JP2795070B2 - Ice making equipment - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ice making device used for an air conditioner or the like, and more particularly to a measure for preventing freezing of a pipeline.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art This type of ice making apparatus is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-386.
As disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7, the ice storage tank, the supercool generation / cooler, and the supercool elimination unit are sequentially connected by a circulation path to form a closed circuit capable of circulating a cold storage material such as water or an aqueous solution. Supercooling the regenerator material with a supercooling generation cooler, eliminating the supercooling state of the regenerator material in the supercooling elimination section in the circulation path to generate slurry-like iced matter, and slurry-like iced matter is mixed Cold storage material is distributed to the ice storage tank and stored in the ice storage tank.

[0003]

However, in the above ice making apparatus, no specific operation means of the supercooling-generating cooler is described, and merely supercooling the cold storage material at a low temperature lower than the freezing point Tg is not described. , Supercooling degree of cooling temperature T (Tg
When -T) is small, there is a problem that the generated frost tends to block the pipeline.

That is, a temperature range in which the temperature is lower than the freezing point temperature of the cold storage material but the degree of supercooling is small (freezing occurrence temperature zone).
In this case, since the degree of subcooling is small, the slurry-like iced matter generated after the supercooled state is eliminated is soft and floats in water. When the temperature of the cold storage material during supercooling decreases slowly and passes slowly through the freezing temperature zone, a large amount of the above-mentioned iced material is generated, and the cold storage material containing the iced material has a very high viscosity. For this reason, there is a possibility that icy substances may stay in the subcooling elimination part and the circulation path downstream thereof and block the pipeline, and the number of times of starting and stopping the ice making device is increased to prevent the pipeline from being blocked, thereby stabilizing. Continuous operation may not be possible.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to prevent blockage of a pipeline in a region where the degree of supercooling of a cooling means is small.

[0006]

Means for Solving the Problems In order to achieve the above object, the means according to the first aspect of the present invention is to maintain the outlet temperature near the freezing point temperature when the outlet temperature in the cooling means enters the freezing temperature range. And a capacity return means for returning the cooling capacity of the cooling means when a predetermined state is reached.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1 (only the solid line), the means adopted by the invention according to claim 1 is an ice storage tank (W) for storing a cold storage material (W) iced into a slurry. 21),
Cooling means (2) with a variable cooling capacity for supercooling the cold storage material (W)
5) are sequentially connected so that the cold storage material (W) can be circulated, and store iced products generated by eliminating the supercooled state of the supercooled cold storage material (W) in the ice storage tank (21). The device is assumed.

[0008] A capacity control means (73) for controlling the cooling means (25) to a predetermined cooling capacity is provided.

Further, an outlet temperature detecting means (Th1) for detecting an outlet temperature T2 of the cold storage material (W) in the cooling means (25) is provided.

In addition, upon receiving the temperature signal from the outlet temperature detecting means (Th1), the outlet temperature T2 of the cold storage material (W) is set at a predetermined value set based on the freezing point temperature T0 of the cold storage material (W). When the temperature falls into the temperature range (K), the cooling means (25) is maintained at the freezing point temperature T0 or at a predetermined value near the freezing point temperature T0 without increasing the outlet temperature T2 of the cold storage material (W). ) Is provided with a capacity reduction means (75) for reducing the cooling capacity.

In addition, when the cooling means (75) is reduced in capacity by the capacity reducing means (75) and enters a predetermined state, the cold storage material (W) is rapidly cooled and the outlet of the cold storage material (W) is discharged.
The temperature T2 is higher than the freezing point temperature T0 or the predetermined value.
Quickly transition to a temperature lower than the set temperature range (K)
As described above, a capacity return means (77) for outputting a return signal for returning the cooling capacity of the cooling means (25) to the capacity control means (73) is provided.

[0012] In particular , according to a second aspect of the present invention, the capacity restoring means is configured to return the cooling capacity of the cooling means after a lapse of a predetermined time.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1 (only the solid line), the means taken by the invention according to claim 2 replaces the capacity return means (77) according to the invention according to claim 1, and replaces the capacity reduction means. When a predetermined time has elapsed after the capacity of the cooling means (25) is reduced by (75), the cool storage material (W) is rapidly cooled to
The outlet temperature T2 of the material (W) is equal to or higher than the freezing point temperature T0.
From the specified value to a temperature lower than the set temperature range (K)
A capacity return means (77) for outputting a return signal for returning the cooling capacity of the cooling means to the capacity control means (73) so as to make a quick transition is provided.

Further, a means adopted by the invention according to claim 3 is that a capacity return means is provided, wherein the inlet temperature of the cold storage material is set to the freezing point temperature T.
When a predetermined low temperature higher than 0 is reached, the cooling capacity of the cooling means is restored.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the means adopted by the invention according to claim 3 is, in addition to the ice making device according to the invention according to claim 1, a cold storage material (25) in the cooling means (25). W) Inlet temperature detecting means (T) for detecting the inlet temperature T1
h2).

Further, instead of the capacity return means (77) according to the first aspect of the present invention, after the capacity of the cooling means (25) is reduced by the capacity reduction means (75), the inlet temperature detection means (T
When the temperature of the cold storage material (W) reaches a predetermined low temperature T3 higher than the freezing point temperature T0 in response to the temperature signal of h2), the cold storage material (W) is rapidly cooled to exit the cold storage material (W).
The temperature T2 is higher than the freezing point temperature T0 or the predetermined value.
Quickly transition to a temperature lower than the set temperature range (K)
As described above, a capacity return means (77) for outputting a return signal for returning the cooling capacity of the cooling means (25) to the capacity control means (73) is provided.

