EP3287714A1 - Refrigeration cycle device - Google Patents
Refrigeration cycle device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3287714A1 EP3287714A1 EP15889817.1A EP15889817A EP3287714A1 EP 3287714 A1 EP3287714 A1 EP 3287714A1 EP 15889817 A EP15889817 A EP 15889817A EP 3287714 A1 EP3287714 A1 EP 3287714A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- inverter
- flow passage
- oil
- radiating portion
- heat radiating
- 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.)
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Classifications
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- 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
- F25B31/00—Compressor arrangements
- F25B31/002—Lubrication
- F25B31/004—Lubrication oil recirculating arrangements
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- 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
- F25B1/00—Compression machines, plants or systems with non-reversible cycle
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- 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
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- 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
- F25B31/00—Compressor arrangements
- F25B31/006—Cooling of compressor or motor
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- 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
- F25B43/00—Arrangements for separating or purifying gases or liquids; Arrangements for vaporising the residuum of liquid refrigerant, e.g. by heat
- F25B43/02—Arrangements for separating or purifying gases or liquids; Arrangements for vaporising the residuum of liquid refrigerant, e.g. by heat for separating lubricants from the refrigerant
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- 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
- F25B2400/04—Refrigeration circuit bypassing means
- F25B2400/0409—Refrigeration circuit bypassing means for the evaporator
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- 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
- F25B2400/04—Refrigeration circuit bypassing means
- F25B2400/0411—Refrigeration circuit bypassing means for the expansion valve or capillary tube
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- 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
- F25B2500/16—Lubrication
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- 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
- F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
- F25B2700/21—Temperatures
- F25B2700/2115—Temperatures of a compressor or the drive means therefor
- F25B2700/21154—Temperatures of a compressor or the drive means therefor of an inverter
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a refrigeration cycle apparatus that makes it possible to prevent damage due to radiated heat and condensation in an inverter in an inverter-integrated refrigerant compressor.
- a portion where heat is radiated as above is hereinafter referred to as an inverter heat radiating portion.
- the inverter has temperature limitations, and the inverter heat radiating portion has to be cooled to prevent damage due to overheating of an electrical circuit and an electrical component caused by the radiated heat.
- Patent Literature 1 As a cooling measure in the inverter heat radiating portion, a method has been known in which refrigerant is used (see Patent Literature 1, for example).
- an inverter cooling expansion valve is controlled on the basis of either the temperature of an inverter heat radiating portion or the degree of superheat of suction gas (refrigerant gas) to be sucked into a compressor, thereby cooling the inverter heat radiating portion.
- Patent Literature 1 for example, in the case where an inverter is installed in a position that is likely to be affected by a suction gas temperature, such as in the vicinity of a motor frame, the inverter heat radiating portion is excessively cooled during operation at a low suction gas temperature even when the opening degree of the inverter cooling expansion valve is reduced to a minimum, raising a concern that an electrical circuit and an electrical component may be damaged by condensation.
- Patent Literature 2 oil is caused to flow by differential pressure, and a flow rate is not able to be controlled.
- Patent Literature 2 when the existing technique disclosed in Patent Literature 2 is applied to the inverter heat radiating portion disclosed in Patent Literature 1 to prevent condensation, high-temperature oil is caused to flow to the vicinity of the inverter heat radiating portion regardless of the temperature of the inverter heat radiating portion.
- high-temperature oil is caused to flow even when the temperature of the inverter heat radiating portion rises, raising a concern that electrical components and other elements constituting the inverter heat radiating portion may be damaged by radiated heat.
- the present invention has been made to solve such drawbacks and provides a refrigeration cycle apparatus that is highly reliable and also highly efficient. Solution to Problem
- a refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a refrigeration cycle in which a compressor in which an inverter including an inverter heat radiating portion being a portion where heat is radiated is integrated, an oil separator, a condenser, a first pressure reducing device, and an evaporator are connected by a pipe, and through which refrigerant circulates, a cooling refrigerant flow passage branching off from a flow passage between the condenser and the first pressure reducing device and merging with a flow passage between the evaporator and the compressor, a second pressure reducing device provided in the cooling refrigerant flow passage, a first oil flow passage and a second oil flow passage through which refrigerating machine oil separated in the oil separator flows to the compressor, an oil flow rate control unit configured to control a flow rate of refrigerating machine oil flowing through the first oil flow passage and a flow rate of refrigerating machine oil flowing through the second oil flow passage, an inverter temperature detection device configured to measure a temperature of the invert
- the cooling refrigerant flow passage is formed to pass through a position where heat of refrigerant flowing through the cooling refrigerant flow passage is transferred to the inverter heat radiating portion.
- the first oil flow passage is formed to pass through a position where heat of refrigerating machine oil flowing through the first oil flow passage is not transferred to the inverter heat radiating portion.
- the second oil flow passage is formed to pass through a position where heat of refrigerating machine oil flowing through the second oil flow passage is transferred to the inverter heat radiating portion.
- the controller is configured to control the second pressure reducing device and the oil flow rate control unit on the basis of a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device.
- the inverter heat radiating portion when the second pressure reducing device and the oil flow rate control unit are controlled on the basis of a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device configured to measure the temperature of the inverter heat radiating portion, the inverter heat radiating portion can be caused to reach an appropriate temperature.
- overheating of the inverter heat radiating portion is prevented, thereby making it possible to prevent damage to an electrical circuit and an electrical component, and excessive cooling of the inverter heat radiating portion is also prevented, thereby making it possible to prevent the occurrence of condensation.
- the inverter heat radiating portion is heated and oil is cooled. Cooled high-viscosity oil is returned to a compression chamber, thereby making it possible to prevent leakage from a clearance gap between a screw rotor and a casing, and also making it possible to prevent an increase in discharge temperature to reduce input.
- Fig. 1 illustrates the configuration of a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
- a screw compressor 1, an oil separator 2, a condenser 3, a main expansion valve 4, and an evaporator 5 are sequentially connected by a refrigerant pipe to form a refrigerant circulation passage 92, thereby constituting a refrigeration cycle in which refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circulation passage 92.
- a cooling refrigerant flow passage 93 is formed that branches off from a flow passage (refrigerant circulation passage 92) between the condenser 3 and the main expansion valve 4, passes through the vicinity of an inverter heat radiating portion 111 of an inverter 110 to be described, and merges with a flow passage (refrigerant circulation passage 92) between the evaporator 5 and the screw compressor 1.
- an inverter cooling expansion valve 9 is provided upstream from the inverter heat radiating portion 111.
- a three-way valve 6 On a flow passage (hereinafter referred to as an oil flow passage) through which refrigerating machine oil (hereinafter referred to as oil) separated in the oil separator 2 flows to the screw compressor 1, a three-way valve 6 is provided. Between the three-way valve 6 and the screw compressor 1, a first oil flow passage 90 is formed through which oil separated in the oil separator 2 flows directly to a compression chamber 101 a without passing through the vicinity of the inverter heat radiating portion 111 and a second oil flow passage 91 is formed through which oil separated in the oil separator 2 passes through the vicinity of the inverter heat radiating portion 111 to be described and then flows to the screw compressor 1.
- the oil flow passage is divided by the three-way valve 6 into two flow passages, which are the first oil flow passage 90 and the second oil flow passage 91.
- a flow passage through which oil separated in the oil separator 2 flows is switched by the three-way valve 6 between the first oil flow passage 90 and the second oil flow passage 91.
- the vicinity of the inverter heat radiating portion 111 refers to a position where heat of refrigerant flowing through the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93 or heat of oil flowing through the oil flow passage can be transferred to the inverter heat radiating portion 111, and the same applies to the following description.
- the oil separator 2 and the screw compressor 1 are separately placed, the oil separator 2 may be built into the screw compressor 1.
- the three-way valve 6 corresponds to "oil flow rate control unit" of the present invention.
- the screw compressor 1 is composed of an integrated combination of a compressor mechanism portion 101 and the inverter 110.
- heat-generating elements such as a rectifier circuit, a smoothing capacitor, and an inverter circuit, are placed so that a joint portion between a container constituting an outer casing of the inverter 110 and the compressor mechanism portion 101 acts as the inverter heat radiating portion 111.
- a compressor is not limited to a screw compressor. Any other types of compressors, such as a reciprocating compressor and a turbo-compressor, into which an inverter is integrated may be used.
- the inverter 110 includes the inverter heat radiating portion 111 in which the above-described heat-generating elements are housed.
- an inverter temperature detection device 112 that measures the temperature of the inverter heat radiating portion 111 is provided.
- the compression chamber 101 a and a motor 101 b that rotationally drives a screw rotor, which will be described later, included in the compression chamber 101 a are connected in series to compress and discharge refrigerant.
- the compression chamber 101 a includes the screw rotor (not illustrated) and a gate rotor (not illustrated) that engages with screw grooves provided on the screw rotor.
- the compression chamber 101 a composed of the screw grooves (not illustrated) and a casing that houses the gate rotor and the screw rotor, refrigerant is compressed.
- the single screw compressor is taken as an example in Embodiment 1, a twin screw compressor composed of a pair of male and female screw rotors may be used.
- Refrigerant liquid having flowed out of the condenser 3 is divided to flow to the refrigerant circulation passage 92 and the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93.
- Refrigerant divided to flow to the refrigerant circulation passage 92 is reduced in pressure by the main expansion valve 4 and then flows into the evaporator 5.
- refrigerant divided to flow to the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93 is reduced in pressure by the inverter cooling expansion valve 9, and a stream of the refrigerant reduced in pressure passes through the vicinity of the inverter heat radiating portion 111 and meets a stream of outlet gas from the evaporator 5. That is, when the opening degree of the inverter cooling expansion valve 9 is controlled, refrigerant liquid is reduced in pressure, and the inverter heat radiating portion 111 is cooled by using the refrigerant reduced in pressure. Furthermore, when the opening degree of the inverter cooling expansion valve 9 is controlled, a flow rate of refrigerant that flows through the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93 is regulated.
