WO2022249396A1 - 空気調和装置 - Google Patents

空気調和装置 Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022249396A1
WO2022249396A1 PCT/JP2021/020208 JP2021020208W WO2022249396A1 WO 2022249396 A1 WO2022249396 A1 WO 2022249396A1 JP 2021020208 W JP2021020208 W JP 2021020208W WO 2022249396 A1 WO2022249396 A1 WO 2022249396A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
refrigerant
air
ceiling
indoor unit
space
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/JP2021/020208
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English (en)
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
亮宗 石村
幸志 東
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Mitsubishi Electric Corp
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Mitsubishi Electric Corp
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Mitsubishi Electric Corp filed Critical Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Priority to JP2023523864A priority Critical patent/JPWO2022249396A1/ja
Priority to PCT/JP2021/020208 priority patent/WO2022249396A1/ja
Publication of WO2022249396A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022249396A1/ja
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/30—Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
    • F24F11/32—Responding to malfunctions or emergencies
    • F24F11/36—Responding to malfunctions or emergencies to leakage of heat-exchange fluid

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to an air conditioner that suppresses refrigerant from leaking indoors.
  • the air conditioner described in Patent Document 1 reduces the amount of refrigerant leakage when refrigerant leakage occurs in the indoor unit by providing a shutoff valve that shuts off the flow of refrigerant in the inlet/outlet pipe of the indoor unit.
  • a shutoff valve that shuts off the flow of refrigerant in the inlet/outlet pipe of the indoor unit.
  • Additional isolation valves may be added. In such a case, additional operations such as selection of the shutoff valve and designing the installation position of the shutoff valve are required.
  • additional work and costs are required to install the shut-off valve in the air conditioner. Therefore, compared to conventional air conditioners that use nonflammable refrigerants, air conditioners that use refrigerants with a low global warming potential have the problem of increased work and costs for providing safety measures.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner capable of suppressing outflow.
  • the air conditioner according to the present disclosure includes an outdoor unit that generates cold or hot heat, an indoor unit that air-conditions the air-conditioned space with the cold or hot heat generated by the outdoor unit, and is provided between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, A refrigerant pipe that forms a refrigerant circuit in which refrigerant circulates, a refrigerant leakage detection device that detects refrigerant leakage from the indoor unit, and when the refrigerant leakage detection device detects refrigerant leakage, the leaked refrigerant is discharged into the air-conditioned space. and a leaked refrigerant guiding means for guiding to a space different from.
  • the leaked refrigerant guide means guides the leaked refrigerant to a space different from the air-conditioned space. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a large amount of leaked refrigerant from flowing into the air-conditioned space.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit configuration of the air conditioner according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the control device for the air conditioner according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing the flow of refrigerant in the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1 in cooling only operation;
  • FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing the flow of refrigerant in the heating only operation of the air conditioner according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit configuration of the air conditioner according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing
  • FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the operation of the leakage reduction control function at the time of refrigerant leakage in the air conditioner according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 2; 9 is a flow chart showing the operation of a leakage reduction control function at the time of refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner according to Embodiment 2.
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 3;
  • FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 3;
  • FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing operation of a leakage reduction control function at the time of refrigerant leakage in the air conditioners according to Embodiments 3 and 6.
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 4
  • FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 4
  • 14 is a flow chart showing the operation of a leakage reduction control function when refrigerant leaks from the air conditioner according to Embodiment 4.
  • FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 4
  • FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 4
  • 14 is a flow chart showing the operation of a leakage reduction control function when refrigerant leaks from the air conditioner according to Embodiment 4.
  • FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 5; 14 is a flow chart showing the operation of a leakage reduction control function when refrigerant leaks in the air conditioner according to Embodiment 5.
  • FIG. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 6;
  • FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 7;
  • an air conditioner according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.
  • the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.
  • the present disclosure includes all combinations of configurations that can be combined among the configurations shown in the following embodiments.
  • the air conditioner shown in the drawings is an example of the air conditioner of the present disclosure, and the applicable equipment of the present disclosure is not limited by the air conditioner shown in the drawings.
  • terms indicating directions eg, “up”, “down”, etc.
  • the same reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts, which are common throughout the specification. In each drawing, the relative dimensional relationship, shape, etc. of each component may differ from the actual one.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 1.
  • the air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 1 includes an outdoor unit 1, indoor units 2a and 2b, refrigerant leakage detection devices 63a and 63b, and a control device 30.
  • the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor units 2a and 2b are connected by refrigerant pipes 3, and a refrigerant circuit is formed in which refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant pipes 3.
  • air conditioning using a refrigeration cycle is performed by circulating the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit.
  • the air conditioner 100 not only mildly flammable refrigerants such as R32 refrigerants, but also nonflammable refrigerants and refrigerants having higher combustibility than R32 refrigerants can be used as refrigerants. Moreover, not only non-toxic refrigerants such as R32 refrigerant, but also toxic refrigerants can be used.
  • the air conditioner 100 is, for example, a multi-air conditioner for buildings, and can select a cooling-only operation in which all the operating indoor units perform cooling, or a heating-only operation in which all the operating indoor units perform heating.
  • the air conditioner 100 has a control device 30 .
  • the control device 30 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer, software executed on an arithmetic device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), hardware such as a circuit device that realizes various functions, and the like, and controls the overall operation of the air conditioner 100. to control.
  • the control device 30 is provided independently of the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor units 2a and 2b, but the control device 30 may be provided in the outdoor unit 1, the indoor unit 2a or the indoor unit 2b may be provided. Also, the controller 30 may be provided in both the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor units 2a and 2b.
  • the indoor unit 2a is a ceiling-embedded cassette type indoor unit installed in the ceiling of the air-conditioned space 60a
  • the indoor unit 2b is a ceiling-embedded cassette type indoor unit installed in the ceiling of the air-conditioned space 60b.
