WO2021245791A1

WO2021245791A1 - Cooling device

Info

Publication number: WO2021245791A1
Application number: PCT/JP2020/021788
Authority: WO
Inventors: 誠江上; 圭吾岡島
Original assignee: 三菱電機株式会社
Priority date: 2020-06-02
Filing date: 2020-06-02
Publication date: 2021-12-09
Also published as: JP7399285B2; JPWO2021245791A1

Abstract

A cooling device (100) comprises: a compressor (1); a heat exchanger (10) that exchanges heat between the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (1) and water; a condenser (21) that condenses the refrigerant that has passed through the heat exchanger (10); an expansion device (3); an evaporator (41) that evaporates the refrigerant that has passed through the expansion device (3) before returning the refrigerant to the compressor (1); a tank (6); a pump (7) that circulates water between the tank (6) and the heat exchanger (10); a spraying device (11) that sprays water on the outer surface of the evaporator (41); a first temperature sensor (31) that detects the temperature (T1) of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (1); and a control device (50) that is configured so as to adjust the amount of heat dissipated from the refrigerant in the condenser (21) according to the output of the first temperature sensor (31).

Description

Cooling system

This disclosure relates to a cooling device.

Conventionally, a cooling device having a cleaning function is known. For example, Japanese Patent No. 5496555 (Patent Document 1) discloses a cleaning device for cleaning the surface of a cooling coil through which a refrigerant of a unit cooler passes. According to the cleaning device of this unit cooler, the entire cleaning region on the surface of the cooling coil can be evenly cleaned by selectively and sequentially ejecting water from the water supply source for each of the plurality of divided regions.

Japanese Patent No. 5496555

Automatic cleaning using water at room temperature is effective in reducing performance due to dirt inside the unit cooler. However, the oily stains that stick to the surface are difficult to remove with water at low temperature or room temperature, and have problems such as no cleaning effect or a long cleaning time. Detergent can be used to increase the detergency, but there is a risk of detergent being mixed into the object to be cooled. It is conceivable to use hot water, but if hot water is generated by a heater, power consumption will increase.

The purpose of this disclosure is to disclose a cooling device in which the cleaning performance of the evaporator is improved by using hot water at an appropriate temperature without using a detergent.

This disclosure relates to a cooling device. The cooling device expands the refrigerant, the compressor that compresses the refrigerant, the heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant discharged from the compressor and the heat medium, the condenser that condenses the refrigerant that has passed through the heat exchanger, and the refrigerant. It includes an inflator and an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant that has passed through the inflator before returning it to the compressor. The cooling device further includes a tank for storing the heat medium, a pump for circulating the heat medium between the tank and the heat exchanger, and a spraying device for spraying the heat medium stored in the tank on the outer surface of the evaporator. , A first temperature sensor and a control device. The first temperature sensor is configured to detect the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor or the temperature of the medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the condenser. The control device is configured to adjust the amount of heat dissipated from the refrigerant in the condenser according to the output of the first temperature sensor.

The cooling device of the present disclosure can generate hot water, and the generated hot water can be sprayed on the outer surface of the evaporator. Therefore, high-temperature water having a high cleaning effect can be used as cleaning water to perform effective cleaning against oily stains. Further, since the high temperature water has a higher detergency than the normal temperature water, the washing time can be shortened and the amount of the washing water can be reduced as compared with the case where the normal temperature water is used.

It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the cooling apparatus of Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the flow of water at the time of a cooling operation. It is a figure which shows the flow of water at the time of a washing operation. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process of heating water of a tank. It is a flowchart for demonstrating control about water at the time of a washing operation and a cooling operation. It is a figure which shows the modification of the cooling device. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process of heating water of a tank in the modification shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the control about water at the time of carrying out a defrosting operation and a washing operation. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the process of step S30B in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of a schedule of a defrosting operation and a washing operation, and a hot water generation period.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments will be described, but it is planned from the beginning of the application to appropriately combine the configurations described in the respective embodiments. The same or corresponding parts in the drawings are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will not be repeated. In the figure below, the relationship between the sizes of each component may differ from the actual one.