- the main expansion valve 4 and the inverter cooling expansion valve 9 are each a pressure reducing device that reduces the pressure of refrigerant to expand the refrigerant.
- the main expansion valve 4 and the inverter cooling expansion valve 9 each have an opening degree variably controllable and are each composed of, for example, an electronic expansion valve.
- the main expansion valve 4 corresponds to "first pressure reducing device” of the present invention
- the inverter cooling expansion valve 9 corresponds to "second pressure reducing device” of the present invention.
- a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device 112 is output to a controller 7.
- the controller 7 controls the three-way valve 6 on the basis of the detection information (detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device 112) and determines a passage for returning oil separated in the oil separator 2 to the compression chamber 101 a.
- the controller 7 can be composed of hardware, such as a circuit device that implements functions of the controller 7, or can also be composed of an arithmetic unit, such as a microcomputer and a CPU, and software run on the arithmetic unit.
- arithmetic unit such as a microcomputer and a CPU
- High-temperature oil contained in refrigerant gas discharged from the compression chamber 101 a is recovered by the oil separator 2. Then, in the case where the three-way valve 6 is open to the first oil flow passage 90, oil having passed through the oil separator 2 passes through the first oil flow passage 90 and flows directly to the compression chamber 101 a. In the case where the three-way valve 6 is open to the second oil flow passage 91, oil having passed through the oil separator 2 flows to the second oil flow passage 91, passes through the vicinity of the inverter heat radiating portion 111, and can thus exchange heat with the inverter heat radiating portion 111.
- the inverter heat radiating portion 111 is excessively cooled by refrigerant gas, the inverter heat radiating portion 111 is heated by oil, thereby reducing the difference in temperature between the inverter heat radiating portion 111 and outdoor air and making it possible to prevent condensation.
- Refrigerant compressed in the compressor mechanism portion 101 of the screw compressor 1 is discharged from the screw compressor 1 and separated into refrigerant gas and oil in the oil separator 2.
- the oil passes through the first oil flow passage 90 or the second oil flow passage 91 through the three-way valve 6 and returns to the compression chamber 101 a.
- the refrigerant gas flows into the condenser 3.
- the refrigerant gas having flowed into the condenser 3 is condensed into refrigerant liquid, and the refrigerant liquid is divided to flow to the refrigerant circulation passage 92 and the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93.
- Refrigerant liquid that flows to the refrigerant circulation passage 92 is reduced in pressure by the main expansion valve 4 and then sent to the evaporator 5. Then, the refrigerant sent to the evaporator 5 is subjected to heat exchange there to turn into refrigerant gas, and the refrigerant gas flows into the screw compressor 1.
- refrigerant liquid that flows to the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93 is reduced in pressure by the inverter cooling expansion valve 9, and the refrigerant then passes through the vicinity of the inverter heat radiating portion 111 and flows into an outlet pipe of the evaporator 5.
- the three-way valve 6 is opened to the first oil flow passage 90.
- a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device 112 is greater than or equal to a preset target temperature lower limit (for example, 35 degrees C)
- the three-way valve 6 is opened to the first oil flow passage 90.
- a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device 112 is greater than or equal to a preset target temperature upper limit (for example, 45 degrees C)
- the opening degree of the inverter cooling expansion valve 9 is regulated to cool the inverter heat radiating portion 111.
- the three-way valve 6 is opened to the second oil flow passage 91, high-temperature oil is caused to flow to the vicinity of the inverter heat radiating portion 111 to heat the inverter heat radiating portion 111, and the opening degree of the inverter cooling expansion valve 9 is regulated so that a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device 112 reaches or exceeds a preset threshold value (for example, 40 degrees C).
- a preset threshold value for example, 40 degrees C
- the oil After the oil exchanges heat with the inverter heat radiating portion 111, the oil is injected into an intermediate-pressure space in the middle of compression in the compression chamber 101 a. Note that the relationship of target temperature lower limit ⁇ threshold value ⁇ target temperature upper limit is satisfied.
- Fig. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
- the controller 7 controls the three-way valve 6 on the basis of detection information measured by the inverter temperature detection device 112 provided to the inverter heat radiating portion 111. Specifically, when a temperature of the inverter heat radiating portion 111 measured in the inverter temperature detection device 112 is greater than or equal to the preset target temperature lower limit, it is determined that steady operation is performed. When the temperature of the inverter heat radiating portion 111 is less than the preset target temperature lower limit, it is determined that transient operation is performed.
- step S11 When the controller 7 determines in step S11 that steady operation is performed, the controller 7 opens the three-way valve 6 to the first oil flow passage 90.
- the opening degree of the inverter cooling expansion valve 9 is increased to increase the flow rate of refrigerant that flows through the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93 and cools the inverter heat radiating portion 111.
- step S13 to the process of step S14 are implemented at control time intervals. Consequently, in steady operation, that is, while a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device 112 is greater than or equal to the preset target temperature lower limit, cooling can be appropriately performed by regulating the opening degree of the inverter cooling expansion valve 9 so that a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device 112 is less than or equal to the preset target temperature upper limit.
- step S11 When the controller 7 determines in step S11 that transient operation is performed, the controller 7 opens the three-way valve 6 to the second oil flow passage 91, causes high-temperature oil to flow to the vicinity of the inverter heat radiating portion 111 to heat the inverter heat radiating portion 111, and then injects the oil into an intermediate pressure space in the middle of compression in the compression chamber 101 a.
- the controller 7 reduces the opening degree of the inverter cooling expansion valve 9 to reduce the flow rate of refrigerant that flows through the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93 and cools the inverter heat radiating portion 111.
- step S22 to the process of step S24 are implemented at control time intervals. Consequently, in transient operation, that is, when the temperature of the inverter heat radiating portion 111 is less than the preset target temperature lower limit, the temperature of the inverter heat radiating portion 111 can be caused to reach or exceed the preset target temperature lower limit by heating the inverter heat radiating portion 111 using high-temperature oil having passed through the oil separator 2. This configuration prevents excessive cooling of the inverter heat radiating portion 111 and can reduce the difference in temperature between the inverter heat radiating portion 111 and outdoor air.
- the opening degree of the inverter cooling expansion valve 9 is regulated to appropriately perform cooling so that the inverter heat radiating portion 111 has a temperature less than or equal to the preset target temperature upper limit, thereby preventing overheating of the inverter heat radiating portion 111 and making it possible to prevent damage to an electrical circuit and an electrical component.
- the inverter heat radiating portion 111 is heated using high-temperature oil having passed through the oil separator 2, thereby reducing the difference in temperature between outdoor air and the inverter heat radiating portion 111, preventing excessive cooling of the inverter heat radiating portion 111, and making it possible to prevent the occurrence of condensation.
- the inverter heat radiating portion 111 is heated and oil is cooled. Cooled high-viscosity oil is returned to a compression chamber, thereby making it possible to prevent leakage from a clearance gap between the screw rotor and the casing, and also making it possible to prevent an increase in discharge temperature to reduce input.
- the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 1 achieves high reliability and also high efficiency.
- Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described below, some descriptions of components that are the same as those in Embodiment 1 are omitted, and the components that are the same as or correspond to those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference signs.
- a refrigeration cycle apparatus differs from that according to Embodiment 1 in that the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93 and the inverter cooling expansion valve 9 that are provided in Embodiment 1 are removed, and in that the inverter heat radiating portion 111 is cooled by using not refrigerant flowing through the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93 but suction gas (refrigerant gas).
- Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1.
- the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93 and the inverter cooling expansion valve 9 that are specially designed for cooling the inverter heat radiating portion 111 are provided, and, when the inverter heat radiating portion 111 is excessively cooled, the inverter heat radiating portion 111 is heated by high-temperature oil having passed through the oil separator 2.
- Fig. 3 illustrates the configuration of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
- Embodiment 2 the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93 and the inverter cooling expansion valve 9 that are specially designed for cooling the inverter heat radiating portion 111 are not provided as illustrated in Fig. 3 , refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circulation passage 92 is subjected to heat exchange in the evaporator 5 to turn into refrigerant gas, and then the refrigerant gas passes through the vicinity of the inverter heat radiating portion 111 before flowing into the screw compressor 1. That is, the inverter heat radiating portion 111 is cooled by using suction gas (refrigerant gas).
- suction gas refrigerant gas
- Refrigerant compressed in the compressor mechanism portion 101 of the screw compressor 1 is discharged from the screw compressor 1 and separated into refrigerant gas and oil in the oil separator 2.
- the oil passes through the first oil flow passage 90 or the second oil flow passage 91 through the three-way valve 6 and returns to the compression chamber 101 a.
- the refrigerant gas flows into the condenser 3.
- the refrigerant gas having flowed into the condenser 3 is condensed into refrigerant liquid, and the refrigerant liquid is reduced in pressure by the main expansion valve 4 and then sent to the evaporator 5.
- the refrigerant sent to the evaporator 5 is subjected to heat exchange there to turn into refrigerant gas, and the refrigerant gas flows into the screw compressor 1.
- the three-way valve 6 is opened to the first oil flow passage 90.
- a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device 112 is greater than or equal to a preset target temperature lower limit (for example, 35 degrees C)
- the three-way valve 6 is opened to the first oil flow passage 90.
- a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device 112 is greater than or equal to a preset target temperature upper limit (for example, 45 degrees C)
- the opening degree of the main expansion valve 4 is regulated to cool the inverter heat radiating portion 111.
- the three-way valve 6 is opened to the second oil flow passage 91, high-temperature oil is caused to flow to the vicinity of the inverter heat radiating portion 111 to heat the inverter heat radiating portion 111, and the opening degree of the main expansion valve 4 is regulated so that a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device 112 reaches or exceeds a preset threshold value (for example, 40 degrees C).
- a preset threshold value for example, 40 degrees C
- the oil After the oil exchanges heat with the inverter heat radiating portion 111, the oil is injected into an intermediate-pressure space in the middle of compression in the compression chamber 101 a. Note that the relationship of target temperature lower limit ⁇ threshold value ⁇ target temperature upper limit is satisfied.
- Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
- the controller 7 controls the three-way valve 6 on the basis of detection information measured by the inverter temperature detection device 112 provided to the inverter heat radiating portion 111. Specifically, when a temperature of the inverter heat radiating portion 111 measured in the inverter temperature detection device 112 is greater than or equal to the preset target temperature lower limit, it is determined that steady operation is performed. When the temperature of the inverter heat radiating portion 111 is less than the preset target temperature lower limit, it is determined that transient operation is performed.
- step S11 When the controller 7 determines in step S11 that steady operation is performed, the controller 7 opens the three-way valve 6 to the first oil flow passage 90.
- the opening degree of the main expansion valve 4 is increased to cool the inverter heat radiating portion 111.
- step S13 to the process of step S14 are implemented at control time intervals. Consequently, in steady operation, that is, while a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device 112 is greater than or equal to the preset target temperature lower limit, cooling can be appropriately performed by regulating the opening degree of the main expansion valve 4 so that a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device 112 is less than or equal to the preset target temperature upper limit.
- step S11 When the controller 7 determines in step S11 that transient operation is performed, the controller 7 opens the three-way valve 6 to the second oil flow passage 91, causes high-temperature oil to flow to the vicinity of the inverter heat radiating portion 111 to heat the inverter heat radiating portion 111, and then injects the oil into an intermediate-pressure space in the middle of compression in the compression chamber 101 a.
- the controller 7 reduces the opening degree of the main expansion valve 4 to reduce the flow rate of refrigerant that flows through the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93 and cools the inverter heat radiating portion 111.
- step S32 to the process of step S34 are implemented at control time intervals. Consequently, in transient operation, that is, when the temperature of the inverter heat radiating portion 111 is less than the preset target temperature lower limit, the temperature of the inverter heat radiating portion 111 can be caused to reach or exceed the preset target temperature lower limit by heating the inverter heat radiating portion 111 using high-temperature oil having passed through the oil separator 2. This configuration prevents excessive cooling of the inverter heat radiating portion 111 and can reduce the difference in temperature between the inverter heat radiating portion 111 and outdoor air.
- Embodiment 2 the same effects as in Embodiment 1 can be achieved, and the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93 and the inverter cooling expansion valve 9 do not have to be provided, thereby enabling simplification of the configuration of the refrigeration cycle apparatus and cost reductions.
- Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described below, some descriptions of components that are the same as those in Embodiments 1 and 2 are omitted, and the components that are the same as or correspond to those in Embodiments 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference signs.
- a refrigeration cycle apparatus differs from those according to Embodiments 1 and 2 in that the three-way valve 6 provided in Embodiments 1 and 2 is removed, and in that a first flow rate control valve 61 and a second flow rate control valve 62 are provided in the first oil flow passage 90 and the second oil flow passage 91, respectively.
- Embodiment 3 differs from Embodiments 1 and 2.
- the three-way valve 6 switches the flow passage between the first oil flow passage 90 and the second oil flow passage 91 serving as flow passages for returning oil having passed through the oil separator 2 to the compression chamber 101 a. That is, oil is returned to the compression chamber 101 a through one of the first oil flow passage 90 and the second oil flow passage 91 at all times.
- Fig. 5 illustrates the configuration of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
- the first flow rate control valve 61 and the second flow rate control valve 62 are provided in the first oil flow passage 90 and the second oil flow passage 91, respectively, in place of the three-way valve 6 as illustrated in Fig. 5 .
- the configuration of the refrigerant circuit, for example, other than the above configuration is the same as that in Embodiment 1.
- the first flow rate control valve 61 and the second flow rate control valve 62 correspond to "oil flow rate control unit" of the present invention.
- Refrigerant compressed in the compressor mechanism portion 101 of the screw compressor 1 is discharged from the screw compressor 1 and separated into refrigerant gas and oil in the oil separator 2.
- the oil passes through either one or both of the first flow rate control valve 61 provided in the first oil flow passage 90 and the second flow rate control valve 62 provided in the second oil flow passage 91 and returns to the compression chamber 101 a.
- the refrigerant gas flows into the condenser 3. Proportions of oil to be returned from the first oil flow passage 90 and oil to be returned from the second oil flow passage 91 to the compression chamber 101 a can be controlled by regulating the opening degrees of the first flow rate control valve 61 and the second flow rate control valve 62.
- the refrigerant gas having flowed into the condenser 3 is condensed into refrigerant liquid, and the refrigerant liquid is divided to flow to the refrigerant circulation passage 92 and the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93.
- Refrigerant liquid that flows to the refrigerant circulation passage 92 is reduced in pressure by the main expansion valve 4 and then sent to the evaporator 5. Then, the refrigerant sent to the evaporator 5 is subjected to heat exchange there to turn into refrigerant gas, and the refrigerant gas flows into the screw compressor 1.
- refrigerant liquid that flows to the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93 is reduced in pressure by the inverter cooling expansion valve 9, and the refrigerant then passes through the vicinity of the inverter heat radiating portion 111 and flows into the outlet pipe of the evaporator 5.
- the opening degrees of the first flow rate control valve 61 and the second flow rate control valve 62 are controlled so that a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device 112 falls below a preset threshold value (for example, 40 degrees C), thereby keeping a flow rate of oil that returns to the compression chamber 101 a constant even when the opening degrees of the first flow rate control valve 61 and the second flow rate control valve 62 are changed.
- a preset threshold value for example, 40 degrees C
- the opening degree of the second flow rate control valve 62 is increased and simultaneously the opening degree of the first flow rate control valve 61 is reduced so that a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device 112 reaches or exceeds the preset threshold value, thereby causing high-temperature oil having passed through the oil separator 2 to flow to the vicinity of the inverter heat radiating portion 111 to heat the inverter heat radiating portion 111.
- the opening degree of the inverter cooling expansion valve 9 is regulated so that a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device 112 falls within the range from the preset threshold value to a preset target temperature upper limit (for example, 45 degrees C) inclusive.
- a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device 112 is greater than the preset target temperature upper limit even when the opening degree of the inverter cooling expansion valve 9 is increased to a maximum opening degree, the opening degree of the first flow rate control valve 61 is increased and simultaneously the opening degree of the second flow rate control valve 62 is reduced, thereby preventing overheating of the inverter heat radiating portion 111.
- Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
- the controller 7 controls the first flow rate control valve 61 and the second flow rate control valve 62 on the basis of a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device 112 provided to the inverter heat radiating portion 111. Until a condition that a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device 112 is greater than or equal to the preset threshold value, a condition that the opening degree of the first flow rate control valve 61 is a minimum opening degree, or a condition that the opening degree of the second flow rate control valve 62 is a maximum opening degree is satisfied, the opening degree of the first flow rate control valve 61 is reduced and the opening degree of the second flow rate control valve 62 is increased.
- the opening degree of the inverter cooling expansion valve 9 is regulated so that a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device 112 falls within the range from the preset threshold value to the preset target temperature upper limit inclusive.
- the opening degree of the first flow rate control valve 61 is increased and the opening degree of the second flow rate control valve 62 is reduced so that a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device 112 reaches or falls below the preset target temperature upper limit.
- This configuration reduces the flow rate of oil that flows to the vicinity of the inverter heat radiating portion 111, thereby preventing overheating of the inverter heat radiating portion 111.
- step S41 to the process of step S58 are implemented at control time intervals. Consequently, the flow rate of oil caused to flow to the vicinity of the inverter heat radiating portion 111 is regulated by using the first flow rate control valve 61 and the second flow rate control valve 62, and a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device 112 provided to the inverter heat radiating portion 111 can thus be regulated. Additionally, the opening degree of the inverter cooling expansion valve 9 is regulated so that a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device 112 falls within the range from the preset threshold value to the preset target temperature upper limit inclusive.
- the temperature of the inverter heat radiating portion 111 can be finely controlled and changes in the temperature of oil to be returned to the compression chamber 101 a can be stabilized in comparison with Embodiment 1.
- This configuration can prevent, for example, seizure due to an abnormal reduction in the distance of a clearance gap between the screw rotor and the casing caused by changes in temperature, thereby increasing reliability.
- Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described below, some descriptions of components that are the same as those in Embodiments 1 to 3 are omitted, and the components that are the same as or correspond to those in Embodiments 1 to 3 are denoted by the same reference signs.
- a refrigeration cycle apparatus differs from that according to Embodiment 3 in that the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93 and the inverter cooling expansion valve 9 that are provided in Embodiment 3 are removed, and in that the inverter heat radiating portion 111 is cooled by using not refrigerant flowing through the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93 but suction gas (refrigerant gas).
- Embodiment 4 differs from Embodiment 3.
- the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93 and the inverter cooling expansion valve 9 that are specially designed for cooling the inverter heat radiating portion 111 are provided, and, when the inverter heat radiating portion 111 is excessively cooled, the inverter heat radiating portion 111 is heated by high-temperature oil having passed through the oil separator 2.
- Fig. 7 illustrates the configuration of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
- Embodiment 4 the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93 and the inverter cooling expansion valve 9 that are specially designed for cooling the inverter heat radiating portion 111 are not provided as illustrated in Fig. 7 , refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circulation passage 92 is subjected to heat exchange in the evaporator 5 to turn into refrigerant gas, and then the refrigerant gas passes through the vicinity of the inverter heat radiating portion 111 before flowing into the screw compressor 1. That is, the inverter heat radiating portion 111 is cooled by using suction gas.
- the configuration of the refrigerant circuit for example, other than the above configuration is the same as that in Embodiment 3.
- Refrigerant compressed in the compressor mechanism portion 101 of the screw compressor 1 is discharged from the screw compressor 1 and separated into refrigerant gas and oil in the oil separator 2.
- the oil passes through either one or both of the first flow rate control valve 61 provided in the first oil flow passage 90 and the second flow rate control valve 62 provided in the second oil flow passage 91 and returns to the compression chamber 101 a.
