JP7157321B2 - Heat load handling system - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to heat load handling systems.

Conventionally, as shown in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-38323), a heat exchanger connected to a refrigerant pipe in which a refrigerant flows and a heat medium pipe in which a heat medium flows and exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the heat medium. Heat exchanger units are known that include: In Patent Document 1, the heat exchanger unit is installed in the equipment room.

In such a heat exchanger unit, it is assumed that a mildly flammable or combustible refrigerant is used. On the other hand, refrigerant pipes, heat exchangers, etc. may be damaged, aged, or poorly connected, so countermeasures against refrigerant leakage are necessary.

A heat load processing system according to a first aspect includes a heat exchanger unit, a first fan, a refrigerant leakage detector, and a controller. The heat exchanger unit is installed in the equipment room. A heat exchanger unit includes a heat exchanger. A heat exchanger is connected to the refrigerant pipe and the heat medium pipe. A refrigerant pipe is a pipe through which a refrigerant flows. A heat medium pipe is a pipe through which a heat medium flows. The heat exchanger exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the heat medium. A first fan is arranged in the heat exchanger unit. The first fan sends air from inside the heat exchanger unit to the outside. The refrigerant leakage detection unit detects refrigerant leakage in the equipment room. The controller controls operation of the first fan. The heat exchanger unit is provided with a suction port at a position lower than the first portion. The first portion is the highest portion included in the refrigerant piping located within the heat exchanger unit. The suction port is an opening through which the first fan takes in air. The control unit executes the first process when the refrigerant leakage detection unit detects refrigerant leakage. The first process is a process of driving the first fan.

As a result, when refrigerant leakage occurs in the heat exchanger unit, the leaked refrigerant is discharged from the heat exchanger unit, thereby suppressing an increase in the concentration of refrigerant in the heat exchanger unit. In particular, by arranging the suction port of the first fan at a position lower than the highest portion included in the refrigerant piping located in the heat exchanger unit, when the refrigerant having a higher specific gravity than air leaks, heat is generated. Evacuation from the exchanger unit is facilitated.

The "equipment room" here is a space where people can enter and stay and where heat exchangers are installed. For example, the "equipment room" is a space in which electrical equipment such as a switchboard and a generator, or cooling and heating equipment such as a refrigerator or a boiler, are arranged. For example, the "equipment room" is a space such as a basement where people can walk.

The "refrigerant leakage detection unit" here means a refrigerant leakage sensor that directly detects the refrigerant (leakage refrigerant) that has leaked from the refrigerant circuit, a pressure sensor that detects the state (pressure or temperature) of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit, or a It is a temperature sensor and/or a computer that determines presence/absence of refrigerant leakage based on the detected values thereof.

The "suction port" here is not particularly limited in terms of arrangement or configuration as long as it is an opening for the first fan to take in air in the heat exchanger unit. , the "suction port" is arranged in the flow path forming member. Further, for example, the "suction port" is formed in the body portion of the first fan. For example, the "suction port" is located near the impeller of the first fan.

A heat load processing system according to the second aspect is the heat load processing system according to the first aspect, wherein the heat exchanger unit is provided with an exhaust port. The exhaust port is an opening for exhausting the air sent by the first fan. The outlet is arranged at a position higher than the first portion. This makes it possible to send and discharge the leaked refrigerant upward from below the heat exchanger unit when the refrigerant leaks. Therefore, the refrigerant is suppressed from remaining in the lower portion of the heat exchanger unit.

A heat load processing system according to a third aspect is the heat load processing system according to the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the main body of the first fan is arranged at a position higher than the first portion. As a result, when the main body of the first fan is arranged at a position higher than the highest portion (first portion) included in the refrigerant piping located inside the heat exchanger unit, the leaked refrigerant heats up when the refrigerant leaks. Evacuation from the exchanger unit is facilitated. In addition, the "main body of the first fan" here is a portion including the impeller of the first fan.

A heat load processing system according to a fourth aspect is the heat load processing system according to any one of the first aspect to the third aspect, wherein the heat exchanger unit further includes a drain pan. A drain pan is arranged below the heat exchanger. The drain pan receives condensed water. The suction port is formed in the drain pan or arranged in a space above the drain pan. As a result, when refrigerant leakage occurs in the heat exchanger unit, the leaked refrigerant is promoted to be discharged from the heat exchanger unit. In particular, when a refrigerant having a higher specific gravity than air leaks, it is facilitated to be discharged from the heat exchanger unit.

A heat load processing system according to a fifth aspect is the heat load processing system according to any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, further comprising a second fan. A second fan is arranged in the heat exchanger unit. The control unit also drives the second fan in the first process. As a result, even if refrigerant leakage occurs in the heat exchanger unit, it is further suppressed that the concentration inside the heat exchanger unit increases.

A heat load processing system according to a sixth aspect is the heat load processing system according to any one of the first aspect to the fifth aspect, wherein the control section further controls the operation of the ventilator. Ventilation equipment provides ventilation in the equipment room. In the first process, the controller controls the ventilator to increase the ventilation volume of the ventilator. As a result, when a refrigerant leak occurs in the heat exchanger unit, the leaked refrigerant flows from the heat exchanger unit to the equipment room, and is promoted to be discharged from the equipment room to another space.

In addition, the "ventilator" here is not particularly limited as long as it is a device for ventilation in the equipment room, but for example, a fan that generates an air flow, or an actuator such as a door, window, or shutter that can be opened and closed is a device containing

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a heat load processing system; FIG. The schematic diagram which showed the example of the refrigerant|coolant used with a refrigerant circuit. The schematic diagram which showed the installation aspect of a heat load processing system. The schematic plan view of the equipment room in which a heat exchanger unit is installed. 3 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger unit; FIG. The schematic diagram which showed the arrangement|positioning aspect of the apparatus in the casing in planar view. The schematic diagram which showed the arrangement|positioning aspect of the apparatus in the casing in the side view. The schematic diagram which showed the arrangement|positioning aspect of the apparatus in the casing in front view. The schematic diagram of the baseplate in planar view. The schematic diagram of the baseplate in the side view. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the layout of the exhaust fan unit and the cooling fan in the casing; FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a controller and each unit connected to the controller; FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing by a controller; 4 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger unit according to Modification 1. FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing, in a plan view, an arrangement mode of devices in a heat exchanger unit according to Modification 1; FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing, in a front view, an arrangement mode of devices in a heat exchanger unit according to Modification 1; FIG. 5 is a schematic side view showing an arrangement of devices in a heat exchanger unit according to Modification 1; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the configuration of a heat load processing system according to Modification 1;

A heat load processing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments are specific examples, and do not limit the technical scope, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. In the following description, expressions indicating directions such as "up", "down", "left", "right", "front (front)", and "back (back)" may be used. Unless otherwise specified, these directions indicate directions indicated by arrows in the drawings. Note that these directional expressions are only used to facilitate understanding of the embodiments, and do not particularly limit the concept of the present disclosure.

(1) Heat load processing system 100
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a heat load processing system 100. As shown in FIG. The heat load processing system 100 is a system for processing heat load in the installation environment. In this embodiment, the heat load processing system 100 is an air conditioning system that air-conditions the target space.

The heat load processing system 100 mainly includes a plurality (here, four units) of heat source side units 10, a heat exchanger unit 30, a plurality (here, four units) of user side units 60, and a plurality (here, four units) of user side units 60. ), a plurality of (here, four) gas side communication pipes GP, a first heat medium communication pipe H1 and a second heat medium communication pipe H2, a refrigerant leakage sensor 70, and heat load processing and a controller 80 that controls the operation of the system 100 .

In the heat load processing system 100, the heat source side unit 10 and the heat exchanger unit 30 are connected by the liquid side connecting pipe LP and the gas side connecting pipe GP to form a refrigerant circuit RC in which the refrigerant circulates. In the heat load processing system 100, a plurality of (here, four) refrigerant circuits RC are configured in association with the parallel arrangement of the plurality of heat source side units 10. FIG. In other words, in the heat load processing system 100, the heat source side units 10 and the heat exchanger units 30 constitute a plurality of refrigerant circuits RC. The heat load processing system 100 performs a vapor compression refrigeration cycle in each refrigerant circuit RC.

In this embodiment, the refrigerant enclosed in the refrigerant circuit RC is a combustible refrigerant. In addition, here, the combustible refrigerant is Class 3 (strongly flammable), Class 2 (weakly flammable), Subclass 2L (weakly flammable), or (Slightly flammable) refrigerants are included. For example, FIG. 2 shows a specific example of the refrigerant used in this embodiment. "ASHRAE Number" in Fig. 2 is the Ashley number of the refrigerant specified by ISO817, "Component" is the Ashley number of the substance contained in the refrigerant, and "mass%" is the mass percent concentration of each substance contained in the refrigerant. , "Alternative" indicates the name of the refrigerant substance that is often substituted by the refrigerant. Especially in this embodiment, the refrigerant used is R32. The refrigerant enclosed in the refrigerant circuit RC may be a refrigerant not shown in FIG. 2, and may be, for example, a _CO2 refrigerant or a toxic refrigerant such as ammonia. Also, the refrigerant enclosed in each refrigerant circuit RC may not necessarily be the same.

In the heat load processing system 100, the heat exchanger unit 30 and the user unit 60 are connected by the first heat medium communication pipe H1 and the second heat medium communication pipe H2, thereby forming a heat medium circuit HC in which the heat medium circulates. It is configured. In other words, in the heat load processing system 100, the heat exchanger unit 30 and the user unit 60 constitute a heat medium circuit HC. In the heat medium circuit HC, the heat medium is circulated by driving the pump 36 (described later) of the heat exchanger unit 30 .

In this embodiment, the heat medium enclosed in the heat medium circuit HC is, for example, a liquid medium such as water or brine. Brine includes, for example, sodium chloride aqueous solution, calcium chloride aqueous solution, ethylene glycol aqueous solution, propylene glycol aqueous solution, and the like. The type of liquid medium is not limited to those exemplified here, and may be selected as appropriate. Especially in this embodiment, brine shall be used as a heat carrier.

(2) Detailed configuration (2-1) Heat source side unit 10
In this embodiment, the heat load processing system 100 has four heat source side units 10 (see FIG. 1). Then, the heat exchanger unit 30 cools/heats the liquid medium with the refrigerant cooled/heated in the four heat source side units 10 . However, the number of heat source side units 10 is an example, and the number is not limited to four. The number of heat source side units 10 may be 1 to 3, or may be 5 or more. In FIG. 1, the internal configuration of only one of the four heat source side units 10 is drawn, and the internal configuration of the other three units is omitted. The heat source side unit 10 whose drawing is omitted also has the same configuration as the heat source side unit 10 described below.

The heat source side unit 10 is a unit that cools or heats a refrigerant using air as a heat source. Each heat source side unit 10 is individually connected to a heat exchanger unit 30 via a liquid side connecting pipe LP and a gas side connecting pipe GP. In other words, each heat source side unit 10 individually configures a refrigerant circuit RC together with the heat exchanger unit 30 . That is, in the heat load processing system 100, a plurality (here, four units) of the heat source side units 10 and the heat exchanger units 30 are individually connected to form a plurality (here, four) of the refrigerant circuits RC is configured. In addition, each refrigerant circuit RC is separated and does not communicate with each other.

The heat source side unit 10 is not limited to a place of installation, but is installed, for example, on a rooftop or in a space around a building. The heat source side unit 10 is connected to the heat exchanger unit 30 via the liquid side connecting pipe LP and the gas side connecting pipe GP, and constitutes a part of the refrigerant circuit RC.