The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the capacity return means reduces the temperature of the cold storage material by the temperature difference between the outlet temperature at the start of low capacity operation and the above-mentioned freezing occurrence lower limit temperature. Then, the cooling capacity of the cooling means is restored.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the means adopted by the invention according to claim 4 includes an inlet temperature detecting means (Th2) similar to the invention according to claim 3, while In place of the capacity return means (77) of the invention according to the invention, after the performance of the cooling means (25) is reduced by the capacity reducing means (75), the cold storage material (W) is received by receiving a temperature signal from the inlet temperature detecting means (Th2). When the inlet temperature T1 of the cooling water is lowered by a temperature difference ΔT between the outlet temperature T2 at the start of the low-capacity operation by the above-mentioned capacity lowering means (75) and the freezing occurrence lower limit temperature Tf from the start of the low-capacity operation, A capacity return means (77) for outputting a return signal for returning the cooling capacity of the means (25) to the capacity control means (73) is provided.

[0019]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
The cold storage material (W) flowing from the ice storage tank (21) is subcooled by the cooling means (25), and the supercooled state of the cold storage material (W) is eliminated, and the iced product generated is stored in the ice storage tank (21). ).

When the outlet temperature T2 of the cold storage material (W) falls within the set temperature range (K) at the beginning of ice making or the like, the temperature decreasing means (75) receives the temperature signal of the outlet temperature detecting means (Th1), and The outlet temperature T2 of the cold storage material (W) reduces the cooling capacity of the cooling means (25) so that the outlet temperature T2 of the cold storage material (W) maintains the freezing point temperature T0 or the freezing point temperature T0. Accordingly, since the cold storage material (W) is not supercooled, blockage of the pipeline is prevented, and the ice storage tank (21)
Is the freezing point temperature T0 or the freezing point temperature T0
As a result, the inlet temperature T1 in the cooling means (25) decreases.

After the capacity of the cooling means (25) is reduced, even if the cold storage material (W) returns to a predetermined state, for example, normal operation with a steady capacity and cools the cold storage material (W), the pipeline blockage occurs. If there is no supercooling state, the capacity returning means (77) returns the cooling capacity of the cooling means (25). Since the inlet temperature T1 has dropped to a predetermined state during the low-capacity operation by the capacity reducing means (75), the outlet temperature T2 immediately after the return of the cooling capacity is set to a temperature with a large degree of supercooling such that the pipe line is not blocked. Become.

In particular, according to the second aspect of the present invention, after a lapse of a predetermined time, the capacity return means (77) determines that the predetermined state of the first aspect has been attained and returns the cooling capacity of the cooling means (25). Capability is easily restored.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the inlet temperature T1 of the cold storage material (W) reaches a predetermined low temperature T3 higher than the freezing point temperature T0, the capacity return means (77) turns on the cooling means (25). Since the cooling capacity is restored, if the predetermined low temperature T3 is set to, for example, an inlet temperature T1 at which the outlet temperature T2 becomes lower than the freezing occurrence lower limit temperature Tf by cooling after the cooling capacity is restored, the outlet temperature T2 becomes frozen. The cooling means (25) is returned to capacity while quickly passing through the generated temperature zone (K) and reliably preventing blockage of the pipeline.

Further, in the invention according to claim 4, the inlet temperature T1 of the cold storage material (W) is lower than the outlet temperature T at the start of the low capacity operation.
If the temperature difference ΔT between the temperature 2 and the freezing occurrence lower limit temperature Tf is reduced by ΔT, the cooling capacity of the cooling means (25) is restored, so that the cooling capacity is reduced by the necessary temperature reduction and the capacity is increased more than necessary. Reduced low capacity driving does not occur.

[0025]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, at the beginning of ice making when the supercooling degree of the outlet temperature T2 of the cold storage material is small, the cold storage material (W) is reduced by the capacity reducing means (75). By cooling at the freezing point temperature T0 or at a temperature close to the freezing point temperature T0, the inlet temperature T1 can be reduced while preventing the blockage of the pipeline. Therefore, immediately after the return of the cooling capacity of the cooling means (25), it is possible to shift to a supercooling state that exceeds a dangerous state in which a pipe blockage may occur, and it is possible to continuously perform a stable ice making operation. .

Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the cooling means (2) is activated when the capacity return means (77) elapses a predetermined time.
Since the refrigerant capacity of 5) is restored, it is possible to easily shift to the steady operation while preventing blockage of the pipeline.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the inlet temperature T1 of the cold storage material (W) reaches the predetermined low temperature T3 higher than the freezing point temperature T0, the capacity return means (77) turns the cooling means (25). Since the cooling capacity of the cooling means (25) can be surely prevented, the cooling means (25) can be restored in capacity while preventing freezing of the pipeline.

Further, according to the invention of claim 4, when the inlet temperature T1 of the cold storage material (W) decreases by the temperature difference between the outlet temperature T2 at the start of the low capacity operation and the freezing occurrence lower limit temperature Tf, Since the cooling capacity of the cooling means (25) is restored, the cooling capacity reduction amount is not affected by a flow rate difference due to a difference in model, etc., and execution of a low capacity operation in which the capacity is reduced more than necessary is prevented. Can be.

