JP2005337661A - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an air conditioner capable of heating the inside of an air-conditioned room even in defrosting operation. <P>SOLUTION: This air conditioner 1 comprises a refrigerating circuit 10. The refrigerating circuit 10 comprises a compressor 111, a heat source side heat exchanger 112, a use side heat exchanger 171, a heat storing heat exchanger 141, a switching mechanism, a first branch pipe 1b, and a refrigerant storage device 114. The heat storing heat exchanger 141 performs heat exchange with a heat storage material. The switching mechanism is switchable between a heating and heat storage state and a stored heat-using defrost state. The first branch pipe 1b is branched from a refrigerant pipe for connecting the compressor 111 to the heat source side heat exchanger 112, and in the stored heat-using defrost state, leads a part of a refrigerant discharged from the compressor 111 to the use side heat exchanger 171. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an air conditioner for cold districts where the temperature is below freezing in winter and the like.

It is known that when the air conditioner is operated in a cold area where the temperature is below freezing in winter, frost accumulates in the outdoor heat exchanger and the heat exchange rate of the outdoor heat exchanger deteriorates. . For this reason, a defrosting operation mode for removing frost accumulated on an outdoor heat exchanger is usually prepared for an air conditioner installed in a cold district.
When the defrost operation is performed in such an air conditioner, the high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor is directly guided to the outdoor heat exchanger, thereby melting frost attached to the outer surface of the outdoor heat exchanger. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
JP 2000-291985 A

However, since the room cannot be heated while the air-conditioning apparatus is in the defrost operation, the temperature in the air-conditioned room is lowered during the defrost operation period, which may make the air-conditioned room uncomfortable.
The subject of this invention is providing the air conditioning apparatus which can heat an air-conditioned room also at the time of a defrost driving | operation.

  The air conditioning apparatus according to the first invention includes a refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circuit includes a compressor, a heat source side heat exchanger, a use side heat exchanger, a heat storage heat exchanger, a switching mechanism, a first branch pipe, and a refrigerant reservoir. The heat storage heat exchanger performs heat exchange with the heat storage material. The switching mechanism can switch between a heating / heat storage state and a heat storage utilization defrost state. In the heating and heat storage state, the use side heat exchanger and the heat storage heat exchanger function as a condenser, and the heat source side heat exchanger functions as an evaporator. Further, in the heat storage utilization defrost state, the heat source side heat exchanger functions as a condenser, and the heat storage heat exchanger functions as an evaporator. The first branch pipe branches from the refrigerant pipe for pipe connection between the compressor and the heat source side heat exchanger, and a part of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor is used as the use side heat exchanger in the defrost state using heat storage. It is a pipe for guiding.

  In this air conditioner, the first branch pipe is provided in the refrigerant circuit, and in the heat storage utilization defrost state, the high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor serves as both the heat source side heat exchanger and the utilization side heat exchanger. Thus, both the heat source side heat exchanger and the use side heat exchanger function as a condenser. For this reason, in this air conditioning apparatus, it is also possible to perform heating operation at the same time as removing frost attached to the outer surface of the heat source side heat exchanger in the defrost state using heat storage.

  By the way, in this air conditioner, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor in the heat storage use defrost state is distributed to the use side heat exchanger and the heat source side heat exchanger. Since the heat source side heat exchanger has a lower temperature than the exchanger, the discharged refrigerant flows more easily to the heat source side heat exchanger than to the use side heat exchanger. For this reason, in this air conditioning apparatus, the condensing temperature and the condensing pressure in the use side heat exchanger may decrease, and the heating capacity in the use side heat exchanger may decrease. As one method for avoiding this possibility, it is conceivable to fill the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioner with a refrigerant so that the liquid refrigerant is accumulated in the heat source side heat exchanger in the defrost state using heat storage. If it does in this way, in the heat storage utilization defrost state, the fall of the condensation temperature and the condensation pressure of the discharge refrigerant which flows into the utilization side heat exchanger can be controlled, and the heating capacity of the utilization side heat exchanger in the heat storage utilization defrost state is reduced. Can be suppressed. However, if this amount of refrigerant is filled in the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioner, excess refrigerant may be generated and the air conditioner may not operate normally when the refrigerant circuit is switched to the heating and heat storage state. There is. However, this air conditioner has a refrigerant reservoir that can store the excess refrigerant. For this reason, in this air conditioner, it is possible to ensure a sufficient heating capacity in the heat storage defrost state and to ensure normal operation in the heating and heat storage state.

An air conditioner according to a second aspect of the present invention is the air conditioner according to the first aspect of the present invention. The difference refrigerant amount can be stored.
In this air conditioner, the refrigerant reservoir can store the refrigerant amount that is the difference between the refrigerant amount required in the heat storage defrost state and the refrigerant amount required in the heating and heat storage state. For this reason, in this air conditioner, it is possible to ensure a sufficient heating capacity in the heat storage defrost state and to ensure normal operation in the heating and heat storage state.

An air conditioner according to a third aspect of the present invention is the air conditioner according to the first aspect of the present invention or the second aspect of the present invention, wherein the refrigerant that has flowed out of the use side heat exchanger and the heat source side heat exchanger flows out of the heat storage use defrost state. The refrigerant merges and is sucked into the compressor through the heat storage heat exchanger.
In this air conditioner, in the heat storage defrost state, the refrigerant flowing out of the use side heat exchanger and the refrigerant flowing out of the heat source side heat exchanger merge and are sucked into the compressor through the heat storage heat exchanger. . For this reason, in this air conditioning apparatus, in the heat storage utilization defrost state, the refrigerant flowing out from the use side heat exchanger and the refrigerant flowing out from the heat source side heat exchanger can be collectively evaporated by the heat storage heat exchanger. . Therefore, in this air conditioner, the configuration of the refrigerant circuit can be simplified.

An air conditioner according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioner according to any of the first to third aspects of the present invention, wherein in the heating and heat storage state, the discharged refrigerant is a use side heat exchanger, a heat storage heat exchanger, Distributed to. Note that the “discharged refrigerant” referred to here is a refrigerant discharged from the compressor.
In this air conditioner, in the heating and heat storage state, the discharged refrigerant is distributed to the use side heat exchanger and the heat storage heat exchanger. For this reason, in this air conditioner, it is possible to accumulate heat in the heat storage material at the same time as performing the heating operation. Therefore, in this air conditioner, the heating operation can be continuously performed.

An air conditioner according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioner according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, wherein, in the heating and heat storage state, the refrigerant that has flowed out of the use side heat exchanger and the refrigerant that has flowed out of the heat storage heat exchanger merge. Then, it is sucked into the compressor through the heat source side heat exchanger.
In this air conditioner, in the heating and heat storage state, the refrigerant that has flowed out of the use side heat exchanger and the refrigerant that has flowed out of the heat storage heat exchanger merge and are sucked into the compressor through the heat source side heat exchanger. . For this reason, in this air conditioner, in the heating and heat storage state, the refrigerant that has flowed out from the use side heat exchanger and the refrigerant that has flowed out from the heat storage heat exchanger can be collectively evaporated by the heat source side heat exchanger. . Therefore, in this air conditioner, the configuration of the refrigerant circuit can be simplified.

  An air conditioner according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioner according to any of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, wherein the switching mechanism has a first control valve and a second control valve. The first control valve is a control valve for preventing the discharged refrigerant from directly flowing into the heat source side heat exchanger in the heating and heat storage state. The second control valve is a control valve for preventing the discharged refrigerant from directly flowing into the heat storage heat exchanger in the heat storage defrost state.

In this air conditioner, the switching mechanism has a first control valve and a second control valve. For this reason, in this air conditioning apparatus, the flow of the refrigerant can be appropriately controlled between the heating / heat storage state and the heat storage utilization defrost state.
An air conditioner according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the air conditioner according to any of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, wherein the switching mechanism can be switched to the cooling state. The “cooling state” herein refers to a state in which the heat source side heat exchanger functions as a condenser and the use side heat exchanger functions as an evaporator. The switching mechanism further includes a third control valve. The third control valve prevents the discharged refrigerant from flowing into the use side heat exchanger through the first branch pipe in the cooling state, and the discharge refrigerant passes through the first branch pipe in the heat storage use defrost state. It is a control valve for flowing into the exchanger.

In this air conditioner, the switching mechanism can be switched to the cooling state and further includes a third control valve. For this reason, in this air conditioning apparatus, the flow of the refrigerant can be appropriately controlled between the heat storage utilization defrost state and the cooling state.
An air conditioner according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioner according to any of the first to seventh aspects of the present invention, wherein the switching mechanism can be switched to the cooling state. The “cooling state” herein refers to a state in which the heat source side heat exchanger functions as a condenser and the use side heat exchanger functions as an evaporator. And the refrigerant | coolant storage device can store the refrigerant | coolant of the quantity which subtracted the refrigerant | coolant amount required in a cooling state from the refrigerant | coolant amount required in a heat storage utilization defrost state in a cooling state.

  In this air conditioner, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor in the heat storage use defrost state is distributed to the use side heat exchanger and the heat source side heat exchanger, but immediately after the heat storage use defrost operation starts, the use side heat exchanger Since the temperature of the heat source side heat exchanger is lower than that of the heat source side heat exchanger, the discharged refrigerant flows more easily to the heat source side heat exchanger than to the use side heat exchanger. For this reason, in this air conditioning apparatus, the condensing temperature and the condensing pressure in the use side heat exchanger may decrease, and the heating capacity in the use side heat exchanger may decrease. As one method for avoiding this possibility, it is conceivable to fill the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioner with a refrigerant so that the liquid refrigerant is accumulated in the heat source side heat exchanger in the defrost state using heat storage. If it does in this way, in the heat storage utilization defrost state, the fall of the condensation temperature and the condensation pressure of the discharge refrigerant which flows into the utilization side heat exchanger can be controlled, and the heating capacity of the utilization side heat exchanger in the heat storage utilization defrost state is reduced. Can be suppressed. However, if this amount of refrigerant is filled in the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioner, excess refrigerant may be generated and the air conditioner may not operate normally when the refrigerant circuit is switched to the cooling state. . However, this air conditioner has a refrigerant reservoir that can store the excess refrigerant. For this reason, in this air conditioning apparatus, it is possible to ensure a sufficient heating capacity in the heat storage utilization defrost state and to ensure normal operation in the cooling state.

An air conditioner pertaining to a ninth aspect of the invention is the air conditioner pertaining to any of the first to eighth aspects of the invention, wherein the refrigerant reservoir is a gas-liquid separator provided on the suction side of the compressor.
In this air conditioner, the refrigerant reservoir is a gas-liquid separator provided on the suction side of the compressor. For this reason, in the air conditioner, the refrigerant reservoir can be easily provided.
An air conditioner according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioner according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, wherein the refrigerant circuit further includes a second branch pipe and a pressure reducing mechanism. The second branch pipe branches from a liquid pipe connecting the heat source side heat exchanger and the use side heat exchanger. The decompression mechanism is provided in the second branch pipe and can decompress the refrigerant flowing through the second branch pipe in the heat storage defrost state. The refrigerant reservoir is disposed between the pressure reducing mechanism and the heat storage heat exchanger, and is piped to the pressure reducing mechanism and the heat storage heat exchanger.

  In this air conditioner, the refrigerant reservoir is disposed between the pressure reduction mechanism and the heat storage heat exchanger, and is connected to the pressure reduction mechanism and the heat storage heat exchanger by piping. For this reason, in this air conditioning apparatus, surplus refrigerant can be completely eliminated from the main refrigerant circuit. Therefore, this air conditioner can perform an appropriate operation in a cooling state in which the refrigerant mainly flows through the main refrigerant circuit.

In the air conditioner according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to perform heating operation simultaneously with removing frost attached to the outer surface of the heat source side heat exchanger in the defrost state using heat storage. Moreover, in this air conditioning apparatus, it is possible to ensure a sufficient heating capacity in the heat storage defrost state and to ensure normal operation in the heating and heat storage state.
In the air conditioner according to the second aspect of the invention, it is possible to ensure sufficient heating capacity in the heat storage defrost state and to ensure normal operation in the heating and heat storage state.

In the air conditioner according to the third aspect of the present invention, the refrigerant flowing out from the use side heat exchanger and the refrigerant flowing out from the heat source side heat exchanger can be collectively evaporated in the heat storage heat exchanger in the heat storage utilization defrost state. it can. Therefore, in this air conditioner, the configuration of the refrigerant circuit can be simplified.
In the air conditioning apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the invention, the heating operation can be performed and simultaneously the heat storage material can accumulate the heat. Therefore, in this air conditioner, the heating operation can be continuously performed.

In the air conditioner according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the heating and heat storage state, the refrigerant that has flowed out of the use side heat exchanger and the refrigerant that has flowed out of the heat storage heat exchanger can be evaporated together in the heat source side heat exchanger. it can. Therefore, in this air conditioner, the configuration of the refrigerant circuit can be simplified.
In the air conditioner according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the refrigerant flow can be appropriately controlled between the heating / heat storage state and the heat storage utilization defrost state.

In the air conditioner according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the refrigerant flow can be appropriately controlled between the heat storage utilization defrost state and the cooling state.
In the air conditioner according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to ensure sufficient heating capacity in the heat storage defrost state and to ensure normal operation in the cooling state.
In the air conditioning apparatus according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the refrigerant reservoir can be easily provided.

  In the air conditioner according to the tenth aspect, excess refrigerant can be completely removed from the main refrigerant circuit in the cooling state. Therefore, this air conditioner can perform an appropriate operation in a cooling state in which the refrigerant mainly flows through the main refrigerant circuit.

<First Embodiment>
[Configuration of air conditioner]
A schematic refrigerant circuit 10 of an air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.
This air conditioner 1 is an air conditioner that can be used not only for cooling operation and heating operation, but also for defrost operation, heating and heat storage operation, and heating and defrost operation (for cold districts where the temperature is below freezing in winter etc.) Air conditioner), and includes a refrigerant circuit 10 including a main refrigerant circuit 1a, a bypass line 1b, and a heat storage line 1c.

The main refrigerant circuit 1a mainly includes a compressor 111, a four-way switching valve 113, an outdoor heat exchanger 112, a first electric expansion valve EV1, an indoor heat exchanger 171, a first opening / closing mechanism OC1, and a gas-liquid separator 114. As shown in FIG. 1, each device is connected via a refrigerant pipe.
The bypass line 1b has one end connected to a refrigerant pipe (hereinafter referred to as a first outdoor-side refrigerant gas pipe) connecting the four-way switching valve 113 and the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 112, and the other end connected to the first opening / closing mechanism OC1. The main refrigerant circuit 1a is connected by pipe connection to a refrigerant pipe (hereinafter referred to as an indoor side refrigerant gas pipe) connecting the gas side of the indoor heat exchanger 171. Hereinafter, a connection point between the bypass line 1b and the first outdoor refrigerant gas pipe is referred to as a first BL connection point BC1, and a connection point between the bypass line 1b and the indoor refrigerant gas pipe is referred to as a second BL connection point BC2. The bypass line 1b is provided with a second opening / closing mechanism OC2.

  One end of the heat storage line 1c is connected to a refrigerant pipe (hereinafter referred to as an outdoor refrigerant liquid pipe) that connects the liquid side of the outdoor heat exchanger 112 and the first electric expansion valve EV1, and the other end is connected to the first opening / closing mechanism OC1. The main refrigerant circuit 1a is connected by pipe connection to a refrigerant pipe (hereinafter referred to as a second outdoor side refrigerant gas pipe) connecting the path switching valve 113. Hereinafter, a connection point between the heat storage line 1c and the outdoor refrigerant liquid pipe is referred to as a first HL connection point HC1, and a connection point between the heat storage line 1c and the second outdoor refrigerant gas pipe is referred to as a second HL connection point HC2. The heat storage line 1c is provided with a heat storage heat exchanger 141 and a second electric expansion valve EV2, and each device connects the refrigerant pipes in the above order from the second HL connection point HC2 to the first HL connection point HC1. Connected through.

  In the present embodiment, the air conditioner 1 is a separation-type air conditioner, and mainly includes an indoor heat exchanger 171, a first electric expansion valve EV1, a refrigerant gas pipe 181 and a refrigerant liquid pipe 182. An indoor unit 17, a heat storage heat exchanger 141, a heat storage tank 142, a second electric expansion valve EV2, a first opening / closing mechanism OC1, a second opening / closing mechanism OC2, a first refrigerant gas pipe 151, a second refrigerant gas pipe 153, and A heat storage unit 14 mainly having a refrigerant liquid pipe 152, a compressor 111, a four-way switching valve 113, an outdoor heat exchanger 112, a gas-liquid separator 114, a first refrigerant gas pipe 121, a second refrigerant gas pipe 123, and An outdoor unit 11 mainly having a refrigerant liquid pipe 122, a first refrigerant communication pipe 187 connecting the refrigerant liquid pipe 182 of the indoor unit 17 and the refrigerant liquid pipe 152 of the heat storage unit 14, The second refrigerant communication pipe 186 that connects the refrigerant gas pipe 181 of the inner unit 17 and the refrigerant gas pipe 151 of the heat storage unit 14, the refrigerant liquid pipe 152 of the heat storage unit 14, and the refrigerant liquid pipe 122 of the outdoor unit 11 are connected. The third refrigerant communication pipe 137, the fourth refrigerant communication pipe 136 connecting the first refrigerant gas pipe 151 of the heat storage unit 14 and the first refrigerant gas pipe 121 of the outdoor unit 11, and the second refrigerant gas pipe of the heat storage unit 14. It can be said that it is comprised from the 5th refrigerant | coolant communication piping 135 which connects 153 and the 2nd refrigerant | coolant gas piping 123 of the outdoor unit 11. FIG. The refrigerant liquid pipe 122 and the third refrigerant communication pipe 137 of the outdoor unit 11 are connected to the first refrigerant gas pipe 121 and the fourth refrigerant communication pipe 136 of the outdoor unit 11 via the liquid side shut-off valve 133 of the outdoor unit 11. The second refrigerant gas pipe 123 and the fifth refrigerant communication pipe 135 of the outdoor unit 11 are respectively connected via the second gas side stop valve 132 of the outdoor unit 11 and the first gas side stop valve 131 of the outdoor unit 11. It is connected.

