JP2022116347A - Water heat exchanger and heat pump system including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To inhibit clogging of foreign objects in a passage in which water flows in a water heat exchanger which conducts heat exchange between water and a heat exchange medium and a heat pump system including the water heat exchanger.

SOLUTION: A water heat exchanger (12) includes: multiple first passages (51) in which water flows; a second passage (61) in which a heat exchange medium which conducts heat exchange with water flows; and a first inlet header (13c) which is connected to a first inlet (12c) of water and branches the water flowing from the first inlet (12c) to the first passage (51). The water heat exchanger (12) has the first passage (51) which is formed so that a passage cross section in a first passage inlet part (51a) becomes smaller than a passage cross section in a first passage main part (51b) when an inlet portion of water from the first inlet header (13c) in the first passage (51) is referred to as the first passage inlet part (51a) and a portion of the first passage (51) which is located at the downstream side of the first passage inlet part (51a) is referred to as the first passage main part (51b).

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a water heat exchanger in which heat is exchanged between water and a heat exchange medium, and a heat pump system having the same.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a heat pump system such as a hot water heater, a water heat exchanger has been used in which heat is exchanged between water and a heat exchange medium such as a refrigerant. As such a water heat exchanger, as shown in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-117102), there are a plurality of first flow paths in which water flows, and a second flow path in which a heat exchange medium that exchanges heat with water flows. and a flow path.

In the above conventional water heat exchanger, the performance can be improved by reducing the flow channel cross-sectional areas of the first flow channel and the second flow channel (micro-flow channel).

However, the water flowing through the first flow path may contain foreign matter such as rust on the piping, and such foreign matter clogs the first flow path, reducing the heat exchange capacity of the water heat exchanger. It may reduce the water and reduce drainage.

A water heat exchanger according to a first aspect is connected to a plurality of first flow paths in which water flows, a second flow path in which a heat exchange medium that exchanges heat with water flows, and a first water inlet. and a first inlet header for branching water entering from the first inlet into a first flow path. Here, the inlet portion of the first flow path from the first inlet header is defined as the first flow path inlet portion, and the portion of the first flow path downstream of the first flow path inlet portion is defined as the first flow path inlet portion. Assuming one main flow path, the first flow path is formed such that the cross-sectional area of the flow path at the inlet of the first flow path is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the flow path at the main flow path of the first flow path.

In this case, the first flow path inlet section can block foreign matter having a size that may clog the first flow path from flowing in from the first inlet header. occurrence can be suppressed.

The water heat exchanger according to the second aspect is the water heat exchanger according to the first aspect, wherein the inlet portion of the first flow path is within 10% of the flow path length of the first flow path in the first flow path is part of

Here, the inflow of foreign matter into the first flow path can be reliably blocked in the vicinity of the branch position from the first inlet header.

A water heat exchanger according to a third aspect is the water heat exchanger according to the first or second aspect, wherein the channel cross-sectional area at the first channel inlet portion is the channel cross-sectional area at the first channel main portion The number of first channels formed to be smaller than 60% of the total number of first channels.

Here, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of clogging in the first flow path due to foreign matter in the water heat exchanger as a whole.

A water heat exchanger according to a fourth aspect is the water heat exchanger according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the first flow path inlet portion extends in the flow direction of the water flowing in from the first inlet header. It has a tapered shape that narrows along the line.

Here, during operation of the water heat exchanger, it is possible to suppress an increase in flow resistance when water passes through the first channel inlet.

A water heat exchanger according to a fifth aspect is the water heat exchanger according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the flow channel is broken at a portion having the smallest flow channel cross-sectional area in the first flow channel inlet portion The area is 70% or less of the channel cross-sectional area in the first channel main portion.

Here, it is possible to reliably block foreign matter of a size that may clog the inside of the first channel at the inlet of the first channel.

A water heat exchanger according to a sixth aspect is the water heat exchanger according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the first channel is a micro channel.

Here, if the first channel is a microchannel with a very small channel cross-sectional area, clogging with foreign matter is likely to occur. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of clogging in the first flow path due to foreign matter.

A water heat exchanger according to a seventh aspect is the water heat exchanger according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the first flow path is such that water flows from the first inlet header to the first flow path inlet portion. It is arranged so that it flows upward.

Here, it is possible to make it difficult for foreign matter to reach the first channel inlet of the first channel from the first inlet header due to gravity.

A water heat exchanger according to an eighth aspect is the water heat exchanger according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the first inlet header is arranged such that water flows upward from the first inlet to the first inlet header. arranged to flow in.

Here, gravity can make it difficult for foreign matter to reach the first inlet header from the first inlet.

A water heat exchanger according to a ninth aspect is the water heat exchanger according to the eighth aspect, wherein the first inlet header has a tapered space that narrows toward the first inlet.

Here, when the water heat exchanger is shut down, gravity can promote the ejection of foreign matter in the first inlet header toward the first inlet.