[0029]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows the overall configuration of an air conditioner provided with the ice making device (Y) of the present embodiment, wherein a plurality of indoor units (A),
(A), ... is what is called a multi-type air conditioner connected.

In the outdoor unit (X),
(1) is a first compressor, (11) is a second compressor, (2) is a four-way switching valve that switches in two directions, a solid line and a broken line in the figure, and (3) is a condenser during cooling operation. An outdoor heat exchanger as a heat source side air heat exchanger that functions as an evaporator during a heating operation, and (4) functions as a refrigerant flow rate control valve during a normal cooling operation, and a refrigerant flows during a heating operation and a regenerative cooling operation. This is an outdoor electric expansion valve that functions as a high heat source side pressure reducing mechanism that reduces the pressure.

On the other hand, each of the indoor units (A), (A),.
Are electrically connected in parallel, and (6) is an indoor electric expansion valve that functions as a use side pressure reducing mechanism during cooling operation and functions as a refrigerant flow control valve during heating operation.
(7) is an indoor heat exchanger as a use side heat exchanger that functions as an evaporator during a cooling operation and as a condenser during a heating operation.

A high heat source side circuit in which the first compressor (1), the four-way switching valve (2), the outdoor heat exchanger (3), and the outdoor electric expansion valve (4) are sequentially connected. (B) and (A) and (A) of each indoor unit from the outdoor electric expansion valve (4) side.
The indoor electric expansion valves (6), (6),... Of (A), and the indoor heat exchangers (7), (7),. The outdoor electric expansion valve (4) side of the high heat source side circuit (B) and the indoor electric expansion valves (6), (6),... Side of the utilization side circuit (C) are connected at the connection part (g). , The indoor heat exchanger (7) of the use side circuit (C),
The (7),... Sides are connected to the four-way switching valve (2), and the main refrigerant circuit (E) has a heat pump function of releasing the heat obtained by reversible circulation of the refrigerant and heat exchange with the outdoor air to the indoor air. ) Is formed.

A low heat source side circuit (H) is connected to the main refrigerant circuit (E) in parallel with the high heat source side circuit (B). That is, the low heat source side circuit (H) has one end. The other end is connected to the suction portion of the first compressor (1) and to the connection portion (g). The low heat source side circuit (H) includes a second compressor (11) from the first compressor (1) side and a low heat source side heat exchanger (13).
And a low heat source side electric expansion valve (14) for adjusting the flow rate during the heat storage cooling operation. First compressor (1)
A check valve (17) between the discharge side of the first compressor and the discharge side of the second compressor (11) for preventing refrigerant from flowing from the first compressor (1) to the second compressor (11); , And a peak cut solenoid valve (19) are connected in parallel. Further, the air conditioner is provided with an ice making device (Y) for performing a heat storage operation for storing cold heat by exchanging heat with a refrigerant and a heat storage cooling operation for performing cooling using the heat storage. .

The ice making device (Y) stores the cold storage material (W) iced in a slurry state and stores cold heat therein.
1), a pump (23), a supercooling-generating heat exchanger (25) as a cooling means for supercooling the cold storage material (W) by heat exchange with a refrigerant, and a supercooling state of the cold storage material (W). The subcooling elimination part (27) to be eliminated is sequentially connected to the regenerative material (W) by a circulation path (29) so as to allow the regenerative material (W) to circulate, thereby forming a closed circuit. Water or an aqueous solution is used as the cold storage material (W).

The ice making device (Y) between the subcooling generation heat exchanger (25) and the subcooling elimination section (27) is generated by eliminating the supercooling state in the supercooling elimination section (27). A freezing prevention unit (31) is provided to prevent freezing from propagating to the supercooling generation heat exchanger (25) when the freezing occurs due to the adhesion of the frost to the pipe wall of the circulation path (29). ing.

The low heat source side heat exchanger (13) is provided in the ice making device (Y) between the pump (23) and the supercooling generation heat exchanger (25). The low heat source side heat exchanger (13) functions as a condenser for preheating the cold storage material (W) during the heat storage operation, and condensing for recovering cold heat by exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the cold storage material (W) during the heat storage cooling operation. It is configured to function as a vessel.

Further, a supercooling generation circuit (F) is connected to the main refrigerant circuit (E) for the purpose of supplying cold heat to the supercooling generation heat exchanger (25) of the ice making device (Y). .
The subcooling generation circuit (F) has an inflow end (33a) connected to the connection part (g) of the main refrigerant circuit (E), and branches via a common conduit (35) with the low heat source side circuit (H). The branch (37) branches off from the low heat source side circuit (H) and the outlet end (33b) is connected to the suction side of both compressors (1) and (11). In the supercool generation circuit (F), a water-side electric expansion valve (39) functioning as a pressure reducing mechanism during the heat storage operation from the connection part (g) side, and a supercool generation heat exchanger (25) are sequentially provided. ing.

The supercooling-generating heat exchanger (25) is of a liquid full type, and the cooling capacity is controlled by adjusting the liquid level of the liquid refrigerant.

Further, for the purpose of supplying warming heat to the freezing progress preventing section (31), an inflow end (41a) is provided at the discharge side of the second compressor (11), and the water side of the subcooling generation circuit (F). Outflow ends (41b) are respectively connected to the upstream side of the electric expansion valve (39) to form a first bypass passage (41), and the first bypass passage (41) freezes from the inflow end (41a) side. The prevention part (31) and the refrigerant cooling electric expansion valve (43) are interposed.

