WO2011108237A1

WO2011108237A1 - Refrigeration cycle device

Info

Publication number: WO2011108237A1
Application number: PCT/JP2011/001092
Authority: WO
Inventors: 憲昭山本; 廣和加守田; 聡十倉; 孝杉尾; 正敏高橋
Original assignee: パナソニック株式会社
Priority date: 2010-03-01
Filing date: 2011-02-25
Publication date: 2011-09-09
Also published as: KR20130041712A; BR112012021904A2; CN102378881B; JP2011202938A; JP5204189B2; CN102378881A

Abstract

A refrigeration cycle device having a compressor (6), an indoor heat exchanger (16), an expansion valve (12), and an outdoor heat exchanger (14), which are connected through refrigerant piping, is provided with a heat storage device for storing heat generated by the compressor (6). The refrigeration cycle device is also provided with a controller which switches the operation of the device from first air conditioning operation to second air conditioning operation, the first air conditioning operation being operation which, when the temperature of the heat storage material (36) contained within a heat storage tank (32) exceeds a predetermined temperature which is lower than or equal to the boiling point of water contained in the heat storage material (36) and which is determined considering the boiling point, causes the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (6) to pass through the indoor heat exchanger (16), the expansion valve (12), and the outdoor heat exchanger (14), the second heating operation being operation which, when the temperature of the heat storage material (36) exceeds the predetermined temperature, causes the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (6) to pass through a heat storage heat exchanger (34).

Description

Refrigeration cycle equipment

The present invention relates to a refrigeration cycle apparatus including a heat storage tank that stores a heat storage material that stores heat generated by a compressor, and a heat storage heat exchanger that performs heat exchange using heat stored in the heat storage material.

Conventionally, when the outdoor heat exchanger is frosted during the heating operation by the heat pump air conditioner, defrosting is performed by switching the four-way valve from the heating cycle to the cooling cycle. In this defrosting method, although the indoor fan is stopped, there is a disadvantage that a feeling of heating is lost because cold air is gradually discharged from the indoor unit.

Accordingly, a heat storage device is provided in the compressor provided in the outdoor unit, and the one that is defrosted using the waste heat of the compressor stored in the heat storage tank during the heating operation has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

FIG. 9 shows an example of a refrigeration cycle apparatus that employs such a defrosting method. The compressor 100, the four-way valve 102, the outdoor heat exchanger 104, the capillary tube 106, the indoor unit provided in the outdoor unit are shown. Is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 108 provided by the refrigerant pipe, the first bypass circuit 110 for bypassing the capillary tube 106, and the discharge side of the compressor 100 to the indoor heat exchanger 108 via the four-way valve 102. A second bypass circuit 112 is provided in which one end is connected to the connecting pipe and the other end is connected to the pipe extending from the capillary tube 106 to the outdoor heat exchanger 104. The first bypass circuit 110 is provided with a two-way valve 114, a check valve 116, and a heat storage heat exchanger 118, and the second bypass circuit 112 is provided with a two-way valve 120 and a check valve 122. Yes.

Further, a heat storage tank 124 is provided around the compressor 100, and the heat storage tank 124 is filled with a heat storage material 126 for exchanging heat with the heat storage heat exchanger 118.

In this refrigeration cycle, during the defrosting operation, the two two-

way valves

114 and 120 are opened, a part of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 100 flows to the second bypass circuit 112, and the remaining refrigerant is the four-way valve 102. And flows to the indoor heat exchanger 108. In addition, after the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 108 is used for heating, a small amount of refrigerant flows to the outdoor heat exchanger 104 through the capillary tube 106, while the remaining most of the refrigerant passes through the first bypass circuit. 110 flows into the heat storage heat exchanger 118 through the two-way valve 114, takes heat from the heat storage material 126, passes through the check valve 116, and then merges with the refrigerant that has passed through the capillary tube 106 to the outdoor. It flows to the heat exchanger 104. After that, it merges with the refrigerant flowing through the second bypass circuit 112 at the inlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 104, performs defrosting using the heat of the refrigerant, passes through the four-way valve 102, and then enters the compressor 100. Inhaled.

In this refrigeration cycle apparatus, by providing the second bypass circuit 112, the hot gas discharged from the compressor 100 during defrosting is guided to the outdoor heat exchanger 104 and the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 104 Therefore, the defrosting ability can be increased, and the defrosting can be completed in a very short time.

JP-A-3-31666

In the refrigeration cycle described in Patent Document 1, in the case of normal heating operation without defrosting operation, the two two-

way valves

114 and 120 are closed, and heat is accumulated in the heat storage material 126 by the operation of the compressor 100. And its temperature rises.

Similarly, in the case of normal cooling operation, the two two-

way valves

114 and 120 are closed, and heat is accumulated in the heat storage material 126 due to operation of the compressor 100, and the temperature rises.

However, if the temperature of the heat storage material 126 rises excessively, the heat storage material 126 itself may be altered (for example, oxidized) or the water boiling of the heat storage material 126 may occur, causing the heat storage material 126 to deteriorate.

The present invention has been made in view of such problems of the prior art, and provides a refrigeration cycle apparatus capable of preventing deterioration of a heat storage material that accumulates heat generated by a compressor. It is aimed.

To achieve the above object, the present invention accommodates a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, an expansion valve and an outdoor heat exchanger connected via a refrigerant pipe, and a heat storage material that accumulates heat generated by the compressor. A heat storage tank and a heat storage device having a heat storage heat exchanger that performs heat exchange with heat storage of the heat storage material, the heat storage material is configured to include an aqueous solution, and the temperature of the heat storage material is The refrigerant discharged from the compressor expands with the indoor heat exchanger when it exceeds a predetermined temperature below the boiling point set in consideration of the boiling point of water contained in the heat storage material that is uniquely determined regardless of the heat storage material. From the first air conditioning operation in which the valve and the outdoor heat exchanger are passed through, the second air conditioning in which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor passes through the heat storage heat exchanger when the temperature of the heat storage material exceeds a predetermined temperature. In addition to the controller that switches to operation It is provided.

