is expensive. In the present embodiment, the combustion and oxygen deficiency caused by the refrigerant leakage from the heat source unit can be prevented. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a refrigerant leakage detector in the heat source unit. Therefore, the number of expensive refrigerant detectors can be reduced and an inexpensive air conditioner can be obtained accordingly. That is, in the present embodiment, since the
heat source unit 2 is configured as explained inFig. 3 , it is not necessary to arrange a refrigerant leakage detector in theheat source unit 2. Therefore, the number of expensive refrigerant detectors can be reduced, and an inexpensive air conditioner can be realized by suppressing increase in cost. - In the present embodiment, since HFO1234yf and HF01234ze, which are refrigerants having low global warming potentials (GWPs), are used as a refrigerant of the air conditioner, there is a problem that the refrigerant pressure loss on the low pressure side of the air conditioner becomes large easily. Since the
heat source unit 2 is the ceiling embedded type heat source unit in the present embodiment to handle the problem, the length of the refrigerant piping that connects the indoor unit and heat source unit to one another can be short, for example, 10 m or less. Therefore, while using the refrigerant such as HFO1234yf and HF01234ze, having low densities and large volumes in vapor state, the refrigerant pressure loss on the low pressure side of the air conditioner can be reduced. As a result, an efficient air conditioner that can also reduce power consumption can be obtained. - In the present embodiment, the
blower 24 of the ceiling embedded typeheat source unit 2 is driven periodically even while the air conditioner does not operate. That is, even during shutdown of the air conditioner, theblower 24 is rotated periodically, for example, for several seconds to several minutes once to several times a day by use of a timer and the like to generate the airflow C in thecase 2a of theheat source unit 2. Thus, even when the refrigerant leakage occurs during shutdown of the air conditioner, the leaking refrigerant can be discharged out of the building periodically. As a result, gradual deposition of the leaking refrigerant in thecase 2a to increase the risk of combustion can be prevented. - When the blower is not operated periodically during shutdown of the air conditioner unlike in the present embodiment, the slightly flammable refrigerant remains in the
heat source unit 2 and increases in density in case of the refrigerant leakage to increase the risk of fire. When the leaking refrigerant moves from theheat source unit 2 into theroom 1b (seeFig. 1 ) through the attic and the like, the risks of combustion and oxygen deficiency arise in the room. - On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the
blower 24 is periodically driven even during shutdown of the air conditioner as mentioned above. Thus, since the leaking refrigerant can be prevented from remaining in theheat source unit 2 to increase in density and from entering theroom 1b, the combustion and oxygen deficiency due to the leakage of the slightly flammable refrigerant can be prevented certainly. - As described above, according to the present embodiment, the risk of fire can be avoided while using the slightly flammable refrigerant having a low global warming potential (GWP), and cost reduction can be achieved because the number of the refrigerant leakage detectors can be reduced. Since the refrigerant pressure loss on the low pressure side of the air conditioner can also be reduced, an advantageous effect that the efficient air conditioner can be obtained is also obtained.
- The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but includes various modifications. For example, the above embodiment explains the example using HF01234yf and HFO1234ze, which have low global warming potentials (GWP) and are slightly flammable, as the refrigerant, but is applicable also when R32, which has a relatively small GWP and is slightly flammable, is used or when other refrigerants and mixed refrigerants having a similar property are used. The heat source unit has been explained as the ceiling embedded type heat source unit. The heat source unit is not limited to a ceiling embedded type. The technical concept of the present invention is also applicable to an outdoor unit arranged outside a building. Further, the above embodiment has been explained in detail for understanding the present invention, but is not necessarily limited to having all the explained configurations.
