JP2013019591A - Packaged outdoor unit and outdoor unit system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To connect cooling water circuits to each other when a plurality of outdoor units are connected.SOLUTION: A packaged outdoor unit 2 includes: a coolant circuit element 5 equipped with an air heat exchanger 13 and a compressor 11, and connected to an external indoor heat exchanger 3; a cooling water circuit element 6 configured to cool the coolant by a cooling tower 50; and a case 4 configured to store the coolant circuit element 5 and the cooling water circuit element 6. The coolant circuit element 5 includes: a four-way valve 12 configured to select a flowing direction of the coolant to be delivered by the compressor 11; and a water heat exchanger 16 arranged on the liquid coolant connection side of the air heat exchanger 13, and configured to perform heat exchange between the cooling water and the coolant. The cooling water circuit element 6 includes: a cooling water pump 21 configured to deliver the cooling water; first piping 31 connected to an exit E50 of the cooling tower 50, and configured so as to be opened to the outside of the case 4; and second piping 32 connected to an inlet I50 of the cooling tower 50, and configured so as to be opened to the outside of the case 4.

Description

  The present invention relates to a packaged outdoor unit and an outdoor unit system.

  Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a cooling device that cools a refrigerant using a cooling tower.

  The cooling device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a cooling water circuit (3, 4, 5, and 6) that cools the refrigerant by a cooling tower and an intermediate refrigerant circuit (8, 9, 10, and 11) that constitutes a heat pump. Then, the fluid to be cooled is circulated with the external device (25).

  The cooling device disclosed in Patent Document 2 includes a cooling water circuit (12, 16, 25, 26, 27, and 201) that cools the refrigerant by the cooling tower (10), and an intermediate refrigerant circuit (21, 22, 23, 24, and 200), and circulates a fluid to be cooled with an external device.

JP-A-5-126418 JP 2003-314941 A

  In order to efficiently cool or heat one or more indoor units as an air conditioning load, it is preferable to connect a plurality of outdoor units to the air conditioning load. An outdoor unit system including a plurality of outdoor units can change the number and output of outdoor units to be driven in multiple stages according to the number and output of indoor units that require air conditioning. That is, this outdoor unit system can prevent waste of energy consumption rather than a set of single outdoor units.

  In order to supply refrigerant from a plurality of outdoor units to the air conditioning load, it is necessary to form a refrigerant circuit by connecting refrigerant circuit elements to each other. On the other hand, each cooling water circuit cools the refrigerant of each refrigerant circuit element. For this reason, in order to supply the refrigerant from a plurality of outdoor units to the air conditioning load, it is not necessary to connect the cooling water circuits. However, when the cooling water circuits are not connected to each other, the outdoor unit in which the compressor is stopped cannot perform cooling of the refrigerant by the cooling water circuit. This is because the refrigerant flow stops when the compressor stops. From the viewpoint of energy consumption, the cooling water circuit using the cooling tower can cool the refrigerant more efficiently than the refrigerant circuit element using the air heat exchanger. Therefore, regardless of the number of outdoor units to be driven, in other words, regardless of whether the compressor is driven or stopped, it is preferable to use all the cooling water circuits for cooling the refrigerant.

  Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose only a single cooling device that supplies a refrigerant to an external device. For this reason, even if an air conditioner is configured using these cooling devices as outdoor units, a configuration in which a plurality of outdoor units are connected to an indoor unit serving as an air conditioning load is not presented. Of course, the configuration for connecting the cooling water circuits to each other is also unknown.

  Then, this invention provides the outdoor unit which can connect cooling water circuits when a some outdoor unit is connected to the indoor unit as an air-conditioning load.

  A packaged outdoor unit according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a refrigerant circuit element having an air heat exchanger and a compressor and connected to an external indoor heat exchanger, and a cooling water circuit element for cooling the refrigerant by a cooling tower. And a fan that generates an air flow that flows through the air heat exchanger and the cooling tower, and a case that houses the refrigerant circuit element and the cooling water circuit element. The refrigerant circuit element is in a flow direction of the refrigerant sent out by the compressor. And a water heat exchanger that is disposed on the liquid refrigerant connection side of the air heat exchanger and exchanges heat between the cooling water and the refrigerant, and the cooling water circuit element supplies the cooling water. A cooling water pump to be sent out, a first path connected to the outlet of the cooling tower and opened to the outside of the case, and a second path connected to the inlet of the cooling tower and opened to the outside of the case And a road.

  The cooling tower is a heat exchanger that cools the cooling water using the heat of evaporation, and includes, for example, a sprinkler, a filler, a filler duct, and a water tank. The direction switching mechanism is, for example, a four-way valve. The first path and the second path are configured by piping, for example.

  For this reason, when a plurality of outdoor units are connected to an indoor unit serving as an air conditioning load, the packaged outdoor unit is connected to the cooling water circuit elements in series to provide a single cooling across the plurality of outdoor units. A water circuit can be constructed. Moreover, when a single outdoor unit is connected to the indoor unit as an air conditioning load, the packaged outdoor unit can configure a single cooling water circuit by connecting the first path and the second path.