Embodiment 1.
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the cooling device according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the cooling device 100 includes a compressor 1, an outdoor unit 2, an expansion device 3, a unit cooler 4 (heat exchange unit), a cleaning device 5, and a control device 50.

The outdoor unit includes a condenser 21 and a fan 24. The compressor 1, the expansion device 3, and the temperature sensor 32 for measuring the outside air temperature may also be provided in the outdoor unit.

A refrigerant is sealed in the cooling device 100. The cooling device 100 includes a refrigerant circuit C1 that circulates the refrigerant in the order of the compressor 1, the condenser 21, the expansion device 3, and the unit cooler 4. As the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit C1, for example, a Freon refrigerant (R404A, R410A, etc.) or a natural refrigerant (CO ₂ , NH _3, etc.) can be used. As the expansion device 3, for example, an electronic expansion valve can be used. The unit cooler 4 includes an evaporator 41, a fan 44, and a drain pan (not shown).

The cleaning device 5 cleans the evaporator 41 using a heat medium. The heat medium is not particularly limited as long as it is a liquid that can be used for cleaning the evaporator 41, but water can be used, for example. Hereinafter, an example of using water as a heat medium will be described.

The cleaning device 5 includes a tank 6, a pump 7,

solenoid valves

8 and 9, a heat exchanger 10, and a spraying device 11.

The heat exchanger 10 includes a flow path 10A for flowing a refrigerant and a flow path 10B for flowing water. The heat exchanger 10 is configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant flowing in the flow path 10A and the water flowing in the flow path 10B. The heat exchanger 10 is composed of, for example, a heat exchanger such as a plate heat exchanger, a double tube coil, and a shell & tube heat exchanger. The flow path 10A is incorporated between the compressor 1 and the condenser 21 of the refrigerant circuit C1.

The cleaning device 5 includes a water circuit C2 in which a tank 6 for storing water, a pump 7, a solenoid valve 8, and a flow path 10B of a heat exchanger 10 are connected by a pipe to circulate water.

The spraying device 11 is formed with a water supply port to which washing water is supplied and a plurality of nozzles for injecting washing water. The fan 44 forms an air flow that passes through the evaporator 41. The drain pan receives water droplets from the evaporator 41. Water droplets that have fallen on the drain pan are drained from a water pipe (not shown).

Further, the tank 6 is provided with a sensor 12 for detecting the water level Lw and a sensor 13 for detecting the water temperature Tw stored in the tank 6, and a water supply flow path for the tank 6 is provided in the upper part of the tank 6. A solenoid valve 14 that opens and closes is provided.

The cooling device 100 further includes a compressor 1,

fans

24, 44, an expansion device 3, a pump 7,

temperature sensors

31, 32, and a control device 50 that controls the operation of the

solenoid valves

8, 9, and 14. To prepare for.

The solenoid valve 8 is provided in the water circuit C2 through which water circulates. The solenoid valve 9 is provided in a pipe that supplies water from the water circuit C2 to the spraying device 11.

The control device 50 uses the solenoid valve 8 and the solenoid valve 9 to switch between a flow path in which water circulates in the water circuit C2 and a flow path in which water reaches the spraying device 11.

In addition, instead of the

solenoid valves

8 and 9, a three-way valve may be provided as a switching device. In this case, one of the three sides is connected to the flow path 10B of the heat exchanger 10, one of the three sides is connected to the pump 7, and one of the three sides is connected to the spraying device 11.

The spraying device 11 sprinkles water on the evaporator 41 to clean dirt and the like adhering to the evaporator 41.

When the solenoid valve 9 is opened, water is supplied from the pump 7 to the spraying device 11, and automatic cleaning of the inside of the unit cooler 4 is started. When the solenoid valve 9 is closed, the automatic cleaning is completed.

The control device 50 includes a processing device 51, a memory 52, and an input / output unit (not shown). The processing device 51 may be dedicated hardware or a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes a program stored in the memory 52. When the processing device 51 is a CPU, the function of the control device 50 is realized by software. The software is written as a program and stored in the memory 52. The processing device 51 reads out and executes the program stored in the memory 52. The memory 52 includes a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory (for example, RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, etc. The CPU is a central processing device, a processing device, a computing device, and the like. , Microprocessor, microcontroller, processor, or DSP (Digital Signal Processor).