  • the air-conditioned space 60a and the air-conditioned space 60b are provided as two independent spaces under one ceiling space 61 with a corridor 62 interposed therebetween.
  • the air-conditioned space 60a and the air-conditioned space 60b are provided with a refrigerant leakage detection device 63a and a refrigerant leakage detection device 63b, respectively, for detecting refrigerant leakage.
  • a refrigerant leakage detection device 63a and a refrigerant leakage detection device 63b
  • an air conditioner 100 having one outdoor unit 1 and two ceiling-embedded cassette type indoor units 2a and 2b is shown as an example. may be Also, the number of indoor units may be one instead of two, or may be three or more. Also, the indoor unit 2 may be of a ceiling-suspended type instead of a ceiling-embedded cassette type.
  • a coolant leakage detection device 63a provided in the air-conditioned space 60a is connected to the control device 30 via a transmission line 64a.
  • a coolant leakage detection device 63b provided in the air-conditioned space 60b is connected to the control device 30 via a transmission line 64b.
  • the refrigerant leakage detection device 63a includes a gas sensor that detects the refrigerant, and when the refrigerant is leaking into the air-conditioned space 60a, the refrigerant leakage detection device 63a detects the refrigerant leakage and notifies the control device 30 via the transmission line 64a. Notifies you of a refrigerant leak.
  • the refrigerant leakage detection device 63b includes a gas sensor that detects the refrigerant, and when the refrigerant is leaking into the air-conditioned space 60b, the refrigerant leakage detection device 63b detects the refrigerant leakage, and via the transmission line 64b, the control device 30 is notified that the refrigerant is leaking.
  • the transmission lines 64a and 64b are not limited to wired connections, and wireless connections are also included.
  • indoor units 2a and 2b when there is no particular need to distinguish between the indoor units 2a and 2b, they are simply referred to as "indoor units 2".
  • indoor unit 2 when the term “indoor unit 2” is used, both singular and plural units are included.
  • air-conditioned space 60 when there is no particular need to distinguish between the air-conditioned space 60a and the air-conditioned space 60b, they are simply referred to as the "air-conditioned space 60".
  • air-conditioned space 60 it includes both singular and plural.
  • refrigerant leakage detection device 63a and the refrigerant leakage detection device 63b they are simply referred to as the "refrigerant leakage detection device 63".
  • refrigerant leakage detection device 63 when the term “refrigerant leakage detection device 63" is used, both singular and plural are included.
  • FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit configuration of the air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the indoor unit 2 of the air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the control device 30 of the air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG.
  • the air conditioner 100 includes a compressor 10, a refrigerant flow switching device 11, a heat source side heat exchanger 12, expansion devices 41a and 41b, load side heat exchangers 40a and 40b, and an accumulator 13.
  • a refrigerant circuit 101 is provided, which is sequentially connected by the pipes 3 and in which the refrigerant circulates.
  • the diaphragm device 41a and the diaphragm device 41b when there is no particular need to distinguish between the diaphragm device 41a and the diaphragm device 41b, they are simply referred to as “the diaphragm device 41". Also, when the term “diaphragm device 41" is used, both singular and plural are included. Moreover, when there is no particular need to distinguish between the load-side heat exchanger 40a and the load-side heat exchanger 40b, they are simply referred to as the "load-side heat exchanger 40". Also, when the term “load-side heat exchanger 40" is used, both singular and plural are included.
  • the outdoor unit 1 generates cold heat or hot heat as a heat source, and includes a compressor 10 , a refrigerant flow switching device 11 , a heat source side heat exchanger 12 and an accumulator 13 .
  • An outdoor fan 14 is provided near the heat source side heat exchanger 12 . The outdoor fan 14 blows air to the heat source side heat exchanger 12 .
  • the compressor 10 draws in a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant and compresses the refrigerant to a high-temperature, high-pressure state, and is composed of, for example, a capacity-controllable inverter compressor or the like.
  • the refrigerant flow switching device 11 switches between the refrigerant flow in the cooling operation and the refrigerant flow in the heating operation.
  • a four-way valve is used for the refrigerant flow switching device 11 .
  • the refrigerant flow switching device 11 may be configured by combining a two-way valve, a three-way valve, or the like.
  • the heat source side heat exchanger 12 functions as a condenser during cooling operation and as an evaporator during heating operation.
  • the refrigerant that has flowed into the heat source side heat exchanger 12 exchanges heat with air supplied from an outdoor blower 14 such as a fan.
  • the outdoor unit 1 is provided with a first pressure detection device 20 and a second pressure detection device 21 that detect pressure.
  • the first pressure detection device 20 is provided in the refrigerant pipe 3 that connects the discharge side of the compressor 10 and the refrigerant flow switching device 11 .
  • the first pressure detection device 20 detects the pressure of the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant compressed and discharged by the compressor 10 .
  • the second pressure detection device 21 is provided in the refrigerant pipe 3 that connects the refrigerant flow switching device 11 and the suction side of the compressor 10 .
  • the second pressure detection device 21 detects the pressure of the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant sucked into the compressor 10 .
  • the outdoor unit 1 is provided with a first temperature detection device 22 that detects temperature.
  • the first temperature detection device 22 is provided in the refrigerant pipe 3 that connects the discharge side of the compressor 10 and the refrigerant flow switching device 11 .
  • the first temperature detection device 22 detects the temperature of the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant compressed and discharged by the compressor 10, and is composed of a temperature sensor such as a thermistor.
  • the indoor unit 2a air-conditions the air-conditioned space 60a
  • the indoor unit 2b air-conditions the air-conditioned space 60b.
  • the indoor unit 2a has an indoor fan 42a, a load-side heat exchanger 40a, and an expansion device 41a.
  • the indoor unit 2b has an indoor fan 42b, a load-side heat exchanger 40b, and an expansion device 41b.
  • the indoor unit 2 is connected to the outdoor unit 1 via refrigerant pipes 3 . Refrigerant circulates through the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 2 through the refrigerant pipe 3 . Fans, for example, are used as the indoor fans 42a and 42b.
