JPH0213740A - Heat reserve type heat pump airconditioner and its control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To made it possible to speed up the rise of an indoor unit, shorten operating time and carry out regeneration operation efficiently by installing a flow passage change-over valve in a brine circuit which comprises a heat source unit, a regeneration unit and an indoor unit. CONSTITUTION:Three equipment, such as a heat source unit A designed to heat or cool brine, a regeneration unit B adapted to store this brine and an indoor unit C designed to carry out heating and cooling with the brine, are connected with each other, thereby forming a brine circuit 2. A flow passage change-over valve 11 installed in this circuit 2 can switch over the flowing direction of a regeneration tank from up to down or from down to up and comprise solenoid valves SV1 to SV4. A controller is designed to control the entire system by installing an indoor microcomputer 2 to an indoor unit C, and a heat source unit microcomputer 30 to a heat source unit A, allowing mutual signal exchange. This construction makes it possible to switch over the type of flow, say, from a mixed flow to a piston flow whether the regeneration is hot or cold, lower the condensation temperature of refrigerating cycle, improve the regeneration efficiency, and store the heat quickly. At the same time, this construction can raise the room temperature quickly by supplying high temperature brine to the indoor unit during starting the operation.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Object of the Invention] (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to a regenerative heat pump air conditioner.

(Prior art) A conventional heat storage type heat pump air conditioner is shown in Fig. 15.
a is a refrigeration cycle, b is a brine circuit, and the brine circuit has a circulation pump C and an indoor heat exchanger d.
First, a flow rate regulating valve e is connected in parallel with each indoor heat exchanger d, and a heat storage tank f is provided between the brine heat exchanger g and the circulation pump C. Refrigeration cycle a is compressor h
, a four-way valve j, an air heat exchanger, an expansion valve m, and a brine heat exchanger g'''C', and the brine heat exchanger g heats or cools the brine.

For example, the refrigeration cycle a is
The pressure A machine is driven, and the brine is guided in the direction shown by the arrow in the figure by the action of the circulation pump C, and the flow! Adjustment valve e is released. The brine absorbs heat in the brine heat exchanger g and releases the heat in the heat storage tank f.

That is, heat is stored in the heat storage tank f 7, and the indoor heat exchanger d
is bypassed. To perform indoor heating operation in the morning or during the day, open the flow rate adjustment valve e, circulate the brine again, and radiate the heat stored in the heat storage tank f through each indoor heat exchanger d of the indoor unit. 9 Normally, in the morning, the circulation pump C is operated to flow the high temperature brine stored during the night and late at night into the indoor heat exchanger d to heat the room. In this case, since the temperature of the brine is high, the capacity of the indoor unit is large, and the room can be quickly heated to the set temperature. After that, the temperature of the brine decreases,
The heating capacity of the indoor unit becomes smaller than the load, making it impossible to maintain the indoor temperature at the set value. In this way, the desired temperature is reached with only the heat of the heat storage tank f, and if there is no heat, the refrigeration cycle a is also driven and the brine heat exchanger g collects heat.

(Problem to be solved by the invention) However, there are the following problems.

(1) In order to heat the cold brine to the heat storage completion temperature in one go, it is necessary to maintain the condensing temperature of the heat source unit high during heat storage operation, resulting in inefficient operation and reduced heating capacity.

(2) It is necessary to control the opening of the electric valve for flow rate adjustment so that the brine heat exchange temperature becomes the heat storage completion temperature, which makes the control complicated.

(3) When restarting the heat storage tank after the temperature has dropped after use, the room temperature does not rise easily because the load at startup is heavier than the normal load.

(4) When the outside temperature is high and the indoor load is low, the refrigeration cycle may be activated even though the brine water temperature is sufficient to handle the load, resulting in wasted power consumption.

The purpose of the present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and
The present invention provides a heat storage type heat pump air conditioner equipped with a brine circuit capable of short heat storage operation time and efficient heat storage operation, and a method for controlling the air conditioner.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling a regenerative heat pump air conditioner that increases the heating capacity of an indoor unit at startup and speeds up startup.

Still another object of the present invention is to increase the heat storage utilization rate of brine and eliminate it. An object of the present invention is to provide a control method for a regenerative heat pump air conditioner that can reduce power consumption.

[Configuration of the Invention (Means for Solving the Problems) The heat storage type heat pump air conditioner of the present invention is a heat storage type heat pump air conditioner having a heat source unit that heats or cools brine using a refrigeration cycle, and a heat storage tank that stores the heated or cooled brine. unit, and an indoor unit that heats or cools the room using brine to form a brine circuit. 2. In the brine circuit, there is a flow direction that can switch the flow direction of the heat storage tank either from top to bottom or from bottom to top. It is configured with a road switching valve.

