JP2003130427A - Auxiliary cooling device for condenser of air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an auxiliary cooling device for a condenser of an air conditioner capable of being operated without decreasing cooling efficiency based on an operating state of an air compressor, regardless of ON or OFF of an electromagnetic switch of the compressor. SOLUTION: The auxiliary cooling device comprises a water spraying means 3 for spraying water to the condenser 35 of the air conditioner, detecting means Th2 , 22a, and 25 for detecting an operating state of the air conditioner, a power supply switching means 34 for switching between ON and OFF of the power supply to the compressor of the air conditioner, and feed water controlling means 2 and SV for controlling feed water to the water spraying means in response to the operating state of the air conditioner detected by the detecting means.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an auxiliary cooling device for a condenser of an air conditioner, and more specifically, it can be operated by being installed in an air conditioner such as a machine equipped with an inverter which cannot be applied by a conventional mounting method. The present invention relates to an auxiliary cooling device for a condenser.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing an auxiliary cooling device attached to an outdoor unit. Water is sprayed from the nozzle 103 of the auxiliary cooling device toward the condenser of the outdoor unit 130 at a predetermined operation interval.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between a refrigeration cycle of an air conditioner and an auxiliary cooling device. In an air conditioner or a refrigerator that performs cooling, an evaporator 137 evaporates a refrigerant to cool an object to be cooled. Since the refrigerant does not reach the set low temperature when the pressure is high, the refrigerant vapor evaporated in the evaporator 137 is sucked by the compressor 133 to reduce the pressure. To drive the compressor 133, an externally attached motor 133a or other driving device is used. The refrigerant vapor no longer has a refrigerating capacity and must be made liquid again. For that purpose, it is necessary to increase the pressure of the refrigerant vapor. Therefore, the compressor compresses the sucked refrigerant vapor to increase the pressure. That is, the compressor 133 has a function of lowering the pressure of the refrigerant vapor on the cooling pipe side and a function of increasing the pressure of the refrigerant vapor sent from the compressor.

The refrigerant vapor delivered from the compressor is not only increased in pressure, but also increased in temperature. This high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant vapor is sent to the condenser 135 and cooled with water or air. By this cooling, the refrigerant vapor becomes a liquid with a high pressure. The receiver 138 receives this refrigerant, and the expansion valve 1
The pressure is reduced through 36 or a capillary tube and the mixture is poured into the evaporator. In the evaporator, the refrigerant takes heat from the object to be cooled and evaporates. In the present description, the term “refrigerant” corresponds to any of liquid, gas, and gas-liquid mixture.

In the refrigeration cycle described above, the outdoor unit is usually a portion provided with a path from the compressor to the expansion valve, and the indoor unit uses the evaporator portion after the expansion valve, that is, refrigeration. It is composed of parts to

The auxiliary cooling device 101 for the outdoor unit improves the capacity and cooling efficiency of the refrigeration cycle by using water spray for cooling the condenser (Patent No. 30098).
74).

In FIG. 17, the control board 102 of the auxiliary cooling device 101 is powered from the secondary side of the electromagnetic switch 134 of the compressor 133. Therefore, the compressor 133
Is not operating, the control board 102 is not turned on, and therefore the solenoid valve SV is not turned on. An outside air temperature thermistor (hereinafter referred to as a thermo) Th is connected to the control board 102, and an outside air temperature signal is input to the control circuit. Wiring for controlling the on / off of the solenoid valve SV is provided from the control board. The nozzle 103 that sprays water is connected to a water pipe 104 whose water flow is opened and closed by a solenoid valve SV.

FIG. 18 is an electric system diagram of the auxiliary cooling device attached to the outdoor unit, and FIG. 19 is a water system diagram. According to the above electrical system diagram, the auxiliary cooling device is powered from the secondary side of the electromagnetic switch 134 of the compressor 133a. Therefore, power cannot be supplied unless the electromagnetic switch 134 of the compressor is turned on. Further, an outside air thermo Th is attached to this electric system and sends an outside air temperature signal to a control circuit (microcomputer). In the microcomputer, the relay Ry connected to the SV is turned on according to the setting of the temperature for turning on the SV made by the dip switch SW1. When the relay Ry is turned on, the solenoid valve SV is turned on and water is sprayed from the nozzle 103. That is, this auxiliary cooling device is set to operate only when the electromagnetic switch 134 of the compressor is turned on and the outside air temperature is not lower than the predetermined temperature for a predetermined time or longer. The dip switch SW2 is a spray time shift switch. Control circuit T in the microcomputer
1 controls the spray time and the control circuit T2 controls the drying time. The drying time refers to the time during which the auxiliary cooling device does not spray water in one cycle of the intermittent spraying operation.

According to the water system diagram of FIG. 19, the nozzle 103
Water spray from the solenoid valve SV attached to the water pipe 104
Is controlled by the control board 102.

By using the above electric system and water system, when the auxiliary cooling device is installed in the outdoor unit, the auxiliary cooling device can be operated economically and without waste in accordance with the operation of the outdoor unit. it can.