The heat source side unit 10, as equipment constituting the refrigerant circuit RC, mainly includes a plurality of refrigerant pipes (first pipe P1-eleventh pipe P11), a compressor 11, an accumulator 12, a four-way switching valve 13, It has a heat source side heat exchanger 14, a supercooler 15, a heat source side first control valve 16, a heat source side second control valve 17, a liquid side shutoff valve 18, and a gas side shutoff valve 19. there is

The first pipe P<b>1 connects the gas side shutoff valve 19 and the first port of the four-way switching valve 13 . The second pipe P2 connects the inlet port of the accumulator 12 and the second port of the four-way switching valve 13 . The third pipe P3 connects the outlet port of the accumulator 12 and the suction port of the compressor 11 . A fourth pipe P<b>4 connects the discharge port of the compressor 11 and the third port of the four-way switching valve 13 . The fifth pipe P5 connects the fourth port of the four-way switching valve 13 and the gas side inlet/outlet of the heat source side heat exchanger 14 . The sixth pipe P<b>6 connects the liquid side inlet/outlet of the heat source side heat exchanger 14 and one end of the heat source side first control valve 16 . The seventh pipe P7 connects the other end of the heat source side first control valve 16 and one end of the main flow path 151 of the supercooler 15 . The eighth pipe P8 connects the other end of the main flow path 151 of the subcooler 15 and one end of the liquid side stop valve 18 .

The ninth pipe P9 connects a portion between both ends of the sixth pipe P6 and one end of the heat source side second control valve 17 . The tenth pipe P<b>10 connects the other end of the heat source side second control valve 17 and one end of the sub-channel 152 of the supercooler 15 . The eleventh pipe P<b>11 connects the other end of the sub-channel 152 of the supercooler 15 and the injection port of the compressor 11 .

Incidentally, these refrigerant pipes (P1-P11) may actually be constituted by a single pipe, or may be constituted by connecting a plurality of pipes via joints or the like.

The compressor 11 is a device that compresses a low-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle to a high pressure. In this embodiment, the compressor 11 has a closed structure in which a positive displacement compression element such as a rotary type or a scroll type is rotationally driven by a compressor motor (not shown). The compressor motor can control the operating frequency by an inverter. That is, the compressor 11 is configured to be capacity controllable. However, the compressor 11 may be a compressor with a constant capacity.

The accumulator 12 is a container for suppressing excessive intake of liquid refrigerant into the compressor 11 . The accumulator 12 has a predetermined volume according to the amount of refrigerant with which the refrigerant circuit RC is filled.

The four-way switching valve 13 is a channel switching mechanism for switching the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit RC. The four-way switching valve 13 can switch between a forward cycle state and a reverse cycle state. When the four-way switching valve 13 is in the normal cycle state, the first port (first pipe P1) and the second port (second pipe P2) are communicated, and the third port (fourth pipe P4) and the fourth port are connected. (the fifth pipe P5) (see the solid line of the four-way switching valve 13 in FIG. 1). When the four-way switching valve 13 is in a reverse cycle state, the first port (first pipe P1) and the third port (fourth pipe P4) are communicated, and the second port (second pipe P2) and the fourth port are connected. (the fifth pipe P5) (see the dashed line of the four-way switching valve 13 in FIG. 1).

The heat source side heat exchanger 14 is a heat exchanger that functions as a refrigerant condenser (or radiator) or evaporator. The heat source side heat exchanger 14 functions as a refrigerant condenser during normal cycle operation (operation in which the four-way switching valve 13 is in the normal cycle state). Further, the heat source side heat exchanger 14 functions as a refrigerant evaporator during reverse cycle operation (operation in which the four-way switching valve 13 is in the reverse cycle state). The heat source side heat exchanger 14 includes a plurality of heat transfer tubes and heat transfer fins (not shown). The heat source side heat exchanger 14 is configured such that heat is exchanged between the refrigerant in the heat transfer tubes and the air passing around the heat transfer tubes or the heat transfer fins (heat source side air flow, which will be described later). there is

The supercooler 15 is a heat exchanger that converts the inflowing refrigerant into a supercooled liquid refrigerant. The supercooler 15 is, for example, a double-tube heat exchanger, and the supercooler 15 includes a main channel 151 and sub-channels 152 . The supercooler 15 is configured such that the refrigerant flowing through the main channel 151 and the sub-channel 152 exchanges heat.

The heat source side first control valve 16 is an electronic expansion valve whose degree of opening is controllable, and reduces the pressure of the inflowing refrigerant or adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant according to the degree of opening. The heat source side first control valve 16 can be switched between an open state and a closed state. The heat source side first control valve 16 is arranged between the heat source side heat exchanger 14 and the subcooler 15 (main flow path 151).

The heat source side second control valve 17 is an electronic expansion valve whose degree of opening is controllable, and reduces the pressure of the inflowing refrigerant or adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant in accordance with the degree of opening. The heat source side second control valve 17 can be switched between an open state and a closed state. The heat source side second control valve 17 is arranged between the heat source side heat exchanger 14 and the supercooler 15 (sub flow path 152).

The liquid-side closing valve 18 is a manual valve arranged at the connecting portion between the eighth pipe P8 and the liquid-side connecting pipe LP. The liquid side shut-off valve 18 has one end connected to the eighth pipe P8 and the other end connected to the liquid side connecting pipe LP.

The gas side shutoff valve 19 is a manual valve arranged at the connecting portion between the first pipe P1 and the gas side communication pipe GP. The gas side shut-off valve 19 has one end connected to the first pipe P1 and the other end connected to the gas side communication pipe GP.

The heat source side unit 10 also has a heat source side fan 20 that generates a heat source side airflow that passes through the heat source side heat exchanger 14 . The heat source side fan 20 is a blower that supplies the heat source side heat exchanger 14 with a heat source side air flow as a cooling source or a heating source for the refrigerant flowing through the heat source side heat exchanger 14 . The heat-source-side fan 20 includes a heat-source-side fan motor (not shown) as a drive source, and its starting/stopping and rotation speed are appropriately controlled according to the situation.

Further, the heat source side unit 10 is provided with a plurality of heat source side sensors S1 (see FIG. 12) for detecting the state of the refrigerant (mainly pressure or temperature) in the refrigerant circuit RC. The heat source side sensor S1 is a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor such as a thermistor or a thermocouple. The heat source side sensor S1 includes, for example, a first temperature sensor 21 that detects the refrigerant temperature (suction temperature) on the suction side (third pipe P3) of the compressor 11, or a discharge side (fourth pipe P4) of the compressor 11. ), a second temperature sensor 22 is included to detect the temperature of the refrigerant (discharge temperature). Further, the heat source side sensor S1 includes, for example, a third temperature sensor 23 that detects the temperature of the refrigerant on the liquid side (sixth pipe P6) of the heat source side heat exchanger 14, and a third temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the refrigerant in the eighth pipe P8. A fourth temperature sensor 24 or a fifth temperature sensor 25 for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant in the eleventh pipe P11 is included. Further, the heat source side sensor S1 includes, for example, a first pressure sensor 27 that detects the pressure (suction pressure) of the refrigerant on the suction side (second pipe P2) of the compressor 11, a discharge side (fourth pipe P2) of the compressor 11, A second pressure sensor 28 is included to detect the refrigerant pressure (discharge pressure) at P4).

The heat source side unit 10 also has a heat source side unit control section 29 that controls the operation/state of each device included in the heat source side unit 10 . The heat source side unit control section 29 has, in order to execute its functions, various electric circuits, a microprocessor, and a microcomputer having a memory chip in which programs executed by the microprocessor are stored. The heat source side unit control section 29 is electrically connected to each device (11, 13, 16, 17, 20, etc.) included in the heat source side unit 10 and the heat source side sensor S1, and performs signal input/output with each other. . Also, the heat source side unit control section 29 is electrically connected to a heat exchanger unit control section 49 (described later) of the heat exchanger unit 30 and the like via a communication line, and exchanges control signals with each other.

(2-2) Heat exchanger unit 30
The heat exchanger unit 30 is a device that performs at least one of cooling and heating of the heat medium by exchanging heat between the heat medium and the refrigerant. In this embodiment, the heat exchanger unit 30 cools and heats the heat medium by exchanging heat between the heat medium and the refrigerant. The heat medium cooled or heated by the liquid refrigerant in the heat exchanger unit 30 is sent to the utilization side unit 60 .

The heat exchanger unit 30 is a unit that cools or heats the heat medium by exchanging heat between the heat medium sent to the user unit 60 and the refrigerant. The heat exchanger unit 30 is installed in a room such as an equipment room, for example, although the place of installation is not limited. The heat exchanger unit 30, as equipment constituting each refrigerant circuit RC, has a plurality of refrigerant pipes (refrigerant pipes Pa, Pb , Pc, Pd), an expansion valve 31 and an on-off valve 32 . The heat exchanger unit 30 also has a heat exchanger 33 as a device that constitutes each refrigerant circuit RC and heat medium circuit HC.

The refrigerant pipe Pa connects the liquid-side communication pipe LP and one end of the expansion valve 31 . The refrigerant pipe Pb connects the other end of the expansion valve 31 and one liquid-side refrigerant inlet/outlet of the heat exchanger 33 . The refrigerant pipe Pc connects one gas side refrigerant inlet/outlet of the heat exchanger 33 and one end of the on-off valve 32 . The refrigerant pipe Pd connects the other end of the on-off valve 32 and the gas side communication pipe GP. These refrigerant pipes (Pa-Pd) may actually be configured by a single pipe, or may be configured by connecting a plurality of pipes via joints or the like.

The expansion valve 31 is an electronic expansion valve whose degree of opening is controllable, and reduces the pressure or adjusts the flow rate of the inflowing refrigerant according to the degree of opening. The expansion valve 31 can switch between an open state and a closed state. The expansion valve 31 is arranged between the heat exchanger 33 and the liquid side connecting pipe LP.

The on-off valve 32 is a control valve that can switch between an open state and a closed state. The on-off valve 32 shuts off the refrigerant when closed. The on-off valve 32 is arranged between the heat exchanger 33 and the gas side communication pipe GP.

The heat exchanger 33 is formed with a plurality of flow paths (refrigerant flow paths RP) for the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit RC. In the heat exchanger 33, each refrigerant flow path RP does not communicate with other refrigerant flow paths RP. In relation to this, in the heat exchanger 33, the same number of inlets and outlets on the liquid side and inlets and outlets on the gas side of the refrigerant flow paths RP are formed in the same number as the number of the refrigerant flow paths RP (here, four). Further, the heat exchanger 33 is formed with a heat medium flow path (heat medium flow path HP) that flows through the heat medium circuit HC.

More specifically, heat exchanger 33 includes first heat exchanger 34 and second heat exchanger 35 . The first heat exchanger 34 and the second heat exchanger 35 are configured separately. Two separated refrigerant flow paths RP are formed in the first heat exchanger 34 and the second heat exchanger 35, respectively. In the first heat exchanger 34 and the second heat exchanger 35, one end of each refrigerant flow path RP is connected to the refrigerant pipe Pb of the corresponding refrigerant circuit RC, and the other end of each refrigerant flow path RP corresponds to It is connected to the refrigerant pipe Pc of the refrigerant circuit RC. In the first heat exchanger 34, one end of the heat medium flow path HP is connected to a heat medium pipe Hb, which will be described later, and the other end of the heat medium flow path HP is connected to a heat medium pipe Hc, which will be described later. In the second heat exchanger 35, one end of the heat medium flow path HP is connected to Hc, which will be described later, and the other end of the heat medium flow path HP is connected to a heat medium pipe Hd, which will be described later. The heat medium flow paths HP of the first heat exchanger 34 and the second heat exchanger 35 are arranged in series in the heat medium circuit HC. The first heat exchanger 34 and the second heat exchanger 35 exchange heat between the refrigerant flowing through each refrigerant flow path RP (refrigerant circuit RC) and the heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path HP (heat medium circuit HC). is configured to take place.

