EP4653784A1

EP4653784A1 - Refrigeration cycle device

Info

Publication number: EP4653784A1
Application number: EP23917536.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Kosuke Miyawaki; Yuki Mizuno; Jun Nishio; Hirokuni Shiba; Takashi Okazaki; Hiroaki Asanuma; Kosuke Kawano
Original assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Current assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Priority date: 2023-01-20
Filing date: 2023-01-20
Publication date: 2025-11-26
Also published as: JPWO2024154323A1; EP4653784A4; WO2024154323A1

Abstract

A refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present disclosure is a refrigeration cycle apparatus capable of causing two load side heat exchangers to independently serve as a condenser or an evaporator. A compressor, flow switching devices, and a heat source side heat exchanger of the components of the refrigeration cycle apparatus are heat source side components. In addition, expansion devices and the load side heat exchangers of the components of the refrigeration cycle apparatus are load side components. When the heat source side components and the load side components are defined in this manner and the two load side heat exchangers both serve as a condenser, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present disclosure, refrigerant flows in all a plurality of refrigerant pipes connecting the heat source side components and the load side components.

Description

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a refrigeration cycle apparatus.

Background Art

An existing refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit including a compressor configured to compress refrigerant, a flow switching device, a heat source side heat exchanger, an expansion device configured to expand and decompress refrigerant, and a load side heat exchanger. Examples of such an existing refrigeration cycle apparatus include one including a plurality of load side heat exchangers. In addition, there is proposed an existing refrigeration cycle apparatus including a plurality of load side heat exchangers (see, for example, Patent Literature 1). In this refrigeration cycle apparatus, expansion devices are disposed between two load side heat exchangers, one of the load side heat exchangers serves as a condenser, and the other of the load side heat exchangers serves as an evaporator. Such an existing refrigeration cycle apparatus capable of causing two heat exchangers to independently serve as a condenser or an evaporator is used as, for example, an air-conditioning apparatus and is thus capable of simultaneously performing a cooling operation and a heating operation.

Citation List

Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: International Publication No. 2011/080802

Summary of Invention

Technical Problem

A compressor, a flow switching device, and a heat source side heat exchanger of the components of a refrigeration cycle apparatus are heat source side components. In addition, an expansion device and a load side heat exchanger of the components of the refrigeration cycle apparatus are load side components. The heat source side components and the load side components are connected by a plurality of refrigerant pipes through which refrigerant circulating in a refrigerant circuit passes. In this case, in an existing refrigeration cycle apparatus capable of causing two load side heat exchangers to independently serve as a condenser or an evaporator, when the two load side heat exchangers each serve as the condenser, refrigerant does not flow in some of a plurality of refrigerant pipes connecting heat source side components and load side components. Thus, such an existing refrigeration cycle apparatus capable of causing two load side heat exchangers to independently serve as a condenser or an evaporator has a problem in that the space of a refrigerant circuit where refrigerant pipes are set cannot be effectively used.
The present disclosure is made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present disclosure is to obtain a refrigeration cycle apparatus that is capable of causing two load side heat exchangers to independently serve as a condenser or an evaporator and in which the space of a refrigerant circuit where refrigerant pipes are set can be effectively used. Solution to Problem
A refrigeration cycle apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a refrigerant circuit in which refrigerant circulates. The refrigerant circuit includes a compressor, a heat source side heat exchanger, a first load side heat exchanger, a second load side heat exchanger, an expansion unit, a first flow switching device, a second flow switching device, and a branch portion. The expansion unit is configured to decompress and expand the refrigerant that flows into the heat source side heat exchanger, the refrigerant that flows into the first load side heat exchanger, and the refrigerant that flows into the second load side heat exchanger. The first flow switching device is configured to switch a first passage and a second passage. The second flow switching device is configured to switch a third passage and a fourth passage. The first passage is a passage that connects a discharge port of the compressor and the heat source side heat exchanger and that connects a suction port of the compressor and the first load side heat exchanger. The second passage is a passage that connects the discharge port of the compressor and the first load side heat exchanger and that connects the suction port of the compressor and the heat source side heat exchanger. The third passage is a passage that connects the suction port of the compressor and the second load side heat exchanger. The fourth passage is a passage that connects the discharge port of the compressor and the second load side heat exchanger. The branch portion is configured to allow a refrigerant pipe extending from the heat source side heat exchanger toward the first load side heat exchanger and the second load side heat exchanger to branch into a refrigerant pipe connected to the first load side heat exchanger and a refrigerant pipe connected to the second load side heat exchanger. The branch portion is configured to connect the first load side heat exchanger and the second load side heat exchanger to the heat source side heat exchanger in parallel. The refrigerant circuit is configured such that, when the first load side heat exchanger and the second load side heat exchanger each serve as a condenser and the heat source side heat exchanger serves as an evaporator, the first flow switching device is switched to the second passage and the second flow switching device is switched to the fourth passage.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

In the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, when the first load side heat exchanger and the second load side heat exchanger each serve as a condenser, refrigerant flows in all a plurality of refrigerant pipes connecting heat source side components and load side components. Thus, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the space of the refrigerant circuit where the refrigerant pipes are set can be effectively used.

Brief Description of Drawings

[Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram illustrating a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 1.
[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a diagram for describing a refrigerant flow in a refrigerant circuit when a first flow switching device is switched to a first passage in the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 1.
[Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a diagram for describing a refrigerant flow in the refrigerant circuit when the first flow switching device is switched to a second passage in the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 1.
[Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a diagram for describing a refrigerant flow in the refrigerant circuit when a second flow switching device is switched to a third passage in the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 1.
[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a diagram for describing a refrigerant flow in the refrigerant circuit when the second flow switching device is switched to a fourth passage in the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 1.
[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a refrigerant circuit diagram illustrating a modification example of a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 1.
[Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a refrigerant circuit diagram illustrating a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 2.
[Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a refrigerant circuit diagram illustrating another example of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 2.
[Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is a diagram for describing a configuration example of a heat medium circuit of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 2.
[Fig. 10] Fig. 10 is a diagram for describing a configuration example of the heat medium circuit of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 2.
[Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is a refrigerant circuit diagram illustrating a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 3.
[Fig. 12] Fig. 12 is a refrigerant circuit diagram illustrating an example of a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 4.
[Fig. 13] Fig. 13 is a refrigerant circuit diagram illustrating an example of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 4.

Description of Embodiments

Examples of a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present disclosure will be described in respective embodiments below with reference to drawings, for example. Here, in the following drawings including Fig. 1, components having the same reference signs are the same or corresponding components. In addition, this rule applies to the entire embodiments described below. In addition, in the following embodiments, terms that mean directions may be used as appropriate to make the examples of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present disclosure easy to understand. However, such terms that mean directions are merely used for convenience of description and do not limit the dispositions and the orientations of the components of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present disclosure. The terms that mean directions are, for example, "up", "down", "right", "left", "forward", and "backward". In addition, the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present disclosure described in each embodiment is merely an example. The forms of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present disclosure are not limited to those in the description. In addition, in the following embodiments, examples in which the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present disclosure is used as an air-conditioning apparatus will be described. However, it is sufficient that the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present disclosure be used for refrigeration or air conditioning. That is, the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present disclosure is usable as, for example, a refrigerator, a freezer, a vending machine, an air-conditioning apparatus, a refrigeration apparatus, and a hot-water supply apparatus.