In the present invention, heat generated in the compressor is accumulated in the heat storage material of the heat storage device, and when the temperature of the heat storage material exceeds a predetermined temperature, the heat storage heat exchanger performs heat exchange by heat storage of the heat storage material. Since the temperature of the heat storage material is lowered by switching to the operation to be performed, it is possible to prevent the heat storage material from becoming excessively high temperature, and further to prevent moisture evaporation, thereby preventing deterioration of the heat storage material.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner equipped with a heat storage device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the operation and refrigerant flow during normal heating (during the first heating operation) of the air conditioner of FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the air conditioner of FIG. 1 during defrosting / heating and the flow of refrigerant. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the operation and refrigerant flow during the second heating operation of the air conditioner of FIG. FIG. 5 shows a modified example of the switching control between the first heating (cooling) operation and the second heating (cooling) operation, and the heat is stored by branching from the refrigerant pipe connecting the indoor heat exchanger and the expansion valve. Timing chart showing the opening and closing operation of the solenoid valve provided in the refrigerant piping leading to the exchanger FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram in the case where the temperature of the heat storage material is set to different temperatures when rising and lowering in order to open and close the solenoid valve. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the operation and refrigerant flow during normal cooling (during the first cooling operation) of the air conditioner of FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the operation and refrigerant flow during the second cooling operation of the air conditioner of FIG. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a conventional refrigeration cycle apparatus.

The present invention relates to a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and an outdoor heat exchanger connected via a refrigerant pipe, a heat storage tank that stores a heat storage material that stores heat generated by the compressor, and a heat storage material. And a heat storage device having a heat storage heat exchanger for exchanging heat in the refrigeration cycle device, the heat storage material includes an aqueous solution, and the temperature of the heat storage material is unambiguous regardless of the heat storage material The refrigerant discharged from the compressor is passed through an indoor heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and an outdoor heat exchanger when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature that is set in consideration of the boiling point of water contained in the heat storage material. A controller that switches from the first air conditioning operation to be passed to the second air conditioning operation that causes the refrigerant discharged from the compressor to pass through the heat storage heat exchanger when the temperature of the heat storage material exceeds a predetermined temperature. I have.

According to the present invention, switching from the first heating operation to the second heating operation is performed. During the first heating operation, the heat generated by the compressor is accumulated in the heat storage material, while during the second heating operation, the heat storage heat exchanger performs heat exchange by storing heat in the heat storage material. The temperature of the material decreases. Thereby, since it can prevent that a thermal storage material becomes high temperature excessively, and also can prevent moisture evaporation, degradation of a thermal storage material can be prevented.

Specifically, the refrigerant pipe that branches from the refrigerant pipe connecting the indoor heat exchanger and the expansion valve to the heat storage heat exchanger further includes an electromagnetic valve that is opened and closed based on a control signal from the controller, Switches from the first heating operation to the second heating operation by opening the solenoid valve.

Preferably, in the second heating operation, the controller controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valve so that the solenoid valve is opened for a first predetermined time and then the solenoid valve is closed for a second predetermined time. Here, the second predetermined time is typically longer than the first predetermined time. Thereby, a desired heating operation can be maintained using a relatively large electromagnetic valve.

The opening / closing control of the solenoid valve is repeated for a predetermined cycle, with the open state of the solenoid valve for the first predetermined time and the closed state for the second predetermined time as one cycle. Thereby, the temperature of a thermal storage material can be reduced to the temperature which does not cause deterioration of a thermal storage material.

Further, according to the present invention, switching from the first cooling operation to the second cooling operation is performed. During the first cooling operation, heat generated by the compressor is accumulated in the heat storage material, while during the second cooling operation, the heat storage heat exchanger performs heat exchange by heat storage of the heat storage material to store heat. The temperature of the material decreases. Thereby, since it can prevent that a thermal storage material becomes high temperature excessively, and also can prevent moisture evaporation, degradation of a thermal storage material can be prevented.

Specifically, the refrigerant pipe that branches from the refrigerant pipe connecting the indoor heat exchanger and the expansion valve to the heat storage heat exchanger further includes an electromagnetic valve that is opened and closed based on a control signal from the controller, Switches from the first cooling operation to the second cooling operation by opening the solenoid valve.

Preferably, in the second cooling operation, the controller controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valve so that the solenoid valve is opened for a first predetermined time and then the solenoid valve is closed for a second predetermined time. Here, the second predetermined time is typically longer than the first predetermined time. Thereby, a desired cooling operation can be maintained by using a relatively large electromagnetic valve.

In addition, the refrigeration cycle apparatus further includes, for example, a heat storage material temperature sensor that detects a temperature of the heat storage material, and the controller performs the first heating operation from the first heating operation based on the temperature detected by the heat storage material temperature sensor. 2 is switched to the heating operation or from the first cooling operation to the second cooling operation.

As another example, the refrigeration cycle apparatus further includes a compressor temperature sensor that detects a temperature of the compressor, and the controller performs the first heating operation based on the temperature detected by the compressor temperature sensor. Switching to the second heating operation, or switching from the first cooling operation to the second cooling operation.

As yet another example, the refrigeration cycle apparatus further includes a discharge refrigerant temperature sensor that detects a temperature of refrigerant discharged from the compressor, and the controller is configured to detect the first temperature based on the temperature detected by the discharge refrigerant temperature sensor. Switching from the first heating operation to the second heating operation, or from the first cooling operation to the second cooling operation.

As still another example, the refrigeration cycle apparatus further includes a heat storage tank temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heat storage tank itself, and the controller performs the first heating operation based on the temperature detected by the heat storage tank temperature sensor. To the second heating operation, or from the first cooling operation to the second cooling operation.

As yet another example, the refrigeration cycle apparatus further includes an operating current sensor that detects an operating current of the compressor, and the controller is configured to perform the first operation based on the operating current of the compressor detected by the operating current sensor. From the first heating operation to the second cooling operation, or from the first cooling operation to the second cooling operation.

In addition, during the second heating operation, it is preferable that the operating frequency of the compressor is lowered as compared with that during the first heating operation. Similarly, during the second cooling operation, it is preferable that the operating frequency of the compressor is lowered as compared with that during the first cooling operation.