As a control method during heat storage operation of this heat storage type heat pump air conditioner, a brine temperature sensor is installed in the heat source unit, and when performing heat storage operation by the heat source unit, 2. Before the brine temperature reaches the heat storage completion temperature, the flow in the heat storage tank is The flow in the heat storage tank is controlled to be switched from bottom to top or top to bottom by the flow path switching valve so that the flow becomes a mixed flow, reaches the heat storage completion temperature, and then becomes an extrusion flow.

In addition, as a control method at the start of heating or cooling operation,
A brine temperature sensor is installed in the heat source unit, an indoor temperature sensor is installed in the indoor unit, and a controller is installed that processes signals from these temperature sensors to control the operation of the heat source unit. If the brine temperature becomes below a certain value before reaching the set value, the heat source unit is operated, and when the room temperature reaches the set value, the heat source unit is controlled to be stopped.

Furthermore, as a control method during normal operation after startup, a brine temperature sensor is provided in the heat source unit and an indoor temperature sensor is provided in the indoor unit, and the signals from these temperature sensors are processed to control the operation of the heat source unit. If a controller is installed and the indoor temperature remains lower than the set value for a certain period of time even though the brine supply flow rate to the indoor unit has been maximized due to a drop in the brine temperature supplied to the indoor unit, Controls the operation of the heat source unit.

(Function) The brine circuit includes a heat source unit, a heat storage unit, and an indoor unit, and by switching the flow path switching valve provided in the brine circuit as necessary, the flow direction of the heat storage tank can be changed from above. It can be switched either from the bottom or from the bottom to the top.

Heat storage operation is performed by operating the heat source unit using late-night electricity at night, raising the brine temperature, and storing heat in the heat storage tank of the heat storage unit. Heat storage is a broad concept that includes not only heating but also cooling. At this time, the flow in the heat storage tank is switched to a mixed flow by the flow path switching valve until the brine temperature reaches the heat storage completion temperature. If the purpose is @cell, the heated brine enters the heat storage tank from the bottom and exits from the top. The inside of the heat storage tank has a mixed flow, and the temperature is almost uniform. Brine at this temperature is led to the brine heat exchanger of the heat source unit. In this case, there is no need to control the flow rate of brine, and since the brine flow rate can be operated at maximum, the condensation temperature of the refrigeration cycle can be lowered, and the refrigeration cycle can be operated efficiently.

If the brine temperature falls below a certain value after the indoor unit is operated until the room temperature reaches the set value, in other words, if the amount of heat storage becomes insufficient during the startup of heating or cooling operation, the heat source Run the unit. Therefore, the room temperature quickly reaches the set value at the time of startup.

Furthermore, when the heat source unit is operated during normal operation after startup, the brine supply flow rate to the indoor unit is set to the maximum because the temperature of the brine supplied to the indoor unit has decreased, and the indoor temperature remains at the set level regardless of anything. When the value remains lower than the specified value for a certain period of time, operation is performed. Since the heat source unit is not operated when the brine temperature is sufficient to cope with the load, the heat storage utilization rate increases and wasteful power consumption of the heat source unit is suppressed.

(Example) The present invention will be described below based on illustrated embodiments.

The system shown in FIG. 1 is roughly divided into three devices. That is, there is a heat source unit A that heats or cools water or other brine using the refrigeration cycle 1, a heat storage unit B that stores this heated or cooled brine, and an indoor unit C that performs indoor heating and cooling using this brine.

These three devices are connected by brine piping to form a brine circuit 2.

The refrigeration cycle 1 of the heat source unit A includes a compressor 3.
4-way valve 4. Brine heat exchanger5. Expansion valve6. It is composed of an outdoor heat exchanger 7, and the brine heat exchanger 2 heats (cools) brine. The heat source unit A has a motor-operated valve (MV) connected in parallel to the brine circuit 2 on the indoor unit C side.
> and a solenoid valve 8 (SVA) provided in the flow path to the indoor heat exchanger 9 of the indoor unit C.

5VB) is also built-in. Furthermore, a brine temperature sensor (sensor 7141) 14 is attached to the outlet of the brine heat exchanger 5 to detect the brine temperature. In this embodiment, the brine temperature sensor 14 is connected to the brine heat exchanger 5.
Although it is provided on the outlet side, it can also be provided on the inlet side.

The heat storage unit B includes a heat storage tank 10, a flow path switching valve 11,
It is composed of a pump 12 and stores heat in a heat storage tank 10 at night. 2A indicates a return path of the brine circuit 2 to the heat storage tank 10, and 2B indicates a supply path from the heat storage tank 10 to the brine heat exchanger 5.