Embodiment 1

Fig. 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram illustrating a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 1.
A refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 according to Embodiment 1 includes a refrigerant circuit 7, in which refrigerant circulates. Here, the refrigerant that circulates in the refrigerant circuit 7 is not particularly limited. For example, the refrigerant that circulates in the refrigerant circuit 7 is an olefin-based refrigerant, an ethylene-based refrigerant, an ethane-based refrigerant, propane, or dimethyl ether. In addition, for example, the refrigerant that circulates in the refrigerant circuit 7 is a mixed refrigerant in which at least two of an olefin-based refrigerant, an ethylene-based refrigerant, an ethane-based refrigerant, propane, and dimethyl ether are mixed. Such an olefin-based refrigerant is, for example, tetrafluoropropene. In addition, tetrafluoropropene is, for example, HFO1234yf or HFO1234ze(E). Such an ethylene-based refrigerant is, for example, difluoroethylene. Such an ethane-based refrigerant is, for example, tetrafluoroethane. Meanwhile, examples of refrigerant include refrigerant that is condensed when flowing in a condenser and being cooled by a heat exchange target, and refrigerant that is not condensed when flowing in a condenser and being cooled by a heat exchange target. In Embodiment 1, an example in which refrigerant to be condensed in a condenser is used as refrigerant that circulates in the refrigerant circuit 7 will be described. When refrigerant to be condensed in a condenser flows in the above condenser, the condenser is also referred to as a condenser.
The refrigerant circuit 7 includes a compressor 14, a heat source side heat exchanger 4, a first load side heat exchanger 1, a second load side heat exchanger 2, an expansion unit 20, a first flow switching device 41, a second flow switching device 42, and a branch portion 32.
The compressor 14 suctions refrigerant, compresses the suctioned refrigerant into high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant, and discharges the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant. For example, a rotary compressor, a scroll compressor, a screw compressor, or a reciprocating compressor is usable as the compressor 14. A refrigerant discharge port of the compressor 14 is connected to the first flow switching device 41 and the second flow switching device 42. Specifically, a refrigerant pipe connected to the refrigerant discharge port of the compressor 14 branches into two refrigerant pipes at a branch portion 31. Then, one branched refrigerant pipe is connected to the first flow switching device 41, and the other branched refrigerant pipe is connected to the second flow switching device 42. The refrigerant discharge port of the compressor 14 may be connected to the first flow switching device 41 and the second flow switching device 42 by different respective refrigerant pipes.
In addition, a refrigerant suction port of the compressor 14 is connected to the first flow switching device 41 and the second flow switching device 42. Specifically, a refrigerant pipe connected to the refrigerant suction port of the compressor 14 branches into two refrigerant pipes at a branch portion 33. Then, one branched refrigerant pipe is connected to the first flow switching device 41, and the other branched refrigerant pipe is connected to the second flow switching device 42. The refrigerant suction port of the compressor 14 may be connected to the first flow switching device 41 and the second flow switching device 42 by different respective refrigerant pipes.
The heat source side heat exchanger 4 serves as an evaporator or a condenser. When the heat source side heat exchanger 4 serves as an evaporator, the heat source side heat exchanger 4 exchanges heat between refrigerant flowing in the heat source side heat exchanger 4 and outdoor air to evaporate and gasify the refrigerant. In addition, when the heat source side heat exchanger 4 serves as a condenser, the heat source side heat exchanger 4 exchanges heat between refrigerant flowing in the heat source side heat exchanger 4 and outdoor air to condense and liquify the refrigerant. The operating state of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 in which the heat source side heat exchanger 4 serves as an evaporator and the operating state of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 in which the heat source side heat exchanger 4 serves as a condenser will be described later.
There have been proposed heat exchangers with various structures such as a finned tube heat exchanger, a microchannel heat exchanger, a shell and tube heat exchanger, a heat pipe heat exchanger, a double-pipe heat exchanger, and a plate heat exchanger. It is possible to select a heat exchanger from these heat exchangers as appropriate and to use the selected heat exchanger as the heat source side heat exchanger 4. In Embodiment 1, a fan 5 is disposed adjacent to the heat source side heat exchanger 4 to improve the efficiency of heat exchange between refrigerant and outdoor air in the heat source side heat exchanger 4. The configuration of the fan 5 is not particularly limited. The fan 5 can be formed by, for example, a propeller fan, a line flow fan (registered trademark), or a multiblade centrifugal fan on the basis of operating conditions such as the flow rate and the static pressure of outdoor air supplied to the heat source side heat exchanger 4. In addition, when the heat source side heat exchanger 4 is configured to exchange heat with a heat medium such as water, the heat medium may be supplied to the heat source side heat exchanger 4 with a pump, for example.
One end portion of the heat source side heat exchanger 4 is connected to the first flow switching device 41. In addition, the other end portion of the heat source side heat exchanger 4 is connected to the branch portion 32.
The branch portion 32 allows a refrigerant pipe 7a extending from the heat source side heat exchanger 4 toward the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 to branch into a refrigerant pipe 7b and a refrigerant pipe 7c. The first load side heat exchanger 1 is connected to the refrigerant pipe 7b. In addition, the second load side heat exchanger 2 is connected to the refrigerant pipe 7c. That is, the branch portion 32 connects the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 to the heat source side heat exchanger 4 in parallel.
The first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 each serve as an evaporator or a condenser. When the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 serve as an evaporator, the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 exchange heat between refrigerant flowing in the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 and indoor air to evaporate and gasify the refrigerant. In addition, when the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 each serve as a condenser, the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 exchange heat between refrigerant flowing in the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 and indoor air to condense and liquify the refrigerant. The operating state of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 in which the first load side heat exchanger 1 serves as an evaporator, the operating state of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 in which the first load side heat exchanger 1 serves as a condenser, the operating state of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 in which the second load side heat exchanger 2 serves as an evaporator, and the operating state of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 in which the second load side heat exchanger 2 serves as a condenser will be described later.
There have been proposed heat exchangers with various structures such as a finned tube heat exchanger, a microchannel heat exchanger, a shell and tube heat exchanger, a heat pipe heat exchanger, a double-pipe heat exchanger, and a plate heat exchanger. It is possible to select heat exchangers from these heat exchangers as appropriate and to use the selected heat exchangers as the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2. In Embodiment 1, respective fans (not illustrated) are disposed adjacent to the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 to improve the efficiency of heat exchange between refrigerant and indoor air in the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2. The configuration of each of the fans is not particularly limited. The fans can be formed by, for example, a propeller fan, a line flow fan (registered trademark), or a multiblade centrifugal fan on the basis of operating conditions such as the flow rate and the static pressure of indoor air supplied to the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2. In addition, when the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 are configured to exchange heat with a heat medium such as water, the heat medium may be supplied to the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 with pumps, for example.
In addition, the first load side heat exchanger 1 connected to the refrigerant pipe 7b is connected to the first flow switching device 41. The second load side heat exchanger 2 connected to the refrigerant pipe 7c is connected to the second flow switching device 42.
The expansion unit 20 decompresses and expands refrigerant that flows into the heat source side heat exchanger 4, refrigerant that flows into the first load side heat exchanger 1, and refrigerant that flows into the second load side heat exchanger 2. In Embodiment 1, the expansion unit 20 includes an expansion device 21 and an expansion device 22. The expansion device 21 is provided between the branch portion 32 and the first load side heat exchanger 1. In other words, the expansion device 21 is provided to the refrigerant pipe 7b. The expansion device 22 is provided between the branch portion 32 and the second load side heat exchanger 2. In other words, the expansion device 22 is provided to the refrigerant pipe 7c. The expansion device 21 and the expansion device 22 each serve as a pressure reducing valve or an expansion valve and expand and decompress refrigerant. Each of the expansion device 21 and the expansion device 22 is, for example, an electric expansion valve capable of controlling the flow rate of refrigerant. The expansion device 21 and the expansion device 22 are not limited to such an electric expansion valve. For example, the expansion device 21 and the expansion device 22 may be a mechanical expansion valve using a diaphragm as a pressure receiving portion. In addition, for example, the expansion device 21 and the expansion device 22 may be partially formed by a capillary tube. The same applies to expansion devices described below other than the expansion device 21 and the expansion device 22.
The first flow switching device 41 is, for example, a four-way valve and switches a first passage 101 and a second passage 102. The first passage 101 is a passage that connects the discharge port of the compressor 14 and the heat source side heat exchanger 4 and that connects the suction port of the compressor 14 and the first load side heat exchanger 1. The second passage 102 is a passage that connects the discharge port of the compressor 14 and the first load side heat exchanger 1 and that connects the suction port of the compressor 14 and the heat source side heat exchanger 4. A refrigerant flow in the refrigerant circuit 7 when the first flow switching device 41 is switched to the first passage 101 or the second passage 102 will be described below with reference to Figs. 2 and 3.
Fig. 2 is a diagram for describing a refrigerant flow in a refrigerant circuit when a first flow switching device is switched to a first passage in the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 1.
When the first flow switching device 41 is switched to the first passage 101, refrigerant flows from the discharge port of the compressor 14 to the suction port of the compressor 14 as represented by a thick line in Fig. 2. Specifically, the refrigerant discharged from the discharge port of the compressor 14 flows to the suction port of the compressor 14 through the branch portion 31, the first flow switching device 41, the heat source side heat exchanger 4, the branch portion 32, the expansion device 21, the first load side heat exchanger 1, the first flow switching device 41, and the branch portion 33.
