JPH10288359A - Heat storing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform the stable use of a heat storing device for a long period without decreasing a heat storage material by providing a heat storage container with a vaporization suppressing means. SOLUTION: A heat storing device 30 comprises a heat storage container composed of a metallic heat storage tank 31 and a metallic cover body 32. A heat storage material 33 for brine consisting mainly of water and mixed with 30% ethylene glycol is contained at the internal part of the heat storage tank 31 to prevent the occurrence of freezing and corrosion during a low temperature. Further, the cover body 32 increases a mechanical strength by a rim and a stem suppression means is arranged at the central part thereof and an opening 36 to be communicated with the atmosphere is opened. An opening area prevents the excessive increase of the internal pressure of the heat storage container by steam generated from the heat storage material 33 and is sufficiently reduced in a manner not to excessively discharge the steam to the atmosphere.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a heat storage device, and more particularly to a heat storage device incorporated in a refrigeration cycle of an air conditioner to improve a heating start-up characteristic when the air conditioner performs a heating operation.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An air conditioner is used as a heater in winter and as a cooler in summer by reversibly operating a refrigeration cycle.

When the air conditioner is operated for heating, in winter, desired heating characteristics may not be obtained only by heating energy of a refrigeration cycle.

Therefore, the refrigeration cycle 10 of the air conditioner is
A heat storage device 11 for storing heat by a heat exchanger for radiation, an electric heater, or the like is incorporated in the device, and it is often practiced to heat and accumulate a refrigerant to improve a heating operation characteristic, particularly, a rising characteristic thereof.

As shown in FIG. 17, the heat storage device 11 comprises a heat storage container 13 in which a heat storage material 12 is stored. The heat storage material 12 of the heat storage device 11 is heated to about 93 ° C. to 97 ° C. by a radiating exchanger 15 connected to a compressor 14 or an electric heater 16 connected to a power supply to store heat. Accordingly, the refrigerant flowing through the heat-absorbing exchanger 18 connected to the indoor unit 17 in the winter is warmed as required, so that the indoor unit 17 is heated, that is, the rise at the time of heating is accelerated.

Reference numeral 19 denotes a four-way switching valve for switching the refrigerating cycle between heating and cooling, reference numeral 20 denotes an outdoor unit, and reference numeral 21 denotes a two-way valve which is opened as required and is opened by the heat storage material 12. The refrigerant in the heat absorbing exchanger 18 is warmed, and 22 is a suction cup.

[0007]

As a heat storage material of such a heat storage device, a hydrated salt, paraffin, or the like has been used, but since these have a small heat storage capacity, a large heat storage material is required to secure a desired heat storage capacity. There is a problem that the apparatus must be provided and the cost of the heat storage device is increased.

In order to solve this problem, water having a large heat storage capacity and low cost has been used.

However, since this water has a high evaporating property, there is a problem that water to be supplied to the heat storage device must be frequently replenished, and management and the like become complicated.

[0010] In addition, there is a problem that the vaporized vapor greatly changes the internal pressure of the heat storage container, so that the mechanical strength of the heat storage container must be increased or a high-performance pressure regulating valve must be provided.

Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention incorporates in a refrigeration cycle a heat storage container which uses inexpensive water having a large heat storage capacity as a heat storage material and has an evaporation suppressing means for suppressing the release of the steam. It is an object of the present invention to provide an air release type heat storage device suitable for use.

[0012]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a heat storage device incorporated in a refrigeration cycle of an air conditioner and provided with a heat storage container having a heat storage material containing water as a main component. A heat storage device provided with the evaporation suppressing means.

Further, the present invention provides a heat storage device characterized in that the evaporation suppressing means of the present invention has an opening smaller than the surface area of the heat storage material at the opening opened in the heat storage container.

Further, the present invention provides a heat storage device characterized in that the evaporation suppressing means of the present invention is a flow path resistor provided in a communication portion with the atmosphere.

Further, the present invention provides a heat storage device characterized in that the flow path resistor is a flow path opening / closing adjustment valve.

Further, the present invention provides a heat storage device characterized in that the flow path resistor is a capillary tube.

Further, the present invention provides a heat storage device characterized in that the capillary tube of the present invention is provided with fins.

Further, the present invention provides a heat storage device characterized in that the capillary tube of the present invention is provided with a filter in a passage portion.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a heat storage device characterized in that the capillary tube of the present invention is provided along the outside of a heat storage container.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a heat storage device characterized in that the flow path resistor of the present invention is provided inside a heat storage container.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to an air release type heat storage device which is incorporated in a refrigeration cycle of an air conditioner and has a heat storage container having a heat storage material containing water as a main component, wherein an oil film is formed on the surface of the heat storage material. To provide a heat storage device characterized in that the heat storage device is used as evaporation suppression means.