- the refrigerant gas flows into the condenser 3.
- Proportions of oil to be returned from the first oil flow passage 90 and the second oil flow passage 91 to the compression chamber 101 a can be controlled by regulating the opening degrees of the first flow rate control valve 61 and the second flow rate control valve 62.
- the refrigerant gas having flowed into the condenser 3 is condensed into refrigerant liquid, and the refrigerant liquid is reduced in pressure by the main expansion valve 4 and then sent to the evaporator 5.
- the refrigerant sent to the evaporator 5 is subjected to heat exchange there to turn into refrigerant gas, and the refrigerant gas flows into the screw compressor 1.
- the opening degrees of the first flow rate control valve 61 and the second flow rate control valve 62 are controlled so that a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device 112 falls below a preset threshold value (for example, 40 degrees C), thereby keeping a flow rate of oil that returns to the compression chamber 101 a constant even when the opening degrees of the first flow rate control valve 61 and the second flow rate control valve 62 are changed.
- a preset threshold value for example, 40 degrees C
- the opening degree of the second flow rate control valve 62 is increased and simultaneously the opening degree of the first flow rate control valve 61 is reduced so that a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device 112 reaches or exceeds the threshold value, thereby causing high-temperature oil having passed through the oil separator 2 to flow to the vicinity of the inverter heat radiating portion 111 to heat the inverter heat radiating portion 111.
- the opening degree of the main expansion valve 4 is regulated so that a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device 112 falls within the range from the preset threshold value to a preset target temperature upper limit (for example, 45 degrees C) inclusive.
- a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device 112 is greater than the preset target temperature upper limit even when the opening degree of the main expansion valve 4 is increased to a maximum opening degree
- the opening degree of the first flow rate control valve 61 is increased and simultaneously the opening degree of the second flow rate control valve 62 is reduced, thereby preventing overheating of the inverter heat radiating portion 111.
- Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
- the controller 7 controls the first flow rate control valve 61 and the second flow rate control valve 62 on the basis of a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device 112 provided to the inverter heat radiating portion 111. Until a condition that a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device 112 is greater than or equal to the preset threshold value, a condition that the opening degree of the first flow rate control valve 61 is a minimum opening degree, or a condition that the opening degree of the second flow rate control valve 62 is a maximum opening degree is satisfied, the opening degree of the first flow rate control valve 61 is reduced and the opening degree of the second flow rate control valve 62 is increased.
- the opening degree of the main expansion valve 4 is regulated so that a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device 112 falls within the range from the preset threshold value to the preset target temperature upper limit inclusive.
- step S41 to the process of step S68 are implemented at control time intervals. Consequently, the flow rate of oil caused to flow to the vicinity of the inverter heat radiating portion 111 is regulated by using the first flow rate control valve 61 and the second flow rate control valve 62, and a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device 112 provided to the inverter heat radiating portion 111 can thus be regulated. Additionally, the opening degree of the main expansion valve 4 is regulated so that a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device 112 falls within the range from the preset threshold value to the preset target temperature upper limit inclusive.
- Embodiment 4 the same effects as in Embodiment 3 can be achieved, and the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93 and the inverter cooling expansion valve 9 do not have to be provided, thereby enabling simplification of the configuration of the refrigeration cycle apparatus and cost reductions.
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Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a refrigeration cycle apparatus that makes it possible to prevent damage due to radiated heat and condensation in an inverter in an inverter-integrated refrigerant compressor.
- In recent years, to enhance partial load efficiency, refrigeration cycle apparatuses in which an inverter controls an operating frequency of a compressor have grown in number. When the inverter converts a frequency, heat is radiated due to electrical losses in various electrical circuits, electrical components, and other elements.
- A portion where heat is radiated as above is hereinafter referred to as an inverter heat radiating portion.
- The inverter has temperature limitations, and the inverter heat radiating portion has to be cooled to prevent damage due to overheating of an electrical circuit and an electrical component caused by the radiated heat.
- As a cooling measure in the inverter heat radiating portion, a method has been known in which refrigerant is used (see
Patent Literature 1, for example). - According to
Patent Literature 1, an inverter cooling expansion valve is controlled on the basis of either the temperature of an inverter heat radiating portion or the degree of superheat of suction gas (refrigerant gas) to be sucked into a compressor, thereby cooling the inverter heat radiating portion. -
- Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.
2003-21406 - Patent Literature 2: Japanese Patent No.
2768092 - In
Patent Literature 1, for example, in the case where an inverter is installed in a position that is likely to be affected by a suction gas temperature, such as in the vicinity of a motor frame, the inverter heat radiating portion is excessively cooled during operation at a low suction gas temperature even when the opening degree of the inverter cooling expansion valve is reduced to a minimum, raising a concern that an electrical circuit and an electrical component may be damaged by condensation. - Here, as an existing technique for preventing condensation, a technique has been known in which high-temperature refrigerating machine oil (hereinafter referred to as oil) having passed through an oil separator is caused to flow to the vicinity of a portion (terminal block) where it is desired to prevent condensation (see
Patent Literature 2, for example). - According to
Patent Literature 2, oil is caused to flow by differential pressure, and a flow rate is not able to be controlled. Thus, when the existing technique disclosed inPatent Literature 2 is applied to the inverter heat radiating portion disclosed inPatent Literature 1 to prevent condensation, high-temperature oil is caused to flow to the vicinity of the inverter heat radiating portion regardless of the temperature of the inverter heat radiating portion. As a result, in some cases, high-temperature oil is caused to flow even when the temperature of the inverter heat radiating portion rises, raising a concern that electrical components and other elements constituting the inverter heat radiating portion may be damaged by radiated heat. - The present invention has been made to solve such drawbacks and provides a refrigeration cycle apparatus that is highly reliable and also highly efficient. Solution to Problem
- A refrigeration cycle apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a refrigeration cycle in which a compressor in which an inverter including an inverter heat radiating portion being a portion where heat is radiated is integrated, an oil separator, a condenser, a first pressure reducing device, and an evaporator are connected by a pipe, and through which refrigerant circulates, a cooling refrigerant flow passage branching off from a flow passage between the condenser and the first pressure reducing device and merging with a flow passage between the evaporator and the compressor, a second pressure reducing device provided in the cooling refrigerant flow passage, a first oil flow passage and a second oil flow passage through which refrigerating machine oil separated in the oil separator flows to the compressor, an oil flow rate control unit configured to control a flow rate of refrigerating machine oil flowing through the first oil flow passage and a flow rate of refrigerating machine oil flowing through the second oil flow passage, an inverter temperature detection device configured to measure a temperature of the inverter heat radiating portion, and a controller. The cooling refrigerant flow passage is formed to pass through a position where heat of refrigerant flowing through the cooling refrigerant flow passage is transferred to the inverter heat radiating portion. The first oil flow passage is formed to pass through a position where heat of refrigerating machine oil flowing through the first oil flow passage is not transferred to the inverter heat radiating portion. The second oil flow passage is formed to pass through a position where heat of refrigerating machine oil flowing through the second oil flow passage is transferred to the inverter heat radiating portion. The controller is configured to control the second pressure reducing device and the oil flow rate control unit on the basis of a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device.
- In the refrigeration cycle apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention, when the second pressure reducing device and the oil flow rate control unit are controlled on the basis of a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device configured to measure the temperature of the inverter heat radiating portion, the inverter heat radiating portion can be caused to reach an appropriate temperature. Thus, overheating of the inverter heat radiating portion is prevented, thereby making it possible to prevent damage to an electrical circuit and an electrical component, and excessive cooling of the inverter heat radiating portion is also prevented, thereby making it possible to prevent the occurrence of condensation.
- Furthermore, in preventing excessive cooling of the inverter heat radiating portion, the inverter heat radiating portion is heated and oil is cooled. Cooled high-viscosity oil is returned to a compression chamber, thereby making it possible to prevent leakage from a clearance gap between a screw rotor and a casing, and also making it possible to prevent an increase in discharge temperature to reduce input.
- That is, the refrigeration cycle apparatus that is highly reliable and also highly efficient can be provided.
-
- [
Fig. 1] Fig. 1 illustrates the configuration of a refrigeration cycle apparatus according toEmbodiment 1 of the present invention. - [
Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according toEmbodiment 1 of the present invention. - [
Fig. 3] Fig. 3 illustrates the configuration of a refrigeration cycle apparatus according toEmbodiment 2 of the present invention. - [
Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according toEmbodiment 2 of the present invention. - [
Fig. 5] Fig. 5 illustrates the configuration of a refrigeration cycle apparatus according toEmbodiment 3 of the present invention. - [
Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according toEmbodiment 3 of the present invention. - [
Fig. 7] Fig. 7 illustrates the configuration of a refrigeration cycle apparatus according toEmbodiment 4 of the present invention. - [
Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according toEmbodiment 4 of the present invention. Description of Embodiments - Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings to be described below, elements denoted by the same reference signs are the same or corresponding elements, and the reference signs are common throughout Embodiments to be described below. Then, the forms of components described in the specification are merely illustrative examples, and forms are not limited to the forms described in the specification.