The control device 50 controls the drive frequency of the compressor 1 to control the amount of refrigerant discharged by the compressor 1 per unit time. The control device 50 controls the opening degree of the expansion device 3 so that the degree of superheat of the refrigerant flowing out of the evaporator 41 is within a desired range. The control device 50 controls the amount of air blown per unit time of the fan 44. The control device 50 controls the

solenoid valves

8, 9, and 14.

The control device 50 performs a defrosting operation when the defrosting conditions are satisfied. As the defrosting condition, for example, a condition that a certain time has passed since the previous defrosting operation can be mentioned. As for the defrosting method, for example, an off-cycle defrost can be used in which the compressor 1 is stopped and the evaporator 41 is defrosted by blowing air from the fan 44. Further, the control device 50 performs a cleaning operation when the cleaning conditions are satisfied. As the cleaning condition, for example, the condition that the current time coincides with the time such as the end of the food processing work of the day can be mentioned. The control device 50 performs a cooling operation during times other than the defrosting operation and the cleaning operation. In order to generate the hot water required for the washing operation during the cooling operation, the control device 50 adjusts the amount of heat radiated from the refrigerant in the condenser 21 according to the output of the

temperature sensor

31 or 32.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the flow of water during the cooling operation. During the cooling operation, the control device 50 operates the compressor 1 to circulate the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit C1, opens the solenoid valve 8, and closes the solenoid valve 9. During the cooling operation, the control device 50 operates the pump 7 to circulate water in the water circuit C2. When the water temperature Tw in the tank detected by the sensor 13 rises above the target temperature Y ° C., the control device 50 stops the circulation of water in the water circuit C2 by stopping the pump 7. When the water temperature Tw in the tank 6 drops below the target temperature Y ° C., the control device 50 operates the pump 7 to restart the circulation of water and raise the water temperature Tw.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the flow of water during the washing operation. During the cleaning operation for cleaning the dust and dirt adhering to the evaporator, the control device 50 stops the compressor 1 to interrupt the circulation of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit C1, closes the solenoid valve 8, and opens the solenoid valve 9. .. During the washing operation, the control device 50 operates the pump 7 for a set time to supply water to the spraying device 11. When hot water is stored in the tank 6, oil stains and the like can be removed by the hot water.

A sensor 12 for detecting the water level Lw is installed in the tank 6. When the water level Lw drops below a certain value during the cooling operation shown in FIG. 2, the control device 50 opens the solenoid valve 14 that supplies water to the tank 6. However, in order to avoid a decrease in the temperature of the water in the tank 6 during the cleaning operation shown in FIG. 3, the control device 50 keeps the solenoid valve 14 closed and does not supply water even if the water level Lw decreases.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the process of heating the water in the tank. The control device 50 raises the water temperature Tw to the target temperature Y ° C. by executing the process shown in FIG. However, since the amount of heat radiated from the refrigerant circuit C1 increases as the outside air temperature decreases, it is conceivable that the discharge gas temperature of the compressor 1 may not rise sufficiently if the outside air temperature is low. Therefore, the control device 50 calls and executes the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 from the main routine that controls the cooling device 100 at regular time intervals or every time the determination condition is satisfied.

In order to bring the hot water to the target temperature Y ° C, it is important to secure the discharge gas temperature of the compressor 1. The temperature T1 of the discharged gas needs to be higher than the target temperature Y ° C. of the hot water. Therefore, the target temperature T1 * of the discharged gas is set to Y + α. For example, when α is set to 10 ° C. and the target temperature Y ° C. of the hot water is 60 ° C., the target temperature T1 * of the discharged gas is set to 70 ° C.

First, in step S1, the control device 50 determines whether or not the temperature T1 of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 is equal to or lower than the target temperature T1 *. If T1> T1 * (NO in S1), the control device 50 returns the control to the main routine without performing the processes of steps S2 and S3.

On the other hand, when T1 ≦ T1 * (YES in S1), the control device 50 determines in step S2 whether or not the output of the fan 24 blowing to the condenser 21 is 0%.