[0011]

In recent years, the number of cases in which a compressor equipped with an inverter is used is increasing. In addition, there is a tendency for the number of configurations in which an inverter-mounted compressor is installed side by side with a constant speed compressor. Since the inverter compressor can be operated while changing the capacity of the compressor according to the load, it is advantageous in terms of energy saving. In particular, for example, in the case of an outdoor unit in which a plurality of indoor units are installed in an office building or the like, it is possible to combine an inverter-mounted compressor and a constant speed compressor according to the load to improve the efficiency. When this inverter-equipped compressor is installed,
No electromagnetic switch or switch that turns on and off in synchronization with the operation of the compressor is provided. As far as it can be said, the switch may or may not be provided, and electric power is supplied by increasing or decreasing depending on the size of the load. Further, since the voltage and frequency of the compressor motor vary depending on the inverter, the secondary side of the electromagnetic switch does not have a constant voltage. Therefore, the conventional power supply connection that can be synchronized with the operation of the compressor cannot be made to the auxiliary cooling device.

However, if the power source of the auxiliary cooling device is connected to a portion to which a constant voltage is supplied, the operation of the compressor cannot be synchronized, so that water spray is performed even when the compressor is stopped, and the auxiliary cooling device is operated. You will end up in useless driving.

Further, if the timings of the compressor and the water spray are deviated, there are cases in which the waste is not enough. For example, the following cases occur. (A) When the outside air temperature is high and water is sprayed after the start of operation of the compressor, the protective high-pressure switch operates and the entire air conditioner stops. Such an unintentional stop is not particularly desirable when the air conditioner is a refrigerating device that freezes fresh food or the like. (B) On the contrary, if water vapor is sprayed to the condenser before the pressure of the refrigerant vapor is sufficiently high due to the operation of the compressor, the pressure of the refrigerant vapor is abnormally lowered, and the cooling efficiency called hunting operation is poor. Operation continues for a while. Needless to say, water is wasted at this time as well.

For this reason, there has been a strong demand especially for refrigerator users to take measures to stably control the high pressure of the refrigerant vapor on the outlet side of the compressor.

The present invention does not depend on the turning on / off of the electromagnetic switch of the compressor, and can be operated based on the operating state of the air compressor without lowering the cooling efficiency. An object is to provide a cooling device.

[0016]

The auxiliary cooling device according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises water spraying means for spraying water on the condenser of the air conditioner, and detecting means for detecting the operating state of the air conditioner. , Power supply switching means for switching on / off of power supply to the compressor of the air conditioner, and water supply to the water spraying means connected to the power supply input side of the power supply switching means according to the operating state of the air conditioner detected by the detection means And a water supply control means for controlling (Claim 1).

The operating condition of the air conditioner can be detected by measuring the physical properties of various parts of the refrigeration cycle. For example, the refrigerant vapor that has been made high pressure by the compressor is made high temperature and high pressure. Therefore, the presence or absence of the operation of the compressor and the operating state can be known by detecting the temperature of the pipe itself from the compressor to the condenser, the temperature or pressure of the refrigerant in the pipe, the pressure of the refrigerant in the condenser, or the like. be able to. As a result, the auxiliary cooling device can be operated in real time according to the operating state of the compressor without causing a deviation from the operation of the compressor. As a result, it is possible to prevent waste of cooling water and prevent inefficient operation such as hunting operation.

The above-mentioned "connection of the power supply switching means to the power input side" means that if there is an electromagnetic switch provided in the preceding stage of the compressor, it is connected to the primary side (original wiring side) of the electromagnetic switch. Refers to a connection. Therefore, the water supply control means is always supplied with power. Further, when the compressor is a compressor equipped with an inverter and the electromagnetic switch is not provided, it means connecting to the preceding stage of the inverter circuit. The water supply control means may be a combination of control means such as a microcomputer board or a personal computer and an electromagnetic valve.
Since the water supply control means is supplied with power from the power input side,
This auxiliary cooling device can obtain power from any type of compressor, such as a compressor with an inverter. As a result, it is possible to expand the applicable models of the auxiliary cooling device and contribute to energy saving and capacity enhancement of a wide variety of air conditioners.

The above-mentioned detection means may be a detector which emits a continuous signal in a predetermined range, for example, a voltage signal in a continuous range, or a binary signal such as an on / off signal or a voltage high / low signal like a switch. It may be a detector that emits a signal.

An outside air temperature detector may be further connected to the water supply control means to control the on / off of the opening / closing means based on the information on the outside air temperature and the information on the above portion.
Needless to say, the water supply may be controlled based on only the information on the operating state of the air conditioner without the information on the outside air temperature.

The auxiliary cooling device according to the second aspect of the present invention is a water spraying means for spraying water on the condenser of the air conditioner, a detecting means for detecting the operating condition of the air conditioner, and an inverter for the air conditioner. Water supply control means connected to the power supply input side of an inverter circuit provided in the compressor and for controlling water supply to the water spray means according to the operating state of the air conditioner detected by the detection means (claim 2). .

