JP2011127889A - Multiple temperature control system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multiple temperature control system capable of improving air-conditioning efficiency by improving heat transfer between a refrigerant and the outside air. <P>SOLUTION: This multiple temperature control system has a circulation state switching means S capable of switching an ordinary circulation state for circulating a refrigerant between a compressor 1 and a heat exchanger 3 of the same refrigerant circuit C in each of the plurality of refrigerant circuits C, and a partial load circulation state for circulating the refrigerant over the compressor 1 as an operation target, the first heat exchanger 3 of the refrigerant circuit C as an operation target, including the target compressor, and the first heat exchangers 3 of a part or all of the refrigerant circuits C except for the target refrigerant circuit C, and a series connection flow channel Qs for connecting the first heat exchangers 3 of the plurality of refrigerant circuits C in series, and a control means 6 switches the circulation state switching means S to the ordinary circulation state in a rated operation state, and switches the circulation state switching means S to the partial load circulation state in the partial load operation state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a refrigerant in which a compressor that compresses a refrigerant, an expansion valve that decompresses and expands the refrigerant, a first heat exchanger, and a second heat exchanger that regulates the temperature of the temperature adjustment target space are connected by a refrigerant flow path. Multiple circuits are provided,
The control means for controlling the operation changes the operation state into a rated operation state in which all of the plurality of compressors are operated and a partial load operation state in which some of the plurality of compressors to be operated are operated. The present invention relates to a multi-type temperature control system configured to be switchable.

Such a multi-type temperature control system includes, for example, a compressor, an expansion valve, and a first heat exchanger in the refrigerant circuit, and is configured as an outdoor unit, and includes a second heat exchanger in the refrigerant circuit. It is comprised by an indoor unit, a some indoor unit is disperse | distributed and arrange | positioned in several temperature control object space, and can cool and heat several temperature control object space.
And by the control means, according to the air conditioning load of cooling and heating, the rated operation state in which all the plurality of compressors are operated, and the partial load operation in which some of the plurality of compressors to be operated are operated. It is comprised so that an operation state may be switched to a state.

  In such a multi-type temperature control system, conventionally, each of the plurality of refrigerant circuits is configured to allow the refrigerant to flow through the compressor and the first heat exchanger in an independent state for each refrigerant circuit. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

JP 2007-1113830 A

In the conventional multi-type temperature control system, in the partial load operation state, the refrigerant flows through the operation target compressor and the first heat exchanger of the operation target refrigerant circuit provided with the operation target compressor. Therefore, in the partial load operation state, the first heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the outside air is limited to the first heat exchanger of the operation target refrigerant circuit provided with the operation target compressor.
Therefore, there is room for improvement in improving the air-conditioning efficiency (coefficient of performance) by improving the heat transfer between the refrigerant and the outside air.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a multi-type temperature control system capable of improving the air conditioning efficiency by improving the heat transfer between the refrigerant and the outside air.

In order to achieve the above object, a multi-type temperature control system of the present invention includes a compressor that compresses refrigerant, an expansion valve that decompresses and expands the refrigerant, a first heat exchanger, and a second temperature controller that regulates the temperature. A plurality of refrigerant circuits connected to the heat exchanger by the refrigerant flow path are provided,
The control means for controlling the operation changes the operation state into a rated operation state in which all the plurality of compressors are operated and a partial load operation state in which some of the plurality of compressors to be operated are operated. It is configured to be switchable,
The characteristic configuration is that the plurality of refrigerant circuits are connected to each other through a connection flow path that allows the refrigerant to flow to the first heat exchanger provided in different refrigerant circuits.
A normal flow state in which the refrigerant flows through the compressor and the first heat exchanger in the same refrigerant circuit in each of the plurality of refrigerant circuits, and the compressor to be operated among the plurality of compressors, and The refrigerant is passed through the first heat exchanger of the refrigerant circuit to be operated provided with the compressor to be operated and the first heat exchanger of a part or all of the refrigerant circuits different from the refrigerant circuit to be operated. A flow state switching means that can be switched to a partial load flow state to be flown is provided,
As the connection flow path, a series connection flow path for connecting the first heat exchangers provided in each of the plurality of refrigerant circuits in series is provided,
The flow state switching means is configured to flow the refrigerant through the series connection flow path in the partial load flow state.
The control means switches the flow state switching means to the normal flow state in the rated operation state, and switches the flow state switching means to the partial load flow state in the partial load operation state. It is in the point which is constituted as follows.

According to the above characteristic configuration, in the rated operation state, the flow state switching means is switched to the normal flow state, and in each of the plurality of refrigerant circuits, the compressor of the same refrigerant circuit and the first heat exchanger The refrigerant flows through.
In the partial load operation state, the flow state switching means is switched to the partial load flow state, and the operation target compressor of the plurality of compressors and the operation target equipped with the operation target compressor are selected. The refrigerant flows through the first heat exchanger of the refrigerant circuit and the first heat exchanger of a part or all of the refrigerant circuits different from the refrigerant circuit to be operated.
That is, in the partial load flow state, in addition to the first heat exchanger of the operation target refrigerant circuit provided with the operation target compressor, the first heat exchange of some or all of the refrigerant circuits other than the operation target. Since the refrigerant can also exchange heat with the outside air, the heat transfer between the refrigerant and the outside air can be improved.
In addition, in the partial load flow state, the first heat exchanger of the refrigerant circuit that is the operation target refrigerant circuit, a part of the refrigerant circuit that is different from the operation target refrigerant circuit, or the first heat exchange that is different from the operation target refrigerant circuit through the series connection flow path Pass the vessels one by one in order. This makes it possible to lengthen the path through which the refrigerant flows in a state of exchanging heat with the outside air, and at the first heat exchanger that can occur when the refrigerant flows through the plurality of first heat exchangers in parallel. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a decrease in the heat transfer performance in each first heat exchanger by avoiding a decrease in the refrigerant flow rate and a decrease in flow velocity (that is, a decrease in Reynolds number). Heat can be improved more effectively.
Therefore, it has become possible to provide a multi-type temperature control system capable of improving the air conditioning efficiency by improving the heat transfer between the refrigerant and the outside air.

In order to achieve the above object, a multi-type temperature control system of the present invention includes a compressor that compresses refrigerant, an expansion valve that decompresses and expands the refrigerant, a first heat exchanger, and a second temperature controller that regulates the temperature. A plurality of refrigerant circuits connected to the heat exchanger by the refrigerant flow path are provided,
The control means for controlling the operation changes the operation state into a rated operation state in which all the plurality of compressors are operated and a partial load operation state in which some of the plurality of compressors to be operated are operated. It is configured to be switchable,
The characteristic configuration is that the plurality of refrigerant circuits are connected to each other through a connection flow path that allows the refrigerant to flow to the first heat exchanger provided in different refrigerant circuits.
A normal flow state in which the refrigerant flows through the compressor and the first heat exchanger in the same refrigerant circuit in each of the plurality of refrigerant circuits, and the compressor to be operated among the plurality of compressors, and The refrigerant is passed through the first heat exchanger of the refrigerant circuit to be operated provided with the compressor to be operated and the first heat exchanger of a part or all of the refrigerant circuits different from the refrigerant circuit to be operated. A flow state switching means that can be switched to a partial load flow state to be flown is provided,
As the connection flow path, a parallel connection flow path for connecting the first heat exchangers provided in each of the plurality of refrigerant circuits in parallel is provided,
The flow state switching means is configured to flow the refrigerant through the parallel connection flow path in the partial load flow state.
The plurality of refrigerant circuits are connected by an expansion valve connection flow path that allows refrigerant to flow through expansion valves provided in different refrigerant circuits,
The flow state switching means is configured to freely change the number of expansion valves through which the refrigerant flows in the partial load flow state,
The control means switches the flow state switching means to the normal flow state in the rated operation state, and switches the flow state switching means to the partial load flow state in the partial load operation state. At the same time, the flow state switching means is operated to change the number of expansion valves through which the refrigerant flows according to the air conditioning load.

According to the above characteristic configuration, like the above-described characteristic configuration, in the rated operation state, the flow state switching means is switched to the normal flow state, and in the partial load operation state, the flow state switching means is the partial load. It is switched to the flow state.
In the partial load flow state, in addition to the first heat exchanger of the operation target refrigerant circuit provided with the operation target compressor, the first heat exchange of a part or all of the refrigerant circuits other than the operation target Since the refrigerant can also exchange heat with the outside air, the heat transfer between the refrigerant and the outside air can be improved.
By the way, in the partial load flow state, the first heat exchange of the operation target refrigerant circuit is performed through the parallel connection flow path in a state where the number of expansion valves through which the refrigerant flows is changed according to the air conditioning load. And the first heat exchanger of a part or all of the refrigerant circuits different from the refrigerant circuit and the refrigerant circuit to be operated are passed in parallel.
And in the partial load flow state, even if the refrigerant flows through the plurality of first heat exchangers in parallel, when the air conditioning load is small, the refrigerant flows through one expansion valve, It is possible to reduce the number of expansion valves through which the refrigerant flows in parallel.
As a result, even if the air conditioning load decreases and the refrigerant flow rate decreases, the number of expansion valves through which the refrigerant flows is reduced, and the refrigerant flow rate per expansion valve is increased, thereby allowing the expansion valve to pass. Since it can be avoided that the flow rate of the flowing refrigerant is less than the lower limit of the controllable flow rate range in the expansion valve, it is possible to operate appropriately.
Incidentally, in the partial load flow state, since the refrigerant flows through the plurality of first heat exchangers in parallel, the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through each first heat exchanger decreases and the flow velocity decreases. The heat transfer performance in each first heat exchanger may be somewhat reduced, but in addition to the first heat exchanger of the refrigerant circuit to be operated, the refrigerant is also discharged to the outside in the first heat exchanger other than the operation target. As a result, heat transfer between the refrigerant and the outside air can be sufficiently improved.
Therefore, it has become possible to provide a multi-type temperature control system capable of improving the air conditioning efficiency by improving the heat transfer between the refrigerant and the outside air.

Further features of the multi-type temperature control system according to the present invention are as follows:
The control means is configured to freely change and set the compressor to be operated in the partial load operation state,
The flow state switching means is configured to be able to switch the refrigerant circuit having the operation target compressor to be changed and set to the partial load flow state as the operation target refrigerant circuit.

According to the above characteristic configuration, when the compressor to be operated is changed and set in the partial load operation state, and the compressor to be operated is changed and set, the flow state switching means is changed and set. The refrigerant circuit having the compressor to be operated is switched to the partial load flow state in which the refrigerant circuit to be operated is used.
That is, in the partial load operation state, the compressor to be operated can be changed and set, so that the operation time of the plurality of compressors can be equalized, and the plurality of compressors and the engine for driving them or The service life of the motor can be equalized, and the durability of the multi-type temperature control system can be improved.
Even when the operation target compressor is changed and set in the partial load operation state, the refrigerant in the partial load flow state in which the refrigerant circuit including the operation target compressor to be changed and set is the operation target refrigerant circuit. Can be circulated.
Therefore, the air conditioning efficiency can be improved while improving the durability of the multi-type temperature control system.

Further features of the multi-type temperature control system according to the present invention are as follows:
Each of the plurality of refrigerant circuits is configured to connect, in parallel, a first heat exchanger dedicated to each refrigerant circuit and a plurality of second heat exchangers common to the plurality of refrigerant circuits,
The plurality of second heat exchangers are provided in a distributed manner in a plurality of indoor units installed in the temperature control target space.

According to the above characteristic configuration, each of the plurality of refrigerant circuits is configured to connect the first heat exchanger dedicated to each refrigerant circuit and the plurality of second heat exchangers common to the plurality of refrigerant circuits in parallel. Even if any of the plurality of second heat exchangers is operated, any one of the plurality of compressors is selected as an operation target, and the second heat exchanger to be operated and the compression of the operation target are selected. The refrigerant can be circulated through the machine.
In addition, even when the variation in operation time among the plurality of indoor units increases, the compressor to be operated can be set so that the operation times of the plurality of compressors are equal in the partial load operation state.
Therefore, the durability can be improved regardless of variations in the operation time in the plurality of indoor units.

Further features of the multi-type temperature control system according to the present invention are as follows:
Each of the plurality of refrigerant circuits is configured by connecting a first heat exchanger dedicated to each refrigerant circuit and a second exchanger dedicated to each refrigerant circuit,
Each of the second heat exchangers of the plurality of refrigerant circuits is configured to exchange heat between the heat transfer fluid circulated through the indoor heat exchanger installed in the temperature control target space and the refrigerant. is there.

According to the above characteristic configuration, each of the plurality of refrigerant circuits is configured by connecting the first heat exchanger dedicated to each refrigerant circuit and the second exchanger dedicated to each refrigerant circuit. The configuration can be incorporated into an outdoor unit.
And by connecting each 2nd heat exchanger of a some refrigerant circuit and the indoor heat exchanger installed in the temperature regulation object space in the circulation path which circulates the heat transfer fluid, the 2nd heat exchanger The heat transfer fluid cooled or heated by heat exchange with the refrigerant in the circulation is circulated and supplied to the indoor heat exchanger, so that the temperature adjustment target space can be cooled or heated.
That is, since the entire configuration of the refrigerant circuit can be incorporated into the outdoor unit, the installation of the multi-type temperature control system can be simplified by eliminating the need for complicated refrigerant flow pipes.

Further features of the multi-type temperature control system according to the present invention are as follows:
The plurality of refrigerant circuits are connected to the second heat exchanger provided in different refrigerant circuits by an air conditioning side connection flow path that allows the refrigerant to flow therethrough,
A normal flow state in which the refrigerant flows through the compressor and the second heat exchanger in the same refrigerant circuit in each of the plurality of refrigerant circuits, and the compressor to be operated among the plurality of compressors; The refrigerant is passed through the second heat exchanger of the refrigerant circuit to be operated provided with the compressor to be operated and the second heat exchanger of a part or all of the refrigerant circuits different from the refrigerant circuit to be operated. Air-conditioning side flow state switching means that can be switched to a partial load flow state to be flown is provided,
The control means switches the air conditioning side flow state switching means to the normal flow state in the rated operation state, and switches the air conditioning side flow state switching means to the partial load passage in the partial load operation state. It is in the point comprised so that it may switch to a flow state.

According to the above characteristic configuration, in the rated operation state, the air-conditioning-side flow state switching means is switched to the normal flow state, and the second heat exchange with the compressor of the same refrigerant circuit is performed in each of the plurality of refrigerant circuits. Refrigerant flows through the vessel.
In the partial load operation state, the air-conditioning-side flow state switching means is switched to the partial load flow state, and the second heat exchanger of the operation target refrigerant circuit and a part different from the operation target refrigerant circuit or Since the refrigerant supplied to the second heat exchanger of all the refrigerant circuits is returned to the operation target compressor, in addition to the second heat exchanger of the operation target refrigerant circuit provided with the operation target compressor, In the second heat exchanger provided in some or all refrigerant circuits other than the operation target, the refrigerant can be heat-exchanged with the heat transfer fluid, and the heat transfer between the refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid is performed. Can be improved.
Therefore, since heat transfer between the refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid can be improved, the air conditioning efficiency can be further improved.

Further features of the multi-type temperature control system according to the present invention are as follows:
As the air conditioning side connection flow path, an air conditioning side parallel connection flow path for connecting the second heat exchangers provided in each of the plurality of refrigerant circuits in parallel is provided,
The air conditioning side flow state switching means is configured to allow the refrigerant to flow through the air conditioning side parallel connection flow path in the partial load flow state.