-
Fig. 1 illustrates the configuration of a refrigeration cycle apparatus according toEmbodiment 1 of the present invention. - As illustrated in
Fig. 1 , in the refrigeration cycle apparatus according toEmbodiment 1, ascrew compressor 1, anoil separator 2, acondenser 3, amain expansion valve 4, and anevaporator 5 are sequentially connected by a refrigerant pipe to form arefrigerant circulation passage 92, thereby constituting a refrigeration cycle in which refrigerant circulates through therefrigerant circulation passage 92. Furthermore, a cooling refrigerant flow passage 93 is formed that branches off from a flow passage (refrigerant circulation passage 92) between thecondenser 3 and themain expansion valve 4, passes through the vicinity of an inverterheat radiating portion 111 of aninverter 110 to be described, and merges with a flow passage (refrigerant circulation passage 92) between theevaporator 5 and thescrew compressor 1. In the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93, an invertercooling expansion valve 9 is provided upstream from the inverterheat radiating portion 111. - On a flow passage (hereinafter referred to as an oil flow passage) through which refrigerating machine oil (hereinafter referred to as oil) separated in the
oil separator 2 flows to thescrew compressor 1, a three-way valve 6 is provided. Between the three-way valve 6 and thescrew compressor 1, a firstoil flow passage 90 is formed through which oil separated in theoil separator 2 flows directly to acompression chamber 101 a without passing through the vicinity of the inverterheat radiating portion 111 and a secondoil flow passage 91 is formed through which oil separated in theoil separator 2 passes through the vicinity of the inverterheat radiating portion 111 to be described and then flows to thescrew compressor 1. That is, the oil flow passage is divided by the three-way valve 6 into two flow passages, which are the firstoil flow passage 90 and the secondoil flow passage 91. A flow passage through which oil separated in theoil separator 2 flows is switched by the three-way valve 6 between the firstoil flow passage 90 and the secondoil flow passage 91. - Here, the vicinity of the inverter
heat radiating portion 111 refers to a position where heat of refrigerant flowing through the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93 or heat of oil flowing through the oil flow passage can be transferred to the inverterheat radiating portion 111, and the same applies to the following description. - Although, in
Fig. 1 , theoil separator 2 and thescrew compressor 1 are separately placed, theoil separator 2 may be built into thescrew compressor 1. - The three-
way valve 6 corresponds to "oil flow rate control unit" of the present invention. - The
screw compressor 1 is composed of an integrated combination of acompressor mechanism portion 101 and theinverter 110. In theinverter 110, heat-generating elements, such as a rectifier circuit, a smoothing capacitor, and an inverter circuit, are placed so that a joint portion between a container constituting an outer casing of theinverter 110 and thecompressor mechanism portion 101 acts as the inverterheat radiating portion 111. - Although, the
screw compressor 1 is used inEmbodiment 1, a compressor is not limited to a screw compressor. Any other types of compressors, such as a reciprocating compressor and a turbo-compressor, into which an inverter is integrated may be used. - That is, the
inverter 110 includes the inverterheat radiating portion 111 in which the above-described heat-generating elements are housed. In theinverter 110, an invertertemperature detection device 112 that measures the temperature of the inverterheat radiating portion 111 is provided. Furthermore, in thescrew compressor 1, thecompression chamber 101 a and amotor 101 b that rotationally drives a screw rotor, which will be described later, included in thecompression chamber 101 a are connected in series to compress and discharge refrigerant. - The
compression chamber 101 a includes the screw rotor (not illustrated) and a gate rotor (not illustrated) that engages with screw grooves provided on the screw rotor. In thecompression chamber 101 a composed of the screw grooves (not illustrated) and a casing that houses the gate rotor and the screw rotor, refrigerant is compressed. - Here, although, the single screw compressor is taken as an example in
Embodiment 1, a twin screw compressor composed of a pair of male and female screw rotors may be used. - Refrigerant liquid having flowed out of the
condenser 3 is divided to flow to therefrigerant circulation passage 92 and the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93. Refrigerant divided to flow to therefrigerant circulation passage 92 is reduced in pressure by themain expansion valve 4 and then flows into theevaporator 5. - On the other hand, refrigerant divided to flow to the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93 is reduced in pressure by the inverter
cooling expansion valve 9, and a stream of the refrigerant reduced in pressure passes through the vicinity of the inverterheat radiating portion 111 and meets a stream of outlet gas from theevaporator 5. That is, when the opening degree of the invertercooling expansion valve 9 is controlled, refrigerant liquid is reduced in pressure, and the inverterheat radiating portion 111 is cooled by using the refrigerant reduced in pressure. Furthermore, when the opening degree of the invertercooling expansion valve 9 is controlled, a flow rate of refrigerant that flows through the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93 is regulated. - The
main expansion valve 4 and the invertercooling expansion valve 9 are each a pressure reducing device that reduces the pressure of refrigerant to expand the refrigerant. Themain expansion valve 4 and the invertercooling expansion valve 9 each have an opening degree variably controllable and are each composed of, for example, an electronic expansion valve. - The
main expansion valve 4 corresponds to "first pressure reducing device" of the present invention, and the invertercooling expansion valve 9 corresponds to "second pressure reducing device" of the present invention. - A detection value measured by the inverter
temperature detection device 112 is output to acontroller 7. Thecontroller 7 controls the three-way valve 6 on the basis of the detection information (detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device 112) and determines a passage for returning oil separated in theoil separator 2 to thecompression chamber 101 a. - The
controller 7 can be composed of hardware, such as a circuit device that implements functions of thecontroller 7, or can also be composed of an arithmetic unit, such as a microcomputer and a CPU, and software run on the arithmetic unit. - Here, the configuration of oil flow passages in the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to
Embodiment 1 will be described. - High-temperature oil contained in refrigerant gas discharged from the
compression chamber 101 a is recovered by theoil separator 2. Then, in the case where the three-way valve 6 is open to the firstoil flow passage 90, oil having passed through theoil separator 2 passes through the firstoil flow passage 90 and flows directly to thecompression chamber 101 a. In the case where the three-way valve 6 is open to the secondoil flow passage 91, oil having passed through theoil separator 2 flows to the secondoil flow passage 91, passes through the vicinity of the inverterheat radiating portion 111, and can thus exchange heat with the inverterheat radiating portion 111. - That is, in the case where the inverter
heat radiating portion 111 is excessively cooled by refrigerant gas, the inverterheat radiating portion 111 is heated by oil, thereby reducing the difference in temperature between the inverterheat radiating portion 111 and outdoor air and making it possible to prevent condensation. - Next, the action of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to
Embodiment 1 will be described step by step with reference toFig. 1 . - Refrigerant compressed in the
compressor mechanism portion 101 of thescrew compressor 1 is discharged from thescrew compressor 1 and separated into refrigerant gas and oil in theoil separator 2. The oil passes through the firstoil flow passage 90 or the secondoil flow passage 91 through the three-way valve 6 and returns to thecompression chamber 101 a. The refrigerant gas flows into thecondenser 3. The refrigerant gas having flowed into thecondenser 3 is condensed into refrigerant liquid, and the refrigerant liquid is divided to flow to therefrigerant circulation passage 92 and the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93. - Refrigerant liquid that flows to the
refrigerant circulation passage 92 is reduced in pressure by themain expansion valve 4 and then sent to theevaporator 5. Then, the refrigerant sent to theevaporator 5 is subjected to heat exchange there to turn into refrigerant gas, and the refrigerant gas flows into thescrew compressor 1. - On the other hand, refrigerant liquid that flows to the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93 is reduced in pressure by the inverter
cooling expansion valve 9, and the refrigerant then passes through the vicinity of the inverterheat radiating portion 111 and flows into an outlet pipe of theevaporator 5. - When a detection value measured by the inverter
temperature detection device 112 is greater than or equal to a preset target temperature lower limit (for example, 35 degrees C), the three-way valve 6 is opened to the firstoil flow passage 90. When a detection value measured by the invertertemperature detection device 112 is greater than or equal to a preset target temperature upper limit (for example, 45 degrees C), the opening degree of the invertercooling expansion valve 9 is regulated to cool the inverterheat radiating portion 111. - On the other hand, in the state where a detection value measured by the inverter
temperature detection device 112 is less than the preset target temperature lower limit, that is, in the case where condensation may possibly occur in the inverterheat radiating portion 111, the three-way valve 6 is opened to the secondoil flow passage 91, high-temperature oil is caused to flow to the vicinity of the inverterheat radiating portion 111 to heat the inverterheat radiating portion 111, and the opening degree of the invertercooling expansion valve 9 is regulated so that a detection value measured by the invertertemperature detection device 112 reaches or exceeds a preset threshold value (for example, 40 degrees C). After the oil exchanges heat with the inverterheat radiating portion 111, the oil is injected into an intermediate-pressure space in the middle of compression in thecompression chamber 101 a. Note that the relationship of target temperature lower limit ≤ threshold value ≤ target temperature upper limit is satisfied. -
Fig. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according toEmbodiment 1 of the present invention. - Next, a flow of control of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to
Embodiment 1 will be described with reference toFig. 2 . Processes illustrated in the flowchart ofFig. 2 are implemented at certain set control time intervals. - As described above, the
controller 7 controls the three-way valve 6 on the basis of detection information measured by the invertertemperature detection device 112 provided to the inverterheat radiating portion 111. Specifically, when a temperature of the inverterheat radiating portion 111 measured in the invertertemperature detection device 112 is greater than or equal to the preset target temperature lower limit, it is determined that steady operation is performed. When the temperature of the inverterheat radiating portion 111 is less than the preset target temperature lower limit, it is determined that transient operation is performed. - Processes performed when it is determined that steady operation is performed will be described below, and then processes performed when it is determined that transient operation is performed will be described.