  • the load-side heat exchanger 40 functions as an evaporator during cooling operation and as a condenser during heating operation.
  • the refrigerant that has flowed into the load-side heat exchanger 40 exchanges heat with the air supplied from the indoor fan 42 to generate heating air or cooling air to be supplied to the air-conditioned space 60 .
  • the expansion device 41 functions as a pressure reducing valve and an expansion valve, and reduces the pressure of the refrigerant to expand it.
  • the throttling device 41 is configured by a device whose opening degree can be variably controlled, such as an electronic expansion valve.
  • the indoor unit 2a is provided with a second temperature detection device 50a, a third temperature detection device 51a, and a fourth temperature detection device 52a for detecting temperature.
  • the second temperature detection device 50a is provided in the refrigerant pipe 3 that connects the expansion device 41a and the load-side heat exchanger 40a.
  • the third temperature detection device 51a is provided in the refrigerant pipe 3 on the side opposite to the expansion device 41a with respect to the load side heat exchanger 40a.
  • the fourth temperature detection device 52a is provided at the air intake portion of the load side heat exchanger 40a.
  • the indoor unit 2b is provided with a second temperature detection device 50b, a third temperature detection device 51b, and a fourth temperature detection device 52b for detecting temperature.
  • the second temperature detection device 50b is provided in the refrigerant pipe 3 that connects the expansion device 41b and the load side heat exchanger 40b.
  • the third temperature detection device 51b is provided in the refrigerant pipe 3 on the side opposite to the expansion device 41b with respect to the load side heat exchanger 40b.
  • the fourth temperature detection device 52b is provided at the air intake portion of the load side heat exchanger 40b.
  • second temperature detection device 50 when there is no particular need to distinguish between the second temperature detection device 50a and the second temperature detection device 50b, they are simply referred to as the "second temperature detection device 50". In addition, when the term “second temperature detection device 50" is used, both singularity and plurality are included. Further, when there is no particular need to distinguish between the third temperature detection device 51a and the third temperature detection device 51b, they are simply referred to as the "third temperature detection device 51". In addition, when the term “third temperature detection device 51” is used, both singularity and plurality are included. Further, when there is no particular need to distinguish between the fourth temperature detection device 52a and the fourth temperature detection device 52b, they are simply referred to as the "fourth temperature detection device 52". Also, when the term “fourth temperature detection device 52" is used, it includes both singular and plural.
  • the second temperature detection device 50 detects the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the load-side heat exchanger 40 during cooling operation. Also, the third temperature detection device 51 detects the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the load-side heat exchanger 40 during cooling operation. Furthermore, the fourth temperature detection device 52 detects the air temperature of the air-conditioned space 60 .
  • the second temperature detection device 50, the third temperature detection device 51, and the fourth temperature detection device 52 are composed of temperature sensors such as thermistors.
  • the indoor unit 2 is a ceiling cassette type installed on the ceiling.
  • the indoor unit 2 includes a housing 70 forming an outer shell.
  • a load-side heat exchanger 40, an expansion device 41, an indoor fan 42, a second temperature detection device 50, a third temperature detection device 51, and a fourth temperature detection device 52 are installed inside the housing 70. be accommodated.
  • the housing 70 has a panel 71 .
  • the indoor unit 2 is of a two-way cassette type, and the panel 71 is provided with two inlets 72 for sucking the air in the conditioned space 60 and two outlets 73 for blowing out the conditioned air.
  • the blower outlet 73 is provided with a blower outlet opening/closing device 73a for switching between an open state and a closed state.
  • the outlet 73 is opened by opening the outlet opening/closing device 73a.
  • the blower outlet 73 will be in a closed state because the blower outlet opening-and-closing apparatus 73a will be in a closed state.
  • a movable louver having a plate surface covering the outlet 73 is used as the outlet opening/closing device 73a.
  • the indoor unit 2 is installed at the boundary between the air-conditioned space 60 and the ceiling space 61 so that the panel 71 forms part of the ceiling surface of the air-conditioned space 60 (see FIG. 1). Therefore, the panel 71 is exposed in the air-conditioned space 60, and the load-side heat exchanger 40, the expansion device 41, the indoor fan 42, the second temperature detection device 50, and the third The temperature detection device 51 and the fourth temperature detection device 52 are arranged in the ceiling space 61 .
  • the form of the indoor unit 2 is not limited to the form shown in FIG.
  • the indoor unit 2 may be installed on the ceiling surface of the air-conditioned space 60, and may be of a ceiling-suspended type. Further, the indoor unit 2 is not limited to a two-way cassette type, and may be a four-way cassette type or a one-way cassette type. Further, the indoor unit 2 only needs to have an air inlet 72 for sucking air from the air-conditioned space 60, and an air outlet 73 provided with an air outlet opening/closing device 73a for blowing air-conditioned air into the air-conditioned space 60.
  • the numbers of 72 and the number of outlets 73 are not limited to two each.
  • control device 30 controls the frequency of the compressor 10 and the rotation speeds of the indoor fan 42 and the outdoor fan 14 based on values detected by various detection devices, detection results by the various detection devices, and instructions from a remote controller (not shown). (including ON/OFF), switching of the refrigerant flow switching device 11, the opening degree of the expansion device 41, and the state of the outlet opening/closing device 73a.
  • Various detection devices include a first pressure detection device 20, a second pressure detection device 21, a first temperature detection device 22, a second temperature detection device 50, a third temperature detection device 51, a fourth temperature detection device 52, and a refrigerant A leak detection device 63 is included.
  • a cooling only operation and a heating only operation are executed under the control of the control device 30 . Further, when notified of refrigerant leakage from the refrigerant leakage detection device 63, the control device 30 executes a leakage reduction control function 80, which will be described later.
  • FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing the flow of refrigerant in the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1 in cooling only operation.