According to the above characteristic configuration, in the partial load flow state, a part or all of the refrigerant is different from the second heat exchanger of the operation target refrigerant circuit and the operation target refrigerant circuit through the air conditioning side parallel connection flow path. The second heat exchanger of the refrigerant circuit is passed in parallel.
That is, in the partial load flow state, the refrigerant flows through the plurality of second heat exchangers in parallel, so that the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through each second heat exchanger decreases and the flow velocity decreases. The heat transfer performance in each of the second heat exchangers may be somewhat lowered, but in addition to the second heat exchanger of the refrigerant circuit to be operated, the refrigerant is also heated in the second heat exchanger other than the operation target. Since heat is exchanged with the transport fluid, heat transfer between the refrigerant and the heat transport fluid can be sufficiently improved as a whole, and air conditioning efficiency can be improved.

Further features of the multi-type temperature control system according to the present invention are as follows:
As the air conditioning side connection flow path, an air conditioning side series connection flow path for connecting the second heat exchangers provided in each of the plurality of refrigerant circuits in series is provided,
The air-conditioning-side flow state switching means is configured to allow the refrigerant to flow through the air-conditioning-side series connection flow path in the partial load flow state.

According to the above characteristic configuration, in the partial load flow state, through the air conditioning side series connection flow path, the refrigerant is partly or entirely different from the second heat exchanger of the operation target refrigerant circuit and the operation target refrigerant circuit. The second heat exchanger of the refrigerant circuit is sequentially passed one by one.
This makes it possible to lengthen the path through which the refrigerant flows in a state of exchanging heat with the heat transfer fluid, and to generate second heat that can occur when the refrigerant flows through the plurality of second heat exchangers in parallel. Since it is possible to avoid a decrease in the flow rate of refrigerant and a decrease in flow velocity in the exchanger and a decrease in heat transfer performance in each second heat exchanger, heat transfer between the refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid can be avoided. It is possible to improve the air conditioning efficiency more effectively.

Further features of the multi-type temperature control system according to the present invention are as follows:
A cooling passage in which the refrigerant flows in the order of the compressor, the first heat exchanger that functions as a condenser, the expansion valve, and the second heat exchanger that functions as an evaporator, in each of the plurality of refrigerant circuits. Refrigerant in the flow state and in the heating flow-through state in which the refrigerant flows in the order of the compressor, the second heat exchanger functioning as a condenser, the expansion valve, and the first heat exchanger functioning as an evaporator. This is in that a cooling / heating switching means capable of switching the flow state is provided.

According to the above characteristic configuration, when the cooling / heating switching means is switched to the cooling flow state, the second heat exchanger functioning as an evaporator is installed in the air in the temperature adjustment target space or in the temperature adjustment target space. The heat transfer fluid circulated and supplied to the indoor heat exchanger can be cooled to cool the temperature adjustment target space.
When the cooling / heating switching means is switched to the cooling flow state, the operation target compressor and the operation target compressor are provided when the flow state switching means is switched to the partial load flow state. The refrigerant flows through the first heat exchanger of the refrigerant circuit to be operated and the first heat exchanger of a part or all of the refrigerant circuits different from the refrigerant circuit to be operated.
Further, when the cooling / heating switching means is switched to the heating flow state, the air in the temperature adjustment target space or the indoor heat exchanger installed in the temperature adjustment target space in the second heat exchanger functioning as a condenser It is possible to heat the temperature control target space by heating the heat transfer fluid circulated and supplied to the air.
In the state where the cooling / heating switching means is switched to the heating flow state, the operation target compressor and the operation target compressor are provided when the flow state switching means is switched to the partial load flow state. The refrigerant flows through the first heat exchanger of the refrigerant circuit to be operated and the first heat exchanger of a part or all of the refrigerant circuits different from the refrigerant circuit to be operated.
Therefore, in a multi-type temperature control system that can be switched between a cooling operation and a heating operation, the air conditioning efficiency can be improved.

Further features of the multi-type temperature control system according to the present invention are as follows:
The compressor is driven by an engine.

According to the above characteristic configuration, the compressor is driven by the engine, and the exhaust heat of the engine can be used for heating or hot water supply. Further, when a device capable of converting warm heat into cold heat is provided, the exhaust heat of the engine can be used for cold heat conversion.
Therefore, the exhaust heat of the engine that drives the compressor can be used for heating and cooling in an air conditioner different from this multi-type temperature control system, and can also be used for hot water supply. The air conditioning efficiency can be further improved.

The figure which shows the structure of the multi type air conditioning system which concerns on 1st Embodiment, and the flow of the refrigerant | coolant in a cooling operation state The figure which shows the flow of the refrigerant | coolant in the heating operation state which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of the multi-type air conditioning system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, and the flow of the refrigerant | coolant in a cooling operation state The figure which shows the flow of the refrigerant | coolant in the heating operation state which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of the multi type air conditioning system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment, and the flow of the refrigerant | coolant in a cooling operation state The figure which shows the flow of the refrigerant | coolant in the heating operation state which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. The figure which shows the flow of the refrigerant | coolant in the air_conditionaing | cooling operation state which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. The figure which shows the flow of the refrigerant | coolant in the heating operation state which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of the multi type air conditioning system which concerns on 4th Embodiment, and the flow of the refrigerant | coolant in a cooling operation state The figure which shows the flow of the refrigerant | coolant in the heating operation state which concerns on 4th Embodiment. The figure which shows the flow of the refrigerant | coolant in the air_conditionaing | cooling operation state which concerns on 4th Embodiment. The figure which shows the flow of the refrigerant | coolant in the heating operation state which concerns on 4th Embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of the multi type air conditioning system which concerns on 5th Embodiment, and the flow of the refrigerant | coolant in a cooling operation state The figure which shows the flow of the refrigerant | coolant in the heating operation state which concerns on 5th Embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of the multi type | mold air conditioning system which concerns on 6th Embodiment, and the flow of the refrigerant | coolant in a cooling operation state The figure which shows the flow of the refrigerant | coolant in the heating operation state which concerns on 6th Embodiment. The figure which shows the flow of the refrigerant | coolant in the air_conditionaing | cooling operation state which concerns on 6th Embodiment. The figure which shows the flow of the refrigerant | coolant in the heating operation state which concerns on 6th Embodiment. The figure which shows the flow of the refrigerant | coolant in the air_conditionaing | cooling operation state which concerns on 6th Embodiment. The figure which shows the flow of the refrigerant | coolant in the heating operation state which concerns on 6th Embodiment. The figure which shows the flow of the refrigerant | coolant in the air_conditionaing | cooling operation state which concerns on 6th Embodiment. The figure which shows the flow of the refrigerant | coolant in the heating operation state which concerns on 6th Embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of the multi type air conditioning system which concerns on 7th Embodiment, and the flow of the refrigerant | coolant in a cooling operation state The figure which shows the flow of the refrigerant | coolant in the heating operation state which concerns on 7th Embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of the multi-type air conditioning system which concerns on 8th Embodiment, and the flow of the refrigerant | coolant in a cooling operation state The figure which shows the flow of the refrigerant | coolant in the air_conditionaing | cooling operation state which concerns on 8th Embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of the multi type | mold air conditioning system which concerns on 9th Embodiment, and the flow of the refrigerant | coolant in a cooling operation state The figure which shows the flow of the refrigerant | coolant in the air_conditionaing | cooling operation state which concerns on 9th Embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of the multi type | mold air conditioning system which concerns on 10th Embodiment, and the flow of the refrigerant | coolant in a cooling operation state The figure which shows the flow of the refrigerant | coolant in the air_conditionaing | cooling operation state which concerns on 10th Embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of the multi-type air conditioning system which concerns on another embodiment, and the flow of the refrigerant | coolant in a cooling operation state The figure which shows the structure of the multi-type air conditioning system which concerns on another embodiment, and the flow of the refrigerant | coolant in a heating operation state The figure which shows the structure of the multi-type air conditioning system which concerns on another embodiment, and the flow of the refrigerant | coolant in a cooling operation state The figure which shows the structure of the multi-type air conditioning system which concerns on another embodiment, and the flow of the refrigerant | coolant in a heating operation state The figure which shows the structure of the multi-type air conditioning system which concerns on another embodiment, and the flow of the refrigerant | coolant in a cooling operation state The figure which shows the structure of the multi-type air conditioning system which concerns on another embodiment, and the flow of the refrigerant | coolant in a heating operation state

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
First, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of a multi-type air conditioning system as a multi-type temperature control system, and the flow of refrigerant in a state where the refrigerant circuit C is switched to the cooling operation state, and FIG. FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 each show the flow of refrigerant in a rated operation state in which all the plurality of compressors 1 are operated. b) shows the flow of the refrigerant in a partial load operation state (first partial load operation state) in which some of the operation target compressors 2 among the plurality of compressors 1 are operated. In addition, in each of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 and each of the drawings for explaining other embodiments described later, a portion through which the refrigerant flows is shown by a thick line, and a portion through which the refrigerant does not flow is shown by a thin line.

The multi-type air conditioning system includes a compressor 1 that compresses refrigerant, an expansion valve 2 that decompresses and expands the refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger 3 as a first heat exchanger, and an air conditioning target space (corresponding to a temperature control target space). As a control means for controlling the operation of the multi-type air-conditioning system, a plurality of refrigerant circuits C are provided in which the air-conditioning heat exchanger 4 as a second heat exchanger for air-conditioning is connected by the refrigerant flow path 5. The control unit 6 is also provided.
The compressor 1 of each refrigerant circuit C is driven by a gas engine 9. The engine cooling water for cooling the gas engine 9 is circulated to the exhaust heat utilization heat exchanger 11 through the cooling water circulation path 10. Although not shown, the exhaust heat utilization heat exchanger 11 is configured to be a heat source for hot water supply or heating, and the exhaust heat of the gas engine 9 is used for hot water supply or heating.

  And the control part 6 changes an operation state into the rated operation state which operates all the some compressors 1, and the partial load operation state which operates the compressor 1 of some operation objects among the some compressors 1. FIG. It is configured to be switchable.

  In the first embodiment, two refrigerant circuits C are provided. In addition, in each figure, in order to distinguish the two refrigerant circuits C, the subscripts a and b are attached to the code | symbol C which shows a refrigerant circuit, and the two refrigerant circuits C are distinguished and demonstrated in the following description. In order to do this, the subscripts a and b are added to the symbol C indicating the refrigerant circuit, and they are described as the first refrigerant circuit Ca and the second refrigerant circuit Cb.

  In each of the plurality of refrigerant circuits C, there is a circulation path for cooling operation that goes in order of the compressor 1, the outdoor heat exchanger 3 that functions as a condenser, the expansion valve 2, and the heat exchanger 4 for air conditioning that functions as an evaporator. Circulation for cooling operation in which the refrigerant is passed, the compressor 1, the air-conditioning heat exchanger 4 that functions as a condenser, the expansion valve 2, and the outdoor heat exchanger 3 that functions as an evaporator. A four-way valve 7 is provided as a cooling / heating switching means capable of switching the refrigerant flow state to the heating flow state in which the refrigerant flows through the path.

The refrigerant circuit C will be further described. The four-way valve 7 includes four ports 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d for entering and leaving the refrigerant.
The port 7 a and the refrigerant discharge port of the compressor 1 are connected by a counter-compressor outlet channel 5 a in the refrigerant channel 5, and the port 7 b and the refrigerant inlet of the compressor 1 are in the refrigerant channel 5. And the port 7c and one refrigerant inlet / outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 3 are connected by the outdoor heat exchanger flow path 5c of the refrigerant flow path 5, The port 7d and one refrigerant inlet / outlet of the air-conditioning heat exchanger 4 are connected by an air-conditioning heat exchanger channel 5d in the refrigerant channel 5, and the other refrigerant inlet / outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 3 is further connected. And the other refrigerant inlet / outlet of the air-conditioning heat exchanger 4 are connected to each other through the inter-heat exchanger channel 5 e in the refrigerant channel 5.
The expansion valve 2 is provided in the heat exchanger flow path 5e, and an accumulator 8 is provided in the compressor inlet flow path 5b.

In this first embodiment, each of the two refrigerant circuits C is used for air conditioning for a plurality of (6 in this embodiment) common to the outdoor heat exchanger 3 dedicated to each refrigerant circuit and the two refrigerant circuits C. The heat exchanger 4 is configured to be connected in parallel by a heat exchanger channel 5d for air conditioning and a channel 5e between heat exchangers.
In the refrigerant circuit C, the compressor 1, the accumulator 8, the expansion valve 2, and the outdoor heat exchanger 3 are provided one by one to constitute the outdoor unit Ue. That is, two outdoor units Ue are provided. Although not shown in the drawings, each outdoor unit Ue is provided with an outdoor air ventilator for passing outside air through the outdoor heat exchanger 3 in order to exchange heat with the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 3. .
Further, six air conditioning heat exchangers 4 are provided in the indoor unit Ui one by one. Each indoor unit Ui is installed in the air conditioning target space. Although not shown in the drawings, each indoor unit Ui has an air-conditioning blower that ventilates air in the air-conditioning target space so that the air in the air-conditioning heat exchanger 4 is returned to the air-conditioning target space, and the indoor unit Ui. A remote controller or the like for commanding operation and stop is provided. That is, the six indoor units Ui can be individually operated and stopped by the respective remote controllers.

As shown in FIG. 1, when a cooling operation is commanded from an operation panel (not shown), the four-way valve 7 is switched to a state in which the ports 7a and 7c are in communication and the ports 7b and 7d are in communication. The refrigerant circuit C is switched to the cooling operation state.
In this cooling operation state, the high-temperature and high-pressure steam refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 is supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger 3 functioning as a condenser via the four-way valve 7, and the steam is discharged from the outdoor heat exchanger 3. The refrigerant releases heat by heat exchange with the outside air and condensates.
The liquid refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger 3 passes through the expansion valve 2 and is depressurized. Then, the liquid refrigerant is supplied to the air conditioning heat exchanger 4 functioning as an evaporator, and the liquid refrigerant is supplied to the air conditioning heat exchanger 4. Removes heat from the air in the air-conditioned space and evaporates.
The vapor refrigerant flowing out of the air-conditioning heat exchanger 4 passes through the four-way valve 7 and further passes through the accumulator 8 to be removed from the liquid, and then returns to the compressor 1. The refrigerant is circulated.

As shown in FIG. 2, when a heating operation is commanded from the operation panel, the four-way valve 7 is switched to a state where the ports 7a and 7d are in communication and the ports 7b and 7c are in communication, and the refrigerant circuit C is Switch to the heating operation state.
In this heating operation state, the high-temperature and high-pressure vapor refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 is supplied to the air-conditioning heat exchanger 4 functioning as a condenser via the four-way valve 7, and the steam is discharged from the air-conditioning heat exchanger 4. The refrigerant releases heat by heat exchange with the air in the air-conditioning target space, and condensates.
The liquid refrigerant flowing out of the air conditioning heat exchanger 4 passes through the expansion valve 2 and is depressurized. Then, the liquid refrigerant is supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger 3 that functions as an evaporator. In the outdoor heat exchanger 3, the liquid refrigerant is Removes heat from outside air and evaporates.
The vapor refrigerant that has flowed out of the outdoor heat exchanger 3 passes through the four-way valve 7 and further passes through the accumulator 8 to be removed from the liquid, and then returns to the compressor 1. The refrigerant is circulated.

