GB2576644A - Refrigeration apparatus and air-conditioning apparatus - Google Patents

Refrigeration apparatus and air-conditioning apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2576644A
GB2576644A GB1914645.5A GB201914645A GB2576644A GB 2576644 A GB2576644 A GB 2576644A GB 201914645 A GB201914645 A GB 201914645A GB 2576644 A GB2576644 A GB 2576644A
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United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
refrigerant
leakage detection
detection agent
temperature
leakage
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Application number
GB1914645.5A
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GB2576644B (en
GB201914645D0 (en
Inventor
Abastari
Fujimoto Hajime
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Mitsubishi Electric Corp
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Mitsubishi Electric Corp
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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B45/00—Arrangements for charging or discharging refrigerant
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B49/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F25B49/02—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for compression type machines, plants or systems
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B40/00—Subcoolers, desuperheaters or superheaters
    • F25B40/02—Subcoolers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B49/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F25B49/005—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices of safety devices
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
    • G01M3/02—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
    • G01M3/04—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point
    • G01M3/20—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using special tracer materials, e.g. dye, fluorescent material, radioactive material
    • G01M3/22—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using special tracer materials, e.g. dye, fluorescent material, radioactive material for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves; for welds; for containers, e.g. radiators
    • G01M3/222—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using special tracer materials, e.g. dye, fluorescent material, radioactive material for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves; for welds; for containers, e.g. radiators for tubes
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B13/00—Compression machines, plants or systems, with reversible cycle
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2400/00—General features or devices for refrigeration machines, plants or systems, combined heating and refrigeration systems or heat-pump systems, i.e. not limited to a particular subgroup of F25B
    • F25B2400/13—Economisers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2500/00—Problems to be solved
    • F25B2500/19—Calculation of parameters
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2500/00—Problems to be solved
    • F25B2500/22—Preventing, detecting or repairing leaks of refrigeration fluids
    • F25B2500/222—Detecting refrigerant leaks
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2600/00—Control issues
    • F25B2600/25—Control of valves
    • F25B2600/2519—On-off valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
    • F25B2700/21—Temperatures
    • F25B2700/2106—Temperatures of fresh outdoor air
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
    • F25B2700/21—Temperatures
    • F25B2700/2116—Temperatures of a condenser
    • F25B2700/21162—Temperatures of a condenser of the refrigerant at the inlet of the condenser
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
    • F25B2700/21—Temperatures
    • F25B2700/2116—Temperatures of a condenser
    • F25B2700/21163—Temperatures of a condenser of the refrigerant at the outlet of the condenser

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Air Conditioning Control Device (AREA)

Abstract

This refrigeration apparatus is provided with: a refrigerant circuit that is for circulating a refrigerant and that is provide with a compressor, a condenser, a decompression device, and an evaporator, which are connected through refrigerant piping; a refrigerant leak detection device which detects leakage of the refrigerant from the refrigerant circuit; and a leak detection agent inputting device which is connected to the refrigerant piping. The leak detection agent inputting device is provided with: a container in which a leak detection agent is disposed; and a control valve which is provided to connection piping that supplies the leak detection agent within the container to the refrigerant piping and which is opened when the refrigerant leak detection device detects leakage of the refrigerant.

Description

REFRIGERATING DEVICE AND AIR-CONDITIONING DEVICE
Technical Field [0001]
The present invention relates to a refrigerating device and an air-conditioning device including a refrigerant leakage detection device.
Background Art [0002]
A conventional refrigerating device (see, e.g., Patent Literature 1) has a fluorescent agent contained in refrigerant and circulated in a refrigerant circuit. During inspection for refrigerant leakage, an inspector irradiates the refrigerant circuit with ultraviolet rays from an ultraviolet lamp to find out whether there is a spot emitting light due to the fluorescent agent. This allows the inspector to locate refrigerant leakage. Patent Literature 1 discloses attaching a tank storing a solid fluorescent agent to a heat exchanger installed in the refrigerating device, and mixing the fluorescent agent into refrigerant as the refrigerant passes through the tank during its flow from an inlet to an outlet of the heat exchanger.
Citation List
Patent Literature [0003]
Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-130873
Summary of Invention Technical Problem [0004]
The refrigerating device disclosed in Patent Literature 1 is configured such that the fluorescent agent is mixed into the refrigerant when the refrigerant passes through the heat exchanger. This means that the fluorescent agent is always circulating in the refrigerant circuit during operation of the refrigerating device. Because of large temperature changes in the refrigerant circuit, the fluorescent agent may reduce its fluorescence emission as it continues to circulate in the refrigerant circuit. This may result in delay in locating the refrigerant leakage.
[0005]
The present invention has been made to address the above problems, and aims to provide a refrigerating device and an air-conditioning device each of which allows to reduce decline in function of a leakage detection agent used for locating refrigerant leakage and thus to stably locate the refrigerant leakage.