  • the direction in which the coolant flows is indicated by solid arrows.
  • the refrigerant flow switching device 11 is switched so that the discharge side of the compressor 10 and the heat source side heat exchanger 12 are connected.
  • the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant is compressed by the compressor 10 and discharged as a high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant.
  • the high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 flows into the heat source side heat exchanger 12 via the refrigerant flow switching device 11 .
  • the high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed into the heat source side heat exchanger 12 is condensed while radiating heat to the outdoor air, and becomes a high-pressure liquid refrigerant.
  • the high-pressure liquid refrigerant that has flowed out of the heat source side heat exchanger 12 passes through the refrigerant pipe 3 and flows from the outdoor unit 1 to the indoor unit 2 .
  • the high-pressure liquid refrigerant that has flowed into the indoor unit 2 is decompressed by the expansion device 41 into a low-temperature, low-pressure two-phase refrigerant, and then flows into the load-side heat exchanger 40 that acts as an evaporator.
  • the refrigerant flowing into the load-side heat exchanger 40 absorbs heat from the air in the air-conditioned space 60 to cool the air in the air-conditioned space 60 and becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure gas refrigerant.
  • the low-temperature, low-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed out of the load-side heat exchanger 40 passes through the refrigerant pipe 3 and flows from the indoor unit 2 to the outdoor unit 1 .
  • the refrigerant that has flowed into the outdoor unit 1 passes through the refrigerant flow switching device 11 and the accumulator 13 and is sucked into the compressor 10 .
  • the control device 30 adjusts the expansion device 41 so that the superheat (degree of superheat) obtained as the difference between the temperature detected by the second temperature detection device 50 and the temperature detected by the third temperature detection device 51 is constant. Control the degree of opening. By controlling the opening degree of the throttle device 41 in this manner, the air conditioning apparatus 100 operates according to the heat load of the air-conditioned space 60 . Therefore, efficient operation of the air conditioner 100 becomes possible.
  • FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing the flow of the refrigerant in the heating only operation of the air conditioner according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 6 the direction in which the coolant flows is indicated by solid arrows. Further, the refrigerant flow switching device 11 is switched so that the discharge side of the compressor 10 and the indoor unit 2 are connected.
  • the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant is compressed by the compressor 10 and discharged as a high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant.
  • the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 passes through the refrigerant pipe 3 via the refrigerant flow switching device 11 and flows from the outdoor unit 1 to the indoor unit 2 .
  • the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed into the indoor unit 2 radiates heat to the air in the air-conditioned space 60 in the load-side heat exchanger 40 , becomes high-pressure liquid refrigerant, and flows into the expansion device 41 .
  • the refrigerant flows from the indoor unit 2 to the outdoor unit 1 through the refrigerant pipe 3 .
  • the low-temperature, low-pressure two-phase refrigerant that has flowed into the outdoor unit 1 flows into the heat source side heat exchanger 12 and absorbs heat from the outdoor air to become a low-temperature, low-pressure gas refrigerant.
  • the low-temperature, low-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed out of the heat source side heat exchanger 12 passes through the refrigerant flow switching device 11 and the accumulator 13 and is sucked into the compressor 10 .
  • the control device 30 maintains a constant subcooling (degree of supercooling) obtained as the difference between the saturated liquid temperature of the refrigerant calculated from the pressure detected by the first pressure detection device 20 and the temperature detected by the second temperature detection device 50.
  • the opening degree of the expansion device 41 is controlled so that By controlling the opening degree of the throttle device 41 in this manner, the air conditioning apparatus 100 operates according to the heat load of the air-conditioned space 60 . Therefore, efficient operation of the air conditioner 100 becomes possible.
  • FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the leakage reduction control function 80 at the time of refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 1.
  • the leakage reduction control function 80 is a function that the control device 30 has.
  • the refrigerant leakage detection device 63 is installed in the air-conditioned space 60 in which the indoor unit 2 is installed, and is connected to the control device 30 via the transmission line 64 .
  • the refrigerant leakage detection device 63 outputs a signal to the transmission line 64 when it detects that the refrigerant is leaking into the air-conditioned space 60 .
  • Controller 30 implements leakage reduction control function 80 upon receipt of the signal from transmission line 64 .
  • FIG. 7 shows the operation of the leakage reduction control function 80 after the refrigerant leakage detection device 63 detects refrigerant leakage in the air-conditioned space 60 and the control device 30 is notified of the occurrence of refrigerant leakage.
  • the compressor 10 is stopped (step ST1). Since high-pressure refrigerant flows through the indoor units 2 that are performing heating operation, the refrigerant is likely to leak into the air-conditioned space 60 . Stopping the compressor 10 prevents further leakage of the refrigerant into the air-conditioned space 60 . In addition, since the low-pressure refrigerant flows through the indoor units 2 that are performing the cooling operation, the refrigerant is less likely to leak into the air-conditioned space 60 .
  • step ST2 the outlet opening/closing device 73a provided at the outlet 73 of the indoor unit 2 is closed (step ST2).
  • the air outlet opening/closing device 73 a By closing the air outlet opening/closing device 73 a , the air outlet 73 is closed and no conditioned air is blown out into the conditioned space 60 . That is, the route through which the refrigerant leaking from the indoor unit 2 flows into the air-conditioned space 60 is cut off.
  • the indoor fan 42 is put into operation (step ST3).
  • an air current is generated from the suction port 72 into the housing 70 of the indoor unit 2 .
  • the higher the rotation speed of the indoor blower 42 the stronger the flow toward the inside of the indoor unit 2 , so the effect of suppressing the leakage of the refrigerant from the suction port 72 into the air-conditioned space 60 is large. Therefore, it is preferable to operate the indoor fan 42 at the maximum rotation speed.
  • step ST4 the expansion device 41 is fully closed. Depending on the location where the refrigerant leaks, the expansion device 41 may be fully closed to reduce the leakage speed of the refrigerant or reduce the amount of leaked refrigerant. Therefore, the expansion device 41 should be fully closed.