In the present invention, a plurality of refrigerant circuits C are connected to an outdoor heat exchanger 3 provided in different refrigerant circuits C by an outdoor connection channel Q as a connection channel that allows the refrigerant to flow. .
In each of the plurality of refrigerant circuits C, a normal flow state in which the refrigerant flows through the compressor 1 and the outdoor heat exchanger 3 of the same refrigerant circuit C, and a part of the plurality of compressors 1 Of the operation target compressor 1, the outdoor heat exchanger 3 of the operation target refrigerant circuit C provided with the operation target compressor 1, and all the refrigerant circuits C that are different from the operation target refrigerant circuit C. The outdoor-side flow state switching unit S is provided as a flow state switching means that can be switched to a partial load flow state that allows the refrigerant to flow through the heat exchanger 3.
Furthermore, in this 1st Embodiment, the outdoor side serial connection as a serial connection flow path which connects the outdoor side heat exchanger 3 with which each of the some refrigerant circuit C was provided in series as the outdoor connection flow path Q. A channel Qs is provided, and the outdoor flow state switching unit S is configured to flow the refrigerant through the outdoor series connection flow channel Qs in the partial load flow state.
The control unit 6 switches the outdoor flow state switching unit S to the normal flow state in the rated operation state, and the outdoor flow state switching unit S to the partial load flow in the partial load operation state. It is configured to switch to a state.

The outdoor side serial connection flow path Qs and the outdoor side flow state switching unit S will be described.
In the first embodiment, a third communication flow path P3 that connects the heat exchanger flow path 5e of the first refrigerant circuit Ca and the outdoor heat exchanger flow path 5c of the second refrigerant circuit Cb, and A third communication channel opening / closing valve V3 that opens and closes the channel is provided.
In addition, the outdoor heat exchanger flow for opening and closing the flow path is located at a position closer to the four-way valve 7 than the connection position of the third communication flow path P3 in the outdoor heat exchanger flow path 5c of the second refrigerant circuit Cb. A path opening / closing valve Vc is provided, and further, a flow path is provided at a position closer to the four-way valve 7 than a branching position for the plurality of air conditioning heat exchangers 4 in the heat exchanger flow path 5d for air conditioning of the second refrigerant circuit Cb. An air conditioning heat exchanger channel opening / closing valve Vd for opening / closing is provided.
That is, in the first embodiment, the outdoor series connection flow path Qs is configured by the third communication flow path P3, and the outdoor flow state switching unit S includes the third communication flow path opening / closing valve V3 and each refrigerant circuit Ca. , Cb, the outdoor refrigerant heat exchanger channel opening / closing valve Vc and the air conditioning heat exchanger channel switching valve Vd of the second refrigerant circuit Cb.

Next, the open / close operation states of the valves in the normal flow state and the partial load flow state of the outdoor flow state switching unit S will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
In addition, in each of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 and the drawings for explaining other embodiments described later, the valve in the valve open state is shown in black, the valve in the valve closed state is shown in white, and the operating state The indoor unit Ui is indicated by hatching, and the stopped indoor unit Ui is indicated by white.
As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 (a), the third communication flow path opening / closing valve V3 is closed, and the expansion valve 2 of each refrigerant circuit C and the second refrigerant circuit Cb for outdoor use When the heat exchanger flow path opening / closing valve Vc and the heat exchanger flow path opening / closing valve Vd for air conditioning are opened, the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the normal flow state.

  As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2B, in the partial load operation state, the compressor 1 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca is the operation target, and the third communication channel on-off valve V3 and the second refrigerant circuit are used. The expansion valve 2 of Cb is opened, the expansion valve 2 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca, the outdoor heat exchanger flow opening / closing valve Vc of the second refrigerant circuit Cb, and the heat exchanger flow opening / closing valve for air conditioning. When Vd is closed, the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the partial load flow state.

  Next, the refrigerant flow mode when the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the normal flow state and the partial load flow state will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

When the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the normal flow state in a state where the refrigerant circuit C is switched to the cooling operation state, as shown in FIG. 1 (a), two refrigerant circuits Ca, In each of Cb, the refrigerant circulates independently in the above-described cooling operation circulation path.
When the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the partial load flow state while the refrigerant circuit C is switched to the cooling operation state, the refrigerant flows as shown in FIG. That is, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 3 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca and the outdoor heat exchanger 3 of the second refrigerant circuit Cb through the third communication channel P3. After flowing in order, it flows through the heat exchanger flow path 5e of the second refrigerant circuit Cb, passes through the expansion valve 2 of the second refrigerant circuit Cb, and further passes through the heat exchanger 4 for air conditioning. It returns to the compressor 1 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca through the heat exchanger channel 5d for air conditioning of the refrigerant circuit Ca and the inlet channel 5b for the compressor.

Further, when the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the normal flow state in a state where the refrigerant circuit C is switched to the heating operation state, as shown in FIG. In each of Ca and Cb, the refrigerant circulates independently through the above-described heating operation circulation path.
When the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the partial load flow state in a state where the refrigerant circuit C is switched to the heating operation state, the refrigerant flows as shown in FIG. That is, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca flows through the heat exchanger channel 5d for air conditioning of the first refrigerant circuit Ca, passes through the heat exchanger 4 for air conditioning, and further 2 through the inter-heat exchanger channel 5e of the refrigerant circuit Cb, through the expansion valve 2 of the second refrigerant circuit Cb, and further through the third communication channel P3, outdoor heat exchange of the second refrigerant circuit Cb. First through the heat exchanger 3 and the outdoor heat exchanger 3 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca, and then through the outdoor heat exchanger channel 5c and the compressor inlet channel 5b of the first refrigerant circuit Ca. It returns to the compressor 1 of the refrigerant circuit Ca.
That is, the third communication channel P3 corresponds to the outdoor series connection channel Qs.

Next, the control operation of the control unit 6 will be described.
When the number of indoor units Ui operated is four or more, the control unit 6 sets the operation state to the rated operation state, switches the outdoor flow state switching unit S to the normal flow state, and operates the indoor unit Ui. When the number is 1 to 3, the operation state is set to the partial load operation state, and the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the partial load flow state.
Here, the switching between the normal flow state and the partial load operation state of the outdoor flow state switching unit S is not limited to the case where the switching is performed based on the number of indoor units Ui operated as described above. For example, the air conditioning load of the entire multi-type air conditioning system may be detected and performed based on the detected air conditioning load. In this case, for example, when the detected air-conditioning load is half or more of the rated air-conditioning load, the normal flow state is switched, and when the detected air-conditioning load is smaller than half, the partial load flow state is switched.

  Hereinafter, the second and third embodiments will be described. Each embodiment describes another embodiment of the outdoor connection flow path Q and the outdoor flow state switching unit S, and is a multi-type. Since the configuration of the air conditioning system is the same as that of the first embodiment, description of the configuration of the multi-type air conditioning system is omitted in each embodiment.

[Second Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.
3 shows the overall configuration of the multi-type air conditioning system and the refrigerant flow in the second partial load operation state in the cooling operation state, and FIG. 4 shows the second partial load operation state in the heating operation state. The flow of a refrigerant is shown.
In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, an outdoor series connection flow path Qs is provided as the outdoor connection flow path Q, and the outdoor flow state switching means S is provided with a partial load flow. In the state, the refrigerant is configured to flow through the outdoor series connection flow path Qs, but the configurations of the outdoor serial connection flow path Qs and the outdoor flow state switching unit S are different from those of the first embodiment. .
That is, in addition to the configuration of the outdoor series connection flow path Qs in the first embodiment, the outdoor heat exchanger flow path 5c of the first refrigerant circuit Ca and the inter-heat exchanger flow path 5e of the second refrigerant circuit Cb Is provided, and in addition to the configuration of the outdoor flow state switching unit S in the first embodiment, a fourth communication flow path opening / closing valve V4 that opens and closes the fourth communication flow path P4. Is provided. Furthermore, the outdoor heat exchanger flow for opening and closing the flow path is located at a position closer to the four-way valve 7 than the connection position of the fourth communication flow path P4 in the outdoor heat exchanger flow path 5c of the first refrigerant circuit Ca. A passage opening / closing valve Vc is provided, and a passage opening / closing valve is provided at a location closer to the four-way valve 7 than a branching portion for the plurality of air conditioning heat exchangers 4 in the heat exchanger passage 5d for air conditioning of the first refrigerant circuit Ca. A heat exchanger channel opening / closing valve Vd for air conditioning is provided.
That is, in the second embodiment, the outdoor series connection flow path Qs is configured by the third communication flow path P3 and the fourth communication flow path P4, and the outdoor flow state switching unit S is configured by the third communication flow path. The on-off valve V3 and the fourth communication channel on-off valve V4, the expansion valve 2 of each refrigerant circuit Ca, Cb, the outdoor heat exchanger channel on-off valve Vc, and the air-conditioning heat exchanger channel on-off valve Vd. It is configured.

Next, the opening / closing operation states of the valves in the normal flow state and the partial load flow state of the outdoor flow state switching unit S will be described.
Although not shown, in the normal flow state, in addition to the opening / closing operation of each valve in the first embodiment, the fourth communication flow path opening / closing valve V4 is closed, and the first refrigerant circuit Ca is used for outdoor use. The heat exchanger channel opening / closing valve Vc and the heat exchanger channel switching valve Vd for air conditioning are opened.
Although not shown, when the compressor 1 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca is an operation target, in addition to the opening / closing operation of each valve in the first embodiment, the fourth communication flow path opening / closing valve V4 is provided. When the valve is closed and the outdoor heat exchanger channel on / off valve Vc and the air conditioning heat exchanger channel on / off valve Vd of the first refrigerant circuit Ca are opened, the outdoor flow state switching unit S is the first part. It is switched to the load flow state.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when the compressor 1 of the second refrigerant circuit Cb is an operation target, the fourth communication flow path opening / closing valve V4 is opened and the third communication flow path opening / closing valve V3 is closed. And the expansion valve 2 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca is opened, the expansion valve 2 of the second refrigerant circuit Cb is closed, and the outdoor heat exchanger channel opening / closing valve Vc and the pair of the second refrigerant circuit Cb are connected. When the air conditioning heat exchanger channel on / off valve Vd is opened and the outdoor heat exchanger channel on / off valve Vc and the air conditioning heat exchanger channel on / off valve Vd of the first refrigerant circuit Ca are closed, the chamber The outer flow state switching unit S is switched to the second partial load flow state.

Next, the flow mode of the refrigerant when the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the partial load flow state will be described.
Although illustration is omitted, if the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the first partial load flow state in a state where the refrigerant circuit C is switched to the cooling operation state, the refrigerant is the same as in the first embodiment. The flow is the same as described with reference to FIG.
Although illustration is omitted, if the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the first partial load flow state in a state where the refrigerant circuit C is switched to the heating operation state, the refrigerant is the first embodiment described above. In the form, the air flows in the same form as described with reference to FIG.

  When the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the second partial load flow state while the refrigerant circuit C is switched to the cooling operation state, the refrigerant flows as shown in FIG. That is, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 of the second refrigerant circuit Cb is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 3 of the second refrigerant circuit Cb and the outdoor heat exchanger 3 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca by the fourth communication flow path P4. After flowing in order, it flows through the heat exchanger flow path 5e of the first refrigerant circuit Ca, passes through the expansion valve 2 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca, and further passes through the heat exchanger 4 for air conditioning. The air-conditioning heat exchanger channel 5d and the compressor inlet channel 5b of the second refrigerant circuit Cb return to the compressor 1 of the second refrigerant circuit Cb.

  Further, when the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the second partial load flow state in a state where the refrigerant circuit C is switched to the heating operation state, the refrigerant flows as shown in FIG. That is, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 of the second refrigerant circuit Cb flows through the air-conditioning heat exchanger channel 5d of the second refrigerant circuit Cb, passes through the air-conditioning heat exchanger 4, and further The heat exchange channel 5e of the first refrigerant circuit Ca flows through the expansion valve 2 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca, and the outdoor heat exchange of the first refrigerant circuit Ca is performed by the fourth communication channel P4. And the outdoor heat exchanger 3 of the second refrigerant circuit Cb in order, and then the second heat flow path 5c and the compressor inlet flow path 5b of the second refrigerant circuit Cb. It returns to the compressor 1 of the refrigerant circuit Cb.

Next, the control operation of the control unit 6 will be described.
When the number of indoor units Ui operated is four or more, the control unit 6 sets the operation state to the rated operation state, switches the outdoor flow state switching unit S to the normal flow state, and operates the indoor unit Ui. When the number is 1 to 3, the operation state is set to the partial load operation state, and the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the partial load flow state.
Further, the control unit 6 selects the compressor 1 to be operated from the compressors 1 of the plurality of refrigerant circuits C in order to equalize the accumulated operation time of the compressors 1 of the plurality of refrigerant circuits C in the partial load operation state. And the outdoor flow state switching unit S so as to switch to the partial load flow state of either the first or the second according to the compressor 1 to be operated set as described above. Control the operation of
That is, the control unit 6 is configured to be able to change and set the operation target compressor 1 in the partial load operation state, and the outdoor-side flow state switching unit S includes the operation target compressor 1 to be changed and set. The circuit C is configured to be switched to a partial load flow state as a refrigerant circuit C to be operated.

[Third Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
5 shows the overall configuration of the multi-type air conditioning system and the flow of the refrigerant when the refrigerant circuit C is switched to the cooling operation state, and FIG. 6 shows the state where the refrigerant circuit C is switched to the heating operation state. 5 and 6, (a) shows the refrigerant flow in the rated operation state, and (b) shows the first partial load operation state of the single expansion valve passing configuration. Shows the flow of refrigerant.
FIG. 7 shows the refrigerant flow in the first partial load operation state of the multiple expansion valve passing configuration in the cooling operation state, and FIG. 8 shows the first partial load operation of the multiple expansion valve passage configuration in the heating operation state. The flow of the refrigerant in a state is shown.

In this 3rd Embodiment, the outdoor parallel connection flow path as a parallel connection flow path which connects the outdoor heat exchanger 3 provided in each of the some refrigerant circuit C in parallel as the outdoor connection flow path Q Qp is provided, and the outdoor flow state switching unit S is configured to flow the refrigerant through the outdoor parallel connection flow path Qp in the partial load flow state.
A plurality of refrigerant circuits C are connected to expansion valves 2 provided in different refrigerant circuits C through expansion valve connection channels Qb that allow refrigerant to flow, and the outdoor flow state switching unit S However, in the partial load flow state, the number of the expansion valves 2 through which the refrigerant flows can be changed.
The control unit 6 switches the outdoor flow state switching unit S to the normal flow state in the rated operation state, and switches the outdoor flow state switching unit S to the partial load flow state in the partial load operation state. And the outdoor flow state switching unit S is operated to change the number of expansion valves 2 through which the refrigerant flows according to the air conditioning load.

The outdoor side parallel connection flow path Qp and the outdoor side flow state switching unit S will be described.
In the third embodiment, the first communication flow path P1 that connects the plurality of (two in the third embodiment) refrigerant circuits C to the outdoor heat exchanger flow paths 5c and the plurality of refrigerant circuits. A second communication channel P2 is provided to communicate and connect a portion closer to the outdoor heat exchanger 3 than the expansion valve 2 in each of the C inter-heat exchanger channels 5e. The first communication channel P1 and the second communication channel The path P2 is provided with a first communication flow path opening / closing valve V1 and a second communication flow path opening / closing valve V2 for opening and closing the flow paths, respectively.
Further, the outdoor heat exchanger flow path for opening and closing the flow path is located at a position closer to the four-way valve 7 than the connection position of the first communication flow path P1 in the outdoor heat exchanger flow path 5c of each refrigerant circuit C. An opening / closing valve Vc is provided, and further, a passage opening / closing valve is provided at a location closer to the four-way valve 7 than a branching location for the plurality of air conditioning heat exchangers 4 in the heat exchanger passage 5d for air conditioning of each refrigerant circuit C A heat exchanger channel opening / closing valve Vd for air conditioning is provided.
And the outdoor side parallel connection flow path Qp is comprised by the 1st communication flow path P1 and the 2nd communication flow path P2, and the outdoor side flow state switching part S is the 1st communication flow path opening / closing valve V1 and the 2nd communication flow path. The flow path opening / closing valve V2, the expansion valves 2 of the refrigerant circuits Ca and Cb, the outdoor heat exchanger flow path opening / closing valve Vc, and the air conditioning heat exchanger flow path opening / closing valve Vd are configured.