  The outdoor unit system which concerns on this invention is an outdoor unit system provided with the package type outdoor unit which concerns on several 1st viewpoints, Comprising: The refrigerant | coolant connection which connects all the refrigerant circuit elements in parallel with respect to a common indoor heat exchanger A mechanism and a cooling water connection mechanism for connecting all the cooling water circuit elements in series by connecting the first path of one outdoor unit to the second path of another outdoor unit are provided.

  Since the plurality of cooling water circuit elements are connected in series, the outdoor unit system can use all the connected cooling towers for cooling the refrigerant regardless of the driving and stopping of each compressor. For this reason, the outdoor unit system can efficiently cool the refrigerant from the viewpoint of energy consumption.

  The outdoor unit system is configured to select the operation mode for driving the cooling water pumps and fans of all the outdoor units while driving the compressors of some outdoor units and stopping the compressors of the remaining outdoor units. Has been.

  For this reason, the outdoor unit system can cool a refrigerant | coolant efficiently from a viewpoint of energy consumption according to a condition.

  Each cooling water circuit element includes a water tank that stores cooling water, a water amount sensor that detects information about the amount of water in the water tank, a flow rate adjustment valve that adjusts the flow rate of the second path, and a valve control mechanism. The valve control mechanism reduces the inflow amount to the water tank by reducing the opening of the second path as the water volume of the water tank detected by the water volume sensor increases, and the second path as the water volume of the water tank decreases. The flow rate adjustment valve is controlled so as to increase the opening and increase the amount of inflow into the water tank.

  For this reason, the outdoor unit system can prevent a deviation in the flow rate of the cooling water between the plurality of cooling water circuit elements.

  The cooling water connection mechanism includes a plurality of connection paths that connect the first path to the second path, and a coupling, and the coupling includes a first joint element provided at one end of the first path and the connection path, and A second joint element provided at the other end of the second path and the connection path, and the first joint element and the second joint element allow engagement between the first joint element and the second joint element. The engagement between the first joint elements and the engagement between the second joint elements are prohibited.

  For this reason, the outdoor unit system can prevent the mistake of the connection destination or the connection source in the connection of the connection pipe.

  A packaged outdoor unit according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a refrigerant circuit element having an air heat exchanger and a compressor and connected to an external indoor heat exchanger, and a cooling water circuit element for cooling the refrigerant by a cooling tower. And a fan that generates an air flow that flows through the air heat exchanger and the cooling tower, and a case that houses the refrigerant circuit element and the cooling water circuit element. The refrigerant circuit element is in a flow direction of the refrigerant sent out by the compressor. And a water heat exchanger that is disposed on the liquid refrigerant connection side of the air heat exchanger and exchanges heat between the cooling water and the refrigerant, and the cooling water circuit element supplies the cooling water. A cooling water pump that feeds out, a first path that opens to the outside of the case, a second path that opens to the outside of the case, and a path switching mechanism that switches connection destinations of the first path and the second path. , The path switching mechanism, the switching of the connection destination, the respective inlets of the outlet and cooling tower cooling tower, and is configured to connect to one and the other of the first path and the second path.

  For this reason, when a plurality of outdoor units are connected to an indoor unit serving as an air conditioning load, the packaged outdoor unit is connected to the cooling water circuit elements in series to provide a single cooling across the plurality of outdoor units. A water circuit can be constructed. In particular, the packaged outdoor unit can replace the first path and the second path by the path switching mechanism, so that the degree of freedom in pipe connection for connecting a plurality of cooling water circuit elements can be improved. Moreover, when a single outdoor unit is connected to the indoor unit as an air conditioning load, the packaged outdoor unit can configure a single cooling water circuit by connecting the first path and the second path.

  An outdoor unit system according to the present invention relates to an outdoor unit system including a plurality of packaged outdoor units according to a second aspect, or at least one packaged outdoor unit according to a first aspect and at least one second aspect. An outdoor unit system including a packaged outdoor unit, wherein a refrigerant connection mechanism that connects all refrigerant circuit elements in parallel to a common indoor heat exchanger, and a first path or a second path of one outdoor unit A cooling water connection mechanism that connects all the cooling water circuit elements in series by connecting to the first path or the second path of another outdoor unit is provided.

  Since the plurality of cooling water circuit elements are connected in series, the outdoor unit system can use all the connected cooling towers for cooling the refrigerant regardless of the driving and stopping of each compressor. For this reason, the outdoor unit system can efficiently cool the refrigerant from the viewpoint of energy consumption.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner according to the second embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a control mechanism of the outdoor unit system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a coolant connection mechanism according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner according to the eighth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner according to the ninth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner according to the tenth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner according to an eleventh embodiment. FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner according to a twelfth embodiment.

  With reference to FIG. 1, the package type outdoor unit 2 which concerns on 1st Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner 1. The air conditioner 1 includes a packaged outdoor unit 2 and an indoor heat exchanger 3. The outdoor unit 2 includes a case 4, a refrigerant circuit element 5, a cooling water circuit element 6, and a fan 17. The case 4 houses the refrigerant circuit element 5 and the cooling water circuit element 6. Case 4 is divided into an upper case 7 and a lower case 8.

  The refrigerant circuit element 5 constitutes a refrigerant circuit 10 together with the external indoor heat exchanger 3 and the indoor expansion valve 9. For example, the outdoor unit 2 is disposed on the roof of a building, and the indoor heat exchanger 3 is disposed in each room in the building. The refrigerant circuit element 5 includes a compressor 11, a four-way valve 12, two air heat exchangers 13, an outdoor expansion valve 14, a reservoir 15, and a water heat exchanger 16. Note that the refrigerant circuit element 5 does not require the reservoir 15.