The flow path switching valve 11 is a switching valve that can switch the flow direction of the heat storage tank either from top to bottom or from bottom to top, and specifically includes four electromagnetic valves SVI.

SV2. SV3. Consists of SV4. flow path switching valve SVI,
SV2 is in the flow path from the return path 2 of the brine circuit 2 to the upper part of the heat storage tank 10 and from the return path 2A to the heat storage tank 1.
0 in the flow path to the lower part of the flow path switching valve SV3.
SV4 is provided in the flow path from the upper part of the heat storage tank 10 to the supply path 2B and in the flow path from the lower part of the heat storage tank 10 to the supply path 2B. Note that 16 is distane.

The indoor unit C is typically shown with two indoor heat exchangers 9, and each indoor heat exchanger 9 has temperature (temperature) of the indoor unit (
An indoor temperature sensor 15 is attached to detect temperature (Ta).

As shown in FIG. 2, the controller includes an indoor unit C
An indoor microcomputer 20 is installed in the heat source unit A, and a heat source unit microcomputer 30 is installed in the heat source unit A, and they exchange signals with each other to control the entire system. The case of heating will be explained below as an example.

(1) Heat storage operation control When heat storage operation starts at night, as shown in Figure 3,
SV2 and SV3 of the flow path switching valve 11 of the heat storage unit B are opened, and SVI and SV4 are closed. Further, the solenoid valve 8 of the heat source unit A serves as a lever.

Then, the pump 12 is operated.

The brine comes out from the upper part of the heat storage tank 10 as indicated by the arrow in FIG. Here, after the brine is heated in the refrigeration cycle 1 of the heat source unit A, the brine is heated in the refrigeration cycle 1 of the heat source unit A, and then
2 and enters the bottom of the heat storage tank 6. At this time, the electric valve MV, which is a bypass valve, is fully opened and the system is operated at the maximum flow rate. Inside the heat storage tank 10, warm brine enters from the bottom and exits from the top, resulting in a mixed flow.
The temperature inside the heat storage tank 10 becomes almost uniform.

When the heat storage operation is continued in this state, the temperature inside the heat storage tank 10 gradually increases.The brine heat exchange temperature TW1 is detected by the brine temperature sensor 13 installed at the outlet of the brine heat exchanger 5. When this temperature reaches the heat storage completion temperature Th (for example, 50° C.), the signal is transmitted to the heat source unit microcomputer 30 constituting the controller. At that point, the controller switches the flow path switching valve 11 of the thermal storage unit B to SV2. SV3 is switched to the leap state, and SVI and SV4 are switched to the open state (Fig. 4).

When this happens, the flow inside the heat storage tank 10 is reversed and the 1st and 4th
As shown by the arrow in the figure, the brine comes out from the bottom of the heat storage tank 10, and the warmed brine returns to the top of the heat storage tank 10. If the operation is continued in this state, the brine at the heat storage completion temperature will accumulate in the upper part of the heat storage tank, and will not mix with the brine in the lower part.

In this way, the brine in the lower part is warmed and gradually accumulates in the upper part, and finally, when the entire heat storage tank 10 reaches the heat storage completion temperature Th, the heat storage operation is ended.

As mentioned above, when the temperature sensor 14 of the brine heat exchanger 5 is below the heat storage completion temperature, the flow in the heat storage tank 1o is made from bottom to top 1 until the heat storage completion temperature Th is reached.
After that, the flow inside the heat storage tank 10 is switched from top to bottom. Control of such heat storage operation does not require controlling the brine flow rate as in the past, and
Since the system can be operated at maximum flow rate and the condensation temperature of the refrigeration cycle can be lowered, the refrigeration cycle can be operated efficiently. In addition, since the condensation temperature is low, the capacity can be increased. Also, control the flow rate.

As shown in Fig. 15, the control becomes simple.
A flow control valve such as the flow control valve e becomes unnecessary.

Here, the brine temperature TWI is the heat storage completion temperature Th(5
0° C.), the flow path switching valve 11 is switched, and after that, the refrigeration cycle 1 is stopped for about 1 to 2 minutes. This is because heated high-temperature brine is present near the piping and the inlet of the heat storage tank 10, and when the flow path switching valve 11 is switched, this high-temperature brine flows into the brine heat exchanger 5, and the protection device of the refrigeration cycle 1 This is because it works. Here 1~
If only the brine is run idly without operating the refrigeration cycle 1 for 2 minutes, the temperature of the brine becomes almost uniform, and even if the refrigeration cycle 1 is turned on thereafter, the protection device does not work.