Next, the opening / closing operation states of the valves in the normal flow state and the partial load flow state of the outdoor flow state switching unit S will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.
As shown in (a) of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the first communication channel on-off valve V1 and the second communication channel on-off valve V2 are closed, and the expansion valve 2 of each refrigerant circuit C When the heat exchanger flow path opening / closing valve Vc and the heat exchanger flow path opening / closing valve Vd for air conditioning are opened, the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the normal flow state.

As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6B, when the compressor 1 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca is an operation target, the first communication channel on-off valve V1 and the second communication channel on-off valve V2 are provided. The valve is opened to open the expansion valve 2 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca, the outdoor heat exchanger flow path opening / closing valve Vc and the air conditioning heat exchanger flow path opening / closing valve Vd, and the expansion valve of the second refrigerant circuit Cb 2. When the outdoor heat exchanger flow path opening / closing valve Vc and the air conditioning heat exchanger flow path opening / closing valve Vd are closed, the outdoor partial flow state switching section S is a first partial load having a single expansion valve passing configuration. It is switched to the flow state.
Although not shown, when the compressor 1 of the second refrigerant circuit Cb is an operation target, the first communication channel on-off valve V1 and the second communication channel on-off valve V2 are opened, and the second refrigerant The expansion valve 2 of the circuit Cb, the outdoor heat exchanger flow opening / closing valve Vc and the air conditioning heat exchanger flow opening / closing valve Vd are opened, and the expansion valve 2 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca and the outdoor heat exchange are opened. When the flow path opening / closing valve Vc and the heat exchanger flow path opening / closing valve Vd for air conditioning are closed, the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the second partial load flow state of the single expansion valve passing configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, in each of the first partial load flow state and the second partial load flow state of the single expansion valve passing configuration, the second communication flow path opening / closing valve V2 is closed, and When the expansion valve 2 of each of the two refrigerant circuits C is opened, the first partial load flow state in which a plurality of expansion valves pass through the refrigerant in a state of passing through the expansion valves 2 of the two refrigerant circuits C And a second partial load flow state. That is, as described above, the outdoor flow state switching unit S is configured to be able to change the number of expansion valves 2 through which the refrigerant flows in the partial load flow state.

Next, based on FIG.5 and FIG.6, the flow form of the refrigerant | coolant when the outdoor side flow state switching part S is switched to the partial load flow state of a single expansion valve passage form is demonstrated.
When the refrigerant circuit C is switched to the cooling operation state and the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the first partial load flow state of the single expansion valve passing configuration, the refrigerant is shown in FIG. As shown in Fig. That is, after the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca flows through the outdoor heat exchangers 3 of the first and second refrigerant circuits Ca and Cb in parallel through the first communication flow path P1. The second communication channel P2 joins the inter-heat exchanger channel 5e of the first refrigerant circuit Ca, passes through the expansion valve 2 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca, and further passes through the heat exchanger 4 for air conditioning. The air-conditioning heat exchanger channel 5d and the compressor inlet channel 5b of the first refrigerant circuit Ca are returned to the compressor 1 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca.
Although illustration is omitted, when the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the second partial load flow state of the single expansion valve passing state in a state where the refrigerant circuit C is switched to the cooling operation state, The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 of the refrigerant circuit Cb passes through the outdoor heat exchangers 3 of the first and second refrigerant circuits Ca and Cb in parallel through the first communication flow path P1, and then the second communication flow. The path P2 joins the inter-heat exchanger flow path 5e of the second refrigerant circuit Cb, passes through the expansion valve 2 of the second refrigerant circuit Cb, and further passes through the heat exchanger 4 for air conditioning. It returns to the compressor 1 of the second refrigerant circuit Cb through the heat exchanger channel 5d for air conditioning in the circuit Cb and the inlet channel 5b for the compressor.

When the outdoor-side flow state switching unit S is switched to the first partial load flow state of the single expansion valve passing configuration in the state where the refrigerant circuit C is switched to the heating operation state, the refrigerant is shown in FIG. As shown in Fig. That is, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca flows through the heat exchanger channel 5d for air conditioning of the first refrigerant circuit Ca, passes through the heat exchanger 4 for air conditioning, and further The flow path 5e between the heat exchangers of the first refrigerant circuit Ca flows through the expansion valve 2 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca, and further, the first and second refrigerant circuits Ca, Cb by the second communication flow path P2. After each of the outdoor heat exchangers 3 flows in parallel, it is joined to the outdoor heat exchanger flow path 5c of the first refrigerant circuit Ca by the first communication flow path P1, and the pair of the first refrigerant circuit Ca. It returns to the compressor 1 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca through the compressor inlet channel 5b.
Although illustration is omitted, when the outdoor-side flow state switching unit S is switched to the second partial load flow state of the single expansion valve passing state with the refrigerant circuit C being switched to the heating operation state, The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 of the refrigerant circuit Cb flows through the air-conditioning heat exchanger channel 5d of the second refrigerant circuit Cb, passes through the air-conditioning heat exchanger 4, and further passes through the second refrigerant circuit Cb. Through the heat exchanger flow path 5e, through the expansion valve 2 of the second refrigerant circuit Cb, and for the outdoor use of the first and second refrigerant circuits Ca and Cb through the second communication flow path P2. After flowing through the heat exchanger 3 in parallel, the first communication flow path P1 joins the outdoor heat exchanger flow path 5c of the second refrigerant circuit Cb to the compressor inlet flow of the second refrigerant circuit Cb. It returns to the compressor 1 of the second refrigerant circuit Cb through the passage 5b.

Next, based on FIG.7 and FIG.8, the flow form of the refrigerant | coolant when the outdoor side flow state switching part S is switched to the partial load flow state of multiple expansion valve passage form is demonstrated.
For example, when the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the first partial load flow state of the multiple expansion valve passage configuration in a state where the refrigerant circuit C is switched to the cooling operation state, the refrigerant is as shown in FIG. To flow into. That is, as in the case of the single expansion valve passing configuration, the refrigerant that has flowed in parallel through the outdoor heat exchanger 3 of each of the first and second refrigerant circuits Ca and Cb through the first communication flow path P1 remains as it is. 1 and the second refrigerant circuits Ca and Cb flow in parallel between the heat exchanger flow paths 5e and pass through the expansion valves 2 of the first and second refrigerant circuits Ca and Cb in parallel. The flow is the same as in the case of the one expansion valve passing configuration.
Further, when the refrigerant circuit C is switched to the heating operation state and the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the first partial load flow state of the plural expansion valve passage form, the refrigerant is as shown in FIG. To flow into. That is, as in the case of the single expansion valve passing configuration, the refrigerant that has passed through the air conditioning heat exchanger 4 flows in parallel to the heat exchanger flow path 5e of each of the first and second refrigerant circuits Ca and Cb. Pass through the expansion valves 2 of the first and second refrigerant circuits Ca and Cb in parallel, and flow through the outdoor heat exchangers 3 of the first and second refrigerant circuits Ca and Cb in parallel as they are, Thereafter, the flow is the same as in the case of the single expansion valve passing configuration.

In the state where the refrigerant circuit C is switched to the cooling operation state, the first communication flow path P1 connects the outdoor heat exchangers 3 provided in each of the plurality of refrigerant circuits C in parallel. It functions as an outdoor parallel connection flow path Qp as a passage, and the second communication flow path P2 functions as an expansion valve connection flow path Qb that allows the refrigerant to flow through the expansion valves 2 provided in different refrigerant circuits C. To do.
Further, in a state where the refrigerant circuit C is switched to the heating operation state, the first communication flow path P1 and the second communication flow path P2 function as the outdoor parallel connection flow path Qp.

Next, the control operation of the control unit 6 will be described.
When the number of indoor units Ui operated is four or more, the control unit 6 sets the operation state to the rated operation state and switches the outdoor flow state switching unit S to the normal flow state. Further, when the number of indoor units Ui is three, the control unit 6 sets the operation state to the partial load operation state, and sets the outdoor flow state switching unit S to the first or second of the plurality of expansion valve passage configurations. When the number of operating units of the indoor unit Ui is 1 or 2, the operation state is set to the partial load operation state, and the outdoor flow state switching unit S is passed through the single expansion valve. Are switched to the first or second partial load flow state.
Further, the control unit 6 selects the compressor 1 to be operated from the compressors 1 of the plurality of refrigerant circuits C in order to equalize the accumulated operation time of the compressors 1 of the plurality of refrigerant circuits C in the partial load operation state. And the outdoor flow state switching unit S so as to switch to the partial load flow state of either the first or the second according to the compressor 1 to be operated set as described above. Control the operation of
That is, the control unit 6 is configured to be able to change and set the operation target compressor 1 in the partial load operation state, and the outdoor-side flow state switching unit S includes the operation target compressor 1 to be changed and set. The circuit C is configured to be switched to a partial load flow state as a refrigerant circuit C to be operated.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Hereinafter, based on FIGS. 9-12, 4th Embodiment is described.
9 shows the overall configuration of the multi-type air conditioning system and the flow of the refrigerant in a state where the refrigerant circuit C is switched to the cooling operation state, and FIG. 10 shows the state where the refrigerant circuit C is switched to the heating operation state. 9 and 10, (a) shows the refrigerant flow in the rated operation state, and (b) shows the first partial load operation state of the single expansion valve passing configuration. Shows the flow of refrigerant.
FIG. 11 shows the refrigerant flow in the first partial load operation state of the multiple expansion valve passage configuration in the cooling operation state, and FIG. 12 shows the first partial load operation of the multiple expansion valve passage configuration in the heating operation state. The flow of the refrigerant in a state is shown.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, in the fourth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the multi-type air conditioning system is provided with two refrigerant circuits C. However, the connection configuration of the outdoor heat exchanger 3 and the air conditioning heat exchanger 4 is different from that of the first embodiment.
That is, in the fourth embodiment, each of the two refrigerant circuits C is configured by connecting the outdoor heat exchanger 3 dedicated to each refrigerant circuit C and the air conditioning heat exchanger 4 dedicated to each refrigerant circuit C. ing.
Each of the air conditioner heat exchangers 4 of the two refrigerant circuits C is configured to exchange heat between the heat transfer fluid circulated through the indoor heat exchanger 12 installed in the air-conditioning target space and the refrigerant.
Incidentally, in the fourth embodiment, six indoor heat exchanges 12 are provided, which is larger than the number of refrigerant circuits C installed, and these six indoor heat exchangers 12 are arranged in parallel by the fluid forward path 13 and the fluid return path 14. Are connected to the air conditioner heat exchanger 4 of each refrigerant circuit C.

The compressor 1, the accumulator 8, the expansion valve 2, the outdoor heat exchanger 3 and the air conditioning heat exchanger 4 are provided one by one to constitute the outdoor unit Ue. That is, two outdoor units Ue are provided. Although not shown in the drawings, each outdoor unit Ue is provided with an outdoor air ventilator for passing outside air through the outdoor heat exchanger 3 in order to exchange heat with the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 3. .
Six indoor heat exchangers 12 are provided in the indoor unit Ui one by one. Although not shown in the drawings, each indoor unit Ui has an air conditioner blower that ventilates air in the air conditioning target space to return to the air conditioning target space after passing through the indoor heat exchanger 12, and an indoor unit Ui. A remote controller or the like for commanding operation and stop is provided. That is, the six indoor units Ui can be individually operated and stopped by the respective remote controllers.

In the fourth embodiment, the outdoor parallel connection flow path Qp and the outdoor flow state switching unit S are provided as in the third embodiment.
That is, also in the fourth embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the outdoor parallel connection flow path Qp is provided as the outdoor connection flow path Q, and the outdoor flow state switching unit S is in the partial load flow state. Is configured to allow refrigerant to flow through the outdoor parallel connection flow path Qp.
A plurality of refrigerant circuits C are connected to expansion valves 2 provided in different refrigerant circuits C through expansion valve connection channels Qb that allow refrigerant to flow, and the outdoor flow state switching unit S However, in the partial load flow state, the number of the expansion valves 2 through which the refrigerant flows can be changed.
The control unit 6 switches the outdoor flow state switching unit S to the normal flow state in the rated operation state, and switches the outdoor flow state switching unit S to the partial load flow state in the partial load operation state. And the outdoor flow state switching unit S is operated to change the number of expansion valves 2 through which the refrigerant flows according to the air conditioning load.

Further, a plurality of refrigerant circuits C are connected to the air conditioning heat exchanger 4 provided in different refrigerant circuits C by an air conditioning side connection flow path R that allows the refrigerant to flow. The normal flow state in which the refrigerant flows through the compressor 1 and the air-conditioning heat exchanger 4 in the same refrigerant circuit C, and the compressor 1 to be operated among the plurality of compressors 1 and the operation thereof The refrigerant flows through the air conditioning heat exchanger 4 of the operation target refrigerant circuit C provided with the target compressor 1 and the air conditioning heat exchangers 4 of all the refrigerant circuits C different from the operation target refrigerant circuit C. An air-conditioning-side flow state switching unit T is provided as air-conditioning-side flow state switching means that can be switched to the partial load flow state.
Then, the control unit 6 switches the outdoor-side flow state switching unit S and the air-conditioning-side flow state switching unit T to the normal flow state in the rated operation state, and the outdoor-flow flow in the partial load operation state. Each of the state switching unit S and the air conditioning side flow state switching unit T is configured to switch to the partial load flow state.

  The outdoor parallel connection flow path Qp has the same configuration as that of the third embodiment, and includes the first communication flow path P1 and the second communication flow path P2, and the outdoor flow condition switching unit S is also configured in the third embodiment. The first communication flow path opening / closing valve V1 and the second communication flow path opening / closing valve V2, the expansion valve 2 of each refrigerant circuit Ca, Cb, the outdoor heat exchanger flow opening / closing valve Vc. And an air conditioning heat exchanger channel opening / closing valve Vd.

The air conditioning side connection flow path R and the air conditioning side flow state switching unit T will be described.
In the fourth embodiment, the heat for air conditioning is higher than the heat exchanger flow on / off valve Vd for air conditioning in the heat exchanger flow passage 5d for air conditioning of each of the refrigerant circuits C (two in the fourth embodiment). The fifth communication flow path P5 that communicates and connects the parts on the exchanger 4 side, and the part on the heat exchanger 4 side for air conditioning with respect to the expansion valve 2 in the inter-heat exchanger flow path 5e of each of the plurality of refrigerant circuits C communicates. A sixth communication channel P6 to be connected is provided, and the fifth communication channel P5 and the sixth communication channel P6 are respectively provided with a fifth communication channel on-off valve V5 and a sixth communication channel on-off valve for opening and closing the channel. V6 is provided.
And the air-conditioning side connection flow path R is comprised by the 5th communication flow path P5 and the 6th communication flow path P6, and the air-conditioning side flow state switching part T is the 5th communication flow path opening / closing valve V5 and the 6th communication flow. It is comprised by the road on-off valve V6.