Solution to Problem [0006]
According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a refrigerating device including: a refrigerant circuit including a refrigerant circuit comprising a compressor, a condenser, a pressure reducing device, and an evaporator, the compressor, the condenser, the pressure reducing device, and the evaporator being connected with refrigerant pipes to allow for circulation of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit; a refrigerant leakage detection device configured to detect refrigerant leakage from the refrigerant circuit; and a leakage detection agent feeding device connected to at least one of the refrigerant pipes, wherein the leakage detection agent feeding device comprises a container and a control valve, the container storing a leakage detection agent, the valve being provided on a connection pipe for supplying the leakage detection agent in the container to the at least one of the refrigerant pipes, the valve being configured to open in response to detection of refrigerant leakage by the refrigerant leakage detection device.
[0007]
According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an air-conditioning device including the aforementioned refrigerating device, wherein each of the condenser and the evaporator is a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between refrigerant and air.
Advantageous Effects of Invention [0008]
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the leakage detection agent is fed into the refrigerant circuit at the time when refrigerant leakage is detected. This allows to reduce decline in function of the leakage detection agent and thus to stably locate the refrigerant leakage.
Brief Description of Drawings [0009] [Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of a refrigerating device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of the refrigerating device according to Embodiment 1 ofthe present invention when the refrigerating device is a remote condensing unit.
[Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a leakage detection agent feeding device of the refrigerating device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, depicting the state where a leakage detection agent is not fed.
[Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the leakage detection agent feeding device of the refrigerating device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, depicting the state where the leakage detection agent is being fed.
[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a flowchart of an operation for locating refrigerant leakage in the refrigerating device according to Embodiment 1 ofthe present invention.
[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 illustrates Modification 1 of the leakage detection agent feeding device of the refrigerating device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[Fig. 7] Fig. 7 illustrates Modification 2 of the leakage detection agent feeding device of the refrigerating device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[Fig. 8] Fig. 8 illustrates Modification 1 of the refrigerating device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[Fig. 9] Fig. 9 illustrates Modification 2 of the refrigerating device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[Fig. 10] Fig. 10 illustrates Modification 3 ofthe refrigerating device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
Description of Embodiments [0010]
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Throughout the drawings, including Fig. 1, like reference numerals refer to like or corresponding parts. This holds true for all of the following embodiments in their entirety. Throughout the specification, the forms of elements as given below are by way of example only and not of limitation. When temperature, pressure or other factors are described as being high or low, it is not defined in comparison with a specific absolute value, but relatively defined according to conditions and operations of systems, devices and other equipment.
[0011]
Embodiment 1.
Fig. 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of a refrigerating device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. By way of example, the following description describes the refrigerating device as being an air-conditioning device for cooling a room.
The refrigerating device includes an outdoor unit 100 and an indoor unit 200.
The outdoor unit 200 and the indoor unit 200 are connected with a liquid extension pipe 12 and a gas extension pipe 13. The outdoor unit 100 includes a compressor 1, an oil separator 2, a condenser 3, a liquid receiver 4, a subcooling heat exchanger 5, a dryer 6, and an accumulator 9. The indoor unit 200 includes a pressure reducing device 7 composed of an expansion valve or a capillary tube, and an evaporator 8. The compressor 1, the oil separator 2, the condenser 3, the liquid receiver 4, the subcooling heat exchanger 5, the dryer 6, the pressure reducing device 7, the evaporator 8, and the accumulator 9 are connected with refrigerant pipes 10, thus constituting a refrigerant circuit A in which refrigerant circulates.
[0012]
The compressor 1 suctions the refrigerant and compresses it into hightemperature and high-pressure refrigerant. The oil separator 2 separates oil contained in the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1. The condenser 3 cools and condenses the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1. The liquid receiver 4 is a container to retain excess liquid refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit A. The subcooling heat exchanger 5 includes a high-pressure side channel in which high-pressure refrigerant flows and a low-pressure side channel in which low-pressure refrigerant flows, and exchanges heat between the high-pressure refrigerant and the low-pressure refrigerant. The dryer 6 removes foreign materials contained in the refrigerant. Examples of the foreign materials include impurities and moisture. The accumulator 9 stores excess refrigerant. The evaporator 8 heats and evaporates the refrigerant flowing from the pressure reducing device 7.
[0013]
The refrigerant circuit A further includes an injection pipe 5b. The injection pipe 5b branches off between the subcooling heat exchanger 5 and the dryer 6, and is connected to a suction side of the compressor 1 through a pressure reducing device 5a comprised of, e.g., an expansion valve and through the low-pressure side channel of the subcooling heat exchanger 5.
[0014]
The refrigerating device further includes a first temperature sensor TH1, a second temperature sensor TH2, a third temperature sensor TH3, and a fourth temperature sensor TH4. Information on temperatures detected by the first temperature sensor TH1, the second temperature sensor TH2, the third temperature sensor TH3, and the fourth temperature sensor TH4 is input to a controller 30, which will be described later. [0015]
The first temperature sensor TH1 is disposed at any position on a channel running from an outlet side of the condenser 3 to an inlet side of the subcooling heat exchanger 5, and detects a temperature of the refrigerant. Hereinafter, the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor TH1 is referred to as a subcooling heat exchanger inlet temperature th 1. Note that the subcooling heat exchanger inlet temperature th1 may be a value obtained by converting a pressure detected by a pressure sensor into a saturation temperature.
[0016]
The second temperature sensor TH2 is disposed at any position on a channel running from an outlet side of the subcooling heat exchanger 5 to an inlet side of the pressure reducing device 7, and detects a temperature of the refrigerant. Hereinafter, the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor TH2 is referred to as a subcooling heat exchanger outlet temperature th2.