Further, for the purpose of supplying cold heat to the subcooling elimination section (27), the inflow end (45a) of the first bypass passage (41) is located downstream of the refrigerant cooling electric expansion valve (43).
Is the supercooling generation heat exchanger (2) of the supercooling generation circuit (F).
5) The outflow ends (45b) are connected to the downstream side, respectively, to form a second bypass passage (45), and a subcooling eliminating section (27) is interposed in the second bypass passage (45). .

Further, in the high heat source side circuit (B) downstream of the outdoor heat exchanger (3), an outdoor electric expansion valve (4) and a gas-liquid separator (61) for degassing flash gas are provided. It is interposed sequentially. The outdoor electric expansion valve (4) is configured to function only as a flow control valve of the outdoor heat exchanger (3) and perform supercooling control of the outdoor heat exchanger (3) during the heat storage cooling operation. I have.

The gas-liquid separator (61) separates the condensed refrigerant from the outdoor heat exchanger (3) into a gas refrigerant and a liquid refrigerant,
The other end of the gas passage (65), one end of which is connected to the gas outlet (63) of the gas-liquid separator (61), is connected to both compressors (1), (11) via a subcooling generation circuit (F). The gas passage (65) vents the gas refrigerant separated by the gas-liquid separator (61) from the high heat source side circuit (B). The gas passage (65) has an on-off valve (6
6) and a first capillary tube (67) as a flow rate adjusting mechanism are interposed.

The valves are switched or their openings are adjusted in accordance with the various operation modes to switch the refrigerant circulation path. Next, a circuit configuration and a refrigerant circulation operation in each operation mode of the air conditioner will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, during the normal cooling operation, the four-way switching valve (2) is switched to the solid line side, and the low heat source side electric expansion valve (14) and the water side electric expansion valve (39).
, The refrigerant cooling electric expansion valve (43) and the peak cut solenoid valve (19) are closed, while the outdoor electric expansion valve (4) and the indoor electric expansion valves (6), (6),. Are controlled to be in an operation control state in which the refrigerant flows only through the main refrigerant circuit (E). The first compressor (1) and the second compressor (1
The refrigerant discharged in 1) is condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (3) and decompressed by the indoor electric expansion valves (6), (6),..., And then the indoor heat exchangers (7), (7),. Evaporates at both compressors (1),
Return to (11).

During the heating operation, the four-way switching valve (2) is switched to the broken line side, and the low heat source electric expansion valve (14), the water-side electric expansion valve (39), and the refrigerant cooling electric expansion valve (43) are used. ,
While closing the peak cut solenoid valve (19), the outdoor electric expansion valve (4), the indoor electric expansion valve (6),
(6), ... are controlled to be in an operation control state in which the refrigerant flows only through the main refrigerant circuit (E). Both compressors (1), (1
The refrigerant discharged in 1) is condensed in the indoor heat exchangers (7), (7),..., Decompressed by the outdoor electric expansion valve (4), and then evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger (3) to compress both refrigerants. Return to machines (1) and (11).

During the heat storage operation, the four-way switching valve (2) is switched to the solid line side, and the outdoor electric expansion valve (4), the low heat source side electric expansion valve (14), the water side electric expansion valve (39), While the refrigerant cooling electric expansion valve (43) is controlled to be open, the indoor electric expansion valves (6), (6),... And the peak cut solenoid valve (19) are controlled to be closed, so that the high heat source side circuit is controlled. (B), the low heat source side circuit (H), the subcooling generation circuit (F), the first bypass path (41), and the second bypass path (45) while the refrigerant is in a state where it can be circulated. Then, the operation control state is set in which the circulation of the refrigerant to the use side circuit (C) is interrupted. Refrigerant discharged from the first compressor (1) is condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (3), flows into the supercooling generation circuit (F), is depressurized by the water-side electric expansion valve (39), and is then cooled by the supercooling heat. It evaporates in the exchanger (25), flows again into the high heat source side circuit (B), and returns to the first compressor (1).

On the other hand, the refrigerant discharged from the second compressor (11)
It branches to a first bypass path (41) and a low heat source side circuit (H). The refrigerant flowing into the first bypass passage (41) is condensed in the freeze-prevention preventing section (31), and the refrigerant-cooled electric expansion valve (4) is condensed.
After the pressure is reduced in 3) and the refrigerant temperature is cooled to a temperature lower than 0 ° C., a part thereof branches to the second bypass passage (45) and evaporates in the subcooling elimination section (27) to evaporate. ), And returns to the second compressor (11). The remainder of the refrigerant flows through the first bypass path (41) as it is, joins the supercool generation circuit (F), and returns to the second compressor (11) via the supercool elimination section (27).

The refrigerant flowing to the low heat source side circuit (H) is condensed in the low heat source side heat exchanger (13) and is condensed in the branch (3).
In 7), the liquid refrigerant from the high heat source side circuit (B) is combined with the liquid refrigerant and flows into the supercool generation circuit (F), where the supercool generation heat exchanger (25)
And returns to the second compressor (11).

In the above-described refrigerant flowing state, the refrigerant preheats the cold storage material (W) in the low heat source side heat exchanger (13). The supercooled material (W) flowing through the circulation path (29) is supercooled by the supercooling generation heat exchanger (25),
In 1), the pipe wall of the circulation path (29) is heated to prevent the progress of freezing, and the supercooling elimination section (27) eliminates the supercooled state of the cold storage material (W) to start icing. Produces slurry ice. The iced material is stored in an ice storage tank (21) to store cold heat.