The heat pump system according to the tenth aspect is any one of the first to ninth aspects as a compressor that compresses the refrigerant as a heat exchange medium and a radiator that cools the refrigerant compressed in the compressor with water. It has such a water heat exchanger, an expansion mechanism that decompresses the refrigerant cooled in the water heat exchanger, and an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant decompressed in the expansion mechanism. Further, here, contrary to the case where the water heat exchanger functions as a refrigerant radiator, water is supplied to the water heat exchanger in the order of the first flow path, the first inlet header, and the first inlet. It also has a washing mechanism.

Here, it is possible to discharge the foreign matter blocked at the inlet of the first flow path by the operation of the water heat exchanger by the cleaning operation using the backwashing mechanism.

A heat pump system according to an eleventh aspect is the heat pump system according to the tenth aspect, in which the first channel inlet portion causes water to flow in the order of the first channel, the first inlet header, and the first inlet. It has a tapered shape that narrows along the flow direction of the water flowing in from the main part of the flow path.

Here, during the cleaning operation of the water heat exchanger, it is possible to suppress an increase in flow resistance when water passes through the first channel inlet.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a radiator as a water heat exchanger and a heat pump system including the same according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of a radiator. It is the figure which looked at the 1st flow path of the radiator from the front. It is the figure which looked at the 2nd flow path of the radiator from the front. It is a perspective view which shows the principal part of the heat exchange part of a radiator. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the first channel inlet portion of FIG. 3 ; It is a figure which shows a mode that a foreign material is dammed up in a 1st flow-path entrance part. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a radiator according to modification A, corresponding to FIG. 6 ; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a radiator according to modification B, corresponding to FIG. 3 ; FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a radiator as a water heat exchanger according to Modification C and a heat pump system including the same (illustrating the flow of water during the washing operation of the radiator); FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a radiator according to modification C, corresponding to FIG. 6 ;

A water heat exchanger and a heat pump system including the same will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(1) Heat pump system <Configuration>
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a radiator 12 as a water heat exchanger and a heat pump system 1 including the radiator 12 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The heat pump system 1 mainly includes a refrigerant circuit 10 in which a refrigerant as a heat exchange medium circulates and a water circuit 30 in which water as a fluid to be heated circulates. It is a device that heats water using a cycle and heats the room with the heated water.

The refrigerant circuit 10 mainly has a compressor 11 , a radiator 12 , an expansion mechanism 13 and an evaporator 14 . The refrigerant circuit 10 is filled with an HFC-based refrigerant, an HFO-based refrigerant, or a natural refrigerant as a refrigerant.

The compressor 11 is a device that compresses refrigerant. The compressor 11 is, for example, a compressor in which a refrigerant compression element such as a rotary type or a scroll type is driven by a drive mechanism such as a motor.

The radiator 12 is a device that cools the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 11 by water circulating in the water circuit 30 . Details of the radiator 12 will be described later. A discharge port 11 b of the compressor 11 and a refrigerant-side inlet (second inlet 12 a ) of the radiator 12 are connected by a refrigerant discharge pipe 16 .

The expansion mechanism 13 is a device that decompresses the refrigerant cooled in the radiator 12 . The expansion mechanism 13 is, for example, an expansion valve or a capillary tube. A refrigerant-side outlet (second outlet 12 b ) of the radiator 12 and the expansion mechanism 13 are connected by a high-temperature refrigerant pipe 17 .

The evaporator 14 is a device that evaporates the refrigerant decompressed in the expansion mechanism 13 . The evaporator 14 is, for example, a fin-and-tube heat exchanger that heats the refrigerant with air. Here, a blower fan 15 is provided in order to obtain a flow of air that serves as a heat source for the refrigerant. The blower fan 15 is a fan that drives a blower element such as a propeller type by a drive mechanism such as a motor. The expansion mechanism 13 and the refrigerant inlet 14 a of the evaporator 14 are connected by a low-temperature refrigerant pipe 18 , and the refrigerant outlet 14 b of the evaporator 14 and the suction port 11 a of the compressor 11 are connected by a refrigerant suction pipe 19 . connected by

The water circuit 30 mainly has a radiator 12 , a pump 31 , and a user side device 32 . The water circuit 30 is filled with water.

The radiator 12 is a device that cools the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 11 by the water circulating in the water circuit 30 as described above. In other words, the radiator 12 is a device that heats water with the refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant circuit 10 . Details of the radiator 12 will be described later.

The pump 31 is a device that pressurizes water. The pump 31 is, for example, a centrifugal or displacement pump element driven by a drive mechanism such as a motor. Here, the water-side outlet (first outlet 12 d ) of the radiator 12 and the suction port 31 a of the pump 31 are connected by an outlet water pipe 33 .