[0017]
The third temperature sensor TH3 detects a temperature of air exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the condenser 3. Hereinafter, the temperature detected by the third temperature sensor TH3 is referred to as an outdoor air temperature th3. [0018]
The fourth temperature sensor TH4 detects a temperature of the refrigerant injected into the compressor 1. Hereinafter, the temperature detected by the fourth temperature sensor TH4 is referred to as an injection temperature tc.
[0019]
The refrigerating device further includes the controller 30 to control the entire refrigerating device. The controller 30 is composed of, e.g., a microcomputer and includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and other components. The ROM stores a control program and a program corresponding to the flowchart of Fig. 5 described later. [0020]
The controller 30 includes a refrigerant leakage detection device 31 and a feed control device 32. Based on information of the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors TH1-TH4, the refrigerant leakage detection device 31 detects refrigerant leakage from the refrigerant circuit A. The feed control device 32 controls a leakage detection agent feeding device 20 (described later) based on detection results from the refrigerant leakage detection device 31. In response to detection of refrigerant leakage by the refrigerant leakage detection device 31, the controller 30 issues a refrigerant leakage alert through a display device (not shown), an audio output device (not shown) or other output devices.
[0021]
The refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit A is, for example, a single refrigerant such as R22 and R134, a near-azeotropic refrigerant mixture such as R410A and R404A, or a non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture such as R407C. Besides these, a refrigerant containing a double bond in its chemical formula and having a relatively low global warming potential or a mixture containing such a refrigerant may be used for refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle. Examples of the refrigerant containing a double bond in its chemical formula include CF3 and CF = CH2. Alternatively, a natural refrigerant such as CO2 and propane may be used for the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle.
[0022]
Now, a description will be given of refrigerant flow in the refrigerant circuit A.
High-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 goes through the oil separator 2 for removal of refrigerating machine oil contained in the refrigerant and enters the condenser 3. The high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant having entered the condenser 3 exchanges heat with outdoor air in the condenser 3, is thus condensed into high-pressure liquid or two-phase refrigerant and is retained in the liquid receiver 4. The refrigerant having exited the liquid receiver 4 enters the high-pressure side channel of the subcooling heat exchanger 5, where the refrigerant exchanges heat with refrigerant passing through the low-pressure side channel of the subcooling heat exchanger 5 and turns into subcooled high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant having exited the subcooling heat exchanger 5 enters the dryer 6, where foreign materials are removed from the refrigerant. Examples of the foreign materials include impurities and moisture. The liquid refrigerant having exited the dryer 6 is reduced in pressure by the pressure reducing device 7 of the indoor unit 200 to turn into low-temperature and low-pressure two-phase refrigerant and enters the evaporator 8. On entry into the evaporator 8, the refrigerant exchanges heat with indoor air and thus evaporates, turning into lowtemperature and low-pressure gas refrigerant and returning to the compressor 1 through the accumulator 9.
[0023]
Also, a part of the refrigerant having exited the high-pressure side of the subcooling heat exchanger 5 is reduced in pressure by the pressure reducing device 5a and enters the low-pressure side channel of the subcooling heat exchanger 5, where the part of the refrigerant exchanges heat with refrigerant flowing through the highpressure side channel of the subcooling heat exchanger 5. The part of the refrigerant is then injected into the compressor 1.
[0024]
The configuration of the refrigerant circuit A is not limited to that shown in Fig. 1. For example, the refrigerant circuit A may further be provided with a four-way valve to switch refrigerant channels, so that the refrigerant circuit A enables switching between cooling and heating operations. Alternatively, the refrigerant circuit A may be configured exclusively for heating. When the refrigerant circuit A is configured exclusively for heating, the outdoor heat exchanger installed in the outdoor unit 100 functions as an evaporator, and the indoor heat exchanger installed in the indoor unit 200 functions as a condenser. Also, the refrigerant circuit A may dispense with at least one of the oil separator 2, the liquid receiver 4, and the accumulator 9. That is, the refrigerant circuit A is only required to have at least the compressor 1, the condenser 3, the pressure reducing device 5a, and the evaporator 8.
[0025]
The refrigerating device is not limited to the air-cooled refrigerating device described above; the refrigerating device may be a water-cooled refrigerating device. [0026]
In Embodiment 1, one indoor unit 200 is connected to one outdoor unit 100. The present invention is, however, not limited to this embodiment; any optional number of indoor units 200 may be connected to one outdoor unit 100.
[0027]
The refrigerating device described in Embodiment 1 has the refrigerant circuit A formed by connecting the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200 with the refrigerant pipes 10. However, the refrigerating device in the present invention is not limited to this. The refrigerating device in the present invention may be one that has the refrigerant circuit A formed by joining, during on-site installation, the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200 arranged on site with the refrigerant pipes 10. A condensing unit is one of such refrigerating devices.
[0028]
Alternatively, the refrigerating device in the present invention may be a remote condensing unit shown in Fig. 2 below.
[0029]
Fig. 2 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of the refrigerating device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention when the refrigerating device is a remote condensing unit.