  • step ST4 the leakage reduction control function 80 ends.
  • the outlet opening/closing device 73a is closed in step ST2, and the indoor blower 42 is in operation in step ST3. is suppressed, and flows out to the ceiling space 61 through the gaps of the housing 70 or the like. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the outlet opening/closing device 73a and the indoor fan 42 operate as leakage refrigerant induction means 81 that guides the leaked refrigerant to a space different from the air-conditioned space 60 in the leakage reduction control function 80. .
  • the leaked refrigerant induction means 81 of the present embodiment has the outlet opening/closing device 73 a and the indoor fan 42 .
  • the refrigerant that has flowed out to the ceiling space 61 due to the leakage refrigerant induction means 81 diffuses and dilutes in the ceiling space 61, and then gradually spreads to the space immediately below.
  • the refrigerant that has flowed out to the ceiling space 61 gradually spreads to the air-conditioned space 60 a , the air-conditioned space 60 b , and the corridor 62 , which are the spaces directly below the ceiling space 61 . That is, since the space volume through which the refrigerant flows out increases, it is possible to suppress the generation of a flammable region due to refrigerant leakage. In addition, it is possible to suppress an increase in refrigerant concentration in a specific space.
  • the refrigerant leaked from the indoor unit 2a flows only into the air-conditioned space 60a, so the refrigerant concentration in the air-conditioned space 60a increases.
  • the leaked refrigerant induction means 81 can suppress the increase in refrigerant concentration in the air-conditioned space 60a, thereby improving the safety of the air-conditioned space 60a. .
  • the operation of the leakage reduction control function 80 shown in FIG. 7 is an example.
  • the order of operation of each step is not limited to that in FIG. 7, and the same effect can be obtained even if the order of each step is changed.
  • the air conditioner 100 of Embodiment 1 includes the outdoor unit 1 that generates cold or hot heat, the indoor unit 2 that air-conditions the air-conditioned space 60 with the cold or hot heat generated by the outdoor unit 1, A refrigerant pipe 3 that is provided between the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 2 and forms a refrigerant circuit 101 in which the refrigerant circulates, a refrigerant leakage detection device 63 that detects that the refrigerant has leaked from the indoor unit 2, and a refrigerant leakage.
  • Leakage refrigerant guide means 81 for guiding the leaked refrigerant to a space different from the air-conditioned space when the detection device 63 detects leakage of the refrigerant.
  • the refrigerant leaking from the indoor unit 2 is guided to a space different from the air-conditioned space 60 by the leaked refrigerant guide means 81, so that a large amount of refrigerant can be prevented from flowing into the air-conditioned space 60. . Therefore, the safety of the air conditioner 100 is improved.
  • the leakage reduction control function 80 can prevent the refrigerant concentration in the specific air-conditioned space 60 from increasing. Therefore, if conditions such as the amount of refrigerant in the air conditioner 100 and the area of the air-conditioned space 60 are satisfied, there is no need to provide an additional safety device. Therefore, it is possible to provide an air conditioner that uses a refrigerant that has a low global warming potential and is combustible at a reduced cost.
  • the leakage reduction control function 80 can prevent the refrigerant concentration in the specific air-conditioned space 60 from increasing. Therefore, if conditions such as the amount of refrigerant in the air conditioner 100 and the area of the air-conditioned space 60 are satisfied, there is no need to provide an additional safety device, so the air conditioning system can be updated with minimal update work.
  • the existing indoor unit is changed to the indoor unit 2 installed on the ceiling surface as in Embodiment 1, and the refrigerant leakage detection device 63 is added to the position where the refrigerant is detected such as the air-conditioned space 60. to install.
  • the refrigerant leakage detection device 63 and the control device 30 may be connected by a transmission line 64 .
  • the refrigerant leakage detection device 63 may be provided inside the indoor unit 2 .
  • the indoor unit 2 has the outlet 73 for blowing air into the air-conditioned space 60, and the leaked refrigerant induction means 81 is provided at the outlet 73, and can be switched between the open state and the closed state. It has an outlet opening/closing device 73a that can be switched, and the outlet opening/closing device 73a is closed when the refrigerant leakage detection device 63 detects refrigerant leakage.
  • the outlet opening/closing device 73a which is the leaked refrigerant induction means 81, is closed, so that the outlet 73 is closed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the refrigerant leaking from the indoor unit 2 from flowing out from the outlet 73 into the air-conditioned space 60 . Therefore, even if the refrigerant leaks from the indoor unit 2, an increase in refrigerant concentration in the air-conditioned space 60 is suppressed, and the safety of the air conditioner 100 is improved.
  • the leaked refrigerant induction means 81 has the indoor blower 42 provided in the indoor unit 2, and the indoor blower 42 operates when the refrigerant leakage detection device 63 detects refrigerant leakage. be in driving condition.
  • the indoor blower 42 which is the leaked refrigerant induction means 81 and housed in the housing 70 of the indoor unit 2, is put into operation.
  • the refrigerant leaked from the indoor unit 2 is prevented from flowing out from the suction port 72 into the air-conditioned space 60 by the flow of the air current generated by the indoor blower 42 . Therefore, even if the refrigerant leaks from the indoor unit 2, an increase in refrigerant concentration in the air-conditioned space 60 is suppressed, and the safety of the air conditioner 100 is improved.
  • the indoor unit 2 is a cassette type installed on the ceiling surface of the air-conditioned space 60 .
  • the leaked refrigerant guide means 81 is provided in the housing 70 of the indoor unit 2 and arranged in the ceiling space 61 . Therefore, when the refrigerant leaks from the indoor unit 2, the leaked refrigerant induction means 81 can easily flow the leaked refrigerant to the ceiling space 61 while suppressing the refrigerant from flowing out to the air-conditioned space 60. can.