During the heat storage cooling operation, the four-way switching valve (2) is switched to the solid line side, and the water-side electric expansion valve (39), the refrigerant cooling electric expansion valve (43), and the peak cut solenoid valve (19) are used. ) And the outdoor electric expansion valve (4)
, And the indoor electric expansion valves (6), (6),... And the low heat source side electric expansion valve (14) are controlled to open so that refrigerant flows into the high heat source side circuit (B) and the low heat source side circuit (H). The operation control state is such that the refrigerant diverted to and flows into the utilization side circuit (C). Refrigerant discharged from the first compressor (1) in the high heat source side circuit (B) is condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (3), and the liquid pressure of the low heat source side circuit (H) is passed through the outdoor electric expansion valve (4). , And the second compressor (1) in the low heat source side circuit (H).
The discharged refrigerant of 1) is condensed in the low heat source side heat exchanger (13), and both condensed refrigerants join at the connection part (g) of the main refrigerant circuit (E) and flow to the utilization side circuit (C), and are indoors. The pressure is reduced by the electric expansion valves (6), (6), ..., and the indoor heat exchanger (7),
After evaporating in (7), ..., it flows into the high heat source side circuit (B),
Return to both compressors (1) and (11).

During the heat storage / cooling operation, the flash gas generated in the downstream high heat source side circuit (B) due to the pressure reduction of the outdoor electric expansion valve (4) is supplied to the gas-liquid separator (61).
Is separated from the liquid refrigerant. On the other hand, the on-off valve (66) is controlled to open so that the refrigerant can flow through the gas passage (65). The flash gas is vented to the suction side of the low-pressure compressors (1) and (11) by the gas passage (65), and the high heat source side circuit is dried to a dryness corresponding to the gas venting amount of the capillary tube (67). The liquid pipe pressure in (B) decreases, and the condensing temperature of the low heat source side heat exchanger (13) and the input of the second compressor are kept at low values.

Further, as one mode of the heat storage cooling operation, during the daytime when the electric power consumption reaches a peak, a heat storage only cooling operation using only heat storage is performed. That is, in the circuit switching operation at the time of the heat storage cooling operation, the outdoor electric expansion valve (4) is controlled to be closed to cut off the high heat source side circuit (B), and the peak cut solenoid valve (19) is controlled to be opened. An operation control state is set in which the refrigerant from the first compressor (1) flows through the low heat source side circuit (H). Since the refrigerant discharged from both compressors (1) and (11) is condensed only in the low heat source side heat exchanger (13), the capacity of the compressor during the day can be reduced, and the power consumption is reduced. And stable cooling operation becomes possible.

Next, as a feature of the present invention, an outlet temperature sensor (Th1) serving as an outlet temperature detecting means for detecting an outlet temperature T2 of the cold storage material (W) is provided at the outlet pipe of the supercooling / generation heat exchanger (25). ) Are arranged. Although not shown,
An inlet temperature sensor (Th2) as inlet temperature detecting means for detecting the inlet temperature T1 of the cold storage material (W) is provided in a branch pipe from the inlet side distributor.

The outlet temperature sensor (Th1) and the inlet temperature sensor (Th2) are connected to a controller (G). The controller (G) has a capacity control means (73), a capacity reduction means (75), A capacity return means (77) is built in. The capacity control means (73) is configured to control the supercooling generation heat exchanger (25) to a predetermined cooling capacity.

The capacity reducing means (75) receives the temperature signal from the outlet temperature sensor (Th1), and sets the outlet temperature T2 of the cold storage material (W) based on the freezing point temperature T0 of the cold storage material (W). When the temperature falls within a predetermined set temperature range, the cooling capacity of the supercooling heat exchanger (25) is reduced so that the outlet temperature T2 of the cold storage material (W) maintains the freezing point temperature T0.

The above-mentioned set temperature range is a predetermined freezing limit lower temperature Tf lower than the freezing point temperature T0 of the cold storage material (W) and lower than the freezing point temperature T0 (for example, -1 ° C.).
It is set in the freezing occurrence temperature zone (K) in the above temperature range.

Further, the capacity return means (77), when the capacity of the supercooling heat exchanger (25) is reduced by the capacity reducing means (75), when the supercooling heat exchanger (2) enters a predetermined state,
It is configured to output a return signal for returning the cooling capacity of 5) to the capacity control means (73). The predetermined state of the cold storage material (W) is set to a supercooled state in which even when the cold storage material (W) is cooled by returning to the normal operation of the steady capacity and the cold storage material (W) is not blocked.

As a feature of the invention according to claim 2, the ability return means (77) is provided for a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes).
After the elapse of (minutes), it is determined that the above-mentioned predetermined state has been reached, and a return signal is output to the capability control means (73).

Next, the operation of the supercooling heat exchanger (25) will be described. The cold storage material (W) flowing from the ice storage tank (21) is supercooled by the supercooling generation heat exchanger (25), and the supercooled state of the cold storage material (W) is eliminated, and the generated icing material is stored in the supercooling material (W). It is stored in an ice tank (21).