The auxiliary cooling device according to the second aspect described above is an auxiliary cooling device corresponding to the case where the compressor is an inverter-mounted compressor. When the compressor is an inverter-mounted compressor and the electromagnetic switch is not provided, the water supply control means is always supplied with power from the preceding stage of the inverter circuit. Therefore, the water supply control means can always be normally operated regardless of the presence or absence of the inverter circuit, and the same effect as that of the first auxiliary cooling device can be obtained. The inverter-equipped compressor has an advantage that power can be used efficiently because the output is changed in real time according to the load.

The auxiliary cooling device according to the first or second aspect further includes an outside air temperature detecting means for detecting the outside air temperature,
The water supply control means can control the water supply to the water spraying means according to the operating state of the air conditioner and the outside air temperature (claim 3).

With this configuration, it is possible to first determine, for example, whether or not the compressor is operating, based on the information on the operating state of the air compressor. Next, the water supply control means can cause the water spray means to spray water only when the outside air temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature while the compressor is operating. As a result, water spraying can be performed only when absolutely necessary based on the information on the outside air temperature corresponding to the situation where water spraying is required, and waste of cooling water can be prevented.

The auxiliary cooling device for an outdoor unit according to the third aspect of the present invention comprises water spraying means for spraying water on the condenser of the air conditioner, detecting means for detecting the operating state of the air conditioner, and air conditioning. Of power supply to the compressor of the compressor, power supply switching means, water supply control means connected to the power input side of the power supply switching means and controlling water supply to the water spray means, and the air conditioner detected by the detection means. And a power cutoff unit that cuts off the power supply path from the power input side to the water supply control unit according to the operating state (claim 4).

With the above arrangement, the water supply control means cannot control the water supply to the water spray means unless the power cutoff means first turns on the power supply from the power system to the water supply control means. Therefore, (1) it is possible to select whether or not to perform water spray after confirming the operating state of the air conditioner. Furthermore, (2) When other detecting means other than the above, for example, the outside air temperature detecting means is provided, the above water supply control means can control the water supply based on the outside air temperature. That is, in this case, it is possible to control in two stages. Furthermore, (3) In the case of the above configuration, it is possible to use a detector having a switch function that has both a detection means and a power cutoff means. A detector provided with such a switching function is generally inexpensive and easy to install because it does not require incorporation of the control circuit into the heart.

In the auxiliary cooling device of the fourth aspect, the water spray means for spraying water on the condenser of the air conditioner, the detecting means for detecting the operating state of the air conditioner, and the inverter compressor of the air conditioner. Is connected to the power supply input side of the inverter circuit provided in the water supply control means for controlling the water supply to the water spraying means, and water supply from the power supply input side of the inverter circuit according to the operating state of the air conditioner detected by the detection means. And a power cutoff unit that cuts off a power supply path to the control unit (claim 5).

The structure of the fourth auxiliary cooling device corresponds to the case where the compressor is an inverter-mounted compressor in the third aspect. Therefore, the effect of the power consumption reduction peculiar to the inverter compressor can be obtained while ensuring the effect of the auxiliary cooling device of the third aspect.

The auxiliary cooling device according to the third or fourth aspect further includes an outside air temperature detecting means for detecting the outside air temperature,
The water supply control means can control the water supply to the water spray means according to the outside air temperature (claim 6).

With this configuration, (1) after confirming the operating state of the air conditioner, selecting whether to operate the water supply control means, and then operating the water supply control means,
(2) The water supply control means can control the water supply based on the outside air temperature. That is, it is possible to control in two stages.

The auxiliary cooling device according to the third or fourth aspect may include a state value detection switch in which the detection means and the power cutoff means are integrated (claim 7).

In the case of the above configuration, for example, a sensor switch having both an outside air temperature detector or a pressure detector and an electric power cut-off means can be used. Such a sensor switch is generally inexpensive and easy to install because it does not require incorporation of the control circuit into the heart.

In the auxiliary cooling device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the detecting means can detect the refrigerant state value in the air conditioner (claim 8).

For example, the refrigerant vapor that has been made high pressure by the compressor is made high temperature and high pressure. Therefore, the operating state of the air conditioner can be known by detecting the refrigerant state between the compressor and the condenser. For example, the presence or absence of the operation of the compressor and the operating status can be known by detecting the temperature of the piping itself from the compressor to the condenser, the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant in the piping, and the pressure of the refrigerant in the condenser. You can These detection means may be externally attached to the pipe or may be mounted inside the pipe. It is generally easier to attach externally to the pipe.

As a result, the auxiliary cooling device can be operated in real time according to the operating state of the compressor without causing a deviation from the operation of the compressor. As a result, it is possible to prevent waste of cooling water and prevent inefficient operation such as hunting operation.

In the auxiliary cooling device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the detecting means can detect the driving state of the compressor in the air conditioner (claim 9).

For example, by detecting the temperature on the outside of the pipe, the presence or absence of the operation of the compressor can be indirectly known, and the operation of the compressor can be reliably grasped. Also,
Since it is externally attached to the pipe, the installation work is very easy.
The compressor may be a constant speed compressor or an inverter-mounted compressor.

In the auxiliary cooling device of any one of the above aspects, the detecting means may be a temperature detector externally attached to the pipe between the compressor and the condenser (claim 10).