The user-side device 32 is a device that heats the room with water heated by the radiator 12 . The user device 32 is, for example, a radiator or a floor heater. The discharge port 31b of the pump 31 and the water inlet 32a of the user-side device 32 are connected by a water discharge pipe 34, and the water outlet 32b of the user-side device 32 and the water-side inlet of the radiator 12 (second 1 inlet 12 c) is connected by an inlet water pipe 35 .

Components of the heat pump system 1 described above are controlled by a control device 2 . The control device 2 is composed of a control board and the like on which a microcomputer, a memory, and the like are mounted.

<Operation>
Next, operation of the heat pump system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, the heat pump system 1 can heat water using the refrigerant compression heat pump cycle in the refrigerant circuit 10 and heat the room with the heated water (heating operation). Note that the heating operation is performed by the control device 2 .

In the refrigerant circuit 10 , the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 11 and discharged is sent to the radiator 12 . The refrigerant sent to the radiator 12 exchanges heat with the water circulating in the water circuit 30 to be cooled and condensed. The refrigerant that has released heat in the radiator 12 is sent to the evaporator 14 after being decompressed by the expansion mechanism 13 . The refrigerant sent to the evaporator 14 exchanges heat with the air passing through the evaporator 14 by the blower fan 15 and is heated to evaporate. The refrigerant evaporated in the evaporator 14 is sucked into the compressor 11, compressed again in the compressor 11, and discharged.

On the other hand, in the water circuit 30 , water is heated by heat radiation of the refrigerant in the radiator 12 . The water heated in radiator 12 is pressurized by pump 31 and discharged. Water discharged from the pump 31 is sent to the user side device 32 . The water sent to the utilization side device 32 is cooled by heating the room. The water cooled in the utilization side device 32 is sent to the radiator 12 and heated again in the radiator 12 .

(2) Details of Radiator Next, details of the radiator 12 as a water heat exchanger will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. FIG. Here, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the radiator 12. As shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a front view of the first flow path 51 of the radiator 12 . FIG. 4 is a front view of the second flow path 61 of the radiator 12 . FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a main part of the heat exchange section 3 of the radiator 12. As shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the first channel inlet portion 51a of FIG. In the following description, expressions such as "top", "bottom", "left", "right", "front", and "back" may be used to describe directions and positional relationships. Unless otherwise specified, the direction indicated by the expression follows the direction of the arrow shown in the drawings.

The radiator 12 mainly has a heat exchange section 41 that exchanges heat between water and a refrigerant as a heat exchange medium, and a casing 42 in which the heat exchange section 41 is provided.

In the heat exchange part 41, a first layer 50 in which a plurality of rows of first flow paths 51 through which water flows is formed, and a second layer 60 in which a plurality of rows of second flow paths 61 through which a refrigerant flows are formed are laminated. It is composed by Here, the direction in which the first layer 50 and the second layer 60 are laminated (here, the front-rear direction in FIGS. 2 and 5) is the lamination direction. The direction in which the first flow paths 51 are arranged (here, the horizontal direction) is the arrangement direction of the first flow paths 51, and the direction in which the second flow paths 61 are arranged (here, the vertical direction) is the direction in which the second flow paths 61 are arranged. Array direction. The first and second channels 51 and 61 are microchannels (channels with an equivalent diameter of 1.5 mm or less) having a very small channel cross-sectional area. That is, the radiator 12 is called a micro-channel heat exchanger. When the first layer 50 is viewed along the stacking direction (front-rear direction) of the first and second layers 50 and 60, the first flow path 51 is aligned in the arrangement direction (left-right direction) of the first flow path 51. It extends from near the lower end of the first layer 50 to near the upper end along the direction (here, the vertical direction) intersecting the . Moreover, here, the first flow path 51 has a meandering shape in the arrangement direction (horizontal direction) of the first flow path 51 when the first layer 50 is viewed along the stacking direction (front-rear direction). This is intended to promote heat transfer. In addition, when the second layer 60 is viewed along the stacking direction (front-rear direction) of the first and second layers 50 and 60, the second flow path 61 is arranged in the arrangement direction (vertical direction) of the second flow path 61. extends from the vicinity of the left end of the second layer 60 to the vicinity of the right end along the direction intersecting with (here, the left-right direction). Moreover, here, the second flow path 61 is divided into a plurality of (here, four) flow path groups aligned in the vertical direction, and the flow path group positioned at the lower left end to the flow path group positioned at the upper left end. It extends so as to turn back in the left-right direction toward the road group. Thus, here, the first flow path 51 and the second flow path 61 are arranged so as to form orthogonal counterflows.