The above control can be similarly applied to cold storage operation. That is, when the outlet temperature TW1 of the brine heat exchanger 5 is equal to or higher than the cold storage completion temperature, the flow in the tank is caused to flow from top to bottom, and when the brine heat exchanger outlet temperature T141 reaches the cold storage completion temperature, the flow in the tank is The flow path switching valve 11 may be switched so that the water flows from the bottom to the top.

(2) Control of the heating operation is performed by the heat source unit microcomputer 30 provided in the outdoor heat source unit. The objects to be controlled by the temperature sensor and heat source unit microcomputer 30 regarding room temperature control are as shown in FIG.

The indoor temperature Ta is detected by the room temperature sensor 15 of the indoor unit C, and the indoor microcomputer 20 receives the signal from the room temperature sensor 15 and compares the room temperature Ta with the indoor set temperature Ts. So shown in Figure 5(a), S3
, Ss, 37 are sent to the heat source unit microcomputer 30. Further, the temperature TWI of the brine supplied to the indoor unit C is detected by the brine temperature sensor 14, and this is detected by the heat source unit microcomputer 30.
sent to. The heat source unit microcomputer 30 determines based on these signals and controls the heat source unit control system 31 (compressor 3, outdoor fan [FM], four-way valve [4WV]).
, flow control valve system 32 (electric valve MV, solenoid valve SVA
, SVB), heat storage flow path control system 33 (flow path switching valve 1
1. It controls the pump 12), etc.

FIG. 5(I)) shows the serial signal So, 33.

S5.37, the electric valve MV of the flow control valve system 32 controlled by them, and the SVA of the solenoid valve 8.

This shows the relationship with SVB, and heat source unit control system 3
It also indicates when to turn on 1. The electric valve MV and the solenoid valve Sv^ of this flow control valve system 32.

The opening and closing of SVB is controlled by serial signals So, S3, S5, and S7, regardless of the operation mode described later. Further, the ONL compressor is turned off when the brine temperature rises by 5° C. from the current brine temperature.

a) At start-up Normally, when the indoor unit is turned on in the morning, the pump is operated, and at night, high-temperature brine stored using late-night electricity flows into the indoor unit to heat the room. In this case, since the temperature of the brine is high, the capacity of the indoor unit is large, and the room can be quickly heated to the set temperature. Thereafter, the temperature of the brine decreases, but when the heating capacity of the indoor unit becomes smaller than the load and the indoor temperature cannot be maintained at the set value, the heat source unit is turned on. However, when restarting after the temperature of the heat storage tank has dropped after use, the room temperature does not rise easily because the load at startup is heavier than the normal load.

FIG. 5 shows the flow of brine during heating operation, and FIG. 7 shows the flow of control immediately after turning on the operation switch of indoor unit C.

In Fig. 7, when the operation switch is turned on, pump 1
2 and the flow path switching valves SV2 and SV3 are turned on (opened) (steps 7.01 to 7.03), and the high temperature brine in the heat storage tank 10 stored with late-night electricity is transferred to the indoor unit as shown in Fig. 5. C and heats the room. At this time, monitor the brine temperature and room temperature. First, the brine temperature sensor 14 is checked (step 7.04), and if the brine temperature 7'141 is 50°C or higher, the amount of heat storage is sufficient, so the serial signal regarding the room temperature Ta is checked (step 7.04). Serial check) is performed (step 7.05).

In the initial stage when the temperature Ta of the indoor temperature sensor 15 has not yet reached the set temperature Ts even though the brine temperature TW1 is 50°C or more, the serial signal is 85 (difference from Ts is -0.5°C to -1.0°C) or higher, the system operates without turning on the heat source unit (refrigeration cycle 1 operates) (steps 7.04 and 7.05).
).

While the indoor unit C is heating the room, the brine temperature TW1 decreases. If the amount of heat storage is insufficient, that is, the brine temperature TW1 becomes lower than 50°C before the indoor temperature Ta reaches the set temperature Ts, (Step 7.04>
The brine is heated by turning on the heat source unit A (step 7, 06). ``Heat source unit ONJ'' means that the heat source unit control system 31 including the compressor 3, outdoor fan FM, and four-way valve (4WV) is ONL, and the refrigeration cycle 1 is operated for heating to heat the brine. The brine temperature TW1 supplied to the unit C increases, and the heating capacity increases. When the system is operated in this state, the room temperature Ta increases and eventually reaches the set temperature Ts.