  • the refrigerant may have at least one characteristic of mildly flammable, highly flammable, and toxic. Even if the refrigerant has such characteristics, the leakage refrigerant induction means 81 suppresses the refrigerant from flowing out into the air-conditioned space 60, and the concentration of the refrigerant in the air-conditioned space 60 can be maintained at the permissible concentration. According to this configuration, the air conditioner 100 using a refrigerant with a low global warming potential but having either combustibility or toxicity, or a refrigerant with a low global warming potential but having combustibility or toxicity. can provide.
  • the threshold value for detecting refrigerant leakage by the refrigerant leakage detection device 63 is a value equal to or lower than the concentration of the lower limit of combustion when the refrigerant has a slightly flammable property or a highly flammable property. , if the refrigerant is toxic, the concentration is below the acute toxicity exposure limit, and if the refrigerant is non-flammable, the concentration is below the oxygen deficiency limit.
  • the refrigerant leakage detection device 63 detects refrigerant leakage before the refrigerant concentration in the air-conditioned space 60 reaches a dangerous concentration.
  • the leakage refrigerant induction means 81 suppresses the refrigerant from flowing out from the indoor unit 2 to the air-conditioned space 60, so that the concentration of the refrigerant in the air-conditioned space 60 can be maintained at an allowable concentration. . Therefore, the safety of the air-conditioned space 60 is improved. Even if the refrigerant is nonflammable, if a large amount of refrigerant leaks into the air-conditioned space 60, it may cause oxygen deficiency or the like. However, such a possibility can be suppressed by the said structure, and the safety of the air-conditioned space 60 improves.
  • the refrigerant leakage detection device 63 detects the refrigerant at thresholds below the concentration of the lower combustion limit, below the concentration of the acute toxicity exposure limit, and below the concentration of the oxygen deficiency limit, for which international standards such as ISO and IEC require the installation of safety devices. leak detection. Therefore, the air conditioner 100 does not need to be additionally provided with safety devices such as an alarm device, a ventilator, and a shutoff valve.
  • the air conditioner 100 may be configured so that the indoor unit 2b performs the heating operation while the indoor unit 2a performs the cooling operation.
  • the air conditioner 100 may include a repeater so that the indoor units 2a and 2b each simultaneously perform the refrigerant operation and the heating operation. The repeater is provided between the indoor units 2a, 2b and the outdoor unit 1, and distributes the refrigerant supplied from the outdoor unit 1 to the indoor units 2a, 2b.
  • the indoor unit 2b can perform the heating operation while the indoor unit 2a performs the cooling operation. That is, the air conditioner 100 can perform an operation different from the cooling only operation and the heating only operation. Also, the air conditioner 100 may perform an operation different from the cooling only operation and the heating only operation by a configuration different from that of the repeater.
  • Embodiment 2. 8 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the indoor unit 2 of the air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 2.
  • FIG. Compared to the air conditioner 100 of Embodiment 1, the air conditioner 100 of Embodiment 2 described here has a ceiling opening 74 in the housing 70 of the indoor unit 2, and the ceiling opening 74 is different in that a ceiling opening opening/closing device 74a is provided.
  • the configuration other than the ceiling opening 74 and the ceiling opening opening/closing device 74a is the same as that of the above-described first embodiment, so the description is omitted.
  • the ceiling opening 74 and the ceiling opening opening/closing device 74a which are the differences between the first embodiment and the second embodiment, will be described with reference to FIG.
  • the ceiling opening 74 is provided in the housing 70 of the indoor unit 2 .
  • the housing 70 and the ceiling space 61 communicate with each other through the ceiling ceiling opening 74 .
  • the ceiling opening 74 is provided with a ceiling opening opening/closing device 74a that can be switched between an open state and a closed state.
  • the ceiling opening 74 is opened by opening the ceiling opening opening/closing device 74a. Further, the ceiling opening 74 is closed by closing the ceiling opening opening/closing device 74a.
  • the housing 70 and the ceiling space 61 communicate with each other when the ceiling opening opening/closing device 74a is opened, and are blocked when the ceiling opening opening/closing device 74a is closed.
  • a movable louver or shutter having a plate surface covering the ceiling opening 74 is used as the ceiling opening opening/closing device 74a.
  • the ceiling opening opening/closing device 74a is not limited to a movable louver or shutter, and may be any mechanism capable of switching the ceiling opening 74 between an open state and a closed state.
  • the ceiling opening opening/closing device 74a is in a closed state when the indoor unit 2 is performing heating operation and cooling operation. Therefore, between the heating operation and the cooling operation, the housing 70 and the ceiling space 61 are cut off.
  • the ceiling opening opening/closing device 74 a is opened by the leakage reduction control function 80 of the control device 30 when the refrigerant leakage detection device 63 detects refrigerant leakage.
  • FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the operation of the leakage reduction control function 80 at the time of refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 2.
  • the refrigerant leakage detection device 63 detects refrigerant leakage in the air-conditioned space 60, and when the control device 30 is notified that the refrigerant leakage has occurred, the control device 30 performs the leakage reduction control function. 80 is carried out.
  • step ST11 the compressor 10 is stopped (step ST11).
  • step ST12 the outlet opening/closing device 73a provided at the outlet 73 of the indoor unit 2 is closed (step ST12).
  • the ceiling opening opening/closing device 74a provided in the ceiling opening 74 is opened (step ST13).
  • the housing 70 of the indoor unit 2 and the ceiling space 61 communicate with each other. Therefore, the refrigerant leaked from the indoor unit 2 flows out into the ceiling space 61 . Therefore, the amount of refrigerant flowing out into the air-conditioned space 60 is reduced, and an increase in refrigerant concentration in the air-conditioned space 60 can be suppressed.
  • the ceiling opening opening/closing device 74 a operates as a leaked refrigerant guide means 81 that guides the leaked refrigerant to a space different from the air-conditioned space 60 .
  • the ceiling opening opening/closing device 74a is one of the components of the leaked refrigerant induction means 81 in this embodiment.