  The indoor heat exchanger 3 performs heat exchange between air and the refrigerant. The indoor expansion valve 9 can change its opening degree. The compressor 11 sends the refrigerant to the four-way valve 12. The four-way valve 12 switches the flow direction of the refrigerant. The air heat exchanger 13 performs heat exchange between air and the refrigerant. The degree of opening of the outdoor expansion valve 14 can be changed. The reservoir 15 is located between the air heat exchanger 13 and the water heat exchanger 16 and can store the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 10. The water heat exchanger 16 performs heat exchange between the cooling water of the cooling water circuit element 6 and the refrigerant.

  The refrigerant circuit 10 includes gas refrigerant pipes 18, 19, and 27 through which a gaseous refrigerant flows, and liquid refrigerant pipes 20 and 28 through which a liquid refrigerant flows. In the refrigerant circuit 10, these pipes connect the above-described device groups 3, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16. The gas refrigerant pipe 18 constitutes a path between the compressor 11 and the air heat exchanger 13. The gas refrigerant pipes 19 and 27 constitute a path between the compressor 11 and the indoor heat exchanger 3. In particular, the gas refrigerant pipe 19 constitutes a path in the outdoor unit 2, and the gas refrigerant pipe 27 constitutes a path between the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor heat exchanger 3. The liquid refrigerant pipes 20 and 28 constitute a path between the air heat exchanger 13 and the indoor heat exchanger 3. In particular, the liquid refrigerant pipe 20 constitutes a path in the outdoor unit 2, and the liquid refrigerant pipe 28 constitutes a path between the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor heat exchanger 3. The water heat exchanger 16 is located between the air heat exchanger 13 and the indoor heat exchanger 3, that is, on the liquid refrigerant connection side of the air heat exchanger 13.

  The cooling water circuit element 6 constitutes the cooling water circuit 60 together with the connection pipe 33. The coolant circuit 60 cools the coolant in the coolant circuit element 5 with coolant. The cooling water circuit element 6 includes a cooling water pump 21, a filler 22, a sprinkler 23, a filler duct 24, a water tank 25, a first pipe 31, and a second pipe 32. The filler 22, the sprinkler 23, the filler duct 24, and the water tank 25 constitute a cooling tower 50.

  The first pipe 31 is connected to the outlet E50 of the cooling tower 50 and opens to the outside of the case 4. The second pipe 32 is connected to the inlet I50 of the cooling tower 50 and opens to the outside of the case 4. In the present embodiment, the outlet E50 of the cooling tower 50 is the outlet of the water tank 25, and the inlet I50 of the cooling tower 50 is the inlet of the sprinkler 23. Further, the cooling water pump 21 is disposed on the first pipe 31. The connection pipe 33 connects the first pipe 31 and the second pipe 32. In addition, a stop valve 34 for water stop is provided in the first pipe 31 and the second pipe 32.

  The cooling water pump 21 sends cooling water to the sprinkler 23. The filler 22 is a member that increases the contact area between water and air by making fine water droplets from the sprinkler 23. The water sprinkler 23 sprinkles cooling water on the filler 22 from above. The filler duct 24 surrounds the filler 22 and blocks air that has passed through the air heat exchanger 13. In addition, the filler duct 24 has an intake port (not shown) and forms a path through which air different from the air passing through the air heat exchange 13 passes. The water tank 25 stores water falling from the filler 22.

  In the cooling water circuit 60, the cooling water is circulated and cooled as follows. The cooling water sequentially passes through the cooling water pump 21, the sprinkler 23, the filler 22, and the water tank 25. A part of the sprayed cooling water evaporates when passing through the filler 22. Since the heat of evaporation is deprived, the temperature of the cooling water passing through the filler 22 decreases. The cooling water whose temperature has dropped falls into the water tank 25. In this way, the cooling water is cooled.

  The fan 17 generates an air flow that passes through the cooling tower 50. This air flow promotes the evaporation of the cooling water, so that the cooling performance by the cooling tower 50 is maintained.

  The water heat exchanger 16 is composed of a water tank 25 and a refrigerant pipe 26 disposed in the water tank 25. For this reason, heat exchange is performed between the cooling water in the water tank 25 and the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe 26.

  The air conditioner 1 can execute a cooling operation for cooling the room where the indoor heat exchanger 3 is installed or a heating operation for heating the room. Here, the four-way valve 12 can select either the heating position or the cooling position as the switching position. In the cooling operation, the four-way valve 12 is in the cooling position, and the compressor 11, the fan 17, and the cooling water pump 21 are driven. On the other hand, in the heating operation, the four-way valve 12 is in the heating position, the compressor 11 and the fan 17 are driven, and the cooling water pump 21 is stopped.

  The fan 17 generates an air flow that passes through the air heat exchanger 13. Since this air flow promotes heat exchange with the refrigerant in the air heat exchanger 13, the heat exchange performance by the air heat exchanger 13 is maintained.