Further, the area of the opening of the present invention is 7.5 mm ^2.
A heat storage device characterized by the following is provided.

Further, the present invention provides a heat storage device characterized in that the oil film has a thickness of 1 mm or more.

Further, the present invention relates to a heat storage device which is incorporated in a refrigeration cycle of an air conditioner and has a heat storage container having a heat storage material containing water as a main component, wherein the heat storage container is disposed in an outdoor unit of the air conditioner. And a heat storage device characterized in that a tip end opening of a capillary tube provided in a communication portion of the heat storage container with the atmosphere is disposed so as to face in a direction opposite to a center of gravity direction of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. It is.

[0025]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a heat storage device incorporated in a refrigeration cycle of an air conditioner according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The basic configuration of the heat storage device incorporated in the refrigeration cycle of the present invention is almost the same as that of the heat storage device 11 shown in FIG. 17, and therefore, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

First, FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show a first embodiment in which the heat storage device 30 has a steam suppressing means having a limited opening size.

The heat storage device 30 is constituted by a heat storage container comprising a metal heat storage tank 31 and a metal lid 32. A heat storage material 33 of brine containing water as a main component and mixed with 30% ethylene glycol is accommodated in the heat storage tank 31 to prevent freezing and corrosion at low temperatures.

In the heat storage material 33 of the heat storage tank 31, there are provided a heat exchanger 15 for heat dissipation and a heat exchanger 18 for heat absorption supported by a support frame 34. The heat storage material 33 can be heated and stored by the heat radiation of the heat exchanger 15 for heating, and the temperature of the refrigerant flowing inside the heat absorbing heat exchanger 18 can be increased by the heat storage material 33 that has been heated and stored to increase the temperature during heating. Is improved.

Further, the lid 32 is provided with a rim 35 or the like to increase its mechanical strength, and at the center thereof is provided with a vapor suppressing means, and an opening 36 for communicating with the atmosphere is opened. The opening area is made sufficiently small so that the steam does not excessively increase the internal pressure of the heat storage container and does not release the steam excessively to the atmosphere.

The heat storage material 33 which heats and stores the heat of the heat radiating heat exchanger 15 and the like through the opening 36 provided with the steam suppressing means.
The discharge of the steam generated from the gas into the atmosphere is restricted, and the internal pressure of the heat storage container is suppressed to a predetermined value or less.

Therefore, since the internal pressure of the heat storage container does not become excessively high, the mechanical strength of the heat storage container can be made normal, and the steam is held inside the heat storage container and the heat storage tank 3
1. Condensed on the side surfaces of the lid 32 and the like, and can be reused as the heat storage material 33.

Therefore, a decrease in the heat storage material 33 can be suppressed, and the heat storage device 30 can be used stably for a long period of time.

In addition, since there is no excessive release of steam, the stored heat is not lost and energy saving of the air conditioner can be achieved.

FIG. 5 shows a heat storage device 40 having steam suppressing means.
This shows a second embodiment of the present invention.

This suppression control means is provided with a flow passage opening / closing adjustment valve 41 capable of varying the flow passage resistance of steam, thereby suppressing the release of steam.

The flow passage opening / closing adjustment valve 41 is configured so that the steam passage is adjusted to a desired size according to heat storage conditions and climatic conditions. By appropriately selecting the steam passage, the discharge of the heat storage material 33 is released. It is possible to limit the pressure to a minimum value and to suppress the pressurized state of the heat storage container to a predetermined value or less.

Due to these suppressions, the steam hits the inside of the heat storage tank 31 of the heat storage container and is cooled, becomes condensed water, is returned to the heat storage container, and is reused as the heat storage material 33.

Therefore, the release of the heat storage material 33 is limited to a minimum, and the heat storage device 40 can be used stably for a long period of time.

FIG. 6 shows a third embodiment of the heat storage device 50 using a capillary tube as the vapor suppressing means.

At the opening of the lid 51 of the heat storage container, a cylindrical rubber stopper 53 is provided.
Is attached. The capillary tube 52 is arranged along the lid 51 of the heat storage container and the outside of the heat storage tank 54, and is heated by the heat storage material 55. A filter 56 is provided at the distal end opening of the capillary tube 52 to prevent insects, dust and the like from entering.