When the output of the fan 24 is 0% (YES in S2), the output of the fan 24 cannot be further reduced, so that the control device 50 returns the control to the main routine without performing the process of step S3. ..

On the other hand, if the output of the fan 24 is not 0% (NO in S2), the control device 50 reduces the output of the fan 24 by x% in step S3.

By repeatedly executing the above control, the temperature T1 of the refrigerant can be secured as a heat source for adjusting the water to an appropriate temperature.

In the present embodiment, when the temperature of the refrigerant gas that exchanges heat with water in the heat exchanger 10 is lower than the target temperature T1 *, the rotation speed of the fan 24 is lowered more than usual, so that the amount of heat radiated from the refrigerant circuit C1 Can be reduced and the discharge gas temperature can be raised.

Since the amount of heat radiated from the refrigerant circuit C1 increases as the outside air temperature decreases, the amount of heat radiated may be adjusted according to the outside air temperature instead of the discharge gas temperature. For example, in winter, the amount of heat radiated from the condenser 21 to the outside air increases, so that the discharge temperature T1 becomes low, and it is conceivable that the temperature of the washing water cannot be maintained. In that case, the output of the fan 24 of the condenser 21 is reduced or stopped to the extent that the refrigerating cycle in which the refrigerant is circulated is not hindered, and the amount of heat dissipated in the condenser 21 is reduced. As a result, by keeping the condensation temperature high, the compressor discharge temperature is secured and hot water is generated. When the condenser 21 is a water-cooled type, the output of the pump that sends the cooling water to the condenser 21 instead of the fan 24 may be controlled in the same manner.

If the target water temperature Y ° C. cannot be secured even after that, for example, after branching to YES in step S2 of FIG. 4, an operation pattern may be provided in which the compressor 1 operation output is temporarily increased by inverter control to generate hot water. ..

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining control regarding water during the washing operation and the cooling operation. The processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 is called and executed from the main routine that controls the cooling device 100 at regular time intervals or every time the determination condition is satisfied.

First, in step S11, the control device 50 determines whether or not the current time is a predetermined start time of the washing operation. When it is the start time of the washing operation (YES in S11), the control device 50 stops the cooling operation in step S12. In this case, the operation of the compressor 1 and the blower (fans 24, 44) is stopped. Further, in step S12, the control device 50 closes the solenoid valve 8 and opens the solenoid valve 9. In FIG. 5, OFF indicates a closed state of the solenoid valve, and ON indicates an open state. Then, in step S13, the control device 50 operates the pump 7. As a result, water is supplied from the tank 6 to the spraying device 11 by the route indicated by the arrow in FIG. 3, and the outer surface of the evaporator 41 is washed.

Then, in step S14, the control device 50 determines whether or not the set time has elapsed since the cleaning operation was started. If the set time has not elapsed (NO in S14), the control device 50 continues the operation of the pump 7 in step S13. When the set time has elapsed (YES in S14), the control device 50 stops the operation of the pump 7 in step S15, closes the solenoid valve 9 in step S16, ends the cleaning operation, and makes the control the main routine. return.

On the other hand, if it is not the start time of the cleaning operation (NO in S11), the control device 50 starts the cooling operation in step S17. In this case, the compressor 1 and the blower (fans 24, 44) are operated. Further, in step S17, the control device 50 closes the solenoid valve 9 and opens the solenoid valve 8.

Subsequently, in step S18, the control device 50 determines whether or not the water level Lw in the tank 6 is equal to or higher than the target water level Lw * based on the output of the sensor 12. When the water level Lw is not equal to or higher than the target water level Lw * (NO in S18), the control device 50 opens the solenoid valve 14 for a certain period of time to supply water to the tank 6, and again compares the water level Lw with the target water level Lw * in step S18. do.