In the case where the predetermined temperature is the first predetermined temperature, the controller has a temperature of the heat storage material that is lower than a second predetermined temperature lower than the first predetermined temperature during the second heating operation. It is preferable to switch to the first heating operation. Thus, by making a difference between the first predetermined temperature and the second predetermined temperature, it is possible to prevent the first heating operation and the second heating operation from being frequently switched with each other. Similarly, when the predetermined temperature is set as the first predetermined temperature, the controller sets the second predetermined temperature at which the temperature of the heat storage material is lower than the first predetermined temperature during the second cooling operation. If it falls below, it is preferable to switch to the first cooling operation. Thus, by making a difference between the first predetermined temperature and the second predetermined temperature, it is possible to prevent the first cooling operation and the second cooling operation from being frequently switched with each other.

The refrigeration cycle apparatus further includes a timer capable of timing at least an elapsed time since switching to the second heating operation, and the controller is an elapsed time measured by the timer during the second heating operation. Can be switched to the first heating operation at a predetermined time. Similarly, the refrigeration cycle apparatus further includes a timer capable of timing at least an elapsed time since switching to the second cooling operation, and the controller counts a time measured by the timer during the second cooling operation. When the time reaches a predetermined time, it is possible to switch to the first cooling operation.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an air conditioner that is a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present invention, and the air conditioner includes an outdoor unit 2 and an indoor unit 4 that are connected to each other through a refrigerant pipe.

As shown in FIG. 1, a compressor 6, a four-way valve 8, a strainer 10, an expansion valve 12, and an outdoor heat exchanger 14 are provided inside the outdoor unit 2. A heat exchanger 16 is provided, and these are connected to each other via a refrigerant pipe to constitute a refrigeration cycle.

More specifically, the compressor 6 and the indoor heat exchanger 16 are connected via a first pipe 18 provided with a four-way valve 8, and the indoor heat exchanger 16 and the expansion valve 12 are provided with a strainer 10. The second pipe 20 is connected. The expansion valve 12 and the outdoor heat exchanger 14 are connected via a third pipe 22, and the outdoor heat exchanger 14 and the four-way valve 8 are connected via a fourth pipe 24.

The four-way valve 8 and the refrigerant suction side of the compressor 6 are connected via an eighth pipe 41, and the eighth pipe 41 on the refrigerant suction side of the compressor 6 has an accumulator for separating the liquid-phase refrigerant and the gas-phase refrigerant. 26 is provided. The compressor 6 and the third pipe 22 are connected via a fifth pipe 28, and the first solenoid valve 30 is provided in the fifth pipe 28.

Further, a heat storage tank 32 is provided around the compressor 6, and a heat storage heat exchanger 34 is provided inside the heat storage tank 32, and a heat storage material for exchanging heat with the heat storage heat exchanger 34 (for example, An ethylene glycol aqueous solution) 36 is filled, and the heat storage tank 32, the heat storage heat exchanger 34, and the heat storage material 36 constitute a heat storage device. In addition to the ethylene glycol aqueous solution, the heat storage material 36 may be a glycol aqueous solution such as propylene glycol, or saline.

In addition, when the heat storage material 36 having an aqueous solution as a component is used as in the heat storage device 31 according to the present invention, it is necessary to take measures against an increase in the internal pressure of the heat storage tank 32 due to steam simultaneously with the suppression of water evaporation. Therefore, the heat storage device 31 according to the present invention has a non-sealed system configuration that can realize the relaxation of the pressure increase and the suppression of the decrease in the heat storage solution and the like. That is, as a means for adjusting the internal pressure against an increase in pressure or the like by providing a vent hole in the upper part of the heat storage tank 32, a member made of a rubber material having a pinhole fitted at a position in contact with the internal air in the upper part of the heat storage tank 32. Used. Moreover, the evaporation amount of the heat storage material 36 can be suppressed by setting the opening area of the vent hole small and making the heat storage tank 32 almost sealed.

The second pipe 20 and the heat storage heat exchanger 34 are connected via a sixth pipe 38, the heat storage heat exchanger 34 and the fourth pipe 24 are connected via a seventh pipe 40, and the sixth pipe 38. Is provided with a second electromagnetic valve 42.

In addition to the indoor heat exchanger 16, an air blower fan (not shown), upper and lower blades (not shown), and left and right blades (not shown) are provided inside the indoor unit 4, and indoor heat exchange is performed. The unit 16 exchanges heat between the indoor air sucked into the interior of the indoor unit 4 by the blower fan and the refrigerant flowing through the interior of the indoor heat exchanger 16, and blows out the air heated by heat exchange into the room during heating. On the other hand, air cooled by heat exchange is blown into the room during cooling. The upper and lower blades change the direction of air blown from the indoor unit 4 up and down as necessary, and the left and right blades change the direction of air blown from the indoor unit 4 to right and left as needed.

The compressor 6, the blower fan, the upper and lower blades, the left and right blades, the four-way valve 8, the expansion valve 12, the

electromagnetic valves

30 and 42, etc. are electrically connected to a controller 48 (see FIG. 4, for example, a microcomputer). The operation or operation of the blower fan, the upper and lower blades, the left and right blades, the four-way valve 8 and the expansion valve 12 is controlled based on a control signal from the controller 48, and the two

solenoid valves

30 and 42 are controlled by the controller 48. Opened and closed based on the signal.

In the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present invention having the above-described configuration, the mutual connection relationship and function of each component will be described along with the flow of the refrigerant, taking the case of heating operation as an example.

The refrigerant discharged from the discharge port of the compressor 6 passes from the four-way valve 8 to the indoor heat exchanger 16 through the first pipe 18. The refrigerant condensed by exchanging heat with the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger 16 passes through the second pipe 20 through the indoor heat exchanger 16, expands through the strainer 10 that prevents foreign matter from entering the expansion valve 12. To valve 12. The refrigerant decompressed by the expansion valve 12 reaches the outdoor heat exchanger 14 through the third pipe 22, and the refrigerant evaporated by exchanging heat with the outdoor air in the outdoor heat exchanger 14 is the fourth pipe 24 and the four-way valve 8. And return to the suction port of the compressor 6 through the eighth pipe 41 and the accumulator 26.

The fifth pipe 28 branched from the compressor 6 discharge port of the first pipe 18 and the four-way valve 8 is connected to the expansion valve 12 of the third pipe 22 and the outdoor heat exchanger 14 via the first electromagnetic valve 30. I am joining in between.