As described above, the refrigerant state and the operating state of the compressor can be detected by measuring the outer surface temperature of the pipe. As a result, it is simple, cheap, and reliable,
Water can be supplied to the water spray means at a necessary timing. A temperature switch may be used for this temperature detector.
When using this temperature switch, the detected information, usually,
It is also possible to send a binary signal to the water supply control means to perform control as in the auxiliary cooling device of the first or second aspect, or as in the auxiliary cooling device of the third or fourth aspect. It is also possible to perform on / off control of power supply to the control means. That is, various controls are possible, the installation work is very simple, and the temperature switch itself is inexpensive.

In the auxiliary cooling device according to any one of the above aspects, the detecting means may be a pressure detector arranged in the pipe extending from the compressor to the condenser (claim 1).
1).

With this configuration, it is possible to control the water spray based on the pressure of the above portion. As a result, since the condenser is cooled based on the real-time pressure, it is possible to avoid operating the air conditioner under unbalanced pressure, and prevent operations with poor cooling efficiency such as hunting operation. become.

A pressure switch may be used as the pressure detector. When a pressure switch is used, the detected information, usually a binary signal, can be sent to the water supply control means to perform control like the auxiliary cooling device of the first or second aspect, or the third or third aspect. Like the auxiliary cooling device of the fourth aspect, on / off control of power supply to the water supply control means can be performed. When performing on / off control of power supply to the water supply control means, the operating pressure of this pressure switch is set lower than the operating pressure of a protective pressure switch provided in a normal air conditioner. As a result, the pressure switch can be activated to cool the condenser before the protective pressure switch is activated and the air conditioner is stopped.

Such a pressure switch can be easily installed. In addition, the protective pressure switch is prevented from operating under normal operation, and thus the situation where the air conditioner is stopped in an unnecessary scene can be avoided. As a result, it is possible to avoid unnecessary stoppage of a refrigerating device for storing fresh food or the like.

[0044]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an auxiliary cooling device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. A feature of the present embodiment is that a temperature detector Th2 is externally attached to a pipe through which the refrigerant vapor sent from the inverter compressor 33 passes. This tube thermo Th2
The temperature of the refrigerant vapor is indirectly detected and a signal is sent to the control board 2. The control board 2 supplies its power source to the inverter 3
Taken from the front of 3b. Electric power controlled by the inverter 33b is supplied to the drive system 33a that drives the compressor. The drive system 33a can be configured by a rotary machine, a linear motor, and other drive equipment externally attached to the compressor 33. The water supply unit 10 to the water pipe 4 in which the nozzle 3 is arranged is equipped with a strainer, a pressure reducing valve for pressure adjustment, and the like, and is on / off controlled by a solenoid valve SV.

An outside air thermostat Th1 is also connected to the control board 2. The control board 2 opens and closes the electromagnetic valve SV provided in the water pipe 4 in response to signals from the outside air thermo Th1 and the pipe thermo Th2 to control the water spray from the nozzle 3.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a modified example in which the compressor shown in FIG. 1 is composed of a constant speed compressor 43 and an inverter compressor 33. As a compressor, a constant speed compressor 43
The other configuration is the same as that of FIG. However, the pipe thermo Th2 is arranged in the common pipe portion in the latter stage of the inverter compressor and the constant speed compressor. The power supply wiring of the control board 2 is connected to the primary side of the electromagnetic switch 34 that is connected to the drive system that drives the constant speed compressor 43.

In the case of the combined compressor shown in FIG. 2, the inverter compressor operates in proportion to the required capacity while the constant speed compressor is stopped at the rising portion of the compressor.
When the required capacity rises to the operation amount of the constant speed compressor, the operation of the inverter compressor is once lowered and the constant speed compressor is operated. When the required capacity further increases, the inverter compressor operates according to the required capacity exceeding the capacity of the constant speed compressor. As a result, the compressor is operated according to the load, so that there is no waste of the operation of the compressor and energy saving can be realized.

Although not shown, it is needless to say that the same auxiliary cooling device as in this embodiment can be arranged and used in the same manner even when the compressor is composed of only a constant speed compressor.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a state in which the control board 2 and the water supply section 10 are attached to the attachment plate 19. The water supply unit 10 is made of resin integrally molded, and the solenoid valve S
The V, the pressure reducing valve 17, the strainer 15 and the strainer lid 16 are attached. Water is supplied from the water supply port 18, dust is removed by the strainer 15, and the pressure is adjusted by the pressure reducing valve 17. The solenoid valve SV is opened and closed according to an instruction from the control board, and when it is opened, water is supplied from the outlet. The mounting plate 19 is mounted at an appropriate position around the outdoor unit by passing a bolt or the like through the hole 19a.

By making the water supply part 10 an integrally molded product of resin as described above, there is no local weak part and the part expands and contracts appropriately overall, so that it is possible to prevent rupture due to freezing in winter. . By adopting an integrally molded product of this resin, it is possible to completely prevent the rupture that has conventionally occurred when draining is forgotten in winter. Further, the auxiliary cooling device can be made extremely small.