Next, the opening / closing operation states of the valves in the normal flow state and the partial load flow state of the air conditioning side flow state switching unit T will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 (a), when the fifth communication channel on / off valve V5 and the sixth communication channel on / off valve V6 are closed, the air-conditioning-side communication state switching unit T is in the normal communication state. Can be switched to.
Further, as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10B, when the fifth communication channel on / off valve V5 and the sixth communication channel on / off valve V6 are opened, the air-conditioning-side communication state switching unit T is single. It is switched to the partial load flow state of the expansion valve passage form. Further, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, when the fifth communication flow path opening / closing valve V5 is opened and the sixth communication flow path opening / closing valve V6 is closed, the air-conditioning-side flow condition switching section T becomes a plurality of expansion valves. It is switched to the partial load flow state in the passing form.
The outdoor flow state switching unit S opens and closes each valve in the same manner as in the third embodiment, so that the first partial load flow state in the single expansion valve passage form, the first expansion valve passage form in the first The two partial load flow state, the first partial load flow state of the plural expansion valve passage form, or the second partial load passage state of the plural expansion valve passage form is switched.
And when the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to either the first partial load flow state or the second partial load flow state of the single expansion valve passage type in this way, the air conditioning side flow state The switching part T is switched to a partial load flow state in a single expansion valve passage form, and the outdoor flow state switching part S is a first partial load flow state and a second partial load flow state in a multiple expansion valve passage form. When switching to any of the above, the outdoor-side flow state switching unit S is switched to the partial load flow state of the plural expansion valve passage form.

Next, the refrigerant flow mode when the outdoor flow state switching unit S and the air conditioning side flow state switching unit T are switched to the partial load flow state will be described.
In addition, since the flow mode of the refrigerant in the partial load flow state is the same as that of the third embodiment except that the flow mode when passing through the heat exchanger 4 for air conditioning of the plurality of refrigerant circuits C is different, The description of the part that flows in the same form as the third embodiment is omitted.
In a state where the refrigerant circuit C is switched to the cooling operation state, the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the first partial load flow state of the single expansion valve passing configuration and the air conditioning side flow state switching unit T is The refrigerant flow mode when switched to the partial load flow mode of the single expansion valve passing mode is as shown in FIG. 9B.
In other words, the refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve 2 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca, as in the case of the single expansion valve passage form of the third embodiment, passes through the first communication path P5 and the sixth communication path P6. After the air conditioning heat exchanger 4 of each of the second refrigerant circuits Ca and Cb flows in parallel, the air flows into the heat exchanger flow path 5d for the air conditioning of the first refrigerant circuit Ca, and thereafter the third embodiment of the third embodiment. It flows similarly to the case of the single expansion valve passing configuration.
With the refrigerant circuit C switched to the cooling operation state, the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the second partial load flow state of the single expansion valve passing configuration and the air conditioning side flow state switching unit T is When switched to the partial expansion flow state of the single expansion valve passage form, although not shown, the expansion valve 2 of the second refrigerant circuit Cb is the same as in the case of the single expansion valve passage form of the third embodiment. The refrigerant that has passed through the first and second refrigerant circuits Ca and Cb in parallel through the fifth communication flow path P5 and the sixth communication flow path P6 flows in parallel to the second refrigerant. The air flows into the heat exchanger flow path 5d for the air conditioning of the circuit Cb, and thereafter flows in the same manner as in the single expansion valve passing form of the third embodiment.

In a state where the refrigerant circuit C is switched to the cooling operation state, the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the first partial load flow state in which the plurality of expansion valves pass and the air conditioning side flow state switching unit T is plural. When switched to the partial load flow state of the expansion valve passing configuration, the refrigerant flows as shown in FIG. That is, the first and second refrigerant circuits are made to flow in parallel through the heat exchanger flow passages 5e of the first and second refrigerant circuits Ca and Cb in the same manner as in the case of the multiple expansion valve passage form of the third embodiment. The refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valves 2 of Ca and Cb in parallel passes through the air conditioning heat exchangers 4 of the first and second refrigerant circuits Ca and Cb in parallel as they are, and then the fifth communication channel. P5 joins the heat exchanger flow path 5d for the air conditioning of the first refrigerant circuit Ca, and then flows in the same manner as in the case of the single expansion valve passing configuration.
Further, in the state where the refrigerant circuit C is switched to the cooling operation state, the outdoor-side flow state switching unit S is switched to the second partial load flow state of the plural expansion valve passage type and the air-conditioning side flow state switching unit T. Is switched to the partial-load flow state of the multiple expansion valve passage configuration, the illustration is omitted, but the first and second refrigerant circuits Ca, Cb are the same as in the multiple expansion valve passage configuration of the third embodiment. Refrigerants that have passed through the respective heat exchanger flow paths 5e in parallel and passed through the first and second refrigerant circuits Ca, Cb in parallel with the respective expansion valves 2 are directly supplied to the first and second refrigerant circuits Ca, After each of the Cb air conditioning heat exchangers 4 flows in parallel, it is joined to the air conditioning heat exchanger channel 5d of the second refrigerant circuit Cb through the fifth communication channel P5. The flow is the same as in the expansion valve passing configuration.

With the refrigerant circuit C switched to the heating operation state, the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the first partial load flow state of the single expansion valve passing configuration and the air conditioning side flow state switching unit T is The flow mode of the refrigerant when switched to the partial load flow state of the single expansion valve passing mode is as shown in FIG.
That is, as in the case of the single expansion valve passage configuration of the third embodiment, the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger channel 5d for air conditioning of the first refrigerant circuit Ca is the fifth communication channel P5 and the sixth communication channel. After passing the air conditioning heat exchangers 4 of the first and second refrigerant circuits Ca and Cb in parallel through the flow path P6, they merge into the heat exchanger flow path 5e of the first refrigerant circuit Ca. It flows similarly to the case of the single expansion valve passage form of the third embodiment.
With the refrigerant circuit C switched to the heating operation state, the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the second partial load flow state of the single expansion valve passing configuration and the air conditioning side flow state switching unit T is When switched to the partial load flow state of the single expansion valve passing configuration, the illustration is omitted, but the second refrigerant circuit Cb is for air conditioning as in the case of the single expansion valve passing configuration of the third embodiment. The refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger channel 5d passes through the air conditioning heat exchangers 4 of the first and second refrigerant circuits Ca and Cb in parallel through the fifth communication channel P5 and the sixth communication channel P6. After flowing, it merges into the heat exchanger flow path 5e of the second refrigerant circuit Cb, and thereafter flows in the same manner as in the single expansion valve passage form of the third embodiment.

In the state where the refrigerant circuit C is switched to the heating operation state, the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the first partial load flow state in which the plurality of expansion valves pass and the air conditioning side flow state switching unit T is plural. When switched to the partial load flow state of the expansion valve passing configuration, the refrigerant flows as shown in FIG. That is, the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger channel 5d for air conditioning of the first refrigerant circuit Ca is the first and second refrigerant circuits through the fifth communication channel P5 as in the case of the single expansion valve passing configuration. After flowing the heat exchangers 4 for air conditioning of Ca and Cb in parallel, the flow paths 5e between the heat exchangers of the first and second refrigerant circuits Ca and Cb are passed in parallel as they are. It flows similarly to the case of the multiple expansion valve passage form of the third embodiment.
In the state where the refrigerant circuit C is switched to the heating operation state, the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the second partial load flow state in which the plurality of expansion valves pass and the air conditioning side flow state switching unit T is plural. When switched to the partial load flow state of the expansion valve passage configuration, the illustration is omitted, but as in the case of the single expansion valve passage configuration, the heat exchanger flow path 5d for the air conditioning of the second refrigerant circuit Cb. The refrigerant flowing through the first and second refrigerant circuits passes through the first and second refrigerant circuits Ca and Cb through the air conditioning heat exchangers 4 in parallel through the fifth communication flow path P5 and then flows as they are. The flow paths 5e between the heat exchangers Ca and Cb flow in parallel, and then flow in the same manner as in the multiple expansion valve passage form of the third embodiment.

  That is, the fifth communication flow path P5 and the sixth communication flow path P6 function as an air conditioning side parallel connection flow path Rp that connects the air conditioning heat exchangers 4 provided in each of the plurality of refrigerant circuits C in parallel. In the partial load flow state, the air conditioning side flow state switching unit T is configured to flow the refrigerant through the air conditioning side parallel connection flow path Rp.

Next, the control operation of the control unit 6 will be described.
The control unit 6 switches the outdoor-side flow state switching unit S in the same manner as in the third embodiment, according to the number of operating indoor units Ui. Further, when the outdoor-side flow state switching unit S is switched to the normal flow state, the control unit 6 switches the air-conditioning-side flow state switching unit T to the normal flow state, and the outdoor-side flow state switching unit S. Is switched to the first or second partial load flow state of the multiple expansion valve passage form, the air conditioning side flow state switching unit T is switched to the partial load flow state of the multiple expansion valve passage form, When the state switching unit S is switched to the first or second partial load flow state of the single expansion valve passing configuration, the air conditioning side flow state switching unit T is switched to the partial load flow state of the single expansion valve passing configuration. Switch.
Similarly to the third embodiment, in the partial load operation state, the control unit 6 sets a plurality of compressors 1 to be operated in order to equalize the accumulated operation time of the compressors 1 of the plurality of refrigerant circuits C. The chamber is selected and set from the compressor 1 of the refrigerant circuit C, and switched to the partial load flow state of either the first or the second according to the compressor 1 to be operated set as such. The operation of the outer flow state switching unit S is controlled, and the air conditioning side flow state switching unit T is switched to the partial load flow state.
That is, the control unit 6 is configured to be able to change and set the operation target compressor 1 in the partial load operation state, and the outdoor-side flow state switching unit S includes the operation target compressor 1 to be changed and set. The circuit C is configured to be switched to a partial load flow state as a refrigerant circuit C to be operated.

  Hereinafter, although 5th-8th embodiment is described, each embodiment is the same as that of said 4th Embodiment in the structure of a multi-type air conditioning system, Moreover, outdoor connection is the same as that 4th Embodiment. A combination of the channel Q and the outdoor flow state switching unit S and a combination of the air conditioning side connection flow channel R and the air conditioning side flow state switching unit T are provided, but at least one of these two combinations Are different from the fourth embodiment described above, and in each embodiment, points different from the fourth embodiment will be mainly described.

Incidentally, in each of the fifth, seventh and eighth embodiments, an outdoor series connection flow path Qs is provided as the outdoor connection flow path Q, and the outdoor flow state switching unit S is in the partial load flow state. Is configured to allow the refrigerant to flow through the outdoor-side series connection flow path Qs, and in the rated operation state, the control unit 6 switches the outdoor-side flow state switching unit S to the normal flow state, and the partial load operation state Is configured to switch the outdoor-side flow state switching unit S to the partial-load flow state.
Further, in the sixth embodiment, an outdoor parallel connection flow path Qp is provided as the outdoor connection flow path Q, and the outdoor flow connection state switching unit S is configured to be connected to the outdoor parallel connection flow path Qp in the partial load flow state. The refrigerant is allowed to flow through. A plurality of refrigerant circuits C are connected to expansion valves 2 provided in different refrigerant circuits C through expansion valve connection channels Qb that allow refrigerant to flow, and the outdoor flow state switching unit S However, in the partial load flow state, the number of the expansion valves 2 through which the refrigerant flows can be changed. The control unit 6 switches the outdoor flow state switching unit S to the normal flow state in the rated operation state, and switches the outdoor flow state switching unit S to the partial load flow state in the partial load operation state. And the outdoor flow state switching unit S is operated to change the number of expansion valves 2 through which the refrigerant flows according to the air conditioning load.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14.
13 shows the overall configuration of the multi-type air conditioning system and the refrigerant flow in the partial load operation state in the cooling operation state, and FIG. 14 shows the refrigerant flow in the partial load operation state in the heating operation state. Show.
As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, in the fifth embodiment, the air conditioning side connection flow path R and the air conditioning side flow state switching unit T are the same as those in the fourth embodiment, but the outdoor connection flow path Q and The outdoor flow state switching unit S is the same as that in the first embodiment and is different from that in the fourth embodiment.

The open / close operation state of each valve in the normal flow state and the partial load flow state of the outdoor flow state switching unit S is the same as in the first embodiment, and the normal flow of the air-conditioning side flow state switching unit T The open / close operation state of each valve in each of the state and the partial load flow state is the same as in the fourth embodiment.
Incidentally, FIG. 13 shows a state where the outdoor flow state switching unit S and the air conditioning side flow state switching unit T are switched to the partial load flow state in the cooling operation state, and the refrigerant flow in that state. FIG. 14 shows the configuration, and in the heating operation state, the outdoor-side flow state switching unit S and the air-conditioning-side flow state switching unit T are switched to the partial load flow state, and the refrigerant in that state The flow form is shown.

  That is, in the fifth embodiment, the air-conditioning side parallel connection flow path Rp is provided as the air-conditioning side connection flow path R, and the air-conditioning side flow state switching unit T is operated in the partial load flow state. The refrigerant is configured to flow through Rp.

[Sixth Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 22.
FIG. 15 shows the overall configuration of the multi-type air conditioning system and the refrigerant flow in the first partial load operation state of the single expansion valve passage configuration in the cooling operation state, and FIG. 16 shows the flow in the heating operation state. The refrigerant | coolant flow in the 1st partial load driving | running state of a single expansion valve passage form is shown. 17, 19 and 21 show the flow of the refrigerant in the cooling operation state, FIG. 17 shows the second partial load operation state of the single expansion valve passage form, and FIG. 19 shows the multiple expansion valve passage form. FIG. 21 shows a second partial load state in which a plurality of expansion valves are passed. 18, 20 and 22 show the flow of the refrigerant in the heating operation state, FIG. 18 shows the second partial load operation state of the single expansion valve passage form, and FIG. 20 shows the multiple expansion valve passage form. FIG. 22 shows a second partial load state in which a plurality of expansion valves are passed.
As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, in the sixth embodiment, the outdoor connection flow path Q and the outdoor flow state switching unit S are the same as those in the fourth embodiment, but the air conditioning side connection flow path R And the air-conditioning side flow state switching unit T is different from that of the fourth embodiment.

The air conditioning side connection flow path R and the air conditioning side flow state switching unit T will be described.
As in the fourth embodiment, a fifth communication channel P5, a fifth communication channel on / off valve V5, a sixth communication channel P6, and a sixth communication channel on / off valve V6 are provided.
In addition, the flow between the location of the air conditioning heat exchanger 4 and the location of the second refrigerant circuit Cb in the second refrigerant circuit Cb with respect to the location of connection of the fifth communication channel P5 in the heat exchanger channel 5d for air conditioning of the first refrigerant circuit Ca. A seventh communication channel P7 that connects the location of the air-conditioning heat exchanger 4 to a location closer to the connection with the sixth communication channel P6 in the path 5e, and a seventh communication that opens and closes the seventh communication channel P7. A flow path opening / closing valve V7 is provided.
Furthermore, the air-conditioning heat exchanger channel 5d is connected between the connection points of the fifth communication channel P5 and the seventh communication channel P7 in the air-conditioning heat exchanger channel 5d of the first refrigerant circuit Ca. An air conditioning heat exchanger channel second open / close valve Vdd that opens and closes is provided, and each of the sixth communication channel P6 and the seventh communication channel P7 is connected to the channel 5e between the heat exchangers of the second refrigerant circuit Cb. Between them, an inter-heat exchanger channel opening / closing valve Ve that opens and closes the inter-heat exchanger channel 5e is provided.
That is, the air-conditioning side connection flow path R is configured by the fifth communication flow path P5, the sixth communication flow path P6, and the seventh communication flow path P7, and the air-conditioning side flow condition switching unit T is opened and closed by the fifth communication flow path. The valve V5, the sixth communication flow path opening / closing valve V6, the seventh communication flow path opening / closing valve V7, the air conditioner heat exchanger flow path second opening / closing valve Vdd, and the heat exchanger flow path opening / closing valve Ve.