The remote condensing unit includes a compression unit 300 installed indoors and an outdoor unit 100A. Out of the components installed in the outdoor unit 100 in Fig. 1, those except for the condenser 3 and the third temperature sensor TH3 are installed in the compression unit 300, and the condenser 3 and the third temperature sensor TH3 are installed in the outdoor unit 100A.
[0030]
Still alternatively, the refrigerating device in the present invention may be one that contains devices constituting the refrigerant circuit A and other peripheral devices in a single unit, where the devices are connected with the refrigerant pipes 10. A cooling unit is one of such refrigerating devices.
[0031]
A description will now be given of a refrigerant leakage detection operation by the refrigerant leakage detection device 31.
The way how the refrigerant leakage detection device 31 detects refrigerant leakage is not limited to a particular method, and any conventionally known method, such as one disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-132639, may be used. Below a brief description will be given of this known method for detecting refrigerant leakage.
[0032]
The refrigerant leakage detection device 31 determines that refrigerant leakage is occurring based on a subcooling efficiency ε of the subcooling heat exchanger 5 that decreases upon refrigerant leakage. The subcooling efficiency ε of the subcooling heat exchanger 5 is a value obtained by dividing a degree of subcooling of refrigerant at the outlet of the subcooling heat exchanger 5 by a calculated temperature calculated using an inlet temperature of the subcooling heat exchanger 5 and the outdoor air temperature th3, and expressed by the following expression 1. The degree of subcooling of refrigerant at the outlet of the subcooling heat exchanger 5 is calculated by: the subcooling heat exchanger inlet temperature th1 minus the subcooling heat exchanger outlet temperature th2. The calculated temperature is calculated by: the subcooling heat exchanger inlet temperature th1 minus the outdoor air temperature th3. Note that the subcooling efficiency ε may be calculated using the injection temperature tc instead of the calculated temperature. The subcooling efficiency ε calculated using the injection temperature tc is expressed by the following expression 2.
[0033] [Expression 1]
Subcooling efficiency ε = ....(1) [0034] [Expression 2]
Subcooling efficiency ε = th1'th^ ....(2) [0035]
As a valid value of the subcooling efficiency ε to be used for detection of refrigerant leakage, the refrigerant leakage detection device 31 uses the subcooling efficiency ε that is calculated when a current operating state does not fall under the conditions where detection is impossible. The valid value of the subcooling efficiency ε is more than 0 and less than 1.5. The refrigerant leakage detection device 31 calculates the subcooling efficiency ε in predetermined detection cycles. When all of the values of the subcooling efficiency ε obtained from a predetermined number of calculations (e.g., ten times) are valid ones, the refrigerant leakage detection device 31 calculates an average temperature efficiency of the subcooling using these valid values obtained from the predetermined number of calculations.
[0036]
When the average subcooling efficiency is detected below a predetermined determination threshold by a predetermined number of times in succession, the refrigerant leakage detection device 31 determines that refrigerant leakage is occurring. As described above, the subcooling efficiency ε is calculated in predetermined detection cycles. To put it another way, this means that the refrigerant leakage detection device 31 determines that refrigerant leakage is occurring when the average subcooling efficiency is below a predefined determination threshold in succession over a predetermined period. Here, the conditions where detection is impossible include those when the compressor 1 is stopped and when the subcooling efficiency is unstable, such as during 30 minutes from a start of the compressor 1.
[0037]
The above refrigerant leakage detection device 31 is configured to calculate the subcooling efficiency ε based on information of the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors TH1-TH4 and detect refrigerant leakage. The refrigerant leakage detection device 31 may, however, be configured such that, for example, the refrigerant leakage detection device 31 includes a gas sensor to detect refrigerant concentration and detects refrigerant leakage based on the refrigerant concentration detected by the gas sensor.
[0038]
Features of Embodiment 1 lie in that the leakage detection agent feeding device 20 is connected to the refrigerant pipe 10 of the refrigerant circuit A, and the feed control device 32 is provided to control the leakage detection agent feeding device 20. The features of Embodiment 1 further include that, under normal conditions without any refrigerant leakage, the leakage detection agent feeding device 20 does not feed a leakage detection agent 21a into the refrigerant circuit A, and upon detection of refrigerant leakage, the leakage detection agent feeding device 20 feeds the leakage detection agent 21a into the refrigerant circuit A under the control of the feed control device 32. Only one leakage detection agent feeding device 20 may be installed as shown in Fig. 1, or multiple leakage detection agent feeding devices 20 may be installed. When only one leakage detection agent feeding device 20 is installed, it is desirable to install it in the outdoor unit 100. This is because, compared to the indoor unit 200, the outdoor unit 100 is prone to refrigerant leakage due to vibrations of the compressor 1 or vibrations from external forces.
[0039]
Below a description will be given of the leakage detection agent feeding device
20.
Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of the leakage detection agent feeding device of the refrigerating device according to Embodiment 1 ofthe present invention, depicting the state where the leakage detection agent is not fed. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the leakage detection agent feeding device of the refrigerating device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, depicting the state where the leakage detection agent is being fed. The arrow in Fig. 3 represents refrigerant flow. In Figs. 3 and 4, control valves 23a, 23b are closed when they are black, and open when they are brank. [0040]
The leakage detection agent feeding device 20 includes a container 21 to store therein the leakage detection agent 21a, two connection pipes 22a, 22b connecting the container 21 and the refrigerant pipe 10 of the refrigerant circuit A, the control valve 23a to open and close a channel of the connection pipe 22a, and the control valve 23b to open and close the connection pipe 22b. The leakage detection agent feeding device 20 is disposed downstream of the oil separator 2 so that the leakage detection agent 21a is not separated by the oil separator 2.
[0041]
The container 21 reserves the liquid leakage detection agent 21a. Note that the leakage detection agent 21a is not limited to a liquid one, and may be a solid one. When the leakage detection agent 21a is a solid one, the container 21 may be a liquid tank disclosed in Patent Literature 1. In short, the configuration for mixing the leakage detection agent 21a into the refrigerant in the container 21 is not limited to a particular configuration.
[0042]
Examples of the leakage detection agent 21a include fluorescent agents, colorants, odorous substances, and substances producing bubbles in the air. Examples of the fluorescent agents include Super Tracer OL-200 II and Super-Gio. Examples of the odorous substances include tertiary butyl mercaptan. Examples of the substances producing bubbles in the air include Super-Bubble TR-1C and Big Blu. The description given below assumes that the leakage detection agent 21a is a fluorescent agent.
[0043]
The control valve 23a is composed of a solenoid valve configured to open or close the channel of the connection pipe 22a. The control valve 23b is composed of a solenoid valve configured to open or close the channel of the connection pipe 22b. The control valves 23a, 23b open in response to an ON signal from the feed control device 32, and close in response to an OFF signal from the feed control device 32. [0044]
An inflow port 10a connecting the connection pipe 22a and the refrigerant pipe 10 and an outflow port 10b connecting the connection pipe 22a and the refrigerant pipe 10 are under different pressures. This pressure difference causes the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe 10 to flow into the leakage detection agent feeding device 20. In one specific way to create the pressure difference, the inner diameter of the refrigerant pipe 10 at the inflow port 10a is made narrower than that at the outflow port 10b so that refrigerant pressure at the inflow port 10a is higher than that at the outflow port 10b. As another example to create the pressure difference between the inflow port 10a and the outflow port 10a, an external gas pressure may be applied to let the refrigerant flow into the leakage detection agent feeding device 20.
[0045]
A description will now be given of an operation of the leakage detection agent feeding device 20.
Under normal conditions without any refrigerant leakage, the control valves 23a, 23b of the leakage detection agent feeding device 20 are closed as shown in Fig. 3, preventing the leakage detection agent 21a in the container 21 from being fed into the refrigerant circuit A. When the control valves 23a, 23b open as shown in Fig. 4, the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe 10 flows into the container 21 through the connection pipe 22a due to the aforementioned pressure difference. Then, the refrigerant mixed with the leakage detection agent 21a flows from the container 21 into the refrigerant pipe 10 through the connection pipe 22b. Note that the refrigerant is already mixed with oil to maintain lubricity of a sliding part of the compressor 1, and thus the leakage detection agent 21a is mixed into this oil-mixed refrigerant.
[0046]
Upon being fed from the above-configured leakage detection agent feeding device 20 into the refrigerant pipe 10, the leakage detection agent 21a spreads over the entire refrigerant circuit A by the refrigerant flow in the refrigerant pipes 10, and the leakage detection agent 21a goes outside of the refrigerant circuit A from any spot where refrigerant leakage is occurring.
[0047]
Here, the leakage detection agent 21a is a fluorescent agent, which emits light in response to ultraviolet rays from an ultraviolet lamp. Thus, an inspector can easily locate the refrigerant leakage by irradiating, with ultraviolet rays from an ultraviolet lamp, a spot where refrigerant leakage might be occurring.
[0048]
A description will now be given of an operation for locating refrigerant leakage in the refrigerating device.
[0049]
Fig. 5 is a flowchart of an operation for locating refrigerant leakage in the refrigerating device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
In response to an instruction to start an operation for locating refrigerant leakage in the refrigerating device, the refrigerant leakage detection device 31 performs the aforementioned refrigerant leakage detection operation (step S1). Once refrigerant leakage is detected in the refrigerant leakage detection operation (step S2), the controller 30 issues a refrigerant leakage alert through a display device (not shown), an audio output device (not shown) or other output devices (step S3).
[0050]
Upon detection of the refrigerant leakage, the feed control device 32 causes the leakage detection agent feeding device 20 to feed the leakage detection agent 21a into the refrigerant circuit A (step S4). Specifically, the feed control device 32 outputs an ON signal to the control valves 23a, 23b of the leakage detection agent feeding device
20. This opens the control valves 23a, 23b, allowing for feeding of the leakage detection agent 21a from the leakage detection agent feeding device 20 into the refrigerant circuit A.
[0051]
The feed control device 32 may control the control valves 23a, 23b such that the leakage detection agent 21a is fed into the refrigerant circuit A continuously for, e.g., a few minutes, or such that the leakage detection agent 21a is fed into the refrigerant circuit A intermittently at predetermined time intervals. While the control valves 23a, 23b simultaneously open under the above control, the control valves 23a, 23b may open one after another with a predetermined time difference.