In FIG. 4, when the compressor is driven by a drive system equipped with an inverter, the power supply wiring 5 is provided on the primary side of the electromagnetic switch 34.
It is a block diagram which shows the control board 2 which connected. The outside air thermo Th1 and the tube thermo Th2 are connected to the connector C of the control board.
It is connected to the microcomputer 11 via N.

The relay Ry and the electromagnetic valve SV of the water pipe are connected in series between the two power supply lines. The microcomputer 11 or the like fed from the power supply circuit 11b opens and closes the relay Ry and the electromagnetic valve according to the measurement signals of the outside air thermo Th1 and the tube thermo Th2. Switch S
W1, SW2, SW3, and SW4 will be sequentially described.

The basic logic of water spray control by the control board is summarized as follows. (1) The pipe thermo Th2 is used to judge whether the auxiliary cooling device is operating or stopped.
Use the measured value of. When the pipe thermo Th2 is higher than a certain temperature and the outside air thermo Th1 is higher than the spray start temperature Tst, the intermittent spray operation is performed. In the intermittent spray operation, the electromagnetic valve SV is opened for t1 seconds, water spray is performed, and the cycle of drying for t2 seconds is repeated. (2) When the outside air temperature Th2 becomes equal to or higher than the continuous spray temperature Tcon, the solenoid valve SV is opened as the continuous spray operation to continue the water spray. (3) The spray start temperature Tst, the continuous spray temperature Tcon, the spray time, and the like are stored in advance in the microcomputer by a table or an approximate expression. The selection is made with the DIP switch. For example, the switch SW1 is used to set the spray start temperature Tst and the continuous spray temperature Tcon. Further, the switch SW2 is used to set the spray time shift.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a time chart when the spray start temperature Tst is set to 27 ° C. First, when the outside air temperature is less than 27 ° C., spraying is not performed and the auxiliary cooling device is stopped. However, if the outside temperature rises above 27 ° C,
The auxiliary cooling device starts to operate, and intermittent spraying operation starts. In the intermittent spraying operation, the auxiliary cooling device operates at a spraying time t1 and a drying (stopping) time t2. As mentioned above, t1
The shift can be set by the switch SW2. In the case of FIG. 5, t1 is 18 seconds and t2 is 6 minutes and 12 seconds. However, the subsequent selection of t1 and t2 is performed by comparing the outside air temperature with each ON / OFF cycle of the solenoid valve and selecting the table value. Even if the outside air temperature reaches 28 ° C, 28 ° C is not the continuous spraying temperature Tcon, so the intermittent spraying operation continues.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the switching of operation modes. The normal operation mode is a mode in which the auxiliary cooling device is operated based on the outside air thermo Th1 and the pipe thermo Th2 as described above. On the other hand, the HPS (High
The pressure switch) operation mode is an operation mode in which it is determined whether to operate or stop the auxiliary cooling device according to the pressure of the refrigerant. The switching between the normal operation mode and the HPS operation mode can be performed by the DIP switch SW4.

In the normal operation mode, when the outside air thermo temperature is abnormal, the auxiliary cooling device can be abnormally stopped. Further, when the outside air thermo temperature returns to normal, it is possible to return to the normal operation mode. Furthermore, regardless of the normal operation mode or the HPS operation mode, it is possible to switch to the test operation mode by turning on the test operation switch SW3. This trial run period is 1 minute,
After a lapse of minutes, the original operation mode can be restored.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the values of the outside air thermo Th1 and the tube thermo Th2 and the operation of the auxiliary cooling device. First, when the pipe thermo Th2 is in the ON state at the predetermined temperature Ta or higher for the predetermined time continuously and the outside air temperature which is the value of the outside air thermo Th1 is the spray start temperature Tst or higher, the intermittent spray operation mode is entered as described above. . Also, tube thermo T
When the measured value of h2 is below a predetermined temperature Tb (Tb <Ta) for a predetermined time and is in an off state, or when the outside air temperature is (T
st-1) In the following cases, close the solenoid valve to stop spraying. That is, when the temperature drops from the spray start temperature by 1 ° C or more,
Return to the original operation mode.

When the continuous spraying operation mode is entered, the above conditions are maintained as they are if the spraying start temperature Tst is replaced with the continuous spraying operation Tcon.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the basic logic for on / off determination of the tube thermo Th2. When the temperature of the tube thermo Th2 is continuously 30 seconds and 70 ° C. or higher, it is determined that the compressor is operating, and the first condition for operating the auxiliary cooling device is satisfied according to the outside air temperature. Further, in consideration of the case where the pipe thermometer is disconnected, it is assumed that the condition for operating the auxiliary cooling device according to the outside air temperature is satisfied even when the pipe thermostat is open. This is to ensure safety.

Further, the temperature of the tube thermo Th2 is continuously 3
When the temperature is 50 ° C. or less for 0 seconds, it is determined that the compressor is in the stopped state, and the pipe thermostat is turned off. Therefore, it is assumed that the first condition for operating the auxiliary cooling device is not satisfied.

