JPH10311619A - Refrigeration cycle device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize the smooth transfer to the heating mode while damage to compressor is avoided by providing the function of the heating operation in which only the heat absorption from the outside air is utilized, the heating operation in which only the heat storage is utilized, and the heating operation in which the heat absorption from the outside air and the heat storage are simultaneously utilized. SOLUTION: The refrigerant to be discharged from a compressor 1 flows into an indoor heat exchanger 4 through a four-way valve 2 and a two-way valve 3, a part of the refrigerant through the indoor heat exchanger 4 flows in an outdoor heat exchanger 7, and then, is sucked in the compressor 1, and the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger 7 is evaporated by absorbing the heat absorption from the outside air to achieve the heating operation. The rest of the refrigerant through the indoor heat exchanger 4 flows into a heat exchanger 14 of a heat storage tank 13 through a two-way valve 11 and a capillary tube 12, the refrigerant is sucked into a compression chamber 1a of the compressor 1, and the refrigerant flowing in the heat exchanger 14 is evaporated by absorbing the heat from the heat storage agent for the heating operation. In addition, the heating operation is achieved by simultaneously utilizing the heat absorption from the outside air and the heat storage.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigeration cycle apparatus having a heat storage function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There is a refrigeration cycle apparatus in which a heat storage tank is provided in a refrigeration cycle, for example, heat storage for heating (or cooling for cooling) is stored by a heat storage operation using nighttime electric power, and the stored heat is used for air conditioning.

[0003]

In the case of a refrigeration cycle apparatus having a heat storage function, simply performing heating (and cooling) using heat storage is insufficient as a function, and an improvement is desired. The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a refrigeration system capable of performing optimal heating by utilizing the features of heating using heat storage and the features of heating using heat absorption from outside air. A cycle device is provided.

[0004] Further, the present invention is excellent in reliability that enables smooth transition of heating while avoiding damage to the compressor when transitioning from heating using heat storage to heating using heat absorption from the outside air. A refrigeration cycle device is provided.

[0005]

Means for Solving the Problems First Invention (Claim 1)
The refrigerating cycle device has a heating operation function using only heat absorption from outside air, a heating operation function using only heat storage, and further has a heating operation function using heat absorption from outside air and heat storage at the same time.

A refrigeration cycle apparatus according to a second invention (claim 2) according to the first invention, first performs a heating operation using only heat storage at the start of operation, and then simultaneously uses heat absorption from outside air and heat storage. A heating operation is performed, and then a heating operation using only heat absorption from the outside air is performed.

A refrigeration cycle apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention has a function of a heating operation utilizing only heat absorption from outside air, and a function of heating operation utilizing heat storage utilizing heat absorption from outside air and heat storage simultaneously. At the time of transition from the heat storage heating operation to the heating operation using only heat absorption from the outside air, the operating frequency of the compressor is reduced in advance.

The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the third aspect, further comprising: The opening is increased in advance.

A refrigeration cycle apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the third or fourth aspect, wherein the compressor has a plurality of compression chambers, and the outdoor heat in a heating operation using only heat absorption from outside air. The refrigerant that has passed through the exchanger flows into each compression chamber of the compressor, and in the heat storage heating operation, the refrigerant that has passed through the heat storage means flows into at least one of the compression chambers of the compressor.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a compressor, and two compression chambers (cylinders) 1 having different capacities.
a and 1b. 1a is larger and 1b is smaller.

An indoor heat exchanger 4 is connected to the discharge port of the compressor 1 via a four-way valve 2 and a two-way valve 3, and the indoor heat exchanger 4 has a two-way valve 5 and a pressure reducing means such as an electric expansion valve. An outdoor heat exchanger 7 is connected via a pipe 6. The electric expansion valve 6 is a pulse motor valve (PMV) whose opening changes according to the number of supplied drive pulses.

The outdoor heat exchanger 7 is connected to the compression chambers 1a and 1b of the compressor 1 via a four-way valve 2 and a suction cup 8, respectively. Compression chamber 1 from suction cup 8
Non-return valves 9 and 10 are provided on both pipes connected to a and 1b, respectively.

The above is the configuration of a general heat pump refrigeration cycle. The two-way valve 5 and the electric expansion valve 6
And a pipe connected to the compression chamber 1b, a heat storage two-way valve 11, a capillary tube 12 as a pressure reducing means, a heat exchanger 14 of a heat storage tank 13 as a heat storage means, and a suction cup 15 in order. Piping is connected. Further, from the outlet of the suction cup 15 to the piping connected to the compression chamber 1a, a two-way valve 16 for fully utilizing heat storage is provided.
Is connected to the pipe.