In addition, when the air conditioner 1 according to the present embodiment is viewed in units as described above, the first BL connection point BC1 belongs to the outdoor unit 11, and the second BL connection point BC2, the first HL connection point HC1, and the second HL connection. The point HC2 belongs to the heat storage unit 14.
(1) Indoor unit The indoor unit 17 mainly includes an indoor heat exchanger 171, a first electric expansion valve EV1, an indoor fan (not shown), a refrigerant gas pipe 181 and a refrigerant liquid pipe 182.

The indoor heat exchanger 171 is a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between indoor air that is air in the air-conditioned room and the refrigerant.
The indoor fan is a fan for taking in air in the air-conditioned room into the unit 17 and sending out conditioned air, which is air after heat exchange with the refrigerant via the indoor heat exchanger 171, into the air-conditioned room again.

  By adopting such a configuration, the indoor unit 17 exchanges heat between the indoor air taken in by the indoor fan and the liquid refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 171 during the cooling operation, thereby conditioned air (cold air). ) In the heating operation, in the heating / heat storage operation, and in the heating / defrost operation, the indoor air taken in by the indoor fan and the gas refrigerant flowing in the indoor heat exchanger 171 are heat-exchanged to conditioned air ( It is possible to generate (warm air).

(2) Heat storage unit The heat storage unit 14 mainly includes a heat storage heat exchanger 141, a heat storage tank 142, a second electric expansion valve EV2, a first opening / closing mechanism OC1, a second opening / closing mechanism OC2, a first refrigerant gas pipe 151, A second refrigerant gas pipe 153 and a refrigerant liquid pipe 152 are provided.
The heat storage heat exchanger 141 is provided between the heat storage material (for example, polyethylene glycol, threitol, paraffin, sodium acetate trihydrate, sodium sulfate decahydrate, etc.) stored in the heat storage tank 142 and the refrigerant. It is a heat exchanger for causing heat exchange.

  The first opening / closing mechanism OC1 includes a first electromagnetic valve SV1 and a first check valve 161 that can be opened and closed. In the first opening / closing mechanism OC1, the first electromagnetic valve SV1 and the first check valve 161 are arranged in parallel to the refrigerant flow. The first check valve 161 is attached so as to allow only the refrigerant flow from the second gas side shut-off valve 132 toward the second BL connection point BC2 in a state where the units 11, 14, and 17 are connected. ing.

  The second opening / closing mechanism OC2 includes a second electromagnetic valve SV2 and a second check valve 162 that can be opened and closed. In the second opening / closing mechanism OC2, the second electromagnetic valve SV2 and the second check valve 162 are arranged in series with respect to the refrigerant flow. At this time, the second solenoid valve SV2 is disposed on the first BL connection point BC1 side, and the second check valve 162 is disposed on the second BL connection point BC2 side. The second check valve 162 is attached so as to allow only the refrigerant flow from the first gas side shut-off valve 131 to the second BL connection point BC2 in a state where the units 11, 14, and 17 are connected. ing.

  By adopting such a configuration, the heat storage unit 14 accumulates the heat of the gas refrigerant flowing through the heat storage heat exchanger 141 during the heating / heat storage operation in the heat storage material, and stores the heat during the heating / defrost operation. By supplying warm heat accumulated in the heat storage material to the liquid refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger 141, the liquid refrigerant can be evaporated. In addition, this heat storage material has a melting point of approximately 30 ° C. to 40 ° C., and can store warm heat as latent heat.

(3) Outdoor unit The outdoor unit 11 mainly includes a four-way switching valve 113, a gas-liquid separator 114, a compressor 111, an outdoor heat exchanger 112, a first refrigerant gas pipe 121, a second refrigerant gas pipe 123, and A refrigerant liquid pipe 122 is provided.
The compressor 111 is a device for sucking and compressing the low-pressure gas refrigerant flowing through the suction pipe 125 and then discharging it to the discharge pipe 126. In this embodiment, the compressor 111 is a positive displacement compressor such as a scroll type or a rotary type.

  The four-way switching valve 113 is a valve for switching the flow direction of the refrigerant corresponding to each operation. During the cooling operation, the defrost operation, and the heating and defrost operation, the discharge pipe 126 and the outdoor heat of the compressor 111 are used. The gas side of the exchanger 112 is connected and the suction pipe 125 of the compressor 111 and the second gas side shut-off valve 132 are connected via a gas-liquid separator 114, and compression is performed during heating operation and heating / heat storage operation. It is possible to connect the discharge pipe 126 of the compressor 111 and the second gas side shut-off valve 132 and connect the suction pipe 125 of the compressor 111 and the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 112 via the gas-liquid separator 114. It is.

The outdoor heat exchanger 112 is capable of condensing the high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 111 using air outside the air-conditioning room as a heat source during the cooling operation, and returning from the indoor heat exchanger 171 during the heating operation. It is possible to evaporate the refrigerant returning from the indoor heat exchanger 171 and the heat storage heat exchanger 141 during the heating and temperature storage operation.
[Operation of air conditioner]
The operation | movement operation | movement of the air conditioning apparatus 1 is demonstrated using FIG. 1 and FIG. As described above, the air conditioner 1 can perform a cooling operation, a heating operation, a heating / temperature storage operation, a defrost operation, and a heating / defrost operation.

(1) Cooling operation During the cooling operation, the four-way switching valve 113 is in the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 1, that is, the discharge pipe 126 of the compressor 111 is connected to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 112 and The suction pipe 125 of the machine 111 is connected to the second gas side shut-off valve 132 side via the gas-liquid separator 114. The first electric expansion valve EV1 is undercooled (hereinafter referred to as SC control), and the second electric expansion valve EV2 is fully closed. When the first electric expansion valve EV1 is SC controlled, the valve opening degree of the first electric expansion valve EV1 is changed from the refrigerant temperature on the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 112 to the refrigerant on the liquid side of the outdoor heat exchanger 112. The difference obtained by subtracting the temperature is adjusted to be a constant negative value (for example, −5 ° C.). Further, the first electromagnetic valve SV1 is turned on and opened, and the second electromagnetic valve SV2 is turned off and closed (see FIG. 2). Then, the liquid side closing valve 133, the first gas side closing valve 131, and the second gas side closing valve 132 are opened.

When the compressor 111 is started in the state of the refrigerant circuit 10, the gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 111 and compressed, and then passes through the discharge pipe 126, the four-way switching valve 113, and the first BL connection point BC1. Is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 112 and condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 112 to become a liquid refrigerant.
Then, this liquid refrigerant is sent to the first electric expansion valve EV1 via the liquid side closing valve 133 and the first HL connection point HC1. The liquid refrigerant sent to the first electric expansion valve EV1 is decompressed and then supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 171 to cool the indoor air and evaporate into a gas refrigerant.

The gas refrigerant passes through the second BL connection point BC2, the first electromagnetic valve SV1, the second HL connection point HC2, the second gas side closing valve 132, the four-way switching valve 113, and the gas-liquid separator 114, It is sucked into the compressor 111 again. In this way, the cooling operation is performed.
(2) Heating operation During the heating operation, the four-way switching valve 113 is in the state indicated by the broken line in FIG. 1, that is, the discharge side of the compressor 111 is connected to the second gas-side closing valve 132 and The suction side is connected to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 112 via the gas-liquid separator 114. Further, the first electric expansion valve EV1 is SC-controlled, and the second electric expansion valve EV2 is fully closed. When the first electric expansion valve EV1 is SC-controlled, the opening degree of the first electric expansion valve EV1 is changed from the refrigerant temperature on the gas side of the indoor heat exchanger 171 to the refrigerant on the liquid side of the indoor heat exchanger 171. The difference obtained by subtracting the temperature is adjusted so as to be a constant negative value (for example, −5 ° C.). Further, the first electromagnetic valve SV1 and the second electromagnetic valve SV2 are turned off and closed (see FIG. 2). Then, the liquid side closing valve 133, the first gas side closing valve 131, and the second gas side closing valve 132 are opened.

When the compressor 111 is started in the state of the refrigerant circuit 10, after the gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 111 and compressed, the discharge pipe 126, the four-way switching valve 113, the second gas side shut-off valve 132, It is supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 171 via the 2HL connection point HC2, the first check valve 161, and the second BL connection point BC2.
The gas refrigerant heats the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger 171 and is condensed to become a liquid refrigerant. This liquid refrigerant is sent to the first electric expansion valve EV1. The liquid refrigerant sent to the first electric expansion valve EV1 is depressurized and then sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 112 via the first HL connection point HC1 and the liquid side closing valve 133, and is evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 112. It becomes a gas refrigerant. The gas refrigerant returns to the suction pipe 125 via the first BL connection point BC1, the four-way switching valve 113, and the gas-liquid separator 114, and is again sucked into the compressor 111. In this way, the heating operation is performed.

(3) Heating and temperature storage operation At the time of heating and temperature storage operation, the four-way switching valve 113 is in the state indicated by the broken line in FIG. In addition, the suction side of the compressor 111 is connected to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 112 via the gas-liquid separator 114. The first electric expansion valve EV1 is SC-controlled, and the second electric expansion valve EV2 is in a state of maintaining a predetermined opening degree. When the first electric expansion valve EV1 is SC-controlled, the opening degree of the first electric expansion valve EV1 is changed from the refrigerant temperature on the gas side of the indoor heat exchanger 171 to the refrigerant on the liquid side of the indoor heat exchanger 171. The difference obtained by subtracting the temperature is adjusted so as to be a constant negative value (for example, −5 ° C.). Further, the first solenoid valve SV1 and the second solenoid valve SV2 are turned off and closed (see FIG. 2). Then, the liquid side closing valve 133, the first gas side closing valve 131, and the second gas side closing valve 132 are opened.

  When the compressor 111 is started in the state of the refrigerant circuit 10, after the gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 111 and compressed, the discharge pipe 126, the four-way switching valve 113, and the second gas side closing valve 132 are opened. Via the second HL connection point HC2. The gas refrigerant that has reached the second HL connection point HC2 then passes through the first check valve 161 and the second BL connection point BC2, and the first route that is a route toward the indoor heat exchanger 171 and heat for heat storage. It is distributed to the second path that is the path toward the exchanger 141.

The gas refrigerant distributed to the first path heats the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger 171 and is condensed to become a liquid refrigerant. This liquid refrigerant is sent to the first electric expansion valve EV1. The liquid refrigerant sent to the first electric expansion valve EV1 is depressurized and then sent to the first HL connection point HC1.
On the other hand, the gas refrigerant distributed to the second path heats the heat storage material in the heat storage heat exchanger 141 and is condensed to become a liquid refrigerant. At this time, the heat storage material undergoes a phase transition from the solid phase to the liquid phase, and mainly accumulates the heat supplied from the gas refrigerant as latent heat. Thereafter, the liquid refrigerant reaches the first HL connection point HC1 via the second electric expansion valve EV2.

  The liquid refrigerant reaching the first HL connection point HC1 via the first electric expansion valve EV1 and the liquid refrigerant reaching the first HL connection point HC1 via the second electric expansion valve EV2 are connected to the first HL connection. After merging at the point, it is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 112 via the liquid side shut-off valve 133 and evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 112 to become a gas refrigerant. The gas refrigerant returns to the suction pipe 125 via the first BL connection point BC1, the four-way switching valve 113, and the gas-liquid separator 114, and is again sucked into the compressor 111.

This heating and heat storage operation is mainly performed when the air conditioner 1 is started, and automatically when the value of the temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heat storage material provided in the heat storage tank 142 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined value. It is designed to switch to heating operation.
(4) Defrost operation During the defrost operation, the four-way switching valve 113 is in the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 1, that is, the discharge pipe 126 of the compressor 111 is connected to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 112 and The suction pipe 125 of the machine 111 is connected to the second gas side shut-off valve 132 side via the gas-liquid separator 114. Further, the first electric expansion valve EV1 is maintained in a predetermined opening degree, and the second electric expansion valve EV2 is fully closed. Further, the first electromagnetic valve SV1 is turned on and opened, and the second electromagnetic valve SV2 is turned off and closed (see FIG. 2). Then, the liquid side closing valve 133, the first gas side closing valve 131, and the second gas side closing valve 132 are opened.

When the compressor 111 is started in the state of the refrigerant circuit 10, the gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 111 and compressed, and then passes through the discharge pipe 126, the four-way switching valve 113, and the first BL connection point BC1. Then, it is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 112, and the frost adhering to the outer surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 112 is melted and condensed to become a liquid refrigerant.
Then, the liquid refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 112 is sent to the first electric expansion valve EV1 via the liquid side closing valve 133 and the first HL connection point HC1. The liquid refrigerant sent to the first electric expansion valve EV1 is decompressed and then supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 171. The air around the indoor heat exchanger 171 is cooled and evaporated to become a gas refrigerant. At this time, the indoor fan is controlled not to be driven so as not to actively cool the air-conditioned room.

The gas refrigerant passes through the second BL connection point BC2, the first electromagnetic valve SV1, the second HL connection point HC2, the second gas side closing valve 132, the four-way switching valve 113, and the gas-liquid separator 114, It is sucked into the compressor 111 again.
The defrosting operation is switched based on parameters such as the temperature of the outer surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 112 and the outside air temperature. Moreover, this defrost operation is intermittently performed between the heating operation and the like so that frost does not adhere to the indoor heat exchanger 171.

(5) Heating / Defrost Operation During the heating / defrost operation, the four-way switching valve 113 is in the state indicated by the solid line in FIG. In addition, the suction pipe 125 of the compressor 111 is connected to the second gas side shut-off valve 132 side via the gas-liquid separator 114. Further, the first electric expansion valve EV1 is fully opened, and the second electric expansion valve EV2 is subjected to high pressure control (hereinafter referred to as HP control). When the second electric expansion valve EV2 is HP-controlled, the valve opening degree of the second electric expansion valve EV2 is adjusted so that the discharge pressure of the compressor 111 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. Further, the first electromagnetic valve SV1 is turned off and closed, and the second electromagnetic valve SV2 is turned on and opened (see FIG. 2). Then, the liquid side closing valve 133, the first gas side closing valve 131, and the second gas side closing valve 132 are opened.

  When the compressor 111 is started in the state of the refrigerant circuit 10, the gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 111 and compressed, and then passes through the discharge pipe 126 and the four-way switching valve 113 to the first BL connection point BC1. It reaches. Then, the gas refrigerant that has reached the first BL connection point BC1 is a path toward the indoor heat exchanger 171 via the first gas side closing valve 131, the second switching mechanism OC2, and the second BL connection point BC2. It is distributed to a third path and a fourth path that is a path toward the outdoor heat exchanger 112.

The gas refrigerant distributed to the third path heats indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger 171 and is condensed to become a liquid refrigerant. This liquid refrigerant reaches the first HL connection point HC1 via the first electric expansion valve EV1.
On the other hand, the gas refrigerant distributed to the fourth path melts frost adhering to the outer surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 112 and is condensed to become a liquid refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant reaches the first HL connection point HC1 via the liquid side shut-off valve 133.

  The liquid refrigerant that has reached the first HL connection point HC1 via the first electric expansion valve EV1 and the liquid refrigerant that has reached the first HL connection point HC1 via the liquid-side closing valve 133 are the first HL connection point. After joining in HC1, it is sent to the second electric expansion valve EV2. The liquid refrigerant sent to the second electric expansion valve EV2 is depressurized and then sent to the heat storage heat exchanger 141, where it is evaporated by the heat storage material that accumulates the heat in the heat storage heat exchanger 141, and the gas refrigerant and Become. At this time, since the heat storage material releases the stored heat, it undergoes a phase transition from the liquid phase to the solid phase. Thereafter, the gas refrigerant returns to the suction pipe 125 via the second HL connection point HC2, the second gas side shut-off valve 132, the four-way switching valve 113, and the gas-liquid separator 114, and again enters the compressor 111. Inhaled.

The refrigerant circuit 10 is filled with a refrigerant so that the liquid refrigerant is accumulated in the outdoor heat exchanger 112 during the heating and defrost operation. For this reason, the refrigerant becomes surplus during other operations, but this surplus refrigerant is mainly stored in the gas-liquid separator 114.
The heating and defrosting operation is switched based on parameters such as the temperature of the outer surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 112 and the outside air temperature. Moreover, this defrost operation is performed continuously for a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes).

[Characteristics of air conditioner]
(1)
In the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment, the bypass circuit 1b is provided in the refrigerant circuit 10, and the high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor 111 is exchanged between the outdoor heat exchanger 112 and the indoor heat exchanger 171. It is supplied to both, and it is possible to create a state where both the outdoor heat exchanger 112 and the indoor heat exchanger 171 function as a condenser. For this reason, in this air conditioning apparatus 1, the heating and defrost operation which performs heating operation simultaneously with removing the frost adhering to the outer surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 112 is realizable.

(2)
In the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment, the refrigerant circuit 10 is filled with the refrigerant so that the liquid refrigerant is accumulated in the outdoor heat exchanger 112 in the heating and defrost operation. For this reason, in this air conditioner 2, in the heating and defrosting operation, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the condensation temperature and the condensation pressure of the discharged refrigerant flowing to the indoor heat exchanger 171 and the indoor heat exchanger 171 in the heating and defrosting operation is suppressed. A decrease in heating capacity can be suppressed.

(3)
In the air conditioning apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, in the heating and defrost state, the refrigerant that has flowed out of the indoor heat exchanger 171 and the refrigerant that has flowed out of the outdoor heat exchanger 112 merge to pass through the heat storage heat exchanger 141. And sucked into the compressor 111. For this reason, in this air conditioner 1, in the heating and defrost state, the refrigerant flowing out from the indoor heat exchanger 171 and the refrigerant flowing out from the outdoor heat exchanger 112 are collectively evaporated by the heat storage heat exchanger 141. Can do. Therefore, in this air conditioning apparatus 1, the structure of the refrigerant circuit 10 can be simplified.