-
- 1:
- building
- 1a:
- ceiling portion (attic)
- 1b:
- room
- 2:
- ceiling embedded type heat source unit
- 2a:
- case
- 2b:
- partition plate
- 2c:
- upstream space
- 2d:
- downstream space
- 2e:
- air inlet
- 2f:
- air outlet
- 3:
- indoor unit
- 4:
- gas side refrigerant pipe
- 5:
- liquid side refrigerant pipe
- 6:
- airflow drawn into heat source unit
- 7:
- airflow blown out of heat source unit
- 8:
- airflow drawn into indoor unit
- 9:
- airflow blown out of indoor unit
- 10:
- occupant
- 20:
- compressor
- 21:
- four-way switching valve
- 22:
- heat source side heat exchanger
- 23:
- expansion device
- 24:
- blower
- 24a:
- motor
- 25:
- gas side prevention valve
- 26:
- liquid side prevention valve
- 27:
- receiver
- 28:
- electric part box
- 30:
- indoor heat exchanger
- 31:
- indoor expansion device
- 32:
- blower
- 33:
- refrigerant leakage detector (refrigerant leakage detection means)
- A:
- refrigerant flow in heating
- B:
- refrigerant flow in cooling
Claims (7)
- An air conditioner comprising a heat source unit,
the heat source unit using a flammable refrigerant having a low global warming potential,
the heat source unit housing inside a case:refrigeration cycle components such as a heat exchanger in which the refrigerant flows;an electric part box housing electric parts and the like; anda blower driven by a motor,wherein airflow is formed in the case by the blower, the refrigeration cycle components in which the refrigerant flows are arranged in the airflow in the case, and the electric part box and the electric parts such as a motor of the blower are arranged upstream from the refrigeration cycle components in the airflow. - The air conditioner according to claim 1 wherein the refrigerant has a smaller flammability than a hydrocarbon natural refrigerant and is slightly flammable.
- The air conditioner according to claim 2 wherein the slightly flammable refrigerant is at least any one of HF01234yf, HFO1234ze, and R32.
- The air conditioner according to claim 3 wherein the slightly flammable refrigerant is at least any one of HFO1234yf and HF01234ze, and the heat source unit is a ceiling embedded type heat source unit arranged to a ceiling portion and the like in a building, and introduces outside air to perform heat exchange.
- The air conditioner according to claim 4 wherein the ceiling embedded type heat source unit is connected, by refrigerant piping, to an indoor unit that conditions air in a room, and a length of the refrigerant piping that connects between the heat source unit and the indoor unit is 10 m or less.
- The air conditioner according to claim 5 wherein refrigerant leakage detection means is provided to the indoor unit or in a room in which the indoor unit is arranged.
- The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the blower of the heat source unit is periodically driven even during shutdown of the air conditioner.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2014034164A JP6177158B2 (en) | 2014-02-25 | 2014-02-25 | Air conditioner |
PCT/JP2014/078436 WO2015129099A1 (en) | 2014-02-25 | 2014-10-27 | Air conditioner |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3112768A1 true EP3112768A1 (en) | 2017-01-04 |
EP3112768A4 EP3112768A4 (en) | 2017-10-18 |
EP3112768B1 EP3112768B1 (en) | 2020-06-17 |
Family
ID=54008444
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP14883758.6A Active EP3112768B1 (en) | 2014-02-25 | 2014-10-27 | Air conditioner |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20160348927A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3112768B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP6177158B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN106133452B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2015129099A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11162705B2 (en) | 2019-08-29 | 2021-11-02 | Hitachi-Johnson Controls Air Conditioning, Inc | Refrigeration cycle control |
Families Citing this family (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3457037B1 (en) * | 2016-05-12 | 2022-02-23 | Mitsubishi Electric Corporation | Outdoor unit of air conditioner |
JP6529685B1 (en) * | 2017-07-21 | 2019-06-12 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Air conditioner |
US11060746B2 (en) * | 2017-12-01 | 2021-07-13 | Johnson Controls Technology Company | Systems and methods for detecting and responding to refrigerant leaks in heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems |
CN109405096B (en) * | 2018-09-17 | 2021-04-20 | 青岛海尔空调器有限总公司 | Air conditioner outdoor unit and control method thereof |
US20220003444A1 (en) * | 2019-01-09 | 2022-01-06 | Mitsubishi Electric Corporation | Air-conditioning apparatus |
US11686491B2 (en) | 2019-02-20 | 2023-06-27 | Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLP | Systems for refrigerant leak detection and management |