In addition, the heat exchanger unit 30 further includes a plurality of heat medium pipes (heat medium pipes Ha, Hb, Hc, Hd) and a pump 36 as equipment constituting the heat medium circuit HC.

The heat medium pipe Ha has one end connected to the first heat medium communication pipe H<b>1 and the other end connected to the suction side port of the pump 36 . The heat medium pipe Hb has one end connected to the discharge side port of the pump 36 and the other end connected to one end of the heat medium flow path HP of the first heat exchanger 34 . The heat medium pipe Hc has one end connected to the other end of the heat medium flow path HP of the first heat exchanger 34 and the other end connected to one end of the heat medium flow path HP of the second heat exchanger 35 . One end of the heat medium pipe Hd is connected to the other end of the heat medium flow path HP of the second heat exchanger 35, and the other end is connected to the second heat medium communication pipe H2. These heat medium pipes (Ha-Hd) may actually be configured by a single pipe, or may be configured by connecting a plurality of pipes via joints or the like.

The pump 36 is arranged in the heat medium circuit HC. The pump 36 sucks and discharges the heat medium during operation. The pump 36 includes a motor that is a drive source, and the number of revolutions is adjusted by inverter-controlling the motor. That is, the pump 36 has a variable discharge flow rate. Note that the heat exchanger unit 30 may have a plurality of pumps 36 connected in series or in parallel in the heat medium circuit HC. Pump 36 may also be a metering pump.

The heat exchanger unit 30 is also provided with a plurality of heat exchanger unit sensors S2 (see FIG. 12) for detecting the state of the refrigerant (mainly pressure or temperature) in the refrigerant circuit RC. The heat exchanger unit sensor S2 is a pressure sensor or a temperature sensor such as a thermistor or thermocouple. The heat exchanger unit sensor S2 includes, for example, a sixth temperature sensor 41 that detects the temperature of the refrigerant on the liquid side (refrigerant pipe Pb) of the heat exchanger 33 (refrigerant flow path RP), and the heat exchanger 33 (refrigerant flow A seventh temperature sensor 42 is included to detect the temperature of the refrigerant on the gas side (refrigerant pipe Pc) of the path RP). The heat exchanger unit sensor S2 includes, for example, a third pressure sensor 43 that detects the pressure of the refrigerant on the liquid side (refrigerant pipe Pb) of the heat exchanger 33 (refrigerant flow path RP), and the heat exchanger 33 ( A fourth pressure sensor 44 is included to detect the pressure of the refrigerant on the gas side (refrigerant pipe Pc) of the refrigerant flow path RP).

Further, the heat exchanger unit 30 is provided with an exhaust fan unit 45 (a corresponding to the "first fan" described in the range). The exhaust fan unit 45 sends air from inside the heat exchanger unit 30 to the outside. The exhaust fan unit 45 includes an exhaust fan 46 (corresponding to the "main body of the first fan" described in the claims). The exhaust fan 46 is driven in conjunction with a drive source (for example, a fan motor or the like). When the exhaust fan 46 is driven, it generates a first airflow AF1 that flows from inside the heat exchanger unit 30 to the outside (here, the equipment room R described later). Although the type of the exhaust fan 46 is not particularly limited, it may be, for example, a sirocco fan or a propeller fan. The exhaust fan unit 45 also includes a flow path forming member 47 that forms a flow path for the first airflow AF1 (see FIG. 11). The flow path forming member 47 is not particularly limited as long as it is a member that forms an air flow path for the first airflow AF1, and is, for example, a duct or hose. A suction port (suction port 47a) through which air is taken in by the exhaust fan unit 45 is formed in the flow path forming member 47 (see FIGS. 10 and 11).

The heat exchanger unit 30 also has a cooling fan 48 (corresponding to a "second fan" in the claims). The cooling fan 48 is driven in conjunction with a drive source (for example, a fan motor). When the cooling fan 48 is driven, it generates a second airflow AF2 for cooling electrical components (heat generating components) arranged in the heat exchanger unit 30 . The cooling fan 48 is arranged so that the second air flow AF2 passes around the heat-generating components to exchange heat, and then flows out from the heat exchanger unit 30 to the outside (in this case, the equipment room R, which will be described later). be done. Although the type of the cooling fan 48 is not particularly limited, it may be, for example, a sirocco fan or a propeller fan.

The heat exchanger unit 30 also has a heat exchanger unit control section 49 that controls the operation/state of each device included in the heat exchanger unit 30 . The heat exchanger unit control section 49 has a microprocessor, a microcomputer having a memory chip storing a program executed by the microprocessor, various electrical components, and the like, in order to perform its functions. The heat exchanger unit control section 49 is electrically connected to each device (31, 32, 36, 46, 48, etc.) included in the heat exchanger unit 30 and the heat exchanger unit sensor S2, and exchange signals with each other. Do input and output. In addition, the heat exchanger unit control section 49 is electrically connected to the heat source side unit control section 29, a control section (not shown) arranged in the user side unit 60, a remote controller (not shown), or the like via a communication line. and transmit/receive control signals to/from each other. The electrical components included in heat exchanger unit control 49 are cooled by a second airflow AF2 generated by cooling fan 48 .

(2-3) User side unit 60
The utilization side unit 60 is equipment that utilizes the heat medium cooled/heated by the heat exchanger unit 30 . Each user unit 60 is connected to the heat exchanger unit 30 via the first heat medium communication pipe H1, the second heat medium communication pipe H2, and the like. The user unit 60 constitutes a heat medium circuit HC together with the heat exchanger unit 30 .

In this embodiment, the user unit 60 is an air handling unit or a fan coil unit that performs air conditioning by exchanging heat between the heat medium cooled/heated by the heat exchanger unit 30 and air.

In FIG. 1, only one user-side unit 60 is illustrated. However, the heat load processing system 100 may include a plurality of user-side units, and the heat medium cooled/heated by the heat exchanger unit 30 may be branched and sent to the plurality of user-side units. Further, when the heat load processing system 100 includes a plurality of user-side units, the plurality of user-side units may all be of the same type, and the plurality of user-side units may include a plurality of types of equipment. may

(2-4) Liquid side connecting pipe LP, gas side connecting pipe GP
Each liquid side connecting pipe LP and each gas side connecting pipe GP connect the heat exchanger unit 30 and the corresponding heat source side unit 10 to form a refrigerant flow path. The liquid side connecting pipe LP and the gas side connecting pipe GP are constructed at the installation site. Incidentally, the liquid side connecting pipe LP or the gas side connecting pipe GP may actually be configured by a single pipe, or may be configured by connecting a plurality of pipes via joints or the like. .

(2-5) First heat medium communication pipe H1, second heat medium communication pipe H2
The first heat medium communication pipe H1 and the second heat medium communication pipe H2 connect between the heat exchanger unit 30 and the corresponding user side unit 60 to form a heat medium flow path. The first heat medium communication pipe H1 and the second heat medium communication pipe H2 are constructed at the installation site. Note that the first heat medium communication pipe H1 or the second heat medium communication pipe H2 may actually be configured by a single pipe, or may be configured by connecting a plurality of pipes via joints or the like. may be

(2-6) Refrigerant leakage sensor 70
The refrigerant leakage sensor 70 is a sensor for detecting refrigerant leakage in the space where the heat exchanger unit 30 is arranged (here, the equipment room R described later). More specifically, the refrigerant leakage sensor 70 detects leakage refrigerant in the heat exchanger unit 30 . In this embodiment, the refrigerant leakage sensor 70 is a known general-purpose product according to the type of refrigerant enclosed in the refrigerant circuit RC. The refrigerant leakage sensor 70 is arranged in the space where the heat exchanger unit 30 is arranged. In this embodiment, the refrigerant leakage sensor 70 is arranged inside the heat exchanger unit 30 .

The refrigerant leakage sensor 70 continuously or intermittently outputs an electric signal (refrigerant leakage sensor detection signal) to the controller 80 according to the detected value. More specifically, the refrigerant leakage sensor detection signal output from the refrigerant leakage sensor 70 changes in voltage according to the concentration of the refrigerant detected by the refrigerant leakage sensor 70 . In other words, the refrigerant leakage sensor detection signal indicates the presence or absence of refrigerant leakage in the refrigerant circuit RC, as well as the concentration of the leakage refrigerant in the space where the refrigerant leakage sensor 70 is installed (more specifically, the concentration of the refrigerant detected by the refrigerant leakage sensor 70). concentration) is output to the controller 80 in an identifiable form. That is, the refrigerant leakage sensor 70 detects refrigerant leakage in the heat exchanger unit 30 (equipment room R) by directly detecting the refrigerant (more specifically, the concentration of the refrigerant) flowing out of the refrigerant circuit RC. Refrigerant leakage detector".

(2-7) Controller 80
The controller 80 is a computer that controls the operation of the heat load processing system 100 by controlling the state of each device. In this embodiment, the controller 80 allows the heat source side unit control section 29, the heat exchanger unit control section 49, and devices connected to these (for example, a control section and a remote control arranged in the user side unit) to communicate with each other through communication lines. It is configured by being connected via That is, in the present embodiment, the controller 80 is implemented by the cooperation of the heat source side unit control section 29, the heat exchanger unit control section 49, and devices connected thereto. Details of the controller 80 will be described later.

(3) Flow of Refrigerant and Heat Medium During Operation Hereinafter, the flow of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit RC and the flow of the heat medium in the heat medium circuit HC will be described. The heat load treatment system 100 mainly performs forward cycle operation and reverse cycle operation. The normal cycle operation is an operation in which the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit RC cools the heat medium circulating in the heat medium circuit HC, and the cooled heat medium cools an object to be cooled (heat load). The reverse cycle operation is an operation in which the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit RC heats the heat medium circulating in the heat medium circuit HC, and the heated heat medium heats an object to be heated (heat load). In each operation, the heat source side unit 10 to be operated is appropriately selected according to the heat load. In each operation, the rotational speeds of the compressor 11 and the heat source side fan 20 of the heat source side unit 10 and the pump 36 of the heat exchanger unit 30 during operation are appropriately adjusted.

(3-1) Flow during Normal Cycle Operation During normal cycle operation, the four-way switching valve 13 is controlled to the normal cycle state. When the forward cycle operation is started, in the heat source side unit 10 (refrigerant circuit RC) in operation, the refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 11, compressed, and then discharged. The gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 flows into the heat source side heat exchanger 14 .

The gaseous refrigerant that has flowed into the heat source side heat exchanger 14 exchanges heat with the heat source side air flow sent by the heat source side fan 20 in the heat source side heat exchanger 14 to be condensed (or radiated). The refrigerant that has flowed out of the heat source side heat exchanger 14 branches while flowing through the sixth pipe P6.

One of the refrigerants branched in the process of flowing through the sixth pipe P6 flows into the heat source side first control valve 16, and after pressure reduction or flow rate adjustment according to the opening degree of the heat source side first control valve 16, the supercooler 15 into the main channel 151 . The refrigerant that has flowed into the main channel 151 of the supercooler 15 exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing through the sub-channel 152 and is further cooled to become a supercooled liquid refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant that has flowed out of the main flow path 151 of the subcooler 15 flows out of the heat source side unit 10 and flows into the heat exchanger unit 30 through the liquid side communication pipe LP.