Here, the heat exchange portion 41 having a laminated structure of the first layer 50 and the second layer 60 includes a first plate member 52 having a groove forming the first flow path 51 formed on one side, and a second flow path 61 A second plate member 62 having a groove formed on one side thereof is alternately laminated. The first and second plate members 52, 62 are made of metal material. The grooves forming the first flow path 51 and the second flow path 61 are formed by subjecting the first and second plate members 52 and 62 to machining or etching, for example. Then, after laminating a predetermined number of the first and second plate members 52 and 62 having such grooves, the first and second plate members 52 and 62 are joined by a joining process such as vacuum brazing or diffusion joining. Thus, the heat exchange portion 41 having a laminated structure of the first layer 50 and the second layer 60 is obtained. Here, grooves forming the flow paths 51 and 61 are formed on one side of both the first and second plate members 52 and 62, but the present invention is not limited to this. , 62 may be formed with grooves forming the flow paths 51, 61, or both surfaces of the first and second plate members 52, 62 may be formed with grooves forming the flow paths 51, 61. may have been

Further, here, cutouts 53 and 54 are formed in the lower end and the upper end of the first plate member 52, and the cutouts 53 and 54 correspond to the lower end of the first flow path 51 (water inlet), respectively. part) and the upper end (water outlet part). Notch portions 63 and 64 are also formed in the lower end portion and the upper end portion of the second plate member 62 so as to overlap the notch portions 53 and 54 . By joining the first and second plate members 52 and 62 together, the cutout portions 53 and 63 form the first inlet header 13c, which is a space communicating with the lower end portion of the first flow path 51, and cut. The notched portions 54 and 64 form the first outlet header 13d, which is a space that communicates with the upper end portion of the first flow path 51. As shown in FIG. Cutouts 65 and 66 are formed in the upper left end and the lower left end of the second plate member 62 , respectively. ) and the lower left end (refrigerant outlet). Notch portions 55 and 56 are also formed in the upper left end portion and the lower left end portion of the first plate member 52 so as to overlap the notch portions 65 and 66 . By joining the first and second plate members 52 and 62 together, the cutouts 55 and 65 form the second inlet header 13a, which is a space communicating with the upper left end of the second flow path 61, The cutouts 56 and 66 form the second outlet header 13b, which is a space that communicates with the lower left end of the second flow path 61. As shown in FIG.

The casing 42 is a member in which the heat exchange section 41 is provided. Here, the casing 42 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. A first inlet 12c serving as a water inlet is formed in the lower surface of the casing 42 and communicates with the first inlet header 13c. An inlet water pipe 35 is connected to the first inlet 12c. A first outlet 12d serving as an outlet for water is formed on the upper surface of the casing 42 and communicates with the first outlet header 13d. An outlet water pipe 33 is connected to the first outlet 12d. A second inlet 12a serving as a coolant inlet is formed in the upper portion of the left side surface of the casing 42 and communicates with the second inlet header 13a. A discharge refrigerant pipe 16 is connected to the second inlet 12a. A second outlet 12b serving as a refrigerant outlet is formed in the lower portion of the left side surface of the casing 42 and communicates with the second outlet header 13b. A high-temperature refrigerant pipe 17 is connected to the second outlet 12b. Here, each surface portion of the casing 42 is configured by a metal plate-like member.

Here, each surface portion of the casing 42 is arranged so as to cover the heat exchange portion 41 and is joined to the heat exchange portion 41 . Here, the heat exchanging part 41 and the casing 42 are joined by vacuum brazing or diffusion bonding after covering a predetermined number of laminated first and second plate members 52 and 62 with each surface of the casing 42. is performed together with the formation of the heat exchange portion 41.

In the radiator 12 having such a configuration, water flows from the first inlet 12c into the first inlet header 13c and flows from the first inlet header 13c during operation of the heat pump system 1 (during operation of the radiator 12). The refrigerant is branched to the inlet portion of the first flow path 51, flows upward in the first flow path 51, is heated by heat exchange with the refrigerant, and flows from the outlet portion of the first flow path 51 to the first outlet header 13d. , and flows out from the first outlet 12d. Also, the refrigerant flows from the second inlet 12a into the second inlet header 13a, branches from the second inlet header 13a to the inlet portion of the second flow path 61, and flows from above while turning left and right inside the second flow path 61. It flows downward, heat is released by heat exchange with water, joins at the outlet portion of the second flow path 61 at the second outlet header 13b, and flows out from the second outlet 12b.

Here, in the first flow path 51, the flow path cross-sectional area Sa at the first flow path inlet portion 51a is formed to be smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area Sb at the first flow path main portion 51b. Here, the first flow path inlet portion 51a is the inlet portion of the first flow path 51 from the first inlet header 13c. It is a portion within 10% of the channel length L. The channel length L is the channel length along the water flow direction from the branch position of the first channel 51 from the first inlet header 13c to the confluence position of the first outlet header 13d. That is, the first channel inlet portion 51a is a portion of the first channel 51 within 10% of the channel length L from the position where the first channel 51 branches off from the first inlet header 13c. Further, the first flow path main portion 51b is a portion of the first flow path 51 downstream of the first flow path inlet portion 51a, and is a portion that mainly contributes to heat exchange in the first flow path 51. be. Here, for example, by forming the channel width Wa at the first channel inlet portion 51a to be narrower than the channel width Wb at the first channel main portion 51b, the channel cross-sectional area Sa It is made smaller than the area Sb. In particular, here, the flow in the first flow path inlet 51a is adjusted so that the flow path cross-sectional area Sa of the first flow path inlet 51a is 70% or less of the flow path cross-sectional area Sb in the first flow path main portion 51b. The passage width Wa is narrower than the passage width Wb in the first passage main portion 51b.