(4)
In the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment, the gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 111 is distributed to the indoor heat exchanger 171 and the heat storage heat exchanger 141 in the heating and heat storage state. For this reason, in this air conditioning apparatus 1, it is possible to accumulate heat in the heat storage material simultaneously with performing the heating operation. Therefore, in this air conditioning apparatus 1, indoor heating can be performed continuously.

(5)
In the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment, in the heating and heat storage state, the refrigerant that has flowed out of the indoor heat exchanger 171 and the refrigerant that has flowed out of the heat storage heat exchanger 141 merge to form the outdoor heat exchanger 112. And is sucked into the compressor 111. For this reason, in this air conditioner 1, the refrigerant that has flowed out of the indoor heat exchanger 171 and the refrigerant that has flowed out of the heat storage heat exchanger 141 are collectively evaporated by the outdoor heat exchanger 112 in the heating and heat storage state. be able to. Therefore, in this air conditioning apparatus 1, the structure of the refrigerant circuit 10 can be simplified.

(6)
In the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment, the refrigerant circuit 10 includes the four-way switching valve 113 and the first electromagnetic valve SV1. For this reason, in this air conditioning apparatus 1, the flow of the refrigerant can be appropriately controlled between the heating / temperature storage operation and the heating / defrost operation.
(7)
In the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment, the refrigerant circuit 10 can be switched to the cooling operation by the first opening / closing mechanism OC1 and the second opening / closing mechanism OC2, and has the second electromagnetic valve SV2. For this reason, in this air conditioning apparatus 1, the flow of the refrigerant can be appropriately controlled between the heating / defrost operation and the cooling operation.

(8)
In the air conditioning apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the gas-liquid separator 114 stores surplus refrigerant generated during an operation other than the heating and defrost operation. For this reason, in the air conditioning apparatus 1, while ensuring sufficient heating capability in heating and defrost operation, normal operation | movement can be ensured in another operation.

(9)
In the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment, the gas-liquid separator 114 is employed to store surplus refrigerant generated during an operation other than the heating and defrost operation. For this reason, in the air conditioning apparatus 1, the structure of the refrigerant circuit 10 can be made simple.
[Modification]
(A)
Even if an air conditioner 1A as shown in FIG. 3 is employed instead of the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment, the same effects as those of the present invention can be obtained.

  In the air conditioning apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, in the main refrigerant circuit 1a configuring the refrigerant circuit 10, the first opening / closing mechanism OC1 is disposed between the second BL connection point BC2 and the second HL connection point HC2. On the other hand, in the air conditioner 1A according to the present modification, the bidirectional solenoid valve SV1A is arranged between the second BL connection point BC2 and the second HL connection point HC2 in the main refrigerant circuit 1Aa constituting the refrigerant circuit 10A. The Note that the bidirectional solenoid valve SV1A belongs to the heat storage unit 14A.

(B)
Even if the air conditioner 1B as shown in FIG. 4 is adopted instead of the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment, the same effect as that of the present invention can be obtained.
In the air conditioning apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the first opening / closing mechanism OC1 is disposed between the second BL connection point BC2 and the second HL connection point HC2 in the main refrigerant circuit 1a constituting the refrigerant circuit 10, and the refrigerant circuit 10 The second opening / closing mechanism OC2 is disposed in the bypass line 1b constituting the. On the other hand, in the air conditioner 1B according to the present modification, the four-way switching valve 143 and the capillary tube 144 are arranged at a connection point on the indoor side between the main refrigerant circuit 1Ba and the bypass line 1Bb. The four-way switching valve 143 and the capillary tube 144 belong to the heat storage unit 14B. In the refrigerant circuit 10B, the four-way switching valve 143 is set to a state indicated by a broken line in FIG. 4 during the cooling operation, the heating operation, the heating / thermal storage operation, and the defrost operation, and during the heating / defrost operation. The state shown by the solid line in FIG.

Second Embodiment
[Configuration of air conditioner]
FIG. 5 shows a schematic refrigerant circuit 20 of the air conditioner 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
This air conditioner 2 is an air conditioner that can perform not only cooling operation and heating operation, but also ice storage operation, cooling operation using ice storage, defrost operation, heating and heat storage operation, and heating and defrost operation (in winter and other temperatures) Is an air conditioner for cold districts where the temperature is below freezing), and includes a refrigerant circuit 20 including a main refrigerant circuit 2a, a bypass line 2b, a heat storage line 2c, and a utilization line 2d.

The main refrigerant circuit 2a mainly includes a compressor 211, a four-way switching valve 213, an outdoor heat exchanger 212, a fifth opening / closing mechanism OC5, a first electric expansion valve EV1, an indoor heat exchanger 271, a first opening / closing mechanism OC1, And a gas-liquid separator 214 are provided, and each device is connected via a refrigerant pipe as shown in FIG.
The bypass line 2b has one end connected to a refrigerant pipe (hereinafter referred to as a first outdoor refrigerant gas pipe) connecting the four-way switching valve 213 and the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 212, and the other end connected to the first opening / closing mechanism OC1. The main refrigerant circuit 2a is connected by pipe connection to a refrigerant pipe (hereinafter referred to as an indoor side refrigerant gas pipe) connecting the gas side of the indoor heat exchanger 271. Hereinafter, the connection point between the bypass line 2b and the first outdoor refrigerant gas pipe is referred to as a first BL connection point BC1, and the connection point between the bypass line 2b and the indoor refrigerant gas pipe is referred to as a second BL connection point BC2. The bypass line 2b is provided with a second opening / closing mechanism OC2.

  One end of the heat storage line 2c is connected to a refrigerant pipe (hereinafter, referred to as an indoor refrigerant liquid pipe) that connects the fifth opening / closing mechanism OC5 and the first electric expansion valve EV1, and the other end is connected to the first opening / closing mechanism OC1 and a four-way switching valve. The main refrigerant circuit 2a is connected by pipe connection to a refrigerant pipe (hereinafter referred to as a second outdoor-side refrigerant gas pipe) that connects to H.213. Hereinafter, a connection point between the heat storage line 2c and the indoor refrigerant liquid pipe is referred to as a first HL connection point HC1, and a connection point between the heat storage line 2c and the second outdoor refrigerant gas pipe is referred to as a second HL connection point HC2. The heat storage line 2c is provided with a third opening / closing mechanism OC3, a heat storage heat exchanger 241, and a second electric expansion valve EV2. Each device is directed from the second HL connection point HC2 to the first HL connection point HC1. In this order, they are connected via a refrigerant pipe.

  The utilization line 2d has one end connected to a refrigerant pipe (hereinafter referred to as an outdoor refrigerant liquid pipe) connecting the liquid side of the outdoor heat exchanger 212 and the fifth opening / closing mechanism OC5, and the other end connected to the third opening / closing mechanism OC3. The main refrigerant circuit 2a and the heat storage line 2c are connected by pipe connection to a refrigerant pipe (hereinafter referred to as a gas pipe side bypass pipe) connecting the heat exchanger 241. Hereinafter, a connection point between the use line 2d and the outdoor refrigerant liquid pipe is referred to as a first IL connection point IC1, and a connection point between the use line 2d and the gas pipe side bypass pipe is referred to as a second IL connection point IC2. A fourth opening / closing mechanism OC4 is provided in the use line 2d.

  In the present embodiment, the air conditioner 2 is a separation-type air conditioner, and mainly includes an indoor heat exchanger 271, a first electric expansion valve EV1, a refrigerant gas pipe 281 and a refrigerant liquid pipe 282. Indoor unit 27, heat storage heat exchanger 241, heat storage water tank 242, second electric expansion valve EV2, first opening / closing mechanism OC1, second opening / closing mechanism OC2, third opening / closing mechanism OC3, fourth opening / closing mechanism OC4, fifth opening / closing Ice storage unit 24 mainly having mechanism OC5, first refrigerant gas pipe 251, second refrigerant gas pipe 253, and refrigerant liquid pipe 252, compressor 211, four-way switching valve 213, outdoor heat exchanger 212, gas-liquid The outdoor unit 21 mainly including the separator 214, the first refrigerant gas pipe 221, the second refrigerant gas pipe 223, and the refrigerant liquid pipe 222, the refrigerant liquid pipe 282 of the indoor unit 27, and the ice heat storage unit. A first refrigerant communication pipe 287 that connects the refrigerant liquid pipe 252 of the hot water 24, a second refrigerant communication pipe 286 that connects the refrigerant gas pipe 281 of the indoor unit 27 and the refrigerant gas pipe 251 of the ice heat storage unit 24, The third refrigerant communication pipe 237 connecting the refrigerant liquid pipe 252 of the ice heat storage unit 24 and the refrigerant liquid pipe 222 of the outdoor unit 21, the first refrigerant gas pipe 251 of the ice heat storage unit 24, and the first refrigerant gas of the outdoor unit 21. The fourth refrigerant communication pipe 236 connecting the pipe 221 and the fifth refrigerant communication pipe 235 connecting the second refrigerant gas pipe 253 of the ice heat storage unit 24 and the second refrigerant gas pipe 223 of the outdoor unit 21 are configured. It can be said that. The refrigerant liquid pipe 222 and the third refrigerant communication pipe 237 of the outdoor unit 21 are connected to the first refrigerant gas pipe 221 and the fourth refrigerant communication pipe 236 of the outdoor unit 21 via the liquid side shut-off valve 233 of the outdoor unit 21. The second refrigerant gas pipe 223 and the fifth refrigerant communication pipe 235 of the outdoor unit 21 are connected to each other via the first gas side stop valve 231 of the outdoor unit 21. It is connected.

In addition, when the air conditioning apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment is viewed in units as described above, the first BL connection point BC1 belongs to the outdoor unit 21, and the second BL connection point BC2, the first HL connection point HC1, and the second HL connection point. The HC 2, the first IL connection point IC 1, and the second IL connection point IC 2 belong to the ice heat storage unit 24.
(1) Indoor unit The indoor unit 27 mainly includes an indoor heat exchanger 271, a first electric expansion valve EV1, an indoor fan (not shown), a refrigerant gas pipe 281 and a refrigerant liquid pipe 282.

The indoor heat exchanger 271 is a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between indoor air that is air in the air-conditioned room and the refrigerant.
The indoor fan is a fan for taking in air in the air-conditioned room into the unit 27 and sending out conditioned air, which is air after heat exchange with the refrigerant via the indoor heat exchanger 271, into the air-conditioned room again.

  By adopting such a configuration, the indoor unit 27 heats the indoor air taken in by the indoor fan and the liquid refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 271 during the cooling operation and the cooling operation using ice heat storage. The conditioned air (cold air) is generated by exchanging the indoor air taken in by the indoor fan and the gas refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 271 during the heating operation, the heating / heat storage operation, and the heating / defrost operation. It is possible to generate conditioned air (warm air) through heat exchange.

(2) Ice heat storage unit The ice heat storage unit 24 mainly includes a heat storage heat exchanger 241, a heat storage water tank 242, a second electric expansion valve EV2, a first opening / closing mechanism OC1, a second opening / closing mechanism OC2, and a third opening / closing mechanism OC3. , A fourth opening / closing mechanism OC4, a fifth opening / closing mechanism OC5, a first refrigerant gas pipe 251, a second refrigerant gas pipe 253, and a refrigerant liquid pipe 252.

The heat storage heat exchanger 241 is a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the heat storage water stored in the heat storage water tank 242 and the refrigerant.
The first opening / closing mechanism OC1 has a first electromagnetic valve SV1 and a first check valve 261 that can be opened and closed. In the first opening / closing mechanism OC1, the first electromagnetic valve SV1 and the first check valve 261 are arranged in parallel to the refrigerant flow. The first check valve 261 is attached so as to allow only the flow of refrigerant from the second gas side shut-off valve 232 to the second BL connection point BC2 in a state where the units 21, 24, 27 are connected. ing.

  The second opening / closing mechanism OC2 includes a second electromagnetic valve SV2 and a second check valve 262 that can be opened and closed. In the second opening / closing mechanism OC2, the second electromagnetic valve SV2 and the second check valve 262 are arranged in series with respect to the refrigerant flow. At this time, the second electromagnetic valve SV2 is disposed on the first BL connection point BC1 side, and the second check valve 262 is disposed on the second BL connection point BC2 side. The second check valve 262 is attached so as to allow only the refrigerant flow from the first gas side shut-off valve 231 to the second BL connection point BC2 in a state where the units 21, 24, 27 are connected. ing.

The third opening / closing mechanism OC3 includes a third electromagnetic valve SV3 and a third check valve 263 that can be opened and closed. In the third opening / closing mechanism OC3, the third electromagnetic valve SV3 and the third check valve 263 are arranged in parallel to the refrigerant flow. The third check valve 263 is attached so as to allow only the refrigerant flow from the second HL connection point HC2 toward the second IL connection point IC2.
The fourth opening / closing mechanism OC4 includes a fourth electromagnetic valve SV4 and a fourth check valve 264 that can be opened and closed. In the fourth opening / closing mechanism OC4, the fourth electromagnetic valve SV4 and the fourth check valve 264 are arranged in series with respect to the refrigerant flow. At this time, the fourth solenoid valve SV4 is disposed on the first IL connection point IC1 side, and the fourth check valve 264 is disposed on the second IL connection point IC2 side. The fourth check valve 264 is attached so as to allow only the flow of the refrigerant from the first IL connection point IC1 to the second IL connection point IC2.

The fifth opening / closing mechanism OC5 has a fifth electromagnetic valve SV5 and a fifth check valve 265 that can be opened and closed. In the fifth opening / closing mechanism OC5, the fifth electromagnetic valve SV5 and the fifth check valve 265 are arranged in parallel to the refrigerant flow. The fifth check valve 265 is attached so as to allow only the flow of the refrigerant from the first HL connection point HC1 toward the first IL connection point IC1.
By adopting such a configuration, the ice heat storage unit 24 accumulates the cold heat of the liquid refrigerant flowing through the heat storage heat exchanger 241 during the ice heat storage operation in the heat storage water, and heat storage heat during the ice heat storage operation. The cold state is supplied to the gaseous or gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flowing through the exchanger 241 to condense the gaseous or gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant, and the heat storage heat exchanger 241 is used in the heating and thermal storage operation. The heat of the gas refrigerant flowing through the heat storage water is accumulated in the heat storage water, and the liquid refrigerant is evaporated by supplying the heat stored in the heat storage water to the liquid refrigerant flowing through the heat storage heat exchanger 241 during the heating and defrosting operation. Is possible. This water for heat storage accumulates the cold heat supplied from the liquid refrigerant as a latent heat by phase transition from the liquid phase to the solid phase during the ice heat storage operation, and the heat supplied from the gas refrigerant during the heating and heat storage operation. Accumulate as sensible heat.

(3) Outdoor unit The outdoor unit 21 mainly includes a four-way switching valve 213, a gas-liquid separator 214, a compressor 211, an outdoor heat exchanger 212, a first refrigerant gas pipe 221, a second refrigerant gas pipe 223, and A refrigerant liquid pipe 222 is provided.
The compressor 211 is a device for sucking and compressing low-pressure gas refrigerant flowing through the suction pipe 225 and then discharging it to the discharge pipe 226. In the present embodiment, the compressor 211 is a positive displacement compressor such as a scroll type or a rotary type.

  The four-way switching valve 213 is a valve for switching the flow direction of the refrigerant corresponding to each operation, and during cooling operation, ice heat storage operation, ice heat storage cooling operation, defrost operation, and heating and defrosting During operation, the discharge pipe 226 of the compressor 211 and the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 212 are connected, and the suction pipe 225 of the compressor 211 and the second gas side shut-off valve 232 are connected via the gas-liquid separator 214. During the heating operation and the heating / heat storage operation, the discharge pipe 226 of the compressor 211 and the second gas side shut-off valve 232 are connected, and the suction pipe 225 of the compressor 211 and the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 212 are connected to each other. It is possible to connect via the liquid separator 214.

  The outdoor heat exchanger 212 can condense the high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 211 using air outside the air-conditioning room as a heat source during cooling operation, ice storage operation, and cooling operation using ice storage. Yes, it is possible to evaporate the liquid refrigerant that returns from the indoor heat exchanger 271 during the heating operation, and the liquid refrigerant that returns from the indoor heat exchanger 271 and the heat storage heat exchanger 241 during the heating and heat storage operation.

[Operation of air conditioner]
The operation | movement operation | movement of the air conditioning apparatus 2 is demonstrated using FIG. 5 and FIG. As described above, the air conditioner 1 can perform a cooling operation, an ice storage operation, an ice storage utilization cooling operation, a heating operation, a heating / temperature storage operation, a defrost operation, and a heating / defrost operation.
(1) Cooling operation During cooling operation, the four-way switching valve 213 is in the state indicated by the solid line in FIG. 5, that is, the discharge pipe 226 of the compressor 211 is connected to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 212 and compressed The suction pipe 225 of the machine 211 is connected to the second gas side shut-off valve 232 side via the gas-liquid separator 214. The first electric expansion valve EV1 is undercooled (hereinafter referred to as SC control), and the second electric expansion valve EV2 is fully closed. When the first electric expansion valve EV1 is SC-controlled, the valve opening degree of the first electric expansion valve EV1 is changed from the refrigerant temperature on the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 212 to the refrigerant on the liquid side of the outdoor heat exchanger 212. The difference obtained by subtracting the temperature is adjusted to be a constant negative value (for example, −5 ° C.). In addition, the first solenoid valve SV1, the third solenoid valve SV3, and the fifth solenoid valve SV5 are turned on and opened, and the second solenoid valve SV2 and the fourth solenoid valve SV4 are turned off and closed ( (See FIG. 6). And the liquid side closing valve 233, the 1st gas side closing valve 231, and the 2nd gas side closing valve 232 are made into an open state.

