JP2015078813A - Air conditioner auxiliary device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an air conditioner auxiliary device capable of being installed more easily and achieving power saving of a refrigeration cycle more effectively.SOLUTION: An auxiliary device 1 for an air conditioner 5 includes: an auxiliary heat exchanger 31 provided to contact either an intake side of at least one of an outdoor heat exchanger 23 and an indoor heat exchanger 13 of the air conditioner 5 or at least one of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the indoor heat exchanger 13; an introduction path 32 introducing a heat medium HM deriving from a natural water heat source NH to the auxiliary heat exchanger 31; and a pump 33 circulating the heat medium HM from the natural water heat source NH to the auxiliary heat exchanger 31.

Description

  Embodiments according to the present invention relate to an auxiliary device for an air conditioner.

  A heat exchange device that can be installed in addition to an existing refrigeration cycle and suppresses power consumption of the refrigeration cycle is known.

  This conventional heat exchange device includes a heat exchanger installed in a part of a refrigerant pipe that connects a condenser and an evaporator of a refrigeration cycle, and a transport device that transports a heat medium from a heat source to the heat exchanger. ing.

JP-A-6-101934

  When a heat exchange unit incorporating a heat exchanger is installed in an existing refrigeration cycle, a conventional heat exchange device removes heat insulating material from a part of the refrigerant pipe connecting the condenser and evaporator of the refrigeration cycle, etc. It was difficult for ordinary households to install it by themselves.

  Therefore, the present invention proposes an auxiliary device for an air conditioner that can be additionally installed more easily and that further effectively saves power in the refrigeration cycle.

  In order to solve the above problems, an auxiliary device for an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention is an air conditioner including an indoor heat exchanger installed in an indoor unit and an outdoor heat exchanger arranged in the outdoor unit. In an auxiliary device that assists the refrigeration cycle with a natural water heat source, the refrigeration cycle is brought into contact with at least one of the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger, or at least one of the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger. An auxiliary heat exchanger provided, an introduction path for introducing a heat medium derived from the natural water heat source to the auxiliary heat exchanger, and a pump for circulating the heat medium from the natural water heat source to the auxiliary heat exchanger And.

The perspective view which shows the air conditioner which applies the auxiliary | assistant apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and an auxiliary | assistant apparatus. The block diagram which shows the air conditioner which applies the auxiliary | assistance apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and an auxiliary | assistant apparatus. Schematic which shows the heat exchanger of the auxiliary | assistant apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and the heat exchanger of an air conditioner.

  An embodiment of an auxiliary device for an air conditioner according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an auxiliary device according to an embodiment of the present invention and an air conditioner to which the auxiliary device is applied.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an auxiliary device and an air conditioner to which the auxiliary device according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the auxiliary device 1 according to the present embodiment assists the refrigeration cycle of the existing air conditioner 5 with a natural water heat source NH.

  Here, first, the air conditioner 5 according to the present embodiment includes an indoor unit 6 installed in the air-conditioned room R and an outdoor unit 7 installed outside the air-conditioned room R.

  The indoor unit 6 includes an indoor fan 11, a motor 12, an indoor heat exchanger 13, an indoor fan drive unit 14, and an indoor control unit 15.

  The outdoor unit 7 includes a compressor 21, a four-way valve 22, an outdoor heat exchanger 23, an expansion valve 25, an outdoor fan 26, and an outdoor control unit 27.

  The compressor 21 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the indoor heat exchanger 13 through a four-way valve 22.

  First, the refrigeration cycle of the existing air conditioner 5 will be outlined.

  At the time of cooling, the air conditioner 5 guides the gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 21 to the outdoor heat exchanger 23 through the four-way valve 22 to condense and liquefy as indicated by solid arrows in FIG. The air conditioner 5 then guides the liquid refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 to the indoor heat exchanger 13 through the expansion valve 25 to evaporate it, and again sucks it into the compressor 21 through the four-way valve 22. The outdoor heat exchanger 23 functions as a condenser and the indoor heat exchanger 13 functions as an evaporator by the flow path indicated by the solid arrows of the refrigerant (hereinafter simply referred to as “cooling flow path”).

  On the other hand, during heating, the air conditioner 5 guides the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 21 to the indoor heat exchanger 13 through the four-way valve 22 to condense and liquefy, as indicated by broken line arrows in FIG. The air conditioner 5 then evaporates and evaporates the liquid refrigerant flowing out from the indoor heat exchanger 13 through the expansion valve 25 to the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and sucks it into the compressor 21 again by the four-way valve 22. The indoor heat exchanger 13 functions as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger 23 functions as an evaporator by the flow path of the broken-line arrows of the refrigerant (hereinafter simply referred to as “heating flow path”).