Next, the opening / closing operation states of the valves in the normal flow state and the partial load flow state of the air conditioning side flow state switching unit T will be described.
Although not shown in the figure, in the normal flow state, the fifth communication flow path on-off valve V5, the sixth communication flow path on-off valve V6, and the seventh communication flow path on-off valve V7 are closed, and the heat exchanger flow for air conditioning The path second opening / closing valve Vdd and the heat exchanger flow path opening / closing valve Ve are opened.
As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the compressor 1 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca is set as an operation target, and the outdoor partial flow state switching unit S is in the first partial load flow state in which the single expansion valve is passed. In the state switched to, the fifth communication channel on-off valve V5 and the seventh communication channel on-off valve V7 are opened, the sixth communication channel on-off valve V6, the heat exchanger channel second on-off valve for air conditioning. When the Vdd and the heat exchanger flow path opening / closing valve Ve are closed, the first partial load flow state of the single expansion valve passing configuration corresponding to when the compressor 1 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca is set as the operation target. The air-conditioning-side flow state switching unit T is switched.
Also, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the compressor 1 of the second refrigerant circuit Cb is set as the operation target, and the outdoor flow state switching unit S is configured to pass the second partial load through the single expansion valve. In the state switched to the flow state, the sixth communication channel on-off valve V6 and the seventh communication channel on-off valve V7 are opened, the fifth communication channel on-off valve V5, the second heat exchanger channel for air conditioning. When the on-off valve Vdd and the heat exchanger flow path on-off valve Ve are closed, the second partial load passage of the single expansion valve passage configuration corresponding to the case where the compressor 1 of the second refrigerant circuit Cb is set as the operation target. The air conditioning side flow state switching unit T is switched to the flow state.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, in the state shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the second communication flow path opening / closing valve V2 is closed and the expansion valves 2 of the two refrigerant circuits C are opened. Then, when the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the first partial load flow state of the plurality of expansion valve passage forms, the air conditioning side flow state switching unit is opened when the sixth communication flow path opening / closing valve V6 is opened. T is switched to the first partial load flow state in which a plurality of expansion valves pass through.
Further, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, in the state shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the second communication flow path opening / closing valve V2 is closed, and the expansion valves 2 of the two refrigerant circuits C are opened. Thus, when the compressor 1 of the second refrigerant circuit Cb is set as an operation target and the outdoor-side flow state switching unit S is switched to the second partial load flow state of the plurality of expansion valve passage modes, When each valve is operated in the same manner as when switching to the second partial load flow state of the single expansion valve passage configuration, the air conditioning side flow state switching portion T switches to the second partial load flow state of the multiple expansion valve passage configuration. It is done.

Next, the refrigerant flow mode when the outdoor flow state switching unit S and the air conditioning side flow state switching unit T are switched to the partial load flow state will be described.
In addition, since the flow mode of the refrigerant in the partial load flow state is the same as that of the third embodiment except that the flow mode when passing through the heat exchanger 4 for air conditioning of the plurality of refrigerant circuits C is different, The description of the part that flows in the same form as the third embodiment is omitted.
In a state where the refrigerant circuit C is switched to the cooling operation state, the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the first partial load flow state of the single expansion valve passing configuration and the air conditioning side flow state switching unit T is The flow mode of the refrigerant when switched to the first partial load flow state of the single expansion valve passage form is as shown in FIG.
That is, as in the third embodiment, the refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve 2 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca passes through the seventh communication channel P7 and the fifth communication channel P5, and the air conditioner heat exchanger 4 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca. After passing through the air conditioning heat exchanger 4 of the second refrigerant circuit Cb in order, the air refrigerant heat exchanger channel 5d of the first refrigerant circuit Ca is passed through, and thereafter the same flow as in the third embodiment. To do.
With the refrigerant circuit C switched to the cooling operation state, the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the second partial load flow state of the single expansion valve passing configuration and the air conditioning side flow state switching unit T is When switched to the second partial load flow state of the single expansion valve passing configuration, the refrigerant flows as shown in FIG. That is, as in the third embodiment, the refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve 2 of the second refrigerant circuit Cb passes through the sixth communication channel P6 and the seventh communication channel P7, and the air conditioner heat exchanger 4 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca. After passing through the air conditioning heat exchanger 4 of the second refrigerant circuit Cb in order, the air conditioning heat exchanger flow path 5d of the second refrigerant circuit Cb is passed through, and thereafter the flow is the same as in the third embodiment. To do.

In a state where the refrigerant circuit C is switched to the cooling operation state, the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the first partial load flow state of the plurality of expansion valve passage forms and the air conditioning side flow state switching unit T When switched to the first partial load flow state of the expansion valve passing configuration, the refrigerant flows as shown in FIG. That is, the refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve 2 of the second refrigerant circuit Cb passes through the expansion valve 2 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca and flows through the inter-heat exchanger channel 5e through the sixth communication channel P6. The combined refrigerant flows through the air conditioning heat exchanger 4 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca and the air conditioning heat exchanger 4 of the second refrigerant circuit Cb in this order, and then passes through the fifth communication channel P5. The refrigerant circuit Ca passes through the heat exchanger channel 5d for air conditioning, and thereafter flows in the same manner as in the third embodiment.
Further, in a state where the refrigerant circuit C is switched to the cooling operation state, the outdoor-side flow state switching unit S is switched to the second partial load flow state of the plural expansion valve passage type and the air-conditioning side flow state switching unit T. Is switched to the second partial load flow state of the plural expansion valve passage form, the refrigerant flows as shown in FIG. That is, the refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve 2 of the second refrigerant circuit Cb passes through the expansion valve 2 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca and flows through the inter-heat exchanger channel 5e through the sixth communication channel P6. The combined refrigerant passes through the air-conditioning heat exchanger 4 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca and the air-conditioning heat exchanger 4 of the second refrigerant circuit Cb in this order, and then is directly coupled to the second refrigerant circuit Cb. The air-conditioning heat exchanger flow path 5d flows, and then flows in the same manner as in the third embodiment.

With the refrigerant circuit C switched to the heating operation state, the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the first partial load flow state of the single expansion valve passing configuration and the air conditioning side flow state switching unit T is The flow mode of the refrigerant when switched to the first partial load flow state of the single expansion valve passage form is as shown in FIG.
That is, similarly to the third embodiment, the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger flow path 5d for the air conditioning of the first refrigerant circuit Ca passes through the second refrigerant circuit Cb by the fifth communication path P5 and the seventh communication path P7. The air conditioner heat exchanger 4 and the air conditioner heat exchanger 4 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca are sequentially flowed, and then the flow path 5e between the heat exchangers of the first refrigerant circuit Ca is passed. Thereafter, the third embodiment It flows in the same way.
In the state where the refrigerant circuit C is switched to the heating operation state, the outdoor-side flow state switching unit S is switched to the second partial load flow state of the single expansion valve passing mode and the air-conditioning side flow state switching unit T is When switched to the second partial load flow state of the single expansion valve passing configuration, the refrigerant flows as shown in FIG. That is, as in the third embodiment, the refrigerant flowing through the air-conditioning heat exchanger flow path 5d of the second refrigerant circuit Cb is transferred to the second refrigerant circuit Cb by the seventh communication path P7 and the sixth communication path P6. The air conditioning heat exchanger 4 and the air conditioning heat exchanger 4 of the first refrigerant circuit C are sequentially passed, and then the flow path 5e between the heat exchangers of the second refrigerant circuit Cb is passed. Thereafter, the third embodiment It flows in the same way.

In a state where the refrigerant circuit C is switched to the heating operation state, the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the first partial load flow state of a plurality of expansion valve passage configurations and the air conditioning side flow state switching unit T is a plurality of. When switched to the first partial load flow state of the expansion valve passing configuration, the refrigerant flows as shown in FIG. That is, the refrigerant that has passed through the heat exchanger flow path 5d for the air conditioning of the first refrigerant circuit Ca passes through the heat for air conditioning of the second and first refrigerant circuits Cb and Ca by the fifth communication path P5 and the seventh communication path P7. After flowing through the exchanger 4 in order, the flow paths 5e between the heat exchangers of the first and second refrigerant circuits Ca and Cb are passed in parallel, and thereafter flowed in the same manner as in the third embodiment.
In addition, in the state where the refrigerant circuit C is switched to the heating operation state, the outdoor-side flow state switching unit S is switched to the second partial load flow state of the multiple expansion valve passing configuration and the air-conditioning side flow state switching unit T. Is switched to the second partial load flow state in which the plurality of expansion valves pass through, the refrigerant flows as shown in FIG. That is, the refrigerant that has passed through the second air conditioning heat exchanger channel 5d of the second refrigerant circuit Cb sequentially flows through the air conditioning heat exchanger 4 of the second and first refrigerant circuits Cb and Ca through the seventh communication path P7. After that, the flow paths 5e between the heat exchangers of the first and second refrigerant circuits Ca and Cb are flowed in parallel, and thereafter flowed in the same manner as in the third embodiment.

  The fifth communication flow path P5, the sixth communication flow path P6, and the seventh communication flow path P7 connect the air-conditioning heat exchanger 4 provided in each of the plurality of refrigerant circuits C in series. The air conditioning side flow state switching unit T functions as the path Rs and is configured to flow the refrigerant through the air conditioning side serial connection flow path Rs in the partial load flow state.

Next, the control operation of the control unit 6 will be described.
The control unit 6 switches the outdoor flow state switching unit S according to the number of operating indoor units Ui, as in the third embodiment. Further, when the outdoor-side flow state switching unit S is switched to the normal flow state, the control unit 6 switches the air-conditioning-side flow state switching unit T to the normal flow state, and the outdoor-side flow state switching unit S. Is switched to the first or second partial load flow state of the multiple expansion valve passage configuration, the air conditioning side flow state switching section T is switched to the first or second partial load flow state of the multiple expansion valve passage configuration. When the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the first or second partial load flow state of the single expansion valve passage configuration, the air conditioning side flow state switching portion T is switched to the first expansion valve passage configuration of the first expansion valve passage configuration. Switch to the 1st or 2nd partial load flow state.
Similarly to the third embodiment, in the partial load operation state, the control unit 6 sets a plurality of compressors 1 to be operated in order to equalize the accumulated operation time of the compressors 1 of the plurality of refrigerant circuits C. The chamber is selected and set from the compressor 1 of the refrigerant circuit C, and switched to the partial load flow state of either the first or the second according to the compressor 1 to be operated set as such. The operation of the outer flow state switching unit S and the air conditioning side flow state switching unit T is controlled.
That is, the control unit 6 is configured to be able to change and set the compressor 1 to be operated in the partial load operation state, and the outdoor-side flow state switching unit S and the air-conditioning-side flow state switching unit T are changed and set. The refrigerant circuit C including the target compressor 1 is configured to be switched to a partial load flow state as the operation target refrigerant circuit C.

[Seventh Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24.
23 shows the overall configuration of the multi-type air conditioning system and the refrigerant flow in the partial load operation state in the cooling operation state, and FIG. 24 shows the refrigerant flow in the partial load operation state in the heating operation state. Show.
As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, in the seventh embodiment, the combination of the outdoor side connection flow path Q and the outdoor side flow state switching unit S, and the air conditioning side connection flow path R and the air conditioning side flow state switching. The combination of the parts T differs from the fourth embodiment in that the outdoor connection channel Q and the outdoor flow state switching unit S are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the air conditioning side connection channel R and the air conditioning side flow. The state switching unit T has a new configuration.

  When the air conditioning side connection flow path R and the air conditioning side flow state switching unit T are described further, the air conditioning side connection flow path R is more for air conditioning than the expansion valve 2 in the heat exchanger flow path 5e of the first refrigerant circuit Ca. The location on the heat exchanger 4 side and the location on the air conditioning heat exchanger 4 side of the second air conditioning heat exchanger flow path 5d of the second refrigerant circuit Cb with respect to the air conditioning heat exchanger channel on / off valve Vd are connected in communication. The air-conditioning-side flow state switching unit T is composed of an eighth communication flow path opening / closing valve V8 that opens and closes the eighth communication flow path P8.

  As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the air-conditioning-side flow state switching unit T is switched to a partial load flow state when the eighth communication flow path opening / closing valve V8 is opened. When the flow path opening / closing valve V8 is closed, it is switched to a normal flow state.

Next, the refrigerant flow mode when the outdoor flow state switching unit S and the air conditioning side flow state switching unit T are switched to the partial load flow state will be described.
In addition, since the flow form of the refrigerant in the partial load flow state is the same as that of the first embodiment except that the flow form when passing through the heat exchanger 4 for air conditioning of the plurality of refrigerant circuits C is different, The description of the portion that flows in the same form as the first embodiment is omitted.
In a state where the refrigerant circuit C is switched to the cooling operation state, as shown in FIG. 23, the refrigerant circuit C passes through the expansion valve 2 of the second refrigerant circuit Cb and passes through the heat exchanger flow path 5e of the second refrigerant circuit Cb. The flowing refrigerant passes through the air-conditioning heat exchanger 4 of the second refrigerant circuit Cb and the air-conditioning heat exchanger 4 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca through the eighth communication flow path P8 in this order, and then passes through the first refrigerant circuit Ca. It flows through the heat exchanger flow path 5d for air conditioning, and thereafter flows in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
In a state where the refrigerant circuit C is switched to the heating operation state, as shown in FIG. 24, the refrigerant circuit C is discharged from the compressor 1 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca and flows through the heat exchanger flow path 5d for air conditioning of the first refrigerant circuit Ca. The flowing refrigerant passes through the air-conditioning heat exchanger 4 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca and the air-conditioning heat exchanger 4 of the second refrigerant circuit Cb through the eighth communication flow path P8 in this order, and then passes through the second refrigerant circuit Cb. The flow path between the heat exchangers 5e is flowed, and then flows in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  That is, the eighth communication flow path P8 functions as the air conditioning side serial connection flow path Rs, and the air conditioning side flow state switching unit T allows the refrigerant to flow through the air conditioning side serial connection flow path Rs in the partial load flow state. It is configured as follows.

[Eighth Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the eighth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26.
FIG. 25 shows the overall configuration of the multi-type air conditioning system and the refrigerant flow in the first partial load operation state in which the compressor 1 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca is set as the operation target in the cooling operation state. FIG. 26 shows the refrigerant flow in the second partial load operation state in which the compressor 1 of the second refrigerant circuit Cb is set as the operation target in the cooling operation state.
As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, in the eighth embodiment, the combination of the outdoor connection flow path Q and the outdoor flow state switching unit S, and the air conditioning side connection flow path R and the air conditioning side flow state switching. The combination of the parts T differs from the fourth embodiment in that the outdoor connection channel Q and the outdoor flow state switching unit S are the same as those in the second embodiment, and the air conditioning side connection channel R and the air conditioning side flow. The state switching unit T has a new configuration.

When the air conditioning side connection flow path R and the air conditioning side flow state switching unit T are described further, the air conditioning side connection flow path R is the same as the seventh communication flow path P7 and the seventh embodiment similar to the sixth embodiment. The air-conditioning-side flow state switching unit T includes an eighth communication channel P8, and an eighth communication channel P8 that opens and closes the seventh communication channel P8 and the eighth communication channel P8 that opens and closes the seventh communication channel P7. The communication flow path opening / closing valve V8 is used.
Although illustration is omitted, when the seventh communication channel on-off valve V7 and the eighth communication channel on-off valve V8 are closed, the air-conditioning-side communication state switching unit T is switched to the normal communication state.
As shown in FIG. 25, the air-conditioning-side flow state switching unit T opens the eighth communication channel on-off valve V8 and closes the seventh communication channel on-off valve V7, thereby compressing the first refrigerant circuit Ca. When the machine 1 is set as the operation target, it is switched to the first partial load flow state, and as shown in FIG. 26, the seventh communication flow path opening / closing valve V7 is opened, and the eighth communication flow path opening / closing is performed. When the valve V8 is closed, the second partial load flow state corresponding to when the compressor 1 of the second refrigerant circuit Cb is set as the operation target is switched.