Furthermore, the heat storage tank 32 in which the heat storage material 36 and the heat storage heat exchanger 34 are housed is disposed so as to be in contact with and surround the compressor 6, and the heat generated in the compressor 6 is accumulated in the heat storage material 36, and the second The sixth pipe 38 branched from the pipe 20 between the indoor heat exchanger 16 and the strainer 10 reaches the inlet of the heat storage heat exchanger 34 via the second electromagnetic valve 42 and exits from the outlet of the heat storage heat exchanger 34. The seventh pipe 40 joins between the four-way valve 8 and the accumulator 26 in the eighth pipe 41.

<When heating>
Next, the operation during normal heating will be described with reference to FIG. 2 schematically showing the operation during normal heating and the flow of the refrigerant of the air conditioner shown in FIG.

During the normal heating operation, the first solenoid valve 30 and the second solenoid valve 42 are closed, and the refrigerant discharged from the discharge port of the compressor 6 as described above passes through the first pipe 18 and the four-way valve 8. It reaches the indoor heat exchanger 16. The refrigerant condensed by exchanging heat with the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger 16 exits the indoor heat exchanger 16, passes through the second pipe 20, reaches the expansion valve 12, and the refrigerant decompressed by the expansion valve 12 is the third refrigerant. It reaches the outdoor heat exchanger 14 through the pipe 22. The refrigerant evaporated by exchanging heat with the outdoor air in the outdoor heat exchanger 14 passes through the fourth pipe 24, passes through the four-way valve 8, and returns from the eighth pipe 41 to the suction port of the compressor 6.

Further, the heat generated in the compressor 6 is accumulated in the heat storage material 36 housed in the heat storage tank 32 from the outer wall of the compressor 6 through the outer wall of the heat storage tank 32.

Next, the operation during defrosting / heating will be described with reference to FIG. 3 schematically showing the operation of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 1 during defrosting / heating and the flow of refrigerant. In the figure, the solid line arrows indicate the flow of the refrigerant used for heating, and the broken line arrows indicate the flow of the refrigerant used for defrosting.

When the outdoor heat exchanger 14 is frosted during the above-described normal heating operation and the frosted frost grows, the ventilation resistance of the outdoor heat exchanger 14 increases and the air flow decreases, and the evaporation in the outdoor heat exchanger 14 increases. The temperature drops. As shown in FIG. 3, the air conditioner that is a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a pipe temperature sensor 44 that detects the pipe temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 14. When the pipe temperature sensor 44 detects that the evaporation temperature has decreased, the controller 48 outputs an instruction from the normal heating operation to the defrosting / heating operation.

When the normal heating operation is shifted to the defrosting / heating operation, the first electromagnetic valve 30 and the second electromagnetic valve 42 are controlled to open, and in addition to the refrigerant flow during the normal heating operation described above, the first solenoid valve 30 and the second electromagnetic valve 42 are discharged from the discharge port of the compressor 6. After a part of the vapor-phase refrigerant passes through the fifth pipe 28 and the first electromagnetic valve 30 and merges with the refrigerant passing through the third pipe 22, the outdoor heat exchanger 14 is heated, condensed, and converted into a liquid phase. Through the fourth pipe 24, the four-way valve 8, the eighth pipe 41, and the accumulator 26 are returned to the suction port of the compressor 6.

Further, a part of the liquid-phase refrigerant that is divided between the indoor heat exchanger 16 and the strainer 10 in the second pipe 20 passes through the sixth pipe 38 and the second electromagnetic valve 42, and then is stored in the heat storage material 36 in the heat storage heat exchanger 34. From the accumulator 26 and returns to the suction port of the compressor 6 through the seventh pipe 40 and the refrigerant passing through the eighth pipe 41.

The refrigerant returning to the accumulator 26 includes the liquid phase refrigerant returning from the outdoor heat exchanger 14. By mixing this with the high-temperature gas phase refrigerant returning from the heat storage heat exchanger 34, The evaporation of the phase refrigerant is promoted, and the liquid phase refrigerant does not return to the compressor 6 through the accumulator 26, so that the reliability of the compressor 6 can be improved.

The temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 14 that has become below freezing due to the attachment of frost at the start of defrosting and heating is heated by the gas-phase refrigerant discharged from the discharge port of the compressor 6, and the frost is melted near zero, When melting is finished, the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 14 begins to rise again. When the temperature rise of the outdoor heat exchanger 14 is detected by the pipe temperature sensor 44, it is determined that the defrosting is completed, and the controller 48 outputs an instruction from the defrosting / heating operation to the normal heating operation.

<Switching control between first heating operation and second heating operation>
Here, paying attention to the normal heating operation shown in FIG. 2, in the normal heating operation without the defrosting operation, the compressor 6 is operated with the two

solenoid valves

30 and 42 closed, and the compressor is operated. Since the heat generated in 6 is accumulated in the heat storage material 36, the temperature gradually rises.

However, if the temperature of the heat storage material 36 rises excessively, the heat storage material 36 itself may be altered (for example, oxidation) or water boiling of the heat storage material 36 may occur, and the heat storage material 36 may be deteriorated. Is preventing the deterioration of the heat storage material 36 by the controller 48 performing switching control between the first heating operation and the second heating operation described below.

More specifically, the first heating operation is the normal heating operation shown in FIG. 2. Since the first electromagnetic valve 30 and the second electromagnetic valve 42 are closed during the normal heating operation, the compressor 6 The refrigerant discharged from the refrigerant passes through the indoor heat exchanger 16, the expansion valve 12, and the outdoor heat exchanger 14 and returns to the compressor 6. At this time, since the second electromagnetic valve 42 is closed, the refrigerant does not flow through the heat storage heat exchanger 34, and the temperature of the heat storage material 36 accommodated in the heat storage tank 32 depends on the heat generated in the compressor 6. Rise gradually.

On the other hand, the second heating operation is the heating operation shown in FIG. 4. During the second heating operation, the first electromagnetic valve 30 is closed, while the second electromagnetic valve 42 is opened. Therefore, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 6 passes through the indoor heat exchanger 16 and the heat storage heat exchanger 34 and returns to the compressor 6. At this time, the refrigerant flowing through the heat storage heat exchanger 34 is subjected to heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger 16 for heating and its temperature is lowered, so that the heat accumulated in the heat storage material 36 is recovered. The temperature of the heat storage material 36 accommodated in the heat storage tank 32 gradually decreases.