KR20220010865A (en) * | 2020-07-20 | 2022-01-27 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Heat pump |
Family Cites Families (23)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS5436050A (en) * | 1977-08-26 | 1979-03-16 | Gen Corp | Air conditioner |
JPS62218745A (en) * | 1986-03-19 | 1987-09-26 | Mitsubishi Electric Corp | Outdoor unit for air conditioner |
JPH0636421Y2 (en) * | 1989-05-09 | 1994-09-21 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | Air conditioner |
JPH08189751A (en) * | 1995-01-13 | 1996-07-23 | Matsushita Refrig Co Ltd | Refrigerator |
JP3291407B2 (en) * | 1995-01-31 | 2002-06-10 | 三洋電機株式会社 | Cooling device |
JPH09318208A (en) * | 1996-06-03 | 1997-12-12 | Daikin Ind Ltd | Refrigerating plant using combustible refrigerant |
US6110038A (en) * | 1998-11-12 | 2000-08-29 | Stern; David A. | System for detecting and purging carbon monoxide |
JP3159200B2 (en) * | 1999-03-02 | 2001-04-23 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | Air conditioner |
JP2005241121A (en) * | 2004-02-26 | 2005-09-08 | Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd | Air conditioner |
US7434413B2 (en) * | 2005-01-10 | 2008-10-14 | Honeywell International Inc. | Indoor air quality and economizer control methods and controllers |
DE102007002181B3 (en) * | 2007-01-15 | 2008-08-21 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Condensation dryer with a heat pump |
EP2096365B1 (en) * | 2008-02-29 | 2017-10-11 | Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning Technology (Hong Kong) Limited | Heat source unit installed inside building |
US8672670B2 (en) * | 2009-11-11 | 2014-03-18 | Trane International Inc. | System and method for controlling a furnace |
KR101966488B1 (en) * | 2010-01-27 | 2019-04-05 | 다이킨 고교 가부시키가이샤 | Refrigerant composition comprising difluoromethane(hfc32) and 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene(hfo1234yf) |
CN201652623U (en) * | 2010-04-22 | 2010-11-24 | 广东美的电器股份有限公司 | Air-conditioning outdoor machine for preventing flammable refrigerant from accumulating |
WO2011161720A1 (en) * | 2010-06-23 | 2011-12-29 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Air-conditioning apparatus |
CN201875842U (en) * | 2010-07-07 | 2011-06-22 | 海尔集团公司 | Air conditioner using combustible refrigerant |
JP2014224611A (en) * | 2011-09-16 | 2014-12-04 | パナソニック株式会社 | Air conditioner |
JP2013064525A (en) * | 2011-09-16 | 2013-04-11 | Panasonic Corp | Piping connection structure of air conditioner |
WO2013145013A1 (en) * | 2012-03-29 | 2013-10-03 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Branch controller and air-conditioning device provided therewith |
JP5673612B2 (en) * | 2012-06-27 | 2015-02-18 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Refrigeration cycle equipment |
US10508847B2 (en) * | 2012-08-27 | 2019-12-17 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Refrigeration apparatus |
JP5665937B1 (en) * | 2013-09-13 | 2015-02-04 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Refrigeration cycle equipment |
-
2014
- 2014-02-25 JP JP2014034164A patent/JP6177158B2/en active Active
- 2014-10-27 US US15/117,240 patent/US20160348927A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2014-10-27 EP EP14883758.6A patent/EP3112768B1/en active Active
- 2014-10-27 WO PCT/JP2014/078436 patent/WO2015129099A1/en active Application Filing
- 2014-10-27 CN CN201480074164.7A patent/CN106133452B/en active Active
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11162705B2 (en) | 2019-08-29 | 2021-11-02 | Hitachi-Johnson Controls Air Conditioning, Inc | Refrigeration cycle control |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP2015158338A (en) | 2015-09-03 |
WO2015129099A1 (en) | 2015-09-03 |
CN106133452A (en) | 2016-11-16 |
EP3112768A4 (en) | 2017-10-18 |
JP6177158B2 (en) | 2017-08-09 |
EP3112768B1 (en) | 2020-06-17 |
CN106133452B (en) | 2019-11-05 |
US20160348927A1 (en) | 2016-12-01 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP3112768A1 (en) | Air conditioner | |
JP6289757B2 (en) | Refrigeration cycle apparatus and refrigeration cycle system | |
JP6785883B2 (en) | Air conditioner | |
WO2015029678A1 (en) | Air conditioning device and refrigerant leak detection method | |
US10724766B2 (en) | Refrigeration cycle apparatus | |
WO2017187618A1 (en) | Refrigeration cycle apparatus | |
CN108351139B (en) | Refrigeration cycle device and refrigerant leak detection method | |
WO2018092197A1 (en) | Air conditioning apparatus and refrigerant leakage detection method | |
EP4040060B1 (en) | Air conditioning and ventilation system | |
JP2016029322A (en) | Air conditioner | |
JPWO2017187562A1 (en) | Refrigeration cycle equipment | |
JP2020143800A (en) | Refrigerant cycle device | |
WO2020049646A1 (en) | Water-cooled air conditioner | |
US20220146158A1 (en) | Refrigerant cycle system and method | |
JP6272149B2 (en) | Air conditioner | |