  • step ST14 the indoor blower 42 is put into operation (step ST14).
  • step ST13 since the indoor unit 2 and the ceiling space 61 are in communication with each other, the indoor fan 42 is put into an operating state, so that air is blown into the ceiling space 61 from the suction port 72 via the housing 70 of the indoor unit 2. There is an air current that flows toward Therefore, the refrigerant leaking from the indoor unit 2 does not flow into the air-conditioned space 60 but flows into the space 61 above the ceiling.
  • step ST15 This completes the implementation of the leakage reduction control function 80 .
  • the operation of the leakage reduction control function 80 shown in FIG. 9 is an example. The order of operation of each step is not limited to that in FIG. 9, and the same effect can be obtained even if the order of each step is changed.
  • the air-conditioning apparatus 100 includes the ceiling opening 74 that allows the casing 70 of the indoor unit 2 to communicate with the ceiling space 61 of the air-conditioned space 60.
  • the leaked refrigerant guide means 81 has a ceiling opening opening/closing device 74a which is provided in the ceiling opening 74 and can be switched between an open state and a closed state.
  • the ceiling opening opening/closing device 74a is opened when the refrigerant leakage detection device 63 detects refrigerant leakage.
  • the ceiling opening opening/closing device 74a which is the leaked refrigerant induction means 81, is opened, thereby opening the ceiling opening 74. Therefore, the housing 70 of the indoor unit 2 and the ceiling space 61 communicate with each other, and the refrigerant leaking from the indoor unit 2 flows out to the ceiling space 61 . In addition, since the operation of the indoor blower 42 generates an airflow from the air-conditioned space 60 to the ceiling space 61, the refrigerant leaking from the indoor unit 2 easily flows into the ceiling space 61 instead of the air-conditioned space 60. .
  • the safety of the air conditioner 100 is further improved.
  • the housing of the existing indoor unit is installed in the ceiling in which the ceiling opening opening and closing device 74a is provided in the renewal work in Embodiment 1.
  • the housing 70 having the opening 74 may be replaced.
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 3.
  • the air conditioner 100 of Embodiment 3 described here is different from the air conditioners 100 of Embodiments 1 and 2 in that the indoor unit 2 is installed in the ceiling space 61 of the air-conditioned space 60. It differs in that it is a duct type. Descriptions of the same parts as those in the first and second embodiments are omitted, and differences from the first and second embodiments are mainly described.
  • the indoor unit 2 included in the air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 3 is a duct type indoor unit installed in the space 61 above the ceiling.
  • a bifurcated blowout duct 75 is connected to the indoor unit 2, the first blowout duct blowout opening 75a1 is exposed to the ceiling surface of the air-conditioned space 60a, and the second blowout duct blowout opening 75a2 is exposed to the ceiling surface of the air-conditioned space 60b.
  • the conditioned air generated by the indoor unit 2 passes through the blowout duct 75 and is supplied from the first blowout duct outlet 75a1 to the conditioned space 60a.
  • FIG. 10 shows an example in which one indoor unit 2 connected to the bifurcated blowout duct 75 corresponds to the air-conditioned space 60a and the air-conditioned space 60b. It doesn't have to be.
  • Two indoor units 2a and 2b may be installed in the ceiling space 61 to correspond to the air-conditioned space 60a and the air-conditioned space 60b.
  • the outlet 75a when there is no particular need to distinguish between the first duct outlet 75a1 and the second duct outlet 75a2, they are simply referred to as "the outlet 75a".
  • the term "blowing duct outlet 75a" includes both singular and plural.
  • FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of the indoor unit 2 of the air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 3. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 11, the details of the inside of the housing 70 of the indoor unit 2 are omitted, and only the load-side heat exchanger 40 and the indoor fan 42 accommodated in the housing 70 are shown.
  • the housing 70 of the indoor unit 2 is provided with an inlet 72 and an outlet 73 .
  • a blowout duct 75 is connected to the blowout port 73 .
  • the indoor unit 2 takes air into the housing 70 from the suction port 72 by operating the indoor fan 42 .
  • the indoor unit 2 performs heat exchange between the refrigerant and the taken air in the load-side heat exchanger 40 to generate conditioned air.
  • the generated conditioned air passes through the blowout port 73 and the blowout duct 75 and is supplied to the conditioned space 60 from the blowout duct blowout port 75a.
  • the indoor blower 42 is, like a propeller fan, a blower that can switch the direction of the generated airflow according to the rotation direction of the blades. That is, by reversing the rotation direction of the blades of the indoor fan 42, the direction of the airflow generated by the indoor fan 42 can be reversed.
  • FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the operation of the leakage reduction control function 80 at the time of refrigerant leakage of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiments 3 and 6.
  • the refrigerant leakage detection device 63 detects refrigerant leakage in the air-conditioned space 60, and when the control device 30 is notified that the refrigerant leakage has occurred, the control device 30 performs the leakage reduction control function. 80 is carried out.
  • step ST21 the compressor 10 is stopped (step ST21).
  • step ST22 the indoor fan 42 is reversely rotated (step ST22).
  • the indoor fan 42 rotates the blades so that the airflow is directed to the outlet 73 .
  • the rotation direction of the blades of the indoor fan 42 is reversed from the rotation direction of the blades when the indoor unit 2 is in cooling operation or heating operation. Therefore, the indoor fan 42 generates an air current directed toward the suction port 72 instead of an air current directed toward the blower port 73 . Therefore, the refrigerant leaking from the indoor unit 2 can be suppressed from flowing out from the outlet 73 into the air-conditioned space 60 .
  • the indoor blower 42 generates an airflow toward the suction port 72, so that the air in the air-conditioned space 60 is sucked into the blowout duct 75 via the blowout duct blowout port 75a.
  • the air sucked into the blowout duct 75 flows out from the suction port 72 into the ceiling space 61 . Therefore, the refrigerant leaked to the air-conditioned space 60 can be discharged to the ceiling space 61 .