On the other hand, the control unit 20 includes a compressor 1, a four-way valve 2, a two-way valve 3, a two-way valve 5, an electric expansion valve 6, a two-way valve 11,
The two-way valve 16, the operation unit 21, and the timer 22 are connected. The control unit 20 includes the following [1]
To [4].

[1] Four-way valve 2, two-way valve 3, indoor heat exchanger 4, two-way valve 5, electric expansion valve 6, indoor heat exchanger 7, four-way valve 2, suction cup 8. First operating means for performing a normal heating operation using only heat absorbed from outside air by returning to the compressor 1 through the check valves 9 and 10.

[2] The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 is supplied to the four-way valve 2, the two-way valve 3, the indoor heat exchanger 4, the two-way valve 5, the two-way valve 11, the capillary tube 12, and the heat exchanger 14 of the heat storage tank 13. ,
A second heating operation is performed in which the air is returned to the compressor 1 through the suction cup 15 (and the two-way valve 16) and only heat storage is performed.
Driving means.

[3] The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 is supplied to the four-way valve 2, the two-way valve 3, the indoor heat exchanger 4, the two-way valve 5, the electric expansion valve 6, the indoor heat exchanger 7, the four-way valve 2, and the suction cup. 8. Returning to the compressor 1 through the check valves 9 and 10, the refrigerant flowing through the two-way valve 5 is divided and the two-way valve 11 and the capillary tube 1 are divided.
2. Third operation means for performing a heating operation in which the heat is returned to the compressor 1 through the heat exchanger 14 and the suction cup 15 of the heat storage tank 13 and heat absorption from outside air and heat storage are simultaneously used.

[0018] Upon [4] Operation starts, the predetermined time t ₁ timed by the timer 22 the heating operation by the second operating means is first performed (the heat storage only available), then a predetermined time t ₂ by counting of the timer 22 first Control means for executing a heating operation (simultaneous use of outside air and heat storage) by the three operating means, and then executing a heating operation (using only heat absorption from outside air) by the first operating means.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. At the start of the heating operation, a heating operation using only heat storage is first performed on the assumption that a sufficient amount of heat is stored in the heat storage tank 13. That is, while the compressor 1 is started, the four-way valve 2 is switched to the state shown in FIG. 1, and the two-way valves 3 and 5 are opened. Further, the electric expansion valve 6 is fully closed, and the two-way valves 11, 16 are opened.

The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 flows through the four-way valve 2 and the two-way valve 3 to the indoor heat exchanger 4, and the refrigerant having passed through the indoor heat exchanger 4 passes through the two-way valve 5 and from there the two-way valve. The heat flows into the heat exchanger 14 of the heat storage tank 13 through the two-way valve 11 and the capillary tube 12.

The heat storage tank 13 is a heat storage agent (for example, water).
Is stored in the heat storage agent in advance by, for example, an electric heater (not shown) using nighttime electric power. The refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger 14 loses this heat (heat) and evaporates.

The refrigerant having passed through the heat exchanger 14 is sucked into the compression chamber 1a of the compressor 1 through the four-way valve 2 and the suction cup 15, and the divided flow from the suction cup 15 is passed through the two-way valve 16 to the compressor. 1 is sucked into the compression chamber 1b.

Thus, the heat storage (heat) of the heat storage tank 13
Is released into the room as heating heat. In particular, since the refrigerant flows into both of the compression chambers 1a and 1b of the compressor 1, the flow rate of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger 14 increases, and the heating using the heat storage to make maximum use of the heat storage is performed.

At the start of operation, by performing the heating operation using only the heat storage, heating rises faster than in the case of performing the heating operation by absorbing heat from the normal outside air.
Comfort is improved.

On the other hand, simultaneously with the start of the heating operation, the timer 22
There has been operated, the count of the timer 22 reaches the predetermined time t _1, the heating operation of simultaneously utilize heat supply and heat accumulation from the outside air is performed. That is, while the four-way valve 2, the two-way valves 3, 5, and the two-way valve 11 remain in the same state, the electric expansion valve 6 is controlled to a predetermined opening degree, and the two-way valve 16 is closed.

The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 flows through the four-way valve 2 and the two-way valve 3 to the indoor heat exchanger 4, and a part of the refrigerant having passed through the indoor heat exchanger 4 is partially discharged to the two-way valve 5 and the electric expansion valve. 6 to the indoor heat exchanger 7. And the indoor heat exchanger 7
Is passed through the four-way valve 2, the suction cup 8, and the check valves 9, 10, and is sucked into the compressor 1. The refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 7 absorbs heat from outside air and evaporates.