  In the refrigerant circuit 10, the refrigerant circulates as follows and is cooled or heated. In FIG. 1, the four-way valve 12 is in the cooling position. When the four-way valve 12 is in the cooling position, the refrigerant is the compressor 11, the four-way valve 12, the air heat exchanger 13, the outdoor expansion valve 14, the reservoir 15, the water heat exchanger 16, the indoor expansion valve 9, and the indoor heat exchange. It passes through the unit 3 and the four-way valve 12 in order, and returns to the compressor 11. At this time, the air heat exchanger 13 and the water heat exchanger 16 function as a condenser, and the indoor heat exchanger 3 functions as an evaporator. On the other hand, when the four-way valve 12 is in the heating position, the refrigerant is the compressor 11, the four-way valve 12, the indoor heat exchanger 3, the indoor expansion valve 9, the water heat exchanger 16, the reservoir 15, the outdoor expansion valve 14, and the air. It passes through the heat exchanger 13 and the four-way valve 12 in order, and returns to the compressor 11. At this time, the air heat exchanger 13 functions as an evaporator, and the indoor heat exchanger 3 functions as a condenser.

  With reference to FIG. 2, the outdoor unit system 100 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the air conditioner 1 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 2, the air conditioner 1 includes an outdoor unit system 100 and an indoor heat exchanger 3. The outdoor unit system 100 includes two outdoor units 2 (1) and 2 (2), an indoor heat exchanger 3, a refrigerant connection mechanism 70, and a cooling water connection mechanism 80. The subscripts (1) and (2) included in the reference symbols indicate that they correspond to the first and second units, respectively.

  The refrigerant connection mechanism 70 indicates a refrigerant pipe group that connects the two refrigerant circuit elements 5 (1) and 5 (2). The two refrigerant circuit elements 5 (1), 5 (2) and the refrigerant connection mechanism 70 constitute the refrigerant circuit 10. The refrigerant connection mechanism 70 includes a gas refrigerant pipe 27, a liquid refrigerant pipe 28, a gas refrigerant branch pipe 29 (2), and a liquid refrigerant branch pipe 30 (2). The gas refrigerant branch pipe 29 (2) constitutes a path through which a gaseous refrigerant flows, and connects the second gas refrigerant pipe 19 (2) to the gas refrigerant pipe 27. The liquid refrigerant branch pipe 30 (2) constitutes a path through which the liquid refrigerant flows, and connects the second liquid refrigerant pipe 20 (2) to the liquid refrigerant pipe 28.

  With the above configuration, the refrigerant circuit 10 connects the two refrigerant circuit elements 5 (1) and 5 (2) in parallel to the common indoor heat exchanger 3. Thereby, the refrigerant from the two outdoor units 2 (1) and 2 (2) merges in the gas refrigerant pipe 27 and the liquid refrigerant pipe 28 and is supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 3. The refrigerant from the indoor heat exchanger 3 is distributed in the gas refrigerant pipe 27 and the liquid refrigerant pipe 28 and returns to the two outdoor units 2 (1) and 2 (2).

  The cooling water connection mechanism 80 indicates a cooling water pipe group that connects the two cooling water circuit elements 6 (1) and 6 (2). The two cooling water circuit elements 6 (1) and 6 (2) and the cooling water connection mechanism 80 constitute a single cooling water circuit 60 that straddles the two outdoor units 2 (1) and 2 (2). The cooling water connection mechanism 80 includes two connection pipes 35 (1) and 35 (2). The connection pipe 35 (1) connects the first first pipe 31 (1) to the second second pipe 32 (2). The connection pipe 35 (2) connects the second first pipe 31 (2) to the first second pipe 32 (1).

  With the above configuration, the cooling water circuit 60 connects the two cooling water circuit elements 6 (1) and 6 (2) in series. The cooling water circulates in the cooling water circuit 60 as follows. The cooling water sent out from the first cooling water pump 21 (1) enters the second second piping 32 (2) via the first piping 31 (1) and the connecting piping 35 (1), It reaches the cooling water pump 21 (2) via the sprinkler 23 (2) and the water tank 25 (2). The cooling water delivered from the second cooling water pump 21 (2) passes through the second first piping 31 (2) and the connecting piping 35 (2), and the first second piping 32 (1). ), And reaches the cooling water pump 21 (1) via the sprinkler 23 (1) and the water tank 25 (1). In this way, the cooling water is circulated.

  With reference to FIG. 3, the outdoor unit system 100 which concerns on 3rd Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a control mechanism of the outdoor unit system 100 according to the third embodiment. The outdoor unit system 100 includes two outdoor units 2, and each outdoor unit 2 includes a control device 38. Each control device 38 controls the compressor 11, the cooling water pump 21, and the fan 17 of each outdoor unit 2. The outdoor unit system 100 according to the third embodiment can implement a special operation mode. Hereinafter, the operation mode will be described.

  The control devices 38 (1) and 38 (2) are configured such that one operation mode can be selected from a plurality of operation modes. The plurality of operation modes include a first cooling operation mode and a second cooling operation mode.

  In the first cooling operation mode, the control devices 38 (1) and 38 (2) communicate with each other and change the number of the outdoor units 2 to be driven according to the magnitude of the air conditioning load. For example, when the air conditioning load is relatively small, the control devices 38 (1) and 38 (2) stop the second outdoor unit 2 (2). The stop of the outdoor unit 2 (2) means the stop of the compressor 11 (2), the cooling water pump 21 (2), and the fan 17 (2) provided in the outdoor unit 2 (2).