Fig. 3 is a diagram for describing a refrigerant flow in the refrigerant circuit when the first flow switching device is switched to a second passage in the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 1.
When the first flow switching device 41 is switched to the second passage 102, refrigerant flows from the discharge port of the compressor 14 to the suction port of the compressor 14 as represented by a thick line in Fig. 3. Specifically, the refrigerant discharged from the discharge port of the compressor 14 flows to the suction port of the compressor 14 through the branch portion 31, the first flow switching device 41, the first load side heat exchanger 1, the expansion device 21, the branch portion 32, the heat source side heat exchanger 4, the first flow switching device 41, and the branch portion 33.
The second flow switching device 42 is, for example, a four-way valve and switches a third passage 103 and a fourth passage 104. The third passage 103 is a passage that connects the suction port of the compressor 14 and the second load side heat exchanger 2. The fourth passage 104 is a passage that connects the discharge port of the compressor 14 and the second load side heat exchanger 2. A refrigerant flow in the refrigerant circuit 7 when the second flow switching device 42 is switched to the third passage 103 or the fourth passage 104 will be described below with reference to Figs. 4 and 5.
Fig. 4 is a diagram for describing a refrigerant flow in the refrigerant circuit when a second flow switching device is switched to a third passage in the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 1.
When the second flow switching device 42 is switched to the third passage 103, refrigerant flows between the compressor 14 and the branch portion 32 as represented by a thick line in Fig. 4. Specifically, the refrigerant between the compressor 14 and the branch portion 32 flows from the branch portion 32 to the suction port of the compressor 14 through the expansion device 22, the second load side heat exchanger 2, the second flow switching device 42, and the branch portion 33.
Fig. 5 is a diagram for describing a refrigerant flow in the refrigerant circuit when the second flow switching device is switched to a fourth passage in the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 1.
When the second flow switching device 42 is switched to the fourth passage 104, refrigerant flows between the compressor 14 and the branch portion 32 as represented by a thick line in Fig. 5. Specifically, the refrigerant discharged from the discharge port of the compressor 14 flows to the branch portion 32 through the branch portion 31, the second flow switching device 42, the second load side heat exchanger 2, and the expansion device 22.
The first flow switching device 41 and the second flow switching device 42 are not limited to such a four-way valve. The first flow switching device 41 and the second flow switching device 42 may be formed by, for example, a two-way valve or a three-way valve.
At least some of the above components of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 are mounted in a unit. In Embodiment 1, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 includes a heat source unit 201. In addition, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 includes thermal load units 202 as units different from the heat source unit 201. Then, the compressor 14, the first flow switching device 41, the second flow switching device 42, the heat source side heat exchanger 4, and the fan 5 are mounted in the heat source unit 201. The expansion device 21, the expansion device 22, the first load side heat exchanger 1, and the second load side heat exchanger 2 are mounted in the thermal load units 202. In Embodiment 1, the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 are mounted in the different thermal load units 202. In this case, for example, the expansion device 21 is mounted in the thermal load unit 202 in which the first load side heat exchanger 1 is mounted. The expansion device 22 is mounted in the thermal load unit 202 in which the second load side heat exchanger 2 is mounted.
In addition, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 according to Embodiment 1 includes a controller 210 configured to control the operating state of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200. Specifically, the controller 210 is configured to cause the first flow switching device 41 and the second flow switching device 42 to switch the passages. In addition, the controller 210 is configured to start and stop the compressor 14. The controller 210 may be configured to control the rotation speed of the compressor 14 during driving of the compressor 14. Thus, it is possible to control the amount of refrigerant to be discharged from the compressor 14. In addition, the controller 210 is configured to control the opening degree of each of the expansion device 21 and the expansion device 22. In addition, the controller 210 is configured to start and stop the fan 5. The controller 210 may be configured to control the rotation speed of the fan 5 during driving of the fan 5. The unit in which the controller 210 is mounted is not particularly limited, and in Embodiment 1, the controller 210 is mounted in the heat source unit 201.
The controller 210 is formed by dedicated hardware or a central processing unit (CPU) configured to execute a program stored in memory. The CPU is also referred to as a central processing unit, a processing unit, an arithmetic unit, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, or a processor.
When the controller 210 is dedicated hardware, the controller 210 corresponds to, for example, a single circuit, a combined circuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a combination thereof. Respective functional units of the controller 210 may be implemented by separate pieces of hardware or a single piece of hardware.
When the controller 210 is a CPU, respective functions executed by the controller 210 are implemented by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. Such software and firmware are each described as a program and stored in memory. The CPU reads and executes a program stored in the memory to implement the respective functions of the controller 210. Here, the memory is a nonvolatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, or EEPROM.
Some of the functions of the controller 210 may be implemented by dedicated hardware, and the others of the functions of the controller 210 may be implemented by software or firmware.
Next, operations of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 will be described with refrigerant flows. First, a cooling-only operation performed by the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 will be described. The cooling-only operation is an operation in which both the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 cool indoor air. When the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 performs the cooling-only operation, in the refrigerant circuit 7, the first flow switching device 41 is switched to the first passage 101, and the second flow switching device 42 is switched to the third passage 103. In addition, when the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 performs the cooling-only operation, in the refrigerant circuit 7, the heat source side heat exchanger 4 serves as a condenser, and the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 each serve as an evaporator. That is, when the heat source side heat exchanger 4 serves as a condenser and the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 each serve as an evaporator, in the refrigerant circuit 7, the first flow switching device 41 is switched to the first passage 101, and the second flow switching device 42 is switched to the third passage 103.
When the compressor 14 is driven in the cooling-only operation, high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant is discharged from the discharge port of the compressor 14. The high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 14 flows into the first flow switching device 41 through the branch portion 31. The high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed into the first flow switching device 41 flows into the heat source side heat exchanger 4 functioning as a condenser. The high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed into the heat source side heat exchanger 4 is cooled by outdoor air supplied by the fan 5 and is condensed into high-pressure liquid refrigerant. Then, part of the high-pressure liquid refrigerant that has flowed out from the heat source side heat exchanger 4 flows into the expansion device 21 through the branch portion 32. In addition, part of the high-pressure liquid refrigerant that has flowed out from the heat source side heat exchanger 4 flows into the expansion device 22 through the branch portion 32. The high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed into the heat source side heat exchanger 4 may be cooled by outdoor air and condensed into two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant, which is a mixture of gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant.
The high-pressure liquid refrigerant that has flowed into the expansion device 21 is decompressed into low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant, and the low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant flows into the first load side heat exchanger 1 functioning as an evaporator. The low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant that has flowed into the first load side heat exchanger 1 is heated by indoor air to evaporate the liquid refrigerant into low-pressure gas refrigerant. In other words, the indoor air cooled by the low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant that has flowed into the first load side heat exchanger 1 is supplied to an indoor space where the first load side heat exchanger 1 is set. Thus, the indoor space is cooled.
On the other hand, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant that has flowed into the expansion device 22 is decompressed into low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant, and the low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant flows into the second load side heat exchanger 2 functioning as an evaporator. The low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant that has flowed into the second load side heat exchanger 2 is heated by indoor air to evaporate the liquid refrigerant into low-pressure gas refrigerant. In other words, the indoor air cooled by the low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant that has flowed into the second load side heat exchanger 2 is supplied to an indoor space where the second load side heat exchanger 2 is set. Thus, the indoor space is cooled.
The low-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed out from the first load side heat exchanger 1 flows into the branch portion 33 through the first flow switching device 41. The low-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed out from the second load side heat exchanger 2 flows into the branch portion 33 through the second flow switching device 42. Then, these refrigerants that have flowed into the branch portion 33 join together, and the joined refrigerant is suctioned into the compressor 14 through the suction port of the compressor 14 and is compressed again and discharged by the compressor 14. Hereafter, this cycle is repeated in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200.