The heat source unit continues to be turned on until the serial signal reaches 83 (the difference from Ts is ±0 to −0.5° C.) (steps 7.06 to 7.07). When the indoor microcomputer 20 detects that the set temperature Ts has been reached using the temperature sensor signal, it sends the signal (serial signal So) to the heat source unit microcomputer 30. The heat source unit microcomputer 30 turns off the heat source unit (step 7.08), and here the start-up control of the heat storage utilization operation ends.

After this, as will be described later, when the capacity of indoor unit C becomes smaller than the load and the room temperature Ta decreases, the serial signal stays at a low temperature of 87 or higher for 90 seconds or more)
, the control changes to turn on the heat source unit A (step 7).
．． 09-7.15).

In this way, during startup, that is, from when the indoor unit is turned on until the room temperature Ta reaches the set value Ts, the brine temperature T
When V11 becomes 50° C. or less, the heat source unit A is turned on, so that the brine temperature Tw1 to the indoor unit C can be kept high, and the rise time of the room temperature Ta is shortened. This control ends when the room temperature Ta reaches the set value Ts, and thereafter, when the capacity of the indoor unit C becomes less than the load, the heat source unit A is turned on again. Therefore, the heat in the heat storage tank 10 can be fully utilized without operating the heat source unit A unnecessarily.

b) During normal operation after startup, the heat source unit is turned on when the room temperature drops even though the indoor unit is producing its maximum capacity, and when the heat source unit is turned on, the brine is passed through the heat storage tank. , the heat source unit is controlled to be off until the temperature rises to a certain level.

This will be explained with reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 6(1)).

First, the temperature Tw of the brine supplied to the indoor unit C
1 is sufficiently high, for example, T wl > 30°C, and the indoor unit has a large capacity relative to the load. In Fig. 7, steps 9, 10, 13 to 15 are performed in the case of using the high temperature in the heat storage tank 10 stored with late-night electricity (utilization operation mode), but in the case of operation by heat source unit A (direct heating mode). corresponds to steps 11 to 15. As shown in Figure 7, not only when the room temperature Ta remains at a low temperature for 90 seconds or more in the range where the serial signal is 87 or higher (minus difference from the set value Ts is 1.0°C or higher), but also when the brine temperature Heat source unit A is also turned on when Tw1 drops below 30°C and the capacity of the indoor unit becomes smaller than the load (step 7).
．． 09,7.13.7.11,7.13).

11f of Figure 6 (1))? The details will be explained in order from J. If the temperature TW1 of the brine supplied to the indoor unit C is sufficiently high, for example Tvl>30°C, and the capacity of the indoor unit is large relative to the load (step 7.09,
7.11), the room temperature Ta becomes higher than the set value Ts.

At this time, a serial signal So is sent from the indoor microcomputer 20, and the microcomputer outputs the solenoid valves 8 (SV^, SVB).
) and stop the brine supply to the indoor unit (
(1st column of Figure 6 (1))) Step 7.10 or 7.12 to Step 7.09 or 7 in the program of Figure 7
．． Return to 11.

When the room temperature becomes 0.5℃ lower than the set temperature, the serial signal from the indoor unit becomes S3, and at this time, the solenoid valve SV
A, SVB becomes “open” and supplies brine to the indoor unit. However, at this time, the MV of the bypass valve 13 is in the "open" state, and the flow rate of brine into the room is low. That is, the heating capacity of the indoor unit A is in a low state (second level in FIG. 6(b)).

When the room temperature becomes 1°C lower than the set temperature, the serial signal from the indoor unit becomes S5, and at this time bypass valve 1
MV of 3 becomes "closed", the brine flow rate to the indoor unit becomes maximum, and the capacity of the indoor unit also increases (3s in FIG. 6(b)).

If the brine temperature T141 is sufficiently high and the capacity of the indoor unit is greater than the load, the room temperature Ta will rise and the serial signal will change to S3 and So.1.If the brine temperature is low, the indoor unit capacity is unable to cope with the load, and the room temperature Ta becomes 1.5° C. or more lower than the set temperature Ts (step 7°13 in FIG. 7). At this time, the signal from the indoor microcomputer becomes S7, and the heat source unit is turned on at this time. That is, by operating the refrigeration cycle 1,
Ply 7 fj, degree TIA 1 wo rises 6 (
Figure 6 (1)) No. 4a).

In step 7.14 of FIG. 7, the microcomputer of the heat source unit detects the brine temperature T141 at this time using the brine temperature sensor 13, and turns off the heat source unit when the brine rises by 5°C from this temperature. (Step 7.15 in Figure 7).