When the compressor 211 is started in the state of the refrigerant circuit 20, the gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 211 and compressed, and then passes through the discharge pipe 226, the four-way switching valve 213, and the first BL connection point BC1. Is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 212 and condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 212 to become a liquid refrigerant.
Then, this liquid refrigerant is sent to the first electric expansion valve EV1 via the liquid side closing valve 233, the first IL connection point IC1, the fifth electromagnetic valve SV5, and the first HL connection point HC1. The liquid refrigerant sent to the first electric expansion valve EV1 is decompressed and then supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 271 to cool the indoor air and evaporate into a gas refrigerant.

The gas refrigerant passes through the second BL connection point BC2, the first electromagnetic valve SV1, the second HL connection point HC2, the second gas side closing valve 232, the four-way switching valve 213, and the gas-liquid separator 214, It is sucked into the compressor 211 again. In this way, the cooling operation is performed.
(2) Ice heat storage operation During the ice heat storage operation, the four-way switching valve 213 is in the state indicated by the solid line in FIG. 5, that is, the discharge pipe 226 of the compressor 211 is connected to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 212, and Then, the suction pipe 225 of the compressor 211 is connected to the second gas side shut-off valve 232 side via the gas-liquid separator 214. Further, the first electric expansion valve EV1 is fully closed, and the second electric expansion valve EV2 is SC-controlled. When the second electric expansion valve EV2 is SC-controlled, the valve opening degree of the second electric expansion valve EV2 is changed from the refrigerant temperature on the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 212 to the refrigerant on the liquid side of the outdoor heat exchanger 212. The difference obtained by subtracting the temperature is adjusted to be a constant negative value (for example, −5 ° C.). In addition, the first solenoid valve SV1, the third solenoid valve SV3, and the fifth solenoid valve SV5 are turned on and opened, and the second solenoid valve SV2 and the fourth solenoid valve SV4 are turned off and closed ( (See FIG. 6). And the liquid side closing valve 233, the 1st gas side closing valve 231, and the 2nd gas side closing valve 232 are made into an open state.

When the compressor 211 is started in the state of the refrigerant circuit 20, the gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 211 and compressed, and then passes through the discharge pipe 226, the four-way switching valve 213, and the first BL connection point BC1. Is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 212 and condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 212 to become a liquid refrigerant.
Then, this liquid refrigerant is sent to the second electric expansion valve EV2 via the liquid side closing valve 233, the first IL connection point IC1, the fifth electromagnetic valve SV5, and the first HL connection point HC1. The liquid refrigerant sent to the second electric expansion valve EV2 is depressurized and then supplied to the heat storage heat exchanger 241 to cool the heat storage water and evaporate to become a gas refrigerant. At this time, the heat storage water undergoes a phase transition from the liquid phase to the solid phase, and the cold supplied from the liquid refrigerant accumulates mainly as latent heat.

The gas refrigerant passes through the second IL connection point IC2, the third electromagnetic valve SV3, the second HL connection point HC2, the second gas side closing valve 232, the four-way switching valve 213, and the gas-liquid separator 214, It is sucked into the compressor 211 again. In this way, the ice heat storage operation is performed.
(3) Ice storage use cooling operation During ice storage use cooling operation, the four-way switching valve 213 is in the state indicated by the solid line in FIG. The suction pipe 225 of the compressor 211 is connected to the second gas side shut-off valve 232 side via the gas-liquid separator 214. Further, the first electric expansion valve EV1 is SC-controlled, and the second electric expansion valve EV2 is fully opened. When the first electric expansion valve EV1 is SC-controlled, the valve opening degree of the first electric expansion valve EV1 is changed from the refrigerant temperature on the second IL connection point IC2 side of the heat storage heat exchanger 241 to the heat storage heat exchanger. The difference obtained by subtracting the temperature of the refrigerant on the second electric expansion valve EV2 side of 241 is adjusted to be a constant negative value (for example, −5 ° C.). Further, the first solenoid valve SV1 and the fourth solenoid valve SV4 are turned on to be opened, and the second solenoid valve SV2, the third solenoid valve SV3, and the fifth solenoid valve SV5 are turned off to be closed ( (See FIG. 6). And the liquid side closing valve 233, the 1st gas side closing valve 231, and the 2nd gas side closing valve 232 are made into an open state.

When the compressor 211 is started in the state of the refrigerant circuit 20, the gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 211 and compressed, and then passes through the discharge pipe 226, the four-way switching valve 213, and the first BL connection point BC1. Then, it is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 212 and condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 212 to become a liquid or gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant.
Then, the liquid or gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant is sent to the heat storage heat exchanger 241 via the liquid side closing valve 233, the first IL connection point IC1, the fourth opening / closing mechanism OC4, and the second IL connection point IC2. Further, the cold heat accumulated in the heat storage water in the heat storage heat exchanger 241 becomes a liquid refrigerant or liquid refrigerant at a lower temperature.

Then, this lower temperature liquid refrigerant or liquid refrigerant is sent to the first electric expansion valve EV1 via the second electric expansion valve EV2 and the first HL connection point HC1. The liquid refrigerant sent to the first electric expansion valve EV1 is decompressed and then supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 271 to cool the indoor air and evaporate into a gas refrigerant.
The gas refrigerant passes through the second BL connection point BC2, the first electromagnetic valve SV1, the second HL connection point HC2, the second gas side closing valve 232, the four-way switching valve 213, and the gas-liquid separator 214, It is sucked into the compressor 211 again. In this way, the cooling operation using ice heat storage is performed.

(4) Heating operation During the heating operation, the four-way switching valve 213 is in the state indicated by the broken line in FIG. 5, that is, the discharge side of the compressor 211 is connected to the second gas side shut-off valve 232, and the compressor 211 The suction side is connected to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 212 via the gas-liquid separator 214. Further, the first electric expansion valve EV1 is SC-controlled, and the second electric expansion valve EV2 is fully closed. When the first electric expansion valve EV1 is SC-controlled, the valve opening degree of the first electric expansion valve EV1 is changed from the refrigerant temperature on the gas side of the indoor heat exchanger 271 to the refrigerant on the liquid side of the indoor heat exchanger 271. The difference obtained by subtracting the temperature is adjusted to be a constant negative value (for example, −5 ° C.). Further, the first solenoid valve SV1, the second solenoid valve SV2, the third solenoid valve SV3, the fourth solenoid valve SV4, and the fifth solenoid valve SV5 are turned off and closed (see FIG. 6). And the liquid side closing valve 233, the 1st gas side closing valve 231, and the 2nd gas side closing valve 232 are made into an open state.

When the compressor 211 is started in the state of the refrigerant circuit 20, after the gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 211 and compressed, the discharge pipe 226, the four-way switching valve 213, the second gas side shut-off valve 232, the second It is supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 271 via the 2HL connection point HC2, the first check valve 261, and the second BL connection point BC2.
The gas refrigerant heats the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger 271 and is condensed to become a liquid refrigerant. This liquid refrigerant is sent to the first electric expansion valve EV1. After the pressure of the liquid refrigerant sent to the first electric expansion valve EV1 is reduced, outdoor heat exchange is performed via the first HL connection point HC1, the fifth check valve 265, the first IL connection point IC1, and the liquid side closing valve 233. Sent to the vessel 212 and evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 212 to become a gas refrigerant. The gas refrigerant returns to the suction pipe 225 via the first BL connection point BC1, the four-way switching valve 213, and the gas-liquid separator 214, and is again sucked into the compressor 211. In this way, the heating operation is performed.

(5) Heating / temperature storage operation At the time of heating / temperature storage operation, the four-way switching valve 213 is in the state indicated by the broken line in FIG. In addition, the suction side of the compressor 211 is connected to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 212 via the gas-liquid separator 214. The first electric expansion valve EV1 is SC-controlled, and the second electric expansion valve EV2 is in a state of maintaining a predetermined opening degree. When the first electric expansion valve EV1 is SC-controlled, the valve opening degree of the first electric expansion valve EV1 is changed from the refrigerant temperature on the gas side of the indoor heat exchanger 271 to the refrigerant on the liquid side of the indoor heat exchanger 271. The difference obtained by subtracting the temperature is adjusted to be a constant negative value (for example, −5 ° C.). Further, the first electromagnetic valve SV1, the second electromagnetic valve SV2, the third electromagnetic valve SV3, the fourth electromagnetic valve SV4, and the fifth electromagnetic valve SV5 are turned off and closed (see FIG. 6). And the liquid side closing valve 233, the 1st gas side closing valve 231, and the 2nd gas side closing valve 232 are made into an open state.

  When the compressor 211 is started in the state of the refrigerant circuit 20, after the gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 211 and compressed, the discharge pipe 226, the four-way switching valve 213, and the second gas side closing valve 232 are opened. Via the second HL connection point HC2. Then, the gas refrigerant that has reached the second HL connection point HC2 then passes through the first check valve 261 and the second BL connection point BC2, the first route that is the route toward the indoor heat exchanger 271, and the third reverse It is distributed to the second path which is the path toward the heat storage heat exchanger 241 via the stop valve 263 and the second IL connection point IC2.

The gas refrigerant distributed to the first path heats the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger 271 and is condensed to become a liquid refrigerant. This liquid refrigerant is sent to the first electric expansion valve EV1. The liquid refrigerant sent to the first electric expansion valve EV1 is depressurized and then sent to the first HL connection point HC1.
On the other hand, the gas refrigerant distributed to the second path heats the heat storage water in the heat storage heat exchanger 241 and is condensed to become a liquid refrigerant. At this time, the heat storage water accumulates the heat supplied from the gas refrigerant as sensible heat. Thereafter, the liquid refrigerant is sent to the second electric expansion valve EV2. The liquid refrigerant sent to the second electric expansion valve EV2 is depressurized and then sent to the first HL connection point HC1.

  The liquid refrigerant that reaches the first HL connection point HC1 via the first electric expansion valve EV1 and the liquid refrigerant that reaches the first HL connection point HC1 via the second electric expansion valve EV2 are first HL connection. After merging at the point, it is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 212 via the fifth check valve 265, the first IL connection point IC1, and the liquid side closing valve 233, and is evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 212 to become a gas refrigerant. . The gas refrigerant returns to the suction pipe 225 via the first BL connection point BC1, the four-way switching valve 213, and the gas-liquid separator 214, and is again sucked into the compressor 211.

This heating / heat storage operation is mainly performed when the air conditioner 2 is started, and automatically when the value of the temperature sensor for temperature detection of the heat storage water provided in the heat storage water tank 242 exceeds a predetermined threshold value. It is designed to switch to heating operation.
(6) Defrost operation During the defrost operation, the four-way switching valve 213 is in the state indicated by the solid line in FIG. 5, that is, the discharge pipe 226 of the compressor 211 is connected to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 212 and is compressed. The suction pipe 225 of the machine 211 is connected to the second gas side shut-off valve 232 side via the gas-liquid separator 214. Further, the first electric expansion valve EV1 is maintained in a predetermined opening degree, and the second electric expansion valve EV2 is fully closed. In addition, the first solenoid valve SV1, the third solenoid valve SV3, and the fifth solenoid valve SV5 are turned on and opened, and the second solenoid valve SV2 and the fourth solenoid valve SV4 are turned off and closed ( (See FIG. 6). And the liquid side closing valve 233, the 1st gas side closing valve 231, and the 2nd gas side closing valve 232 are made into an open state.

When the compressor 211 is started in the state of the refrigerant circuit 20, the gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 211 and compressed, and then passes through the discharge pipe 226, the four-way switching valve 213, and the first BL connection point BC1. Then, it is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 212 to melt and condense frost adhering to the outer surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 212 to become a liquid refrigerant.
Then, the liquid refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 212 is sent to the first electric expansion valve EV1 via the liquid side closing valve 233, the first IL connection point IC1, the fifth electromagnetic valve SV5, and the first HL connection point HC1. It is done. The liquid refrigerant sent to the first electric expansion valve EV1 is decompressed and then supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 271. The air around the indoor heat exchanger 271 is cooled and evaporated to become a gas refrigerant. At this time, the indoor fan is controlled not to be driven so as not to actively cool the air-conditioned room.

The gas refrigerant passes through the second BL connection point BC2, the first electromagnetic valve SV1, the second HL connection point HC2, the second gas side closing valve 232, the four-way switching valve 213, and the gas-liquid separator 214, It is sucked into the compressor 211 again.
The defrost operation is switched based on parameters such as the temperature of the outer surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 212 and the outside air temperature. In addition, this defrost operation is intermittently performed with the heating operation or the like so that frost does not adhere to the indoor heat exchanger 271.

(7) Heating / Defrost Operation During the heating / defrost operation, the four-way switching valve 213 is in the state indicated by the solid line in FIG. 5, that is, the discharge pipe 226 of the compressor 211 is connected to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 212. In addition, the suction pipe 225 of the compressor 211 is connected to the second gas side shut-off valve 232 side via the gas-liquid separator 214. Further, the first electric expansion valve EV1 is fully opened, and the second electric expansion valve EV2 is subjected to high pressure control (hereinafter referred to as HP control). When the second electric expansion valve EV2 is HP-controlled, the valve opening degree of the second electric expansion valve EV2 is adjusted so that the discharge pressure of the compressor 211 becomes a predetermined value or more. Further, the first electromagnetic valve SV1 and the fourth electromagnetic valve SV4 are turned off to be closed, and the second electromagnetic valve SV2, the third electromagnetic valve SV3, and the fifth electromagnetic valve SV5 are turned on to be opened ( (See FIG. 6). And the liquid side closing valve 233, the 1st gas side closing valve 231, and the 2nd gas side closing valve 232 are made into an open state.

  When the compressor 211 is started in the state of the refrigerant circuit 20, the gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 211 and compressed, and then passes through the discharge pipe 226 and the four-way switching valve 213 to the first BL connection point BC1. It reaches. Then, the gas refrigerant that has reached the first BL connection point BC1 is a path toward the indoor heat exchanger 271 via the first gas side shut-off valve 231, the second switching mechanism OC2, and the second BL connection point BC2. The third path and the fourth path, which is a path toward the outdoor heat exchanger 212, are distributed.

The gas refrigerant distributed to the third path heats the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger 271 and is condensed to become a liquid refrigerant. This liquid refrigerant reaches the first HL connection point HC1 via the first electric expansion valve EV1.
On the other hand, the gas refrigerant distributed to the fourth path melts frost adhering to the outer surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 212 and is condensed to become a liquid refrigerant. This liquid refrigerant reaches the first HL connection point HC1 via the liquid side shut-off valve 233, the first IL connection point IC1, and the fifth electromagnetic valve SV5.

  Then, the liquid refrigerant that reaches the first HL connection point HC1 via the first electric expansion valve EV1, and the first HL connection point via the liquid side closing valve 233, the first IL connection point IC1, and the fifth electromagnetic valve SV5. The liquid refrigerant that has reached HC1 joins at the first HL connection point HC1, and then is sent to the heat storage heat exchanger 241 via the second electric expansion valve EV2, and accumulates heat in the heat storage heat exchanger 241. It is evaporated by the heat storage water and becomes a gas refrigerant. Thereafter, the gas refrigerant passes through the second IL connection point IC2, the third electromagnetic valve SV3, the second HL connection point HC2, the second gas side closing valve 232, the four-way switching valve 213, and the gas-liquid separator 214, It returns to the suction pipe 225 and is sucked into the compressor 211 again.

The refrigerant circuit 20 is filled with refrigerant so that liquid refrigerant is accumulated in the outdoor heat exchanger 212 during heating and defrosting operation. For this reason, the refrigerant becomes surplus during other operations, but this surplus refrigerant is mainly stored in the gas-liquid separator 214.
The heating / defrost operation is switched based on parameters such as the temperature of the outer surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 212 and the outside air temperature. Moreover, this defrost operation is performed continuously for a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes).

[Characteristics of air conditioner]
(1)
In the air conditioner 2 according to the second embodiment, the bypass line 2b is provided in the refrigerant circuit 20, and the high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor 211 is exchanged between the outdoor heat exchanger 212 and the indoor heat exchanger 271. It is supplied to both, and it is possible to create a state in which both the outdoor heat exchanger 212 and the indoor heat exchanger 271 function as a condenser. For this reason, in this air conditioning apparatus 2, the heating and defrost operation which performs heating operation simultaneously with removing the frost adhering to the outer surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 212 is realizable.

(2)
In the air conditioner 2 according to the second embodiment, the refrigerant circuit 20 is filled with the refrigerant so that the liquid refrigerant is accumulated in the outdoor heat exchanger 212 in the heating and defrost operation. For this reason, in this air conditioner 2, in the heating and defrost operation, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the condensation temperature and the condensation pressure of the discharged refrigerant flowing to the indoor heat exchanger 271. A decrease in heating capacity can be suppressed.

(3)
In the air conditioner 2 according to the second embodiment, in the heating and defrost state, the refrigerant that has flowed out of the indoor heat exchanger 271 and the refrigerant that has flowed out of the outdoor heat exchanger 212 merge to pass through the heat storage heat exchanger 241. And sucked into the compressor 211. For this reason, in this air conditioning apparatus 2, in the heating and defrost state, the refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 271 and the refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger 212 are collectively evaporated by the heat storage heat exchanger 241. Can do. Therefore, in this air conditioning apparatus 2, the structure of the refrigerant circuit 20 can be simplified.

(4)
In the air conditioner 2 according to the second embodiment, the gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 211 is distributed to the indoor heat exchanger 271 and the heat storage heat exchanger 241 in the heating and heat storage state. For this reason, in this air conditioning apparatus 2, it is possible to accumulate heat in the heat storage material simultaneously with performing the heating operation. Therefore, in this air conditioning apparatus 2, indoor heating can be performed continuously.

(5)
In the air conditioner 2 according to the second embodiment, in the heating and heat storage state, the refrigerant that has flowed out of the indoor heat exchanger 271 and the refrigerant that has flowed out of the heat storage heat exchanger 241 merge to form the outdoor heat exchanger 212. And is sucked into the compressor 211. For this reason, in this air conditioner 2, the refrigerant that has flowed out of the indoor heat exchanger 271 and the refrigerant that has flowed out of the heat storage heat exchanger 241 are collectively evaporated by the outdoor heat exchanger 212 in the heating and heat storage state. be able to. Therefore, in this air conditioning apparatus 2, the structure of the refrigerant circuit 20 can be simplified.