The cooling capacity of the supercool generation heat exchanger (25) is controlled by the capacity control means (73), and the outlet temperature T of the cold storage material (W) in the supercool generation heat exchanger (25).
2 is the freezing point temperature T0 of the cold storage material (W) and the freezing point temperature T
The temperature is kept at a predetermined value lower than the freezing occurrence temperature zone (K) between the predetermined freezing occurrence lower limit temperature Tf lower than 0. At the time of the so-called pull-down operation at the beginning of the heat storage operation, as shown in FIG. 3, a predetermined temperature difference between the inlet temperature T1 and the outlet temperature T2 of the cold storage material (W) in the supercooling heat exchanger (25) (for example, (3 ° C).

When the outlet temperature T2 of the cold storage material (W) enters the freezing occurrence temperature zone (K), the outlet temperature sensor (Th1)
Is received by the capacity reducing means (75), and the cooling capacity of the supercooling heat exchanger (25) is reduced so that the outlet temperature T2 of the cold storage material (W) maintains the freezing point temperature T0. Therefore, since the regenerator material (W) is not supercooled, the blockage of the pipeline is prevented, and the regenerator material (W) in the ice storage tank (21) is cooled to near the freezing point temperature T0, and the supercooling heat exchanger ( The inlet temperature T1 in 25) will decrease.

After a predetermined time elapses after the performance of the supercooling generation heat exchanger (25) is reduced, it is determined that the above-mentioned predetermined state has been attained, and the capacity return means (77) is operated by the supercooling generation heat exchanger (25). Restore cooling capacity. Capability reduction means (7
Since the inlet temperature T1 has dropped to the predetermined state during the low capacity operation according to 5), the outlet temperature T2 immediately after the cooling capacity is restored.
Becomes a temperature with a large degree of supercooling so as not to block the pipeline.

According to this embodiment, the outlet temperature T2 of the cold storage material
At the beginning of ice making with a small degree of supercooling, the cold storage material (W) is cooled at the freezing point temperature T0 by the capacity reducing means (75), so that the inlet temperature T1 can be reduced while preventing the pipeline from being blocked. it can. For this reason, immediately after the return of the cooling capacity of the supercooling-generation heat exchanger (25), it is possible to shift to a supercooling state that exceeds a dangerous state in which a pipe blockage may occur, and to continuously perform a stable ice making operation. It can be carried out.

Since the capacity return means (77) returns the refrigerant capacity of the supercooling / generation heat exchanger (25) after a lapse of a predetermined time, it is possible to easily shift to the steady operation while preventing the blockage of the pipeline. Can be.

Next, FIG. 2 and FIG.
2 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, instead of the capacity return means (77) of the previous embodiment which uniformly returns the cooling capacity after a predetermined time has elapsed, a predetermined low temperature T3 in which the inlet temperature T1 of the cold storage material (W) is higher than the freezing point temperature T0. Reaches
A capacity return means (77) for returning the cooling capacity of the supercooling generation heat exchanger (25) is provided.

Specifically, the capacity return means (77) is provided with a supercooling-generating heat exchanger (25) by the capacity reducing means (75).
When the inlet temperature T1 of the cold storage material (W) reaches a predetermined low temperature higher than the freezing point temperature T0 upon receiving a temperature signal from the inlet temperature sensor (Th2) after the capacity of the supercooling heat exchanger (Th2) is reduced. It is configured to output a return signal for returning the cooling capacity of 25) to the capacity control means (73).

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, when the inlet temperature T1 of the cold storage material (W) reaches a predetermined low temperature T3 higher than the freezing point temperature T0, the capacity return means (77) causes the supercooling heat The cooling capacity of the exchanger (25) is restored. Accordingly, the predetermined low temperature T3 is reduced, for example, by the cooling after the cooling capacity is restored, the outlet temperature T2 becomes the freezing occurrence lower limit temperature Tf.
If the inlet temperature T1 is set to a lower temperature, the outlet temperature T2 quickly passes through the freezing occurrence temperature zone (K), thereby reliably preventing the clogging of the pipeline and the supercooling heat exchanger (25). ) Is performed.

According to the present embodiment, when the inlet temperature T1 of the cold storage material (W) reaches the predetermined low temperature T3 higher than the freezing point temperature T0, the capacity return means (77) operates the supercooling heat exchanger (25). Since the cooling capacity of the supercooling-generating heat exchanger (25) can be surely prevented, freezing of the pipeline can be prevented and the capacity of the supercooling-generation heat exchanger (25) can be restored.

Next, FIGS. 2, 5 and 6 show a third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment,
The capacity return means (77) replaces the previous embodiment in which the cooling capacity of the supercooling generation heat exchanger (25) is returned when the inlet temperature T1 of the cold storage material reaches a predetermined low temperature, instead of the capacity reduction means (7).
After the capacity reduction of the supercooling-generation heat exchanger (25) due to 5), the temperature signal of the inlet temperature sensor (Th2) is received and the inlet temperature T1 of the cold storage material (W) is reduced to a low capacity operation by the capacity reducing means (75). Outlet temperature T2 and freezing occurrence lower limit temperature Tf
When the temperature is lower than the low-capacity operation start by the temperature difference between the sub-cooling generation heat exchanger (25) and the cooling power of the supercooling heat exchanger (25), a return signal is returned to the capacity control means (73).