- When the
controller 7 determines in step S11 that steady operation is performed, thecontroller 7 opens the three-way valve 6 to the firstoil flow passage 90. - When a detection value measured by the inverter
temperature detection device 112 is greater than or equal to the preset target temperature upper limit, the opening degree of the invertercooling expansion valve 9 is increased to increase the flow rate of refrigerant that flows through the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93 and cools the inverterheat radiating portion 111. - The process of step S13 to the process of step S14 are implemented at control time intervals. Consequently, in steady operation, that is, while a detection value measured by the inverter
temperature detection device 112 is greater than or equal to the preset target temperature lower limit, cooling can be appropriately performed by regulating the opening degree of the invertercooling expansion valve 9 so that a detection value measured by the invertertemperature detection device 112 is less than or equal to the preset target temperature upper limit. - When the
controller 7 determines in step S11 that transient operation is performed, thecontroller 7 opens the three-way valve 6 to the secondoil flow passage 91, causes high-temperature oil to flow to the vicinity of the inverterheat radiating portion 111 to heat the inverterheat radiating portion 111, and then injects the oil into an intermediate pressure space in the middle of compression in thecompression chamber 101 a. - Until the opening degree of the inverter
cooling expansion valve 9 reaches a minimum, or until a detection value measured by the invertertemperature detection device 112 reaches or exceeds the preset threshold value, thecontroller 7 reduces the opening degree of the invertercooling expansion valve 9 to reduce the flow rate of refrigerant that flows through the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93 and cools the inverterheat radiating portion 111. - The process of step S22 to the process of step S24 are implemented at control time intervals. Consequently, in transient operation, that is, when the temperature of the inverter
heat radiating portion 111 is less than the preset target temperature lower limit, the temperature of the inverterheat radiating portion 111 can be caused to reach or exceed the preset target temperature lower limit by heating the inverterheat radiating portion 111 using high-temperature oil having passed through theoil separator 2. This configuration prevents excessive cooling of the inverterheat radiating portion 111 and can reduce the difference in temperature between the inverterheat radiating portion 111 and outdoor air. - As described above, in
Embodiment 1, in steady operation, the opening degree of the invertercooling expansion valve 9 is regulated to appropriately perform cooling so that the inverterheat radiating portion 111 has a temperature less than or equal to the preset target temperature upper limit, thereby preventing overheating of the inverterheat radiating portion 111 and making it possible to prevent damage to an electrical circuit and an electrical component. - Also, in such transient operation that low-temperature suction gas (refrigerant gas) passes through the vicinity of a motor frame and excessively cools the inverter
heat radiating portion 111, the inverterheat radiating portion 111 is heated using high-temperature oil having passed through theoil separator 2, thereby reducing the difference in temperature between outdoor air and the inverterheat radiating portion 111, preventing excessive cooling of the inverterheat radiating portion 111, and making it possible to prevent the occurrence of condensation. - Furthermore, in preventing excessive cooling of the inverter
heat radiating portion 111, the inverterheat radiating portion 111 is heated and oil is cooled. Cooled high-viscosity oil is returned to a compression chamber, thereby making it possible to prevent leakage from a clearance gap between the screw rotor and the casing, and also making it possible to prevent an increase in discharge temperature to reduce input. - That is, the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to
Embodiment 1 achieves high reliability and also high efficiency. -
Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described below, some descriptions of components that are the same as those inEmbodiment 1 are omitted, and the components that are the same as or correspond to those inEmbodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference signs. - A refrigeration cycle apparatus according to
Embodiment 2 differs from that according toEmbodiment 1 in that the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93 and the invertercooling expansion valve 9 that are provided inEmbodiment 1 are removed, and in that the inverterheat radiating portion 111 is cooled by using not refrigerant flowing through the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93 but suction gas (refrigerant gas). - A description will be given below with emphasis on a respect in which
Embodiment 2 differs fromEmbodiment 1. - In
Embodiment 1 described above, the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93 and the invertercooling expansion valve 9 that are specially designed for cooling the inverterheat radiating portion 111 are provided, and, when the inverterheat radiating portion 111 is excessively cooled, the inverterheat radiating portion 111 is heated by high-temperature oil having passed through theoil separator 2. -
Fig. 3 illustrates the configuration of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according toEmbodiment 2 of the present invention. - Unlike
Embodiment 1, inEmbodiment 2, the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93 and the invertercooling expansion valve 9 that are specially designed for cooling the inverterheat radiating portion 111 are not provided as illustrated inFig. 3 , refrigerant flowing through therefrigerant circulation passage 92 is subjected to heat exchange in theevaporator 5 to turn into refrigerant gas, and then the refrigerant gas passes through the vicinity of the inverterheat radiating portion 111 before flowing into thescrew compressor 1. That is, the inverterheat radiating portion 111 is cooled by using suction gas (refrigerant gas). The configuration of a refrigerant circuit, for example, other than the above configuration is the same as that inEmbodiment 1. - Next, the action of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to
Embodiment 2 will be described step by step with reference toFig. 3 . - Refrigerant compressed in the
compressor mechanism portion 101 of thescrew compressor 1 is discharged from thescrew compressor 1 and separated into refrigerant gas and oil in theoil separator 2. The oil passes through the firstoil flow passage 90 or the secondoil flow passage 91 through the three-way valve 6 and returns to thecompression chamber 101 a. The refrigerant gas flows into thecondenser 3. The refrigerant gas having flowed into thecondenser 3 is condensed into refrigerant liquid, and the refrigerant liquid is reduced in pressure by themain expansion valve 4 and then sent to theevaporator 5. The refrigerant sent to theevaporator 5 is subjected to heat exchange there to turn into refrigerant gas, and the refrigerant gas flows into thescrew compressor 1. - When a detection value measured by the inverter
temperature detection device 112 is greater than or equal to a preset target temperature lower limit (for example, 35 degrees C), the three-way valve 6 is opened to the firstoil flow passage 90. When a detection value measured by the invertertemperature detection device 112 is greater than or equal to a preset target temperature upper limit (for example, 45 degrees C), the opening degree of themain expansion valve 4 is regulated to cool the inverterheat radiating portion 111. - On the other hand, in the state where a detection value measured by the inverter
temperature detection device 112 is less than the preset target temperature lower limit, that is, in the case where condensation may possibly occur in the inverterheat radiating portion 111, the three-way valve 6 is opened to the secondoil flow passage 91, high-temperature oil is caused to flow to the vicinity of the inverterheat radiating portion 111 to heat the inverterheat radiating portion 111, and the opening degree of themain expansion valve 4 is regulated so that a detection value measured by the invertertemperature detection device 112 reaches or exceeds a preset threshold value (for example, 40 degrees C). After the oil exchanges heat with the inverterheat radiating portion 111, the oil is injected into an intermediate-pressure space in the middle of compression in thecompression chamber 101 a. Note that the relationship of target temperature lower limit ≤ threshold value ≤ target temperature upper limit is satisfied. -
Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according toEmbodiment 2 of the present invention. - Next, a flow of control of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to
Embodiment 2 will be described with reference toFig. 4 . Processes illustrated in the flowchart ofFig. 4 are implemented at certain set control time intervals. - As described above, the
controller 7 controls the three-way valve 6 on the basis of detection information measured by the invertertemperature detection device 112 provided to the inverterheat radiating portion 111. Specifically, when a temperature of the inverterheat radiating portion 111 measured in the invertertemperature detection device 112 is greater than or equal to the preset target temperature lower limit, it is determined that steady operation is performed. When the temperature of the inverterheat radiating portion 111 is less than the preset target temperature lower limit, it is determined that transient operation is performed. - Processes performed when it is determined that steady operation is performed will be described below, and then processes performed when it is determined that transient operation is performed will be described.
- When the
controller 7 determines in step S11 that steady operation is performed, thecontroller 7 opens the three-way valve 6 to the firstoil flow passage 90. - When a detection value measured by the inverter
temperature detection device 112 is greater than or equal to the preset target temperature upper limit, the opening degree of themain expansion valve 4 is increased to cool the inverterheat radiating portion 111. - The process of step S13 to the process of step S14 are implemented at control time intervals. Consequently, in steady operation, that is, while a detection value measured by the inverter
temperature detection device 112 is greater than or equal to the preset target temperature lower limit, cooling can be appropriately performed by regulating the opening degree of themain expansion valve 4 so that a detection value measured by the invertertemperature detection device 112 is less than or equal to the preset target temperature upper limit. - When the
controller 7 determines in step S11 that transient operation is performed, thecontroller 7 opens the three-way valve 6 to the secondoil flow passage 91, causes high-temperature oil to flow to the vicinity of the inverterheat radiating portion 111 to heat the inverterheat radiating portion 111, and then injects the oil into an intermediate-pressure space in the middle of compression in thecompression chamber 101 a. - Until the opening degree of the
main expansion valve 4 reaches a minimum, or until a detection value measured by the invertertemperature detection device 112 reaches or exceeds the preset threshold value, thecontroller 7 reduces the opening degree of themain expansion valve 4 to reduce the flow rate of refrigerant that flows through the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93 and cools the inverterheat radiating portion 111. - The process of step S32 to the process of step S34 are implemented at control time intervals. Consequently, in transient operation, that is, when the temperature of the inverter
heat radiating portion 111 is less than the preset target temperature lower limit, the temperature of the inverterheat radiating portion 111 can be caused to reach or exceed the preset target temperature lower limit by heating the inverterheat radiating portion 111 using high-temperature oil having passed through theoil separator 2. This configuration prevents excessive cooling of the inverterheat radiating portion 111 and can reduce the difference in temperature between the inverterheat radiating portion 111 and outdoor air. - As described above, in
Embodiment 2, the same effects as inEmbodiment 1 can be achieved, and the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93 and the invertercooling expansion valve 9 do not have to be provided, thereby enabling simplification of the configuration of the refrigeration cycle apparatus and cost reductions. -
Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described below, some descriptions of components that are the same as those inEmbodiments Embodiments - A refrigeration cycle apparatus according to