Further, the remaining refrigerant that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger 4 is diverted to the two-way valve 11, passes through the two-way valve 11 and the capillary tube 12, and passes through the heat exchanger 1 of the heat storage tank 13.
Flow into 4. Then, the refrigerant having passed through the heat exchanger 14 passes through the four-way valve 2 and the suction cup 15, and is sucked into the compression chamber 1a of the compressor 1. The refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger 14 is
Evaporates by removing heat from the heat storage agent.

In this case, since the two-way valve 16 is closed, the refrigerant having passed through the suction cup 15 flows only into the compression chamber 1a but not into the compression chamber 1b. Therefore, the flow rate of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger 14 is not so large, and the utilization rate of the heat storage is set low.

As described above, after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of operation, the operation shifts to heating that uses heat while saving heat, and at the same time, performs heating using heat absorbed from the outside air, so that the heating capacity can be sufficiently increased. Obtainable.

Thereafter, when a predetermined time t ₂ elapses further by the counting of the timer 22, the amount of heat stored in the heat storage tank 13 is exhausted, and the heat supply from the outside air is determined based on the judgment that the heating has almost started up. The normal heating operation using only the normal heating operation is executed. That is, four-way valve 2, two-way valve 3,
5. The two-way valve 11 is closed while the electric expansion valve 6 and the two-way valve 16 remain in the same state.

The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 flows through the four-way valve 2 and the two-way valve 3 to the indoor heat exchanger 4, and the refrigerant passing through the indoor heat exchanger 4 passes through the two-way valve 5 and the electric expansion valve 6. And flows to the indoor heat exchanger 7. Then, the refrigerant that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger 7 passes through the four-way valve 2, the suction cup 8, and the check valves 9 and 10 and is sucked into the compressor 1. The refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 7 absorbs heat from outside air and evaporates.

The heating operation using only heat supplied from the outside air is as follows.
It can be continued without any time limitation as in the case of using heat storage. As described above, the heat storage is used by starting from the heating using only the heat storage, then shifting to the heating using the heat absorption from the outside air and the heat storage simultaneously, and further shifting to the heating using the heat absorption only from the outside air. Optimum heating can be performed by utilizing the features of heating and the features of heating utilizing heat absorption from outside air. The relationship between the operation mode and the operation of the electric expansion valve 6 and the two-way valves 11, 16 is shown in Table 1 below.

[0033]

[Table 1]

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the drawings, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 2, the heat storage tank 13 is provided with a heat storage temperature sensor 30. The heat storage temperature sensor 30 detects the temperature Tw of the heat storage agent (for example, water or the like) in the heat storage tank 13.

Further, an inverter circuit 40 is provided. The inverter circuit 40 converts the voltage of the commercial AC power supply 41 into a voltage having a frequency according to a command from the control unit 20 and outputs the voltage. This output is supplied to the motor of the compressor 1 (compressor motor) as drive power. The rotation speed of the compressor motor changes according to the output frequency of the inverter circuit 40. With the change in the rotation speed, the capacity of the compressor 1 changes.

Check valve 10, two-way valve 16, and timer 2
2 is not provided. The control unit 20 performs the following [1] to [4]
Function means. [1] The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 flows through the four-way valve 2, the two-way valve 3, the indoor heat exchanger 4, the two-way valve 5, the electric expansion valve 6, the indoor heat exchanger 7, the four-way valve 2, and the suction cup 8. A first operating means for performing a normal heating operation using only heat absorbed from outside air while returning one to the compressor 1 through the check valve 9 and the other as it is.

[2] The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 is supplied to the four-way valve 2, the two-way valve 3, the indoor heat exchanger 4, the two-way valve 5, the electric expansion valve 6, the indoor heat exchanger 7, the four-way valve 2, and the suction cup. Sink 8 and
One is returned to the compressor 1 through the check valve 9 while the other is returned to the compressor 1, and the refrigerant that has passed through the two-way valve 5 is diverted to the two-way valve 1.
1. Second operation means for performing a heat storage utilizing heating operation in which the heat is returned to the compressor 1 through the capillary tube 12, the heat exchanger 14 of the heat storage tank 13, and the suction cup 15, and heat absorption from outside air and heat storage are simultaneously used.

[0038] Upon [3] Operation starts, the heating operation by the second operating means (heat storage utilization) is first executed, then, when the detected temperature Tw of the heat storage temperature sensor 30 is lowered to the set value Tw _2, first operation means Control means for executing a heating operation (using only heat absorption from the outside air) by the controller.