The operation of the supercool generation heat exchanger (25) of this embodiment will be described with reference to the operating temperature characteristic diagram of FIG. 5 and the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S1, it is determined whether or not the outlet temperature T2 of the cold storage material (W) is lower than the freezing point temperature T0. If the outlet temperature T2 of the cold storage material (W) is higher than the freezing point temperature T0, the determination is repeated. When the outlet temperature T2 of the cold storage material (W) is lower than the freezing point temperature T0, the process proceeds to step S2, and it is determined whether or not the outlet temperature T2 is lower than the freezing occurrence lower limit temperature Tf.
When the outlet temperature T2 is lower than the freezing occurrence lower limit temperature Tf, the capacity control means (73) causes the supercooling generation heat exchanger (25) to perform a normal operation of a steady capacity.

On the other hand, when the outlet temperature T2 is lower than the freezing occurrence lower limit temperature T
f or more, the outlet temperature T2 becomes the freezing occurrence temperature zone (K)
The process proceeds to step S3 when it is determined that the vehicle has entered the low-capacity operation, and the reference inlet temperature T1s is read in order to start the low-capacity operation.
A temperature difference ΔT between the outlet temperature T2 and the above-mentioned freezing occurrence lower limit temperature Tf is calculated.

Next, the process proceeds to step S4, where the inlet temperature T1
Is lower than the reference inlet temperature T1s by the temperature difference ΔT. If the inlet temperature T1 has not dropped to the temperature difference ΔT, it is determined that the outlet temperature T2 is in the freezing occurrence temperature zone (K), and the process proceeds to step S5, where the capacity reduction means (75) sets the supercooling heat The exchanger (25) is operated at a low capacity with a low cooling capacity. During the low capacity operation, the process proceeds to step S6, where the inlet temperature T1 is detected at predetermined time intervals, and the operations of steps S4 to S6 are repeated until the inlet temperature T1 decreases by the temperature difference ΔT.

Thereafter, the inlet temperature T1 is changed to the reference inlet temperature T1s.
When the temperature difference is further decreased by ΔT, the process proceeds to step S7, in which the capacity return means (77) operates to send a return signal for returning the cooling capacity of the supercooling generation heat exchanger (25) to the capacity control means (73). To the supercooled heat exchanger (2
5) Allow normal operation for several minutes. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S8, where it is determined whether or not the outlet temperature T2 has dropped below the freezing occurrence lower limit temperature Tf by the normal operation for several minutes. When the outlet temperature T2 is higher than the freezing occurrence lower limit temperature Tf, it is determined that the outlet temperature T2 is in the freezing occurrence temperature zone (K), and Steps S3 to S8 are repeated. When the outlet temperature T2 falls below the freezing occurrence lower limit temperature Tf, the degree of supercooling becomes sufficiently large, and it is determined that the danger state in which the line freezing may occur has been eliminated, and normal operation is performed.

In this embodiment, the inlet temperature T of the cold storage material (W)
When 1 decreases by the temperature difference between the outlet temperature T2 at the start of the low capacity operation and the freezing occurrence lower limit temperature Tf, the cooling capacity of the supercooling heat exchanger (25) is restored. The cooling capacity is reduced, and low-capacity operation in which the capacity is reduced more than necessary does not occur.

According to this embodiment, when the inlet temperature T1 of the cold storage material (W) decreases by the temperature difference between the outlet temperature T2 at the start of the low-capacity operation and the freezing occurrence lower limit temperature Tf, the supercooling heat exchange occurs. Since the cooling capacity of the cooling unit (25) is restored, the cooling capacity reduction amount is not affected by the flow rate difference due to the difference in the model, and the execution of the low capacity operation in which the capacity is reduced more than necessary can be prevented. it can.

In the above embodiment, the predetermined temperature which the capacity reducing means (75) is to maintain is the freezing point temperature T
The temperature is not limited to 0 and may be a temperature near the freezing point temperature T0.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration according to claims 1 to 4;

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of a piping system of the air conditioner according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a characteristic diagram showing an operating temperature of the supercooling-generation heat exchanger according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 of a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating operation control according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 21 ice storage tank 25 supercooling generation heat exchanger (cooling means) 73 capacity control means 75 capacity reduction means 77 capacity return means W cold storage material K freezing occurrence temperature zone Th1 outlet temperature sensor (outlet temperature detecting means) Th2 inlet temperature sensor ( Inlet temperature detection means)

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-3-271671 (JP, A) JP-A-3-102130 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁶ , DB name) F24F 5/00 102