The other refrigerant branched in the process of flowing through the sixth pipe P6 flows into the heat source side second control valve 17, and after being depressurized or flow rate adjusted according to the opening degree of the heat source side second control valve 17, the supercooler It flows into 15 sub-channels 152 . The refrigerant flowing into the sub-flow path 152 of the supercooler 15 exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing through the main flow path 151, and is then injected into the compressor 11 through the eleventh pipe P11.

The refrigerant that has flowed into the heat exchanger unit 30 flows through the corresponding refrigerant pipe Pa into the expansion valve 31 and is depressurized to a low pressure in the refrigeration cycle according to the opening degree of the expansion valve 31. flows into the corresponding refrigerant flow path RP. The refrigerant that has flowed into the refrigerant flow path RP of the heat exchanger 33 evaporates by exchanging heat with the heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path HP, and flows out of the heat exchanger 33 . The refrigerant that has flowed out of the heat exchanger 33 flows out of the heat exchanger unit 30 through refrigerant pipes Pc and Pd.

The refrigerant that has flowed out of the heat exchanger unit 30 flows into the heat source side unit 10 via the gas side communication pipe GP. The refrigerant that has flowed into the heat source side unit 10 flows into the accumulator 12 through the first pipe P1, the second pipe P2, and the like. The refrigerant that has flowed into the accumulator 12 is sucked into the compressor 11 again after being temporarily stored.

In the heat medium circuit HC, the pump 36 sends the heat medium from the first heat medium communication pipe H1 to the heat medium flow path HP of the heat exchanger 33 . The heat medium sent to the heat medium flow path HP is cooled by exchanging heat with the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path RP, and flows out of the heat exchanger 33 . The heat medium that has flowed out of the heat exchanger 33 flows out of the heat exchanger unit 30 through the heat medium pipe Hd and the like.

The heat medium flowing out of the heat exchanger unit 30 is sent to the user side unit 60 in operation through the second heat medium communication pipe H2 and the like. The heat medium sent to the usage-side unit 60 is heated by exchanging heat with a predetermined object to be cooled (here, air in the living space SP described later), and flows out of the usage-side unit 60 . The heat medium flowing out of the utilization side unit 60 flows into the heat exchanger unit 30 again through the first heat medium communication pipe H1 and the like.

(3-2) Flow during Reverse Cycle Operation During reverse cycle operation, the four-way switching valve 13 is controlled to the reverse cycle state. When the reverse cycle operation is started, in the heat source side unit 10 (refrigerant circuit RC) in operation, the refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 11, compressed, and then discharged. The gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 flows out of the heat source side unit 10 through the fourth pipe P4, the first pipe P1, and the like.

The refrigerant that has flowed out of the heat source side unit 10 flows into the heat exchanger unit 30 through the gas side communication pipe GP. The refrigerant that has flowed into the heat exchanger unit 30 flows into the corresponding refrigerant flow path RP of the heat exchanger 33 through the corresponding refrigerant pipes Pd and Pc. The refrigerant that has flowed into the refrigerant flow path RP of the heat exchanger 33 condenses (or releases heat) by exchanging heat with the heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path HP, and flows out of the heat exchanger 33 .

The refrigerant flowing out of the heat exchanger 33 flows into the expansion valve 31 through the refrigerant pipe Pb and the like, and after being decompressed to a low pressure in the refrigeration cycle according to the degree of opening of the expansion valve 31, passes through the refrigerant pipe Pa and the like. It flows out of the heat exchanger unit 30 .

The refrigerant that has flowed out of the heat exchanger unit 30 flows into the heat source side unit 10 via the liquid side connecting pipe LP and the like. The refrigerant that has flowed into the heat source side unit 10 flows through the seventh pipe P7, the sixth pipe P6, etc., and flows into the heat source side heat exchanger . The refrigerant that has flowed into the heat source side heat exchanger 14 exchanges heat with the heat source side air flow sent by the heat source side fan 20 in the heat source side heat exchanger 14 to evaporate and flow out of the heat source side heat exchanger 14. .

The refrigerant that has flowed out of the heat source side heat exchanger 14 flows into the accumulator 12 through the fifth pipe P5, the second pipe P2, and the like. The refrigerant that has flowed into the accumulator 12 is sucked into the compressor 11 again after being temporarily stored.

In the heat medium circuit HC, the pump 36 sends the heat medium from the first heat medium communication pipe H1 to the heat medium flow path HP of the heat exchanger 33 . The heat medium sent to the heat medium flow path HP is heated by exchanging heat with the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path RP, and flows out of the heat exchanger 33 . The heat medium that has flowed out of the heat exchanger 33 flows out of the heat exchanger unit 30 through the heat medium pipe Hd and the like.

The heat medium flowing out of the heat exchanger unit 30 is sent to the user side unit 60 in operation through the second heat medium communication pipe H2 and the like. The heat medium sent to the usage-side unit 60 is cooled by exchanging heat with an object to be heated (here, air in the living space SP described later) and flows out of the usage-side unit 60 . The heat medium flowing out of the utilization side unit 60 flows into the heat exchanger unit 30 again through the first heat medium communication pipe H1 and the like.

(4) Installation mode of heat load processing system 100 FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an installation mode of the heat load processing system 100. As shown in FIG. The heat load processing system 100 is installed in, for example, a building, a commercial facility, a factory, or the like, although the installation location is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the heat load processing system 100 is installed in the building B1 in the manner shown in FIG. Building B1 has multiple floors. Note that the number of floors, the number of rooms, etc. of the building B1 can be changed as appropriate.

A facility equipment room R is provided in the building B1. The facility equipment room R is a space in which electrical equipment such as a switchboard and a generator, or cooling and heating equipment such as a boiler, etc., are arranged. The equipment room R is a space where people can enter and leave and stay. For example, the equipment room R is a space such as a basement where people can walk. In this embodiment, the equipment room R is located on the lowest floor of the building B1. In addition, the building B1 is provided with a living space SP where people are active. A plurality of living spaces SP are provided in the building B1. In this embodiment, the living space SP is located above the floor on which the equipment room R is provided.

In FIG. 3, the heat source side unit 10 is installed on the roof of the building B1. Moreover, the heat exchanger unit 30 is installed in the equipment room R. As shown in FIG. In this connection, a liquid-side connecting pipe LP and a gas-side connecting pipe GP extend vertically between the roof and the equipment room R. More specifically, in the equipment room R, as shown in FIG. 4, the heat exchanger unit 30 is installed together with other equipment (equipment OD1 to OD3). The devices OD1 to OD3 are not particularly limited, but are, for example, boilers, generators, switchboards, and the like. In addition, only the heat exchanger unit 30 may be installed in the equipment room R.

In addition, in FIG. 3, each user unit 60 is arranged in the corresponding living space SP. In this connection, the first heat medium communication pipe H1 and the second heat medium communication pipe H2 extend vertically between the living space SP and the equipment room R.

In the building B1, a ventilation device 200 is provided for ventilating the equipment room R (forced ventilation or natural ventilation). Each ventilator 200 is installed in the equipment room R. Specifically, in the equipment room R, a ventilation fan 210 is installed as the ventilation device 200 . The ventilation fan 210 is connected to a plurality of ventilation ducts D. When the ventilation fan 210 is driven, the air in the equipment room R (inside air RA) is discharged to the outside space as exhaust EA, and the air in the outside space (outside air OA) is supplied to the equipment room R as supply air SA. Then, the equipment room R is ventilated. That is, the ventilation fan 210 corresponds to a “ventilator” that ventilates the equipment room R. FIG. The ventilation fan 210 is electrically connected to the controller 80 via an adapter 80a (see FIG. 12). The operation of the ventilation fan 210 (start/stop, rotation speed, etc.) can be controlled by the controller 80 . The control of the ventilation fan 210 is appropriately switched between an intermittent operation mode in which the ventilation fan 210 operates intermittently and a continuous operation mode in which the ventilation fan 210 operates continuously.

Further, in the equipment room R, an opening/closing mechanism 220 is installed as the ventilation device 200 . The opening/closing mechanism 220 is a mechanism capable of switching between an open state in which communication between the equipment room R and another space (for example, an external space) is communicated, and a closed state in which communication is interrupted. That is, the opening/closing mechanism 220 opens/closes an opening that communicates the equipment room R with another space. The opening/closing mechanism 220 is, for example, a door, hatch, window, shutter, or the like that can be controlled to open and close. The opening/closing mechanism 220 is electrically connected to the controller 80 via an adapter 80b (see FIG. 12). The state of ventilation fan 210 (open state or closed state) is controlled by controller 80 .

(5) Configuration Mode of Heat Exchanger Unit 30 FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the heat exchanger unit 30. As shown in FIG. The heat exchanger unit 30 has a casing 50 that accommodates each device. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the layout of devices inside the casing 50 in a plan view. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of devices inside the casing 50 as viewed from the side. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the layout of the devices inside the casing 50 as viewed from the front.

The casing 50 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The casing 50 is installed via installation legs, a frame, or the like. A lower space Sa and an upper space Sb are formed inside the casing 50 . Note that the lower space Sa and the upper space Sb are not completely partitioned and are partially communicated with each other.

In the lower space Sa, the expansion valves 31, the on-off valves 32, the heat exchanger 33, the pump 36, the refrigerant pipes Pa to Pd, the heat medium pipes Ha to Hd, and the heat exchanger unit sensor S2 are arranged. . In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the first heat exchanger 34, the second heat exchanger 35, and the pump 36 are arranged in this order from right to left in the lower space Sa. In front of the heat exchanger 33, the expansion valves 31, the on-off valves 32, and the refrigerant pipes Pa-Pd are arranged in an orderly manner corresponding to the positions of the communicating refrigerant flow paths RP. A heat medium pipe Ha is arranged behind the pump 36 . The heat medium pipe Hb extends from the front of the pump 36 toward the rear of the second heat exchanger 35 . The heat medium pipes Hc-Hd are arranged behind the heat exchanger 33 .

7 and 8, the portion indicated by reference numeral "A1" is the highest portion (hereinafter referred to as "the highest portion A1”). The top portion A1 is located at a height corresponding to a vertical length h1 from the bottom portion of the casing 50. As shown in FIG.

7 and 8, the portion indicated by reference numeral "A2" represents the lowest portion (hereinafter referred to as "lowest portion A2") of each refrigerant pipe Pa-Pd in the heat exchanger unit 30. ing. The lowest portion A2 is located at a height corresponding to the vertical length h2 from the bottom portion of the casing 50. As shown in FIG. The lowest portion A2 is located at a height corresponding to the vertical length h2 from the bottom portion of the casing 50. As shown in FIG.

The upper space Sb is a space located above the lower space Sa. An electrical component box 55 for housing the heat exchanger unit control section 49 is arranged in the upper space Sb.

The casing 50 has a bottom plate 58 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. As shown in FIGS. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the bottom plate 58 in plan view. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the bottom plate 58 in side view.