  In the second cooling operation mode, the control devices 38 (1) and 38 (2) communicate with each other and change the number of the compressors 11 to be driven according to the size of the air conditioning load. For example, when the air conditioning load is larger than the first cooling operation mode but it is not necessary to operate the two refrigerant circuit elements 5 (1) and 5 (2), the control devices 38 (1) and 38 (2) have two units. The eye compressor 11 (2) is stopped. On the other hand, in the second cooling operation mode, the control devices 38 (1) and 38 (2) maintain driving of all the cooling water pumps 21 and the fans 17. For this reason, the outdoor unit system 100 can use the cooling effect of the cooling tower 50 (2) in the cooling operation of the refrigerant circuit element 5 (1) while reducing the driving power of the compressor 11 (2). Suppressed and efficient cooling can be implemented.

  With reference to FIG. 4, the outdoor unit system 100 which concerns on 4th Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner 1 according to the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 4, the outdoor unit system 100 includes three outdoor units 2 (1), 2 (2), and 2 (3). Hereinafter, the configuration of the refrigerant circuit 10 and the coolant circuit 60 according to the fourth embodiment will be described.

  In FIG. 4, the refrigerant circuit 10 includes three refrigerant circuit elements 5 (1), 5 (2), and 5 (3), and a refrigerant connection mechanism 70. The refrigerant connection mechanism 70 includes a gas refrigerant pipe 27, a liquid refrigerant pipe 28, two gas refrigerant branch pipes 29 (2) and 29 (3), and two liquid refrigerant branch pipes 30 (2) and 30 (3). And. The gas refrigerant branch pipe 29 (3) connects the third gas refrigerant pipe 19 (3) to the gas refrigerant pipe 27. The liquid refrigerant branch pipe 30 (3) connects the third liquid refrigerant pipe 20 (3) to the liquid refrigerant pipe 28. With the above configuration, the refrigerant circuit 10 connects the three refrigerant circuit elements 5 (1), 5 (2), and 5 (3) in parallel to the common indoor heat exchanger 3.

  In FIG. 4, the coolant circuit 60 includes three coolant circuit elements 6 (1), 6 (2), and 6 (3), and a coolant connection mechanism 80. The cooling water connection mechanism 80 includes three connection pipes 35 (1), 35 (2), and 35 (3). The connection pipe 35 (1) connects the first first pipe 31 (1) to the second second pipe 32 (2). The connection pipe 35 (2) connects the second first pipe 31 (2) to the third second pipe 32 (3). The connection pipe 35 (3) connects the third first pipe 31 (3) to the first second pipe 32 (1). With the above configuration, the cooling water circuit 60 connects the three cooling water circuit elements 6 (1), 6 (2), and 6 (3) in series.

  The outdoor unit system 100 can include n outdoor units 2. n represents an arbitrary natural number.

  In this case, the refrigerant circuit 10 includes n refrigerant circuit elements 5 (1) -5 (n) and a refrigerant connection mechanism 70. The refrigerant connection mechanism 70 includes a gas refrigerant pipe 27, a liquid refrigerant pipe 28, n-1 gas refrigerant branch pipes 29 (2) -29 (n), and n-1 liquid refrigerant branch pipes 30 (2)-. 30 (n). The k-th gas refrigerant branch pipe 29 (k) connects the k-th gas refrigerant pipe 19 (k) to the gas refrigerant pipe 27. The kth liquid refrigerant branch pipe 30 (k) connects the kth liquid refrigerant pipe 20 (k) to the liquid refrigerant pipe 28. Here, k is an arbitrary number from 1 to n. As a result, n refrigerant circuit elements 5 (1) -5 (n) are connected in parallel to the common indoor heat exchanger.

  In this case, the cooling water circuit 60 includes n cooling water circuit elements 6 (1) -6 (n) and a cooling water connection mechanism 80. The coolant connection mechanism 80 includes n connection pipes 35 (1) -35 (n). The connection pipe 35 (k) connects the kth first pipe 31 (k) to the (k + 1) th second pipe 32 (k + 1). Here, k is an arbitrary number from 1 to n. The connection pipe 35 (n) connects the n-th first pipe 31 (n) to the first second pipe 32 (1). As a result, n cooling water circuit elements 6 (1) -6 (n) are connected in series.

  With reference to FIG. 5, the outdoor unit system 100 which concerns on 5th Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner 1 according to the fifth embodiment. Hereinafter, differences between the second embodiment and the fifth embodiment will be described. In FIG. 5, the first outdoor unit 2 (1) is at a relatively higher position than the second outdoor unit 2 (2). Since the first tank 25 (1) is located higher than the second tank 25 (2), the cooling water is supplied from the second tank 25 (2) to the first tank 25 (1). The amount of work required to move is greater than the amount of work required to move the cooling water from the first water tank 25 (1) to the second water tank 25 (2). Therefore, when the two cooling water pumps 21 (1) and 22 (2) exhibit the same output, the amount of water in the first tank 25 (1) is the amount of water in the second tank 25 (2). Less than.