With the above-described configuration, no matter what kind of inverter compressor is used in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, the actual operation of the compressor is properly determined and the auxiliary cooling device is set at an appropriate timing. Can be operated with. As a result, the number of models to which the auxiliary cooling device can be attached is increased, and further widespread use is expected. In addition, it is possible to prevent waste of cooling water.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an auxiliary cooling device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The present embodiment is characterized in that the temperature switch 22 is arranged in contact with the outside of the pipe through which the refrigerant sent from the inverter compressor 33 passes. The temperature switch 22 measures the temperature of the refrigerant through the pipe wall, and the inverter compressor 33
Determine if the is running or not running.

The temperature switch 22 has a temperature measuring section 21.
a and an electromagnetic switch portion 21b. When the measured temperature is, for example, 70 ° C. or higher, the inverter compressor is in operation, and it is determined that the state of the refrigerant is suitable for performing water spraying, and the electromagnetic switch unit 22b is in the conductive state. In addition to this conduction state, if the outside air thermo Th1 becomes, for example, 27 ° C. or higher, the control board 2 causes the solenoid valve SV to
Is turned on, water is flowed through the water pipe 4, and water is sprayed from the nozzle 3 onto the condensing unit 35.

When the measurement temperature is 50 ° C. or lower,
It is determined that the inverter compressor 33 is stopped, and the bimetal switch or the electrical contact 22b is turned off.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control board 2. The bimetal switch or the electrical contact 22b of the temperature switch is turned on when the measured temperature is a predetermined temperature, eg, 70 ° C. or higher, and turned off when the measured temperature is a predetermined temperature, eg, 50 ° C. or lower. Since the bimetal switch or the electric contact 22b of the temperature switch is connected to the power supply wiring, the solenoid valves SV1 and SV2 will not be turned on unless the bimetal switch or the electric contact 22b is turned on. The electric system of FIG. 10 shows a case where two water pipes are arranged and a solenoid valve is arranged in each of them.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an electric system of a modification of the second embodiment of the present invention. The temperature switch arranged in this electric system is different in type from the temperature switch arranged in the electric system of FIG. The temperature switch shown in FIG. 10 is turned on when the measured temperature exceeds a predetermined value. However, the temperature switch shown in FIG. 11 has a bimetal switch or an electrical contact 2 when the measured temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature.
It is a type in which 2b is turned off. Since the refrigerant sent from the compressor is in a high temperature and high pressure state, the electric circuit needs to be turned on when the measured temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature.

Therefore, in the circuit of FIG. 11, a switch member composed of the coil and the electromagnetic switch 22bx is arranged. A portion connected in series with the bimetal switch or the electrical contact 22b is a coil, and when a current flows through the coil, a magnetic force is generated, and the electromagnetic contact 22bx is opened and turned off. Therefore, when the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit of the temperature switch 22 is lower than the predetermined temperature, the bimetal switch or the electrical contact 22b is turned on and the electromagnetic contact 22bx is turned off. In this state, no power is supplied to the control board, so the first condition for operating the auxiliary cooling device is not satisfied.

On the contrary, when the temperature measured by the temperature measuring portion 22a of the electromagnetic switch is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, the bimetal switch or the electric contact 22b is turned off and the electromagnetic contact 22bx is turned on. Therefore, the first condition that the power is supplied to the control board and the auxiliary cooling device operates is satisfied. Thereafter, the on / off pattern of the solenoid valve SV is determined according to the measured temperature of the outside air thermo Th1, and water spray is performed.

In general, the temperature switch is generally of the type in which the bimetal switch or the electric contact is opened and turned off when the temperature becomes high. Therefore, the temperature switch is often configured as the bimetal switch or the electric contact shown in FIG.

The temperature switch may send a binary signal to the microcomputer, and the microcomputer may control the spray pattern in accordance with the outside air temperature signal and the binary signal.

With the above structure, the auxiliary cooling device can be operated at a timing suitable for operation by simple construction using an inexpensive member such as a temperature switch. As a result, it is possible to prevent waste of cooling water and avoid hunting operation in which cooling efficiency is poor.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an auxiliary cooling device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a pressure switch (HPS: High) that turns on and off according to the pressure of the refrigerant sent from the compressor 33.
The pressure switch) 25 is arranged at the service port 31 in the pipe between the compressor 33 and the condenser 35. This service port is used to fill the refrigerant during maintenance and to load the pressure switch as described above. The protection HPS 39 is directly attached to the pipe, and safety measures are taken to stop the operation of the air conditioner when a predetermined pressure is detected. Although the protective HPS is illustrated as having a mounting space in FIG. 12, it is normally mounted in the pipe as it is without providing a special mounting space.