  The outdoor fan 26 is disposed on the downstream side of the outdoor heat exchanger 23. The outdoor fan 26 sucks air after heat exchange from the outdoor heat exchanger 23 side by operation and blows it out of the outdoor unit 7. The indoor fan 11 is disposed on the downstream side of the indoor heat exchanger 13. The indoor fan 11 sucks the air in the air-conditioned room R after heat exchange from the indoor heat exchanger 13 side by operation and blows it out into the air-conditioned room R.

  The indoor fan drive unit 14 drives and controls the motor 12 based on a command from the indoor control unit 15 to drive the indoor fan 11.

  The indoor control unit 15 cooperates with the outdoor control unit 27 to execute the air conditioning operation according to the set operation conditions. The outdoor control unit 27 and the indoor control unit 15 are connected to each other by a signal line 29. The outdoor control unit 27 controls the operation of the compressor 21 and the outdoor fan 26, and controls the opening degree of the expansion valve 25 and the flow path switching of the four-way valve 22.

  Next, the auxiliary device 1 assists the refrigeration cycle of the air conditioner 5 by using the heat medium HM of the natural water heat source NH in an open loop manner as indicated by solid arrows in FIG. To save energy.

  The natural water heat source NH is a heat source capable of supplying, as the heat medium HM, water that is colder than the outside air temperature such as rain water, river water, ground water, spring water, or water that is warmer than the outside air temperature. These natural water heat sources NH store a heat medium HM having a predetermined capacity in a water storage tank, and suck and supply the heat medium HM from the stored water tank.

  The auxiliary device 1 circulates the heat medium HM with the natural water heat source NH to assist the refrigeration cycle of the air conditioner 5 and to save power in the air conditioner 5.

  The auxiliary device 1 includes an auxiliary heat exchanger 31 provided on the suction side of the outdoor heat exchanger 23, an introduction path 32 for guiding the heat medium HM derived from the natural water heat source NH to the auxiliary heat exchanger 31, and the heat medium HM. Are circulated from the natural water heat source NH to the auxiliary heat exchanger 31, and a discharge path 34 for returning the heat medium HM from the auxiliary heat exchanger 31 to the natural water heat source NH.

  In addition, the auxiliary heat exchanger 31 is not only configured to be provided on the suction side of the outdoor heat exchanger 23, but also whether the air conditioner 5 is in a cooling operation or a heating operation, and the outside air and the heat medium HM. Depending on whether the temperature is higher or lower, it is provided in contact with at least one of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the indoor heat exchanger 13 or at least one of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the indoor heat exchanger 13. Used in the embodiment.

  For example, in the cooling operation of the air conditioner 5, when the temperature of the heat medium HM is lower than the outside air temperature, the auxiliary heat exchanger 31 is installed on the suction side of the outdoor heat exchanger 23, and the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is Allow the outside air before blowing to pass through to cool. Thereafter, the air that has passed the auxiliary heat exchanger 31 and having a temperature lower than the outside air temperature is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 23 to exchange heat with the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 23, thereby cooling the air conditioner 5. Assist. As a result, it is possible to perform a condensing action with improved heat exchange efficiency as compared with the case where the outside air is sent directly to the outdoor heat exchanger 23.

  The auxiliary heat exchanger 31 is directly fixed to at least one of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the indoor heat exchanger 13. Various fixing structures such as a fastening structure using bolts and nuts, a fitting structure for fitting concaves and convexes, and a structure using a fastener such as a clamp are applied to the fixing.

  The introduction path 32 has a sufficient length to reach the auxiliary heat exchanger 31 from the natural water heat source NH. Moreover, it is preferable that the introduction path 32 has flexibility to be laid softly between the natural water heat source NH and the place where the auxiliary heat exchanger 31 is installed.

  Since the pump 33 conveys the heat medium HM from the natural water heat source NH, an appropriate number of pumps 33 are provided at the suction port or in the middle of the introduction path 32 according to the water head pressure difference between the natural water heat source NH and the air conditioner 5. It has been.

  The discharge path 34 does not necessarily need to return the heat medium HM to the natural water heat source NH, but has a sufficient length so as to guide the heat medium HM after heat exchange to an appropriate location in consideration of environmental load. Yes. Moreover, it is preferable that the discharge path 34 also has flexibility in order to increase the flexibility of laying.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a heat exchanger of an auxiliary device and a heat exchanger of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the auxiliary device 1 according to this embodiment includes a connection auxiliary tool 41 that connects the auxiliary heat exchanger 31 and at least one of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the indoor heat exchanger 13 of the air conditioner 5. It has.