Next, a heating-only operation performed by the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 will be described. The heating-only operation is an operation in which both the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 heat indoor air. When the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 performs the heating-only operation, in the refrigerant circuit 7, the first flow switching device 41 is switched to the second passage 102, and the second flow switching device 42 is switched to the fourth passage 104. In addition, when the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 performs the heating-only operation, in the refrigerant circuit 7, the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 each serve as a condenser, and the heat source side heat exchanger 4 serves as an evaporator. That is, when the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 each serve as a condenser and the heat source side heat exchanger 4 serves as an evaporator, in the refrigerant circuit 7, the first flow switching device 41 is switched to the second passage 102, and the second flow switching device 42 is switched to the fourth passage 104.
When the compressor 14 is driven in the heating-only operation, high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant is discharged from the discharge port of the compressor 14. Part of the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 14 flows into the first flow switching device 41 through the branch portion 31. In addition, the remaining part of the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 14 flows into the second flow switching device 42 through the branch portion 31.
The high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed into the first flow switching device 41 flows into the first load side heat exchanger 1 functioning as a condenser. The high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed into the first load side heat exchanger 1 is cooled by indoor air and condensed into high-pressure liquid refrigerant. In other words, the indoor air heated by the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed into the first load side heat exchanger 1 is supplied to the indoor space where the first load side heat exchanger 1 is set. Thus, the indoor space is heated. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant that has flowed out from the first load side heat exchanger 1 flows into the expansion device 21 and is decompressed into low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant.
On the other hand, the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed into the second flow switching device 42 flows into the second load side heat exchanger 2 functioning as a condenser. The high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed into the second load side heat exchanger 2 is cooled by indoor air and condensed into high-pressure liquid refrigerant. In other words, the indoor air heated by the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed into the second load side heat exchanger 2 is supplied to the indoor space where the second load side heat exchanger 2 is set. Thus, the indoor space is heated. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant that has flowed out from the second load side heat exchanger 2 flows into the expansion device 22 and is decompressed into low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant.
The low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant that has flowed out from the expansion device 21 and the low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant that has flowed out from the expansion device 22 flow into the branch portion 32. Then, these low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerants that have flowed into the branch portion 32 join together, and the joined low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant flows into the heat source side heat exchanger 4 functioning as an evaporator. The low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant that has flowed into the heat source side heat exchanger 4 is heated by outdoor air supplied by the fan 5 to evaporate the liquid refrigerant into low-pressure gas refrigerant. The low-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed out from the heat source side heat exchanger 4 passes through the first flow switching device 41 and a branch portion 33, is suctioned into the compressor 14 through the suction port of the compressor 14, and is compressed again and discharged by the compressor 14. Hereafter, this cycle is repeated in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200.
Next, a cooling and heating mixed operation performed by the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 will be described. The cooling and heating mixed operation is an operation in which one of the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 cools indoor air and the other of the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 heats indoor air. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 according to Embodiment 1 is configured such that the heat exchange capacity of the first load side heat exchanger 1 is higher than the heat exchange capacity of the second load side heat exchanger 2. Thus, the operations of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 according to Embodiment 1 differ between a case in which a high cooling capacity is required relative to a heating capacity and a case in which a high heating capacity is required relative to a cooling capacity. Accordingly, it is possible to supply heat according to a required load.
First, the cooling and heating mixed operation performed by the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 when a high cooling capacity is required relative to a heating capacity will be described. In this case, in the refrigerant circuit 7, the first flow switching device 41 is switched to the first passage 101, and the second flow switching device 42 is switched to the fourth passage 104. Thus, in the refrigerant circuit 7, the heat source side heat exchanger 4 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 each serve as a condenser, and the first load side heat exchanger 1 serves as an evaporator. That is, when the heat source side heat exchanger 4 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 each serve as a condenser and the first load side heat exchanger 1 serves as an evaporator, in the refrigerant circuit 7, the first flow switching device 41 is switched to the first passage 101, and the second flow switching device 42 is switched to the fourth passage 104.
When the compressor 14 is driven in this state, high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant is discharged from the discharge port of the compressor 14. Part of the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 14 flows into the first flow switching device 41 through the branch portion 31. The remaining part of the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 14 flows into the second flow switching device 42 through the branch portion 31.
The high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed into the first flow switching device 41 flows into the heat source side heat exchanger 4 functioning as a condenser. The high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed into the heat source side heat exchanger 4 is cooled by outdoor air supplied by the fan 5 and is condensed into high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant that has flowed out from the heat source side heat exchanger 4 flows into the branch portion 32. The high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed into the heat source side heat exchanger 4 may be cooled by outdoor air and condensed into two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant, which is a mixture of gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant.
On the other hand, the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed into the second flow switching device 42 flows into the second load side heat exchanger 2 functioning as a condenser. The high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed into the second load side heat exchanger 2 is cooled by indoor air and condensed into high-pressure liquid refrigerant. In other words, the indoor air heated by the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed into the second load side heat exchanger 2 is supplied to the indoor space where the second load side heat exchanger 2 is set. Thus, the indoor space is heated. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant that has flowed out from the second load side heat exchanger 2 flows into the branch portion 32 through the expansion device 22. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant that flows in the expansion device 22 may pass through the expansion device 22 in the high-pressure liquid state or may be decompressed by the expansion device 22 into low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant.
The refrigerant that has flowed out from the heat source side heat exchanger 4 and the refrigerant that has flowed out from the expansion device 22 join together at the branch portion 32, and the joined refrigerant flows into the expansion device 21. The refrigerant that has flowed into the expansion device 21 is decompressed into low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant, and the low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant flows into the first load side heat exchanger 1 functioning as an evaporator. The low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant that has flowed into the first load side heat exchanger 1 is heated by indoor air to evaporate the liquid refrigerant into low-pressure gas refrigerant. In other words, the indoor air cooled by the low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant that has flowed into the first load side heat exchanger 1 is supplied to the indoor space where the first load side heat exchanger 1 is set. Thus, the indoor space is cooled.
The low-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed out from the first load side heat exchanger 1 passes through the first flow switching device 41 and the branch portion 33, is suctioned into the compressor 14 through the suction port of the compressor 14, and is compressed again and discharged by the compressor 14. Hereafter, this cycle is repeated in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200.
Next, the cooling and heating mixed operation performed by the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 when a high heating capacity is required relative to a cooling capacity will be described. In this case, in the refrigerant circuit 7, the first flow switching device 41 is switched to the second passage 102, and the second flow switching device 42 is switched to the third passage 103. Thus, in the refrigerant circuit 7, the first load side heat exchanger 1 serves as a condenser, and the heat source side heat exchanger 4 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 each serve as an evaporator. That is, when the first load side heat exchanger 1 serves as a condenser and the heat source side heat exchanger 4 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 each serve as an evaporator, in the refrigerant circuit 7, the first flow switching device 41 is switched to the second passage 102, and the second flow switching device 42 is switched to the third passage 103.
When the compressor 14 is driven in this state, high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant is discharged from the discharge port of the compressor 14. The high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 14 flows into the first load side heat exchanger 1 functioning as a condenser through the branch portion 31 and the first flow switching device 41. The high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed into the first load side heat exchanger 1 is cooled by indoor air and condensed into high-pressure liquid refrigerant. In other words, the indoor air heated by the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed into the first load side heat exchanger 1 is supplied to the indoor space where the first load side heat exchanger 1 is set. Thus, the indoor space is heated. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant that has flowed out from the first load side heat exchanger 1 flows into the expansion device 21 and is decompressed into low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant. The low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant flows into the branch portion 32. Then, part of the low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant that has flowed into the branch portion 32 flows into the heat source side heat exchanger 4 functioning as an evaporator. In addition, the remaining part of the low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant that has flowed into the branch portion 32 flows into the expansion device 22.