In general, the refrigerant sent from the compressor has a high temperature and high pressure, so that the pressure of the service port causes
It can be determined whether the compressor is operating. The HPS used here is a switch that is turned on when the measured pressure falls below a predetermined value.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an electric system incorporating the HPS. The microcomputer receives the next signal according to the pressure of the refrigerant. (a) When the pressure of the refrigerant is equal to or higher than the predetermined value Pa: The electrical contact is turned off. Therefore, the photodiode 27a of the photocoupler 27 does not emit light, and no current flows through the transistor 27b. Therefore, a high voltage is sent as a signal to the microcomputer. (b) When the pressure of the refrigerant is equal to or lower than the predetermined value Pb (Pb <Pa): The electromagnetic contact 25 is turned on. Therefore, a current flows through the photodiode 27a of the photocoupler 27 to emit light, and the transistor 27b of the photocoupler 27 is emitted.
Is transmitted to the gate. The transistor 27b is turned on, a current flows through the collector, and a low voltage, for example, zero potential is sent to the microcomputer as a signal due to a voltage drop across the resistor.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart of control performed by the microcomputer which has obtained the above signal. First, when the solenoid valve SV is turned off and the pressure is increased, and the HPS 25 is turned off,
The microcomputer receives the high potential signal. The microcomputer receiving the high potential signal performs the intermittent spraying operation for N1 cycles.
The spraying time in one cycle is tt1 and the drying time is tt2. N1 cycle, drying time is tt2
Is.

After intermittent spraying operation in N1 cycle, HPS
When the off state is maintained, the drying time tt2 in the intermittent spraying is shortened by 5 seconds to enhance the pressure drop. Under the condition that the water spray is strengthened, the intermittent spray operation is further performed for N1 cycles.

After the further intermittent N1 cycle spraying operation, if the signal from the HPS is at a low potential, it is determined that the pressure is Pb or less, and the solenoid valve is turned off.
However, if the signal from the HPS is still at high potential, reduce the drying time by an additional 5 seconds. At this time, if the drying time becomes zero or less, the continuous spraying operation is performed.
If the signal from the HPS is at a low potential after the continuous spraying operation is performed for a predetermined time, it is determined that the pressure is Pb or less, and the electromagnetic valve is turned off to stop the cooling.

FIG. 15 is a time chart showing an example in which control is performed based on the flowchart of FIG. Figure 15
In, when the measured pressure becomes Pa or more, the HPS is turned off. At this time, a high potential signal is sent to the microcomputer. Based on this high potential signal, the microcomputer commands to perform intermittent spraying operation for N1 cycles. Figure 15
In the example, since the pressure is not lower than Pb after N1 cycles, the intermittent spraying operation is performed in a pattern in which the drying time is reduced by 5 seconds for N1 cycles. In the example of FIG.
Before the end of the N1 cycle, the pressure drops below Pb. At this point, the HPS is turned on and the microcomputer receives the low potential signal. Therefore, the auxiliary cooling device stops the operation before the intermittent spraying operation of the N1 cycle is completed.

When the pressure becomes higher than Pa again, the microcomputer receives the high potential signal and commands the intermittent spraying operation for N1 cycles. Since the drying time of the intermittent spraying operation when stopped before this was (tt2-5) seconds, the drying time of this intermittent spraying operation also restarts from (tt2-5) seconds. At the time when the restarted N1 cycle of the intermittent spraying operation is completed, the pressure is not lower than Pb. Therefore, the drying time of one cycle is further reduced by 5 seconds to perform the intermittent spraying operation of the N1 cycle. However, during the N1 cycle, the pressure is Pb
Stop operation when the following occurs. After that, the auxiliary cooling device is operated according to the above logic.
The time required for the above N1 cycle is not constant because the drying time changes for each N1 cycle.

With the above control, it is possible to perform fine water spray control in a realistic manner according to the pressure situation using the pressure switch. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cooling device from being stopped due to the operation of the protective pressure switch. Further, by stabilizing the high pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor, the refrigerant system can be stabilized and incomplete operation such as hunting operation can be prevented.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments of the present invention disclosed above are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Not limited. The scope of the present invention is shown by the description of the claims, and includes the meaning equivalent to the description of the claims and all modifications within the scope.

[0083]

By using the auxiliary cooling device and the operating method thereof according to the present invention, the operation control of the auxiliary cooling device does not depend on the turning on / off of the electromagnetic switch of the compressor, and more directly from the compressor to the condenser. Can be performed based on the physical property values of the parts up to. Therefore, it becomes possible to prevent wasteful consumption of cooling water, prevention of operation in an incomplete state such as hunting operation, and prevention of stop of the auxiliary cooling device due to operation of the protective HPS. As a result, the auxiliary cooling device can be applied to a compressor equipped with an inverter or the like, and the applicable models can be expanded to further broaden the energy saving and capacity enhancement of the air conditioner. Also,
By measuring the pressure of the refrigerant between the compressor and the condenser and reflecting it in the control, the high pressure state of the refrigerant can be stabilized and ensured. As a result, it becomes possible to avoid the unintended stoppage due to the operation of the protective HPS and to operate the refrigeration equipment stably.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an auxiliary cooling device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a modified example of the auxiliary cooling device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a state where the water supply unit and the control board of FIGS. 1 and 2 are attached to a mounting plate.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an electric system of a control board.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a time chart of spraying, drying, and a solenoid valve when the spraying start temperature Tst is set to 27 ° C.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing switching of operation modes.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing transition conditions between operation modes.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an on / off switching condition of a tube thermostat.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing an auxiliary cooling device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

10 is a diagram showing an electric system of the control board shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a temperature switch and a control board in a modified example of the auxiliary cooling device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram showing an auxiliary cooling device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

13 is an electrical system diagram of the control board and pressure switch shown in FIG.