The bottom plate 58 is a member forming the bottom portion of the casing 50 . Also, the bottom plate 58 is one of the members that form the lower space Sa. The bottom plate 58 is arranged below the heat exchanger 33 . The bottom plate 58 also functions as a drain pan that receives condensed water falling from the heat exchanger 33 . The bottom plate 58 has a substantially rectangular bottom portion 581 in plan view. Also, the bottom plate 58 is formed with a discharge port 58a for discharging water received by the bottom surface portion 581 . The discharge port 58a is arranged near the center of one side of the bottom surface portion 581 in plan view (see FIG. 9). The bottom portion 581 is inclined to form a downward slope toward the discharge port 58a. In this regard, the bottom plate 58 is constructed so that its depth increases in the direction of the discharge port 58a. In other words, in the bottom plate 58, above the bottom portion 581, a space (a space Si immediately above the bottom plate) is formed that becomes deeper in the direction of the discharge port 58a.

The coolant leakage sensor 70 is arranged on the bottom surface portion 581 of the bottom plate 58 . That is, the coolant leakage sensor 70 is arranged in the space Si directly above the bottom plate. More specifically, the coolant leakage sensor 70 is arranged near the discharge port 58a. In other words, the coolant leakage sensor 70 is arranged at a position where the depth of the space Si directly above the bottom plate becomes large.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the layout of the exhaust fan unit 45 and the cooling fan 48 in the casing 50. As shown in FIG. The casing 50 is formed with an exhaust port 50a through which the air sent by the exhaust fan unit 45 is exhausted. The outlet 50a is an opening through which the first airflow AF1 flows out from the heat exchanger unit 30 to the outside. The discharge port 50a is positioned near the upper end of the lower space Sa. More specifically, the outlet 50a is arranged at a position higher than the height h1. That is, the discharge port 50a is formed at a position higher than the uppermost portion A1 (the highest portion of the refrigerant pipe accommodated in the heat exchanger unit 30). The outlet 50 a communicates with the secondary side (blowing side) of the exhaust fan 46 .

Further, the casing 50 has an exhaust fan unit 45 arranged in the lower space Sa. The exhaust fan unit 45 is arranged in the lower space Sa such that the first airflow AF1 is taken in from the space Si immediately above the bottom plate and discharged from the discharge port 50a. More specifically, the flow path forming member 47 of the exhaust fan unit 45 is arranged to extend vertically from the space Si directly above the bottom plate.

One end of the flow path forming member 47 is an opening and functions as a suction port for sucking the first airflow AF1. The suction port 47a is arranged at a position lower than the height h1 (see FIG. 11). That is, the suction port 47a through which the exhaust fan unit 45 takes in air is formed at a position lower than the uppermost portion A1 (the highest portion of the refrigerant pipe accommodated in the heat exchanger unit 30). In addition, the suction port 47a is arranged at a position lower than the lowest portion A2 (the lowest portion of the refrigerant pipe accommodated in the heat exchanger unit 30). More specifically, the suction port 47a is arranged in the space Si directly above the bottom plate (see FIG. 10). That is, it can be said that the suction port 47a is formed in a space within the bottom plate 58 (drain pan). From a different point of view, it can be interpreted that the suction port 47 a is arranged on the bottom plate 58 .

The other end of the flow path forming member 47 is an opening and communicates with the primary side (suction side) of the exhaust fan 46 . The other end of the flow path forming member 47 is positioned higher than the height h1. That is, the other end of the flow path forming member 47 is formed at a position higher than the uppermost portion A1 (the highest portion of the refrigerant pipe accommodated in the heat exchanger unit 30).

The exhaust fan 46 is arranged near the outlet 50a. The exhaust fan 46 is positioned higher than the height h1. That is, the exhaust fan 46 is arranged at a position higher than the uppermost portion A1 (the highest portion of the refrigerant pipes housed in the heat exchanger unit 30). Further, the exhaust fan 46 is arranged in the vicinity of the heat medium pipes Ha-Hd in the lower space Sa. As a result, when refrigerant leakage occurs in the heat exchanger unit 30, the leaked refrigerant is suppressed from flowing toward the living space SP through the heat medium pipes Ha-Hd.

Further, the casing 50 has a cooling fan 48 arranged in the upper space Sb. In the upper space Sb, the cooling fan 48 causes the second airflow AF2 to pass around the heat-generating components included in the heat exchanger unit control section 49 and then flow out to the outside (equipment room R in this case). placed. The cooling fan 48 is arranged near the heat exchanger unit controller 49 housed in the electrical component box 55 . In this embodiment, the cooling fan 48 is arranged at a position higher than the height h1. That is, the cooling fan 48 is arranged at a position higher than the exhaust fan 46 .

(6) Details of Controller 80 In the heat load processing system 100, the controller 80 is configured by connecting the heat source side unit control section 29 and the heat exchanger unit control section 49 via a communication line. FIG. 12 is a block diagram schematically showing the controller 80 and each unit connected to the controller 80. As shown in FIG.

The controller 80 has a plurality of control modes, and controls the operation of each device according to the transition control mode. In this embodiment, the controller 80 has two control modes: a normal operation mode that transitions during operation (when no refrigerant leakage occurs), and a normal operation mode that transitions when refrigerant leakage occurs (more specifically, when a leaked refrigerant is detected). ) and a refrigerant leakage mode.

The controller 80 controls devices included in the heat load processing system 100 (for example, the compressor 11 included in the heat source side unit 10, the four-way switching valve 13, the heat source side first control valve 16, the heat source side second control valve 17, the heat source side side fan 20, heat source side sensor S1, devices included in heat exchanger unit 30 (specifically, each expansion valve 31, each on-off valve 32, pump 36, exhaust fan 46, cooling fan 48 and heat exchanger unit sensor S2), the refrigerant leakage sensor 70, etc. The controller 80 is also electrically connected to the ventilation device 200 arranged in the equipment room R. More specifically, , the controller 80 is electrically connected to the ventilation fan 210 via an adapter 80a, and electrically connected to the opening/closing mechanism 220 via an adapter 80b.The controller 80 further has an output capable of outputting predetermined information. It is electrically connected to a device 300 (for example, a display capable of outputting display information, a speaker capable of outputting audio information, etc.).

The controller 80 mainly includes a storage unit 81, an input control unit 82, a mode control unit 83, a coolant leakage determination unit 84, a device control unit 85, a drive signal output unit 86, an information output control unit 87, have. These functional units in the controller 80 are realized by cooperation of the CPU, memory, and various electric/electronic components included in the heat source side unit control unit 29 and/or the heat exchanger unit control unit 49. It is

(6-1) Storage unit 81
The storage unit 81 is composed of, for example, ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc., and includes a volatile storage area and a nonvolatile storage area. The storage unit 81 includes a program storage area M1 that stores a control program defining processing in each unit of the controller 80 .

The storage unit 81 also includes a detection value storage area M2 for storing detection values of various sensors. In the detected value storage area M2, for example, the detected values of each heat source side sensor S1 and each heat exchanger unit sensor S2 (suction pressure, discharge pressure, suction temperature, discharge temperature, temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger 33, pressure, or the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant flowing out of the heat exchanger 33) are stored.

The storage unit 81 also includes a sensor signal storage area M3 for storing a coolant leak sensor detection signal (a detected value of the coolant leak sensor 70) transmitted from the coolant leak sensor 70. FIG. The refrigerant leakage signal stored in the sensor signal storage area M3 is updated each time a refrigerant leakage signal output from the refrigerant leakage sensor 70 is received.

The storage unit 81 also includes a command storage area M4 for storing commands input by the user via an input device (not shown).

Further, the storage unit 81 is provided with a plurality of flags having a predetermined number of bits. For example, the storage unit 81 is provided with a control mode determination flag M5 that can determine the control mode to which the controller 80 is transitioning. The control mode determination flag M5 includes the number of bits corresponding to the number of control modes, and the bits corresponding to the transition control modes are set.

Further, the storage unit 81 is provided with a refrigerant leakage detection flag M6 for determining that refrigerant leakage has been detected in the heat exchanger unit 30 . The refrigerant leakage detection flag M6 is configured to be able to determine that refrigerant leakage has occurred when refrigerant leakage has occurred in any of the refrigerant circuits RC. The refrigerant leakage detection flag M6 is switched by the refrigerant leakage determination unit 84. FIG.

(6-2) Input control section 82
The input control unit 82 is a functional unit that serves as an interface for receiving signals output from each device connected to the controller 80 . For example, the input control unit 82 receives a signal output from each sensor (S1, S2), a remote controller, etc., and stores it in a corresponding storage area of the storage unit 81, or sets a predetermined flag.

(6-3) Mode control section 83
The mode control unit 83 is a functional unit that switches control modes. The mode control unit 83 switches the control mode to the normal operation mode during normal operation (when the refrigerant leakage detection flag M6 is not set). The mode control unit 83 switches the control mode to the refrigerant leakage mode when the refrigerant leakage detection flag M6 is set. The mode control unit 83 sets the control mode determination flag M5 according to the control mode to which it is transitioning.

(6-4) Refrigerant leakage determination unit 84
The refrigerant leakage determination unit 84 is a functional unit that determines whether or not refrigerant leakage occurs in the refrigerant circuit RC. Specifically, when a predetermined refrigerant leakage detection condition is satisfied, the refrigerant leakage determination unit 84 determines that refrigerant leakage is occurring in the refrigerant circuit RC, and sets the refrigerant leakage detection flag M6.

In this embodiment, whether or not the refrigerant leakage detection condition is satisfied is determined based on the refrigerant leakage sensor detection signal in the sensor signal storage area M3. Specifically, the refrigerant leakage detection condition is that the voltage value (detection value of the refrigerant leakage sensor 70) related to any refrigerant leakage sensor detection signal continues for a predetermined first reference value or more for a predetermined time t1 or longer. filled by The first reference value is a value (refrigerant concentration) at which refrigerant leakage in the refrigerant circuit RC is assumed. The predetermined time t1 is set to a time during which it can be determined that the refrigerant leakage sensor detection signal is not instantaneous. The refrigerant leakage determination unit 84 sets the refrigerant leakage detection flag M6 based on the fact that the refrigerant leakage detection condition is satisfied. That is, together with the refrigerant leakage sensor 70, the refrigerant leakage determination unit 84 corresponds to a "refrigerant leakage detection unit" that detects refrigerant leakage in the heat exchanger unit 30 (equipment room R).

The predetermined time t1 is appropriately set according to the type of refrigerant enclosed in the refrigerant circuit RC, the specifications of each device, the installation environment, and the like, and is defined in the control program. The coolant leakage determination unit 84 is configured to be able to measure the predetermined time t1.

Also, the first reference value is appropriately set according to the type of refrigerant enclosed in the refrigerant circuit RC, design specifications, installation environment, and the like, and is defined in the control program.

(6-5) Device control section 85
The equipment control unit 85 controls each equipment (for example, 11, 13, 16, 17, 20, 31, 32, 36, 46, 48, etc.) included in the heat load treatment system 100 according to the situation according to the control program. controls the behavior of In addition, the device control unit 85 controls the state of the ventilation device 200 (ventilation fan 210 and opening/closing mechanism 220) installed in the equipment room R. FIG. The device control unit 85 refers to the control mode determination flag M5 to determine the control mode in transition, and controls the operation of each device based on the determined control mode.

For example, in the normal operation mode, the equipment control unit 85 controls the operating capacity of the compressor 11, the heat source side fan 20, The opening degrees of the heat source side first control valve 16 and the heat source side second control valve 17, the opening degree of the expansion valve 31, the rotation speed of the pump 36, and the like are controlled in real time.

During normal cycle operation, the device control unit 85 controls the four-way switching valve 13 to the normal cycle state, causes the heat source side heat exchanger 14 to function as a refrigerant condenser (or radiator), and controls the heat exchanger unit 30. The heat exchanger 33 functions as a refrigerant evaporator. Further, during reverse cycle operation, the device control unit 85 controls the four-way switching valve 13 to the reverse cycle state, causes the heat source side heat exchanger 14 to function as a refrigerant evaporator, and causes the heat exchanger of the heat exchanger unit 30 to function as a refrigerant evaporator. 33 functions as a refrigerant condenser (or radiator).