In the present invention, the heat storage material temperature sensor 46 for detecting the temperature of the heat storage material 36 is provided, and the second electromagnetic valve 42 is controlled by the controller 48 based on the detected temperature of the heat storage material temperature sensor 46 to perform the first heating operation. The second heating operation is appropriately selected. Specifically, while the temperature detected by the heat storage material temperature sensor 46 is a predetermined temperature (for example, 90 ° C.) or less, the first heating operation is performed to store heat in the heat storage material 36, while the temperature detected by the heat storage material temperature sensor 46. When the temperature exceeds the predetermined temperature, the first heating operation is switched to the second heating operation, thereby reducing the temperature of the heat storage material 36.

In the present invention, the predetermined temperature is set to 90 ° C., which is a temperature below the boiling point selected in consideration of the boiling point of the moisture of the heat storage material 36.

In normal operation, when the heat storage material 36 stores heat generated by the compressor 6, the temperature of the heat storage material 36 is about 60 to 65 ° C. at the highest. Here, when the temperature of the compressor 6 becomes high due to abnormal operation or the like, the heat storage material 36 may locally boil at a high temperature, and the heat storage material 36 needs to be protected.

Here, it is considered that there is a general private house up to an altitude of about 2000 m as the altitude of the area where the air conditioner using the heat storage device of the present invention is installed. Then, the drop in the boiling point of water due to the influence of altitude becomes 7 ° C. Accordingly, it is preferable to set a predetermined temperature of 93 ° C. or lower in consideration of the atmospheric pressure in such an installation environment.

Moreover, in the configuration in which the heat storage tank 32 is provided so as to surround the compressor 6 and the waste heat of the compressor 6 is accumulated as in the present embodiment, the contact degree between the compressor 6 and the heat storage tank 32 varies. The temperature variation of the heat storage material occurs. Accordingly, the predetermined temperature may be set (for example, a predetermined temperature of 90 ° C. or lower) by checking the temperature variation at that time by about ± 3 ° C. Further, considering the tolerance of the sensor, a margin of about ± 4 ° C. may be observed (for example, a predetermined temperature of 86 ° C. or less).

For these predetermined temperatures, even if the heat storage material 36 is a glycol-based aqueous solution other than the ethylene glycol aqueous solution as in the present invention, saline, or the like, evaporation of moisture contained in the heat storage material 36 is prevented. The same can be considered from the point of doing. Furthermore, the same is true for these predetermined temperatures even during cooling, which will be described later.

As described above, according to the present invention, the compressor 6, the indoor heat exchanger 16, the expansion valve 12, and the outdoor heat exchanger 14 are used during the first heating operation, and during this time, the heat storage of the heat storage device is performed. The material 36 accumulates heat generated by the compressor 6. When the temperature of the heat storage material 36 exceeds a predetermined temperature, the controller 48 switches to the second heating operation using the heat storage heat exchanger 34, and the heat storage heat exchanger 34 passes through the inside during the second heating operation. By exchanging the heat of the refrigerant and the heat accumulated in the heat storage material 36, the temperature of the heat storage material 36 is lowered. Such control by the controller 48 can prevent the heat storage material 36 from becoming excessively high in temperature, and can further prevent moisture evaporation. Thereby, deterioration of the heat storage material 36 can be prevented.

In order to lower the temperature of the heat storage material 36, the operating frequency of the compressor 6 may be decreased. Thus, during the second heating operation, if the operating frequency of the compressor 6 is decreased, the temperature of the heat storage material 36 can be lowered more quickly.

It should be noted that the speed at which the temperature of the heat storage material 36 decreases differs when the operating frequency of the compressor 6 is decreased and when the second electromagnetic valve 42 is opened by switching to the second heating operation. That is, when the operating frequency is decreased, the temperature decrease is slow, whereas when the operation is switched to the second heating operation, the heat storage material 36 is deprived of heat, so the temperature decrease rate is fast. Therefore, from the viewpoint of ease of control when controlling to an appropriate temperature, and prevention of heat loss from taking away the amount of heat that has been stored by excessively decreasing the temperature of the heat storage material 36, The priority order may be set so that the operation frequency of the compressor 6 is lowered and then the first heating operation is switched to the second heating operation.

<When cooling>
Next, the operation during normal cooling will be described with reference to FIG. 7 schematically showing the operation during normal cooling (first cooling) and the flow of the refrigerant of the air conditioner shown in FIG.

During the normal cooling operation, the first solenoid valve 30 and the second solenoid valve 42 are closed, and the refrigerant discharged from the discharge port of the compressor 6 as described above passes through the fourth pipe 24 and passes through the four-way valve 8. The outdoor heat exchanger 14 is reached. The refrigerant condensed by exchanging heat with the outdoor air in the outdoor heat exchanger 14 exits the outdoor heat exchanger 14, reaches the expansion valve 12 through the third pipe 22, and the refrigerant decompressed by the expansion valve 12 is the second refrigerant. It reaches the indoor heat exchanger 16 through the pipe 20. The refrigerant evaporated by exchanging heat with the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger 16 returns from the four-way valve 8 to the suction port of the compressor 6 through the first pipe 18.

Next, the second cooling operation will be described with reference to FIG. 8 schematically showing the second cooling operation and the refrigerant flow of the air conditioner shown in FIG.

When shifting from the normal cooling (first cooling) operation to the second cooling operation, the second electromagnetic valve 42 is controlled to open and passes through the expansion valve 12 and the strainer 10 in addition to the refrigerant flow during the normal cooling operation described above. A part of the liquid phase refrigerant is divided between the indoor heat exchanger 16 and the strainer 10 in the second pipe 20, passes through the sixth pipe 38 and the second electromagnetic valve 42, and is stored in the heat storage heat exchanger 34 from the heat storage material 36. It absorbs heat, evaporates and vaporizes, merges with the refrigerant passing through the seventh pipe 40 and the eighth pipe 41, and returns from the accumulator 26 to the suction port of the compressor 6.

<Switching control between first cooling operation and second cooling operation>
Here, paying attention to the normal cooling operation shown in FIG. 7, the compressor 6 is operated with the two

electromagnetic valves

30 and 42 closed, and the heat generated in the compressor 6 is accumulated in the heat storage material 36. So its temperature will rise gradually.

However, if the temperature of the heat storage material 36 rises excessively, the heat storage material 36 itself may be altered (for example, oxidation) or water boiling of the heat storage material 36 may occur, and the heat storage material 36 may be deteriorated. The controller 48 performs switching control between the first cooling operation and the second cooling operation described below, thereby preventing the heat storage material 36 from being deteriorated.