The capillary tube 52 restricts the passage of the vapor to a predetermined amount even when the heat storage material 55 is turned into vapor by heat storage and is to be released to the atmosphere.

Therefore, this capillary tube 52
Is a kind of flow path resistor, so that the release of steam can be restricted.

Further, since the capillary tube 52 is provided outside the heat storage device 50, the temperature thereof becomes lower than that of the heat storage material 55, and the vapor at the time of discharge is discharged from the capillary tube 52.
Is condensed and liquefied on the inner wall surface of the heat storage material 55 and can be reused as the heat storage material 55.

On the other hand, since the capillary tube 52 is heated by the lid 51 and the heat storage tank 54, it does not freeze steam, condensed water and the like in the winter and does not clog the same. It is suitable for use in places where

Further, since the capillary tube 52 communicates with the atmosphere, it is possible to limit the pressure inside the heat storage vessel to high pressure and prevent the rupture.

In addition, since the filter 56 prevents dust and insects from entering, the capillary tube 52 can be prevented from being clogged.

FIG. 7 shows a fourth embodiment of a heat storage device 60 having a vapor suppressing means in which fins are attached to a capillary tube.

A capillary tube 63 having fins 62 is attached to the lid 61 of the heat storage container. The fins 62 cool the steam generated from the heat storage material 64 and released to the atmosphere, and condense the steam inside the capillary tube 63. In this case, the heat storage material 65 is returned to the heat storage tank 65 to suppress a decrease in the heat storage material 64.

By doing so, it is possible to limit the release of steam to the atmosphere and to suppress the heat storage material 64 from decreasing.

FIG. 8 shows a fifth embodiment of the heat storage device 70 in which the attachment of the capillary tube is improved.

In this embodiment, the capillary tube 71 is disposed in a space inside the heat storage container.

By doing so, the capillary tube 7
1 is constantly heated by the heat storage material 72, so that freezing due to residual steam in winter can be prevented.

In addition, the capillary tube 71
Is protected inside the heat storage container, so that damage during transportation and assembly can be prevented.

FIG. 9 also shows a sixth embodiment of the heat storage device 80 in which the attachment of the capillary tube is improved.

Generally, the outdoor unit 17 of the air conditioner is heavy on the compressor 11 side. Therefore, when transporting or installing the outdoor unit 17, the compressor 11 side is often downward.

Therefore, in order to prevent the heat storage material from unnecessarily leaking from the opening of the capillary tube 81 during transportation and installation, the opening of the capillary tube 81 should be separated from the compressor 11 in a direction away from the compressor 11. Are provided in opposite directions. That is, when viewed from the opening, the opening is oriented in the direction opposite to the direction of the center of gravity of the outdoor unit.

In this manner, the heat storage material is less likely to leak outside through the opening of the capillary tube 81 when the outdoor unit 17 is transported or installed.

FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 show a seventh embodiment of a heat storage device 90 using an evaporation suppression valve 92. FIG.

The evaporation suppressing valve 92 is provided with a float 94 inside a bottomed case body 93, which is raised as the vapor pressure inside the heat storage device 90 increases and lowered as the vapor pressure drops. ing.

An opening 95 is opened at the center of the bottom of the case body 93, and is opened and closed by the lower end of a float 94 that moves up and down. Also, the case body 9
A lid 96 is attached to the upper part of the 3, and an opening 97 that is opened and closed by the upper end of a float 94 that moves up and down is opened in the center of the lid 96.

A plurality of reed valves 98 are provided on the outer periphery of the opening 97 of the lid 96, and when the pressure inside the heat storage device 90 decreases, the air is stored through a passage 99 opened outside the case body 93. It leads to the inside of the container.

When the pressure inside the heat storage container becomes high due to the steam generated by the heat storage, the evaporation suppression valve 92 is turned on as shown in FIG.
The float 94 is raised as shown in FIG.
Release to atmosphere via 7.

Thus, the high pressure of the heat storage container is prevented, and the steam is discharged in a minimum state, so that the heat storage material can be prevented from being reduced.

When the internal pressure of the heat storage container becomes negative due to a decrease in the temperature of the heat storage material or the like, the float 94 is lowered to close the opening 95 and the reed valve 98 is opened as shown in FIG. It is led to the inside of the heat storage container via 99 and brought to atmospheric pressure.

As a result, since the internal pressure of the heat storage container is set to the atmospheric pressure, the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the heat storage container is reduced, thereby preventing damage to the heat storage tank and the like, and preventing leakage of the heat storage material.

