US20230131781A1 - Refrigeration cycle apparatus - Google Patents

Refrigeration cycle apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
US20230131781A1
US20230131781A1 US17/911,276 US202017911276A US2023131781A1 US 20230131781 A1 US20230131781 A1 US 20230131781A1 US 202017911276 A US202017911276 A US 202017911276A US 2023131781 A1 US2023131781 A1 US 2023131781A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
refrigerant
storage container
valve
heat exchanger
outflow path
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Abandoned
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US17/911,276
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English (en)
Inventor
Komei Nakajima
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Mitsubishi Electric Corp
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Mitsubishi Electric Corp
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Assigned to MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION reassignment MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: NAKAJIMA, Komei
Publication of US20230131781A1 publication Critical patent/US20230131781A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B41/00—Fluid-circulation arrangements
    • F25B41/20—Disposition of valves, e.g. of on-off valves or flow control valves
    • F25B41/26—Disposition of valves, e.g. of on-off valves or flow control valves of fluid flow reversing valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B13/00—Compression machines, plants or systems, with reversible cycle
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B41/00—Fluid-circulation arrangements
    • F25B41/20—Disposition of valves, e.g. of on-off valves or flow control valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B49/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F25B49/02—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for compression type machines, plants or systems
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2313/00—Compression machines, plants or systems with reversible cycle not otherwise provided for
    • F25B2313/031—Sensor arrangements
    • F25B2313/0314—Temperature sensors near the indoor heat exchanger
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2313/00—Compression machines, plants or systems with reversible cycle not otherwise provided for
    • F25B2313/031—Sensor arrangements
    • F25B2313/0315—Temperature sensors near the outdoor heat exchanger
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2400/00—General features or devices for refrigeration machines, plants or systems, combined heating and refrigeration systems or heat-pump systems, i.e. not limited to a particular subgroup of F25B
    • F25B2400/13—Economisers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2400/00—General features or devices for refrigeration machines, plants or systems, combined heating and refrigeration systems or heat-pump systems, i.e. not limited to a particular subgroup of F25B
    • F25B2400/16—Receivers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
    • F25B2700/21—Temperatures
    • F25B2700/2116—Temperatures of a condenser
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
    • F25B2700/21—Temperatures
    • F25B2700/2117—Temperatures of an evaporator

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a refrigeration cycle apparatus.
  • an air conditioner which includes a refrigerant circuit having a liquid receiver.
  • refrigerant is stored into the liquid receiver in accordance with an operation state, thereby adjusting a degree of supercooling of the refrigerant. This leads to improved performance of refrigeration cycle.
  • Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 10-111047 discloses an air conditioner including a refrigerant circuit having a liquid receiver (storage container).
  • refrigerant flows in the order of a refrigerant compressing device, a four-way valve, a condenser, a first expansion device, the liquid receiver (storage container), a second expansion device, an evaporator, and a four-way valve.
  • the refrigerant circuit includes the first expansion device and the second expansion device.
  • the refrigerant circuit needs to control two expansion valves, thus resulting in decreased controllability of the expansion valves.
  • the present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and has an object to provide a refrigeration cycle apparatus to improve performance of refrigeration cycle using a storage container and improve controllability of an expansion valve.
  • a refrigeration cycle apparatus of the present disclosure comprises a refrigerant circuit and a refrigerant storage circuit.
  • a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and an indoor heat exchanger are connected together by a pipe.
  • the refrigerant storage circuit is connected to the refrigerant circuit.
  • the pipe has a first pipe portion and a second pipe portion.
  • the first pipe portion connects the outdoor heat exchanger to the expansion valve.
  • the second pipe portion connects the indoor heat exchanger to the compressor.
  • the refrigerant storage circuit has a storage container, an expander, and a valve device.
  • the storage container stores refrigerant.
  • the expander is located between the storage container and the second pipe portion.
  • the valve device is located between the first pipe portion and the expander.
  • the valve device is configured to open and close the refrigerant storage circuit.
  • the valve device is configured to open and close the refrigerant storage circuit having the storage container. Therefore, since the valve device opens and closes the refrigerant storage circuit to store the refrigerant into the storage container in accordance with an operating state, performance of refrigeration cycle can be improved.
  • the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion valve, and the indoor heat exchanger are connected together by the pipe. Therefore, with one expansion valve, controllability of the expansion valve can be improved.
  • FIG. 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to a first embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a controller of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the first embodiment in a high-load operation.
  • FIG. 4 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the first embodiment in a refrigerant storing operation.
  • FIG. 5 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the first embodiment in a refrigerant recovering operation.
  • FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing refrigerant amount adjustment of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 7 is a graph showing a relation between a refrigerant amount and a coefficient of performance in each of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the first embodiment and a comparative example.
  • FIG. 8 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of a modification of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of a controller of the modification of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 10 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of the modification of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the first embodiment in a high-load operation.
  • FIG. 11 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of the modification of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the first embodiment in a refrigerant storing operation.
  • FIG. 12 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of the modification of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the first embodiment in a refrigerant recovering operation.
  • FIG. 13 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to a second embodiment.
  • FIG. 14 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the second embodiment in a high-load operation.
  • FIG. 15 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the second embodiment in a refrigerant storing operation.
  • FIG. 16 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the second embodiment in a refrigerant recovering operation.
  • FIG. 17 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of a modification of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 18 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of the modification of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the second embodiment in a high-load operation.
  • FIG. 19 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of the modification of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the second embodiment in a refrigerant storing operation.
  • FIG. 20 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of the modification of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the second embodiment in a refrigerant recovering operation.
  • FIG. 21 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to a third embodiment.