Embodiment 3 differs from those according toEmbodiments way valve 6 provided inEmbodiments rate control valve 61 and a second flowrate control valve 62 are provided in the firstoil flow passage 90 and the secondoil flow passage 91, respectively. - A description will be given below with emphasis on a respect in which
Embodiment 3 differs fromEmbodiments - In
Embodiments way valve 6 switches the flow passage between the firstoil flow passage 90 and the secondoil flow passage 91 serving as flow passages for returning oil having passed through theoil separator 2 to thecompression chamber 101 a. That is, oil is returned to thecompression chamber 101 a through one of the firstoil flow passage 90 and the secondoil flow passage 91 at all times. -
Fig. 5 illustrates the configuration of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according toEmbodiment 3 of the present invention. - Unlike
Embodiments Embodiment 3, the first flowrate control valve 61 and the second flowrate control valve 62 are provided in the firstoil flow passage 90 and the secondoil flow passage 91, respectively, in place of the three-way valve 6 as illustrated inFig. 5 . The configuration of the refrigerant circuit, for example, other than the above configuration is the same as that inEmbodiment 1. - The first flow
rate control valve 61 and the second flowrate control valve 62 correspond to "oil flow rate control unit" of the present invention. - Next, the action of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to
Embodiment 3 will be described step by step with reference toFig. 5 . - Refrigerant compressed in the
compressor mechanism portion 101 of thescrew compressor 1 is discharged from thescrew compressor 1 and separated into refrigerant gas and oil in theoil separator 2. The oil passes through either one or both of the first flowrate control valve 61 provided in the firstoil flow passage 90 and the second flowrate control valve 62 provided in the secondoil flow passage 91 and returns to thecompression chamber 101 a. The refrigerant gas flows into thecondenser 3. Proportions of oil to be returned from the firstoil flow passage 90 and oil to be returned from the secondoil flow passage 91 to thecompression chamber 101 a can be controlled by regulating the opening degrees of the first flowrate control valve 61 and the second flowrate control valve 62. - The refrigerant gas having flowed into the
condenser 3 is condensed into refrigerant liquid, and the refrigerant liquid is divided to flow to therefrigerant circulation passage 92 and the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93. - Refrigerant liquid that flows to the
refrigerant circulation passage 92 is reduced in pressure by themain expansion valve 4 and then sent to theevaporator 5. Then, the refrigerant sent to theevaporator 5 is subjected to heat exchange there to turn into refrigerant gas, and the refrigerant gas flows into thescrew compressor 1. - On the other hand, refrigerant liquid that flows to the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93 is reduced in pressure by the inverter
cooling expansion valve 9, and the refrigerant then passes through the vicinity of the inverterheat radiating portion 111 and flows into the outlet pipe of theevaporator 5. - Here, the opening degrees of the first flow
rate control valve 61 and the second flowrate control valve 62 are controlled so that a detection value measured by the invertertemperature detection device 112 falls below a preset threshold value (for example, 40 degrees C), thereby keeping a flow rate of oil that returns to thecompression chamber 101 a constant even when the opening degrees of the first flowrate control valve 61 and the second flowrate control valve 62 are changed. - Specifically, the opening degree of the second flow
rate control valve 62 is increased and simultaneously the opening degree of the first flowrate control valve 61 is reduced so that a detection value measured by the invertertemperature detection device 112 reaches or exceeds the preset threshold value, thereby causing high-temperature oil having passed through theoil separator 2 to flow to the vicinity of the inverterheat radiating portion 111 to heat the inverterheat radiating portion 111. - Subsequently, the opening degree of the inverter
cooling expansion valve 9 is regulated so that a detection value measured by the invertertemperature detection device 112 falls within the range from the preset threshold value to a preset target temperature upper limit (for example, 45 degrees C) inclusive. In the case where a detection value measured by the invertertemperature detection device 112 is greater than the preset target temperature upper limit even when the opening degree of the invertercooling expansion valve 9 is increased to a maximum opening degree, the opening degree of the first flowrate control valve 61 is increased and simultaneously the opening degree of the second flowrate control valve 62 is reduced, thereby preventing overheating of the inverterheat radiating portion 111. -
Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according toEmbodiment 3 of the present invention. - Next, a flow of control of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to
Embodiment 3 will be described with reference toFig. 6 . Processes illustrated in the flowchart ofFig. 6 are implemented at certain set control time intervals. - As described above, the
controller 7 controls the first flowrate control valve 61 and the second flowrate control valve 62 on the basis of a detection value measured by the invertertemperature detection device 112 provided to the inverterheat radiating portion 111. Until a condition that a detection value measured by the invertertemperature detection device 112 is greater than or equal to the preset threshold value, a condition that the opening degree of the first flowrate control valve 61 is a minimum opening degree, or a condition that the opening degree of the second flowrate control valve 62 is a maximum opening degree is satisfied, the opening degree of the first flowrate control valve 61 is reduced and the opening degree of the second flowrate control valve 62 is increased. - The opening degree of the inverter
cooling expansion valve 9 is regulated so that a detection value measured by the invertertemperature detection device 112 falls within the range from the preset threshold value to the preset target temperature upper limit inclusive. - When a detection value measured by the inverter
temperature detection device 112 is greater than the preset target temperature upper limit and when the opening degree of the invertercooling expansion valve 9 is fully open, the opening degree of the first flowrate control valve 61 is increased and the opening degree of the second flowrate control valve 62 is reduced so that a detection value measured by the invertertemperature detection device 112 reaches or falls below the preset target temperature upper limit. This configuration reduces the flow rate of oil that flows to the vicinity of the inverterheat radiating portion 111, thereby preventing overheating of the inverterheat radiating portion 111. - The process of step S41 to the process of step S58 are implemented at control time intervals. Consequently, the flow rate of oil caused to flow to the vicinity of the inverter
heat radiating portion 111 is regulated by using the first flowrate control valve 61 and the second flowrate control valve 62, and a detection value measured by the invertertemperature detection device 112 provided to the inverterheat radiating portion 111 can thus be regulated. Additionally, the opening degree of the invertercooling expansion valve 9 is regulated so that a detection value measured by the invertertemperature detection device 112 falls within the range from the preset threshold value to the preset target temperature upper limit inclusive. - As described above, in
Embodiment 3, the temperature of the inverterheat radiating portion 111 can be finely controlled and changes in the temperature of oil to be returned to thecompression chamber 101 a can be stabilized in comparison withEmbodiment 1. This configuration can prevent, for example, seizure due to an abnormal reduction in the distance of a clearance gap between the screw rotor and the casing caused by changes in temperature, thereby increasing reliability. -
Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described below, some descriptions of components that are the same as those inEmbodiments 1 to 3 are omitted, and the components that are the same as or correspond to those inEmbodiments 1 to 3 are denoted by the same reference signs. - A refrigeration cycle apparatus according to
Embodiment 4 differs from that according toEmbodiment 3 in that the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93 and the invertercooling expansion valve 9 that are provided inEmbodiment 3 are removed, and in that the inverterheat radiating portion 111 is cooled by using not refrigerant flowing through the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93 but suction gas (refrigerant gas). - A description will be given below with emphasis on a respect in which
Embodiment 4 differs fromEmbodiment 3. - In
Embodiment 3 described above, the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93 and the invertercooling expansion valve 9 that are specially designed for cooling the inverterheat radiating portion 111 are provided, and, when the inverterheat radiating portion 111 is excessively cooled, the inverterheat radiating portion 111 is heated by high-temperature oil having passed through theoil separator 2. -
Fig. 7 illustrates the configuration of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according toEmbodiment 4 of the present invention. - Unlike
Embodiment 3, inEmbodiment 4, the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93 and the invertercooling expansion valve 9 that are specially designed for cooling the inverterheat radiating portion 111 are not provided as illustrated inFig. 7 , refrigerant flowing through therefrigerant circulation passage 92 is subjected to heat exchange in theevaporator 5 to turn into refrigerant gas, and then the refrigerant gas passes through the vicinity of the inverterheat radiating portion 111 before flowing into thescrew compressor 1. That is, the inverterheat radiating portion 111 is cooled by using suction gas. The configuration of the refrigerant circuit, for example, other than the above configuration is the same as that inEmbodiment 3. - Next, the action of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to
Embodiment 4 will be described step by step with reference toFig. 7 . - Refrigerant compressed in the
compressor mechanism portion 101 of thescrew compressor 1 is discharged from thescrew compressor 1 and separated into refrigerant gas and oil in theoil separator 2. The oil passes through either one or both of the first flowrate control valve 61 provided in the firstoil flow passage 90 and the second flowrate control valve 62 provided in the secondoil flow passage 91 and returns to thecompression chamber 101 a. The refrigerant gas flows into thecondenser 3. - Proportions of oil to be returned from the first
oil flow passage 90 and the secondoil flow passage 91 to thecompression chamber 101 a can be controlled by regulating the opening degrees of the first flowrate control valve 61 and the second flowrate control valve 62. - The refrigerant gas having flowed into the
condenser 3 is condensed into refrigerant liquid, and the refrigerant liquid is reduced in pressure by themain expansion valve 4 and then sent to theevaporator 5. The refrigerant sent to theevaporator 5 is subjected to heat exchange there to turn into refrigerant gas, and the refrigerant gas flows into thescrew compressor 1. - Here, the opening degrees of the first flow
rate control valve 61 and the second flowrate control valve 62 are controlled so that a detection value measured by the invertertemperature detection device 112 falls below a preset threshold value (for example, 40 degrees C), thereby keeping a flow rate of oil that returns to thecompression chamber 101 a constant even when the opening degrees of the first flowrate control valve 61 and the second flowrate control valve 62 are changed. - Specifically, the opening degree of the second flow
rate control valve 62 is increased and simultaneously the opening degree of the first flowrate control valve 61 is reduced so that a detection value measured by the invertertemperature detection device 112 reaches or exceeds the threshold value, thereby causing high-temperature oil having passed through theoil separator 2 to flow to the vicinity of the inverterheat radiating portion 111 to heat the inverterheat radiating portion 111. - Subsequently, the opening degree of the
main expansion valve 4 is regulated so that a detection value measured by the invertertemperature detection device 112 falls within the range from the preset threshold value to a preset target temperature upper limit (for example, 45 degrees C) inclusive. In the case where a detection value measured by the invertertemperature detection device 112 is greater than the preset target temperature upper limit even when the opening degree of themain expansion valve 4 is increased to a maximum opening degree, the opening degree of the first flowrate control valve 61 is increased and simultaneously the opening degree of the second flowrate control valve 62 is reduced, thereby preventing overheating of the inverterheat radiating portion 111. -
Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according toEmbodiment 4 of the present invention. - Next, a flow of control of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to
Embodiment 4 will be described with reference toFig. 8 . Processes illustrated in the flowchart ofFig. 8 are implemented at certain set control time intervals. - As described above, the
controller 7 controls the first flowrate control valve 61 and the second flowrate control valve 62 on the basis of a detection value measured by the invertertemperature detection device 112 provided to the inverterheat radiating portion 111. Until a condition that a detection value measured by the invertertemperature detection device 112 is greater than or equal to the preset threshold value, a condition that the opening degree of the first flowrate control valve 61 is a minimum opening degree, or a condition that the opening degree of the second flowrate control valve 62 is a maximum opening degree is satisfied, the opening degree of the first flowrate control valve 61 is reduced and the opening degree of the second flowrate control valve 62 is increased. - The opening degree of the
main expansion valve 4 is regulated so that a detection value measured by the invertertemperature detection device 112 falls within the range from the preset threshold value to the preset target temperature upper limit inclusive. - When a detection value measured by the inverter
temperature detection device 112 is greater than the preset target temperature upper limit and when the opening degree of themain expansion valve 4 is fully open, the opening degree of the first flowrate control valve 61 is increased and the opening degree of the second flowrate control valve 62 is reduced so that a detection value measured by the invertertemperature detection device 112 reaches or falls below the preset target temperature upper limit. This configuration reduces the flow rate of oil that flows to the vicinity of the inverterheat radiating portion 111, thereby preventing overheating of the inverterheat radiating portion 111. - The process of step S41 to the process of step S68 are implemented at control time intervals. Consequently, the flow rate of oil caused to flow to the vicinity of the inverter
heat radiating portion 111 is regulated by using the first flowrate control valve 61 and the second flowrate control valve 62, and a detection value measured by the invertertemperature detection device 112 provided to the inverterheat radiating portion 111 can thus be regulated. Additionally, the opening degree of themain expansion valve 4 is regulated so that a detection value measured by the invertertemperature detection device 112 falls within the range from the preset threshold value to the preset target temperature upper limit inclusive. - As described above, in
Embodiment 4, the same effects as inEmbodiment 3 can be achieved, and the cooling refrigerant flow passage 93 and the invertercooling expansion valve 9 do not have to be provided, thereby enabling simplification of the configuration of the refrigeration cycle apparatus and cost reductions. Reference Signs List - 1
screw compressor 2oil separator 3condenser 4main expansion valve 5evaporator 6 three-way valve 7controller 9 invertercooling expansion valve 61 first flowrate control valve 62 second flowrate control valve 90 firstoil flow passage 91 secondoil flow passage 92 refrigerant circulation passage 93 coolingrefrigerant flow passage 101compressor mechanism portion 101 acompression chamber 101b motor 110inverter 111 inverterheat radiating portion 112 inverter temperature detection device
Claims (6)
- A refrigeration cycle apparatus comprising:a refrigeration cycle in which a compressor in which an inverter including an inverter heat radiating portion being a portion where heat is radiated is integrated, an oil separator, a condenser, a first pressure reducing device, and an evaporator are connected by a pipe, and through which refrigerant circulates;a cooling refrigerant flow passage branching off from a flow passage between the condenser and the first pressure reducing device and merging with a flow passage between the evaporator and the compressor;a second pressure reducing device provided in the cooling refrigerant flow passage;a first oil flow passage and a second oil flow passage through which refrigerating machine oil separated in the oil separator flows to the compressor;an oil flow rate control unit configured to control a flow rate of refrigerating machine oil flowing through the first oil flow passage and a flow rate of refrigerating machine oil flowing through the second oil flow passage;an inverter temperature detection device configured to measure a temperature of the inverter heat radiating portion; anda controller,the cooling refrigerant flow passage being formed to pass through a position where heat of refrigerant flowing through the cooling refrigerant flow passage is transferred to the inverter heat radiating portion,the first oil flow passage being formed to pass through a position where heat of refrigerating machine oil flowing through the first oil flow passage is not transferred to the inverter heat radiating portion,the second oil flow passage being formed to pass through a position where heat of refrigerating machine oil flowing through the second oil flow passage is transferred to the inverter heat radiating portion,the controller being configured to control the second pressure reducing device and the oil flow rate control unit on a basis of a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device.
- A refrigeration cycle apparatus comprising:a refrigeration cycle in which a compressor in which an inverter including an inverter heat radiating portion being a portion where heat is radiated is integrated, an oil separator, a condenser, a first pressure reducing device, and an evaporator are connected by a pipe, and through which refrigerant circulates;a first oil flow passage and a second oil flow passage through which refrigerating machine oil separated in the oil separator flows to the compressor;an oil flow rate control unit configured to control a flow rate of refrigerating machine oil flowing through the first oil flow passage and a flow rate of refrigerating machine oil flowing through the second oil flow passage;an inverter temperature detection device configured to measure a temperature of the inverter heat radiating portion; anda controller,the inverter heat radiating portion being placed in a position where heat of refrigerant gas to be sucked into the compressor is transferred,the refrigeration cycle being formed such that heat of refrigerant gas to be sucked into the compressor is transferred to the inverter heat radiating portion,the first oil flow passage being formed to pass through a position where heat of refrigerating machine oil flowing through the first oil flow passage is not transferred to the inverter heat radiating portion,the second oil flow passage being formed to pass through a position where heat of refrigerating machine oil flowing through the second oil flow passage is transferred to the inverter heat radiating portion,the controller being configured to control the first pressure reducing device and the oil flow rate control unit on a basis of a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device.
- The refrigeration cycle apparatus of claim 1,
wherein the controller is configured to,
when a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device is less than a preset target temperature lower limit, control the oil flow rate control unit so that a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device reaches or exceeds a preset threshold value, and
when a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device is greater than or equal to a preset target temperature upper limit, control the second pressure reducing device so that a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device falls below the preset target temperature upper limit, and
wherein the preset threshold value is greater than or equal to the preset target temperature lower limit and less than or equal to the preset target temperature upper limit. - The refrigeration cycle apparatus of claim 2,
wherein the controller is configured to,
when a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device is less than a preset target temperature lower limit, control the oil flow rate control unit so that a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device reaches or exceeds a preset threshold value, and
when a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device is greater than or equal to a preset target temperature upper limit, control the first pressure reducing device so that a detection value measured by the inverter temperature detection device falls below the preset target temperature upper limit, and
wherein the preset threshold value is greater than or equal to the preset target temperature lower limit and less than or equal to the preset target temperature upper limit. - The refrigeration cycle apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the oil flow rate control unit comprises a three-way valve configured to switch a flow passage through which refrigerating machine oil separated in the oil separator flows between the first oil flow passage and the second oil flow passage.
- The refrigeration cycle apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the oil flow rate control unit includes a first flow rate control valve configured to control a flow rate in the first oil flow passage and a second flow rate control valve configured to control a flow rate in the second oil flow passage.
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PCT/JP2015/062003 WO2016170576A1 (en) | 2015-04-20 | 2015-04-20 | Refrigeration cycle device |
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WO2020186096A1 (en) * | 2019-03-13 | 2020-09-17 | Johnson Controls Technology Company | Systems and methods for low-pressure refrigerant control |
EP3798538A4 (en) * | 2018-07-27 | 2021-07-14 | Gree Electric Appliances, Inc. of Zhuhai | Cooling system and control method therefor |
EP4021156A4 (en) * | 2019-12-05 | 2023-10-04 | Zhuzhou CRRC Times Electric Co., Ltd. | Frequency converter cooling system, apparatus in which frequency converter is applied, and cooling control method |
WO2024002840A3 (en) * | 2022-06-29 | 2024-02-29 | Glen Dimplex Deutschland Gmbh | System comprising a refrigeration circuit, and control module for such a system |
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WO2019159316A1 (en) * | 2018-02-16 | 2019-08-22 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Power conversion device and refrigeration cycle device |
JP7224503B2 (en) * | 2020-02-03 | 2023-02-17 | 三菱電機株式会社 | refrigeration cycle equipment |
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JP2768092B2 (en) * | 1991-11-12 | 1998-06-25 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | Semi-hermetic compressor |
JPH11201565A (en) * | 1998-01-13 | 1999-07-30 | Matsushita Refrig Co Ltd | Air conditioner |
JP2002243246A (en) * | 2001-02-15 | 2002-08-28 | Sanden Corp | Air conditioner |
JP2003021406A (en) * | 2001-07-04 | 2003-01-24 | Kobe Steel Ltd | Refrigeration unit |
JP2008133967A (en) * | 2005-03-09 | 2008-06-12 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Refrigerating cycle device |
JP2008057875A (en) * | 2006-08-31 | 2008-03-13 | Mitsubishi Electric Corp | Refrigerating cycle device |
JP4944828B2 (en) * | 2008-03-31 | 2012-06-06 | サンデン株式会社 | Refrigeration system |
JP2010043754A (en) * | 2008-08-08 | 2010-02-25 | Denso Corp | Vapor compression type refrigeration cycle |
CN103080555B (en) * | 2010-08-27 | 2016-07-06 | 株式会社日立产机系统 | Oil injection type gas compressor |
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EP3798538A4 (en) * | 2018-07-27 | 2021-07-14 | Gree Electric Appliances, Inc. of Zhuhai | Cooling system and control method therefor |
US11668500B2 (en) | 2018-07-27 | 2023-06-06 | Gree Electric Appliances, Inc. Of Zhuhai | Cooling system and control method therefor |
WO2020186096A1 (en) * | 2019-03-13 | 2020-09-17 | Johnson Controls Technology Company | Systems and methods for low-pressure refrigerant control |
EP4021156A4 (en) * | 2019-12-05 | 2023-10-04 | Zhuzhou CRRC Times Electric Co., Ltd. | Frequency converter cooling system, apparatus in which frequency converter is applied, and cooling control method |
WO2024002840A3 (en) * | 2022-06-29 | 2024-02-29 | Glen Dimplex Deutschland Gmbh | System comprising a refrigeration circuit, and control module for such a system |
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WO2016170576A1 (en) | 2016-10-27 |
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EP3287714A4 (en) | 2018-12-12 |
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