[4] At the time of transition from the heating operation (using heat storage) by the second operating means to the heating operation (using only heat absorption from outside air) by the first operating means, the operating frequency of the compressor 1 (the output of the inverter circuit 40) Control means for reducing the frequency (F) in advance. The specific timing of the decrease is when the detected temperature Tw of the heat storage temperature sensor 30 has decreased to the set value Tw ₃ (> Tw ₂ ).

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. At the start of the heating operation, the heat storage utilizing heating operation is first performed, and the heat storage (heat) of the heat storage tank 13 is released into the room as the heating heat.

At the start of the operation, by performing the heating operation using the heat storage, the rise of the heating speed is increased and the comfort is improved as compared with the case where the heating operation is performed by absorbing heat from the outside air.

On the other hand, the heat storage temperature Tw of the heat storage tank 13 are detected by the heat storage temperature sensor 30, when the detected temperature Tw is reduced to the set value Tw _2, together with the amount of heat stored in the heat storage tank 13 is eliminated, the rise of the heating Is almost completed, the normal heating operation using only the heat supply from the outside air is executed.

The heating operation using only the supply of heat from the outside air is as follows.
It can be continued without any time limitation as in the case of using heat storage. Thus, beginning from the heating utilizing thermal storage by migrating to the endothermic only heating to use from the outside air at the heat storage temperature Tw decreases to the set value Tw _2, heating using the heat storage characteristics and the outside air from the Optimum heating can be performed by utilizing the features of normal heating using heat absorption.

In the transition from heating using heat storage to heating using only heat absorption from outside air, the flow rate and pressure of the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle fluctuate rapidly with the closing of the two-way valve 11. Appears as a sudden increase in the load on the compressor 1. In such a case, a forming (foaming) phenomenon occurs in the lubricating oil in the compressor 1, and there is a possibility that the lubricating property of the sliding portion of the compressor 1 is impaired.

Therefore, the detected temperature T of the heat storage temperature sensor 30
When w decreases to the set value Tw ₃ (> Tw ₂ ), the operating frequency F (Hz) of the compressor 1 is reduced by a predetermined value. This timing is before the transition to heating using only heat absorption from outside air.

As described above, when shifting from heating using heat storage to heating using only heat absorption from the outside air, the operating frequency F (Hz) of the compressor 1 is reduced in advance, so that the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle is cooled. Rapid fluctuations in flow rate and pressure are prevented as much as possible. This prevents a sudden increase in the load applied to the compressor 1 and prevents a situation in which a forming (foaming) phenomenon occurs in the lubricating oil in the compressor 1. As a result, it is possible to avoid damage to the compressor 1 while maintaining good lubricity inside the compressor 1 and improve reliability.

When the detected temperature Tw further decreases and reaches the set value Tw ₁ (<Tw ₂ ), the operating frequency F (Hz)
Is released, and the operating frequency F is returned to the normal value. This timing is after the transition to heating using only heat absorption from outside air.

As described above, by returning the operating frequency F to the normal value after the shift, the smooth shift to the heating using only the heat absorption from the outside air becomes possible without causing the shortage of the heating capacity, and the comfort is improved. improves.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The control unit 20 has the following functional unit [5] in addition to the functional units [1] to [4] of the second embodiment.

[5] At the time of the transition from the heating operation by the second operating means (using heat storage) to the heating operation by the first operating means (using only heat absorption from outside air), the opening P of the electric expansion valve 6 is increased in advance. Control means. The specific timing of the reduction is
The detected temperature Tw of the heat storage temperature sensor 30 is equal to the set value Tw ₃ (>
Tw ₂ ).

The other structure is the same as that of the second embodiment. The operation will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, when the detected temperature Tw of the heat storage temperature sensor 30 decreases to a set value Tw ₃ (> Tw ₂ ), the operating frequency F (Hz) of the compressor 1 is reduced by a predetermined value, and opening of the expansion valve 6 is increased from the control opening P ₁ until it to a predetermined opening P ₂ (> P _1).

As described above, when shifting from the heating using the heat storage to the heating using only the heat absorption from the outside air, the operating frequency F (Hz) of the compressor 1 is reduced in advance, as described above. Damage to the machine 1 can be avoided, and reliability can be improved.

Further, since the opening of the electric expansion valve 6 is increased simultaneously with the reduction of the operating frequency F, the flow rate of the refrigerant to the outdoor heat exchanger 7 is increased irrespective of the reduction of the operating frequency F, and the heat absorption from the outside air is increased. Are maintained in a sufficient state. Therefore, there is no shortage of heating capacity.