  • FIG. 22 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the third embodiment in a high-load operation.
  • FIG. 23 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the third embodiment in a refrigerant storing operation.
  • FIG. 24 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the third embodiment in a refrigerant recovering operation.
  • FIG. 25 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of a modification of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the third embodiment.
  • FIG. 26 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of the modification of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the third embodiment in a high-load operation.
  • FIG. 27 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of the modification of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the third embodiment in a refrigerant storing operation.
  • FIG. 28 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of the modification of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the third embodiment in a refrigerant recovering operation.
  • a configuration of a refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1 .
  • Examples of refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 includes an air conditioner, a refrigerator, and the like.
  • an air conditioner will be described as an exemplary refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 .
  • Refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 has a refrigerant circuit C 1 , a refrigerant storage circuit C 2 , a controller CD, a first blower apparatus 2 a, a second blower apparatus 4 a, a first temperature sensor 5 a, a second temperature sensor 5 b, a third temperature sensor 5 c, and a fourth temperature sensor 5 d.
  • Refrigerant circuit C 1 includes a compressor 1 , an outdoor heat exchanger (condenser) 2 , an expansion valve 3 , and an indoor heat exchanger (evaporator) 4 .
  • Refrigerant circuit C 1 is configured to allow refrigerant to flow in the order of compressor 1 , outdoor heat exchanger (condenser) 2 , expansion valve 3 , and indoor heat exchanger (evaporator) 4 .
  • Refrigerant circuit C 1 is configured to circulate the refrigerant. The refrigerant circulates in refrigerant circuit C 1 while changing its phase.
  • Pipe P has a first pipe portion P 1 , a second pipe portion P 2 , a third pipe portion P 3 , and a fourth pipe portion P 4 .
  • First pipe portion P 1 connects outdoor heat exchanger (condenser) 2 to expansion valve 3 .
  • Second pipe portion P 2 connects indoor heat exchanger (evaporator) 4 to compressor 1 .
  • Third pipe portion P 3 connects expansion valve 3 to indoor heat exchanger (evaporator) 4 .
  • Fourth pipe portion P 4 connects compressor 1 to outdoor heat exchanger (condenser) 2 .
  • Compressor 1 outdoor heat exchanger 2 , first blower apparatus 2 a, expansion valve 3 , first temperature sensor 5 a, second temperature sensor 5 b, and controller CD are accommodated in an outdoor unit 101 .
  • Outdoor unit 101 and indoor unit 102 are connected together by a gas pipe 103 and a liquid pipe 104 . It should be noted that portions of pipe P constitute gas pipe 103 and liquid pipe 104 .
  • Controller CD is configured to control each device and the like of refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 by performing calculation, instruction and the like. Controller CD is electrically connected to compressor 1 , expansion valve 3 , first blower apparatus 2 a, second blower apparatus 4 a, and the like, and is configured to control operations thereof. Controller CD is electrically connected to each of first temperature sensor 5 a , second temperature sensor 5 b, third temperature sensor 5 c, and fourth temperature sensor 5 d, and is configured to control each device and the like based on signals detected by these sensors. Controller CD is constituted of, for example, a microcomputer. Controller CD includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like. The ROM stores a control program.
  • CPU Central Processing Unit
  • RAM Random Access Memory
  • ROM Read Only Memory
  • Compressor 1 is configured to compress the refrigerant.
  • Compressor 1 is configured to compress the suctioned refrigerant and discharge the refrigerant.
  • Compressor 1 may be variable in capacity.
  • Compressor 1 may be configured to be changed in capacity by adjusting the rotation speed of compressor 1 based on an instruction from controller CD.
  • Outdoor heat exchanger 2 is configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant flowing inside outdoor heat exchanger 2 and air flowing outside outdoor heat exchanger 2 .
  • Outdoor heat exchanger 2 is configured to function as a condenser.
  • Outdoor heat exchanger 2 is a fin-and-tube type heat exchanger having a plurality of fins and a heat transfer tube extending through the plurality of fins.
  • Expansion valve 3 is configured to expand the refrigerant condensed in outdoor heat exchanger 2 so as to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant.
  • Expansion valve 3 is, for example, an electromagnetic valve.
  • the electromagnetic valve is configured to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant based on an instruction from controller CD.
  • Indoor heat exchanger 4 is configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant flowing inside indoor heat exchanger 4 and air flowing outside indoor heat exchanger 4 .
  • Indoor heat exchanger 4 is configured to function as an evaporator.
  • Indoor heat exchanger 4 is a fin-and-tube type heat exchanger having a plurality of fins and a heat transfer tube extending through the plurality of fins.
  • First blower apparatus 2 a is configured to blow outdoor air to outdoor heat exchanger 2 . That is, first blower apparatus 2 a is configured to supply air to outdoor heat exchanger 2 . First blower apparatus 2 a may be configured to adjust an amount of air flowing around outdoor heat exchanger 2 by adjusting the rotation speed of the fan of first blower apparatus 2 a based on an instruction from controller CD, thereby adjusting an amount of heat exchanged between the refrigerant and the air.
  • Second blower apparatus 4 a is configured to blow indoor air to indoor heat exchanger 4 . That is, second blower apparatus 4 a is configured to supply air to indoor heat exchanger 4 . Second blower apparatus 4 a may be configured to adjust an amount of air flowing around indoor heat exchanger 4 by adjusting the rotation speed of the fan of second blower apparatus 4 a based on an instruction from controller CD, thereby adjusting an amount of heat exchanged between the refrigerant and the air.
  • First temperature sensor 5 a is connected to outdoor heat exchanger 2 .
  • First temperature sensor 5 a is configured to detect the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through outdoor heat exchanger 2 .