Further, here, the number of the first flow paths 51 formed so that the flow path cross-sectional area Sa at the first flow path inlet portion 51a is smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area Sb at the first flow path main portion 51b is 60% or more of all the first flow paths 51 are provided. In particular, here, all the first flow paths 51 are formed so that the flow path cross-sectional area Sa at the first flow path inlet portion 51a is smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area Sb at the first flow path main portion 51b. there is

(3) Features Next, features of the radiator 12 as a water heat exchanger and the heat pump system 1 including the same will be described.

<A>
Here, as described above, the radiator 12 (water heat exchanger) includes a plurality of first flow paths 51 through which water flows, and a plurality of second flow paths 61 through which a refrigerant (heat exchange medium) that exchanges heat with water flows. and a first inlet header 13 c that is connected to the first water inlet 12 c and branches the water flowing in from the first inlet 12 c to the first flow path 51 .

Here, the water flowing through the first flow path 51 may contain foreign matter such as rust of the piping, and such foreign matter may clog the first flow path 51, causing the water heat exchanger 12 to become clogged. There is a risk of lowering the heat exchange capacity of or lowering the drainage performance. In particular, here, the first channel 51 and the second channel 61 are made into microchannels to achieve high performance. , clogging with foreign matter is likely to occur. In addition, since the first flow path 51 has a meandering shape in the arrangement direction (horizontal direction) in order to promote heat transfer, the first flow path 51 is likely to be clogged with foreign matter. ing.

Therefore, here, as described above, the first flow path is formed so that the flow path cross-sectional area Sa at the first flow path inlet portion 51a is smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area Sb at the first flow path main portion 51b. 51. Here, the first flow path inlet portion 51 a is the inlet portion of the first flow path 51 from the first inlet header 13 c , and the first flow path main portion 51 b is the first flow path 51 . This is the portion on the downstream side of the first channel inlet portion 51b.

As a result, here, the first flow path inlet portion 51a can block foreign matter having a size that may clog the first flow path 51 from flowing in from the first inlet header 13c (see FIG. 7). , the occurrence of clogging in the first flow path 51 due to foreign matter can be suppressed. In addition, by suppressing clogging of the first flow path 51 with foreign matter, the flow path cross-sectional area Sb in the first flow path main portion 51b of the first flow path 51 can be further reduced. Furthermore, the performance enhancement of the water heat exchanger 12 can be achieved. In addition, the performance of the heat pump system 1 as a whole can be suppressed, and the reliability can be improved.

<B>
Further, here, the first channel inlet portion 51 a is a portion of the first channel 51 within 10% of the channel length L of the first channel 51 .

Thereby, here, the inflow of foreign matter into the first flow path 51 can be reliably blocked near the branch position from the first inlet header 13c.

<C>
Further, here, the number of the first flow paths 51 formed so that the flow path cross-sectional area Sa at the first flow path inlet portion 51a is smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area Sb at the first flow path main portion 51b is It is 60% or more of the number of all first flow paths 51 .

As a result, the water heat exchanger 12 as a whole can be prevented from clogging the first flow path 51 with foreign matter. In particular, here, all the first flow paths 51 are formed so that the flow path cross-sectional area Sa at the first flow path inlet portion 51a is smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area Sb at the first flow path main portion 51b. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent clogging of the first flow path 51 due to foreign matter.

<D>
Further, here, the channel cross-sectional area Sa of the portion having the smallest channel cross-sectional area in the first channel inlet portion 51a is 70% or less of the channel cross-sectional area Sb of the first channel main portion 51b. Here, since the first flow path inlet 51a has a constant flow path cross-sectional area in the direction of water flow, any portion of the first flow path inlet 51a has the largest flow path cross-sectional area. However, if the flow channel cross-sectional area is not constant in the direction of water flow due to changes in the flow channel width of the first flow channel inlet 51a, etc., the first flow channel inlet 51a A portion of the channel 51a having the smallest channel cross-sectional area is the channel cross-sectional area Sa.

As a result, foreign matter having a size that may clog the inside of the first flow path 51 can be reliably blocked at the first flow path inlet portion 51a.

<E>
Also, here, the first flow path 51 is arranged such that water flows upward from the first inlet header 13c into the first flow path inlet portion 51a.