14 is a flowchart of the operation of the auxiliary cooling device of FIG.

15 is a diagram showing an example of a time chart in which operation control is performed based on the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an auxiliary cooling device that is cooling the outdoor unit.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a conventional auxiliary cooling device.

FIG. 18 is an electric system diagram of a conventional auxiliary cooling device.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a water system of a conventional auxiliary cooling device.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Auxiliary Cooling Device, 2 Control Board, 3 Water Spray Nozzle, 4 Water Pipe, 5 Power Supply Wiring, 10 Water Supply Unit, 11
Microcomputer, 11b power supply circuit, 15 strainers, 1
6 Strainer lid, 17 Pressure reducing valve, 18 Water inlet, 19
a, 19b water outlet, 21 mounting plate, 21a mounting hole,
22 temperature switch, 22a temperature measuring unit, 22b bimetal switch (electrical contact), 22bx electromagnetic switch, 25 pressure switch (HPS), 27 photo coupler, 27a photodiode, 27b transistor, 31 service port, 32, 33 inverter compressor, 33a inverter drive part, 33b inverter, 34 electromagnetic switch, 35 condenser, 36 expansion valve, 3
7 evaporator, 39 protection HPS, 43 constant speed compressor, C
N connector, Ry relay (electromagnetic switch), SV solenoid valve, Th1 outside air thermostat, Th2 tube thermostat.

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Shuji Ota             1-7-4 Higashi-Noda-cho, Miyakojima-ku, Osaka             -K Equipment Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Akira Iwamoto             1-7-4 Higashi-Noda-cho, Miyakojima-ku, Osaka             -K Equipment Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 3L060 AA01 AA03 AA05 CC03 CC04                       CC10 CC16 DD01 EE01

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A water spray means (3) for spraying water onto a condenser (35) of an air conditioner, and a detection means (Th) for detecting an operating state of the air conditioner.
2, 22a, 25), power supply switching means (34) for switching on / off of power supply to the compressor of the air conditioner, and the air detected by the detection means, which is connected to the power input side of the power supply switching means. Water supply control means (2, SV) for controlling the water supply to the water spray means according to the operating state of the harmony machine
And an auxiliary cooling device for a condenser of an air conditioner. 2. A water spray means (3) for spraying water on a condenser (35) of an air conditioner, and a detection means (Th) for detecting an operating state of the air conditioner.
2, 22a, 25) and an inverter circuit (33b) provided in the inverter compressor of the air conditioner, and connected to the power input side of the inverter circuit (33b) according to the operating state of the air conditioner detected by the detection means. Water supply control means (2, S for controlling water supply to the water spray means)
V) and an auxiliary cooling device for a condenser of an air conditioner. 3. An outside air temperature detecting means (Th) for detecting an outside air temperature.
The condensation of the air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising 1), wherein the water supply control unit controls the water supply to the water spraying unit according to an operating state of the air conditioner and the outside air temperature. Auxiliary cooling device. 4. A water spray means (3) for spraying water onto a condenser (35) of an air conditioner, and a detection means (22) for detecting an operating state of the air conditioner.
a, 25), a power supply switching means (34) for switching on / off of power supply to the compressor of the air conditioner, and a power supply input side of the power supply switching means, which is connected to the water spray means to control water supply. Water supply control means (2, SV) and power cutoff means (22b, 25) for cutting off a power supply path from the power supply input side to the water supply control means according to the operating state of the air conditioner detected by the detection means And an auxiliary cooling device for a condenser of an air conditioner. 5. A water spray means (3) for spraying water onto a condenser (35) of the air conditioner, and a detection means (22) for detecting an operating state of the air conditioner.
a, 25), water supply control means (2, SV) connected to the power input side of the inverter circuit provided in the inverter compressor of the air conditioner, and controlling the water supply to the water spray means, Power cutoff means (22) for cutting off the power supply path from the power supply input side of the inverter circuit to the water supply control means in accordance with the operating state of the air conditioner detected by the means.
b, 25), and an auxiliary cooling device for a condenser of an air conditioner. 6. An outside air temperature detecting means (Th) for detecting an outside air temperature.
The auxiliary cooling device for a condenser of an air conditioner according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising 1), wherein the water supply control means controls the water supply to the water spray means according to the outside air temperature. 7. The auxiliary of the condenser of the air conditioner according to claim 4, further comprising a state value detection switch (22, 25) in which the detection unit and the power cutoff unit are integrated. Cooling system. 8. The auxiliary cooling device for a condenser of an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the detection means detects a refrigerant state value in the air conditioner. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the detection means detects a drive state of a compressor in the air conditioner.
8. An auxiliary cooling device for a condenser of an air conditioner according to any of 7. 10. The temperature detector (Th2,2) externally attached to a pipe between the compressor and the condenser.
2a, 25), the auxiliary cooling device for the condenser of the air conditioner according to claim 8 or 9. 11. A pressure detector (25), wherein said detection means is arranged in a pipe extending from said compressor to said condenser.
The auxiliary cooling device for the condenser of the air conditioner according to claim 8 or 9.