EP4279824A1 (en) | Air conditioner |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20160926 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
DAX | Request for extension of the european patent (deleted) | ||
A4 | Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched |
Effective date: 20170920 |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: F25B 1/00 20060101ALI20170914BHEP Ipc: F24F 1/48 20110101ALI20170914BHEP Ipc: F24F 7/007 20060101ALI20170914BHEP Ipc: F24F 11/04 20060101ALI20170914BHEP Ipc: F24F 1/60 20110101ALI20170914BHEP Ipc: F24F 1/46 20110101ALI20170914BHEP Ipc: F24F 1/26 20110101ALI20170914BHEP Ipc: F24F 1/32 20110101ALI20170914BHEP Ipc: F24F 1/24 20110101ALI20170914BHEP Ipc: F24F 1/22 20110101AFI20170914BHEP Ipc: F24F 11/02 20060101ALI20170914BHEP Ipc: F25B 49/02 20060101ALI20170914BHEP |
|
RAP1 | Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred) |
Owner name: HITACHI-JOHNSON CONTROLS AIR CONDITIONING, INC. |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R079 Ref document number: 602014066855 Country of ref document: DE Free format text: PREVIOUS MAIN CLASS: F24F0001220000 Ipc: F25B0013000000 |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: F24F 1/46 20110101ALI20200310BHEP Ipc: F24F 1/22 20110101ALI20200310BHEP Ipc: F24F 1/26 20110101ALI20200310BHEP Ipc: F24F 1/48 20110101ALI20200310BHEP Ipc: F25B 13/00 20060101AFI20200310BHEP Ipc: F25B 49/00 20060101ALI20200310BHEP |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20200402 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 602014066855 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: REF Ref document number: 1281788 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20200715 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200617 Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200918 Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200617 Ref country code: NO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200917 Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200617 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: LT Ref legal event code: MG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: MP Effective date: 20200617 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: HR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200617 Ref country code: RS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200617 Ref country code: BG Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200917 Ref country code: LV Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200617 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: MK05 Ref document number: 1281788 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20200617 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200617 Ref country code: AL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200617 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201019 Ref country code: IT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200617 Ref country code: SM Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200617 Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200617 Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200617 Ref country code: RO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200617 Ref country code: CZ Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200617 Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200617 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200617 Ref country code: PL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200617 Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201017 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 602014066855 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200617 |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20210318 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200617 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20201027 Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200617 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: BE Ref legal event code: MM Effective date: 20201031 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20201031 Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20201031 Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20201031 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20201027 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: TR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200617 Ref country code: MT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200617 Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200617 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200617 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Payment date: 20230920 Year of fee payment: 10 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20230920 Year of fee payment: 10 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20230920 Year of fee payment: 10 |