  • Second temperature sensor 5 b is connected to first pipe portion P 1 .
  • Second temperature sensor 5 b is configured to detect the temperature of the refrigerant having flowed out from outdoor heat exchanger 2 .
  • Third temperature sensor 5 c is connected to indoor heat exchanger 4 .
  • Third temperature sensor 5 c is configured to detect the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through indoor heat exchanger 4 .
  • Fourth temperature sensor 5 d is connected to third pipe portion P 3 .
  • Fourth temperature sensor 5 d is configured to detect the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into indoor heat exchanger 4 .
  • Refrigerant storage circuit C 2 is configured to store the refrigerant. Refrigerant storage circuit C 2 is connected to refrigerant circuit C 1 . Refrigerant storage circuit C 2 has a valve device 11 , a storage container 12 , and an expander 13 . In refrigerant storage circuit C 2 , valve device 11 , storage container 12 , and expander 13 are connected together by pipe P.
  • valve device 11 is located between first pipe portion P 1 and expander 13 .
  • Valve device 11 is configured to open and close refrigerant storage circuit C 2 .
  • Valve device 11 is configured to open and close refrigerant storage circuit C 2 based on an instruction from controller CD.
  • Valve device 11 is, for example, an electromagnetic valve. The electromagnetic valve is configured to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant based on an instruction from controller CD.
  • Storage container 12 is configured to store the refrigerant. Storage container 12 is configured to discharge the refrigerant. That is, storage container 12 is configured to temporarily store the refrigerant and then discharge the refrigerant. Thus, storage container 12 is configured to receive and send the refrigerant.
  • expander 13 is located between storage container 12 and second pipe portion P 2 . Expander 13 is configured to expand the refrigerant having flowed out from storage container 12 , thereby reducing the pressure of the refrigerant. Expander 13 is, for example, a capillary tube. The electromagnetic valve is configured to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant based on an instruction from controller CD.
  • the refrigerant storage circuit has an inflow path IF, a first outflow path OF 1 , and a second outflow path OF 2 .
  • Inflow path IF is configured to allow the refrigerant to flow into storage container 12 .
  • Inflow path IF is connected to first pipe portion P 1 and storage container 12 .
  • the flow inlet of inflow path IF is located inside storage container 12 .
  • the flow inlet of inflow path IF is located below the flow outlet of first outflow path OF 1 and is located above the flow outlet of second outflow path OF 2 .
  • First outflow path OF 1 is configured to allow the refrigerant in a gas state to flow out from storage container 12 .
  • First outflow path OF 1 is connected to storage container 12 and expander 13 .
  • the flow outlet of first outflow path OF 1 is located inside storage container 12 .
  • the flow outlet of first outflow path OF 1 is located above the flow inlet of inflow path IF and second outflow path OF 2 .
  • Second outflow path OF 2 is configured to allow the refrigerant in a liquid state to flow out from storage container 12 .
  • Second outflow path OF 2 is connected to storage container 12 and expander 13 .
  • the flow outlet of second outflow path OF 2 is located inside storage container 12 .
  • the flow outlet of second outflow path OF 2 is located below inflow path IF and first outflow path OF 1 .
  • valve device 11 When storing the refrigerant into storage container 12 , valve device 11 is configured to open inflow path IF and first outflow path OF 1 and close second outflow path OF 2 . When recovering the refrigerant from storage container 12 , valve device 11 is configured to close first outflow path OF 1 and open second outflow path OF 2 .
  • Valve device 11 has a first valve 11 a, a second valve 11 b, and a third valve 11 c .
  • First valve 11 a , second valve 11 b, and third valve 11 c are independently controllable.
  • First valve 11 a is configured to open and close inflow path IF.
  • First valve 11 a is connected to first pipe portion P 1 and storage container 12 by pipe P.
  • Second valve 11 b is configured to open and close first outflow path OF 1 .
  • Second valve 11 b is connected to storage container 12 and expander 13 by pipe P.
  • Third valve 11 c is configured to open and close second outflow path OF 2 .
  • Third valve 11 c is connected to storage container 12 and expander 13 by pipe P.
  • first valve 11 a When storing the refrigerant into storage container 12 , first valve 11 a is configured to open inflow path IF, second valve 11 b is configured to open first outflow path OF 1 , and third valve 11 c is configured to close second outflow path OF 2 .
  • second valve 11 b When recovering the refrigerant from storage container 12 , second valve 11 b is configured to close first outflow path OF 1 and third valve 11 c is configured to open second outflow path OF 2 .
  • Controller CD Will be Described in Detail With Reference to FIG. 2 .
  • Controller CD has a control unit CD 1 , a compressor driving unit CD 2 , an expansion valve driving unit CD 3 , a blower apparatus driving unit CD 4 , a valve device driving unit CD 5 , and a temperature measuring unit CD 6 .
  • Control unit CD 1 is configured to control compressor driving unit CD 2 , expansion valve driving unit CD 3 , blower apparatus driving unit CD 4 , valve device driving unit CD 5 , and temperature measuring unit CD 6 .
  • Compressor driving unit CD 2 is configured to drive compressor 1 based on an instruction from control unit CD 1 .
  • compressor driving unit CD 2 is configured to control the rotation speed of a motor of compressor 1 by controlling the frequency of AC current flowing through a motor of compressor 1 .
  • Expansion valve driving unit CD 3 is configured to drive expansion valve 3 based on an instruction from control unit CD 1 .
  • expansion valve driving unit CD 3 is configured to control a degree of opening of expansion valve 3 by controlling a driving source such as a motor of expansion valve 3 .