(6)
In the air conditioner 2 according to the second embodiment, the refrigerant circuit 20 includes a four-way switching valve 213 and a first electromagnetic valve SV1. For this reason, in this air conditioning apparatus 2, the flow of the refrigerant can be appropriately controlled between the heating / temperature storage operation and the heating / defrost operation.
(7)
In the air conditioner 2 according to the second embodiment, the refrigerant circuit 20 can be switched to the cooling operation by the first opening / closing mechanism OC1 and the second opening / closing mechanism OC2, and has the second electromagnetic valve SV2. For this reason, in this air conditioning apparatus 2, the flow of the refrigerant can be appropriately controlled between the heating / defrost operation and the cooling operation.

(8)
In the air conditioner 2 according to the second embodiment, the gas-liquid separator 214 stores surplus refrigerant generated during an operation other than the heating and defrost operation. For this reason, in the air conditioning apparatus 2, while ensuring sufficient heating capability in heating and defrost operation, normal operation | movement can be ensured in another operation.

(9)
In the air conditioner 2 according to the second embodiment, a gas-liquid separator 214 is employed to store surplus refrigerant generated during an operation other than the heating and defrost operation. For this reason, in the air conditioning apparatus 2, the structure of the refrigerant circuit 20 can be made simple.
(10)
In the air conditioner 2 according to the second embodiment, since the ice heat storage unit 24 is employed as the heat storage unit, an ice heat storage operation and an ice heat storage cooling operation can be performed. For this reason, in this air conditioner 2, the power peak can be adjusted in an environment where cooling operation is required, such as in summer.

[Modification]
(A)
The first opening / closing mechanism OC1 disposed in the main refrigerant circuit 2a of the air conditioner 2 according to the second embodiment is replaced with a bidirectional solenoid valve as shown in the modification (A) of the first embodiment. It doesn't matter. Similarly, the third opening / closing mechanism OC3 and the fifth opening / closing mechanism OC5 may be replaced with bidirectional solenoid valves.

(B)
The first opening / closing mechanism OC1 and the second opening / closing mechanism OC2 arranged in the main refrigerant circuit 2a of the air conditioner 2 according to the second embodiment are arranged in four ways as shown in the modification (B) of the first embodiment. It may be replaced with a switching valve and a capillary tube.
(C)
Even if the air conditioner 2A as shown in FIG. 7 is employed instead of the air conditioner 2 according to the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the present invention can be obtained.

  In the air conditioner 2 according to the second embodiment, the fifth opening / closing mechanism OC5 is arranged between the first HL connection point HC1 and the first IL connection point IC1 in the main refrigerant circuit 2a constituting the refrigerant circuit 20, and the refrigerant circuit 20 The fourth opening / closing mechanism OC4 is arranged in the use line 2d constituting the. On the other hand, in the air conditioner 2A according to this modification, the four-way switching valve 243 and the capillary tube 244 are arranged at the connection point between the main refrigerant circuit 2Aa and the use line 2d. The four-way switching valve 243 and the capillary tube 244 belong to the ice heat storage unit 24A. Further, in this refrigerant circuit 20A, the four-way switching valve 243 is indicated by a solid line in FIG. In the cooling state using ice storage heat storage, the state shown by the broken line in FIG. 7 is set.

<Third Embodiment>
[Configuration of air conditioner]
FIG. 8 shows a schematic refrigerant circuit 30A of the air conditioner 3A according to the embodiment of the present invention.
This air conditioner 3A is an air conditioner that can be used not only for cooling operation and heating operation but also for defrost operation, heating and heat storage operation, and heating and defrost operation (for cold districts where the temperature is below freezing in winter etc.) An air conditioner), which includes a refrigerant circuit 30A including a main refrigerant circuit 30a, a bypass line 30b, a heat storage line 30c, and a degassing line 30d.

The main refrigerant circuit 30a is mainly provided with a compressor 311, a four-way switching valve 313, an outdoor heat exchanger 312, a first electric expansion valve EV1, an indoor heat exchanger 371, and a first opening / closing mechanism OC1. As shown in FIG. 8, each device is connected via a refrigerant pipe.
The bypass line 30b has one end connected to a refrigerant pipe (hereinafter referred to as a first outdoor refrigerant gas pipe) connecting the four-way switching valve 313 and the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 312, and the other end connected to the first opening / closing mechanism OC1. The main refrigerant circuit 30a is connected by pipe connection to a refrigerant pipe (hereinafter referred to as an indoor side refrigerant gas pipe) connecting the gas side of the indoor heat exchanger 371. Hereinafter, a connection point between the bypass line 30b and the first outdoor refrigerant gas pipe is referred to as a first BL connection point BC1, and a connection point between the bypass line 30b and the indoor refrigerant gas pipe is referred to as a second BL connection point BC2. The bypass line 30b is provided with a second opening / closing mechanism OC2.

  One end of the heat storage line 30c is connected to a refrigerant pipe (hereinafter referred to as indoor refrigerant liquid pipe) connecting the first electric expansion valve EV1 and the indoor heat exchanger 371, and the other end is connected to the first opening / closing mechanism OC1 and the four-way switching valve. The main refrigerant circuit 30a is connected to the main refrigerant circuit 30a by pipe connection to a refrigerant pipe (hereinafter referred to as a second outdoor-side refrigerant gas pipe) connected to the H.313. Hereinafter, the connection point between the heat storage line 30c and the indoor refrigerant liquid pipe is referred to as a first HL connection point HC1, and the connection point between the heat storage line 30c and the second outdoor refrigerant gas pipe is referred to as a second HL connection point HC2. The heat storage line 30c is provided with a third opening / closing mechanism OC3, a heat storage heat exchanger 341, a modulator 343, and a second electric expansion valve EV2. Each device is connected from the second HL connection point HC2 to the first HL connection point. It is connected to the HC1 through the refrigerant pipe in the above order.

  One end of the gas vent line 30d is connected to a refrigerant pipe (hereinafter referred to as a gas pipe bypass pipe) that connects the third opening / closing mechanism OC3 and the second HL connection point HC2 at one end to the upper portion of the modulator 343. To the main refrigerant circuit 30a and the heat storage line 30c. Hereinafter, a connection point between the gas vent line 30d and the gas pipe bypass pipe is referred to as a GL connection point GC. A capillary tube 364 is provided in the gas vent line 30d.

  In this embodiment, the air conditioner 3A is a separation type air conditioner, and includes an indoor unit 37a mainly including an indoor heat exchanger 371, a refrigerant gas pipe 381, and a refrigerant liquid pipe 382, and a heat storage apparatus. Heat exchanger 341, heat storage tank 342, second electric expansion valve EV2, modulator 343, capillary tube 364, first opening / closing mechanism OC1, second opening / closing mechanism OC2, third opening / closing mechanism OC3, first refrigerant gas pipe 351, second A heat storage unit 34A mainly including a refrigerant gas pipe 353 and a refrigerant liquid pipe 352, a compressor 311, a four-way switching valve 313, an outdoor heat exchanger 312, a first electric expansion valve EV 1, a first refrigerant gas pipe 321, Two refrigerant gas pipes 323 and an outdoor unit 31A mainly having a refrigerant liquid pipe 322, a refrigerant liquid pipe 382 and a heat storage unit of the indoor unit 37a A first refrigerant communication pipe 387 connecting the 4A refrigerant liquid pipe 352, a second refrigerant communication pipe 386 connecting the refrigerant gas pipe 381 of the indoor unit 37a and the refrigerant gas pipe 351 of the heat storage unit 34A, and the heat storage unit 34A. The refrigerant liquid pipe 352 of the outdoor unit 31A and the refrigerant liquid pipe 322 of the outdoor unit 31A, the first refrigerant gas pipe 351 of the heat storage unit 34A, and the first refrigerant gas pipe 321 of the outdoor unit 31A. The fourth refrigerant communication pipe 336, the second refrigerant gas pipe 353 of the heat storage unit 34A, and the fifth refrigerant communication pipe 335 connecting the second refrigerant gas pipe 323 of the outdoor unit 31A can be said. The refrigerant liquid pipe 322 and the third refrigerant communication pipe 337 of the outdoor unit 31A are connected to the first refrigerant gas pipe 321 and the fourth refrigerant communication pipe 336 of the outdoor unit 31A via the liquid side shut-off valve 333 of the outdoor unit 31A. Through the second gas side shut-off valve 332 of the outdoor unit 31A, and the second refrigerant gas pipe 323 and the fifth refrigerant communication pipe 335 of the outdoor unit 31A through the first gas side shut-off valve 331 of the outdoor unit 31A, respectively. It is connected.

When the air conditioner 3A according to the present embodiment is viewed in units as described above, the first BL connection point BC1 belongs to the outdoor unit 31A, and the second BL connection point BC2, the first HL connection point HC1, and the second HL connection point. The HC2 and GL connection point GC belongs to the heat storage unit 34A.
(1) Indoor unit The indoor unit 37a mainly includes an indoor heat exchanger 371, an indoor fan (not shown), a refrigerant gas pipe 381, and a refrigerant liquid pipe 382.

The indoor heat exchanger 371 is a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between indoor air that is air in the air-conditioned room and the refrigerant.
The indoor fan is a fan for taking in air in the air-conditioned room into the unit 37a and sending out conditioned air, which is air after heat exchange with the refrigerant via the indoor heat exchanger 371, to the air-conditioned room again.

  By adopting such a configuration, the indoor unit 37a exchanges heat between the indoor air taken in by the indoor fan and the liquid refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 371 during the cooling operation, thereby conditioned air (cold air). ) In the heating operation, in the heating / heat storage operation, and in the heating / defrost operation, the indoor air taken in by the indoor fan and the gas refrigerant flowing in the indoor heat exchanger 371 are heat-exchanged to conditioned air ( It is possible to generate (warm air).

(2) Heat storage unit The heat storage unit 34A mainly includes a heat storage heat exchanger 341, a heat storage tank 342, a second electric expansion valve EV2, a modulator 343, a capillary tube 364, a first opening / closing mechanism OC1, a second opening / closing mechanism OC2, It has a third opening / closing mechanism OC3, a first refrigerant gas pipe 351, a second refrigerant gas pipe 353, and a refrigerant liquid pipe 352.

The heat storage heat exchanger 341 is provided between the heat storage material (for example, polyethylene glycol, threitol, paraffin, sodium acetate trihydrate, sodium sulfate decahydrate, etc.) stored in the heat storage tank 342 and the refrigerant. It is a heat exchanger for causing heat exchange.
The modulator 343 is a device for storing surplus refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit 30A is filled with the refrigerant so that the liquid refrigerant is accumulated in the outdoor heat exchanger 312 during the heating and defrosting operation. For this reason, the refrigerant becomes surplus during other operations. It is the duty of this modulator 343 to store this excess refrigerant.

  The first opening / closing mechanism OC1 includes a first electromagnetic valve SV1 and a first check valve 361 that can be opened and closed. In the first opening / closing mechanism OC1, the first electromagnetic valve SV1 and the first check valve 361 are arranged in parallel to the refrigerant flow. The first check valve 361 is attached so as to allow only the refrigerant flow from the second gas side shut-off valve 332 to the second BL connection point BC2 in a state where the units 31a, 34A, and 37a are connected. ing.

  The second opening / closing mechanism OC2 includes a second electromagnetic valve SV2 and a second check valve 362 that can be opened and closed. In the second opening / closing mechanism OC2, the second electromagnetic valve SV2 and the second check valve 362 are arranged in series with respect to the refrigerant flow. At this time, the second solenoid valve SV2 is disposed on the first BL connection point BC1 side, and the second check valve 362 is disposed on the second BL connection point BC2 side. The second check valve 362 is attached so as to allow only the refrigerant flow from the first gas side shut-off valve 331 to the second BL connection point BC2 in a state where the units 31a, 34A, and 37a are connected. ing.

The third opening / closing mechanism OC3 includes a third electromagnetic valve SV3 and a third check valve 363 that can be opened and closed. In the third opening / closing mechanism OC3, the third electromagnetic valve SV3 and the third check valve 363 are arranged in parallel to the refrigerant flow. The third check valve 363 is attached so as to allow only the flow of the refrigerant from the GL connection point GC toward the heat storage heat exchanger 341.
By adopting such a configuration, the heat storage unit 34A accumulates the heat of the gas refrigerant flowing through the heat storage heat exchanger 341 in the heat storage material during the heating and temperature storage operation, and also during the heating and defrost operation. The liquid refrigerant can be evaporated by supplying the liquid refrigerant flowing through the heat storage heat exchanger 341 to the warm heat accumulated in the heat storage material. In addition, this heat storage material has a melting point of about 30 ° C. to 40 ° C., and can store warm heat as latent heat.

(3) Outdoor unit The outdoor unit 31A mainly includes a four-way switching valve 313, a compressor 311, an outdoor heat exchanger 312, a first electric expansion valve EV1, a first refrigerant gas pipe 321, a second refrigerant gas pipe 323, And a refrigerant liquid pipe 322.
The compressor 311 is a device for sucking and compressing the low-pressure gas refrigerant flowing through the suction pipe 325 and then discharging it to the discharge pipe 326. In the present embodiment, the compressor 311 is a positive displacement compressor such as a scroll type or a rotary type.

  The four-way switching valve 313 is a valve for switching the flow direction of the refrigerant corresponding to each operation. During the cooling operation, the defrost operation, and the heating and defrost operation, the discharge pipe 326 and the outdoor heat of the compressor 311 are used. The gas side of the exchanger 312 is connected and the suction pipe 325 of the compressor 311 and the second gas side shut-off valve 332 are connected. During the heating operation and the heating / heat storage operation, the discharge pipe 326 of the compressor 311 It is possible to connect the two-gas side closing valve 332 and connect the suction pipe 325 of the compressor 311 and the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 312.

The outdoor heat exchanger 312 can condense the high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 311 during the cooling operation using air outside the air-conditioning room as a heat source, and return from the indoor heat exchanger 371 during the heating operation. It is possible to evaporate the refrigerant returning from the indoor heat exchanger 371 and the heat storage heat exchanger 341 during the heating and temperature storage operation.
[Operation of air conditioner]
The operation of the air conditioner 3A will be described with reference to FIGS. As described above, the air conditioner 3A can perform the cooling operation, the heating operation, the heating / heat storage operation, the defrost operation, and the heating / defrost operation.

(1) Cooling operation During cooling operation, the four-way switching valve 313 is in the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 8, that is, the discharge pipe 326 of the compressor 311 is connected to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 312 and The suction pipe 325 of the machine 311 is connected to the second gas side closing valve 332 side. Further, the first electric expansion valve EV1 is superheated (hereinafter referred to as SH control), and the second electric expansion valve EV2 is fully opened. When the first electric expansion valve EV1 is SH-controlled, the opening degree of the first electric expansion valve EV1 is changed from the refrigerant temperature on the gas side of the indoor heat exchanger 371 to the refrigerant on the liquid side of the indoor heat exchanger 371. The difference obtained by subtracting the temperature is adjusted to be a constant positive value (for example, + 5 ° C.). Further, the first electromagnetic valve SV1 is turned on and opened, and the second electromagnetic valve SV2 and the third electromagnetic valve SV3 are turned off and closed (see FIG. 9). And the liquid side closing valve 333, the 1st gas side closing valve 331, and the 2nd gas side closing valve 332 are made into an open state.

When the compressor 311 is started in the state of the refrigerant circuit 30A, the gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 311 and compressed, and then passes through the discharge pipe 326, the four-way switching valve 313, and the first BL connection point BC1. Is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 312 and condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 312 to become a liquid refrigerant.
Then, this liquid refrigerant is sent to the first electric expansion valve EV1. The liquid refrigerant sent to the first electric expansion valve EV1 is decompressed and then supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 371 via the liquid-side closing valve 333 and the first HL connection point HC1, thereby cooling and evaporating the indoor air. Gas refrigerant. The gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 311 again via the second BL connection point BC2, the first electromagnetic valve SV1, the second HL connection point HC2, the second gas side closing valve 332, and the four-way switching valve 313. The In this way, the cooling operation is performed.

(2) Heating operation During the heating operation, the four-way switching valve 313 is in the state indicated by the broken line in FIG. 8, that is, the discharge side of the compressor 311 is connected to the second gas side shut-off valve 332, and the compressor 311 The suction side is connected to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 312. Further, the first electric expansion valve EV1 is SH-controlled, and the second electric expansion valve EV2 is fully closed. When the first electric expansion valve EV1 is SH-controlled, the valve opening degree of the first electric expansion valve EV1 is changed from the refrigerant temperature on the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 312 to the refrigerant on the liquid side of the outdoor heat exchanger 312. The difference obtained by subtracting the temperature is adjusted to be a constant positive value (for example, + 5 ° C.). Further, the first electromagnetic valve SV1, the second electromagnetic valve SV2, and the third electromagnetic valve SV3 are turned off and closed (see FIG. 9). And the liquid side closing valve 333, the 1st gas side closing valve 331, and the 2nd gas side closing valve 332 are made into an open state.

  When the compressor 311 is started in the state of the refrigerant circuit 30A, the gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 311 and compressed, and then the discharge pipe 326, the four-way switching valve 313, the second gas side closing valve 332, the second The 2HL connection point HC2, the first check valve 361, and the second BL connection point BC2 are supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 371. In the indoor heat exchanger 371, the indoor air is heated and condensed to be liquid refrigerant. Become. The liquid refrigerant is sent to the first electric expansion valve EV1 via the first HL connection point HC1 and the liquid side closing valve 333. The liquid refrigerant sent to the first electric expansion valve EV1 is depressurized and then sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 312 and is evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 312 to become a gas refrigerant. The gas refrigerant returns to the suction pipe 325 via the first BL connection point BC1 and the four-way switching valve 313, and is again sucked into the compressor 311. In this way, the heating operation is performed.