In addition, the device control section 85 executes various controls as described below depending on the situation. Note that the device control unit 85 is configured to be able to measure time.

<Refrigerant leakage first control>
When it is assumed that refrigerant leakage has occurred in the heat exchanger unit 30 (refrigerant circuit RC) (specifically, when the refrigerant leakage detection flag M6 is set), the device control unit 85 performs the first refrigerant leakage control. to run. In the refrigerant leakage first control, the device control unit 85 controls the expansion valves 31 and the on-off valves 32 of the heat exchanger unit 30 to be closed. This suppresses the inflow of the refrigerant from the heat source side unit 10 to the heat exchanger unit 30, thereby suppressing further refrigerant leakage. That is, the refrigerant leakage first control is control for suppressing the outflow of the refrigerant that has leaked from the heat exchanger unit 30 when refrigerant leakage occurs. In the refrigerant leakage first control, the expansion valves 31 and the on-off valves 32 are closed when refrigerant leakage occurs. is suppressed from flowing out of the leaked refrigerant.

<Refrigerant leakage second control>
When it is assumed that a refrigerant leak has occurred in the heat exchanger unit 30 (refrigerant circuit RC), the device control unit 85 executes refrigerant leakage second control (corresponding to the “first process” described in the claims). . The second refrigerant leakage control is performed by the fans (the exhaust fan 46 and the cooling fan 46) arranged in the heat exchanger unit 30 in order to prevent local occurrence of regions with a high concentration of leaked refrigerant in the heat exchanger unit 30. This control is to operate the fan 48) at a predetermined number of revolutions. In the refrigerant leakage second control, the equipment control section 85 operates the exhaust fan 46 of the heat exchanger unit 30 at a predetermined rotation speed (air volume). In addition, the device control unit 85 operates the cooling fan 48 of the heat exchanger unit 30 at a predetermined rotation speed (air volume) in the second refrigerant leakage control. In the present embodiment, the rotation speeds of the exhaust fan 46 and the cooling fan 48 in the refrigerant leakage second control are set to the maximum rotation speed (maximum air volume). That is, in the refrigerant leakage second control, if the exhaust fan 46 or the cooling fan 48 is in the stopped state, the device control unit 85 shifts it to the operating state, and if the exhaust fan 46 or the cooling fan 48 is already in the operating state, is controlled to the maximum number of revolutions.

With this refrigerant leakage second control, even when refrigerant leakage occurs in the heat exchanger unit 30, the first airflow AF1 generated by the exhaust fan 46 and the second airflow generated by the cooling fan 48 are controlled. AF2 agitates the leaked refrigerant in the heat exchanger unit 30 or discharges it from the heat exchanger unit 30 . Therefore, an increase in the concentration of the leaked refrigerant in the heat exchanger unit 30 is suppressed.

<Refrigerant leakage third control>
When it is assumed that a refrigerant leak has occurred in the heat exchanger unit 30 (refrigerant circuit RC), the device control unit 85 executes refrigerant leakage third control (corresponding to the “first process” described in the claims). . The third refrigerant leakage control is a control that increases the amount of ventilation by the ventilator 200 in order to prevent local occurrence of regions where the leaked refrigerant concentration is high in the equipment room R. FIG.

The device control unit 85 increases the number of rotations (air volume) of the ventilation fan 210 in the third refrigerant leakage control. In this embodiment, the number of rotations of the ventilation fan 210 in the third refrigerant leakage control is set to the maximum number of rotations (maximum air volume). That is, in the refrigerant leakage third control, if the ventilation fan 210 is in a stopped state, the device control unit 85 shifts it to an operating state, and if the ventilation fan 210 is already in an operating state, it controls the number of revolutions to the maximum. . Further, when the ventilation fan 210 is intermittently operated according to the intermittent operation mode, the device control unit 85 switches to the continuous operation mode by the refrigerant leakage third control and causes the continuous operation to be performed. As a result, the operating time per unit time of the ventilation fan 210 increases. As a result, the amount of ventilation by the ventilation fan 210 is increased, and the discharge of the leaked refrigerant to the external space is facilitated.

In addition, the device control unit 85 switches the open/close mechanism 220 to the open state in the third refrigerant leakage control. Thereby, the equipment room R communicates with other spaces. As a result, part of the leaked refrigerant in the equipment room R flows out to other spaces, and the occurrence of areas in the equipment room R where the concentration of the leaked refrigerant is high is further suppressed.

(6-6) Drive signal output unit 86
The drive signal output unit 86 outputs a corresponding drive signal to each device (for example, 11, 13, 16, 17, 20, 31, 32, 36, 46, 48, etc.) according to the control contents of the device control unit 85. (driving voltage) is output. The drive signal output unit 86 includes a plurality of inverters (not shown), and for specific devices (for example, the compressor 11, the heat source side fan 20, or the pump 36, etc.), a drive signal is output from the corresponding inverter. Output.

(6-7) Information output control unit 87
The information output control section 87 is a functional section that controls the operation of the output device 300 . The information output control unit 87 causes the output device 300 to output predetermined information in order to output information regarding the driving state and situation to the user. For example, when the refrigerant leakage detection flag M6 is set, the information output control unit 87 causes the output device 300 to output information (refrigerant leakage notification information) for reporting the fact that refrigerant leakage has occurred. Note that the refrigerant leakage reporting information is display information such as characters or voice information such as an alarm. As a result, administrators and users can grasp the fact that refrigerant leakage has occurred, and can take prescribed measures.

(7) Processing Flow of Controller 80 An example of the processing flow of the controller 80 will be described below with reference to FIG. 13 . FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the controller 80. As shown in FIG. When the controller 80 is powered on, the controller 80 performs processing according to the flow shown in steps S101 to S110 in FIG. Note that the flow of processing shown in FIG. 13 is an example and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the order of the steps may be changed within a consistent range, some steps may be executed in parallel with other steps, and other steps may be newly added.

In step S101, when the controller 80 assumes that refrigerant leakage has occurred in the heat exchanger unit 30 (refrigerant circuit RC) (that is, in the case of YES), the process proceeds to step S105. If the controller 80 assumes that there is no refrigerant leakage in the heat exchanger unit 30 (that is, NO), the controller 80 proceeds to step S102.

In step S102, the controller 80 returns to step S101 if a command to start operation (operation start command) has not been input (that is, in the case of NO). On the other hand, if the operation start command has been input (that is, if YES), the controller 80 proceeds to step S103.

In step S103, the controller 80 transitions to the normal operation mode (or maintains the normal operation mode). After that, the process proceeds to step S104.

In step S104, the controller 80 controls the state of each device in real time according to the input command, set temperature, and detected values of each sensor (S1, S2, etc.) to operate forward cycle operation or reverse cycle operation. Let it cycle. After that, the process returns to step S101.

In step S105, the controller 80 transitions to refrigerant leakage mode. After that, the controller 80 proceeds to step S106.

In step S106, the controller 80 causes the output device 300 such as a remote controller to output refrigerant leakage notification information. As a result, the administrator can grasp that refrigerant leakage has occurred. After that, the controller 80 proceeds to step S107.

In step S107, the controller 80 executes refrigerant leakage first control. Specifically, the controller 80 controls each expansion valve 31 and each on-off valve 32 of the heat exchanger unit 30 to be closed. As a result, the flow of the refrigerant to the heat exchanger unit 30 is blocked, and further leakage of refrigerant from the heat exchanger unit 30 is suppressed. After that, the controller 80 proceeds to step S108.

In step S108, the controller 80 executes refrigerant leakage second control. Specifically, the controller 80 drives the exhaust fan 46 and the cooling fan 48 at a predetermined rotational speed (for example, maximum rotational speed). As a result, in the heat exchanger unit 30, stirring or discharging of the leaked refrigerant is promoted, and the locally dangerous concentration of the leaked refrigerant is suppressed. After that, the controller 80 proceeds to step S109.

In step S109, the controller 80 executes the refrigerant leakage third control. Specifically, the controller 80 increases the ventilation amount (air volume and/or operating time per unit time) of the ventilation fan 210 . As a result, the amount of ventilation by the ventilation fan 210 is increased, and the discharge of the leaked refrigerant to the external space is facilitated. In addition, the device control unit 85 switches the open/close mechanism 220 to the open state in the third refrigerant leakage control. As a result, the facility equipment room R communicates with other spaces, the discharge of the leaked refrigerant in the facility equipment room R is facilitated, and the occurrence of areas where the concentration of the leaked refrigerant is high is further suppressed. After that, the controller 80 proceeds to step S110.

In step S110, the controller 80 stops the compressor 11. FIG. The controller 80 then waits until released by the administrator.

(8) Measures against Refrigerant Leakage in Heat Load Processing System 100 In the heat load processing system 100, the following (i) to (iv) are implemented as measures against refrigerant leakage.

(i)
In the heat load processing system 100, the heat exchanger unit 30 is provided with an expansion valve 31 and an on-off valve 32 that can switch between opening and closing with respect to the flow of refrigerant from the heat source side unit 10 to the heat exchanger unit 30. . When refrigerant leakage occurs in the heat exchanger unit 30, the refrigerant leakage first control is executed, and the expansion valve 31 and the on-off valve 32 are switched to the closed state. As a result, the flow of refrigerant from the heat source side unit 10 to the heat exchanger unit 30 is cut off, thereby suppressing further refrigerant leakage.

(ii)
In the heat load processing system 100, fans (exhaust fan 46 and cooling fan 48) are arranged in the heat exchanger unit 30 to generate airflows (AF1, AF2). Then, when refrigerant leakage occurs in the heat exchanger unit 30, the refrigerant leakage second control is executed to start the fan or increase the rotation speed (air volume) of the fan. As a result, the leaked refrigerant is stirred in the heat exchanger unit 30 . Alternatively, the leaked refrigerant is discharged from the heat exchanger unit 30 . As a result, an increase in the concentration of leaked refrigerant in the heat exchanger unit 30 is suppressed.

(iii)
In the heat load processing system 100, the controller 80 is configured to control the ventilation device 200 (ventilation fan 210, opening/closing mechanism 220) in the equipment room R in which the heat exchanger unit 30 is installed. Then, when refrigerant leakage occurs in the heat exchanger unit 30, the refrigerant leakage third control is executed to increase the ventilation amount of the ventilator 200. FIG. Specifically, the ventilation amount (air volume, operating time per unit time) of the ventilation fan 210 is increased. Also, the opening/closing mechanism 220 is switched to the open state. As a result, the amount of ventilation in the heat exchanger unit 30 increases, and the stirring and discharging of the leaked refrigerant in the equipment room R is facilitated. As a result, an increase in the concentration of the leaked refrigerant in the equipment room R is suppressed.

(iv)
In the heat load processing system 100, the suction port 47a of the exhaust fan unit 45 is arranged at a position lower than the uppermost portion A1 (the highest portion of the refrigerant pipe accommodated in the heat exchanger unit 30). As a result, when the refrigerant having a higher specific gravity than air leaks from the heat exchanger unit 30, the discharge from the heat exchanger unit 30 is facilitated. That is, when a refrigerant having a higher specific gravity than air leaks in the heat exchanger unit 30, the leaked refrigerant accumulates in the space Si directly above the bottom plate, but the suction port 47a of the exhaust fan unit 45 is lower than the uppermost portion A1. By being formed at the position, discharge of the leaked refrigerant accumulated in the space Si directly above the bottom plate is facilitated.