When the water level Lw is equal to or higher than the target water level Lw * (YES in S18), the control device 50 determines in step S20 whether the water temperature Tw in the tank 6 is lower than the target temperature Y ° C. When Tw <Y (YES in S20), the control device 50 operates the pump 7 to circulate water between the tank 6 and the heat exchanger 10 to raise the water temperature Tw. On the other hand, when Tw <Y (NO in S20), it is not necessary to raise the water temperature Tw. Therefore, the control device 50 stops the pump 7 and stops the circulation of water between the tank 6 and the heat exchanger 10.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a modified example of the cooling device. In addition to the configuration of the cooling device 100 shown in FIG. 1, the cooling device 100A of the modified example shown in FIG. 6 is provided in a bypass flow path 110 for bypassing the refrigerant so as not to pass through the condenser 21 and a bypass flow path 110. Further provided with the flow control valve 111 provided. Since the configuration of FIG. 7 in other parts is the same as that in FIG. 1, the description will not be repeated. The flow rate adjusting valve 111 is preferably an electromagnetic valve, although it is preferable that the flow rate can be adjusted in a plurality of stages by changing the opening degree.

The control device 50 passes through the flow control valve 111 when the temperature detected by the

temperature sensor

31 or 32 is lower than the threshold value than when the temperature detected by the

temperature sensor

31 or 32 is higher than the threshold value. Increase the flow rate of the refrigerant.

As a result, the amount of heat radiated from the refrigerant to the outside air in the condenser 21 is reduced. As a result, the discharge temperature T1 can be raised, and the amount of heat radiated from the refrigerant to the water in the heat exchanger 10 can be secured. For example, such a configuration and control are effective when the outside air temperature is low, such as in winter.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the process of heating the water in the tank in the modified example shown in FIG. The control device 50 raises the water temperature Tw to the target temperature Y ° C. by executing the process shown in FIG. 7. The processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is called and executed from the main routine that controls the cooling device 100 at regular time intervals or every time the determination condition is satisfied.

The flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is obtained by adding the process of step S4 to the flowchart shown in FIG. Since the processes other than step S4 are the same as those in FIG. 4, the description will not be repeated.

In FIG. 7, when the output of the fan 24 is 0% (YES in S2), the control device 50 executes the process of step S4. In step S4, the control device 50 opens the flow rate adjusting valve 111 and bypasses (bypasses) the condenser 21 to allow a part or all of the refrigerant to flow toward the expansion device 3.

As a result, even when the fan 24 is stopped, the amount of heat radiated from the refrigerant to the outside air in the condenser 21 can be further reduced, so that the discharge temperature T1 of the compressor 1 can be raised.

Embodiment 2.
Although the cleaning operation using the spraying device 11 has been described in the first embodiment, it is also possible to defrost the evaporator 41 by using the spraying device 11. In the second embodiment, a cooling device that performs a defrosting operation and a cleaning operation by using the spraying device 11 will be described. Since the configuration of the cooling device according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the cooling device shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 6, the description will not be repeated.

In the second embodiment, when the defrosting condition is satisfied, the control device 50 stops the compressor 1 and the fan 44, flows water along the path shown by the arrow in FIG. 3, and evaporates the water by the spraying device 11. A defrosting operation is performed to spray on the outer surface of 41. As the defrosting condition, for example, a condition that the time for starting the defrosting operation is predetermined in the daily operation schedule and the current time coincides with the start time can be mentioned. The defrosting conditions are not limited to the above, and may be performed under other conditions.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the control regarding water when the defrosting operation and the washing operation are performed. The processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 is called and executed from the main routine that controls the cooling device 100 at regular time intervals or every time the determination condition is satisfied.

First, in step S11B, the control device 50 determines whether or not the current time is a predetermined start time of the defrosting operation or a start time of the washing operation. When it is the start time of the defrosting operation or the start time of the washing operation (YES in S11B), the control device 50 stops the cooling operation in step S12. In this case, the operation of the compressor 1 and the blower (fans 24, 44) is stopped. Further, in step S12, the control device 50 closes the solenoid valve 8 and opens the solenoid valve 9. In FIG. 8, OFF indicates a closed state of the solenoid valve, and ON indicates an open state. Then, in step S13, the control device 50 operates the pump 7. As a result, water is supplied from the tank 6 to the spraying device 11 by the route indicated by the arrow in FIG. 3, and is sprinkled on the outer surface of the evaporator 41.