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. An ice storage tank (21) for storing a cold storage material (W) iced in a slurry state, and a cooling means (25) having a variable cooling capacity for supercooling the cold storage material (W). Wood (W)
The chilled material (W) which is connected in a circulable manner and which is formed by eliminating the supercooled state of the supercooled cold storage material (W) is stored in the ice storage tank (2).
In the ice making device stored in 1), a capacity control means (73) for controlling the cooling means (25) to a predetermined cooling capacity and an outlet temperature T2 of the cold storage material (W) in the cooling means (25) are detected. Upon receiving the temperature signals from the outlet temperature detecting means (Th1) and the outlet temperature detecting means (Th1), the outlet temperature T2 of the cold storage material (W) is set based on the freezing point temperature T0 of the cold storage material (W). Predetermined set temperature range (K)
, The outlet temperature T2 of the cold storage material (W) is increased.
Cooling means (75) for reducing the cooling capacity of the cooling means (25) so as to maintain the freezing point temperature T0 or a predetermined value near the freezing point temperature T0 without cooling; When a predetermined state is reached after the capacity reduction of (25), the cold storage material (W) is rapidly cooled.
Then, the outlet temperature T2 of the cold storage material (W) is set to the above freezing point temperature T.
0 or from the above-mentioned predetermined value to the above-mentioned set temperature range (K)
The cooling means (2) so as to quickly shift to a low temperature.
An ice making device comprising: a capacity return means (77) for outputting a return signal for returning the cooling capacity of 5) to the capacity control means (73). 2. An ice storage tank (21) for storing a cold storage material (W) iced into a slurry and a cooling means (25) having a variable cooling capacity for supercooling the cold storage material (W). Wood (W)
The chilled material (W) which is connected in a circulable manner and which is formed by eliminating the supercooled state of the supercooled cold storage material (W) is stored in the ice storage tank (2).
In the ice making device stored in 1), a capacity control means (73) for controlling the cooling means (25) to a predetermined cooling capacity and an outlet temperature T2 of the cold storage material (W) in the cooling means (25) are detected. Upon receiving the temperature signals from the outlet temperature detecting means (Th1) and the outlet temperature detecting means (Th1), the outlet temperature T2 of the cold storage material (W) is set based on the freezing point temperature T0 of the cold storage material (W). Predetermined set temperature range (K)
, The outlet temperature T2 of the cold storage material (W) is increased.
Cooling means (75) for reducing the cooling capacity of the cooling means (25) so as to maintain the freezing point temperature T0 or a predetermined value near the freezing point temperature T0 without cooling; After a predetermined time elapses after the capacity reduction of (25), the cold storage material (W) is rapidly discharged.
After cooling, the outlet temperature T2 of the cold storage material (W) is set to the above freezing point temperature.
Degree T0 or from the above-mentioned predetermined value to the above-mentioned set temperature range (K)
A capacity return means (77) for outputting to the capacity control means (73) a return signal for returning the cooling capacity of the cooling means (25) so as to quickly shift to a lower temperature. Ice making equipment. 3. An ice storage tank (21) for storing a cold storage material (W) iced into a slurry and a cooling means (25) having a variable cooling capacity for supercooling the cold storage material (W) are sequentially stored in a cold storage. Wood (W)
The chilled material (W) which is connected in a circulable manner and which is formed by eliminating the supercooled state of the supercooled cold storage material (W) is stored in the ice storage tank (2).
In the ice making device stored in 1), a capacity control means (73) for controlling the cooling means (25) to a predetermined cooling capacity and an outlet temperature T2 of the cold storage material (W) in the cooling means (25) are detected. An outlet temperature detecting means (Th1), an inlet temperature detecting means (Th2) for detecting an inlet temperature T1 of the cold storage material (W) in the cooling means (25), and a temperature signal from the outlet temperature detecting means (Th1). The outlet temperature T2 of the cold storage material (W) is a predetermined temperature range (K) set based on the freezing point temperature T0 of the cold storage material (W).
, The outlet temperature T2 of the cold storage material (W) is increased.
A cooling means (75) for reducing the cooling capacity of the cooling means (25) so as to maintain the freezing point temperature T0 or a predetermined value near the freezing point temperature T0 without cooling; When the temperature of the cold storage material (W) reaches a predetermined low temperature T3 higher than the freezing point temperature T0 upon receiving a temperature signal from the inlet temperature detecting means (Th2) after the capacity reduction of 25), the cold storage material (W) To
After rapid cooling, the outlet temperature T2 of the cold storage material (W) is solidified as described above.
The set temperature range from the point temperature T0 or the specified value
A capacity return means (77) for outputting a return signal for returning the cooling capacity of the cooling means (25) to the capacity control means (73) so as to quickly shift to a temperature lower than (K ).
An ice making device comprising: 4. An ice storage tank (21) for storing a cold storage material (W) iced into a slurry, and a cooling means (25) having a variable cooling capacity for supercooling the cold storage material (W). Wood (W)
The chilled material (W) which is connected in a circulable manner and which is formed by eliminating the supercooled state of the supercooled cold storage material (W) is stored in the ice storage tank (2).
In the ice making device stored in 1), a capacity control means (73) for controlling the cooling means (25) to a predetermined cooling capacity and an outlet temperature T2 of the cold storage material (W) in the cooling means (25) are detected. An outlet temperature detecting means (Th1), an inlet temperature detecting means (Th2) for detecting an inlet temperature T1 of the cold storage material (W) in the cooling means (25), and a temperature signal from the outlet temperature detecting means (Th1). The outlet temperature T2 of the cold storage material (W) is a predetermined temperature range (K) set based on the freezing point temperature T0 of the cold storage material (W).
, The outlet temperature T2 of the cold storage material (W) becomes the freezing point temperature.
A capacity reducing means (75) for reducing the cooling capacity of the cooling means (25) so as to maintain a predetermined value near the temperature T0 or the freezing point temperature T0; and a capacity of the cooling means (25) by the capacity reducing means (75). After the temperature is lowered, the temperature signal of the inlet temperature detecting means (Th2) is received, and the inlet temperature T1 of the cold storage material (W) is reduced by the outlet temperature T2 at the start of the low capacity operation by the capacity reducing means (75) and the freezing occurrence lower limit. When the temperature difference from the temperature Tf is lower than that at the start of the low capacity operation by the temperature difference ΔT, the cooling means (25)
An ice making device, comprising: a capacity return means (77) for outputting a return signal for returning the cooling capacity to the capacity control means (73).