  That is, in the eighth embodiment, the air conditioning side serial connection flow path Rs is provided as the air conditioning side connection flow path R, and the air conditioning side flow state switching unit T is in the partial load flow state. The refrigerant is configured to flow through Rs.

As in the third embodiment, in the partial load operation state, the control unit 6 sets the operation target compressor 1 to a plurality of refrigerants in order to equalize the accumulated operation time of the compressors 1 of the plurality of refrigerant circuits C. It selects and sets from the compressor 1 of the circuit C, and it changes to the partial load flow state of either the 1st or 2nd according to the compressor 1 of the operation object set as such, The operation of the flow state switching unit S and the air conditioning side flow state switching unit T is controlled.
That is, the control unit 6 is configured to be able to change and set the compressor 1 to be operated in the partial load operation state, and the outdoor-side flow state switching unit S and the air-conditioning-side flow state switching unit T are changed and set. The refrigerant circuit C including the target compressor 1 is configured to be switched to a partial load flow state as the operation target refrigerant circuit C.

[Ninth Embodiment]
The ninth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.
In the multi-type air conditioning system of the ninth embodiment, three refrigerant circuits C similar to those of the first embodiment are provided.
In each figure, in order to distinguish the three refrigerant circuits C, the subscripts a, b, and c are added to the symbol C indicating the refrigerant circuit, and in the following description, the three refrigerant circuits C are divided. When described separately, the subscripts a, b, and c are added to the symbol C indicating the refrigerant circuit, and are described as the first refrigerant circuit Ca, the second refrigerant circuit Cb, and the third refrigerant circuit Cc.

In the ninth embodiment, an outdoor parallel connection flow path Qp and an outdoor flow state switching unit S having the same configuration as that of the third embodiment are provided.
That is, in the ninth embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the outdoor parallel connection flow path Qp is provided as the outdoor connection flow path Q, and the outdoor flow state switching unit S is in the partial load flow state. Is configured to allow the refrigerant to flow through the outdoor parallel connection flow path Qp.
A plurality of refrigerant circuits C are connected to expansion valves 2 provided in different refrigerant circuits C through expansion valve connection channels Qb that allow refrigerant to flow, and the outdoor flow state switching unit S However, in the partial load flow state, the number of the expansion valves 2 through which the refrigerant flows can be changed.
The control unit 6 switches the outdoor flow state switching unit S to the normal flow state in the rated operation state, and switches the outdoor flow state switching unit S to the partial load flow state in the partial load operation state. And the outdoor flow state switching unit S is operated to change the number of expansion valves 2 through which the refrigerant flows according to the air conditioning load.

The outdoor connection flow path Q includes a first communication flow path P1 that communicates and connects the outdoor heat exchanger flow paths 5c of the first and second refrigerant circuits Ca and Cb, and the second and third refrigerant circuits Cb. , Cc, the first communication flow path P1 that connects the outdoor heat exchanger flow paths 5c, and the first and second refrigerant circuits Ca, Cb, the heat exchanger flow paths 5e. The second communication flow path P2 and the second communication flow path P2 that connects the heat exchanger flow paths 5e of the second and third refrigerant circuits Cb and Cc to each other.
The outdoor-side flow state switching unit S includes a first communication channel on-off valve V1 that opens and closes each first communication channel P1, and a second communication channel on-off valve V2 that opens and closes each second communication channel P2. In addition, each refrigerant circuit Ca, Cb, Cc includes an expansion valve 2, an outdoor heat exchanger channel opening / closing valve Vc, and an air conditioning heat exchanger channel opening / closing valve Vd.

In the ninth embodiment, the control unit 6 is configured to change the number of the compressors 1 set as the operation target in accordance with the air conditioning load in the partial load operation state.
In the ninth embodiment, since three refrigerant circuits C are provided, a partial load that sets the compressor 1 of any one refrigerant circuit C among the three refrigerant circuits Ca, Cb, Cc as an operation target. There are two types of partial load operation states: an operation state and a partial load operation state in which the compressors 1 of any two refrigerant circuits C among the three refrigerant circuits Ca, Cb, and Cc are set as operation targets. It is configured to be switchable.

  27 and 28 show the open / close operation state of each valve in the partial load flow state of the outdoor flow state switching unit S, and FIG. 27 shows one compressor 1 of the second refrigerant circuit Cb. FIG. 28 shows an example of the partial load operation state set as the operation target, and FIG. 28 shows the partial load in which the two compressors 1 of the first and second refrigerant circuits Ca and Cb are set as the operation target. An operation state is shown as an example. 27 and 28 show the open / close operation state of each valve in a state where each refrigerant circuit C is switched to the cooling operation state, but the same applies to the state where each refrigerant circuit C is switched to the heating operation state. .

In the partial load operation state in which the compressor 1 of one refrigerant circuit C of the three refrigerant circuits C is set as the operation target, two of the three refrigerant circuits C are shown in FIG. In addition to the partial load flow state in which the refrigerant flows in parallel with the outdoor heat exchanger 3 of the three refrigerant circuits C, the outdoor heat exchangers 3 of all three refrigerant circuits C are omitted although illustration is omitted. It is also possible to select a partial load flow state in which the refrigerant flows in parallel.
In other words, the outdoor flow state switching unit S includes the operation target compressor 1, the outdoor heat exchanger 3 of the operation target refrigerant circuit C provided with the operation target compressor 1, and the operation target refrigerant circuit C. The partial load flow state in which the refrigerant flows through the outdoor heat exchanger 3 of a part of the refrigerant circuit C different from the operation mode, and the operation including the operation target compressor 1 and the operation target compressor 1 Either the outdoor heat exchanger 3 of the target refrigerant circuit C and the outdoor heat exchanger 3 of all the refrigerant circuits C different from the operation target refrigerant circuit C are in any of the partial load flow states in which the refrigerant flows. It is configured to be selectively switchable.

  That is, in the ninth embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the control unit 6 is configured to be able to change and set the compressor 1 to be operated in the partial load operation state, and the outdoor flow state switching unit. S is configured such that the refrigerant circuit C including the operation target compressor 1 to be changed and set can be switched to the partial load flow state as the operation target refrigerant circuit C.

Similarly to the third embodiment, in the partial load flow state, by controlling the opening of each of the second communication flow path opening / closing valve V2 and the expansion valve 2 of each refrigerant circuit C, the refrigerant is passed. It is possible to change the number of expansion valves 2 to be flowed.
For example, in the partial load flow state shown in FIG. 27, the compressor 1 of the second refrigerant circuit Cb of the three refrigerant circuits C is set as the operation target, and the first of the three refrigerant circuits C is set. 2. In the partial load operation state in which the refrigerant flows in parallel to the outdoor heat exchanger 3 of the third refrigerant circuit Cb, Cc, the refrigerant is passed only to the expansion valve 2 of the second refrigerant circuit Cb to be operated. When all the second communication flow path opening / closing valves V2 are closed and the expansion valves 2 of the third refrigerant circuit Cc are opened, the refrigerant is supplied to the expansion valves 2 of the second and third refrigerant circuits Cb and Cc. It is possible to switch to a state of passing through.

[Tenth embodiment]
Hereinafter, the tenth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 29 and 30.
The multi-type air conditioning system of the tenth embodiment has the same configuration as that of the ninth embodiment.
And the outdoor side serial connection flow path Qs of the same structure as said 1st Embodiment and the outdoor side flow state switching part S are provided, and the outdoor side flow state switching means S is in a partial load flow state. The refrigerant is allowed to flow through the outdoor series connection channel Qs, and the control unit 6 switches the outdoor flow state switching unit S to the normal flow state in the rated operation state, and in the partial load operation state. Is configured to switch the outdoor flow state switching unit S to the partial load flow state.
That is, the outdoor connection flow path Q is a third communication flow path P3 that connects the heat exchanger flow path 5e of the first refrigerant circuit Ca and the outdoor heat exchanger flow path 5c of the second refrigerant circuit Cb. And a third communication channel P3 that connects the inter-heat exchanger channel 5e of the second refrigerant circuit Cb and the outdoor heat exchanger channel 5c of the third refrigerant circuit Cc in communication.
The outdoor-side flow state switching unit S includes a third communication flow path opening / closing valve V3 that opens and closes each third communication flow path P3, the expansion valves 2 of the refrigerant circuits Ca, Cb, and Cc, and an outdoor heat exchanger. It is comprised by the flow-path on-off valve Vc and the heat exchanger flow-path on-off valve Vd for an air conditioning.

Also in the tenth embodiment, similarly to the ninth embodiment, the control unit 6 is configured to change the number of compressors 1 set as the operation target in accordance with the air conditioning load in the partial load operation state. .
In the tenth embodiment, since three refrigerant circuits C are provided, the partial load operation state in which the compressor 1 of one refrigerant circuit C among the three refrigerant circuits Ca, Cb, Cc is set as an operation target. , And can be switched to two types of partial load flow states, ie, a partial load operation state in which the compressors 1 of the two refrigerant circuits C out of the three refrigerant circuits Ca, Cb, and Cc are set as operation targets. It is configured.
In the partial load operation state where the compressor 1 of one refrigerant circuit C is set as the operation target, the compressor 1 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca or the second refrigerant circuit Cb can be selected as the operation target. In the partial load operation state in which the compressor 1 of the refrigerant circuit C is set as the operation target, the compressor 1 of the first and second refrigerant circuits Ca and Cb or the first and third refrigerant circuits Ca and Cc is set as the operation target. You can choose.

  29 and 30 show the opening / closing operation state of each valve in the partial load flow state of the outdoor flow state switching unit S. FIG. 29 shows one compressor 1 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca. FIG. 30 shows an example of the partial load operation state set as the operation target, and FIG. 30 shows the partial load in which the two compressors 1 of the first and third refrigerant circuits Ca and Cc are set as the operation target. An operation state is shown as an example. 29 and 30 show the open / close operation state of each valve in the state where each refrigerant circuit C is switched to the cooling operation state, but the same applies to the state where each refrigerant circuit C is switched to the heating operation state.

In the partial load operation state where one compressor 1 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca is set as an operation target, as shown in FIG. 29, the first, second and third three refrigerant circuits Ca, Cb, In addition to the partial load flow state in which the Cc outdoor heat exchanger 3 is sequentially flowed, the outdoor heat exchanger 3 of the first and second refrigerant circuits Ca and Cb is omitted. It is also possible to select a partial load flow state that allows flow in order.
In other words, the outdoor flow state switching unit S includes the operation target compressor 1, the outdoor heat exchanger 3 of the operation target refrigerant circuit C provided with the operation target compressor 1, and the operation target refrigerant circuit C. The partial load flow state in which the refrigerant flows through the outdoor heat exchanger 3 of a part of the refrigerant circuit C different from the operation mode, and the operation including the operation target compressor 1 and the operation target compressor 1 Either the outdoor heat exchanger 3 of the target refrigerant circuit C and the outdoor heat exchanger 3 of all the refrigerant circuits C different from the operation target refrigerant circuit C are in any of the partial load flow states in which the refrigerant flows. It is configured to be selectively switchable.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 30, in the partial load operation state in which the two compressors 1 of the first and third refrigerant circuits Ca and Cc are set as operation targets, the outdoor heat exchanger of the first refrigerant circuit Ca 3. The outdoor heat exchanger 3 of the second refrigerant circuit Cb is allowed to flow through the refrigerant in order, and the outdoor heat exchanger 3 of the third refrigerant circuit Cc is allowed to flow independently of the refrigerant. Each valve of the flow state switching unit S is opened and closed.
Although not shown, in the partial load operation state where the two compressors 1 of the first and second refrigerant circuits Ca and Cb are set as operation targets, the outdoor heat exchanger 3 and the second refrigerant circuit Cb of the second refrigerant circuit Cb 3 The outdoor heat exchanger 3 of the refrigerant circuit Cc is passed through the refrigerant in order, and the outdoor heat exchanger 3 of the first refrigerant circuit Ca is switched so that the refrigerant flows independently. Each valve of the part S is opened and closed.

[Another embodiment]
Next, another embodiment will be described.
(A) Three or more refrigerant circuits C illustrated in the first embodiment are provided, and the outdoor connection flow path Q and the outdoor flow state switching unit S are described in the first to third embodiments. Any of these may be applied.
Further, three or more refrigerant circuits C exemplified in the fourth embodiment are provided, and the outdoor connection flow path Q and the outdoor flow state switching unit described in any of the fourth to eighth embodiments are provided. S, the air conditioning side connection flow path R, and the air conditioning side flow state switching unit T may be provided.

(B) In the fourth embodiment, the air conditioning side connection flow path R and the air conditioning side flow state switching unit T are omitted, and the air conditioner heat exchanger 4 of the refrigerant circuit C other than the refrigerant circuit C to be operated is installed. You may comprise so that a refrigerant may not flow. In these cases, three or more refrigerant circuits C may be provided.

(C) In each of the above-described embodiments, the refrigerant circuit C is configured to be switchable between the cooling operation state and the heating operation state. However, the refrigerant circuit C is set to any one of the cooling operation state and the heating operation state. You may comprise so that it may drive.

(D) In each of the first to third embodiments, the case where one expansion valve 2 is provided in each refrigerant circuit C so as to be shared in the cooling operation state and the heating operation state is illustrated. 34. As shown in FIG. 34, in each of the first to third embodiments, the refrigerant circuit C is used as the expansion valve 2 in the cooling operation state and the expansion valve 2c for cooling operation in the heating operation state. You may provide the expansion valve 2w for heating. Incidentally, FIG.31 and FIG.32 shows the case where another embodiment which concerns on this expansion valve installation is applied to said 3rd Embodiment, FIG.33 and FIG.34 shows another embodiment which concerns on this expansion valve installation, Although the case where it applies to said 2nd Embodiment is shown, it is applicable also to 1st Embodiment.
FIG. 31 shows a state in which the refrigerant circuit C is switched to the cooling operation state and the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the first partial load operation state of the single expansion valve passing configuration. FIG. 32 shows a state in which the refrigerant circuit C is switched to the heating operation state and the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the first partial load operation state of the single expansion valve passing configuration, And the flow of the refrigerant in the state is shown. FIG. 33 shows a state in which the refrigerant circuit C is switched to the cooling operation state and the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the second partial load operation state, and the refrigerant flow in that state. FIG. 34 shows a state in which the refrigerant circuit C is switched to the heating operation state and the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the second partial load operation state, and the refrigerant flow in that state.

  As shown in FIGS. 31 to 34, the cooling expansion valve 2c is located near the refrigerant inlet / outlet of the air-conditioning heat exchanger 4 at each branch portion of the inter-heat exchanger channel 5e with respect to each air-conditioning heat exchanger 4. The heating expansion valve 2w is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 3 in the inter-heat exchanger channel 5e, similarly to the cooling / heating expansion valve 2 in the first to third embodiments. It is provided in the part of the side to be.