Then, in step S14B, the control device 50 determines whether or not the set time has elapsed since the defrosting operation or the cleaning operation was started. If the set time has not elapsed (NO in S14B), the control device 50 continues the operation of the pump 7 in step S13. When the set time has elapsed (YES in S14B), the control device 50 stops the operation of the pump 7 in step S15, closes the solenoid valve 9 in step S16, ends the cleaning operation, and makes the control the main routine. return.

On the other hand, if neither the start time of the defrosting operation nor the start time of the washing operation (NO in S11B), the control device 50 starts the cooling operation in step S17. In this case, the compressor 1 and the blower (fans 24, 44) are operated. Further, in step S17, the control device 50 closes the solenoid valve 9 and opens the solenoid valve 8.

When the water level Lw is equal to or higher than the target water level Lw * (YES in S18), the control device 50 determines in step S30B whether or not the current time corresponds to the hot water generation period. Details of this process will be described later with reference to FIG.

When the current time corresponds to the hot water generation period (YES in S30B), the control device 50 determines in step S20 whether the water temperature Tw in the tank 6 is lower than the target temperature Y ° C. When Tw <Y (YES in S20), the control device 50 operates the pump 7 in step S21 to circulate water between the tank 6 and the heat exchanger 10 to raise the water temperature.

On the other hand, if the current time does not correspond to the hot water generation period (NO in S30B) and if Tw <Y (NO in S20), it is not necessary to raise the water temperature. Therefore, the control device 50 stops the pump 7 in step S22 and stops the circulation of water between the tank 6 and the heat exchanger 10.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the details of the process of step S30B in FIG. In the process of step S30B, an operation using hot water is performed. Whether or not to use hot water can be set in advance for each defrosting operation and washing operation in each schedule.

First, in step S41, the control device 50 determines whether or not the use of hot water is set only for the washing operation. When the use of hot water is set only for the washing operation (YES in S41), since the hot water is not used in the defrosting operation, it is determined in step S42 whether or not the washing operation is scheduled for the next watering schedule.

If the next schedule is a washing operation (YES in S42), in step S43, the control device 50 determines that the current time is during the hot water generation period. On the contrary, when the next schedule is not the washing operation (NO in S42), in step S43, the control device 50 determines that the current time is not in the hot water generation period. Further, in step S41, when the hot water is set to be used even during the defrosting operation (NO in S41), hot water is always generated, so that the control device 50 sets the current time in step S45 as the hot water generation period. Judge that it is inside.

In this way, after it is determined whether or not the current time is during the hot water generation period, the processes of steps S20 to S22 in FIG. 8 are executed.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of the schedule of the defrosting operation and the washing operation and the hot water generation period. In FIG. 10, the defrosting start time is set to 6 o'clock, 12 o'clock, and 18 o'clock. Further, 22:00 is set as the cleaning start time. The hot water is used only in the washing operation, and the water at room temperature is used in the defrosting operation.

In FIG. 10, the period from the end of the washing operation at 22:00 to the start time of the defrosting operation at 6:00 am is determined to be NO in step S42 of FIG. 9, and is not determined to be during the hot water generation period. .. Similarly, the period from the end of the defrosting operation at 6 o'clock to the start time of the defrosting operation at 12 o'clock, and the period from the end of the defrosting operation at 12 o'clock to the start time of the defrosting operation at 18:00 , It is judged that it is not during the hot water generation period.

On the other hand, it is judged that the period from the end of the defrosting operation at 19:00 to the start of the washing operation at 22:00 is during the hot water generation period.

As a result of setting such a schedule, it is necessary for cleaning by the pump 7 and the heat exchanger 10 during the day from the end of the defrosting operation at 18:00 to the start of the cleaning operation at 22:00. Hot water is produced. Since the pump 7 does not have to be operated between 22:00 and 18:00, the power consumption can be reduced.

Although FIG. 10 shows an example of the defrosting start time, the cleaning start time, and the setting in which hot water is not used for the defrosting operation, the target temperature Y ° C. is separately set for each of the defrosting operation and the cleaning operation. May be configurable. Further, warm water may be used for the defrosting operation and normal temperature water may be used for the washing operation.

(summary)
Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be summarized again with reference to the drawings.