The low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant that has flowed into the heat source side heat exchanger 4 functioning as an evaporator is heated by outdoor air supplied by the fan 5 to evaporate the liquid refrigerant into low-pressure gas refrigerant. The low-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed out from the heat source side heat exchanger 4 flows into the branch portion 33 through the first flow switching device 41.
On the other hand, the low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant that has flowed into the expansion device 22 flows into the second load side heat exchanger 2 functioning as an evaporator. The low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant that has flowed into the second load side heat exchanger 2 is heated by indoor air to evaporate the liquid refrigerant into low-pressure gas refrigerant. In other words, the indoor air cooled by the low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant that has flowed into the second load side heat exchanger 2 is supplied to the indoor space where the second load side heat exchanger 2 is set. Thus, the indoor space is cooled. The low-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed out from the second load side heat exchanger 2 flows into the branch portion 33 through the second flow switching device 42.
The low-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed out from the heat source side heat exchanger 4 and the low-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed out from the second load side heat exchanger 2 join together at the branch portion 33, and the joined refrigerant is then suctioned into the compressor 14 through the suction port of the compressor 14 and is compressed again and discharged by the compressor 14. Hereafter, this cycle is repeated in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200.
The first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 may be mounted in the same thermal load unit 202. In this case, when the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 performs an operation similar to the above cooling and heating mixed operation, one of the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 cools and dehumidifies indoor air, and the other of the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 heats the dehumidified indoor air. Thus, it is possible to return the heated air to the indoor space. Accordingly, when the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 are mounted in the same thermal load unit 202, it is possible to perform a dehumidifying operation of dehumidifying air in the indoor space where the thermal load unit 202 is set.
As described above, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 according to Embodiment 1 includes the refrigerant circuit 7, in which refrigerant circulates. The refrigerant circuit 7 includes the compressor 14, the heat source side heat exchanger 4, the first load side heat exchanger 1, the second load side heat exchanger 2, the expansion unit 20, the first flow switching device 41, the second flow switching device 42, and the branch portion 32. The expansion unit 20 is configured to decompress and expand refrigerant that flows into the heat source side heat exchanger 4, refrigerant that flows into the first load side heat exchanger 1, and refrigerant that flows into the second load side heat exchanger 2. The first flow switching device 41 is configured to switch the first passage 101 and the second passage 102. The second flow switching device 42 is configured to switch the third passage 103 and the fourth passage 104. The first passage 101 is a passage that connects the discharge port of the compressor 14 and the heat source side heat exchanger 4 and that connects the suction port of the compressor 14 and the first load side heat exchanger 1. The second passage 102 is a passage that connects the discharge port of the compressor 14 and the first load side heat exchanger 1 and that connects the suction port of the compressor 14 and the heat source side heat exchanger 4. The third passage 103 is a passage that connects the suction port of the compressor 14 and the second load side heat exchanger 2. The fourth passage 104 is a passage that connects the discharge port of the compressor 14 and the second load side heat exchanger 2. The branch portion 32 is configured to allow the refrigerant pipe 7a extending from the heat source side heat exchanger 4 toward the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 to branch into the refrigerant pipe 7b connected to the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the refrigerant pipe 7c connected to the second load side heat exchanger 2. The branch portion 32 is configured to connect the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 to the heat source side heat exchanger 4 in parallel. Then, the refrigerant circuit 7 is configured such that, when the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 each serve as a condenser and the heat source side heat exchanger 4 serves as an evaporator, the first flow switching device 41 is switched to the second passage 102 and the second flow switching device 42 is switched to the fourth passage 104.
Here, a compressor, a flow switching device, and a heat source side heat exchanger of the components of a refrigeration cycle apparatus are heat source side components. In addition, an expansion device and a load side heat exchanger of the components of the refrigeration cycle apparatus are load side components. The heat source side components and the load side components are connected by a plurality of refrigerant pipes through which refrigerant circulating in a refrigerant circuit passes. In this case, in an existing refrigeration cycle apparatus capable of causing two load side heat exchangers to independently serve as a condenser or an evaporator, when the two load side heat exchangers each serve as the condenser, refrigerant does not flow in some of a plurality of refrigerant pipes connecting heat source side components and load side components. Thus, such an existing refrigeration cycle apparatus capable of causing two load side heat exchangers to independently serve as a condenser or an evaporator has a problem in that the space of a refrigerant circuit where refrigerant pipes are set cannot be effectively used. In addition, in such an existing refrigeration cycle apparatus capable of causing two load side heat exchangers to independently serve as a condenser or an evaporator, when the two load side heat exchangers each serve as the condenser, the pressure loss of refrigerant in refrigerant pipes connecting heat source side components and load side components is high, thus causing a problem of deteriorating the performance of the refrigeration cycle apparatus.
On the other hand, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 according to Embodiment 1, when the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 each serve as a condenser as in the above description of the heating-only operation, refrigerant flows in all the plurality of refrigerant pipes connecting the heat source side components and the load side components. Thus, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 according to Embodiment 1, the space of the refrigerant circuit 7 where the refrigerant pipes are set can be effectively used. In addition, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 according to Embodiment 1 is capable of reducing the pressure loss of refrigerant in the refrigerant pipes connecting the heat source side components and the load side components and is thus capable of inhibiting a deterioration in performance. For example, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 according to Embodiment 1, power input to the compressor 14 per required capacity is reduced compared with an existing refrigeration cycle apparatus capable of causing two load side heat exchangers to independently serve as a condenser or an evaporator.
In addition, in the refrigerant circuit 7 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 according to Embodiment 1, when the cooling and heating mixed operation and the dehumidifying operation are performed, the heat source side heat exchanger 4 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 are connected in parallel to the first load side heat exchanger 1. Thus, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 according to Embodiment 1 is capable of inhibiting a deterioration in the performance of the second load side heat exchanger 2 compared with a case in which the heat source side heat exchanger 4 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 are connected in series in the cooling and heating mixed operation and the dehumidifying operation. Accordingly, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 according to Embodiment 1 is improved in performance in the cooling and heating mixed operation and the dehumidifying operation compared with the case in which the heat source side heat exchanger 4 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 are connected in series in the cooling and heating mixed operation and the dehumidifying operation.
Specifically, for example, an operation is assumed in which the first load side heat exchanger 1 serves as an evaporator and the second load side heat exchanger 2 and the heat source side heat exchanger 4 each serve as a condenser. In this operation, when the heat source side heat exchanger 4 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 are connected in series to the first load side heat exchanger 1, high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 14 flows in the heat source side heat exchanger 4 and then flows in the second load side heat exchanger 2. Thus, part of the gas refrigerant is condensed into liquid refrigerant in the heat source side heat exchanger 4, and the two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant flows into the second load side heat exchanger 2. Accordingly, gas refrigerant to be condensed in the second load side heat exchanger 2 is insufficient, thus causing insufficiency of the condensing capacity in the second load side heat exchanger 2. As a result, for example, the temperature in the indoor space is reduced in the dehumidifying operation. In addition, for example, the heating capacity is reduced in the cooling and heating mixed operation. On the other hand, when the heat source side heat exchanger 4 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 are connected in parallel to the first load side heat exchanger 1, high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 14 can flow directly into the second load side heat exchanger 2. Accordingly, when the heat source side heat exchanger 4 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 are connected in parallel to the first load side heat exchanger 1, it is possible to inhibit a reduction in the temperature in the indoor space in the dehumidifying operation and to inhibit a reduction in the heating capacity in the cooling and heating mixed operation.
A modification example of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 according to Embodiment 1 is introduced in the last description of Embodiment 1.
Fig. 6 is a refrigerant circuit diagram illustrating a modification example of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 according to Embodiment 1.
The refrigerant circuit 7 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 illustrated in Fig. 6 includes an expansion device 23 between the heat source side heat exchanger 4 and the branch portion 32. In other words, the refrigerant circuit 7 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 illustrated in Fig. 6 includes the expansion device 23 provided to the refrigerant pipe 7a. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 configured in this manner is capable of controlling the amount of refrigerant that flows into the heat source side heat exchanger 4 in the dehumidifying operation and the cooling and heating mixed operation. For example, when the opening degree of the expansion device 23 is small, it is possible to increase the heat exchange capacity of the second load side heat exchanger 2.