This makes it difficult for foreign matter to reach the first channel inlet portion 51a of the first channel 51 from the first inlet header 13c due to gravity. Further, when the operation of the heat pump system 1 is stopped (when the operation of the water heat exchanger 12 is stopped), the foreign matter blocked in the first flow path inlet portion 51a is dropped into the first inlet header 13c, and the first flow Foreign objects can also be kept away from the path 51 .

<F>
Also here, the first inlet header 13c is arranged such that water flows upward from the first inlet 12c into the first inlet header 13c.

Here, gravity can make it difficult for foreign matter to reach the first inlet header 13c from the first inlet 12c. Further, when the operation of the heat pump system 1 is stopped (when the operation of the water heat exchanger 12 is stopped), the foreign matter present in the first inlet header 13c is dropped to the first inlet 12c, and the foreign matter is removed from the first flow path 51. can also be kept away.

(4) Modification <A>
In the above-described embodiment, the first flow path inlet portion 51a has a shape with a constant flow path cross-sectional area along the flow direction of water flowing in from the first inlet header 13c (see FIG. 6). However, this shape of the first flow path inlet 51a increases flow resistance when water passes through the first flow path inlet 51a during operation of the radiator 12 (water heat exchanger).

Therefore, here, as shown in FIG. 8, the first flow path inlet portion 51a has a tapered shape that narrows along the flow direction of the water flowing in from the first inlet header 13c.

Thereby, here, when the water heat exchanger 12 is in operation, an increase in flow resistance when water passes through the first channel inlet portion 51a can be suppressed.

<B>
In the above embodiment, the first inlet header 13c has a substantially rectangular space communicating with the first inlet 12c (see FIG. 3). However, with this shape of the first inlet header 13c, when the radiator 12 (water heat exchanger) is stopped, foreign matter in the first inlet header 13c tends to remain in the first inlet header 13c.

Therefore, here, as shown in FIG. 9, the first inlet header 13c has a tapered space that narrows toward the first inlet 12c.

Thereby, here, when the operation of the water heat exchanger 12 is stopped, it is possible to promote the discharge of foreign matter in the first inlet header 13c toward the first inlet 12c by gravity.

<C>
In the above-described embodiment, clogging of foreign matter in the first flow path 51 can be suppressed by blocking foreign matter at the first flow path inlet portion 51a by operating the radiator 12 (water heat exchanger). The foreign matter blocked at the flow path inlet portion 51 a stays inside the first inlet header 13 c of the water heat exchanger 12 and inside the water circuit 30 .

Therefore, here, as shown in FIG. 10, contrary to the case where the water heat exchanger 12 functions as a refrigerant radiator, the first flow path 51 and the first inlet header 13c, and a backwashing mechanism 36 for flowing water in order of the first inlet 12c.

The backwash mechanism 36 mainly includes a first bypass water pipe 36a having a first valve 36b, a second bypass water pipe 36c having a second valve 36d, a third valve 36e, a fourth valve 36f, and a fifth valve 36g. and a drain pipe 36h having a sixth valve 36i and a drain pump 36j. Here, the first to sixth valves 36b, 36d, 36e, 36f, 36g, and 36i may be electromagnetic valves whose opening and closing can be controlled by the control device 2, or may be manual valves. The drain pump 36j may also be a pump that can be driven and controlled by the control device 2, and is temporarily connected to the drain pipe 36h only during use (when the water heat exchanger 12 is being washed) and is manually operated. It may be a pump driven by

The first bypass water pipe 36 a is a water pipe having one end connected to the middle portion of the inlet water pipe 35 and the other end connected to the middle portion of the outlet water pipe 33 . The first valve 36b is provided on the first bypass water pipe 36a.

The second bypass water pipe 36c is a water pipe having one end connected to the middle portion of the inlet water pipe 35 and the other end connected to the middle portion of the outlet water pipe 33, like the first bypass water pipe 36a. However, one end of the second bypass water pipe 36 c is connected to a portion closer to the first inlet 12 c of the water heat exchanger 12 than the portion where one end of the first bypass water pipe 36 a is connected to the inlet water pipe 35 . The other end of the first bypass water pipe 36 a is connected to a portion closer to the first outlet 12 d of the water heat exchanger 12 than the portion where the other end of the second bypass water pipe 36 c is connected to the inlet water pipe 35 . The second valve 36d is provided on the second bypass water pipe 36c.

The third valve 36e is provided in a portion of the inlet water pipe 35 between a portion to which the first bypass water pipe 36a is connected and a portion to which the second bypass water pipe 36c is connected.

The fourth valve 36f is provided in a portion of the outlet water pipe 33 between a portion to which the first bypass water pipe 36a is connected and a portion to which the second bypass water pipe 36c is connected.

The fifth valve 36 g is provided in a portion of the outlet water pipe 33 between the portion to which the second bypass water pipe 36 c is connected and the suction port 31 a of the water pump 31 .