More specifically, the first cooling operation is the normal cooling operation shown in FIG. 7. During the normal cooling operation, the first electromagnetic valve 30 and the second electromagnetic valve 42 are closed, so the compressor 6 The refrigerant discharged from the refrigerant passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 14, the expansion valve 12, and the indoor heat exchanger 16 and returns to the compressor 6. At this time, since the second electromagnetic valve 42 is closed, the refrigerant does not flow through the heat storage heat exchanger 34, and the temperature of the heat storage material 36 accommodated in the heat storage tank 32 depends on the heat generated in the compressor 6. Rise gradually.

On the other hand, in the second cooling operation, the first electromagnetic valve 30 is closed as described above, while the second electromagnetic valve 42 is opened. Therefore, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 6 passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 14 and the heat storage heat exchanger 34 and returns to the compressor 6. At this time, the refrigerant flowing through the heat storage heat exchanger 34 is heat-exchanged by the outdoor heat exchanger 14 and its temperature is lowered, so that the heat stored in the heat storage material 36 is recovered. The temperature of the heat storage material 36 accommodated in is gradually reduced.

In the second cooling operation, the outdoor side heat exchanger 14 is the only heat release side, but not only the indoor heat exchanger 16 but also the heat storage heat exchanger 34 is added on the heat absorption side, so that the indoor cooling capacity is reduced. Although it has a disadvantage, it has a function of protecting against an excessive temperature rise of the heat storage material 36 that may occur rarely, so that it is sufficiently useful.

In the present invention, the heat storage material temperature sensor 46 for detecting the temperature of the heat storage material 36 is provided, and the second electromagnetic valve 42 is controlled by the controller 48 based on the temperature detected by the heat storage material temperature sensor 46 to perform the first cooling operation. The second cooling operation is appropriately selected. Specifically, while the temperature detected by the heat storage material temperature sensor 46 is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature (for example, 90 ° C.), the first cooling operation is performed to allow the temperature increase of the heat storage material 36, while the heat storage material temperature sensor 46. When the detected temperature exceeds the predetermined temperature, the first cooling operation is switched to the second cooling operation, thereby reducing the temperature of the heat storage material 36.

In the present invention, the predetermined temperature is set to 90 ° C., which is a temperature selected in consideration of the boiling point of the moisture of the heat storage material 36.

As described above, according to the present invention, the compressor 6, the indoor heat exchanger 16, the expansion valve 12, and the outdoor heat exchanger 14 are used during the first cooling operation, and during this time, the heat storage of the heat storage device The material 36 accumulates heat generated by the compressor 6. When the temperature of the heat storage material 36 exceeds a predetermined temperature, the controller 48 switches the heat storage heat exchanger 34 to the second cooling operation in which the refrigerant passes, and during the second cooling operation, the heat storage heat exchanger 34 By exchanging the heat of the refrigerant that passes through and the heat accumulated in the heat storage material 36, the temperature of the heat storage material 36 decreases. Such control by the controller 48 can prevent the heat storage material 36 from becoming excessively high in temperature, and can further prevent moisture evaporation. Thereby, deterioration of the heat storage material 36 can be prevented.

In order to lower the temperature of the heat storage material 36, the operating frequency of the compressor 6 may be decreased. Even during cooling, there is no reduction in efficiency due to a decrease in the operating frequency of the compressor, or at least it is not significant. Therefore, during the second cooling operation, if the operating frequency of the compressor 6 is decreased, the temperature of the heat storage material 36 can be lowered more quickly.

It should be noted that the speed at which the temperature of the heat storage material 36 decreases differs when the operating frequency of the compressor 6 is decreased and when the second electromagnetic valve 42 is opened by switching to the second cooling operation. That is, when the operation frequency is decreased, the temperature decrease is slow, whereas when the operation is switched to the second cooling operation, the heat storage material 36 is deprived of heat, so the temperature decrease rate is fast. Therefore, from the viewpoint of ease of control when controlling to an appropriate temperature and the efficiency does not decrease even if the operating frequency is lowered during cooling, control is first performed to lower the operating frequency of the compressor 6, and thereafter The priority order may be set so as to switch from the first cooling operation to the second cooling operation.

<Modification of switching control>
The following explanation is explanation of control, and since the purpose and way of thinking of heating and cooling are qualitatively the same, they will be explained together.

FIG. 5 shows a modification of the switching control described above. When the temperature detected by the heat storage material temperature sensor 46 is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, the first heating (cooling) operation similar to that described above is performed, while the heat storage material temperature sensor 46 is operated. When the detected temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature, a second heating (cooling) operation involving opening and closing of the second electromagnetic valve 42 is performed.

More specifically, when the temperature detected by the heat storage material temperature sensor 46 exceeds the aforementioned predetermined temperature during the first heating (cooling) operation with the second electromagnetic valve 42 closed, the second heating (cooling) operation is performed. The controller 48 first reduces the operating frequency of the compressor 6 and opens the second electromagnetic valve 42 for a first predetermined time (about 1 second) by giving a control signal. Furthermore, after the first predetermined time has elapsed, the controller 48 provides a control signal to close the second electromagnetic valve 42 for a second predetermined time (about 20 seconds).

Here, assuming that the total of the first predetermined time and the second predetermined time is one cycle, in the second heating (cooling) operation, for example, the second electromagnetic valve 42 is opened and closed for ten cycles. In this modification, the second heating (cooling) operation is performed during these 10 cycles. However, in the second heating (cooling) operation, how many cycles the opening and closing of the second electromagnetic valve 42 is repeated is appropriately selected.