When the detected temperature Tw further decreases and reaches the set value Tw1 (<Tw2), the reduction of the operating frequency F (Hz) is released, and the operating frequency F returns to the normal value. This enables a smooth transition to heating using only heat absorption from outside air.

In the second and third embodiments, the refrigerant that has passed through the heat exchanger 14 of the heat storage tank 13 flows only into the compression chamber 1a of the compressor 1. However, the same refrigeration cycle as in the first embodiment. It may be configured to flow into both of the compression chambers 1a and 1b. In short, what is necessary is just to flow into at least one of the compression chambers 1a and 1b.

In the second and third embodiments, the operating frequency F and the opening degree of the electric expansion valve 6 are controlled in the transition from heating using heat storage to heating using only heat absorption from the outside air. However, the operating frequency F and the opening degree of the electric expansion valve 6 when the first to third operating means shift in the first embodiment may be controlled. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0057]

As described above, according to the present invention, a heating operation function utilizing only heat absorption from outside air is provided, a heating operation function utilizing only heat storage is provided, and heat absorption and heat storage from outside air are provided. Since it has the function of the heating operation to use at the same time, it is possible to provide a refrigeration cycle device capable of performing optimal heating utilizing the features of the heating using the heat storage and the features of the heating using the heat absorption from the outside air.

Further, according to the present invention, the operation frequency of the compressor is reduced in advance in the transition from the heating operation using heat storage to the heating operation using only heat absorption from the outside air. It is possible to provide a refrigeration cycle apparatus having excellent reliability that can smoothly transfer heating while avoiding damage.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a second embodiment and a third embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Compressor 1a, 1b ... Compression chamber 2 ... Four-way valve 3, 5 ... Two-way valve 4 ... Indoor heat exchanger 6 ... Electric expansion valve 7 ... Outdoor heat exchanger 11 ... Heat storage utilization two-way valve 13 ... Heat storage tank 14 ... heat exchanger 16 ... heat storage all-use two-way valve 20 ... control unit 22 ... timer 30 ... heat storage temperature sensor 40 ... inverter circuit

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A refrigeration cycle apparatus comprising a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, a pressure reducing means, an outdoor heat exchanger, and a heat storage means, wherein the refrigerant discharged from the compressor is supplied to the indoor heat exchanger, a pressure reducing means,
A first operating unit for returning to the compressor through the outdoor heat exchanger and performing a heating operation utilizing heat absorption from the outside air; and an indoor heat exchanger, a decompression unit for discharging refrigerant discharged from the compressor,
A second operating means for returning to the compressor through the heat storage means and performing a heating operation using the heat storage; a refrigerant discharged from the compressor, the indoor heat exchanger, a pressure reducing means,
A third operation is performed in which the refrigerant passes through the outdoor heat exchanger and returns to the compressor, the refrigerant that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger is diverted, passes through the heat storage means, returns to the compressor, and uses the heat storage together with the heat absorption from the outside air. A refrigeration cycle device comprising: operating means. 2. A control means for executing a heating operation by the second operation means at the start of operation, then executing a heating operation by the third operation means, and then executing a heating operation by the first operation means. The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: 3. A refrigeration cycle apparatus comprising a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, a pressure reducing means, an outdoor heat exchanger, and a heat storage means, wherein the refrigerant discharged from the compressor is supplied to the indoor heat exchanger, a pressure reducing means,
A first operating unit for returning to the compressor through the outdoor heat exchanger and performing a heating operation utilizing heat absorption from the outside air; and an indoor heat exchanger, a decompression unit for discharging refrigerant discharged from the compressor,
A second heating operation is performed in which the refrigerant passes through the outdoor heat exchanger and returns to the compressor, the refrigerant that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger is diverted, returns to the compressor through the heat storage means, and uses heat storage together with heat absorption from outside air. A refrigerating cycle, comprising: operating means; and control means for reducing the operating frequency of the compressor in advance when shifting from the heating operation by the second operating means to the heating operation by the first operating means. apparatus. 4. A control means for increasing an opening degree of said electric expansion valve in advance when shifting from heating operation by said second operation means to heating operation by said first operation means. Item 4. A refrigeration cycle apparatus according to item 3. 5. The compressor has a plurality of compression chambers. During the heating operation by the first operating means, the refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger flows into each compression chamber of the compressor, and the second operation The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the refrigerant having passed through the heat storage means flows into at least one of the compression chambers of the compressor during the heating operation by the means.