Next, the opening / closing operation states of the cooling expansion valve 2c and the heating expansion valve 2w will be described in the cooling operation state and the heating operation state, respectively.
As shown in FIGS. 31 and 33, in the cooling operation state, among the plurality of cooling expansion valves 2c, the one corresponding to the operated air conditioner heat exchanger 4 is opened and the opening degree is set according to the load. The one corresponding to the heat exchanger 4 for air conditioning that is not operated is closed. Further, among the heating expansion valves 2w of the plurality of refrigerant circuits C, the heating expansion valve 2w (the heating expansion valve 2w of the first refrigerant circuit Ca in the drawing) that is the refrigerant flow target is fully opened to reduce the refrigerant pressure. The heating expansion valve 2w (in the figure, the heating expansion valve 2w of the second refrigerant circuit Cb) to be stopped is closed.
As shown in FIGS. 32 and 34, in the heating operation state, among the heating expansion valves 2w of the plurality of refrigerant circuits C, the heating expansion valve 2w to be circulated through the refrigerant (in the drawing, for heating the first refrigerant circuit Ca). The expansion valve 2w) is opened and the opening degree is adjusted in accordance with the load, and the heating expansion valve 2w (the heating expansion valve 2w of the second refrigerant circuit Cb in the figure) that is a refrigerant flow stop target is closed.
Further, among the plurality of cooling expansion valves 2c, the one corresponding to the operated air conditioner heat exchanger 4 is fully opened to suppress the pressure drop of the refrigerant, and the one corresponding to the not operated air conditioner heat exchanger 4 is selected. Close the valve.

Corresponding to each cooling expansion valve 2c, a cooling bypass path is provided so as to bypass the cooling expansion valve 2c and flow the refrigerant, and a cooling bypass valve is provided in the cooling bypass path, and each heating expansion valve is provided. Corresponding to the valve 2w, a heating bypass path may be provided so as to bypass the heating expansion valve 2w and flow the refrigerant, and a heating bypass valve may be provided in the heating bypass path. In this case, these cooling bypass valve and heating bypass valve also constitute the outdoor flow state switching unit S.
In the cooling operation state, all the plurality of cooling bypass valves are closed, and among the plurality of heating bypass valves, the one corresponding to the refrigerant expansion target heating expansion valve 2w is opened, and the refrigerant flow The valve corresponding to the heating expansion valve 2w to be stopped is closed. In this case, all the heating expansion valves 2w are closed.
Further, in the heating operation state, all of the plurality of heating bypass valves are closed, and among the plurality of cooling bypass valves, the one corresponding to the operated air conditioning heat exchanger 4 is opened, and the air conditioning is not operated. The one corresponding to the heat exchanger 4 is closed. In this case, all the cooling expansion valves 2c are closed.

In the heating operation state shown in FIG. 32, when the second communication flow path opening / closing valve V2 is closed and the heating expansion valve 2w of the second refrigerant circuit Cb that is not operated is opened, the partial load passage of the multiple expansion valve passing configuration is performed. It can be a flow state.
That is, in another embodiment shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, the outdoor side parallel connection flow path Qp is provided as the outdoor side connection flow path Q as in the third embodiment, and the outdoor flow state switching unit S is provided. However, the refrigerant is caused to flow through the outdoor parallel connection flow path Qp in the partial load flow state. Further, the plurality of refrigerant circuits C are connected to the expansion valve 2w provided for the different refrigerant circuits C by the expansion valve connection flow path Qb that allows the refrigerant to flow, and the outdoor flow state switching is performed. The part S is configured to freely change the number of heating expansion valves 2w through which the refrigerant flows in the partial load flow state in the heating operation state. As a result, even if the air conditioning load decreases and the refrigerant flow rate decreases, the number of heating expansion valves 2w through which the refrigerant flows is reduced and the refrigerant flow rate per heating expansion valve 2w is increased. It can be avoided that the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the heating expansion valve 2w is less than the lower limit of the controllable flow rate range in the heating expansion valve 2w.

  In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, an outdoor series connection flow path Qs is provided as the outdoor connection flow path Q, and the outdoor flow state switching unit S is arranged in the outdoor series in the partial load flow state. The refrigerant is made to flow through the connection channel Qs.

(E) The connection form between the outdoor heat exchanger 3 and the air conditioning heat exchanger 4 in each of the plurality of refrigerant circuits C is the form described in the first to third embodiments and the fourth part. It is not limited to the form described in the eighth embodiment.
For example, as shown in FIG. 35 and FIG. 36, each of the plurality of refrigerant circuits C is replaced by one or a plurality of outdoor heat exchangers 3 dedicated to each refrigerant circuit C shared by the plurality of refrigerant circuits C (FIGS. 35 and 36). 36 is connected in parallel to one air conditioning heat exchanger 4, and one or a plurality (one in FIGS. 35 and 36) of the air conditioning heat exchanger 4 is installed in the air conditioning target space. The plurality of heat transfer fluids circulated through the indoor heat exchanger 12 and the refrigerant may be configured to exchange heat. Incidentally, in FIG. 35 and FIG. 36, the outdoor-side flow state switching unit S is shown as an example in the case where a configuration similar to that of the second embodiment is provided. The thing of the structure similar to 1st or 3rd embodiment can be provided.
FIG. 35 shows the state in which the refrigerant circuit C is switched to the cooling operation state and the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the second partial load operation state, and the refrigerant flow in that state. FIG. 36 shows a state in which the refrigerant circuit C is switched to the heating operation state and the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the second partial load operation state, and the refrigerant flow in that state.

  In this case, as in the fourth embodiment, a plurality of indoor heat exchangers 12 are provided, and the plurality of indoor heat exchangers 12 and one or a plurality (one in FIGS. 35 and 36) of air conditioning are provided. The heat exchanger 4 for use is connected in parallel by the fluid outgoing path 13 and the fluid return path 14.

Further, similarly to the other embodiments described in FIGS. 31 to 34, as the expansion valve 2, a cooling expansion valve 2c used in the cooling operation state and a heating expansion valve 2w used in the heating operation state are provided. Also good.
The heating expansion valve 2w is provided in the same manner as in the other embodiments described with reference to FIGS.
The cooling expansion valve 2c is close to the refrigerant inlet / outlet of the air conditioner heat exchanger 4 at the junction where the heat exchanger flow paths 5e connected to the outdoor heat exchangers 3 of the refrigerant circuits C are joined. Provided.

Next, the opening / closing operation states of the cooling expansion valve 2c and the heating expansion valve 2w will be described in the cooling operation state and the heating operation state, respectively.
As shown in FIG. 35, in the cooling operation state, when the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the second partial load flow state, the cooling expansion valve 2c is opened and opened according to the load. The heating expansion valve 2w of the first refrigerant circuit Ca is fully opened, and the heating expansion valve 2w of the second refrigerant circuit Cb is closed to suppress the refrigerant pressure drop.
As shown in FIG. 36, the heating expansion valve 2w of the first refrigerant circuit Ca is opened in a state where the outdoor flow state switching unit S is switched to the second partial load flow state in the heating operation state. At the same time, the opening degree is adjusted according to the load, the heating expansion valve 2w of the second refrigerant circuit Cb is closed, and the cooling expansion valve 2c is fully opened to suppress the pressure drop of the refrigerant.

A cooling bypass passage is provided so as to bypass the cooling expansion valve 2c and the refrigerant flows, and a cooling bypass valve is provided in the cooling bypass passage, corresponding to each heating expansion valve 2w. A heating bypass passage may be provided so as to flow the refrigerant bypassing the valve 2w, and a heating bypass valve may be provided in the heating bypass passage. In this case, the cooling bypass valve and the heating bypass valve also constitute the outdoor flow state switching unit S.
In the cooling operation state, the cooling bypass valve is closed and all the heating bypass valves of the plurality of refrigerant circuits C are opened. In this case, the heating expansion valves 2w of all the refrigerant circuits C are closed.
Further, in the heating operation state, all the heating bypass valves of the plurality of refrigerant circuits C are closed, and the cooling bypass valves are opened. In this case, the cooling expansion valve 2c is closed.

  Although illustration is omitted, in the configuration adopting another embodiment of the heat exchanger 4 for air conditioning as shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, the outdoor passage state switching unit S having the same configuration as that of the third embodiment is used. When provided, as in the other embodiments shown in FIG. 31 and FIG. 32 described above, the outdoor flow state switching unit S allows the refrigerant to flow in the partial load flow state in the heating operation state. The number of 2w can be changed freely.

(F) The heat medium to exchange heat with the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 3 is not limited to the outside air exemplified in the above embodiments. For example, a cooling tower or a heating tower may be provided, and the refrigerant may exchange heat with a heat medium passed through the cooling tower or the heating tower.

(G) The engine for driving the compressor 1 is not limited to the gas engine 9 exemplified in the above embodiment. Further, instead of the compressor 1 driven by the engine, a compressor 1 driven by an electric motor may be provided.

(H) The present invention can be applied to a multi-type temperature control system for various uses that require cooling and heating, in addition to the multi-type temperature control system for air conditioning as in the above embodiment.

  As described above, it is possible to provide a multi-type temperature control system that can improve the air conditioning efficiency by improving the heat transfer between the refrigerant and the outside air.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Compressor 2 Expansion valve 3 1st heat exchanger 4 2nd heat exchanger 5 Refrigerant flow path 6 Control means 7 Cooling / heating switching means 9 Engine 12 Indoor heat exchanger C Refrigerant circuit Q Connection flow path Qb Expansion flow connection flow Path Qp Parallel connection flow path Qs Series connection flow path R Air conditioning side connection flow path Rp Air conditioning side parallel connection flow path Rs Air conditioning side serial connection flow path S Flow state switching means T Air conditioning side flow condition switching means Ui Indoor unit

Claims (10)

There are provided a plurality of refrigerant circuits in which a compressor that compresses refrigerant, an expansion valve that decompresses and expands the refrigerant, a first heat exchanger, and a second heat exchanger that regulates the temperature of the temperature control target space are connected by a refrigerant flow path. And
The control means for controlling the operation changes the operation state into a rated operation state in which all of the plurality of compressors are operated and a partial load operation state in which some of the plurality of compressors to be operated are operated. A multi-type temperature control system configured to be switchable,
The plurality of refrigerant circuits are connected to each other through a connection channel that allows the refrigerant to flow to the first heat exchanger provided in different refrigerant circuits.
A normal flow state in which the refrigerant flows through the compressor and the first heat exchanger in the same refrigerant circuit in each of the plurality of refrigerant circuits, and the compressor to be operated among the plurality of compressors, and The refrigerant is passed through the first heat exchanger of the refrigerant circuit to be operated provided with the compressor to be operated and the first heat exchanger of a part or all of the refrigerant circuits different from the refrigerant circuit to be operated. A flow state switching means that can be switched to a partial load flow state to be flown is provided,
As the connection flow path, a series connection flow path for connecting the first heat exchangers provided in each of the plurality of refrigerant circuits in series is provided,
The flow state switching means is configured to flow the refrigerant through the series connection flow path in the partial load flow state.
The control means switches the flow state switching means to the normal flow state in the rated operation state, and switches the flow state switching means to the partial load flow state in the partial load operation state. Multi-type temperature control system configured as follows. There are provided a plurality of refrigerant circuits in which a compressor that compresses refrigerant, an expansion valve that decompresses and expands the refrigerant, a first heat exchanger, and a second heat exchanger that regulates the temperature of the temperature control target space are connected by a refrigerant flow path. And
The control means for controlling the operation changes the operation state into a rated operation state in which all of the plurality of compressors are operated and a partial load operation state in which some of the plurality of compressors to be operated are operated. A multi-type temperature control system configured to be switchable,
The plurality of refrigerant circuits are connected to each other through a connection channel that allows the refrigerant to flow to the first heat exchanger provided in different refrigerant circuits.
A normal flow state in which the refrigerant flows through the compressor and the first heat exchanger in the same refrigerant circuit in each of the plurality of refrigerant circuits, and the compressor to be operated among the plurality of compressors, and The refrigerant is passed through the first heat exchanger of the refrigerant circuit to be operated provided with the compressor to be operated and the first heat exchanger of a part or all of the refrigerant circuits different from the refrigerant circuit to be operated. A flow state switching means that can be switched to a partial load flow state to be flown is provided,
As the connection flow path, a parallel connection flow path for connecting the first heat exchangers provided in each of the plurality of refrigerant circuits in parallel is provided,
The flow state switching means is configured to flow the refrigerant through the parallel connection flow path in the partial load flow state.
The plurality of refrigerant circuits are connected by an expansion valve connection flow path that allows refrigerant to flow through expansion valves provided in different refrigerant circuits,
The flow state switching means is configured to freely change the number of expansion valves through which the refrigerant flows in the partial load flow state,
The control means switches the flow state switching means to the normal flow state in the rated operation state, and switches the flow state switching means to the partial load flow state in the partial load operation state. A multi-type temperature control system configured to operate the flow state switching means so as to change the number of expansion valves through which the refrigerant flows according to the air conditioning load. The control means is configured to freely change and set the compressor to be operated in the partial load operation state,
The said flow state switching means is comprised so that it can switch to the said partial load flow state as a refrigerant circuit of the said operation object refrigerant circuit provided with the said operation target compressor as the said operation target refrigerant circuit. Multi-type temperature control system described in 1. Each of the plurality of refrigerant circuits is configured to connect, in parallel, a first heat exchanger dedicated to each refrigerant circuit and a plurality of second heat exchangers common to the plurality of refrigerant circuits,
The multi-type temperature control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of second heat exchangers are distributed and provided in a plurality of indoor units installed in a temperature control target space. Each of the plurality of refrigerant circuits is configured by connecting a first heat exchanger dedicated to each refrigerant circuit and a second exchanger dedicated to each refrigerant circuit,
The second heat exchanger of each of the plurality of refrigerant circuits is configured to exchange heat between the heat transfer fluid and the refrigerant circulated through the indoor heat exchanger installed in the temperature control target space. The multi-type temperature control system according to any one of 1 to 3. The plurality of refrigerant circuits are connected to the second heat exchanger provided in different refrigerant circuits by an air conditioning side connection flow path that allows the refrigerant to flow therethrough,
A normal flow state in which the refrigerant flows through the compressor and the second heat exchanger in the same refrigerant circuit in each of the plurality of refrigerant circuits, and the compressor to be operated among the plurality of compressors; The refrigerant is passed through the second heat exchanger of the refrigerant circuit to be operated provided with the compressor to be operated and the second heat exchanger of a part or all of the refrigerant circuits different from the refrigerant circuit to be operated. Air-conditioning side flow state switching means that can be switched to a partial load flow state to be flown is provided,
The control means switches the air conditioning side flow state switching means to the normal flow state in the rated operation state, and switches the air conditioning side flow state switching means to the partial load passage in the partial load operation state. The multi-type temperature control system according to claim 5, which is configured to switch to a flow state. As the air conditioning side connection flow path, an air conditioning side parallel connection flow path for connecting the second heat exchangers provided in each of the plurality of refrigerant circuits in parallel is provided,
The multi-type temperature control system according to claim 6, wherein the air-conditioning-side flow state switching means is configured to cause a refrigerant to flow through the air-conditioning-side parallel connection flow path in the partial load flow state. As the air conditioning side connection flow path, an air conditioning side series connection flow path for connecting the second heat exchangers provided in each of the plurality of refrigerant circuits in series is provided,
The multi-type temperature control system according to claim 6, wherein the air-conditioning-side flow state switching means is configured to cause the refrigerant to flow through the air-conditioning-side serial connection flow path in the partial load flow state.   A cooling passage in which the refrigerant flows in the order of the compressor, the first heat exchanger functioning as a condenser, the expansion valve, and the second heat exchanger functioning as an evaporator through each of the plurality of refrigerant circuits. Refrigerant in the flow state and in the heating flow state in which the refrigerant flows in the order of the compressor, the second heat exchanger functioning as a condenser, the expansion valve, and the first heat exchanger functioning as an evaporator. The multi-type temperature control system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a cooling / heating switching means capable of switching the flow state is provided.   The multi-type temperature control system according to claim 1, wherein the compressor is driven by an engine.

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