Embodiment 2

The refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 including the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 configured to exchange heat between air and refrigerant that flows in the refrigerant circuit 7 has been described in Embodiment 1. As also described in Embodiment 1, the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 may be configured to exchange heat between a heat medium such as water and refrigerant that flows in the refrigerant circuit 7. An example of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 including the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 configured to exchange heat between refrigerant and a heat medium is introduced in Embodiment 2. Matters that are not particularly described in Embodiment 2 are similar to those in Embodiment 1. In addition, in Embodiment 2, components that have functions similar to those of the components illustrated in Embodiment 1 have the same reference signs as those in Embodiment 1.
Fig. 7 is a refrigerant circuit diagram illustrating a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 2.
The refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 according to Embodiment 2 includes a heat medium circuit 8, in which a heat medium different from refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 7 circulates. The heat medium circulating in the heat medium circuit 8 is, for example, a calcium chloride solution, a sodium chloride solution, a magnesium chloride solution, brine containing ethylene glycol, antifreeze, or water. Then, the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 are heat exchangers configured to exchange heat between refrigerant that circulates in the refrigerant circuit 7 and a heat medium that circulates in the heat medium circuit 8. In addition, the heat medium circuit 8 illustrated in Fig. 7 includes a pump 6, which is configured to supply a heat medium to the first load side heat exchanger 1, and a pump 6, which is configured to supply the heat medium to the second load side heat exchanger 2.
In Fig. 7, the pump 6 configured to supply a heat medium to the first load side heat exchanger 1 is configured such that a discharge port of the pump 6 and the first load side heat exchanger 1 are connected to each other. In other words, the pump 6 configured to supply a heat medium to the first load side heat exchanger 1 is disposed at a position upstream of the first load side heat exchanger 1 in the direction in which the heat medium flows. However, the configuration is not limited thereto, and the pump 6 configured to supply a heat medium to the first load side heat exchanger 1 may be configured such that a suction port of the pump 6 and the first load side heat exchanger 1 are connected to each other. That is, the pump 6 configured to supply a heat medium to the first load side heat exchanger 1 may be disposed at a position downstream of the first load side heat exchanger 1 in the direction in which the heat medium flows.
Similarly, in Fig. 7, the pump 6 configured to supply a heat medium to the second load side heat exchanger 2 is configured such that the discharge port of the pump 6 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 are connected to each other. In other words, the pump 6 configured to supply a heat medium to the second load side heat exchanger 2 is disposed at a position upstream of the second load side heat exchanger 2 in the direction in which the heat medium flows. However, the configuration is not limited thereto, and the pump 6 configured to supply a heat medium to the second load side heat exchanger 2 may be configured such that the suction port of the pump 6 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 are connected to each other. That is, the pump 6 configured to supply a heat medium to the second load side heat exchanger 2 may be disposed at a position downstream of the second load side heat exchanger 2 in the direction in which the heat medium flows.
In addition, as illustrated in Fig. 8, the heat medium circuit 8 may be configured such that the same pump 6 supplies a heat medium to the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2.
Fig. 8 is a refrigerant circuit diagram illustrating another example of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 2.
In the heat medium circuit 8 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 illustrated in Fig. 8, the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 are connected in parallel to the discharge port of the one pump 6. In the heat medium circuit 8 configured in this manner, the same pump 6 is capable of supplying a heat medium to the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2. In the heat medium circuit 8 configured in this manner, a heat medium that has flowed out from the first load side heat exchanger 1 and a heat medium that has flowed out from the second load side heat exchanger 2 join upstream of the pump 6, and the joined heat medium is suctioned into the pump 6 and supplied to the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2. The controller 210 is configured to control starting and stopping of the pump 6. In addition, the controller 210 may be configured to control the rotation speed of the pump 6 during driving of the pump 6.
Some configuration examples of the heat medium circuit 8 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 according to Embodiment 2 are introduced below.
Figs. 9 and 10 are diagrams for describing respective configuration examples of a heat medium circuit of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 2.
The heat medium circuit 8 includes a plurality of use side heat exchangers 3. Figs. 9 and 10 each illustrate the heat medium circuit 8 including two use side heat exchangers 3.
At least some of the above components of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 including the heat medium circuit 8 are mounted in units as follows, for example. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 includes the heat source unit 201. In addition, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 includes the thermal load units 202 and a relay unit 203 as units different from the heat source unit 201. Then, the compressor 14, the first flow switching device 41, the second flow switching device 42, the heat source side heat exchanger 4, and the fan 5 are mounted in the heat source unit 201. The expansion unit 20, the first load side heat exchanger 1, the second load side heat exchanger 2, the branch portion 32, and the pumps 6 are mounted in the relay unit 203. That is, the first load side heat exchanger 1, the second load side heat exchanger 2, the expansion unit 20, and the branch portion 32 are mounted in the relay unit 203, which is a unit different from the heat source unit 201. In addition, the use side heat exchangers 3 are mounted in the thermal load units 202. An example in which the plurality of use side heat exchangers 3 are mounted in the different respective thermal load units 202 is illustrated in Embodiment 2.
As described above, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 illustrated in Embodiment 1, the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 may be mounted in the same thermal load unit 202. In this case, the expansion unit 20 and the branch portion 32 are also mounted in the same thermal load unit 202. That is, the first load side heat exchanger 1, the second load side heat exchanger 2, the expansion unit 20, and the branch portion 32 are mounted in the thermal load unit 202, which is a unit different from the heat source unit 201.
When the compressor 14, the heat source side heat exchanger 4, the first flow switching device 41, and the second flow switching device 42 are mounted in the heat source unit 201 and the first load side heat exchanger 1, the second load side heat exchanger 2, the expansion unit 20, and the branch portion 32 are mounted in the unit different from the heat source unit 201, the heat source unit 201 and the different unit are connected by the refrigerant pipes connecting the heat source side components and the load side components. Thus, when the compressor 14, the heat source side heat exchanger 4, the first flow switching device 41, and the second flow switching device 42 are mounted in the heat source unit 201 and the first load side heat exchanger 1, the second load side heat exchanger 2, the expansion unit 20, and the branch portion 32 are mounted in the unit different from the heat source unit 201, it is possible to connect the heat source unit 201 and the different unit by three refrigerant pipes.
For example, the heat medium circuit 8 is configured as illustrated in Fig. 9. Specifically, at least one of the use side heat exchangers 3 is configured to receive a heat medium from the first load side heat exchanger 1. In addition, at least one of the use side heat exchangers 3 other than the use side heat exchanger 3 to which the heat medium is supplied from the first load side heat exchanger 1 is configured to receive the heat medium supplied from the second load side heat exchanger 2. More specifically, in the heat medium circuit 8 illustrated in Fig. 9, the use side heat exchanger 3 located on the lower side of the figure is configured to receive the heat medium supplied from the first load side heat exchanger 1. In addition, the use side heat exchanger 3 located on the upper side of the figure is configured to receive the heat medium supplied from the second load side heat exchanger 2.
In the heat medium circuit 8 configured as illustrated in Fig. 9, when the first load side heat exchanger 1 serves as a condenser, a heat medium heated by the first load side heat exchanger 1 is supplied to the use side heat exchanger 3 located on the lower side of the figure. As a result, it is possible to heat an indoor space where the use side heat exchanger 3 located on the lower side of the figure is set. In addition, when the first load side heat exchanger 1 serves as an evaporator, a heat medium cooled by the first load side heat exchanger 1 is supplied to the use side heat exchanger 3 located on the lower side of the figure. As a result, it is possible to cool the indoor space where the use side heat exchanger 3 located on the lower side of the figure is set.
Similarly, in the heat medium circuit 8 configured as illustrated in Fig. 9, when the second load side heat exchanger 2 serves as a condenser, a heat medium heated by the second load side heat exchanger 2 is supplied to the use side heat exchanger 3 located on the upper side of the figure. As a result, it is possible to heat an indoor space where the use side heat exchanger 3 located on the upper side of the figure is set. In addition, when the second load side heat exchanger 2 serves as an evaporator, a heat medium cooled by the second load side heat exchanger 2 is supplied to the use side heat exchanger 3 located on the upper side of the figure. As a result, it is possible to cool the indoor space where the use side heat exchanger 3 located on the upper side of the figure is set.
The heat medium circuit 8 illustrated in Fig. 9 does not require first connection target selectors 60 and second connection target selectors 65 included in the heat medium circuit 8 illustrated in Fig. 10. Thus, the relay unit 203 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 including the heat medium circuit 8 illustrated in Fig. 9 can be further reduced in size than that of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 including the heat medium circuit 8 illustrated in Fig. 10. Accordingly, it is possible to save the space where the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 is set.
In addition, for example, the heat medium circuit 8 is configured as illustrated in Fig. 10. Specifically, the heat medium circuit 8 includes the first connection target selectors 60 and the second connection target selectors 65. The first connection target selector 60 is provided on the heat medium inlet side of each of the use side heat exchangers 3. Then, the first connection target selector 60 is configured to select at least one of a heat medium outlet of the first load side heat exchanger 1 and a heat medium outlet of the second load side heat exchanger 2 as a connection target for an inlet of the use side heat exchanger 3. In Embodiment 2, the first connection target selector 60 includes an opening and closing device 61 and an opening and closing device 62. The opening and closing device 61 is provided to a heat medium passage connecting the inlet of the use side heat exchanger 3 and the heat medium outlet of the first load side heat exchanger 1 and is configured to open and close the heat medium passage. The opening and closing device 62 is provided to a heat medium passage connecting the inlet of the use side heat exchanger 3 and the heat medium outlet of the second load side heat exchanger 2 and is configured to open and close the heat medium passage. The controller 210 is configured to control opening and closing of the opening and closing device 61 and the opening and closing device 62.
The second connection target selector 65 is provided on the heat medium outlet side of each of the use side heat exchangers 3. Then, the second connection target selector 65 is configured to select at least one of a heat medium inlet of the first load side heat exchanger 1 and a heat medium inlet of the second load side heat exchanger 2 as a connection target for an outlet of the use side heat exchanger 3. In Embodiment 2, the second connection target selector 65 includes an opening and closing device 66 and an opening and closing device 67. The opening and closing device 66 is provided to a heat medium passage connecting the outlet of the use side heat exchanger 3 and the heat medium inlet of the first load side heat exchanger 1 and is configured to open and close the heat medium passage. The opening and closing device 67 is provided to a heat medium passage connecting the outlet of the use side heat exchanger 3 and the heat medium inlet of the second load side heat exchanger 2 and is configured to open and close the heat medium passage. The controller 210 is configured to control opening and closing of the opening and closing device 66 and the opening and closing device 67.
In the heat medium circuit 8 configured as illustrated in Fig. 10, the first connection target selector 60 and the second connection target selector 65 are capable of freely selecting whether each of the use side heat exchangers 3 is connected to the first load side heat exchanger 1 or the second load side heat exchanger 2. In addition, in the heat medium circuit 8 configured as illustrated in Fig. 10, when the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 performs the cooling-only operation or the heating-only operation, the opening and closing device 61, the opening and closing device 62, the opening and closing device 66, and the opening and closing device 67 are each switched to an open state, thus enabling a heat medium to flow into each of the use side heat exchangers 3 from both the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2. In the heat medium circuit 8 illustrated in Fig. 9, when the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 performs the cooling-only operation or the heating-only operation, cooling capacity and heating capacity may vary with each use side heat exchanger 3 according to, for example, the difference in heat exchange capacity between the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 or the configuration of heat medium pipes connecting these load side heat exchangers and the use side heat exchangers 3. On the other hand, in the heat medium circuit 8 configured as illustrated in Fig. 10, when the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 performs the cooling-only operation or the heating-only operation, it is possible to inhibit cooling capacity and heating capacity from varying with each use side heat exchanger 3.
The use side heat exchanger 3 to which a heat medium is supplied from the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the use side heat exchanger 3 to which the heat medium is supplied from the second load side heat exchanger 2 may be mounted in the same thermal load unit 202. Thus, when the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 performs an operation similar to the above cooling and heating mixed operation, it is possible to perform the dehumidifying operation of dehumidifying air in an indoor space where the thermal load unit 202 is set. In this case, as described above, the refrigerant circuit 7 is configured such that the heat exchange capacity of the first load side heat exchanger 1 is higher than the heat exchange capacity of the second load side heat exchanger 2. Accordingly, when the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 performs the dehumidifying operation, the first flow switching device 41 is preferably switched to the first passage 101, and the second flow switching device 42 is preferably switched to the fourth passage 104. As a result, it is possible to perform the dehumidifying operation in which the first load side heat exchanger 1 serves as an evaporator and the second load side heat exchanger 2 serves as a condenser. Then, when the dehumidifying operation is performed in this manner, a configuration in which the amount of refrigerant filled into the refrigerant circuit 7 is reduced also enables the dehumidifying operation in which air temperature reduction is inhibited, thus improving dehumidifying performance per environmental load.