This disclosure relates to cooling

devices

100, 100A. The

cooling devices

100 and 100A shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 pass through a compressor 1 for compressing the refrigerant, a heat exchanger 10 for heat exchange between the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 and water, and the heat exchanger 10. It includes a condenser 21 for condensing the generated refrigerant, an expansion device 3 for expanding the refrigerant, and an evaporator 41 for evaporating the refrigerant that has passed through the expansion device 3 before returning it to the compressor 1. The

cooling devices

100 and 100A further include a tank 6 for storing water, a pump 7 for circulating water between the tank 6 and the heat exchanger 10, and an outer surface of the evaporator 41 for water stored in the tank 6. A spraying device 11, a first temperature sensor (31, 32), and a control device 50 are provided. The first temperature sensor (31, 32) is configured to detect the temperature T1 of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 or the temperature T2 of the medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the condenser 21. The control device 50 is configured to adjust the amount of heat radiated from the refrigerant in the condenser 21 according to the output of the first temperature sensor.

As described above, the cooling

devices

100 and 100A can generate hot water, and the generated hot water can be sprayed on the outer surface of the evaporator 41. Therefore, high-temperature water having a high cleaning effect can be used as cleaning water to perform effective cleaning against oily stains. Further, since the high temperature water has a higher detergency than the normal temperature water, the washing time can be shortened and the amount of the washing water can be reduced as compared with the case where the normal temperature water is used.

In addition, since part of the waste heat radiated from the refrigeration cycle to the outside air is used to generate high-temperature water for cleaning, no additional equipment such as an electric heater or water heater is required. Further, when hot water is generated by an electric heater or the like, energy for generating hot water is separately required, but in the present invention, since no additional electric heating device is required, power consumption can be reduced.

In addition, since the cooling operation cannot be performed during the washing operation, the temperature inside the refrigerator may rise, causing a decrease in the freshness of the object to be cooled. In the present embodiment, the cleaning time can be shortened as compared with the case of using normal temperature water, so that the time for interrupting the cooling operation can be shortened. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the freshness of the object to be cooled. In addition, since the temperature rise in the refrigerator is small when the cooling operation is interrupted, the power consumption used for cooling after the cleaning operation can be reduced.

Further, in the case where the off-cycle operation in which the circulation of the refrigerant is stopped and the fan is turned is performed as the defrosting operation, in the present embodiment, the temperature of the evaporator rises due to the hot water during the washing operation. Since the defrosting effect can also be obtained, the defrosting operation becomes unnecessary depending on the frequency of cleaning, and the time for stopping the cooling operation can be reduced.

Preferably, the cooling

devices

100 and 100A further include a fan 24 that supplies air that exchanges heat with the refrigerant to the condenser 21. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, when the temperature T1 detected by the first temperature sensor is lower than the threshold value T1 * (YES in S1), the control device 50 detects the temperature of the first temperature sensor. The rotation speed of the fan 24 is lower than when T1 is higher than the threshold value T1 * (NO in S1).

In order to set the hot water to the target temperature, it is important to secure the discharge gas temperature of the compressor 1. For example, when the target temperature of hot water is 60 ° C., the discharge gas temperature needs to be higher than 60 ° C. In the present embodiment, when the temperature of the refrigerant gas that exchanges heat with water in the heat exchanger 10 is lower than the threshold value, the rotation speed of the fan 24 is lowered more than usual, so that the amount of heat radiated from the refrigerant circuit C1 is reduced. It can be reduced and the discharge gas temperature can be raised. Since the amount of heat radiated from the refrigerant circuit C1 increases as the outside air temperature decreases, the amount of heat radiated may be adjusted according to the outside air temperature T2 instead of the discharge gas temperature T1.

As shown in FIG. 6, preferably, the cooling device 100A further includes a bypass flow path 110 for bypassing the refrigerant so as not to pass through the condenser 21, and a flow rate adjusting valve 111 provided in the bypass flow path 110. When the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor is lower than the threshold value, the control device 50 passes through the flow control valve 111 more than when the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor is higher than the threshold value. Increase the flow rate of.