[0052]
The leakage detection agent 21a fed into the refrigerant circuit A spreads over the entire refrigerant circuit A in, e.g., about 10 to 60 seconds, and goes outside of the refrigerant circuit A from any refrigerant leakage location. The time required for the leakage detection agent 21a to spread over the entire refrigerant circuit A varies depending on the horsepower and pipe length of the refrigerating device.
[0053]
Then, as described above, the inspector locates the refrigerant leakage with an ultraviolet lamp (step S5). After the refrigerant leakage is located, the operation of the refrigerating device is stopped (step S6), and the refrigerant leakage is fixed (step S7). [0054]
When a colorant is used as the leakage detection agent 21a, a colored spot can be identified as a location where refrigerant leakage is occurring. When an odorous substance is used as the leakage detection agent 21a, a spot where the smell is coming from can be identified as a location where refrigerant leakage is occurring. When a substance producing bubbles in the air is used as the leakage detection agent 21a, a spot where the bubbles are leaking can be identified as a location where refrigerant leakage is occurring.
[0055]
According to Embodiment 1 as described above, the leakage detection agent 21a is fed into the refrigerant circuit A at the time when refrigerant leakage is detected. This can reduce decline in function of the leakage detection agent 21a, as compared to the configuration where the leakage detection agent 21a is always circulating in the refrigerant circuit A. This in turn allows to locate refrigerant leakage stably over a long period of time. The conventional configuration, where decline in function of the leakage detection agent 21a is inevitable, may take a long time to locate refrigerant leakage. In contrast, Embodiment 1 allows to quickly locate refrigerant leakage as Embodiment 1 can reduce decline in function of the leakage detection agent 21a. [0056]
There is another conventional method for detecting refrigerant leakage, which is as follows: generation of flash gas, which is bubbles in the refrigerant, is visually observed through a glass window on the refrigerant pipe, and when the generation of the flash gas is confirmed, it is determined that the refrigerant is running short due to refrigerant leakage. Under the conditions where the flash gas is generating, the subcooling efficiency ε is nearly zero, which means that the refrigerating device is in a non-cooling state. Some experiments show that the time taken from detection of refrigerant leakage in the refrigerant leakage detection operation of Embodiment 1 to generation of the flash gas is about 1 to 6 hours, though it varies depending on the amount of refrigerant or the amount of leakage. This means that the method for confirming refrigerant leakage through visual observation of the flash gas involves a significant delay in detection as compared to the above refrigerant leakage detection operation.
[0057]
In contrast, in Embodiment 1, refrigerant leakage is detected using the subcooling efficiency ε. This allows to detect refrigerant leakage prior to generation of the flash gas, improving product reliability and reducing cost losses. This also reduces the amount of refrigerant released to the atmosphere.
[0058]
In the leakage detection agent feeding device 20, the control valve 23a and the control valve 23b are connected to the connection pipe 22a and the connection pipe 22b, respectively. This allows the container 21 to be separated from the refrigerant circuit A under normal conditions. This can prevent the leakage detection agent feeding device 20 from affecting refrigerant pressure or refrigerant temperature during operation. Further, separating the container 21 from the refrigerant circuit A also allows to replace or add the leakage detection agent 21a at maintenance work while the refrigerating device is in operation.
[0059]
In Fig. 1, the leakage detection agent feeding device 20 is disposed downstream of the oil separator 2 having a high gas pressure inside, and the leakage detection agent 21a is fed from the high-pressure side. With this configuration, a leakage detection agent for high temperatures is preferably used so that the leakage detection agent 21a does not dissolve under high temperature conditions. Here, the high temperature conditions refer to the conditions where a refrigerant gas temperature ranges from, e.g., 80 to 100 degrees C during a stationary operation, with the highest temperature being 120 degrees C. The stationary operation refers to an operation without any transitional changes therein. Also, a heat insulation material is preferably added at any appropriate location on the leakage detection agent feeding device 20 to ensure protection against high temperatures.
[0060]
The structure of the refrigerating device of the present invention is not limited to that shown in Fig. 1, and may be modified in various ways within the scope of the present invention, for example as follows.
[0061]
First, a description will be given of modifications ofthe leakage detection agent feeding device 20.
Fig. 6 illustrates Modification 1 of the leakage detection agent feeding device of the refrigerating device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Fig. 7 illustrates Modification 2 of the leakage detection agent feeding device of the refrigerating device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
Each of Modification 1 and Modification 2 relates to a structure to reduce flow rate changes and pressure changes in the refrigerant pipe 10 that occur when the leakage detection agent 21a is fed from the leakage detection agent feeding device 20 into the refrigerant circuit A. Specifically, the leakage detection agent feeding device 20 of Modification 1 and Modification 2 is provided with a capillary tube 24, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7. The capillary tube 24 is may be connected between the control valve 23a and the container 21 as shown Fig. 6 or may be connected between the control valve 23b and the refrigerant pipe 10 of the refrigerant circuit A as shown in Fig. 7, as long as the capillary tube 24 is connected to the connection pipe 22a or the connection pipe 22b. [0062]
In the above configuration, the refrigerant flows from the refrigerant pipe 10 into the container 21 of the leakage detection agent feeding device 20, but such flow of the refrigerant into the container 21 is not essential. Specifically, the connection pipe 22a and the control valve 23a may be eliminated. In other words, the container 21 may be connected to the refrigerant pipe 10 via the connection pipe 22b alone, so that opening the control valve 23b on the connection pipe 22b allows the leakage detection agent 21a to be fed.