  The cooling water circuit element 6 according to the fifth embodiment includes means for correcting the deviation of the water amount between the plurality of water tanks 25. Specifically, the cooling water circuit element 6 includes a flow rate adjustment valve 37 and a ball tap 36. The flow rate adjustment valve 37 adjusts the flow rate by changing the opening degree. The ball tap 36 changes the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve 37 according to the water level in the water tank 25. More specifically, the ball tap 36 reduces the inflow amount to the water tank 25 by reducing the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve 37 as the water level increases, and increases the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve 37 as it decreases. The flow rate adjustment valve 37 is controlled so as to increase the amount of inflow into the water tank 25. As a result, the deviation of the water amount among the plurality of water tanks 25 is corrected. The ball tap 36 has a function as a sensor that detects information related to the water tank in the water tank 25 and a function as a valve control mechanism that controls the flow rate adjustment valve so that the amount of water in the water tank 25 and the flow rate of the second pipe are opposite to each other. Have.

  With reference to FIG. 6, the outdoor unit system 100 which concerns on 6th Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a coolant connection mechanism 80 according to the sixth embodiment. Hereinafter, differences between the second embodiment and the sixth embodiment will be described. The outdoor unit system 100 according to the sixth embodiment includes a configuration that prevents an error in the connection destination or connection source in the connection of the connection pipes 35 (1) and 35 (2). This mistake is, for example, an erroneous pipe in which the first first pipe 31 and the second first pipe are connected. The outdoor unit system 100 according to the sixth embodiment prevents the occurrence of such problems.

  In FIG. 6, the cooling water connection mechanism 80 includes two couplings 40. Each coupling 40 includes a first joint element 41 and a second joint element 42. The 1st coupling element 41 is provided in the 1st piping 31 (1) and 31 (2) and the end of connection piping 35 (1) and 35 (2). The 2nd joint element 42 is provided in the 2nd piping 32 (1) and 32 (2) and the other end of connection piping 35 (1) and 35 (2). The first joint element 41 and the second joint element 42 allow the first joint element 41 and the second joint element 42 to be engaged, and the first joint element 41 and the second joint element 42 are engaged with each other. It is configured to prohibit the combination. For this reason, the coupling 40 can prevent the mistake of a connection destination or a connection origin in the connection of piping.

  With reference to FIG. 7, the package type outdoor unit 102 according to the seventh embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner 1 according to the seventh embodiment. Hereinafter, differences between the first embodiment and the seventh embodiment will be described. The coolant circuit element 106 according to the seventh embodiment has a configuration that improves the degree of freedom in connecting pipes. The coolant circuit element 106 and the coolant circuit 160 according to the seventh embodiment are partially different from the coolant circuit element 6 and the coolant circuit 60 according to the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 7, the cooling water circuit element 106 includes a first pipe 51, a second pipe 52, an outlet pipe 53, an inlet pipe 54, and a four-way valve 55. The first piping 51 and the second piping 52 according to the seventh embodiment are partially different in function from the first piping 31 and the second piping 32 according to the first embodiment.

  The first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52 each open to the outside of the case 4. The outlet pipe 53 is connected to the outlet E50 of the cooling tower 50. The inlet pipe 54 is connected to the inlet I50 of the cooling tower 50. The four-way valve 55 is a path switching mechanism that switches the connection destination of the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52. The four-way valve 55 is configured to cause the outlet E50 and the inlet I50 of the cooling tower 50 to communicate with one and the other of the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52 by switching the connection destination. The four-way valve 55 can select either the forward position or the reverse position as the switching position. In FIG. 7, the four-way valve 55 is in the forward position. When the four-way valve 55 is in the forward direction position, the first pipe 51 is connected to the outlet pipe 53 and the second pipe 52 is connected to the inlet pipe 54. As a result, the outlet E50 of the cooling tower 50 communicates with the first pipe 51, and the inlet I50 of the cooling tower 50 communicates with the second pipe 52. When the four-way valve 55 is in the reverse direction position, the first pipe 51 is connected to the inlet pipe 54 and the second pipe 52 is connected to the outlet pipe 53. As a result, the outlet E50 of the cooling tower 50 communicates with the second pipe 52, and the inlet I50 of the cooling tower 50 communicates with the first pipe 51.

  With reference to FIGS. 8 to 10, an outdoor unit system 200 according to eighth to tenth embodiments will be described. Each of the outdoor unit systems 200 according to the eighth to tenth embodiments includes the outdoor unit 102 according to the seventh embodiment.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner 1 according to the eighth embodiment. The outdoor unit system 200 includes two outdoor units 102 (1) and 102 (2), the indoor heat exchanger 3, a refrigerant connection mechanism 70, and a cooling water connection mechanism 80.

  In FIG. 8, the two four-way valves 55 (1) and 55 (2) are both in the forward position. In this case, in the same outdoor unit 102, the cooling water sent from the cooling water pump 21 is supplied to the first pipe 51, and the cooling water is supplied from the second pipe 52 to the cooling tower 50. Thus, the two cooling water circuit elements 106 (1), 106 (2) are substantially equal to the two cooling water circuit elements 6 (1), 6 (2) shown in FIG. Moreover, the cooling water connection mechanism 80 has the same configuration as the cooling water connection mechanism 80 shown in FIG. 2, and includes two connection pipes 35 (1) and 35 (2). For this reason, the cooling water circuit 160 connects two cooling water circuit elements 106 (1) and 106 (2) in series.