The drain pipe 36h is a water pipe whose one end is connected to a portion of the outlet water pipe 33 between the portion to which the second bypass water pipe 36c is connected and the fifth valve 36g, and the other end is open. The sixth valve 36i is provided on the drain pipe 36h. The drain pump 36j is provided on the other end side of the portion of the drain pipe 36h where the sixth valve 36i is provided.

Such a backwash mechanism 36 closes the first valve 36b, the second valve 36d, and the sixth valve 36i when the heat pump system 1 is in operation (when the water heat exchanger 12 is in operation), and closes the third valve 36b. A state is set in which the valve 36e, the fourth valve 36f, and the fifth valve 36g are opened. As a result, the same operation (heating operation) as in the above embodiment is performed.

When the water heat exchanger 12 is operated for a long period of time, the foreign matter blocked at the first flow passage inlet portion 51a may remain in the first inlet header 13c of the water heat exchanger 12 and the water circuit 30. Become.

Therefore, here, the backwashing mechanism 36 is used to wash the water heat exchanger 12 .

During the cleaning operation of the water heat exchanger 12, the backwash mechanism 36 closes the third valve 36e, the fourth valve 36f, and the fifth valve 36g, contrary to the operation of the water heat exchanger 12, and A state is set in which the first valve 36b, the second valve 36d and the sixth valve 36i are opened. When the drain pump 36j is driven in this state of the water circuit 30, the water in the water circuit 30 flows into the inlet water pipe 35, the first bypass water pipe 36a, and the outlet water pipe 33 as indicated by the arrows indicating the flow of water in FIG. of the water heat exchanger 12 to the first outlet 12d of the water heat exchanger 12. Next, this water flows through the first outlet header 13d, the first flow path main portion 51b of the first flow path 51, the first flow path It flows through the main portion 51b, the first flow path inlet portion 51a of the first flow path 51, and the first inlet header 13c in order to the first inlet 12c of the water heat exchanger 12 (see FIGS. 3 and 6). Next, this water flows through the portion of the inlet water pipe 35 closer to the water heat exchanger 12, the second bypass water pipe 36c, and the portion of the outlet water pipe 33 closer to the pump 31 to the drain pipe 36h, where it flows into the water circuit by the drain pump 36j. 30 is discharged to the outside.

As a result, the foreign matter blocked at the first channel inlet portion 51a by the operation of the water heat exchanger 12 can be discharged by the cleaning operation using the backwash mechanism 36 here. Also, the first flow path 51 of the water heat exchanger 12 can be returned to a state close to the initial state of use. By periodically performing such a cleaning operation of the water heat exchanger 12, even if the operation of the heat pump system 1 (the operation of the water heat exchanger 12) is performed for a long time, the water heat exchanger is clogged with foreign matter. It is possible to suppress deterioration of the heat exchange performance of the heat pump system 12, and eventually to suppress deterioration of the performance of the heat pump system 1 as a whole.

3 and 9, during operation of the water heat exchanger 12, the water flows upward through the first flow path 51 from the first inlet header 13c to the first flow path inlet portion 51a. It adopts a configuration arranged so that it flows into the For this reason, in the cleaning operation of the water heat exchanger 12, the foreign matter adhering to the first flow path inlet portion 51a is dropped into the first inlet header 13c to promote discharge from the water heat exchanger 12. can be done.

3 and 9, during operation of the water heat exchanger 12, water flows upward from the first inlet 12c into the first inlet header 13c. It adopts a configuration arranged as follows. Therefore, in the cleaning operation of the water heat exchanger 12, it is possible to promote the discharge of the foreign matter in the first inlet header 13c toward the first inlet 12c. . Moreover, as shown in FIG. 9, when the water heat exchanger 12 is in operation, if the first inlet header 13c has a tapered space that tapers toward the first inlet 12c, water heat exchange can be achieved. In the cleaning operation of the vessel 12, it is possible to further promote the discharge of foreign matter in the first inlet header 13c toward the first inlet 12c.

Further, here, the first channel inlet portion 51a has a shape in which the channel cross-sectional area is constant along the flow direction of the water flowing in from the first inlet header 13c (see FIG. 6), or the first channel inlet The portion 51a has a tapered shape (see FIG. 8) that narrows along the flow direction of the water flowing in from the first inlet header 13c. However, this shape of the first flow path inlet 51a increases the flow resistance when water passes through the first flow path inlet 51a during the cleaning operation of the radiator 12 (water heat exchanger).

Therefore, here, as shown in FIG. 11, in the case where water is allowed to flow through the first flow channel inlet portion 51a in the order of the first flow channel 51, the first inlet header 13c, and the first inlet 12c (of the water heat exchanger 12), It has a tapered shape that narrows along the flow direction of the water flowing in from the first flow path main portion 51b during the washing operation. Specifically, when viewed from the side of the first inlet header 13c, the first flow path inlet portion 51a first has a tapered shape in which the flow path narrows, and after obtaining the minimum flow path cross-sectional area Sa, , this time, it has a tapered shape in which the flow path becomes larger toward the first flow path main portion 51b.