  • Blower apparatus driving unit CD 4 is configured to drive first blower apparatus 2 a and second blower apparatus 4 a based on an instruction from control unit CD 1 .
  • blower apparatus driving unit CD 4 is configured to control the rotation speeds of the fans of first blower apparatus 2 a and second blower apparatus 4 a by controlling drive sources such as the motors of first blower apparatus 2 a and second blower apparatus 4 a.
  • Valve device driving unit CD 5 is configured to drive valve device 11 based on an instruction from control unit CD 1 .
  • valve device driving unit CD 5 is configured to control a degree of opening of valve device 11 by controlling a driving source such as a motor of valve device 11 .
  • Temperature measuring unit CD 6 is configured to measure the temperature of the refrigerant based on signals from first to fourth temperature sensors 5 a to 5 d and transmit, to control unit CD 1 , a signal that is based on the temperature of the refrigerant.
  • valve device 11 is painted in black to indicate that valve device 11 is in a closed state.
  • valve device 11 painted in black indicates the closed state.
  • the refrigerant having flowed into compressor 1 is compressed by compressor 1 to become high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant, which is then discharged from compressor 1 .
  • the high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant flows into outdoor heat exchanger 2 , is condensed by outdoor heat exchanger 2 to become liquid refrigerant, which then flows out from outdoor heat exchanger 2 .
  • the liquid refrigerant flows into expansion valve 3 , is reduced in pressure by expansion valve 3 to become low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant, which then flows out from expansion valve 3 .
  • the low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flows into indoor heat exchanger 4 , is evaporated by indoor heat exchanger 4 to become gas refrigerant, which then flows out from indoor heat exchanger 4 .
  • the gas refrigerant flows into compressor 1 . In this way, the refrigerant circulates in refrigerant circuit C 1 .
  • Valve device 11 closes refrigerant storage circuit C 2 . Specifically, all of first valve 11 a , second valve 11 b, and third valve 11 c close refrigerant storage circuit C 2 . Therefore, the liquid refrigerant having flowed out from outdoor heat exchanger 2 does not flow into storage container 12 of refrigerant storage circuit C 2 . Further, refrigerant 20 stored in storage container 12 does not flow into refrigerant circuit C 1 .
  • the low-load operation and high-load operation are performed, the low-load operation being an operation in which the rotation speed of compressor 1 is low, the high-load operation being an operation in which the rotation speed of compressor 1 is high.
  • a refrigerant amount with which performance of refrigeration cycle is maximum in the high-load operation is smaller than that in the low-load operation. Accordingly, the amount of the refrigerant flowing through refrigerant circuit C 1 during the low-load operation is larger than that during the high-load operation, and the amount of refrigerant 20 stored in storage container 12 of refrigerant storage circuit C 2 during the low-load operation is smaller than that during the high-load operation.
  • the following describes an operation of refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment during the high-load operation in the cooling operation.
  • the refrigerant circulates in refrigerant circuit C 1 in the same manner as in the low-load operation.
  • Valve device 11 closes refrigerant storage circuit C 2 in the same manner as in the low-load operation.
  • the amount of the refrigerant flowing through refrigerant circuit C 1 during the high-load operation is smaller than that during the low-load operation, and the amount of refrigerant 20 stored in storage container 12 of refrigerant storage circuit C 2 during the high-load operation is larger than that during the low-load operation.
  • valve device 11 opens inflow path IF and first outflow path OF 1 and closes second outflow path OF 2 .
  • first valve 11 a opens inflow path IF
  • second valve 11 b opens first outflow path OF 1
  • third valve 11 c closes second outflow path OF 2 .
  • Part of the liquid refrigerant having flowed out from outdoor heat exchanger 2 flows into storage container 12 of refrigerant storage circuit C 2 via inflow path IF, and is stored into storage container 12 .
  • the gas refrigerant flows out from first outflow path OF 1 .
  • the liquid refrigerant is stored into storage container 12 .
  • valve device 11 closes first outflow path OF 1 and opens second outflow path OF 2 .
  • Valve device 11 opens inflow path IF.
  • second valve 11 b closes first outflow path OF 1
  • third valve 11 c opens second outflow path OF 2 .
  • first valve 11 a opens inflow path IF.
  • the refrigerant is recovered to refrigerant circuit C 1 .
  • the liquid refrigerant stored in storage container 12 is recovered.
  • the amount of liquid refrigerant flowing out from storage container 12 should be larger than the amount of liquid refrigerant flowing into storage container 12 .
  • the amount of liquid refrigerant flowing into storage container 12 may be reduced by stopping the rotation of the fan of first blower apparatus 2 a or the like.
  • refrigerant amount adjustment in refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 , 2 , and 6 .
  • the refrigerant amount is adjusted based on a degree of supercooling (subcooling).
  • a subcooling (SC) is calculated (step S 2 ).
  • the subcooling (SC) is calculated by control unit CD 1 in accordance with a difference between the temperature of the refrigerant detected by first temperature sensor 5 a and the temperature of the refrigerant detected by second temperature sensor 5 b.
  • the subcooling (SC) is calculated in accordance with a difference between the temperature of the refrigerant detected by third temperature sensor 5 c and the temperature of the refrigerant detected by fourth temperature sensor 5 d.
  • a target subcooling (SC) is calculated (step S 3 ).
  • the target subcooling (SC) is calculated by control unit CD 1 in accordance with the rotation speed of compressor 1 and the outdoor air temperature.
  • control unit CD 1 determines whether or not the subcooling (SC) is smaller than a target SC ⁇ obtained by providing a margin to the target subcooling (SC) on the low temperature side (step S 4 ).
  • the refrigerant recovering operation is performed (step S 5 ).