(9) Features (9-1)
In the above embodiment, the heat exchanger unit 30 is provided with the exhaust fan unit 45 that sends air from inside the heat exchanger unit 30 to the outside. The heat exchanger unit 30 has a suction port for the exhaust fan unit 45 to take in air at a position lower than the highest top portion A1 included in the refrigerant pipe (Pa-Pd) located in the heat exchanger unit 30. 47a is arranged. The controller 80 controls the refrigerant leakage second control (first processing).

As a result, when refrigerant leakage occurs in the heat exchanger unit 30, the leaked refrigerant is discharged from the heat exchanger unit 30, thereby suppressing an increase in the concentration of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger unit 30. ing. In particular, by arranging the suction port 47a of the exhaust fan unit 45 at a position lower than the highest uppermost portion A1 included in the refrigerant pipe (Pa-Pd) located in the heat exchanger unit 30, the specific gravity is lower than that of air. The discharge from the heat exchanger unit 30 is facilitated in the event of leakage of the refrigerant with a large .

(9-2)
In the above embodiment, the heat exchanger unit 30 is provided with an outlet 50a for the air sent by the exhaust fan unit 45, and the outlet 50a is positioned higher than the uppermost portion A1. As a result, the leaked refrigerant can be sent upward from the bottom of the heat exchanger unit 30 and discharged when the refrigerant leaks. Therefore, the refrigerant is suppressed from staying in the lower portion of the heat exchanger unit 30 .

(9-3)
In the above embodiment, the exhaust fan 46 is arranged at a position higher than the uppermost portion A1. As a result, when the exhaust fan 46 is arranged at a position higher than the highest portion (uppermost portion A1) included in the refrigerant pipe (Pa-Pd) located inside the heat exchanger unit 30, leakage of refrigerant occurs. The discharged refrigerant from the heat exchanger unit 30 is promoted.

(9-4)
In the above embodiment, the heat exchanger unit 30 further includes a bottom plate 58 arranged below the heat exchanger 33 to receive condensed water. The suction port 47a is arranged in the space Si directly above the bottom plate (that is, the space above the bottom plate 58). This facilitates discharge of the leaked refrigerant from the heat exchanger unit 30 when refrigerant leakage occurs in the heat exchanger unit 30 . In particular, the discharge from the heat exchanger unit 30 is facilitated when a refrigerant having a higher specific gravity than air leaks.

(9-5)
In the above embodiment, the cooling fan 48 that generates the second airflow AF2 that flows from inside the heat exchanger unit 30 to the outside is arranged in the heat exchanger unit 30, and the controller 80 performs the refrigerant leakage second control (second 1 processing), the cooling fan 48 is driven. As a result, even when refrigerant leakage occurs in the heat exchanger unit 30, an increase in the concentration inside the heat exchanger unit 30 is further suppressed.

(9-6)
In the above embodiment, the controller 80 controls the operation of the ventilation device 200 that performs ventilation in the facility equipment room R so that the ventilation amount of the ventilation device 200 increases in the refrigerant leakage third control (first process). is configured as That is, when refrigerant leakage occurs in the heat exchanger unit 30, the exhaust fan 46, the cooling fan 48, and the ventilation device 200 arranged in the equipment room R are interlocked and controlled. As a result, when a refrigerant leak occurs in the heat exchanger unit 30, the leaked refrigerant flows from the heat exchanger unit 30 to the equipment room R, and is promoted to be discharged from the equipment room R to another space. there is

(10) Modifications The above embodiment can be appropriately modified as shown in the following modifications. Each modified example may be applied in combination with other modified examples as long as there is no contradiction.

(10-1) Modification 1
The heat exchanger unit 30 according to the above embodiment may be configured like the heat exchanger unit 30a shown in FIGS. 14-17. Hereinafter, the heat exchanger unit 30a and the heat load processing system 100a including the heat exchanger unit 30a will be mainly described with respect to differences from the above-described embodiment. It should be noted that descriptions of points in common with the above-described embodiment will be omitted unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the heat exchanger unit 30a. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing the layout of devices in the heat exchanger unit 30a in plan view. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of devices in the heat exchanger unit 30a viewed from the right. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing the layout of devices in the heat exchanger unit 30a as viewed from the front. In FIG. 17, the reference symbol "A1'" indicates the highest portion (uppermost portion) of the refrigerant pipes included in the heat exchanger unit 30a, and the reference symbol "h1'" indicates the height of the uppermost portion A1'. . Although FIGS. 15 to 17 show three refrigerant systems (refrigerant circuits RC) arranged in the heat exchanger unit 30a, the concept of the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to such an aspect. not. That is, the heat exchanger unit 30a may have four or more constituent devices of the refrigerant circuit RC, or may have less than three constituent devices of the refrigerant circuit RC.

The heat exchanger unit 30a has the equipment included in the heat source side unit 10. As shown in FIG. More specifically, the heat exchanger unit 30 a has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped casing 51 , and in addition to each device included in the heat exchanger unit 30 , each device included in the heat source side unit 10 is placed inside the casing 51 . houses the equipment. In other words, in the heat exchanger unit 30a, it can be said that the heat exchanger unit 30 and the heat source side unit 10 are configured integrally.

The heat exchanger unit 30 a has a heat source side heat exchanger 14 a instead of the heat source side heat exchanger 14 . The heat source side heat exchanger 14 is configured to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat source side air flow, but the heat source side heat exchanger 14a performs heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat source side heat medium (for example, water). is configured to perform The heat source side heat exchanger 14a is not particularly limited in type, but is, for example, a double tube heat exchanger. However, for the heat source side heat exchanger 14a, a heat exchanger of a type that can be used as a heat exchanger between a refrigerant and a heat source side heat medium may be appropriately selected. In the heat exchanger unit 30a, the heat source side fan 20 is omitted in relation to heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat source side heat medium (for example, water). Also, in relation to this, the heat load processing system 100a may be configured as shown in FIG. 18, for example.

FIG. 18 is a schematic configuration diagram of the heat load processing system 100a. A heat source side heat medium circuit WC is configured in the heat load processing system 100a. In the heat source side heat medium circuit WC, the heat source side heat medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the heat source side heat exchanger 14a flows. The heat source side heat medium circuit WC includes a cooling tower 90 for cooling the heat source side heat medium heated by exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the heat source side heat exchanger 14 . The cooling tower 90 is installed, for example, on the roof. In the heat source side heat medium circuit WC, a plurality of heat source side pumps 92 for sending the heat source side heat medium to the heat source side heat exchangers 14 are arranged in parallel according to the number of the heat source side heat exchangers 14 .

In the heat load processing system 100a, the liquid-side connecting pipe LP and the gas-side connecting pipe GP are omitted in connection with having each device included in the heat source side unit 10. FIG.

The heat load processing system 100a may be configured such that the refrigerant is heated by the heat source side heat medium in the heat source side heat exchanger 14a. In such cases, other equipment may be arranged in place of/along with the cooling tower 90 .

Also in the heat load processing system 100a, by arranging the exhaust fan unit 45 and the cooling fan 48 in the same manner as the heat exchanger unit 30, the same effects as in the above embodiment (for example, the above (i)-( iv) function and effect) can be realized.

For example, by configuring the controller 80 to perform the same control as the refrigerant leakage first control, the refrigerant leakage second control, and the refrigerant leakage third control, the same effects as (i) to (iii) above play.

Further, for example, the exhaust fan unit 45 is provided so that the suction port 47a of the exhaust fan unit 45 is arranged at a portion lower than the uppermost portion A1' (the highest portion of the refrigerant pipe included in the heat exchanger unit 30a). As a result, the same function and effect as in (iv) above can be obtained.

In the heat exchanger unit 30a, a second exhaust fan 46a (see FIG. 17) may be provided instead of/along with one or both of the exhaust fan unit 45 and the cooling fan 48. FIG. The second exhaust fan 46a is arranged near the heat medium pipe (Ha-Hd) arranged in the heat exchanger unit 30a. The second exhaust fan 46a generates a third airflow AF3 that flows out from the heat exchanger unit 30a to the outside (equipment room R). Then, the second exhaust fan 46a may be controlled such that it is shifted to the operating state or the rotation speed (air volume) is increased in the refrigerant leakage second control. By providing such a second exhaust fan 46a and controlling it in the refrigerant leakage second control, the effect of (ii) above is realized more remarkably. In particular, since the second exhaust fan 46a is arranged in the vicinity of the heat medium pipe (Ha-Hd), the leaked refrigerant is suppressed from flowing to the living space SP side through the heat medium pipe Ha-Hd. . That is, when the second exhaust fan 46a is arranged in the heat exchanger unit 30a together with the exhaust fan unit 45, it corresponds to the "second fan" described in the claims.

Further, when the second exhaust fan 46a is arranged in the heat exchanger unit 30a instead of the exhaust fan unit 45, it can correspond to the "first fan" described in the claims. In other words, the suction port for taking in air into the second exhaust fan 46a is arranged at a portion lower than the uppermost portion A1' (the highest portion of the refrigerant pipe included in the heat exchanger unit 30a). It has the same function and effect as iv).

(10-2) Modification 2
All the devices constituting the controller 80 (especially the device control section 85 ) in the above embodiment may be arranged in the heat source side unit 10 or the heat exchanger unit 30 . That is, the controller 80 (especially the equipment control section 85) may be configured only by the heat source side unit control section 29 or the heat exchanger unit control section 49.

(10-3) Modification 3
A part/all of the equipment constituting the controller 80 in the above embodiment does not necessarily need to be arranged in the heat source side unit 10 or the heat exchanger unit 30, and may be arranged in other places. For example, some/all of controller 80 may be located at a remote location configured to communicate with the equipment controlled by controller 80 . That is, some/all of the devices controlled by the controller 80 may be configured to be remotely controllable.

(10-4) Modification 4
The cooling fan 48 in the above embodiment is not necessarily required and can be omitted as appropriate. In such a case, the exhaust fan 46 in the above embodiment may serve as the cooling fan 48 . That is, the exhaust fan 46 may be arranged so that the heat-generating components of the heat exchanger unit control section 49 are cooled by the first airflow AF1.

(10-5) Modification 5
In the above embodiment, the controller 80 is configured to continuously operate the intermittently operating ventilation fan 210 in the refrigerant leakage second control when refrigerant leakage is detected in the heat exchanger unit 30. It is From the viewpoint of increasing the amount of ventilation in the equipment room R, it is preferable to operate the ventilation fan 210 continuously. However, in the refrigerant leakage second control, it is not always necessary to continuously operate ventilation fan 210 as long as the operating time per unit time of ventilation fan 210 is increased.

(10-6) Modification 6
In the above embodiment, the suction port 47a of the exhaust fan unit 45 is arranged at a position lower than the lowest portion A2 (the lowest portion of the refrigerant pipe accommodated in the heat exchanger unit 30). However, the suction port 47a may be arranged higher than the lowermost portion A2 as long as it is arranged below the uppermost portion A1 (the highest portion of the refrigerant pipes housed in the heat exchanger unit 30). .

(10-7) Modification 7
One end (suction port 47 a ) of the flow path forming member 47 of the exhaust fan unit 45 may be connected to the exhaust port 58 a of the bottom plate 58 . That is, the discharge port 58a of the drain pan may function as the suction port 47a. In this case, it can be said that the suction port 47a of the exhaust fan unit 45 is formed in the bottom plate 58 (drain pan).