As a result, here, during the cleaning operation of the water heat exchanger 12, an increase in flow resistance when water passes through the first channel inlet 51a can be suppressed.

<D>
In the above embodiment, the heat pump system 1 using a refrigerant compression heat pump cycle has been described as an example, so the heat exchange medium that exchanges heat with water in the radiator 12 (water heat exchanger) is a refrigerant. However, it is not limited to this, and may be a water heat exchanger using water as a heat exchange medium.

<E>
In the above embodiment, the heat pump system 1 that performs the heating operation has been described as an example. Therefore, in the radiator 12 (water heat exchanger), water is heated by heat exchange between water and a refrigerant as a heat exchange medium. However, the water heat exchanger is not limited to this, and may be a water heat exchanger having a structure in which water is cooled by heat exchange between water and a heat exchange medium.

<F>
In the above embodiment, the first flow path 51 has a meandering shape, but is not limited to this, and may have another shape such as a straight shape.

<G>
In the above-described embodiment, the second flow path 61 has a shape that is folded back at three points to the left and right, but it is not limited to this. It may be in shape. Also, the second flow path 61 may have a meandering shape like the first flow path.

<H>
In the above embodiment, the headers 13a to 13d of the radiator 12 (water heat exchanger) are formed by the notch portions 53 to 56 and 63 to 66 of the first and second plate members 52 and 62 that constitute the heat exchange portion 41. However, it is not limited to this, and the headers 13a to 13d may be formed in the members forming the casing 40. FIG.

<I>
The arrangement of the inlets and outlets 12a to 12d of the heat radiator 12 (water heat exchanger) is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be arranged as appropriate according to the flow path configuration and the like.

<J>
In the above embodiment, the pump 31 provided in the water circuit 30 is connected to the water outlet 12d side of the radiator 12 (water heat exchanger), but may be connected to the water inlet 12c side.

Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be appreciated that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. .

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present disclosure is widely applicable to a water heat exchanger in which heat is exchanged between water and a heat exchange medium, and a heat pump system including the same.

1 heat pump system 11 compressor 12 radiator (water heat exchanger)
13 expansion mechanism 14 evaporator 51 first channel 61 second channel 12c first inlet 13c first inlet header 36 backwash mechanism 51a first channel inlet 51b first channel main portion

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2010-117102

Claims (11)

a plurality of first channels (51) through which water flows;
a second flow path (61) through which a heat exchange medium that exchanges heat with the water flows;
a first inlet header (13c) connected to the first inlet (12c) of the water and for branching the water flowing from the first inlet into the first flow path;
and
The inlet portion of the water from the first inlet header in the first flow path is defined as a first flow path inlet section (51a), and the portion of the first flow path on the downstream side of the first flow path inlet section is Assuming that the portion is a first flow path main portion (51b), the first flow path formed so that the flow path cross-sectional area at the first flow path inlet portion is smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area at the first flow path main portion. having one flow path,
Water heat exchanger (12). The first channel inlet portion is a portion within 10% of the channel length of the first channel in the first channel,
A water heat exchanger according to claim 1. The number of the first channels formed so that the channel cross-sectional area at the first channel inlet portion is smaller than the channel cross-sectional area at the first channel main portion is all the first channels is 60% or more of the number of
A water heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2. The first flow path inlet has a tapered shape that narrows along the flow direction of the water flowing in from the first inlet header,
A water heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The channel cross-sectional area of the first channel inlet portion having the smallest channel cross-sectional area is 70% or less of the channel cross-sectional area of the first channel main portion.
A water heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The first channel is a microchannel,
The water heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1-5. the first flow path is arranged such that the water flows upwardly from the first inlet header into the first flow path inlet;
The water heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1-6. the first inlet header is positioned such that the water flows upwardly from the first inlet into the first inlet header;
The water heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1-7. the first inlet header has a tapered space that narrows toward the first inlet;
A water heat exchanger according to claim 8. a compressor (11) for compressing a refrigerant as a heat exchange medium;
The water heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 9 as a radiator that cools the refrigerant compressed in the compressor with water;
an expansion mechanism (13) for decompressing the refrigerant cooled in the water heat exchanger;
an evaporator (14) for evaporating the refrigerant decompressed in the expansion mechanism;
Contrary to the case where the water heat exchanger functions as a radiator for the refrigerant, the water is supplied to the water heat exchanger in the order of the first flow path, the first inlet header, and the first inlet. a flushing backwash mechanism (36);
is equipped with
A heat pump system (1). When the water flows in the order of the first flow path, the first inlet header, and the first inlet, the first flow path inlet section has a direction of flow of the water flowing in from the first flow path main section. It has a tapered shape that narrows along the
The heat pump system according to claim 10.

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