  Further, the two four-way valves 55 (1) and 55 (2) may both be in opposite positions. In this case, the cooling water sent from the cooling water pump 21 is supplied to the second pipe 52, and the cooling water is supplied from the first pipe 51 to the cooling tower 50. However, this is equivalent to the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52 being replaced with each other. For this reason, the two cooling water circuit elements 106 (1) and 106 (2) exhibit substantially the same function as the two cooling water circuit elements 6 (1) and 6 (2) shown in FIG. To do. Also in this case, the cooling water circuit 160 connects two cooling water circuit elements 106 (1) and 106 (2) in series.

  As described above, when both the four-way valves 55 are in the forward position or the reverse position in the outdoor unit 102, the outdoor unit 102 is functionally equivalent to the outdoor unit 2 according to the first embodiment. For this reason, by connecting the k-th first pipe 31 (k) to the (k + 1) -th second pipe 32 (k + 1) using n connection pipes 35 (1) -35 (n), N cooling water circuit elements 106 (1) -106 (n) can be connected in series.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner 1 according to the ninth embodiment. The coolant connection mechanism 180 according to the ninth embodiment is partially different from the coolant connection mechanism 80 according to the eighth embodiment. In FIG. 9, the first four-way valve 55 (1) is in the reverse position, and the second four-way valve 55 (2) is in the forward position. Moreover, the cooling water connection mechanism 180 according to the ninth embodiment includes a connection pipe 56 (1) and a connection pipe 56 (2). The connection pipe 56 (1) connects the first first pipe 51 (1) to the second first pipe 51 (2). The connection pipe 56 (2) connects the second second pipe 52 (2) to the first second pipe 52 (1). For this reason, the cooling water circuit 160 connects two cooling water circuit elements 106 (1) and 106 (2) in series.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner 1 according to the tenth embodiment. The outdoor unit system 200 according to the tenth embodiment includes three outdoor units 102 (1), 102 (2), and 102 (3), and a cooling water connection mechanism 180. In FIG. 10, the four-way valve 55 (1) is in the reverse position, the four-way valve 55 (2) is in the forward position, and the four-way valve 55 (3) is in the reverse position. The cooling water connection mechanism 180 according to the tenth embodiment includes three connection pipes 57 (1), 57 (2), and 57 (3). The connection pipe 57 (1) connects the first first pipe 51 (1) to the second first pipe 51 (2). The connection pipe 57 (2) connects the second second pipe 52 (2) to the third second pipe 52 (3). The connection pipe 57 (3) connects the third first pipe 51 (3) to the first second pipe 52 (1). For this reason, the cooling water circuit 160 connects three cooling water circuit elements 106 (1), 106 (2), and 106 (3) in series.

  As described above, the four-way valve 55 has a function of replacing the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52. For this reason, in order to make n pieces of cooling water circuit elements 106 (1) -106 (n) in series, the connection destination and the connection source of the connection pipe are connected to either the first pipe 51 or the second pipe 52. It is not limited. Therefore, n cooling water circuit elements 106 are obtained by connecting one outdoor unit 102 and another outdoor unit 102 using n connecting pipes without considering the connection destination and connection source of the connecting pipe. (1) -106 (n) can be connected in series.

  With reference to FIG. 11, a packaged outdoor unit 102 according to an eleventh embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner 1 according to the eleventh embodiment. Hereinafter, differences between the seventh embodiment and the eleventh embodiment will be described. The coolant circuit element 106 according to the eleventh embodiment includes a path switching mechanism 90 instead of the four-way valve 55 according to the seventh embodiment. The path switching mechanism 90 differs from the four-way valve 55 in configuration, but is equivalent to the four-way valve 55 in function.

  In FIG. 11, the path switching mechanism 90 includes a first forward pipe 91, a second forward pipe 92, a first bypass pipe 93, a second bypass pipe 94, a first forward valve 95, a second forward valve 96, A first reverse valve 97 and a second reverse valve 98 are provided. The first forward pipe 91 connects the outlet pipe 53 to the first pipe 51. The second forward pipe 92 connects the second path 52 to the inlet pipe 54. The first bypass pipe 93 connects the first path 51 to the inlet pipe 54. The second bypass pipe 94 connects the outlet pipe 53 to the second pipe 52. The first forward valve 95 opens and closes the first forward pipe 91. The second forward valve 96 opens and closes the second forward pipe 92. The first reverse valve 97 opens and closes the first reverse pipe 93. The second reverse valve 98 opens and closes the second reverse pipe 94.

  The path switching mechanism 90 can select forward switching or reverse switching.

  When the path switching mechanism 90 selects forward switching, the forward valves 95 and 96 are open, and the reverse valves 97 and 98 are closed. This case corresponds to a case where the four-way valve 55 is in the forward position, and the first pipe 51 is connected to the outlet pipe 53 and the second pipe 52 is connected to the inlet pipe 54. For this reason, the cooling water delivered from the cooling water pump 21 is supplied to the first pipe 51, and the cooling water is supplied from the second pipe 52 to the cooling tower 50.

  When the path switching mechanism 90 selects reverse switching, the forward valves 95 and 96 are closed and the reverse valves 97 and 98 are opened. This case corresponds to the case where the four-way valve 55 is in the reverse direction position, and the first pipe 51 is connected to the inlet pipe 54 and the second pipe 52 is connected to the outlet pipe 53. For this reason, the cooling water sent from the cooling water pump 21 is supplied to the second pipe 52, and the cooling water is supplied from the first pipe 51 to the cooling tower 50.