Although the first and second predetermined times mainly depend on the size of the second electromagnetic valve 42, it is usually preferable that the second predetermined time is longer than the first predetermined time, for example, the first predetermined time. Is set to 1 second, and the second predetermined time is set to 20 seconds. In this case, assuming that the second heating (cooling) operation and the first heating (cooling) operation are repeated 10 cycles, the switching control between the second heating (cooling) operation and the first heating (cooling) operation is performed for 210 seconds. After performing, the switch to the first heating (cooling) operation is performed. In this case, the controller 48 counts the number of ON times in the control signal, and switches to the first heating (cooling) operation when the number of ON times becomes 10. Alternatively, the controller 48 has a built-in timer 481 that counts time, and switches to the first heating (cooling) operation after counting 210 seconds after switching to the second heating (cooling) operation. You can go. In addition, when the temperature detected by the heat storage material temperature sensor 46 becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature before repeating 10 cycles, the first heating (cooling) operation may be switched to the continuous operation.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the temperature detected by the heat storage material temperature sensor 46 for opening and closing the second electromagnetic valve 42 is set to different temperatures when the temperature of the heat storage material 36 rises and falls. Frequent repetition of opening and closing of the second electromagnetic valve 42 can be prevented.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, a first predetermined temperature (for example, 90 ° C.) and a second predetermined temperature (for example, 85 ° C.) lower than the first predetermined temperature are set, and the temperature of the heat storage material 36 is the first temperature. If the temperature of the heat storage material 36 exceeds the first predetermined temperature, the second electromagnetic valve 42 is controlled to open while the temperature of the heat storage material 36 is maintained. When the temperature falls below the second predetermined temperature, the second electromagnetic valve 42 is controlled to be closed.

Further, instead of the heat storage material temperature sensor 46 for opening and closing the second electromagnetic valve 42 according to the temperature of the heat storage material 36, a compressor temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the compressor 6 or the compressor 6 discharged from the compressor 6. A discharge refrigerant temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the refrigerant, a heat storage tank temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heat storage tank 32 itself, an operating current sensor that detects the operating current of the compressor 6, and the like can also be used.

This is due to the following reason.
-Compressor temperature sensor: The temperature of the compressor 6 closely correlates with the temperature of the heat storage material 36. If the temperature of the compressor 6 increases, the temperature of the heat storage material 36 also increases.
-Discharge refrigerant | coolant temperature sensor: The temperature of the refrigerant | coolant discharged from the compressor 6 closely correlates with the temperature of the heat storage material 36, and if the temperature of a discharge refrigerant becomes high, the temperature of the heat storage material 36 will also become high.
-Thermal storage tank temperature sensor: The temperature of the thermal storage tank 32 is also basically correlated with the temperature of the thermal storage material 36, and if the temperature of the thermal storage tank 32 increases, the temperature of the thermal storage material 36 also increases.
-Operating current sensor: If the operating current of the compressor 6 increases, the temperature of the heat storage material 36 also increases.

In addition, when a compressor temperature sensor, a discharge refrigerant temperature sensor, and a heat storage tank temperature sensor are used in place of the heat storage material temperature sensor 46, as shown in FIG. It is preferable to prevent frequent repetition of opening and closing of the second electromagnetic valve 42 by setting.

Further, when an operating current sensor that detects the operating current of the compressor 6 is used instead of the heat storage material temperature sensor 46, when the detected current of the operating current sensor is equal to or less than a predetermined current, the first heating (cooling) operation is performed. While the temperature of the heat storage material 36 is increased, when the detected current of the operating current sensor exceeds a predetermined current, the heat storage material 36 is cooled by switching from the first heating (cooling) operation to the second heating (cooling) operation. To do.

Alternatively, during the first heating (cooling) operation with the second electromagnetic valve 42 closed, if the detected current of the operating current sensor exceeds a predetermined current, the operating frequency of the compressor 6 is decreased and the second electromagnetic valve 42 is used. Is switched to the second heating (cooling) operation, the second heating (cooling) operation is continued for a first predetermined time, and after the first predetermined time has passed, the second electromagnetic valve 42 is closed. Control is performed to shift from the second heating (cooling) operation to the first heating (cooling) operation (however, the operating frequency of the compressor 6 is maintained in a reduced state), and the first heating (cooling) operation is changed to the first heating (cooling) operation. 2 may be continued for a predetermined time, and this may be repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 10 cycles).

Further, as in the case where various temperature sensors are used, it is preferable to prevent frequent repetition of opening and closing of the second electromagnetic valve 42 by setting different currents when the operating current rises and falls.

In the above-described embodiment (including modifications), switching control between the first heating (cooling) operation and the second heating (cooling) operation is performed based on detection results of various sensors. In particular, it has been described that the switching control from the second heating (cooling) operation to the first heating (cooling) operation may be based on the time measured by the timer 481. Switching by the timer 481 timing result may be based on the following concept.

That is, if the composition and amount of the heat storage material 36 are determined, the time from when the temperature of the heat storage material 36 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature until it falls below the predetermined temperature can be estimated to some extent. Moreover, in order to achieve the purpose of preventing boiling of the heat storage material, it is necessary to switch from the first heating (cooling) operation to the second heating (cooling) operation with high accuracy, but the second heating (cooling) operation is required. The switching accuracy from the first heating (cooling) operation to the first is not so much. In the present invention, since the composition and amount of the heat storage material 36 do not change, the time for the heat storage material 36 to reach a predetermined temperature after operation of the compressor 6 and the time until the heat storage material 36 reliably reaches the predetermined temperature after reaching the predetermined temperature. Is obtained in advance through experiments or the like. Then, the controller 48 sets the obtained time in the timer 481 when the temperature becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, and controls switching from the second heating (cooling) operation to the first heating (cooling) operation at the time-out. It can be performed. In addition, even when a temperature difference is provided when the temperature of the heat storage material 36 rises and falls, if the composition and amount of the heat storage material are determined, the first predetermined temperature (for example, 90 ° C.) shown in FIG. Thereafter, the time until the temperature returns to the second predetermined temperature (for example, 85 ° C.) is almost determined.

In addition, various predetermined temperatures and predetermined times at the time of these controls may be changed according to heating and cooling.

Since the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present invention can prevent deterioration of a heat storage material that accumulates heat generated by a compressor, it is useful for an air conditioner, a refrigerator, a water heater, a heat pump washing machine, and the like.

2 outdoor units, 4 indoor units, 6 compressors, 8 four-way valves,
10 strainer, 12 expansion valve, 14 outdoor heat exchanger,
16 indoor heat exchanger, 18 first piping, 20 second piping,
22 3rd piping, 24 4th piping, 26 accumulator,
28 5th piping, 30 1st solenoid valve, 32 heat storage tank,
34 heat storage heat exchanger, 36 heat storage material, 38 sixth pipe,
40 7th piping, 41 8th piping, 42 2nd solenoid valve,
44 piping temperature sensor, 46 heat storage material temperature sensor,
48 controller, 481 timer.