  The connection auxiliary tool 41 includes a first hook portion 43 that is hooked on a pipe 42 that allows the heat medium HM to flow through the auxiliary heat exchanger 31, and a second hook portion 46 that is hooked on the pipe 45 of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 or the indoor heat exchanger 13. And a screw portion 47 that reduces the distance between the auxiliary heat exchanger 31 and at least one of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the indoor heat exchanger 13.

  Further, in the connection aid 41, the first hook portion 43 and the second hook portion 46 are made of a material having high heat conductivity such as aluminum or copper, and the outdoor heat exchanger 23 or the indoor heat exchanger 13 The heat conductivity between the auxiliary heat exchanger 31 is increased.

  The first hook portion 43 is a plate-like hook that enters between the fins 48 of the auxiliary heat exchanger 31 and is hooked on the pipe 42.

  The second hook portion 46 is also a plate-like hook that enters between the fins 49 of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 or the indoor heat exchanger 13 and is hooked on the pipe 45.

  The screw portion 47 is arranged so as to be easily tightened when the auxiliary device 1 is attached to the air conditioner 5. When the screw portion 47 is tightened, the first hook portion 43 and the second hook portion 46 are attracted to bring the pipe 42 of the auxiliary heat exchanger 31 and the pipe 45 of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 or the indoor heat exchanger 13 closer to each other. The heat exchange between the outdoor heat exchanger 23 or the indoor heat exchanger 13 and the auxiliary heat exchanger 31 becomes smooth. The screw portion 47 is provided at an appropriate location so that the first hook portion 43 and the second hook portion 46 can be held at the tightened positions.

  The auxiliary device 1 according to the present embodiment can save power in the air conditioner 5 with a simple structure by using the heat medium HM of the natural water heat source NH in an open loop manner.

  Moreover, since the auxiliary device 1 according to the present embodiment has a simple structure that can be easily attached to the outdoor unit 7 or the indoor unit 6 of the air conditioner 5, the existing air conditioner is installed even in a general home. 5 can be installed independently.

  Furthermore, the auxiliary device 1 according to the present embodiment is provided with the connection auxiliary tool 41 so that the outdoor heat exchanger 23 or the indoor heat exchanger 13 and the auxiliary heat exchanger 31 are securely fixed and exchanged with heat. Even with this simple structure, the refrigeration cycle of the air conditioner 5 is efficiently assisted.

  Furthermore, the auxiliary device 1 according to the present embodiment includes the screw portion 47 that reduces the separation distance between the outdoor heat exchanger 23 or the indoor heat exchanger 13 and the auxiliary heat exchanger 31, thereby ensuring that the mounting state is appropriate. Easy to keep.

  Moreover, since the auxiliary device 1 according to the present embodiment is made of a material having high thermal conductivity such as aluminum or copper, the outdoor heat exchanger 23 or the indoor heat exchanger 13 and the auxiliary heat exchanger 31 The heat conductivity is high and assists the refrigeration cycle of the air conditioner 5 efficiently.

  Therefore, according to the auxiliary device 1 of the air conditioner 5 according to the present embodiment, additional installation can be performed more easily, and the refrigeration cycle can be more effectively saved.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Auxiliary device 5 Air conditioner 6 Indoor unit 7 Outdoor unit 11 Indoor fan 12 Motor 13 Indoor heat exchanger 14 Indoor fan drive part 15 Indoor control part 21 Compressor 22 Four-way valve 23 Outdoor heat exchanger 25 Expansion valve 26 Outdoor fan 27 Outdoor control unit 29 Signal line 31 Auxiliary heat exchanger 32 Inlet path 33 Pump 34 Discharge path 41 Connection auxiliary tool 42 Pipe 43 First hook part 45 Pipe 46 Second hook part 47 Screw parts 48, 49 Fins

Claims (5)

In an auxiliary device that assists a part of the heat source of the refrigeration cycle of the air conditioner with an indoor heat exchanger installed in the indoor unit and an outdoor heat exchanger arranged in the outdoor unit with a natural water heat source,
An auxiliary heat exchanger provided in contact with at least one of the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger, or at least one of the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger;
An introduction path for guiding a heat medium derived from the natural water heat source to the auxiliary heat exchanger;
An air conditioner auxiliary device comprising: a pump for circulating the heat medium from the natural water heat source to the auxiliary heat exchanger. The auxiliary device for an air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising a connection auxiliary tool for connecting at least one of the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger and the auxiliary heat exchanger. The auxiliary device for an air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein the connection aid includes a screw portion that reduces a separation distance between at least one of the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger and the auxiliary heat exchanger. The auxiliary device for an air conditioner according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the connection aid is made of a material having high thermal conductivity. The auxiliary device for an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary heat exchanger is directly fixed to at least one of the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger.

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