While the heat source unit A is in operation, heating the room continues, and due to the difference between the heating capacity and the heating capacity of the heat source unit, the temperature of the brine in the heat storage tank 10 is increased (brine is flowed through the heat storage tank)5. , for the flow rate control valve system, turn the heat source unit ON/O according to Figure 6(b).
It is controlled as described above in accordance with the serial signal, regardless of the FF.

According to the above-mentioned embodiment, the heat source unit is controlled ON-OFF in the vicinity of the brine temperature corresponding to the load, so the heat storage utilization rate is increased and unnecessary power is not consumed. In addition, since the brine is passed through the heat storage tank, the amount of heat can be stored in the heat storage tank. Furthermore, power consumption due to frequent ON/OFF of the heat source unit can be reduced.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the pond of the present invention.

In FIG. 8, after the operation signal turns ON, a serial check is performed (steps 8.01, 8.02>).

When serial signal S≠0, pump 12, flow path switching valve 11
(SV2, 5V3) is ONL, and the brine temperature is checked (steps 8.03, 8.04). When the brine temperature (Twl) is low (T Wl < 50°C), the heat source unit, more precisely, the heat source unit control system 31 (compressor, four-way valve, FM), is activated in order to quickly bring the room temperature to the set temperature TS. Turn on (steps 8.04, 8.
06). Therefore, the heat source unit (compressor, four-way valve, FM) continues to operate. At this time, SVB of the flow path switching valve 11 in the heat source unit is turned off (closed),
SV2. By turning on (opening) SV4, heat storage tank 1
Bypass 0 (step 8.06).

The room temperature rises and the set temperature (serial signal So).

When it is detected that S3) has been reached, the heat source unit (compressor, four-way valve, FM) is turned off (step 8).
．． 07, 8.08). At this time, the flow path switching valve SV4 in the heat storage unit is turned OFF (closed), and SV2°SVB is turned OFF.
N (open) (, 1f 78.08), that is, change the way the brine flows so that it also passes through the heat storage tank 10 (
(See Figure 5).

After that, the brine is operated to pass through the heat storage tank (heat source unit ON) until TV1≧50°C (steps 8.08 to 8.10), and when TW1≧50°C, the heat source unit is turned off (step 8.10.8
．． 11).

During this time, the room temperature drops, and in the serial check in steps 8 and 09, the serial signal from the room becomes 85.
In the above case, return to step 8.06 and
1, SV3 is turned off (closed), SV2゜SV4 is turned on (
By opening), the heat storage tank 10 is bypassed again and returned to the flow direction.

The subsequent operations of steps 8.12 to 8.18 are already performed in the seventh step.
This is the same as described in steps 7.09 to 7.15 in the figure, and the room temperature is controlled by controlling the flow rate to the indoor unit with the flow control valve, while
Regarding brine temperature, the heat source unit is controlled to maintain a temperature level that can handle the load. however,
In the case of the control flow in Figure 8, the brine temperature check is 4
The temperature is mainly 0℃.

By the way, as mentioned above, the heat storage type heat pump air conditioner, which stores heat (cool storage) in the night heat storage tank 10 using late-night power and uses it during the day, is used in two seasons: the cooling season and the heating season. Conventionally, heat storage or cold storage is always performed during all seasons, including both seasons.

Therefore, even in seasons when heat storage or cold storage is not required (seasons when heating or cooling is not required), heat storage or cold storage operation is performed, and power is wasted.

In addition, because there was no peak cut period during the cooling season, the amount of heat stored in late-night electricity was often used up before it could be used during the peak electricity usage period in the summer, which resulted in the leveling out of electricity usage. is not planned.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate means for eliminating such wasteful power consumption and leveling the power. As already explained in FIG. 1, the system is broadly divided into heat source unit A.

This is a heat storage type heat pump air conditioner consisting of a heat storage unit B and an indoor unit C. It stores heat (cool storage) in the brine in the heat storage tank at night and uses this amount of heat to heat (cool) the room during the day. Basically, if the amount of heat stored during the night (heat storage and cold storage) is not enough to meet the load during the day, indoor heating (cooling) is performed by using the ONL heat source unit and heating (cooling) the brine. .

There are eight operation modes: heat storage operation, heat storage utilization operation, direct heating operation, cold storage operation, cold storage utilization operation, direct cooling operation, direct cooling operation during peak cut, and full stop. There are two control patterns: one in which the heat source unit is operated in the eight operation modes described above according to a timer (not shown) provided in the microcomputer in the heat source unit, and the other in which the operation is selected based on serial signals from each indoor microcomputer. The timer is designed to be able to determine the annual schedule and the daily time schedule, so that it can determine the current month, day, hour, and minute.