Embodiment 3

The configuration of the expansion unit 20 is not limited to the configuration illustrated in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2. The expansion unit 20 may be configured as illustrated in Embodiment 3, for example. Matters that are not particularly described in Embodiment 3 are similar to those in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2. In addition, in Embodiment 3, components that have functions similar to those of the components illustrated in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 have the same reference signs as those in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2.
Fig. 11 is a refrigerant circuit diagram illustrating a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 3.
The expansion unit 20 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 according to Embodiment 3 includes one expansion device 24 and a connection target switching unit 25. The expansion device 24 is provided between the branch portion 32 and the second load side heat exchanger 2. The connection target switching unit 25 switches, to the branch portion 32 or a part between the expansion device 24 and the second load side heat exchanger 2, a connection target for a connection port of the first load side heat exchanger 1 closer to the heat source side heat exchanger 4.
Specifically, the connection target switching unit 25 according to Embodiment 3 includes a first opening and closing device 26 and a second opening and closing device 27. The first opening and closing device 26 is configured to open and close a refrigerant passage connecting the first load side heat exchanger 1 and a part between the branch portion 32 and the expansion device 24. The second opening and closing device 27 is configured to open and close a refrigerant passage connecting the first load side heat exchanger 1 and a part between the expansion device 24 and the second load side heat exchanger 2. The controller 210 is configured to control opening and closing of the first opening and closing device 26 and the second opening and closing device 27.
More specifically, the refrigerant pipe 7b branches at a branch portion 35. Then, one refrigerant pipe branched at the branch portion 35 is connected to the connection port of the first load side heat exchanger 1 closer to the heat source side heat exchanger 4. In addition, the other refrigerant pipe branched at the branch portion 35 is connected to a branch portion 34 of the refrigerant pipe 7c. In other words, the refrigerant pipe 7c branches at the branch portion 34. Then, one refrigerant pipe branched at the branch portion 34 is connected to the branch portion 35. The other refrigerant pipe branched at the branch portion 34 is connected to a connection port of the second load side heat exchanger 2 closer to the heat source side heat exchanger 4. Then, the first opening and closing device 26 is provided between the branch portion 32 and the branch portion 35. In addition, the second opening and closing device 27 is provided between the branch portion 35 and the branch portion 34.
When the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 configured in this manner performs the heating-only operation, in the refrigerant circuit 7, the first opening and closing device 26 is switched to a closed state, and the second opening and closing device 27 is switched to an open state. In other words, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 configured in this manner, when the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 each serve as a condenser, in the refrigerant circuit 7, the first opening and closing device 26 is switched to the closed state, and the second opening and closing device 27 is switched to the open state.
In addition, when the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 configured in this manner performs the cooling-only operation, in the refrigerant circuit 7, the first opening and closing device 26 is switched to the closed state, and the second opening and closing device 27 is switched to the open state. In other words, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 configured in this manner, when the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 each serve as an evaporator, in the refrigerant circuit 7, the first opening and closing device 26 is switched to the closed state, and the second opening and closing device 27 is switched to the open state.
In addition, when the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 configured in this manner performs the cooling and heating mixed operation or the dehumidifying operation, in the refrigerant circuit 7, the first opening and closing device 26 is switched to an open state, and the second opening and closing device 27 is switched to a closed state. In other words, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 configured in this manner, when one of the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 serves as a condenser and the other of the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 serves as an evaporator, in the refrigerant circuit 7, the first opening and closing device 26 is switched to the open state, and the second opening and closing device 27 is switched to the closed state.
An expansion device is larger in size than an opening and closing device, and a signal wire to be connected to the expansion device is thick. Thus, when the expansion unit 20 is configured as illustrated in Embodiment 3, it is possible to reduce the number of expansion devices. Accordingly, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 including the expansion unit 20 according to Embodiment 3, it is possible to reduce the size of a unit in which the expansion unit 20 is mounted compared with the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 including the expansion unit 20 illustrated in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2.
To inhibit two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant that flows from the branch portion 34 into the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 from being uneven in the cooling-only operation, the vicinity of the branch portion 34 is preferably configured as follows. The branch portion 34 is preferably formed by a T-shaped joint or a Y-shaped joint. Then, a straight pipe with an inside diameter of d and a length of 5d or more is preferably provided at an end portion of the branch portion 34 closer to the expansion device 24. Thus, it is possible to inhibit two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant that flows from the branch portion 34 into the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 from being uneven in the cooling-only operation, thus improving the energy efficiency of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200.