Further, the heat storage device 90, the indoor unit 17
Even when these parts are inclined or turned upside down during transportation or installation, the float 94 closes the opening 97 and shuts off the atmosphere and the inside of the heat storage container as shown in FIG. 12, so that the heat storage material does not leak to the atmosphere. .

Therefore, release of the heat storage material can be prevented by the evaporation suppressing valve 92.

Each of the above-mentioned vapor suppressing means will be described with reference to a specific simulated evaporation amount measurement test.

An air conditioner is required to have a product warranty period of 15 years or more. The usage time of the heat storage device for the last 15 years is approximately 47,700 hours.

Now, a heat storage material 33 of brine (30% water obtained by mixing 30% ethylene glycol in water) having an initial heat storage material capacity of 6 kg is poured into a temporary container, and the heat storage temperature is set to 95 ° C. Under this condition, the opening area and the amount of vapor release, that is, the amount of decrease in brine after a predetermined time has elapsed are tested to determine the amount of evaporation after 47700 hours.

First, the opening area is set to 1φ (0.785 m
m ² ), 3φ (7.065 mm) and 5φ (19.62
5 mm ² ), and the amount of decrease (g) in the heat storage material 33 after 47.700 hours had elapsed when the surface of the heat storage material 33 was coated with about 3 mm of oil.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 14, 923.0 g when the opening area is 1φ (0.785 mm ² ), 2633.8 g when the opening area is 3φ (7.065 mm) and 5φ ( 4786 for 19.625 mm ² ).
This is a 2 g reduction.

As apparent from this simulation test, the opening area 3
If it is less than φ (7.065 mm ² ), even if it is used for 15 years, the heat storage material 33 can keep the initial heat storage material capacity at half or more, and the heat storage device can be stably used for a long period of time.

Next, as shown in FIG. 13, a simulated evaporation amount measurement test of a decrease in the heat storage material 33 was performed when a 3 mm oil film 100 was formed on the surface of the brine as shown in FIG. The result is shown in FIG.

As apparent from this simulation test, the oil film 100
When the oil film 100 was present, the heat storage material 33 was reduced to 923.0 g, but without the oil film 100, the heat storage material 33 was significantly reduced to 15922.9 g.

From this simulation test, it was found that forming the oil film 100 on the surface of the heat storage material 33 was an important factor.

Further, a relationship between the thickness of the oil film 100 and the amount of decrease in the heat storage material 33 was subjected to a simulated evaporation amount measurement test.

In this simulation test, as can be seen from FIG. 16, even if the oil film 100 is 3 mm, 2 mm, and 1 mm, the reduction amount of the heat storage material 33 is only about 288.2 g, 367.7 g, and 377.6 g, which is almost suitable for practical use. It has been found.

Therefore, if the oil film 100 of the heat storage material 30 of the heat storage device 30 is 1 mm or more, the heat storage material 33 can be secured in the heat storage device 30 for a long time.

The heat storage device of the present invention has a 30% brine
Although the heat storage material of water was used, the amount of ethylene glycol can be selected to various values depending on cold conditions. Although the opening is circular, it is of course possible to make it square, elliptical or the like. Further, the size of the passage of the on-off control valve, the capillary tube and the like can be freely selected without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0082]

According to the present invention, there is provided an air release type heat storage device which is incorporated in a refrigeration cycle of an air conditioner and has a heat storage container having a heat storage material containing water as a main component. Is provided, the heat storage device can be stably used for a long time without reducing the heat storage material.

Further, since the evaporation suppressing means of the present invention has a small opening in the heat storage container, it is possible to obtain a heat storage device whose configuration is extremely simple and whose manufacturing cost is significantly reduced.

Therefore, this heat storage device can be used for a long time as a heating component of an air conditioner.

Further, since the evaporation suppressing means of the present invention is a flow path resistor, it is possible to suppress and release the steam generated from the heat storage material.

Further, since the flow path resistor of the present invention is a flow path opening / closing adjustment valve, suppression and release of steam generated from the heat storage material can be adjusted according to various conditions.

Further, since the flow path resistor of the present invention is formed as a capillary tube, not only the amount of steam can be reduced by its resistance, but also its manufacture and assembly can be performed extremely easily.

Further, since the capillary tube of the present invention is provided with the fins, it is possible to increase the condensation of the steam generated from the heat storage material and reduce the decrease in the heat storage material.

Further, since the capillary tube of the present invention is provided with a filter, the ingress of insects, dust and the like can be prevented, and the heat storage device can be used stably for a long period of time.