The selection of the operating mode according to the timer is carried out according to the pattern shown in FIG.

That is, first, the annual schedule shown in FIG. 11(a) is checked. The annual schedule includes Figure 11 (a
), there are four seasons: ``heating period'', ``cooling period'', ``intermediate period (series season where neither heating nor cooling is required)'', and ``peak cut period'' during the cooling period. Some of the timers are stored with the start and end dates of each season, and can always be used to determine which season is currently in use.
Heat storage and cold storage operations are performed during the cooling period and the peak cut period during the cooling period, respectively, but heat storage (cold storage) operation is not performed during the intermediate period.

After checking the annual schedule, see Figure 11(b).
Check the daily time schedule shown below. 1
As shown in Figure 11(b), the day's time and schedule includes a late-night power time period (0:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.) and a daytime power time period (6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.). The time and start time of cold storage utilization operation during the peak cut period are specified. At 4 o'clock during the heating and cooling seasons, heat storage and
Cold storage is started 1, and during the peak cut period of the cooling season, the cold storage utilization operation is started from 12:00, which is the peak power hour.

As mentioned above, one year is divided into four seasons: heating season, cooling season, and peak cut season, and a timer that determines the annual schedule is used to constantly determine which season it is currently in. By not performing heat storage or cold storage operation, wasteful power consumption can be eliminated. In addition, if you use a timer to determine the daily time schedule and start cold storage utilization operation from 12:00 during the peak cut period, you can use the amount of heat stored during the night to match the peak power usage period in the summer. This allows for equalization of power consumption.

Finally, let's consider the relationship with electricity charges, that is, by using the house as a kind of heat storage material, the load during normal rate period B can be reduced and the electricity charges as a whole can be reduced.

FIG. 12 shows the heating start-up characteristics (increase in room temperature and wall temperature) in the conventional operation pattern. Since the heat load on walls and furniture during startup is overwhelmingly greater than on air, the room temperature Ta
The rise in wall temperature Tw is slower than that. However, unless the walls and furniture are also warmed, comfortable conditions cannot be achieved. Normally, the output of equipment such as compressor inverters and heat storage devices is increased to increase the start-up capacity of electric power air conditioners, but if the output is increased in a short period of time, the efficiency of the equipment decreases, and that much more electricity is required. It is expensive and uneconomical.

Therefore, as shown in Fig. 14, in an electric power air conditioner that has a clock function and a time discrimination function, when electricity is transitioned from a low rate time period to a normal rate time period, the operation start time in the low rate time zone is determined. It has a timer function that allows you to set the temperature, and a set temperature shift function that shifts the set temperature (and heat storage temperature) higher than usual. The set temperature shift is
The wall temperature is detected using a radiation sensor, etc., and the measurement is performed according to the difference. Then, the temperature shift is canceled when the time period shifts to the normal rate. In addition, it has an electricity rate calculation and prediction function that allows such control to result in economical operation that makes good use of electricity at low electricity rates, and detects the outside temperature (even relatively room temperature). Determine the operating time of the equipment (turn on earlier when it is cold). This electricity rate calculation and prediction function makes efficient use of electricity at low electricity rates to build air conditioners that are friendly to household budgets.

FIG. 14 shows an example of this rise control. AI after time t! In the low-rate time period A, where I indicates the low-rate time period and side B indicates the back-to-back rate time period, the set temperature TSS is shifted to a higher temperature than the normal set temperature Ts, and the low electricity rate is sufficient to prevent the wall from being damaged. Warm up your furniture. At the time of transition to the normal charge time zone (time t), the normal set temperature Ts is returned, and a comfortable state is achieved at time t1.

When the timer time is set to indicate that a comfortable state is desired at time t1, the ON time (7.N) of the device that minimizes ΣWA t A RA + ΣWs t e Re is calculated and given.

However, 5.WA is the input in the operation A area, and tA is the input in the operation A area.
Time in area = 1-1, RA is the electricity rate in operation area A, W8 is the input in operation B area (even if WA = Wg, there is no big difference), ts is the power rate in operation area B. time = 1 + -1, R8 is the electricity rate in operation area B (RIl”FRA / 3
).

[Effects of the Invention] Since the present invention is configured as described above, the following effects are achieved.

(1) The flow in the heat storage tank can be reversed from bottom to top or from top to bottom by a flow path switching valve provided in the brine circuit. That is, in either case of heat storage for heating or cold storage for cooling, the flow in the heat storage tank can be switched to a mixed flow or an extrusion flow.