(3) Heating / temperature storage operation At the time of heating / temperature storage operation, the four-way switching valve 313 is in the state indicated by the broken line in FIG. 8, that is, the discharge side of the compressor 311 is connected to the second gas-side closing valve 332, In addition, the suction side of the compressor 311 is connected to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 312. Further, the first electric expansion valve EV1 is SH-controlled, and the second electric expansion valve EV2 is in a state of maintaining a predetermined opening degree. When the first electric expansion valve EV1 is SH-controlled, the valve opening degree of the first electric expansion valve EV1 is changed from the refrigerant temperature on the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 312 to the refrigerant on the liquid side of the outdoor heat exchanger 312. The difference obtained by subtracting the temperature is adjusted to be a constant positive value (for example, + 5 ° C.). Further, the first electromagnetic valve SV1, the second electromagnetic valve SV2, and the third electromagnetic valve SV3 are turned off and closed (see FIG. 9). And the liquid side closing valve 333, the 1st gas side closing valve 331, and the 2nd gas side closing valve 332 are made into an open state.

  When the compressor 311 is started in the state of the refrigerant circuit 30A, the gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 311 and compressed, and then the discharge pipe 326, the four-way switching valve 313, and the second gas side closing valve 332 are opened. Via the second HL connection point HC2. The gas refrigerant that has reached the second HL connection point HC2 then passes through the first check valve 361 and the second BL connection point BC2 to the indoor heat exchanger 371, and the GC connection point. It is distributed to the second path, which is the path toward the heat storage heat exchanger 341 via the GC and the third check valve 363.

The gas refrigerant distributed to the first path heats indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger 371 and is condensed to become a liquid refrigerant and reaches the first HL connection point HC1.
On the other hand, the gas refrigerant distributed to the second path heats the heat storage material in the heat storage heat exchanger 341 and is condensed to become a liquid refrigerant. At this time, the heat storage material undergoes a phase transition from the solid phase to the liquid phase, and mainly accumulates the heat supplied from the gas refrigerant as latent heat. Thereafter, the liquid refrigerant is sent to the second electric expansion valve EV2 via the modulator 343. The liquid refrigerant sent to the second electric expansion valve EV2 is depressurized and then sent to the first HL connection point HC1.

  Then, the liquid refrigerant that reaches the first HL connection point HC1 from the indoor heat exchanger 371 and the liquid refrigerant that reaches the first HL connection point HC1 via the second electric expansion valve EV2 merge at the first HL connection point. After that, it is sent to the first electric expansion valve EV1 via the liquid side closing valve 333. The liquid refrigerant sent to the first electric expansion valve EV1 is depressurized and then sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 312 and is evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 312 to become a gas refrigerant. This gas refrigerant returns to the suction pipe 325 via the first BL connection point BC1 and the four-way switching valve 313, and is again sucked into the compressor 311.

This heating / heat storage operation is mainly performed when the air conditioner 3A is activated, and automatically when the value of the temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heat storage material provided in the heat storage tank 342 exceeds a predetermined threshold value. It is designed to switch to heating operation.
(4) Defrost operation During the defrost operation, the four-way switching valve 313 is in the state indicated by the solid line in FIG. 8, that is, the discharge pipe 326 of the compressor 311 is connected to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 312 and The suction pipe 325 of the machine 311 is connected to the second gas side closing valve 332 side. Further, the first electric expansion valve EV1 and the second electric expansion valve EV2 are in a state of maintaining a predetermined opening degree. Further, the first electromagnetic valve SV1 is turned on and opened, and the second electromagnetic valve SV2 and the third electromagnetic valve SV3 are turned off and closed (see FIG. 9). And the liquid side closing valve 333, the 1st gas side closing valve 331, and the 2nd gas side closing valve 332 are made into an open state.

When the compressor 311 is started in the state of the refrigerant circuit 30A, the gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 311 and compressed, and then passes through the discharge pipe 326, the four-way switching valve 313, and the first BL connection point BC1. It is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 312 to melt and condense frost adhering to the outer surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 312 to become a liquid refrigerant.
Then, the liquid refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 312 is sent to the first electric expansion valve EV1. The liquid refrigerant sent to the first electric expansion valve EV1 is depressurized and then supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 371 via the liquid side closing valve 333 and the first HL connection point HC1, and around the indoor heat exchanger 371. Air is cooled and evaporated to become a gas refrigerant. At this time, the indoor fan is controlled not to be driven so as not to actively cool the air-conditioned room.

Then, the gas refrigerant passes through the second BL connection point BC2, the first electromagnetic valve SV1, the second HL connection point HC2, the second gas side closing valve 332, and the four-way switching valve 313, and again enters the compressor 311. Inhaled.
The defrosting operation is switched based on parameters such as the temperature of the outer surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 312 and the outside air temperature. Moreover, this defrost operation is intermittently performed between the heating operation and the like so that frost does not adhere to the indoor heat exchanger 371.

(5) Heating / Defrost Operation During heating / defrost operation, the four-way switching valve 313 is in the state indicated by the solid line in FIG. In addition, the suction pipe 325 of the compressor 311 is connected to the second gas side closing valve 332 side. The first electric expansion valve EV1 is maintained in a predetermined opening degree, and the second electric expansion valve EV2 is SH-controlled. When the second electric expansion valve EV2 is SH-controlled, the valve opening degree of the second electric expansion valve EV2 is changed from the refrigerant temperature on the gas side of the heat storage heat exchanger 341 to the liquid side of the heat storage heat exchanger 341. The difference obtained by subtracting the temperature of the refrigerant at is adjusted so as to be a constant positive value (for example, + 5 ° C.). Further, the first electromagnetic valve SV1 is turned off and closed, and the second electromagnetic valve SV2 and the third electromagnetic valve SV3 are turned on and opened (see FIG. 9). And the liquid side closing valve 333, the 1st gas side closing valve 331, and the 2nd gas side closing valve 332 are made into an open state.

  When the compressor 311 is started in the state of the refrigerant circuit 30A, the gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 311 and compressed, and then passes through the discharge pipe 326 and the four-way switching valve 313 to the first BL connection point BC1. It reaches. Then, the gas refrigerant that has reached the first BL connection point BC1 is a path toward the indoor heat exchanger 371 via the first gas side closing valve 331, the second switching mechanism OC2, and the second BL connection point BC2. The third path and the fourth path, which is a path toward the outdoor heat exchanger 312, are distributed.

The gas refrigerant distributed to the third path heats the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger 371 and is condensed to become a liquid refrigerant, and reaches the first HL connection point HC1.
On the other hand, the gas refrigerant distributed to the fourth path melts frost adhering to the outer surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 312 and is condensed to become a liquid refrigerant, which is sent to the first electric expansion valve EV1. The liquid refrigerant sent to the first electric expansion valve EV1 reaches the first HL connection point HC1 via the liquid-side closing valve 333 after being decompressed.

  Then, the liquid refrigerant that reaches the first HL connection point HC1 from the indoor heat exchanger 371 and the liquid refrigerant that reaches the first HL connection point HC1 via the first electric expansion valve EV1 merge at the first HL connection point HC1. After that, it is sent to the second electric expansion valve EV2. The liquid refrigerant sent to the second electric expansion valve EV2 is depressurized and then sent to the heat storage heat exchanger 341 via the modulator 343, and is stored in the heat storage heat exchanger 341 by the heat storage material that accumulates the heat. It is evaporated to become a gas refrigerant. Thereafter, the gas refrigerant returns to the suction pipe 325 via the third electromagnetic valve SV3, the GL connection point GC, the second HL connection point HC2, the second gas side closing valve 332, and the four-way switching valve 313, and again. Then, it is sucked into the compressor 311.

The heating / defrost operation is switched based on parameters such as the temperature of the outer surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 312 and the outside air temperature. Moreover, this defrost operation is performed continuously for a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes).
[Characteristics of air conditioner]
(1)
In the air conditioner 3A according to the third embodiment, the bypass line 30b is provided in the refrigerant circuit 30A, and the high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor 311 is exchanged between the outdoor heat exchanger 312 and the indoor heat exchanger 371. It is supplied to both, and it is possible to create a state where both the outdoor heat exchanger 312 and the indoor heat exchanger 371 function as a condenser. For this reason, in this air conditioning apparatus 3A, the heating and defrosting operation in which the heating operation is performed simultaneously with the removal of frost adhering to the outer surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 312 can be realized.

(2)
In the air conditioning apparatus 3A according to the third embodiment, the refrigerant circuit 30A is filled with the refrigerant so that the liquid refrigerant is accumulated in the outdoor heat exchanger 312 in the heating and defrosting operation. For this reason, in this air conditioning apparatus 3A, in the heating and defrosting operation, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the condensation temperature and the condensation pressure of the discharged refrigerant flowing to the indoor heat exchanger 371, and the indoor heat exchanger 371 in the heating and defrosting operation A decrease in heating capacity can be suppressed.

(3)
In the air conditioner 3A according to the third embodiment, in the heating and defrost state, the refrigerant that has flowed out of the indoor heat exchanger 371 and the refrigerant that has flowed out of the outdoor heat exchanger 312 join together and pass through the heat storage heat exchanger 341. And sucked into the compressor 311. For this reason, in this air conditioner 3A, in the heating and defrost state, the refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 371 and the refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger 312 are collectively evaporated by the heat storage heat exchanger 341. Can do. Therefore, in this air conditioning apparatus 3A, the configuration of the refrigerant circuit 30A can be simplified.

(4)
In the air conditioner 3A according to the third embodiment, the gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 311 is distributed to the indoor heat exchanger 371 and the heat storage heat exchanger 341 in the heating and heat storage state. For this reason, in this air conditioning apparatus 3A, it is possible to accumulate heat in the heat storage material at the same time as performing the heating operation. Therefore, in this air conditioning apparatus 3A, indoor heating can be performed continuously.

(5)
In the air conditioner 3A according to the third embodiment, in the heating and temperature storage state, the refrigerant that has flowed out of the indoor heat exchanger 371 and the refrigerant that has flowed out of the heat storage heat exchanger 341 merge to form the outdoor heat exchanger 312. And is sucked into the compressor 311. For this reason, in this air conditioner 3A, the refrigerant that has flowed out of the indoor heat exchanger 371 and the refrigerant that has flowed out of the heat storage heat exchanger 341 are collectively evaporated by the outdoor heat exchanger 312 in the heating and heat storage state. be able to. Therefore, in this air conditioning apparatus 3A, the configuration of the refrigerant circuit 30A can be simplified.

(6)
In the air conditioner 3A according to the third embodiment, the refrigerant circuit 30A includes a four-way switching valve 313 and a second electromagnetic valve SV1. For this reason, in this air conditioning apparatus 3A, the flow of the refrigerant can be appropriately controlled between the heating / temperature heat storage operation and the heating / defrost operation.
(7)
In the air conditioner 3A according to the third embodiment, the refrigerant circuit 30A can be switched to the cooling operation by the first opening / closing mechanism OC1 and the second opening / closing mechanism OC2, and has the second electromagnetic valve SV2. For this reason, in this air conditioning apparatus 3A, the flow of the refrigerant can be appropriately controlled between the heating / defrost operation and the cooling operation.

(8)
In the air conditioner 3A according to the third embodiment, the modulator 343 stores surplus refrigerant generated during an operation other than the heating and defrost operation. For this reason, in the air conditioner 3A, it is possible to ensure a sufficient heating capacity in the heating and defrosting operation and to ensure a normal operation in other operations.

(9)
In the air conditioner 3A according to the third embodiment, a modulator 343 is employed to store surplus refrigerant generated during an operation other than the heating and defrost operation. For this reason, in the air conditioner 3A, it is possible to completely remove the excess refrigerant from the main refrigerant circuit 30a. Therefore, the air conditioner 3 can perform an appropriate operation in a cooling operation or a heating operation in which the refrigerant mainly flows in the main refrigerant circuit 30a.

[Modification]
(A)
The first opening / closing mechanism OC1 arranged in the main refrigerant circuit 30a of the air conditioner 3A according to the third embodiment is replaced with a bidirectional solenoid valve as shown in the modification (A) of the first embodiment. It doesn't matter.

(B)
The first opening / closing mechanism OC1 and the second opening / closing mechanism OC2 arranged in the main refrigerant circuit 30a of the air-conditioning apparatus 3A according to the third embodiment are arranged in four directions as shown in the modification (B) of the first embodiment. It may be replaced with a switching valve and a capillary tube.
<Fourth embodiment>
[Configuration of air conditioner]
FIG. 10 shows a schematic refrigerant circuit 40 of the air conditioner 4 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

  This air conditioner 4 is an air conditioner that can perform not only cooling operation and heating operation, but also ice storage operation, cooling operation using ice storage, defrost operation, heating and heat storage operation, and heating and defrost operation (air temperature in winter, etc.) Air conditioner for cold districts where the freezing point is below freezing point), and includes a refrigerant circuit 40 including a main refrigerant circuit 4a, a bypass line 4b, a heat storage line 4c, a utilization line 4d, and a degassing line 4e. Yes.

The main refrigerant circuit 4a mainly includes a compressor 411, a four-way switching valve 413, an outdoor heat exchanger 412, a first electric expansion valve EV1, a fifth opening / closing mechanism OC5, an indoor heat exchanger 471, and a first opening / closing mechanism OC1. As shown in FIG. 10, each device is connected via a refrigerant pipe.
The bypass line 4b has one end connected to a refrigerant pipe (hereinafter referred to as a first outdoor refrigerant gas pipe) connecting the four-way switching valve 413 and the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 412 and the other end connected to the first opening / closing mechanism OC1. The main refrigerant circuit 4a is connected by pipe connection to a refrigerant pipe (hereinafter referred to as an indoor side refrigerant gas pipe) connecting the gas side of the indoor heat exchanger 471. Hereinafter, the connection point between the bypass line 4b and the first outdoor refrigerant gas pipe is referred to as a first BL connection point BC1, and the connection point between the bypass line 4b and the indoor refrigerant gas pipe is referred to as a second BL connection point BC2. The bypass line 4b is provided with a second opening / closing mechanism OC2.

  One end of the heat storage line 4c is connected to a refrigerant pipe (hereinafter referred to as an indoor refrigerant liquid pipe) connecting the liquid side of the indoor heat exchanger 471 and the fifth opening / closing mechanism OC5, and the other end is connected to the first opening / closing mechanism OC1. The main refrigerant circuit 4a is connected by pipe connection to a refrigerant pipe (hereinafter referred to as a second outdoor side refrigerant gas pipe) connecting the switching valve 413. Hereinafter, a connection point between the heat storage line 4c and the indoor refrigerant liquid pipe is referred to as a first HL connection point HC1, and a connection point between the heat storage line 4c and the second outdoor refrigerant gas pipe is referred to as a second HL connection point HC2. The heat storage line 4c is provided with a third opening / closing mechanism OC3, a heat storage heat exchanger 441, a modulator 443, and a second electric expansion valve EV2, and each device is connected from the second HL connection point HC2 to the first HL connection point. It is connected to the HC1 through the refrigerant pipe in the above order.

  One end of the utilization line 4d is a refrigerant pipe (hereinafter referred to as an outdoor refrigerant liquid pipe) that connects the first electric expansion valve EV1 and the fifth opening / closing mechanism OC5, and the other end exchanges heat with the third opening / closing mechanism OC3. The main refrigerant circuit 4a and the heat storage line 4c are connected by pipe connection to a refrigerant pipe (hereinafter referred to as a first gas pipe side bypass pipe) that connects the container 441. Hereinafter, a connection point between the use line 4d and the outdoor refrigerant liquid pipe is referred to as a first IL connection point IC1, and a connection point between the use line 4d and the first gas pipe side bypass pipe is referred to as a second IL connection point IC2. A fourth opening / closing mechanism OC4 is provided in the use line 4d.

  The degassing line 4e has one end connected to the upper portion of the modulator 443 and the other end connected to a refrigerant pipe (hereinafter referred to as a second gas pipe side bypass pipe) connecting the third opening / closing mechanism OC3 and the second HL connection point HC2. Thus, the main refrigerant circuit 4a and the heat storage line 4c are connected. Hereinafter, a connection point between the gas vent line 4e and the second gas pipe side bypass pipe is referred to as a GL connection point GC. A capillary tube 464 is provided in the gas vent line 4e.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the air conditioning apparatus 4 is a separation-type air conditioning apparatus, and includes an indoor unit 47 mainly including an indoor heat exchanger 471, a refrigerant gas pipe 481, and a refrigerant liquid pipe 482; Heat exchanger 441, heat storage water tank 442, second electric expansion valve EV2, modulator 443, capillary tube 464, first opening / closing mechanism OC1, second opening / closing mechanism OC2, third opening / closing mechanism OC3, fourth opening / closing mechanism OC4, fifth opening / closing An ice heat storage unit 44 mainly including a mechanism OC5, a first refrigerant gas pipe 451, a second refrigerant gas pipe 453, and a refrigerant liquid pipe 452, a compressor 411, a four-way switching valve 413, an outdoor heat exchanger 412, and a first An outdoor unit 41 mainly including an electric expansion valve EV1, a first refrigerant gas pipe 421, a second refrigerant gas pipe 423, and a refrigerant liquid pipe 422; The first refrigerant communication pipe 487 connecting the refrigerant liquid pipe 482 and the refrigerant liquid pipe 452 of the ice heat storage unit 44, and the refrigerant gas pipe 481 of the indoor unit 47 and the refrigerant gas pipe 451 of the ice heat storage unit 44 are connected. Two refrigerant communication pipes 486, a third refrigerant communication pipe 437 connecting the refrigerant liquid pipe 452 of the ice heat storage unit 44 and the refrigerant liquid pipe 422 of the outdoor unit 41, and the first refrigerant gas pipe 451 of the ice heat storage unit 44 and the outdoor. A fourth refrigerant connecting pipe 436 connecting the first refrigerant gas pipe 421 of the unit 41, a second refrigerant gas pipe 453 of the ice heat storage unit 44, and a second refrigerant gas pipe 423 of the outdoor unit 41 are connected. It can be said that the communication pipe 435 is configured. The refrigerant liquid pipe 422 and the third refrigerant communication pipe 437 of the outdoor unit 41 are connected to the first refrigerant gas pipe 421 and the fourth refrigerant communication pipe 436 of the outdoor unit 41 via the liquid side shut-off valve 433 of the outdoor unit 41. The second refrigerant gas pipe 423 and the fifth refrigerant communication pipe 435 of the outdoor unit 41 are connected via the first gas side stop valve 431 of the outdoor unit 41, respectively. It is connected.