Claims

Compressor, indoor heat exchanger, expansion valve and outdoor heat exchanger connected via refrigerant piping, heat storage tank for storing heat storage material for storing heat generated by the compressor, and heat storage by heat storage of the heat storage material A refrigeration cycle apparatus comprising a heat storage device having a heat storage heat exchanger for performing exchange,
The heat storage material includes an aqueous solution, and the temperature of the heat storage material is not more than the boiling point set in consideration of the boiling point of water contained in the heat storage material that is uniquely determined regardless of the heat storage material. When a predetermined temperature is exceeded, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor is discharged from the compressor from a first air-conditioning operation in which the refrigerant passes through the indoor heat exchanger, the expansion valve, and the outdoor heat exchanger. A refrigeration cycle apparatus, further comprising a controller for switching the refrigerant to the second air-conditioning operation for allowing the refrigerant to pass through the heat storage heat exchanger.
In the case where the predetermined temperature is set as the first predetermined temperature, the controller is configured such that the temperature of the heat storage material falls below a second predetermined temperature lower than the first predetermined temperature during the second air conditioning operation. The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the refrigeration cycle apparatus is switched to the first air conditioning operation.
Compressor, indoor heat exchanger, expansion valve and outdoor heat exchanger connected via refrigerant piping, heat storage tank for storing heat storage material for storing heat generated by the compressor, and heat storage by heat storage of the heat storage material A refrigeration cycle apparatus comprising a heat storage device having a heat storage heat exchanger for performing exchange,
The heat storage material includes an aqueous solution, and the temperature of the heat storage material is uniquely determined regardless of the heat storage material. The predetermined temperature below the boiling point is set in consideration of the boiling point of water contained in the heat storage material. Refrigerant discharged from the compressor from the first heating operation in which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor passes through the indoor heat exchanger, the expansion valve, and the outdoor heat exchanger when the temperature is exceeded. The refrigeration cycle apparatus further comprising: a controller for switching to a second heating operation that passes the indoor heat exchanger and the heat storage heat exchanger.
In the case where the predetermined temperature is set as the first predetermined temperature, the controller, when the temperature of the heat storage material falls below a second predetermined temperature lower than the first predetermined temperature during the second heating operation, The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the refrigeration cycle apparatus is switched to the first heating operation.
A refrigerant pipe branched from a refrigerant pipe connecting the indoor heat exchanger and the expansion valve to the heat storage heat exchanger is further provided with an electromagnetic valve that is opened and closed based on a control signal from the controller,
The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the controller switches from the first heating operation to the second heating operation by opening the electromagnetic valve.
In the second heating operation, the controller controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valve so that the solenoid valve is opened for a first predetermined time, and then the solenoid valve is closed for a second predetermined time. The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 5, wherein:
The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second predetermined time is longer than the first predetermined time.
The open / close control of the electromagnetic valve is repeated for a predetermined cycle, with the open state of the first predetermined time and the closed state of the second predetermined time of the electromagnetic valve as one cycle. Refrigeration cycle equipment.
It further includes a heat storage material temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heat storage material, and the controller switches from the first heating operation to the second heating operation based on the temperature detected by the heat storage material temperature sensor. The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that
A compressor temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the compressor; and the controller switches from the first heating operation to the second heating operation based on the temperature detected by the compressor temperature sensor. The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that
The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein an operating frequency of the compressor is lowered during the second heating operation as compared with that during the first heating operation. .
A timer capable of timing at least an elapsed time since switching to the second heating operation; and the controller sets an elapsed time measured by the timer during the second heating operation to a predetermined time. The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to any one of claims 3 and 5 to 11, wherein the refrigeration cycle apparatus is switched to the first heating operation.
Compressor, indoor heat exchanger, expansion valve and outdoor heat exchanger connected via refrigerant piping, heat storage tank for storing heat storage material for storing heat generated by the compressor, and heat storage by heat storage of the heat storage material A refrigeration cycle apparatus comprising a heat storage device having a heat storage heat exchanger for performing exchange,
The heat storage material includes an aqueous solution, and the temperature of the heat storage material is not more than the boiling point set in consideration of the boiling point of water contained in the heat storage material that is uniquely determined regardless of the heat storage material. When the temperature exceeds the predetermined temperature, the temperature of the heat storage material is changed from the first cooling operation in which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor passes through the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion valve, and the indoor heat exchanger. A refrigeration cycle apparatus, further comprising a controller that switches the refrigerant discharged from the compressor to a second cooling operation that passes the heat storage heat exchanger when a predetermined temperature is exceeded.
In the case where the predetermined temperature is set as the first predetermined temperature, the controller, when the temperature of the heat storage material is lower than the second predetermined temperature lower than the first predetermined temperature during the second cooling operation, The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the refrigeration cycle apparatus is switched to the first cooling operation.
A refrigerant pipe branched from a refrigerant pipe connecting the indoor heat exchanger and the expansion valve to the heat storage heat exchanger is further provided with an electromagnetic valve that is opened and closed based on a control signal from the controller,
The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the controller switches from the first cooling operation to the second cooling operation by opening the electromagnetic valve.
In the second cooling operation, the controller controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valve so that the solenoid valve is opened for a first predetermined time and then the solenoid valve is closed for a second predetermined time. The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 15, wherein:
The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the second predetermined time is longer than the first predetermined time.
18. The opening and closing control of the solenoid valve is repeated for a predetermined cycle, with the open state of the solenoid valve for the first predetermined time and the closed state for the second predetermined time as one cycle. Refrigeration cycle equipment.
A heat storage material temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heat storage material is further provided, and the controller switches from the first cooling operation to the second cooling operation based on the temperature detected by the heat storage material temperature sensor. The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that:
A compressor temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the compressor; and the controller switches from the first cooling operation to the second cooling operation based on the temperature detected by the compressor temperature sensor. The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that:
The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein during the second cooling operation, an operating frequency of the compressor is lowered as compared with that during the first cooling operation. .
A timer capable of timing at least an elapsed time since switching to the second cooling operation; and the controller sets an elapsed time measured by the timer during the second cooling operation to a predetermined time. The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to any one of claims 13 and 15 to 21, wherein the refrigeration cycle apparatus is switched to the first cooling operation.