[0063]
In the above configuration, the control valves 23a, 23b automatically open under the control of the feed control device 32, but this configuration may be modified as follows: for example, upon recognition of a refrigerant leakage alert being issued, an inspector may press a switch to open the control valves 23a, 23b; alternatively, the control valves 23a, 23b may open in response to a control signal from a central management device as a host device of the refrigerating device. In short, Embodiment 1 only requires that the control valves 23a, 23b open upon detection of refrigerant leakage to allow the leakage detection agent 21a to be fed into the refrigerant circuit A; there is no limitation on by whom or by which the control valves 23a, 23b are operated to open.
[0064]
The control valves 23a, 23b are not limited to solenoid valves, and may be flow control valves capable of regulating the flow rate, such as electronic expansion valves. Also, the control valve 23a on the connection pipe 22a, which is an inflow pipe configured to allow inflow of the refrigerant from the refrigerant circuit A, may be a check valve.
[0065]
When the control valves 23a, 23b are flow control valves, the flow rate at which the leakage detection agent 21a is fed into the refrigerant circuit A may be regulated based on a target evaporating temperature or an operating frequency. Specifically, when the target evaporating temperature is high, namely when the target evaporating temperature is, e.g., 10 degrees C under refrigerated conditions, the flow rate is increased. Meanwhile, when the target evaporating temperature is low, namely when the target evaporating temperature is, e.g., -45 degrees C under refrigerated conditions, the flow rate is decreased. This gives an advantage in that the feeding amount of the leakage detection agent 21a can be regulated to an appropriate amount.
[0066]
Below a description will be given of modifications to the overall configuration of the refrigerating device.
Fig. 8 illustrates Modification 1 of the refrigerating device according to Embodiment 1 ofthe present invention.
In Modification 1, the leakage detection agent feeding device 20 is disposed upstream of the accumulator 9 such that the leakage detection agent 21a is fed into the refrigerant circuit A from the low-pressure gas side. When the leakage detection agent 21a is fed into the refrigerant circuit A from the low-pressure gas side, a leakage detection agent for low temperatures is preferably used so that the leakage detection agent 21a does not dissolve under low temperature conditions. Here, the low temperature conditions refer to the conditions where the refrigerant gas temperature ranges from, e.g., 10 to 20 degrees C during a stationary operation, with the lowest temperature being -50 degrees C. With the configuration of Modification 1, a heat insulation material is preferably added at any appropriate location on the leakage detection agent feeding device 20 to prevent problems such as due condensation under the low temperature conditions.
[0067]
Fig. 9 illustrates Modification 2 of the refrigerating device according to Embodiment 1 ofthe present invention.
In Modification 2, the leakage detection agent feeding device 20 is disposed at a position where the refrigerant is in a high-pressure liquid state, or more specifically, disposed downstream of the dryer 6. When the leakage detection agent feeding device 20 is disposed upstream of the dryer 6, the leakage detection agent 21a may be absorbed by the dryer 6. To avoid this, the leakage detection agent feeding device 20 in Modification 2 is disposed downstream of the dryer 6 between the dryer 6 and the pressure reducing device 7. On the liquid refrigerant side, where the leakage detection agent feeding device 20 is disposed in Modification 2, the refrigerant temperature ranges from, e.g., 20 to 45 degrees C during a stationary operation, with the lowest temperature being, e.g., -15 degrees C. Such temperatures have less influence on the leakage detection agent 21a.
[0068]
Fig. 10 illustrates Modification 3 ofthe refrigerating device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
In Modification 3, there are two leakage detection agent feeding devices 20, one of which is installed between the oil separator 2 and the condenser 3 and the other of which is installed between the dryer 6 and the pressure reducing device 7. Installing multiple leakage detection agent feeding devices 20 in this way enables more quickly locating refrigerant leakage.
[0069]
In Modification 3, one of the leakage detection agent feeding devices 20 is installed in the outdoor unit 100, and the other in the indoor unit 200. Installing the leakage detection agent feeding device 20 in each of the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200 in this way enables more quickly locating refrigerant leakage.
[0070]
The refrigerating device described in Embodiment 1 is an air-conditioning device, but the refrigerating device may also be a cooling device for cooling a refrigerating and freezing warehouse or other spaces.