In addition, when the air conditioning apparatus 4 according to the present embodiment is viewed in units as described above, the first BL connection point BC1 belongs to the outdoor unit 41, and the second BL connection point BC2, the first HL connection point HC1, and the second HL connection point. The HC 2, the first IL connection point IC 1, the second IL connection point IC 2, and the GL connection point GC belong to the ice heat storage unit 44.
(1) Indoor unit The indoor unit 47 mainly includes an indoor heat exchanger 471, an indoor fan (not shown), a refrigerant gas pipe 481, and a refrigerant liquid pipe 482.

The indoor heat exchanger 471 is a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between indoor air that is air in the air-conditioned room and the refrigerant.
The indoor fan is a fan for taking in the air in the air-conditioned room into the unit 47 and sending out conditioned air, which is the air after heat exchange with the refrigerant via the indoor heat exchanger 471, to the air-conditioned room again.

  By adopting such a configuration, the indoor unit 47 heats the indoor air taken in by the indoor fan and the liquid refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 471 during cooling operation and cooling operation using ice heat storage. The conditioned air (cold air) is generated by the exchange, and the indoor air taken in by the indoor fan and the gas refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 471 at the time of heating operation, heating / heat storage operation, and heating / defrost operation It is possible to generate conditioned air (warm air) by heat exchange.

(2) Ice heat storage unit The ice heat storage unit 44 mainly includes a heat storage heat exchanger 441, a heat storage water tank 442, a second electric expansion valve EV2, a modulator 443, a capillary tube 464, a first opening / closing mechanism OC1, and a second opening / closing mechanism. OC2, a third opening / closing mechanism OC3, a fourth opening / closing mechanism OC4, a fifth opening / closing mechanism OC5, a first refrigerant gas pipe 451, a second refrigerant gas pipe 453, and a refrigerant liquid pipe 452.

The heat storage heat exchanger 441 is a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the heat storage water stored in the heat storage water tank 442 and the refrigerant.
The modulator 443 is a device for storing surplus refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit 40 is filled with refrigerant so that liquid refrigerant is accumulated in the outdoor heat exchanger 412 during heating and defrosting operation. For this reason, the refrigerant becomes surplus during other operations. It is the duty of this modulator 443 to store this excess refrigerant.

  The first opening / closing mechanism OC1 has a first electromagnetic valve SV1 and a first check valve 461 that can be opened and closed. In the first opening / closing mechanism OC1, the first electromagnetic valve SV1 and the first check valve 461 are arranged in parallel to the refrigerant flow. The first check valve 461 is attached so as to allow only the refrigerant flow from the second gas side shut-off valve 432 to the second BL connection point BC2 in a state where the units 41, 44, 47 are connected. ing.

  The second opening / closing mechanism OC2 includes a second electromagnetic valve SV2 and a second check valve 462 that can be opened and closed. In the second opening / closing mechanism OC2, the second electromagnetic valve SV2 and the second check valve 462 are arranged in series with respect to the refrigerant flow. At this time, the second electromagnetic valve SV2 is disposed on the first BL connection point BC1 side, and the second check valve 462 is disposed on the second BL connection point BC2 side. The second check valve 462 is attached so as to allow only the refrigerant flow from the first gas side shut-off valve 431 toward the second BL connection point BC2 in a state where the units 41, 44, 47 are connected. ing.

The third opening / closing mechanism OC3 includes a third electromagnetic valve SV3 and a third check valve 463 that can be opened and closed. In the third opening / closing mechanism OC3, the third electromagnetic valve SV3 and the third check valve 463 are arranged in parallel to the refrigerant flow. The third check valve 463 is attached so as to allow only the flow of the refrigerant from the GL connection point GC toward the heat storage heat exchanger 441.
The fourth opening / closing mechanism OC4 has a fourth electromagnetic valve SV4 and a fourth check valve 464 that can be opened and closed. In the fourth opening / closing mechanism OC4, the fourth electromagnetic valve SV4 and the fourth check valve 464 are arranged in series with respect to the refrigerant flow. At this time, the fourth solenoid valve SV4 is disposed on the first IL connection point IC1 side, and the fourth check valve 464 is disposed on the second IL connection point IC2 side. The fourth check valve 464 is attached so as to allow only the refrigerant flow from the first IL connection point IC1 to the second IL connection point IC2.

The fifth opening / closing mechanism OC5 includes a fifth electromagnetic valve SV5 and a fifth check valve 465 that can be opened and closed. In the fifth opening / closing mechanism OC5, the fifth electromagnetic valve SV5 and the fifth check valve 465 are arranged in parallel to the refrigerant flow. The fifth check valve 465 is attached so as to allow only the flow of the refrigerant from the first HL connection point HC1 toward the first IL connection point IC1.
By adopting such a configuration, the ice heat storage unit 44 accumulates the cold heat of the liquid refrigerant flowing through the heat storage heat exchanger 441 during the ice heat storage operation in the heat storage water, and heat storage heat during the ice heat storage operation. The cold state is supplied to the gaseous or gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flowing through the exchanger 441 to condense the gaseous or gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant, and the heat storage heat exchanger 441 is used during the heating and thermal storage operation. The heat of the gas refrigerant flowing through the heat storage is accumulated in the heat storage water, and the liquid refrigerant is evaporated by supplying the heat stored in the heat storage water to the liquid refrigerant flowing through the heat storage heat exchanger 441 during heating and defrost operation. Is possible. This water for heat storage accumulates the cold heat supplied from the liquid refrigerant as a latent heat by phase transition from the liquid phase to the solid phase during the ice heat storage operation, and the heat supplied from the gas refrigerant during the heating and heat storage operation. Accumulate as sensible heat.

(3) Outdoor unit The outdoor unit 41 mainly includes a four-way switching valve 413, a compressor 411, an outdoor heat exchanger 412, a first electric expansion valve EV1, a first refrigerant gas pipe 421, a second refrigerant gas pipe 423, And a refrigerant liquid pipe 422.
The compressor 411 is a device for sucking and compressing low-pressure gas refrigerant flowing through the suction pipe 425 and then discharging it to the discharge pipe 426. In the present embodiment, the compressor 411 is a positive displacement compressor such as a scroll type or a rotary type.

  The four-way switching valve 413 is a valve for switching the flow direction of the refrigerant corresponding to each operation, and during cooling operation, ice heat storage operation, ice heat storage cooling operation, defrost operation, and heating and defrosting During operation, the discharge pipe 426 of the compressor 411 and the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 412 are connected, and the suction pipe 425 of the compressor 411 and the second gas side shut-off valve 432 are connected, so that the heating operation and the heating / heating temperature are performed. During the heat storage operation, the discharge pipe 426 of the compressor 411 and the second gas side shut-off valve 432 can be connected, and the suction pipe 425 of the compressor 411 and the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 412 can be connected.

  The outdoor heat exchanger 412 can condense high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 411 using air outside the air-conditioning room as a heat source during cooling operation, ice storage operation, and cooling operation using ice storage. Yes, it is possible to evaporate the liquid refrigerant that returns from the indoor heat exchanger 471 during the heating operation, and the liquid refrigerant that returns from the indoor heat exchanger 471 and the heat storage heat exchanger 441 during the heating and heat storage operation.

[Operation of air conditioner]
The operation | movement operation | movement of the air conditioning apparatus 4 is demonstrated using FIG. 10 and FIG. As described above, the air conditioner 4 can perform a cooling operation, an ice heat storage operation, an ice heat storage cooling operation, a heating operation, a heating / heat storage operation, a defrost operation, and a heating / defrost operation.

(1) Cooling operation During cooling operation, the four-way switching valve 413 is in the state indicated by the solid line in FIG. 10, that is, the discharge pipe 426 of the compressor 411 is connected to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 412 and compressed. The suction pipe 425 of the machine 411 is connected to the second gas side closing valve 432 side. Further, the first electric expansion valve EV1 is superheated (hereinafter referred to as SH control), and the second electric expansion valve EV2 is fully opened. When the first electric expansion valve EV1 is SH-controlled, the opening degree of the first electric expansion valve EV1 is changed from the refrigerant temperature on the gas side of the indoor heat exchanger 471 to the refrigerant on the liquid side of the indoor heat exchanger 471. The difference obtained by subtracting the temperature is adjusted to be a constant positive value (for example, + 5 ° C.). Further, the first solenoid valve SV1 and the fifth solenoid valve SV5 are turned on to be opened, and the second solenoid valve SV2, the third solenoid valve SV3 and the fourth solenoid valve SV4 are turned off to be closed (FIG. 11). Then, the liquid side closing valve 433, the first gas side closing valve 431, and the second gas side closing valve 432 are opened.

When the compressor 411 is started in the state of the refrigerant circuit 40, the gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 411 and compressed, and then passes through the discharge pipe 426, the four-way switching valve 413, and the first BL connection point BC1. Is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 412 and condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 412 to become a liquid refrigerant.
Then, this liquid refrigerant is sent to the first electric expansion valve EV1. The liquid refrigerant sent to the first electric expansion valve EV1 is depressurized and then the indoor heat exchanger via the liquid side closing valve 433, the first IL connection point IC1, the fifth electromagnetic valve SV5, and the first HL connection point HC1. 471 is supplied to cool indoor air and evaporate to become a gas refrigerant. The gas refrigerant is again sucked into the compressor 411 via the second BL connection point BC2, the first electromagnetic valve SV1, the second HL connection point HC2, the second gas side closing valve 432, and the four-way switching valve 413. The In this way, the cooling operation is performed.

(2) Ice heat storage operation During the ice heat storage operation, the four-way switching valve 413 is in the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 10, that is, the discharge pipe 426 of the compressor 411 is connected to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 412 The suction pipe 425 of the compressor 411 is connected to the second gas side shut-off valve 432 side. Further, the first electric expansion valve EV1 is fully opened, and the second electric expansion valve EV2 is SH-controlled. When the second electric expansion valve EV2 is SH-controlled, the valve opening degree of the second electric expansion valve EV2 is changed from the refrigerant temperature on the second IL connection point IC side of the heat storage heat exchanger 441 to the heat storage heat exchanger. The difference obtained by subtracting the refrigerant temperature on the modulator 443 side of 441 is adjusted to be a constant positive value (for example, + 5 ° C.). Further, the first solenoid valve SV1 and the fourth solenoid valve SV4 are turned off to be closed, and the second solenoid valve SV2, the third solenoid valve SV3, and the fifth solenoid valve SV5 are turned on to be opened. (See FIG. 11). Then, the liquid side closing valve 433, the first gas side closing valve 431, and the second gas side closing valve 432 are opened.

When the compressor 411 is started in the state of the refrigerant circuit 40, the gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 411 and compressed, and then passes through the discharge pipe 426, the four-way switching valve 413, and the first BL connection point BC1. Is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 412 and condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 412 to become a liquid refrigerant.
The liquid refrigerant is sent to the second electric expansion valve EV2 via the first electric expansion valve EV1, the liquid side closing valve 433, the first IL connection point IC1, the fifth electromagnetic valve SV5, and the first HL connection point HC1. . The liquid refrigerant sent to the second electric expansion valve EV2 is decompressed and then supplied to the heat storage heat exchanger 441 via the modulator 443 to cool the heat storage water and evaporate to become a gas refrigerant. At this time, the heat storage water undergoes a phase transition from the liquid phase to the solid phase, and the cold supplied from the liquid refrigerant accumulates mainly as latent heat.

Then, the gas refrigerant passes through the second IL connection point IC2, the third electromagnetic valve SV3, the second HL connection point HC2, the second gas side closing valve 432, and the four-way switching valve 413 again to the compressor 411. Inhaled. In this way, the ice heat storage operation is performed.
(3) Cooling operation using ice heat storage During cooling operation using ice heat storage, the four-way switching valve 413 is in the state indicated by the solid line in FIG. The suction pipe 425 of the compressor 411 is connected to the second gas side closing valve 432 side. Further, the first electric expansion valve EV1 is fully opened, and the second electric expansion valve EV2 is SH-controlled. When the second electric expansion valve EV2 is SH-controlled, the opening degree of the second electric expansion valve EV2 is changed from the refrigerant temperature on the gas side of the indoor heat exchanger 471 to the refrigerant on the liquid side of the indoor heat exchanger 471. The difference obtained by subtracting the temperature is adjusted to be a constant positive value (for example, + 5 ° C.). Further, the first solenoid valve SV1 and the fourth solenoid valve SV4 are turned on to be opened, and the second solenoid valve SV2, the third solenoid valve SV3, and the fifth solenoid valve SV5 are turned off to be closed ( (See FIG. 11). Then, the liquid side closing valve 433, the first gas side closing valve 431, and the second gas side closing valve 432 are opened.

When the compressor 411 is started in the state of the refrigerant circuit 40, the gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 411 and compressed, and then passes through the discharge pipe 426, the four-way switching valve 413, and the first BL connection point BC1. Then, it is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 412 and condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 412 to become a liquid or gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant.
The liquid or gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant is used for heat storage via the first electric expansion valve EV1, the liquid side closing valve 433, the first IL connection point IC1, the fourth opening / closing mechanism OC4, and the second IL connection point IC2. It becomes a low-temperature liquid refrigerant or liquid refrigerant by the cold heat sent to the heat exchanger 441 and accumulated in the heat storage water in the heat storage heat exchanger 441.

Then, the liquid refrigerant is sent to the second electric expansion valve EV2 via the modulator 443. The liquid refrigerant sent to the second electric expansion valve EV2 is decompressed and then supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 471 via the first HL connection point HC1 to cool the indoor air and evaporate to become a gas refrigerant.
Then, the gas refrigerant passes through the second BL connection point BC2, the first electromagnetic valve SV1, the second HL connection point HC2, the second gas side shut-off valve 432, and the four-way switching valve 413 again to the compressor 411. Inhaled. In this way, the cooling operation using ice heat storage is performed.

(4) Heating operation During the heating operation, the four-way switching valve 413 is in the state indicated by the broken line in FIG. The suction side is connected to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 412. Further, the first electric expansion valve EV1 is SH-controlled, and the second electric expansion valve EV2 is fully closed. When the first electric expansion valve EV1 is SH-controlled, the valve opening degree of the first electric expansion valve EV1 is changed from the refrigerant temperature on the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 412 to the refrigerant on the liquid side of the outdoor heat exchanger 412. The difference obtained by subtracting the temperature is adjusted to be a constant positive value (for example, + 5 ° C.). Further, the first solenoid valve SV1, the second solenoid valve SV2, the third solenoid valve SV3, the fourth solenoid valve SV4, and the fifth solenoid valve SV5 are turned off and closed (see FIG. 11). Then, the liquid side closing valve 433, the first gas side closing valve 431, and the second gas side closing valve 432 are opened.

  When the compressor 411 is started in the state of the refrigerant circuit 40, the gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 411 and compressed, and then the discharge pipe 426, the four-way switching valve 413, the second gas side shut-off valve 432, 2HL connection point HC2, first check valve 461, and second BL connection point BC2 are supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 471. In the indoor heat exchanger 471, the indoor air is heated and condensed to be liquid refrigerant. Become. The liquid refrigerant is sent to the first electric expansion valve EV1 via the first HL connection point HC1, the fifth check valve 465, the first IL connection point IC1, and the liquid side closing valve 433. The liquid refrigerant sent to the first electric expansion valve EV1 is decompressed and then sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 412 and is evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 412 to become a gas refrigerant. The gas refrigerant returns to the suction pipe 425 via the first BL connection point BC1 and the four-way switching valve 413, and is again sucked into the compressor 411. In this way, the heating operation is performed.

(5) Heating / temperature storage operation At the time of heating / temperature storage operation, the four-way switching valve 413 is in the state shown by the broken line in FIG. 10, that is, the discharge side of the compressor 411 is connected to the second gas side shut-off valve 432, In addition, the suction side of the compressor 411 is connected to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 412. Further, the first electric expansion valve EV1 is SH-controlled, and the second electric expansion valve EV2 is in a state of maintaining a predetermined opening degree. When the first electric expansion valve EV1 is SH-controlled, the valve opening degree of the first electric expansion valve EV1 is changed from the refrigerant temperature on the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 412 to the refrigerant on the liquid side of the outdoor heat exchanger 412. The difference obtained by subtracting the temperature is adjusted to be a constant positive value (for example, + 5 ° C.). Further, the first solenoid valve SV1, the second solenoid valve SV2, the third solenoid valve SV3, the fourth solenoid valve SV4, and the fifth solenoid valve SV5 are turned off and closed (see FIG. 11). Then, the liquid side closing valve 433, the first gas side closing valve 431, and the second gas side closing valve 432 are opened.

  When the compressor 411 is started in the state of the refrigerant circuit 40, the gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 411 and compressed, and then the discharge pipe 426, the four-way switching valve 413, and the second gas side closing valve 432 are opened. Via the second HL connection point HC2. The gas refrigerant that has reached the second HL connection point HC2 then passes through the first check valve 461 and the second BL connection point BC2 to the indoor heat exchanger 471, and the GC connection point. It is distributed to the second path, which is the path toward the heat storage heat exchanger 441 via the GC, the third check valve 463, and the second IL connection point IC2.

The gas refrigerant distributed to the first path heats the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger 471 and is condensed to become a liquid refrigerant and reaches the first HL connection point HC1.
On the other hand, the gas refrigerant distributed to the second path heats the heat storage water in the heat storage heat exchanger 441 and is condensed to become a liquid refrigerant. At this time, the heat storage water accumulates the heat supplied from the gas refrigerant as sensible heat. Thereafter, the liquid refrigerant is sent to the second electric expansion valve EV2 via the modulator 443. The liquid refrigerant sent to the second electric expansion valve EV2 is depressurized and then sent to the first HL connection point HC1.