(10-8) Modification 8
The passage forming member 47 of the exhaust fan unit 45 is not necessarily required and may be omitted as appropriate. In this case, the exhaust fan 46 is provided with a suction port 47a for taking air into the exhaust fan unit 45, and the exhaust fan 46 is arranged so that the suction port 47a is located at a portion lower than the uppermost portion A1. By doing so, the same function and effect as in (iv) above can be obtained.

(10-9) Modification 9
The number and arrangement of components arranged in the heat exchanger unit 30, such as the refrigerant pipe Pa-Pd, the heat medium pipe Ha-Hd, the expansion valve 31, the on-off valve 32, the heat exchanger 33, and the pump 36, are the same as those described above. The number and arrangement are not limited to those exemplified in the embodiment, and can be changed as appropriate according to the installation environment and design specifications.

(10-10) Modification 10
In the above embodiment, the heat exchanger 33 had the first heat exchanger 34 and the second heat exchanger 35 . However, this is an example, and the heat exchanger 33 may have three or more heat exchangers. Further, for example, the heat exchanger 33 may be a single heat exchanger configured with the same number of refrigerant passages RP as the refrigerant circuits RC. Also, the heat exchanger 33 may have a plurality of heat medium flow paths HP connected in parallel in the heat medium circuit HC.

(10-11) Modification 11
The configuration mode of the refrigerant circuit RC according to the above-described embodiment can be changed as appropriate according to design specifications and installation environment. Specifically, in the refrigerant circuit RC, other devices such as receivers and valves may be arranged in place of/along with the devices shown in FIG. Further, another expansion mechanism may be used instead of the expansion valve 31 in the above embodiment. For example, instead of the expansion valve 31, a mechanical expansion valve, a capillary tube, or the like may be used.

(10-12) Modification 12
In the above-described embodiment, a plurality of (here, four) refrigerant circuits RC are configured in connection with the parallel arrangement of the plurality of heat source side units 10 . In other words, in the heat load processing system 100, the heat source side units 10 and the heat exchanger units 30 form a plurality of refrigerant circuits RC. However, the number of refrigerant circuits RC and the number of heat source side units 10 do not necessarily have to be the same. Also, the number of heat source side units 10 connected to the heat exchanger unit 30 may be appropriately selected according to the installation environment and design specifications.

(10-13) Modification 13
The heat load treatment system 100 in the above embodiment is configured to perform forward cycle operation and reverse cycle operation. However, the heat load processing system 100 does not necessarily have to be configured in such a manner. That is, the heat load treatment system 100 may be configured as a device that performs only one of the forward cycle operation and the reverse cycle operation. In such a case, the four-way switching valve 13 may be omitted as appropriate.

(10-14) Modification 14
In the above embodiment, the heat load processing system 100 is an air conditioning system that air-conditions the living space SP. However, the heat load handling system 100 need not necessarily be an air conditioning system and may be something else. For example, the heat load processing system 100 may be applied to a hot water supply system, a heat storage system, or the like.

That is, the user-side unit 60 is not limited to a unit that air-conditions the living space SP. It may be various equipment for performing

Also, the utilization side unit 60 may be a tank that stores the heat medium cooled/heated by the heat exchanger unit 30 . In such a case, the heat medium stored in the tank is sent by, for example, a pump (not shown) to a device that performs cooling/heating using the heat medium.

(10-15) Modification 15
In the above embodiment, the refrigerant leakage sensor 70 is arranged in the space Si directly above the bottom plate inside the heat exchanger unit 30 . However, the layout of the coolant leakage sensor 70 is not necessarily limited to this, and can be changed as appropriate according to the installation environment and design specifications.

For example, the refrigerant leakage sensor 70 may be arranged above the space Si directly above the bottom plate in the heat exchanger unit 30 . Also, the refrigerant leakage sensor 70 does not necessarily have to be arranged inside the heat exchanger unit 30 . For example, the refrigerant leakage sensor 70 may be arranged in equipment different from the heat exchanger unit 30 in the equipment room R, or may be arranged independently.

(10-16) Modification 16
In the above embodiment, the refrigerant leakage sensor 70 is arranged in the heat exchanger unit 30, and the presence or absence of refrigerant leakage is determined by the controller 80 (refrigerant leakage determination section 84) based on the signal transmitted from the refrigerant leakage sensor 70. , refrigerant leakage in the heat exchanger unit 30 is detected. However, the refrigerant leakage detection mode is not necessarily limited to this, and can be changed as appropriate according to the installation environment and design specifications.

For example, the controller 80 (refrigerant leakage determination unit 84) is configured to detect refrigerant leakage in the heat exchanger unit 30 based on the detected value of each heat source side sensor S1 and/or each heat exchanger unit sensor S2. By configuring, refrigerant leaks in the heat exchanger unit 30 may be detected. In such a case, the controller 80 (refrigerant leakage determination unit 84), together with the heat source side sensor S1 and/or the heat exchanger unit sensor S2, detects refrigerant leakage in the heat exchanger unit 30 (equipment room R). equivalent to "department". In this case, the coolant leakage sensor 70 may be omitted as appropriate.

(10-17) Modification 17
In the above embodiment, the operation of the ventilation fan 210 and the opening/closing mechanism 220 is controlled so that the ventilation amount of the ventilation device 200 in the equipment room R increases in the refrigerant leakage third control. In order to achieve the effect of (iii) above, it is preferable that the refrigerant leakage third control is executed in the manner according to the above embodiment. However, in the refrigerant leakage third control, only one operation of the ventilation fan 210 and the opening/closing mechanism 220 may be controlled. Even in such a case, since the ventilation amount in the equipment room R increases, the effect of (iii) above is exhibited.

(10-18) Modification 18
The execution order of the first refrigerant leakage control, the second refrigerant leakage control, and the third refrigerant leakage control in the above embodiment can be changed as appropriate. For example, one or both of the second refrigerant leakage control and the third refrigerant leakage control may be executed before the first refrigerant leakage control.

(10-19) Modification 19
In the above-described embodiment, in the refrigerant leakage second control, the operations of the exhaust fan 46 and the cooling fan 48 are controlled so as to promote agitation and discharge of the leaked refrigerant in the heat exchanger unit 30 . In order to achieve the above effect (ii), it is preferable that the refrigerant leakage second control is executed in the manner according to the above embodiment. However, in the refrigerant leakage second control, only the operation of the exhaust fan 46 may be controlled. Even in such a case, since the leaked refrigerant is stirred and discharged in the heat exchanger unit 30, the function and effect of (ii) above can be obtained.

(10-20) Modification 20
In the above embodiment, the first refrigerant leakage control and the third refrigerant leakage control are preferably executed together with the second refrigerant leakage control in order to achieve the effects (i) and (iii) above. However, in the concept of the present disclosure, the first refrigerant leakage control and the third refrigerant leakage control are not necessarily required, and may be omitted as appropriate.

(10-21) Modification 21
In the above embodiment, when refrigerant leakage occurs in the heat exchanger unit 30, the controller 80 stops the operation of the pump 36 in the first refrigerant leakage control, the second refrigerant leakage control, or the third refrigerant leakage control. may As a result, when refrigerant leakage occurs in the heat exchanger 33, the leaked refrigerant is suppressed from flowing to the user side unit 60 (living space SP) side through the heat medium circuit HC.

(11)
Although the embodiments 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 claims.

The present disclosure is applicable to heat load handling systems.

10: Heat source side unit 11: Compressor 12: Accumulator 13: Four-way switching valves 14, 14a: Heat source side heat exchanger 15: Supercooler 16: Heat source side first control valve 17: Heat source side second control valve 18: Liquid-side shut-off valve 19: Gas-side shut-off valve 20: Heat source side fans 21-25: First temperature sensor-fifth temperature sensor 27: First pressure sensor 28: Second pressure sensor 29: Heat source side unit controllers 30, 30a : Heat exchanger unit 31 : Expansion valve 32 : On-off valve 33 : Heat exchanger 34 : First heat exchanger 35 : Second heat exchanger 36 : Pump 41 : Sixth temperature sensor 42 : Seventh temperature sensor 43 : Second 3 Pressure sensor 44: Fourth pressure sensor 45: Exhaust fan unit (first fan)
46: Exhaust fan (body of first fan)
46a: Second exhaust fan (second fan/first fan)
47: Flow path forming member 47a: Suction port 48: Cooling fan (second fan)
49: Heat exchanger unit control section 50: Casing 50a: Discharge port 51: Casing 55: Electrical component box 58: Bottom plate (drain pan)
58a: discharge port 60: user-side unit 70: coolant leak sensor (refrigerant leak detector)
80: Controller (control unit)
80a, 80b: adapter 81: storage unit 82: input control unit 83: mode control unit 84: refrigerant leakage determination unit (refrigerant leakage detection unit)
85: Device control unit (control unit)
86: Drive signal output unit 87: Information output control unit 90: Cooling tower 92: Heat source side pumps 100, 100a: Heat load processing system 200: Ventilator 210: Ventilation fan 220: Opening and closing mechanism 300: Output device 581: Bottom part A1 , A1': top portion A2: bottom portion AF1: first air flow AF2: second air flow AF3: third air flow B1: building D: ventilation duct GP: gas side connecting pipe H1: first heat medium connecting pipe H2: Second heat medium communication pipe HC: Heat medium circuit HP: Heat medium flow path Ha-Hd: Heat medium pipe LP: Liquid side communication pipe P1-P11: 1st pipe-11th pipe Pa, Pb, Pc, Pd : Refrigerant piping R : Equipment room RC : Refrigerant circuit RP : Refrigerant flow path S1 : Heat source side sensor S2 : Heat exchanger unit sensor SP : Living space Sa : Lower space Sb : Upper space Si : Space directly above bottom plate WC : Heat source side Heat medium circuit

JP-A-2006-38323

Claims (6)

A heat exchanger ( 33), a heat exchanger unit (30) comprising
a first fan (45, 46a) arranged in the heat exchanger unit for sending air from inside the heat exchanger unit to the outside;
a refrigerant leakage detection unit (70, 84) for detecting refrigerant leakage in the equipment room;
a control unit (80, 85) for controlling the operation of the first fan;
with
The heat exchanger unit includes the first fan at a position lower than the highest first portion (A1) included in the refrigerant pipe located within the heat exchanger unit.for sucking the refrigerant accumulated on the bottom plate of the heat exchanger unit byA suction port (47a) is arranged,
The control unit executes a first process of driving the first fan when the refrigerant leakage detection unit detects refrigerant leakage.death,
In the heat exchanger unit, an outlet (50a) for discharging the air sent by the first fan to the outside of the heat exchanger unit is arranged at a position higher than the first portion.
A heat load handling system (100, 100a). the body (46) of the first fan is positioned higher than the first portion;
A heat load handling system (100, 100a) according to claim 1 . The heat exchanger unit further includes a drain pan (58) disposed below the heat exchanger for receiving condensed water,
the suction port is formed in the drain pan or arranged in a space above the drain pan;
The heat load handling system (100, 100a) according to claim 1 or 2 . further comprising a second fan (48) located in the heat exchanger unit;
The control unit also drives the second fan in the first process.
A heat load handling system (100, 100a) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . The control unit
further controlling the operation of a ventilation device (200) that performs ventilation in the equipment room;
In the first process, controlling the ventilator to increase the ventilation volume of the ventilator;
A heat load handling system (100, 100a) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . Further comprising a flow path forming member having one end provided with the suction port and the other end provided with an opening communicating with the suction side of the first fan,
A heat load handling system (100, 100a) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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