  With reference to FIG. 12, the outdoor unit system 200 which concerns on 12th Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner 1 according to the twelfth embodiment. An outdoor unit system 200 according to the twelfth embodiment includes two outdoor units 102 according to the eleventh embodiment and a coolant connection mechanism 180 according to the ninth embodiment. In FIG. 12, the first route switching mechanism 90 (1) has selected reverse switching, and the second route switching mechanism 90 (2) has selected forward switching. For this reason, the cooling water circuit 160 connects two cooling water circuit elements 106 (1) and 106 (2) in series.

2, 102 Outdoor unit 3 Outdoor heat exchanger 4 Case 5 Refrigerant circuit element 6 Cooling water circuit element 10 Refrigerant circuit 11 Compressor 12 Four-way valve (direction switching mechanism)
13 Air Heat Exchanger 16 Water Heat Exchanger 17 Fan 21 Cooling Water Pump 25 Water Tank 31 First Pipe (First Path)
32 Second piping (second path)
35, 56, 57 Connection path 36 Flow control valve 37 Ball tap (water volume sensor and valve control mechanism)
38 Control device 40 Coupling 41 First joint element 42 Second joint element 50 Cooling tower 55 Four-way valve (path switching mechanism)
60, 160 Cooling water circuit 70 Refrigerant connection mechanism 80, 180 Cooling water connection mechanism 90 Path switching mechanism 100, 200 Outdoor unit system E50 Cooling tower outlet I50 Cooling tower outlet

Claims (7)

A refrigerant circuit element having an air heat exchanger and a compressor and connected to an external indoor heat exchanger;
A cooling water circuit element for cooling the refrigerant by the cooling tower;
A fan that generates an air flow through the air heat exchanger and the cooling tower;
A case for storing the refrigerant circuit element and the cooling water circuit element,
The refrigerant circuit element includes a direction switching mechanism that switches a flow direction of the refrigerant sent out by the compressor, a water heat exchanger that is disposed on the liquid refrigerant connection side of the air heat exchanger and exchanges heat between the cooling water and the refrigerant. With
The cooling water circuit element includes a cooling water pump for sending cooling water, a first path connected to the outlet of the cooling tower and opening to the outside of the case, and a second path connected to the inlet of the cooling tower and opening to the outside of the case. A packaged outdoor unit. An outdoor unit system comprising a plurality of packaged outdoor units according to claim 1,
A refrigerant connection mechanism for connecting all refrigerant circuit elements in parallel to a common indoor heat exchanger;
An outdoor unit system comprising: a cooling water connection mechanism that connects all the cooling water circuit elements in series by connecting a first path of one outdoor unit to a second path of another outdoor unit.   An operation mode for driving cooling water pumps and fans of all the outdoor units can be selected while driving the compressors of some outdoor units and stopping the compressors of the remaining outdoor units. Item 3. The outdoor unit system according to Item 2. Each cooling water circuit element includes a water tank that stores cooling water, a water amount sensor that detects information about the amount of water in the water tank, a flow rate adjustment valve that adjusts the flow rate of the second path, and a valve control mechanism.
The outdoor unit system according to claim 2, wherein the valve control mechanism controls the flow rate adjustment valve so that the amount of water detected by the water amount sensor and the flow rate of the second path are opposite to each other. The cooling water connection mechanism includes a plurality of connection paths that connect the first path to the second path, and a coupling.
The coupling includes a first joint element provided at one end of the first path and the connection path, and a second joint element provided at the other end of the second path and the connection path,
The first joint element and the second joint element allow engagement between the first joint element and the second joint element, and prohibit engagement between the first joint elements and engagement between the second joint elements. The outdoor unit system according to claim 2, wherein the outdoor unit system is configured. A refrigerant circuit element having an air heat exchanger and a compressor and connected to an external indoor heat exchanger;
A cooling water circuit element for cooling the refrigerant by the cooling tower;
A fan that generates an air flow through the air heat exchanger and the cooling tower;
A case for storing the refrigerant circuit element and the cooling water circuit element,
The refrigerant circuit element includes a direction switching mechanism that switches a flow direction of the refrigerant sent out by the compressor, a water heat exchanger that is disposed on the liquid refrigerant connection side of the air heat exchanger and exchanges heat between the cooling water and the refrigerant. With
The cooling water circuit element includes a cooling water pump that sends out cooling water, a first path that opens to the outside of the case, a second path that opens to the outside of the case, and a path that switches connection destinations of the first path and the second path. Switching mechanism,
The path switching mechanism is a packaged outdoor unit configured to connect each of the outlet of the cooling tower and the inlet of the cooling tower to one and the other of the first path and the second path by switching the connection destination. An outdoor unit system comprising a plurality of packaged outdoor units according to claim 6, or at least one packaged outdoor unit according to claim 1 and at least one packaged outdoor unit according to claim 6. A system,
A refrigerant connection mechanism for connecting all refrigerant circuit elements in parallel to a common indoor heat exchanger;
A cooling water connection mechanism that connects all the cooling water circuit elements in series by connecting the first path or the second path of one outdoor unit to the first path or the second path of another outdoor unit. The outdoor unit system.

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