Reference Signs List [0071] compressor oi separator 3 condenser liquid receiver 5 subcooling heat exchanger
5a pressure reducing device 5b injection pipe 6 dryer 7 pressure reducing device evaporator 9 accumulator 10 refrigerant pipe 10a inflow port
10b outflow port 12 liquid extension pipe gas extension pipe 20 leakage detection agent feeding device 21 container
21a leakage detection agent 22a connection pipe 22b connection pipe 23a controller control valve
23b control valve refrigerant leakage detection device outdoor unit 200 indoor unit
300 compression unit capillary tube 30 feed control device refrigerant circuit
100
TH1 first temperature sensor TH2 second temperature sensor
TH3 third temperature sensor TH4 fourth temperature sensor

Claims (10)

  1. [Claim 1]
    A refrigerating device comprising:
    a refrigerant circuit comprising a compressor, a condenser, a pressure reducing device, and an evaporator, the compressor, the condenser, the pressure reducing device, and the evaporator being connected with refrigerant pipes to allow for circulation of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit;
    a refrigerant leakage detection device configured to detect refrigerant leakage from the refrigerant circuit; and a leakage detection agent feeding device connected to at least one of the refrigerant pipes, wherein the leakage detection agent feeding device comprises a container and a control valve, the container storing a leakage detection agent, the valve being provided on a connection pipe for supplying the leakage detection agent in the container to the at least one of the refrigerant pipes, the valve being configured to open in response to detection of refrigerant leakage by the refrigerant leakage detection device.
  2. [Claim 2]
    The refrigerating device of claim 1, further comprising a controller configured to control the leakage detection agent feeding device, wherein the controller is configured to open the control valve in response to detection of refrigerant leakage by the refrigerant leakage detection device.
  3. [Claim 3]
    The refrigerating device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the refrigerant circuit further comprises an oil separator configured to separate oil contained in refrigerant discharged from the compressor, and the leakage detection agent feeding device is connected to a refrigerant pipe of the refrigerant pipes between the oil separator and the condenser.
  4. [Claim 4]
    The refrigerating device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the refrigerant circuit further comprises an accumulator on a suction side of the compressor, and the leakage detection agent feeding device is connected to a refrigerant pipe of the refrigerant pipes between the evaporator and the accumulator.
  5. [Claim 5]
    The refrigerating device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the refrigerant circuit further comprises a dryer between the condenser and the pressure reducing device and configured to remove foreign substances contained in the refrigerant, and the leakage detection agent feeding device is connected to a refrigerant pipe of the refrigerant pipes between the dryer and the evaporator.
  6. [Claim 6]
    The refrigerating device of claim 1, wherein the refrigerant circuit further comprises an oil separator and a dryer, the oil separator being configured to separate oil contained in refrigerant discharged from the compressor, the dryer being between the condenser and the pressure reducing device and configured to remove foreign substances contained in the refrigerant, the refrigerating device further comprising two leakage detection agent feeding devices each being the leakage detection agent feeding device, the leakage detection agent feeding device comprises, and one of the two leakage detection agent feeding devices is connected to a refrigerant pipe between the oil separator and the pressure reducing device, and an other of the two leakage detection agent feeding devices is connected to a refrigerant pipe between the dryer and the evaporator.
  7. [Claim 7]
    The refrigerating device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the control valve comprises a solenoid valve configured to open or close a channel or a flow control valve configured to regulate a flow rate.
  8. [Claim 8]
    The refrigerating device of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a capillary tube connected to the connection pipe of the leakage detection agent feeding device.
  9. [Claim 9]
    The refrigerating device of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the leakage detection agent comprises any one of a fluorescent agent, a colorant, an odorous substance, and a substance producing bubbles in air.
  10. [Claim 10]
    The refrigerating device of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the refrigerant circuit further comprises a subcooling heat exchanger between the condenser and the evaporator, and the refrigerant leakage detection device determines that the refrigerant leakage is occurring, when a subcooling efficiency is below a predetermined determination threshold in succession over a predetermined period, the subcooling efficiency being obtained by dividing a degree of subcooling of the subcooling heat exchanger by a calculated temperature, the calculated temperature being obtained by subtracting an outdoor air temperature from an inlet temperature of the subcooling heat exchanger. [Claim 11]
    The refrigerating device of claim 10, further comprising:
    a first temperature sensor at a position on a channel running from an outlet side of the condenser to an inlet side of the subcooling heat exchanger, the first temperature sensor being configured to detect a temperature of refrigerant;
    a second temperature sensor at a position on a channel running from an outlet side of the subcooling heat exchanger to an inlet side of the pressure reducing device, the second temperature sensor being configured to detect a temperature of refrigerant;
    a third temperature sensor or a fourth temperature sensor, the third temperature sensor being configured to detect the outdoor air temperature, the fourth temperature sensor being configured to detect a temperature of refrigerant injected into the compressor, the injected refrigerant being a part of refrigerant flowing from the condenser, the injected refrigerant being reduced in pressure and cooled before being injected, wherein the refrigerant leakage detection device uses, as the degree of subcooling, a temperature difference between the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor, and the refrigerant leakage detection device uses, as the calculated temperature, a temperature difference between the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and the temperature detected by the third temperature sensor or a temperature
    5 difference between the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and the temperature detected by the fourth temperature sensor.
    [Claim 12]
    An air-conditioning device comprising the refrigerating device of any one of claim 1 to 11, wherein
    10 each of the condenser and the evaporator is a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between refrigerant and air.
    [Claim 13]
    The air-conditioning device of claim 12, wherein the refrigerant circuit is composed of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit
    15 connected with extension pipes, and each of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit includes the leakage detection agent feeding device.
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WO2022234612A1 (en) * 2021-05-06 2022-11-10 三菱電機株式会社 Refrigeration cycle system and control method
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JP6742519B2 (en) 2020-08-19
GB201914645D0 (en) 2019-11-27

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