(2) Under a control method in which the flow in the heat storage tank is a mixed flow during heat storage operation, and when the brine temperature reaches the heat storage completion temperature, the flow in the heat storage tank is switched to an extrusion flow, the brine flow rate can be increased. The condensing temperature of the refrigeration cycle for heating or cooling can be lowered than before, improving heat storage efficiency, and increasing heating or cooling capacity, allowing heat to be stored quickly.

Furthermore, control of the brine flow rate can be eliminated and the control can be simplified.

(3) If the brine temperature falls below a certain temperature after brine is supplied to the indoor unit until the room temperature reaches the set value, the heat source unit is operated to supply high-temperature brine to the indoor unit at startup. can be supplied and the room temperature can be raised quickly.

(4) Even if the amount of brine supplied to the indoor unit is maximized, under control that operates the heat source unit when the room temperature remains lower than the set value for a certain period of time, the indoor load is small in relation to the outside air temperature, and therefore If the brine temperature is sufficient to handle the load, the heat source unit is not operated, so wasteful power consumption can be suppressed.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a heat storage type air conditioner according to the present invention, Fig. 2 is a diagram showing its control microcomputer, sensors, and controlled objects, and Fig. 3 shows that the brine temperature in the control method of the present invention is the temperature at which heat storage is completed. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the flow of brine until it reaches the temperature, and Figure 4 is a diagram showing the flow of brine after heat storage is completed.
Figure 5 is a diagram showing the flow of brine during heating, Figure 6 (a
), (b) is a diagram showing the relationship between the difference between the room temperature and the set temperature and the serial signal, FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the control method of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing another specific control method, and FIG. Figure 9 shows a state in which brine bypasses the heat storage unit;
Figure 10 is an operation mode selection diagram, Figure 11 (a) is an annual time schedule diagram, Figure 11 (, b) is a daily time schedule diagram, and Figure 12 is room temperature and wall temperature during heating. Figure 13 is a diagram showing the temperature rise characteristics of start-up control considering the low rate band and normal rate band of electricity.
FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram of the control, and FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram of a conventional heat storage type heat pump air conditioner. In the figure, 1 is a refrigeration cycle, 2 is a brine circuit, 3 is a compressor, 4 is a four-way valve, 5 is a brine heat exchanger, 8 is a solenoid valve, 9 is an indoor heat exchanger, 10 is a heat storage tank, and 11 is a flow path 12 is a pump, 13 is a bypass valve, 14 is a brine temperature sensor, 15 is an indoor temperature sensor, 20 is an indoor microcomputer, 30 is a heat source unit microcomputer, A is a heat source unit, B is a heat storage unit, C is an indoor unit show. Representative Patent Attorney Yudo Noriyuki Chika
Hiro Uji Figure 1 Figure 3 Figure 5 Figure 8 Figure 10 (b) Figure 12 Figure 13 Figure 14

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A heat source unit that heats or cools brine using a refrigeration cycle, a heat storage unit that has a heat storage tank that stores the heated or cooled brine, and an indoor unit that heats or cools a room using brine. A heat storage type heat pump air conditioner comprising a brine circuit comprising: a flow path switching valve capable of switching the flow direction of a heat storage tank from top to bottom or from bottom to top in the brine circuit. 2. In the heat storage type heat pump air conditioner according to claim 1, the heat source unit is provided with a brine temperature sensor, and when the heat source unit performs heat storage operation, the flow in the heat storage tank becomes a mixed flow before the brine temperature reaches the heat storage completion temperature. A method for controlling a heat storage type heat pump air conditioner, characterized in that the flow in the heat storage tank is switched from bottom to top or from top to bottom using the flow path switching valve so that the flow becomes an extrusion flow after reaching the heat storage completion temperature. 3. In the regenerative heat pump air conditioner according to claim 1, the heat source unit is provided with a brine temperature sensor and the indoor unit is provided with an indoor temperature sensor, and a controller that processes signals from these temperature sensors to control the operation of the heat source unit. is installed, and if the brine temperature falls below a certain value after brine is supplied to the indoor unit until the room temperature reaches the set value, the heat source unit is operated,
A control method for a heat storage type heat pump air conditioner, characterized by stopping a heat source unit when the room temperature reaches a set value. 4. In the regenerative heat pump air conditioner according to claim 1, the heat source unit is provided with a brine temperature sensor and the indoor unit is provided with an indoor temperature sensor, and a controller that processes signals from these temperature sensors to control the operation of the heat source unit. If the indoor temperature remains lower than the set value for a certain period of time even though the brine supply flow rate to the indoor unit has been maximized due to a decrease in the brine temperature supplied to the indoor unit, the heat source A method for controlling a heat storage type heat pump air conditioner, characterized by operating a unit.