  • the subcooling (SC) is smaller than target SC ⁇ , it is determined that the refrigerant amount is insufficient.
  • control unit CD 1 determines whether or not the subcooling (SC) is larger than a target SC+ ⁇ obtained by providing a margin to the target subcooling (SC) on the high temperature side (step S 6 ).
  • the subcooling (SC) is larger than target SC+ ⁇
  • the refrigerant storing operation is performed (step S 7 ).
  • the subcooling (SC) is larger than target SC+ ⁇ , it is determined that the refrigerant amount is excessive.
  • control unit CD 1 determines whether or not the subcooling (SC) is larger than target SC ⁇ and smaller than target SC+ ⁇ (step S 8 ).
  • the subcooling (SC) is calculated again.
  • the refrigerant amount adjustment is ended (step S 9 ).
  • the following describes a relation between the refrigerant amount and a coefficient of performance (COP) in each of refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment and the comparative example.
  • the refrigerant amount is different between the low-load operation and the high-load operation, with the result that the coefficient of performance (COP) can be improved.
  • the refrigerant amount is unchanged between the low-load operation and the high-load operation, with the result that it is difficult to improve the coefficient of performance (COP) in both the low-load operation and the high-load operation.
  • valve device 11 is configured to open and close refrigerant storage circuit C 2 having storage container 12 . Therefore, since valve device 11 opens and closes refrigerant storage circuit C 2 to store the refrigerant into storage container 12 in accordance with the operation state, the performance of the refrigeration cycle can be improved.
  • refrigerant circuit C 1 compressor 1 , outdoor heat exchanger 2 , expansion valve 3 , and indoor heat exchanger 4 are connected together by pipe P. Therefore, with one expansion valve 3 , controllability of expansion valve 3 can be improved.
  • first valve 11 a when storing the refrigerant into storage container 12 , first valve 11 a opens inflow path IF, second valve 11 b opens first outflow path OF 1 , and third valve 11 c closes second outflow path OF 2 .
  • second valve 11 b closes first outflow path OF 1 and third valve 11 c opens second outflow path OF 2 . Therefore, the amount of refrigerant flowing through refrigerant circuit C 1 can be adjusted.
  • the modification of refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment has the same configuration, operation, function and effect as those of refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment unless otherwise described particularly.
  • refrigerant circuit C 1 has a four-way valve 6 .
  • Refrigerant circuit C 1 is configured to allow the refrigerant to flow in the order of compressor 1 , four-way valve 6 , the condenser (outdoor heat exchanger 2 or indoor heat exchanger 4 ), expansion valve 3 , the evaporator (indoor heat exchanger 4 or outdoor heat exchanger 2 ) and four-way valve 6 .
  • refrigerant storage circuit C 2 has a first check valve 14 a and a second check valve 14 b.
  • outdoor heat exchanger 2 is configured to function as a condenser in the cooling operation and function as an evaporator in the heating operation.
  • Indoor heat exchanger 4 is configured to function as an evaporator in the cooling operation and function as a condenser in the heating operation.
  • Four-way valve 6 is connected to compressor 1 , outdoor heat exchanger 2 , and indoor heat exchanger 4 .
  • Four-way valve 6 is configured to switch the flow of the refrigerant so as to allow the refrigerant to flow from compressor 1 to outdoor heat exchanger 2 in the cooling operation and allow the refrigerant to flow from compressor 1 to indoor heat exchanger 4 in the heating operation.
  • first check valve 14 a and second check valve 14 b are located in parallel with valve device 11 .
  • first check valve 14 a is located at pipe P branched from between outdoor heat exchanger 2 and expansion valve 3 .
  • second check valve 14 b is located at pipe P branched from between indoor heat exchanger 4 and expansion valve 3 .
  • Each of first check valve 14 a and second check valve 14 b is configured to allow the refrigerant to flow toward valve device 11 and avoid the refrigerant from flowing opposite to valve device 11 .
  • controller CD has a four-way valve driving unit CD 7 .
  • Four-way valve driving unit CD 7 is configured to drive four-way valve 6 based on an instruction from control unit CD 1 .
  • four-way valve driving unit CD 7 is configured to control switching of four-way valve 6 by controlling a driving source such as a motor of four-way valve 6 .
  • FIGS. 8 and 10 to 12 operations of the modification of refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 10 to 12 .
  • solid arrows indicate flow of the refrigerant in the cooling operation
  • broken arrows indicate flow of the refrigerant in the heating operation.
  • the modification of refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 can selectively perform the cooling operation and the heating operation.
  • the refrigerant circulates in refrigerant circuit C 1 in the order of compressor 1 , four-way valve 6 , outdoor heat exchanger (condenser) 2 , expansion valve 3 , indoor heat exchanger (evaporator) 4 , and four-way valve 6 .
  • the following describes an operation of the modification of refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment during the high-load operation in the cooling operation.
  • the refrigerant circulates in refrigerant circuit C 1 in the same manner as during the low-load operation.
  • the following describes an operation (refrigerant storing operation) of storing refrigerant into storage container 12 .
  • Part of the liquid refrigerant having flowed out from outdoor heat exchanger 2 flows into refrigerant storage circuit C 2 via first pipe portion P 1 .
  • the liquid refrigerant having flowed into refrigerant storage circuit C 2 passes through first check valve 14 a, flows into storage container 12 through first valve 11 a , and is stored into storage container 12 .
  • the gas refrigerant flows out from first outflow path OF 1 . In this way, in the refrigerant storing operation, the liquid refrigerant is stored into storage container 12 .
  • the following describes an operation (refrigerant recovering operation) of recovering the refrigerant stored in storage container 12 of refrigerant storage circuit C 2 .