Embodiment 4

In Embodiment 1 to Embodiment 3, some of the components of the refrigerant circuit 7 are mounted in a unit different from the heat source unit 201. The configuration is not limited thereto, and the components of the refrigerant circuit 7 may be mounted in the heat source unit 201 as illustrated in Embodiment 4. Matters that are not particularly described in Embodiment 4 are similar to those in any one of Embodiment 1 to Embodiment 3. In addition, in Embodiment 4, components that have functions similar to those of the components illustrated in any one of Embodiment 1 to Embodiment 3 have the same reference signs as those in any one of Embodiment 1 to Embodiment 3.
Figs. 12 and 13 are refrigerant circuit diagrams illustrating examples of a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 4.
In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 according to Embodiment 4, the refrigerant circuit 7 is mounted in the heat source unit 201. Then, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 according to Embodiment 4, a heat medium that has been subjected to heat exchange in the heat source unit 201 is supplied, directly or through the relay unit 203, to the use side heat exchangers 3 mounted in the respective thermal load units 202. That is, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 according to Embodiment 4, the heat medium that has been subjected to heat exchange in the heat source unit 201 heats or cools air in an indoor space where the use side heat exchanger 3 is set.
The refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 according to Embodiment 4 enables a reduction in the length of the refrigerant circuit 7 and enables a reduction in the amount of refrigerant filled into the refrigerant circuit 7. For example, It is desirable to reduce the amount of a fluorocarbon-based refrigerant to be used commonly and filled in a refrigerant circuit. The configuration of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 according to Embodiment 4 is suitable for a case in which such refrigerant is filled into the refrigerant circuit 7.
The refrigeration cycle apparatuses 200 have been described above in Embodiment 1 to Embodiment 4. However, the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 200 described in Embodiment 1 to Embodiment 4 are merely examples of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present disclosure. For example, the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present disclosure may have a configuration in which publicly known techniques that are not described in Embodiment 1 to Embodiment 4 are combined with any of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 200 described in Embodiment 1 to Embodiment 4. In addition, for example, the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present disclosure may have a configuration in which part of the configuration of any of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 200 described in Embodiment 1 to Embodiment 4 is omitted or modified without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

Reference Signs List

1: first load side heat exchanger, 2: second load side heat exchanger, 3: use side heat exchanger, 4: heat source side heat exchanger, 5: fan, 6: pump, 7: refrigerant circuit, 7a: refrigerant pipe, 7b: refrigerant pipe, 7c: refrigerant pipe, 8: heat medium circuit, 14: compressor, 20: expansion unit, 21: expansion device, 22: expansion device, 23: expansion device, 24: expansion device, 25: connection target switching unit, 26: first opening and closing device, 27: second opening and closing device, 31: branch portion, 32: branch portion, 33: branch portion, 34: branch portion, 35: branch portion, 41: first flow switching device, 42: second flow switching device, 60: first connection target selector, 61: opening and closing device, 62: opening and closing device, 65: second connection target selector, 66: opening and closing device, 67: opening and closing device, 101: first passage, 102: second passage, 103: third passage, 104: fourth passage, 200: refrigeration cycle apparatus, 201: heat source unit, 202: thermal load unit, 203: relay unit, 210: controller

Claims

A refrigeration cycle apparatus comprising:
a refrigerant circuit in which refrigerant circulates, wherein

the refrigerant circuit includes a compressor, a heat source side heat exchanger, a first load side heat exchanger, a second load side heat exchanger, an expansion unit, a first flow switching device, a second flow switching device, and a branch portion,

the expansion unit is configured to decompress and expand the refrigerant that flows into the heat source side heat exchanger, the refrigerant that flows into the first load side heat exchanger, and the refrigerant that flows into the second load side heat exchanger,

the first flow switching device is configured to switch a first passage and a second passage,

the second flow switching device is configured to switch a third passage and a fourth passage,

the first passage is a passage that connects a discharge port of the compressor and the heat source side heat exchanger and that connects a suction port of the compressor and the first load side heat exchanger,

the second passage is a passage that connects the discharge port of the compressor and the first load side heat exchanger and that connects the suction port of the compressor and the heat source side heat exchanger,

the third passage is a passage that connects the suction port of the compressor and the second load side heat exchanger,

the fourth passage is a passage that connects the discharge port of the compressor and the second load side heat exchanger,

the branch portion allows a refrigerant pipe extending from the heat source side heat exchanger toward the first load side heat exchanger and the second load side heat exchanger to branch into a refrigerant pipe connected to the first load side heat exchanger and a refrigerant pipe connected to the second load side heat exchanger,

the branch portion is configured to connect the first load side heat exchanger and the second load side heat exchanger to the heat source side heat exchanger in parallel, and

the refrigerant circuit is configured such that, when the first load side heat exchanger and the second load side heat exchanger each serve as a condenser and the heat source side heat exchanger serves as an evaporator, the first flow switching device is switched to the second passage and the second flow switching device is switched to the fourth passage.
The refrigeration cycle apparatus of claim 1, wherein the refrigerant circuit is configured such that, when the heat source side heat exchanger serves as a condenser and the first load side heat exchanger and the second load side heat exchanger each serve as an evaporator, the first flow switching device is switched to the first passage and the second flow switching device is switched to the third passage.
The refrigeration cycle apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the refrigerant circuit is configured such that, when the first load side heat exchanger serves as a condenser and the heat source side heat exchanger and the second load side heat exchanger each serve as an evaporator, the first flow switching device is switched to the second passage and the second flow switching device is switched to the third passage.
The refrigeration cycle apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the refrigerant circuit is configured such that, when the heat source side heat exchanger and the second load side heat exchanger each serve as a condenser and the first load side heat exchanger serves as an evaporator, the first flow switching device is switched to the first passage and the second flow switching device is switched to the fourth passage.
The refrigeration cycle apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
the expansion unit includes
an expansion device provided between the branch portion and the second load side heat exchanger, and

a connection target switching unit configured to switch, to the branch portion or a part between the expansion device and the second load side heat exchanger, a connection target for a connection port of the first load side heat exchanger closer to the heat source side heat exchanger.
The refrigeration cycle apparatus of claim 5, wherein
the connection target switching unit includes
a first opening and closing device configured to open and close a passage for the refrigerant connecting the first load side heat exchanger and a part between the branch portion and the expansion device, and

a second opening and closing device configured to open and close a passage for the refrigerant connecting the first load side heat exchanger and the part between the expansion device and the second load side heat exchanger, and

the refrigerant circuit is configured such that
when the first load side heat exchanger and the second load side heat exchanger each serve as a condenser, the first opening and closing device is switched to a closed state, and the second opening and closing device is switched to an open state,

when the first load side heat exchanger and the second load side heat exchanger each serve as an evaporator, the first opening and closing device is switched to the closed state, and the second opening and closing device is switched to the open state, and

when one of the first load side heat exchanger and the second load side heat exchanger serves as a condenser and an other of the first load side heat exchanger and the second load side heat exchanger serves as an evaporator, the first opening and closing device is switched to an open state, and the second opening and closing device is switched to a closed state.
The refrigeration cycle apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first load side heat exchanger and the second load side heat exchanger are heat exchangers configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and a heat medium different from the refrigerant.
The refrigeration cycle apparatus of claim 7, further comprising:
a plurality of use side heat exchangers in which the heat medium flows, wherein

at least one of the use side heat exchangers is configured to receive the heat medium supplied from the first load side heat exchanger, and

at least one of the use side heat exchangers other than the use side heat exchanger to which the heat medium is supplied from the first load side heat exchanger is configured to receive the heat medium supplied from the second load side heat exchanger.
The refrigeration cycle apparatus of claim 8, further comprising:
a thermal load unit, wherein

the use side heat exchanger to which the heat medium is supplied from the first load side heat exchanger and the use side heat exchanger to which the heat medium is supplied from the second load side heat exchanger are mounted in the same thermal load unit.
The refrigeration cycle apparatus of claim 7, further comprising:
a plurality of thermal load units; and

a heat medium circuit in which the heat medium circulates, wherein

the heat medium circuit includes
a plurality of use side heat exchangers mounted in different ones of the thermal load units,

a first connection target selector provided on a heat medium inlet side of each of the use side heat exchangers, the first connection target selector being configured to select at least one of an outlet of the first load side heat exchanger and an outlet of the second load side heat exchanger as a connection target for an inlet of the use side heat exchanger, and

a second connection target selector provided on a heat medium outlet side of each of the use side heat exchangers, the second connection target selector being configured to select at least one of an inlet of the first load side heat exchanger and an inlet of the second load side heat exchanger as a connection target for an outlet of the use side heat exchanger.
The refrigeration cycle apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising:
a heat source unit; and

a unit different from the heat source unit, wherein

the compressor, the heat source side heat exchanger, the first flow switching device, and the second flow switching device are mounted in the heat source unit, and

the first load side heat exchanger, the second load side heat exchanger, the expansion unit, and the branch portion are mounted in the different unit.
The refrigeration cycle apparatus of any one of claims 7 to 10, further comprising:
a heat source unit, wherein

the refrigerant circuit is mounted in the heat source unit.