Further, since the capillary tube of the present invention is provided along the outside of the heat storage container, it can be prevented from being damaged and freezing condensed water in winter.

Further, since the flow path resistor of the present invention is provided inside the heat storage container, it is possible to prevent breakage during transportation and the like and also prevent freezing of condensed water in winter.

Further, according to the present invention, since an oil film is formed on the surface of the heat storage material containing water as a main component, the evaporation and release of the heat storage material can be significantly reduced.

Further, since the oil film of the present invention is made 1 mm or more, the evaporation and release of the heat storage material can be significantly reduced.

Further, the area of the opening of the lid of the present invention is 7 mm.
^{Since it is set to 2} or less, the internal pressure of the heat storage device due to the heat storage of the heat storage material can be reduced and the release of the heat storage material can be reduced.

Further, according to the present invention, the distal end opening of the capillary tube provided in the heat storage container having the heat storage material containing water as a main component is arranged so as to face in the direction opposite to the direction of the center of gravity of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. The heat storage material is less likely to leak during assembly, transportation and installation.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an outline of a heat storage device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line IV-IV of FIG. 1 and viewed in the direction of the arrow.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing an outline of another heat storage device of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view showing an outline of still another heat storage device of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing an outline of still another heat storage device of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing an outline of still another heat storage device of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a front view showing an outline of a case where the heat storage device of the present invention is incorporated in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing an outline of a steam suppression valve attached to the heat storage device of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing an outline of a steam suppression valve attached to the heat storage device of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing a further outline of the steam suppression valve attached to the heat storage device of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing an outline of still another heat storage device of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a view showing an opening test result of the heat storage device of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a view showing an oil film test result of the heat storage device of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a view showing a result of an oil film test of the heat storage device of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a refrigeration cycle diagram generally used.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Refrigeration cycle 11, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 Thermal storage device 12, 33, 55, 64, 72 Thermal storage material 13 Thermal storage container 31, 54, 65 Thermal storage tank 14 Compressor 15 Heat exchanger 16 Heater 17 Indoor unit 18 Heat-exchanging exchanger 19 Four-way switching valve 20 Outdoor unit 21 Two-way valve 32 Lid 36 Opening 41 Channel opening / closing adjusting valve 52, 63, 71, 81 Capillary tube 56 Filter 62 Fin 92 Evaporation suppressing valve 93 Case body 94 Float 95, 97 Opening 96 Lid 97 Opening 98 Reed valve 99 Passage

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Kazunori Shibata 8 Shinsugita-cho, Isogo-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Inside Toshiba Yokohama Office

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A refrigeration cycle of an air conditioner,
An air release type heat storage device provided with a heat storage container having a heat storage material containing water as a main component, wherein the heat storage container is provided with means for suppressing evaporation of the heat storage material. 2. The heat storage device according to claim 1, wherein the evaporation suppressing means has an area smaller than a surface area of the heat storage material at an opening opened in a lid of the heat storage container. 3. The heat storage device according to claim 1, wherein the evaporation suppressing means is a flow path resistor provided in a communication portion with the atmosphere. 4. The heat storage device according to claim 3, wherein the flow path resistor is a flow path opening / closing adjustment valve. 5. The heat storage device according to claim 3, wherein the flow path resistor is a capillary tube. 6. The heat storage device according to claim 5, wherein the capillary tube is provided with fins. 7. The heat storage device according to claim 5, wherein a filter is provided in the capillary tube passage. 8. The heat storage container according to claim 5, wherein the capillary tube is provided along the outside of the heat storage container.
A heat storage device according to claim 1. 9. The heat storage device according to claim 3, wherein the flow path resistor is provided inside the heat storage container. 10. An air release type heat storage device which is incorporated in a refrigeration cycle of an air conditioner and has a heat storage container having a heat storage material containing water as a main component, wherein an oil film is formed on a surface of the heat storage material to suppress evaporation. A heat storage device, characterized in that: 11. The heat storage device according to claim 10, wherein the oil film has a thickness of 1 mm or more. 12. The heat storage device according to claim 11, wherein the area of the opening of the lid is 7.5 mm ² or less. 13. An air release type heat storage device comprising a heat storage container having a heat storage material containing water as a main component incorporated in a refrigeration cycle of an air conditioner, wherein the heat storage container is disposed in an outdoor unit of the air conditioner. A heat storage device, wherein a tip end opening of a capillary tube provided in a communication portion of the heat storage container with the atmosphere is arranged so as to face a direction opposite to a center of gravity of an outdoor unit of the air conditioner.