  • Part of the liquid refrigerant having flowed out from outdoor heat exchanger 2 flows into refrigerant storage circuit C 2 via first pipe portion P 1 .
  • the liquid refrigerant having flowed into refrigerant storage circuit C 2 passes through first check valve 14 a, flows into storage container 12 through first valve 11 a , and flows out from second outflow path OF 2 . In this way, in the refrigerant recovering operation, the liquid refrigerant stored in storage container 12 is recovered.
  • the high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from compressor 1 flows into indoor heat exchanger (condenser) 4 , is condensed by indoor heat exchanger 4 to become liquid refrigerant, which then flows out from indoor heat exchanger 4 .
  • the liquid refrigerant flows into expansion valve 3 , is reduced in pressure by expansion valve 3 to become low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant, which then flows out from expansion valve 3 .
  • the low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flows into outdoor heat exchanger (evaporator) 2 , is evaporated by outdoor heat exchanger 2 to become gas refrigerant, which then flows out from outdoor heat exchanger 2 .
  • the gas refrigerant flows into compressor 1 through four-way valve 6 .
  • the refrigerant circulates in refrigerant circuit C 1 . That is, in the heating operation, the refrigerant circulates in refrigerant circuit C 1 in the order of compressor 1 , four-way valve 6 , indoor heat exchanger (condenser) 4 , expansion valve 3 , outdoor heat exchanger (evaporator) 2 , and four-way valve 6 .
  • the refrigerant circulates in refrigerant circuit C 1 in the same manner as during the low-load operation.
  • part of the liquid refrigerant having flowed out from indoor heat exchanger (evaporator) 4 flows into refrigerant storage circuit C 2 via first pipe portion P 1 connecting indoor heat exchanger (evaporator) 4 to expansion valve 3 .
  • the liquid refrigerant having flowed into refrigerant storage circuit C 2 passes through second check valve 14 b, flows into storage container 12 through first valve 11 a , and is stored into storage container 12 .
  • the gas refrigerant flows out from first outflow path OF 1 . In this way, in the refrigerant storing operation, the liquid refrigerant is stored into storage container 12 .
  • four-way valve 6 is configured to switch the flow of the refrigerant so as to allow the refrigerant to flow from compressor 1 to outdoor heat exchanger 2 in the cooling operation and allow the refrigerant to flow from compressor 1 to indoor heat exchanger 4 in the heating operation. Therefore, the refrigerant can be stored into storage container 12 in both the cooling operation and the heating operation. For this reason, in both the cooling operation and the heating operation, the performance of the refrigeration cycle can be improved by storage container 12 and the controllability of expansion valve 3 can be improved.
  • first check valve 14 a or second check valve 14 b the liquid refrigerant having flowed out from outdoor heat exchanger 2 or indoor heat exchanger 4 functioning as a condenser can be prevented from flowing into compressor 1 without being reduced in pressure by expansion valve 3 .
  • a refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to a second embodiment has the same configuration, operation, function and effect as those of refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment unless otherwise described particularly.
  • valve device 11 is a three-way valve 11 d.
  • three-way valve 11 d is located among first outflow path OF 1 , second outflow path OF 2 , and expander 13 .
  • Three-way valve 11 d is configured to make switching as to whether to allow the refrigerant to flow from first outflow path OF 1 to expander 13 or allow the refrigerant to flow from second outflow path OF 2 to expander 13 .
  • three-way valve 11 d When storing the refrigerant into storage container 12 , three-way valve 11 d is configured to connect first outflow path OF 1 to expander 13 . When recovering the refrigerant from storage container 12 , three-way valve 11 d is configured to connect second outflow path OF 2 to expander 13 .
  • the refrigerant circulates in refrigerant circuit C 1 in the order of compressor 1 , outdoor heat exchanger (condenser) 2 , expansion valve 3 , and indoor heat exchanger (evaporator) 4 .
  • Valve device 11 closes refrigerant storage circuit C 2 .
  • three-way valve 11 d closes refrigerant storage circuit C 2 . Therefore, the refrigerant stored in storage container 12 does not flow into refrigerant circuit C 1 .
  • the refrigerant circulates in refrigerant circuit C 1 in the same manner as during the low-load operation.
  • Three-way valve 11 d closes refrigerant storage circuit C 2 in the same manner as in the low-load operation.
  • the amount of the refrigerant flowing through refrigerant circuit C 1 during the high-load operation is smaller than that during the low-load operation, and the amount of refrigerant 20 stored in storage container 12 of refrigerant storage circuit C 2 during the high-load operation is larger than that during the low-load operation.
  • the following describes an operation (refrigerant storing operation) of storing the refrigerant into storage container 12 .
  • three-way valve 11 d connects first outflow path OF 1 to expander 13 .
  • Part of the liquid refrigerant having flowed out from outdoor heat exchanger 2 flows into storage container 12 of refrigerant storage circuit C 2 via inflow path IF, and is stored into storage container 12 .
  • the gas refrigerant flows out from first outflow path OF 1 to expander 13 . In this way, in the refrigerant storing operation, the liquid refrigerant is stored into storage container 12 .
  • the following describes an operation (refrigerant recovering operation) of recovering the refrigerant stored in storage container 12 of refrigerant storage circuit C 2 .
  • three-way valve 11 d connects second outflow path OF 2 to expander 13 .
  • Part of the liquid refrigerant having flowed out from outdoor heat exchanger 2 flows into storage container 12 of refrigerant storage circuit C 2 via inflow path IF, and flows out to expander 13 via second outflow path OF 2 . In this way, in the refrigerant recovering operation, the liquid refrigerant stored in storage container 12 is recovered.
  • refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 of the second embodiment when storing the refrigerant into storage container 12 , three-way valve 11 d connects first outflow path OF 1 to expander 13 . When recovering the refrigerant from storage container 12 , three-way valve 11 d connects second outflow path OF 2 to expander 13 . Therefore, refrigerant storage circuit C 2 can be opened and closed by one three-way valve 11 d. Therefore, the number of driving circuits for driving valves can be reduced as compared with the case where valve device 11 has three valves. Therefore, cost of refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 can be reduced.
  • the modification of refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment has the same configuration, operation, function and effect as those of refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment unless otherwise described particularly.
  • refrigerant circuit C 1 has a four-way valve 6 .
  • Refrigerant circuit C 1 is configured to allow the refrigerant to flow in the order of compressor 1 , four-way valve 6 , the condenser (outdoor heat exchanger 2 or indoor heat exchanger 4 ), expansion valve 3 , the evaporator (indoor heat exchanger 4 or outdoor heat exchanger 2 ) and four-way valve 6 .
  • Refrigerant storage circuit C 2 has a first check valve 14 a and a second check valve 14 b.
  • the modification of refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment can selectively perform the cooling operation and the heating operation.
  • the refrigerant circulates in refrigerant circuit C 1 in the order of compressor 1 , four-way valve 6 , outdoor heat exchanger (condenser) 2 , expansion valve 3 , indoor heat exchanger (evaporator) 4 , and four-way valve 6 .
  • the following describes an operation of the modification of refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment during the high-load operation in the cooling operation.
  • the refrigerant circulates in refrigerant circuit C 1 in the same manner as during the low-load operation.
  • the following describes an operation of the modification of refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment during the operation (refrigerant storing operation) of storing refrigerant into storage container 12 .
  • Part of the liquid refrigerant having flowed out from outdoor heat exchanger 2 flows into refrigerant storage circuit C 2 via first pipe portion P 1 .
  • the liquid refrigerant having flowed into refrigerant storage circuit C 2 passes through first check valve 14 a , flows into storage container 12 , and is stored into storage container 12 .
  • the gas refrigerant flows out from first outflow path OF 1 . In this way, in the refrigerant storing operation, the liquid refrigerant is stored in storage container 12 .
  • the following describes an operation (refrigerant recovering operation) of recovering the refrigerant stored in storage container 12 of refrigerant storage circuit C 2 .
  • Part of the liquid refrigerant having flowed out from outdoor heat exchanger 2 flows into refrigerant storage circuit C 2 via first pipe portion P 1 .
  • the liquid refrigerant having flowed into refrigerant storage circuit C 2 passes through first check valve 14 a, flows into storage container 12 , and flows out from second outflow path OF 2 . In this way, in the refrigerant recovering operation, the liquid refrigerant stored in storage container 12 is recovered.
  • the refrigerant circulates in refrigerant circuit C 1 in the order of compressor 1 , four-way valve 6 , indoor heat exchanger (condenser) 4 , expansion valve 3 , outdoor heat exchanger (evaporator) 2 , and four-way valve 6 .
  • the refrigerant circulates in refrigerant circuit C 1 in the same manner as during the low-load operation.
  • four-way valve 6 is configured to switch the flow of the refrigerant so as to allow the refrigerant to flow from compressor 1 to outdoor heat exchanger 2 in the cooling operation and allow the refrigerant to flow from compressor 1 to indoor heat exchanger 4 in the heating operation. Therefore, the refrigerant can be stored into storage container 12 in both the cooling operation and the heating operation. For this reason, in both the cooling operation and the heating operation, the performance of the refrigeration cycle can be improved by storage container 12 and the controllability of expansion valve 3 can be improved.
  • a refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment has the same configuration, operation, function and effect as those of refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment unless otherwise described particularly.
  • valve device 11 is a five-way valve 11 e .
  • five-way valve 11 e is located among first pipe portion P 1 , storage container 12 , and expander 13 .
  • Five-way valve 11 e is configured to make switching as to whether to allow the refrigerant to flow from first pipe portion P 1 to storage container 12 or allow the refrigerant to flow from storage container 12 to expander 13 .
  • Five-way valve 11 e forms portions of inflow path IF, first outflow path OF 1 , and second outflow path OF 2 .
  • five-way valve 11 e When storing the refrigerant into storage container 12 , five-way valve 11 e is configured to connect first pipe portion P 1 to storage container 12 so as to form inflow path IF and connect storage container 12 to expander 13 so as to form first outflow path OF 1 . When recovering the refrigerant from storage container 12 , five-way valve 11 e is configured to connect storage container 12 to expander 13 so as to form second outflow path OF 2 .
  • the refrigerant circulates in refrigerant circuit C 1 in the order of compressor 1 , outdoor heat exchanger (condenser) 2 , expansion valve 3 , and indoor heat exchanger (evaporator) 4 .
  • Valve device 11 closes refrigerant storage circuit C 2 .
  • five-way valve 11 e closes refrigerant storage circuit C 2 . Therefore, the refrigerant stored in storage container 12 does not flow into refrigerant circuit C 1 .
  • the refrigerant circulates in refrigerant circuit C 1 in the same manner as during the low-load operation.
  • Five-way valve 11 e closes refrigerant storage circuit C 2 in the same manner as in the low-load operation.
  • the amount of the refrigerant flowing through refrigerant circuit C 1 during the high-load operation is smaller than that during the low-load operation, and the amount of refrigerant 20 stored in storage container 12 of refrigerant storage circuit C 2 during the high-load operation is larger than that during the low-load operation.