  Then, the liquid refrigerant that has reached the first HL connection point HC1 from the indoor heat exchanger 471 and the liquid refrigerant that has reached the first HL connection point HC1 via the second electric expansion valve EV2 merged at the first HL connection point. After that, it is sent to the first electric expansion valve EV1 via the fifth check valve 465, the first IL connection point IC1, and the liquid side closing valve 433. The liquid refrigerant sent to the first electric expansion valve EV1 is decompressed and then sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 412 and is evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 412 to become a gas refrigerant. This gas refrigerant returns to the suction pipe 425 via the first BL connection point BC1 and the four-way switching valve 413, and is again sucked into the compressor 411.

This heating / heat storage operation is mainly performed when the air conditioner 4 is activated, and automatically when the value of the temperature sensor for temperature detection of the heat storage water provided in the heat storage water tank 442 exceeds a predetermined threshold value. It is designed to switch to heating operation.
(6) Defrost operation During the defrost operation, the four-way switching valve 413 is in the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 10, that is, the discharge pipe 426 of the compressor 411 is connected to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 412 and The suction pipe 425 of the machine 411 is connected to the second gas side closing valve 432 side. Further, the first electric expansion valve EV1 and the second electric expansion valve EV2 are in a state of maintaining a predetermined opening degree. Further, the first solenoid valve SV1 and the fifth solenoid valve SV5 are turned on to be opened, and the second solenoid valve SV2, the third solenoid valve SV3, and the fourth solenoid valve SV4 are turned off to be closed ( (See FIG. 11). Then, the liquid side closing valve 433, the first gas side closing valve 431, and the second gas side closing valve 432 are opened.

When the compressor 411 is started in the state of the refrigerant circuit 40, the gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 411 and compressed, and then passes through the discharge pipe 426, the four-way switching valve 413, and the first BL connection point BC1. The frost that is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 412 and melts on the outer surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 412 is condensed and becomes a liquid refrigerant.
Then, the liquid refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 412 is sent to the first electric expansion valve EV1. The liquid refrigerant sent to the first electric expansion valve EV1 is depressurized and then the indoor heat exchanger via the liquid side closing valve 433, the first IL connection point IC1, the fifth electromagnetic valve SV5, and the first HL connection point HC1. 471 is supplied, and the air around the indoor heat exchanger 471 is cooled and evaporated to become a gas refrigerant. At this time, the indoor fan is controlled not to be driven so as not to actively cool the air-conditioned room.

Then, the gas refrigerant passes through the second BL connection point BC2, the first electromagnetic valve SV1, the second HL connection point HC2, the second gas side shut-off valve 432, and the four-way switching valve 413 again to the compressor 411. Inhaled.
The defrosting operation is switched based on parameters such as the temperature of the outer surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 412 and the outside air temperature. Moreover, this defrost operation is intermittently performed between the heating operation and the like so that frost does not adhere to the indoor heat exchanger 471.

(7) Heating / Defrost Operation During the heating / defrost operation, the four-way switching valve 413 is in the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 10, that is, the discharge pipe 426 of the compressor 411 is connected to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 412. In addition, the suction pipe 425 of the compressor 411 is connected to the second gas side closing valve 432 side. The first electric expansion valve EV1 is maintained in a predetermined opening degree, and the second electric expansion valve EV2 is SH-controlled. When the second electric expansion valve EV2 is SH-controlled, the valve opening degree of the second electric expansion valve EV2 is changed from the refrigerant temperature on the second IL connection point IC2 side of the heat storage heat exchanger 441 to the heat storage heat exchanger. The difference obtained by subtracting the refrigerant temperature on the modulator 443 side of 441 is adjusted to be a constant positive value (for example, + 5 ° C.). Further, the first electromagnetic valve SV1 and the fourth electromagnetic valve SV4 are turned off to be closed, and the second electromagnetic valve SV2, the third electromagnetic valve SV3, and the fifth electromagnetic valve SV5 are turned on to be opened ( FIG. 11). Then, the liquid side closing valve 433, the first gas side closing valve 431, and the second gas side closing valve 432 are opened.

  When the compressor 411 is started in the state of the refrigerant circuit 40, the gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 411 and compressed, and then passes through the discharge pipe 426 and the four-way switching valve 413 to the first BL connection point BC1. It reaches. Then, the gas refrigerant that has reached the first BL connection point BC1 is a path toward the indoor heat exchanger 471 via the first gas side closing valve 431, the second switching mechanism OC2, and the second BL connection point BC2. The third path and the fourth path that is a path toward the outdoor heat exchanger 412 are distributed.

The gas refrigerant distributed to the third path heats the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger 471 and is condensed to become a liquid refrigerant and reaches the first HL connection point HC1.
On the other hand, the gas refrigerant distributed to the fourth path melts the frost adhering to the outer surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 412 and is condensed to become a liquid refrigerant, which is sent to the first electric expansion valve EV1. The liquid refrigerant sent to the first electric expansion valve EV1 is decompressed and then reaches the first HL connection point HC1 via the liquid side closing valve 433, the first IL connection point IC1, and the fifth electromagnetic valve SV5.

  Then, the liquid refrigerant that has reached the first HL connection point HC1 from the indoor heat exchanger 471 and the first HL connection point HC1 via the liquid side closing valve 433, the first IL connection point IC1, and the fifth electromagnetic valve SV5. The liquid refrigerant merges at the first HL connection point HC1, and then is sent to the second electric expansion valve EV2. The liquid refrigerant sent to the second electric expansion valve EV2 is depressurized and then sent to the heat storage heat exchanger 441 via the modulator 443, and the heat storage water storing the heat in the heat storage heat exchanger 441 It is evaporated to become a gas refrigerant. Thereafter, the gas refrigerant is sucked through the first IL connection point IC1, the third electromagnetic valve SV3, the GL connection point GC, the second HL connection point HC2, the second gas side closing valve 432, and the four-way switching valve 413. It returns to the pipe 425 and is sucked into the compressor 411 again.

This heating and defrosting operation is switched based on parameters such as the temperature of the outer surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 412 and the outside air temperature. Moreover, this defrost operation is performed continuously for a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes).
[Characteristics of air conditioner]
(1)
In the air conditioning apparatus 4 according to the fourth embodiment, the bypass line 4b is provided in the refrigerant circuit 40, and the high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor 411 is exchanged between the outdoor heat exchanger 412 and the indoor heat exchanger 471. It is supplied to both, and it is possible to create a state where both the outdoor heat exchanger 412 and the indoor heat exchanger 471 function as a condenser. For this reason, in this air conditioning apparatus 4, the heating and defrost operation which performs heating operation simultaneously with removing the frost adhering to the outer surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 412 is realizable.

(2)
In the air conditioner 4 according to the fourth embodiment, the refrigerant circuit 40 is filled with the refrigerant so that the liquid refrigerant is accumulated in the outdoor heat exchanger 412 in the heating and defrost operation. For this reason, in this air conditioner 4, in the heating and defrost operation, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the condensation temperature and the condensation pressure of the discharged refrigerant flowing to the indoor heat exchanger 471, and the indoor heat exchanger 471 in the heating and defrost operation can be suppressed. A decrease in heating capacity can be suppressed.

(3)
In the air conditioner 4 according to the fourth embodiment, in the heating and defrost state, the refrigerant that has flowed out of the indoor heat exchanger 471 and the refrigerant that has flowed out of the outdoor heat exchanger 412 join together and pass through the heat storage heat exchanger 441. And sucked into the compressor 411. For this reason, in this air conditioner 4, in the heating and defrost state, the refrigerant that has flowed out of the indoor heat exchanger 471 and the refrigerant that has flowed out of the outdoor heat exchanger 412 are collectively evaporated by the heat storage heat exchanger 441. Can do. Therefore, in this air conditioning apparatus 4, the structure of the refrigerant circuit 40 can be simplified.

(4)
In the air conditioner 4 according to the fourth embodiment, the gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 411 is distributed to the indoor heat exchanger 471 and the heat storage heat exchanger 441 in the heating and heat storage state. For this reason, in this air conditioning apparatus 4, it can accumulate | store warm heat in a thermal storage material simultaneously with performing heating operation. Therefore, in this air conditioning apparatus 4, indoor heating can be performed continuously.

(5)
In the air conditioner 4 according to the fourth embodiment, the refrigerant that has flowed out of the indoor heat exchanger 471 and the refrigerant that has flowed out of the heat storage heat exchanger 441 join in the heating and heat storage state, and the outdoor heat exchanger 412 is combined. And is sucked into the compressor 411. For this reason, in the air conditioner 4, the refrigerant that has flowed out of the indoor heat exchanger 471 and the refrigerant that has flowed out of the heat storage heat exchanger 441 are collectively evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 412 in the heating and heat storage state. be able to. Therefore, in this air conditioning apparatus 4, the structure of the refrigerant circuit 40 can be simplified.

(6)
In the air conditioner 4 according to the fourth embodiment, the refrigerant circuit 40 includes the four-way switching valve 413 and the first electromagnetic valve SV1. For this reason, in this air conditioning apparatus 4, the flow of the refrigerant can be appropriately controlled between the heating / temperature storage operation and the heating / defrost operation.
(7)
In the air conditioner 4 according to the fourth embodiment, the refrigerant circuit 40 can be switched to the cooling operation by the first opening / closing mechanism OC1 and the second opening / closing mechanism OC2, and has the second electromagnetic valve SV2. For this reason, in this air conditioning apparatus 4, the flow of the refrigerant can be appropriately controlled between the heating / defrost operation and the cooling operation.

(8)
In the air conditioner 4 according to the fourth embodiment, the modulator 443 stores surplus refrigerant generated during an operation other than the heating and defrost operation. For this reason, in the air conditioning apparatus 4, while ensuring sufficient heating capability in heating and defrost operation, normal operation | movement can be ensured in another operation.

(9)
In the air conditioner 4 according to the fourth embodiment, a modulator 443 is employed to store surplus refrigerant generated during an operation other than the heating and defrost operation. For this reason, in the air conditioning apparatus 4, surplus refrigerant can be completely eliminated from the main refrigerant circuit 4a. Therefore, the air conditioner 4 can perform an appropriate operation in a cooling operation or a heating operation in which the refrigerant mainly flows in the main refrigerant circuit 4a.

(10)
In the air conditioner 4 according to the fourth embodiment, since the ice heat storage unit 44 is employed as the heat storage unit, an ice heat storage operation and an ice heat storage cooling operation can be performed. For this reason, in this air conditioning apparatus 4, a power peak can be adjusted in an environment where cooling operation is required, such as in summer.

[Modification]
(A)
The first opening / closing mechanism OC1 arranged in the main refrigerant circuit 4a of the air conditioner 4 according to the fourth embodiment is replaced with a bidirectional solenoid valve as shown in the modification (A) of the first embodiment. It doesn't matter. Similarly, the third opening / closing mechanism OC3 and the fifth opening / closing mechanism OC5 may be replaced with bidirectional solenoid valves.

(B)
The first opening / closing mechanism OC1 and the second opening / closing mechanism OC2 arranged in the main refrigerant circuit 4a of the air conditioner 4 according to the fourth embodiment are arranged in four directions as shown in the modification (B) of the first embodiment. It may be replaced with a switching valve and a capillary tube.
(C)
Even if the air conditioner 4A as shown in FIG. 12 is adopted instead of the air conditioner 4 according to the fourth embodiment, the same effects as the effects of the present invention can be obtained.

  In the air conditioning apparatus 4 according to the fourth embodiment, the fifth opening / closing mechanism OC5 is arranged between the first HL connection point HC1 and the first IL connection point IC1 in the main refrigerant circuit 4a constituting the refrigerant circuit 40, and the refrigerant circuit 40 The fourth opening / closing mechanism OC4 is arranged in the use line 4Ad constituting the. On the other hand, in the air conditioner 4A according to this modification, the four-way switching valve 444 and the capillary tube 445 are disposed at the connection point between the main refrigerant circuit 4Aa and the use line 4d. The four-way switching valve 444 and the capillary tube 445 belong to the ice heat storage unit 44A. Further, in this refrigerant circuit 40A, the four-way switching valve 444 is shown by a solid line in FIG. In the cooling state using ice storage heat storage, the state shown by the broken line in FIG. 12 is set.

  The air conditioner according to the present invention is not only characterized in that it can perform heating operation at the same time that it removes frost adhering to the outer surface of the heat source side heat exchanger in the defrost state using heat storage, but also uses the defrost using heat storage. It has the characteristics of ensuring sufficient heating capacity in the state and guaranteeing normal operation in the heating and heat storage state, and is useful as an air conditioner for cold regions where the temperature is below freezing in winter etc. is there.

The schematic refrigerant circuit of the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. The table | surface which shows the state of the electric expansion valve and electromagnetic valve at the time of each driving | operation of the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. The schematic refrigerant circuit of the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on the modification (A) of 1st Embodiment. The schematic refrigerant circuit of the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on the modification (B) of 1st Embodiment. The schematic refrigerant circuit of the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The table | surface which shows the state of the electrically driven expansion valve and electromagnetic valve at the time of each driving | operation of the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The schematic refrigerant circuit of the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on the modification (C) of 2nd Embodiment. The schematic refrigerant circuit of the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The table | surface which shows the state of the electrically driven expansion valve and electromagnetic valve at the time of each driving | running of the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The schematic refrigerant circuit of the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. The table | surface which shows the state of the electrically driven expansion valve and electromagnetic valve at the time of each driving | operation of the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. The schematic refrigerant circuit of the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on the modification (A) of 4th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 3A, 4, 4A Air conditioner 1b, 1Bb, 2b, 3b, 30b, 4b Bypass line (first branch pipe)
10, 10A, 10B, 20, 20A, 30A, 40, 40A Refrigerant circuit 111, 211, 311, 411 Compressor 112, 212, 312, 412 Outdoor heat exchanger (heat source side heat exchanger)
113, 213, 313, 413 Four-way switching valve (first control valve)
114, 214 Gas-liquid separator (refrigerant reservoir)
141, 241, 341, 441 Heat storage heat exchanger 143 Four-way switching valve (second control valve, third control valve)
171 271 371 471 Indoor heat exchanger (use side heat exchanger)
343,443 Modulator (refrigerant reservoir)
EV2 Second electric expansion valve (pressure reduction mechanism)
SV1, SV1A First solenoid valve (second control valve)
SV2 Second solenoid valve (third control valve)

Claims (10)

Compressors (111, 211, 311, 411);
A heat source side heat exchanger (112, 212, 312, 412);
Utilization side heat exchangers (171, 271, 371, 471);
A heat storage heat exchanger (141, 241, 341, 441) for exchanging heat with the heat storage material;
A heating and heat storage state in which the use side heat exchanger and the heat storage heat exchanger function as a condenser and the heat source side heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, and the heat source side heat exchanger functions as a condenser. A switching mechanism capable of switching between a defrost state using heat storage that causes the heat exchanger for heat storage to function as an evaporator, and
The refrigerant is branched from a refrigerant pipe for connecting the compressor and the heat source side heat exchanger, and a part of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor is guided to the usage side heat exchanger in the defrost state using the heat storage. A first branch pipe (1b, 1Bb, 2b, 3b, 30b, 4b) for
A refrigerant reservoir (114, 214, 343, 443);
An air conditioner (1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 3A, 4, 4A) including a refrigerant circuit (10, 10A, 10B, 20, 20A, 30A, 40, 40A) having The refrigerant reservoir is capable of storing a refrigerant amount that is a difference between a refrigerant amount required in the heat storage defrost state and a refrigerant amount required in the heating and heat storage state.
The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1. In the heat storage defrost state, the refrigerant flowing out of the use side heat exchanger and the refrigerant flowing out of the heat source side heat exchanger merge and are sucked into the compressor through the heat storage heat exchanger.
The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. In the heating and heat storage state, a discharge refrigerant that is a refrigerant discharged from the compressor is distributed to the use side heat exchanger and the heat storage heat exchanger.
The air conditioning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. In the heating and heat storage state, the refrigerant that has flowed out of the use side heat exchanger and the refrigerant that has flowed out of the heat storage heat exchanger merge and are sucked into the compressor through the heat source side heat exchanger.
The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 4. The switching mechanism includes a first control valve (113, 213, 313, 413) for preventing the discharged refrigerant from directly flowing into the heat source side heat exchanger in the heating and heat storage state, and the heat storage use defrost state. A second control valve (143, SV1, SV1A) for preventing the discharged refrigerant from directly flowing into the heat storage heat exchanger.
The air conditioning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The switching mechanism can be switched to a cooling state in which the heat source side heat exchanger functions as a condenser and the use side heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, and in the cooling state, the discharged refrigerant is in the first branch. A third for preventing the discharged refrigerant from flowing into the utilization side heat exchanger through the piping and allowing the discharged refrigerant to flow into the utilization side heat exchanger through the first branch piping in the heat storage utilization defrost state; A control valve (143, SV2);
The air conditioning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The switching mechanism can be switched to a cooling state in which the heat source side heat exchanger functions as a condenser and the use side heat exchanger functions as an evaporator,
The refrigerant reservoir is capable of storing a refrigerant amount that is a difference between a refrigerant amount required in the heat storage defrost state and a refrigerant amount required in the cooling state.
The air conditioning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The refrigerant reservoir (114, 214) is a gas-liquid separator provided on the suction side of the compressor.
The air conditioning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The refrigerant circuit is provided in a second branch pipe branched from a liquid pipe connecting the heat source side heat exchanger and the use side heat exchanger, and is provided in the second branch pipe, and the second in the heat storage use defrost state. A decompression mechanism (EV2) capable of decompressing the refrigerant flowing through the branch pipe;
The refrigerant reservoir (343, 443) is disposed between the decompression mechanism and the heat storage heat exchanger, and is piped to the decompression mechanism and the heat storage heat exchanger.
The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 8.

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