In the cooling device 100A shown in FIG. 6, when the temperature of the refrigerant gas that exchanges heat with water in the heat exchanger 10 is lower than the threshold value, the flow rate of the refrigerant passing through the flow rate adjusting valve 111 is increased, so that the refrigerant circuit C1 The amount of heat radiated from the air is reduced, and the temperature of the discharged gas can be raised. Also in this case, the heat radiation amount may be adjusted according to the outside air temperature T2 instead of the discharge gas temperature T1.

If the refrigerant is completely condensed into the liquid refrigerant at the outlet of the heat exchanger 10 such as in winter, the fan 24 of the condenser 21 (cooling water pump in the case of a water-cooled condenser) is stopped to exchange heat. The refrigerant may be condensed using only the vessel 10.

Preferably, the cooling

devices

100 and 100A further include a sensor 13 for detecting the water temperature Tw of the water stored in the tank 6. The control device 50 circulates water between the tank 6 and the heat exchanger 10 using the pump 7 so that the temperature detected by the sensor 13 reaches the target temperature Y ° C., and then evaporates the water by the spraying device 11. Spray on the outer surface of the vessel 41.

By circulating water in such a configuration, the temperature of the water stored in the tank 6 can be brought close to the target temperature even when the heat exchange amount of the heat exchanger 10 is small.

More preferably, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the control device 50 has a cleaning operation in which the target temperature is set to the first temperature Y ° C. and then sprayed on the outer surface of the evaporator 41 by the spraying device 11. A defrosting operation is performed in which water having a temperature lower than the temperature (normal temperature water) is sprayed on the outer surface of the evaporator 41.

By controlling in this way, the power consumption of the pump 7 during the preparation period for the defrosting operation can be reduced.

The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered to be exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is set forth by the scope of claims rather than the description of the embodiments described above, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

1 Compressor, 2 Outdoor unit, 3 Expansion device, 4 Unit cooler, 5 Cleaning device, 6 Tank, 7 Pump, 8, 9, 14 Electromagnetic valve, 10 Heat exchanger, 10A, 10B flow path, 11 Spreading device, 12 , 13 sensor, 21 condenser, 24,44 fan, 31,32 temperature sensor, 41 evaporator, 50 control device, 51 processing device, 52 memory, 100,100A cooling device, 110 bypass flow path, 111 flow control valve, C1 refrigerant circuit, C2 water circuit.

Claims

A compressor that compresses the refrigerant and
A heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant discharged from the compressor and a heat medium.
A condenser that condenses the refrigerant that has passed through the heat exchanger,
An expansion device that expands the refrigerant and
An evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant that has passed through the expansion device before returning it to the compressor.
The tank for storing the heat medium and
A pump that circulates the heat medium between the tank and the heat exchanger,
A spraying device that sprays the heat medium stored in the tank on the outer surface of the evaporator, and
A first temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor or the temperature of the medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the condenser.
A cooling device including a control device configured to adjust the amount of heat dissipated from the refrigerant in the condenser according to the output of the first temperature sensor.
The condenser is further provided with a fan that supplies air that exchanges heat with the refrigerant.
In the control device, when the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor is lower than the threshold value, the rotation speed of the fan is higher than when the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor is higher than the threshold value. The cooling device according to claim 1, which is configured to reduce the temperature.
A bypass flow path that bypasses the refrigerant so that it does not pass through the condenser,
Further provided with a flow rate adjusting valve provided in the bypass flow path,
When the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor is lower than the threshold value, the control device provides the flow control valve more than when the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor is higher than the threshold value. The cooling device according to claim 1, wherein the cooling device is configured to increase the flow rate of the passing refrigerant.
Further, a second temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heat medium stored in the tank is provided.
The control device uses the pump to circulate the heat medium between the tank and the heat exchanger so that the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor reaches the target temperature, and then the spraying device. The cooling device according to claim 1, wherein the heat medium is configured to be sprayed on the outer surface of the evaporator.
The control device has a cleaning operation of spraying the outer surface of the evaporator by the spraying device after setting the target temperature to the first temperature, and the heat medium having a temperature lower than the first temperature of the evaporator. The cooling device according to claim 4, wherein the cooling device is configured to perform a defrosting operation of spraying on the outer surface.