  • FIG. 23 the following describes an operation of refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment during an operation (refrigerant storing operation) of storing refrigerant into storage container 12 .
  • five-way valve 11 e connects first pipe portion P 1 to storage container 12 so as to form inflow path IF, and connects storage container 12 to expander 13 so as to form first outflow path OF 1 .
  • Part of the liquid refrigerant having flowed out from outdoor heat exchanger 2 flows into storage container 12 via inflow path IF, and is stored into storage container 12 .
  • the gas refrigerant flows out from first outflow path OF 1 to expander 13 . In this way, in the refrigerant storing operation, the liquid refrigerant is stored into storage container 12 .
  • the following describes an operation (refrigerant recovering operation) of recovering the refrigerant stored in storage container 12 of refrigerant storage circuit C 2 .
  • five-way valve 11 e is configured to connect storage container 12 to expander 13 so as to form second outflow path OF 2 .
  • the liquid refrigerant stored in storage container 12 flows out from second outflow path OF 2 to expander 13 . In this way, in the refrigerant recovering operation, the liquid refrigerant stored in storage container 12 is recovered.
  • five-way valve 11 e when storing the refrigerant into storage container 12 , five-way valve 11 e connects first pipe portion P 1 to storage container 12 so as to form inflow path IF and connects storage container 12 to expander 13 so as to form first outflow path OF 1 .
  • five-way valve 11 e When recovering the refrigerant from storage container 12 , five-way valve 11 e connects storage container 12 to expander 13 so as to form second outflow path OF 2 . Therefore, refrigerant storage circuit C 2 can be opened and closed by one five-way valve 11 e . Therefore, the number of driving circuits for driving valves can be reduced as compared with the case where valve device 11 has three valves. Therefore, cost can be reduced.
  • the modification of refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment has the same configuration, operation, function and effect as those of refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment unless otherwise described particularly.
  • refrigerant circuit C 1 has a four-way valve 6 .
  • Refrigerant circuit C 1 is configured to allow the refrigerant to flow in the order of compressor 1 , four-way valve 6 , the condenser (outdoor heat exchanger 2 or indoor heat exchanger 4 ), expansion valve 3 , the evaporator (indoor heat exchanger 4 or outdoor heat exchanger 2 ) and four-way valve 6 .
  • Refrigerant storage circuit C 2 has a first check valve 14 a and a second check valve 14 b.
  • the modification of refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment can selectively perform the cooling operation and the heating operation.
  • the refrigerant circulates in refrigerant circuit C 1 in the order of compressor 1 , four-way valve 6 , outdoor heat exchanger (condenser) 2 , expansion valve 3 , indoor heat exchanger (evaporator) 4 , and four-way valve 6 .
  • the following describes an operation of the modification of refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment during the high-load operation in the cooling operation.
  • the refrigerant circulates in refrigerant circuit C 1 in the same manner as during the low-load operation.
  • the following describes an operation (refrigerant storing operation) of storing refrigerant into storage container 12 .
  • Part of the liquid refrigerant having flowed out from outdoor heat exchanger 2 flows into refrigerant storage circuit C 2 via first pipe portion P 1 .
  • the liquid refrigerant having flowed into refrigerant storage circuit C 2 passes through first check valve 14 a, flows into storage container 12 , and is stored into storage container 12 .
  • the gas refrigerant flows out from first outflow path OF 1 . In this way, in the refrigerant storing operation, the liquid refrigerant is stored in storage container 12 .
  • the following describes an operation (refrigerant recovering operation) of recovering the refrigerant stored in storage container 12 of refrigerant storage circuit C 2 .
  • Part of the liquid refrigerant having flowed out from outdoor heat exchanger 2 flows into refrigerant storage circuit C 2 via first pipe portion P 1 .
  • the liquid refrigerant having flowed into refrigerant storage circuit C 2 passes through first check valve 14 a, flows into storage container 12 , and flows out from second outflow path OF 2 . In this way, in the refrigerant recovering operation, the liquid refrigerant stored in storage container 12 is recovered.
  • the refrigerant circulates in refrigerant circuit C 1 in the order of compressor 1 , four-way valve 6 , indoor heat exchanger (condenser) 4 , expansion valve 3 , outdoor heat exchanger (evaporator) 2 , and four-way valve 6 .
  • the refrigerant circulates in refrigerant circuit C 1 in the same manner as during the low-load operation.
  • refrigerant recovering operation in an operation (refrigerant recovering operation) of recovering the refrigerant stored in storage container 12 of refrigerant storage circuit C 2 , part of the liquid refrigerant having flowed out from indoor heat exchanger 4 flows into refrigerant storage circuit C 2 via first pipe portion P 1 connecting indoor heat exchanger (evaporator) 4 to expansion valve 3 .
  • the liquid refrigerant having flowed into refrigerant storage circuit C 2 passes through second check valve 14 b, flows into storage container 12 , and flows out from second outflow path OF 2 . In this way, in the refrigerant recovering operation, the liquid refrigerant stored in storage container 12 is recovered.
  • four-way valve 6 is configured to switch the flow of the refrigerant so as to allow the refrigerant to flow from compressor 1 to outdoor heat exchanger 2 in the cooling operation and allow the refrigerant to flow from compressor 1 to indoor heat exchanger 4 in the heating operation. Therefore, the refrigerant can be stored in storage container 12 in both the cooling operation and the heating operation. For this reason, in both the cooling operation and the heating operation, the performance of the refrigeration cycle can be improved by storage container 12 and the controllability of expansion valve 3 can be improved.

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  • Compression-Type Refrigeration Machines With Reversible Cycles (AREA)
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