  • the refrigerant leaked from the indoor unit 2 also flows out from the suction port 72 into the ceiling space 61 . Therefore, the amount of refrigerant flowing out into the air-conditioned space 60 is reduced, and an increase in refrigerant concentration in the air-conditioned space 60 can be suppressed.
  • the indoor fan 42 is one of the components of the leakage refrigerant induction means 81, like the indoor fan 42 in the first embodiment.
  • step ST23 This completes the implementation of the leakage reduction control function 80 .
  • the operation of the leakage reduction control function 80 shown in FIG. 12 is an example.
  • the order of operation of each step is not limited to that shown in FIG. 12, and the same effect can be obtained even if the order of each step is changed.
  • the air conditioner 100 includes the blowout duct 75 connecting between the indoor unit 2 and the air-conditioned space 60, and the indoor unit 2 is connected to the ceiling space 61 of the air-conditioned space 60. It is a duct type to be installed.
  • the leaked refrigerant induction means 81 is provided in the indoor unit 2 and has an indoor fan 42 that switches the direction of the generated airflow according to the rotation direction of the blades. In this case, the rotation direction of the blades is switched so that the airflow is directed to the space 61 above the ceiling.
  • the indoor fan 42 which is the leaked refrigerant induction means 81, rotates in the reverse direction, thereby generating an airflow from the outlet 73 to the suction port 72.
  • the air in the air-conditioned space 60 leaking the refrigerant is sucked into the air outlet 73 via the air outlet 75a and the air outlet duct 75, and flows into the ceiling space 61 from the air inlet 72. That is, the operation of the indoor blower 42 causes the refrigerant leaked into the air-conditioned space 60 and the refrigerant leaked from the indoor unit 2 to flow out into the ceiling space 61 . Therefore, an increase in the refrigerant concentration in the air-conditioned space 60 is suppressed, and the safety of the air conditioner 100 is further improved.
  • the air conditioning system when updating the air conditioning system to the air conditioner 100 with the configuration, in addition to the update work in Embodiment 1, it is replaced with the duct type indoor unit 2, and the indoor unit 2 and the air conditioned space 60 are blown out.
  • a duct 75 may be used for connection.
  • the existing indoor fan may be replaced with the indoor fan 42 that can switch the direction of the airflow to be generated depending on the rotating direction of the blades.
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 4.
  • the air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 4 described here differs from the air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 3 in that a blowout duct 75 is provided with a duct air volume adjustment device 76 .
  • Descriptions of the same parts as in the first to third embodiments will be omitted, and the description will focus on the differences from the first to third embodiments.
  • the blow-out duct 75 is provided with a duct air volume adjustment device 76 . More specifically, a duct air volume adjustment device 76 for controlling the flow rate of the conditioned air blown out from the indoor unit 2 is provided on the indoor unit 2 side of the bifurcated branch of the blowout duct 75 . The duct air volume adjustment device 76 adjusts the flow rate of the airflow generated by the indoor fan 42 and flowing through the blowout duct 75 .
  • the duct air volume adjustment device 76 has a mechanism for changing the flow passage cross-sectional area of the blow-out duct 75 . Further, the duct air volume adjusting device 76 has a function of closing the blowout duct 75 .
  • a mechanism for changing the cross-sectional area of the blowout duct 75 of the duct air volume adjustment device 76 is not particularly limited.
  • a mechanism for switching the flow path between two states, that is, an open state and a closed state, or a mechanism for gradually changing the flow path cross-sectional area of the blowout duct 75 may be used.
  • a damper is used as the duct air volume adjustment device 76 . When the duct air volume adjustment device 76 is closed, the airflow flowing through the blowout duct 75 from the indoor unit 2 toward the air-conditioned space 60 is cut off.
  • FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of the indoor unit 2 of the air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 4. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 14, details of the inside of the housing 70 of the indoor unit 2 are omitted, and only the load-side heat exchanger 40 and the indoor fan 42 accommodated in the housing 70 are shown. Moreover, since the configuration other than the indoor fan 42 is the same as that of the third embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.
  • FIG. 14 shows a sirocco fan as the indoor blower 42 .
  • the indoor blower 42 is not limited to a sirocco fan, and may be a propeller fan.
  • FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the operation of the leakage reduction control function 80 at the time of refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 4.
  • the refrigerant leakage detection device 63 detects refrigerant leakage in the air-conditioned space 60, and when the control device 30 is notified that the refrigerant leakage has occurred, the control device 30 performs the leakage reduction control function. 80 is carried out.
  • the compressor 10 is stopped (step ST31).
  • the duct air volume adjusting device 76 is closed (step ST32).
  • the duct air volume adjustment device 76 operates as leakage refrigerant guide means 81 that guides the leaked refrigerant to a space different from the air-conditioned space 60 .
  • the duct air volume adjustment device 76 is one of the components of the leaked refrigerant induction means 81 of this embodiment.
  • step ST33 This completes the implementation of the leakage reduction control function 80 .
  • the operation of the leakage reduction control function 80 shown in FIG. 15 is an example.
  • the order of operation of each step is not limited to that shown in FIG. 15, and the same effect can be obtained even if the order of each step is changed.
  • the leakage refrigerant induction means 81 is provided in the blowout duct 75, and has the duct air volume adjustment device 76 that adjusts the flow rate of the airflow flowing through the blowout duct 75. .
  • the airflow flowing through the blowout duct 75 from the indoor unit 2 toward the air-conditioned space 60 is cut off when the duct air volume adjustment device 76 is closed.
  • the duct air volume adjustment device 76 is closed when the refrigerant leakage detection device 63 detects refrigerant leakage.
  • the duct air volume adjustment device 76 which is the leakage refrigerant induction means 81, is closed, so that the airflow does not flow through the blowout duct 75. Therefore, the refrigerant leaked from the indoor unit 2 is suppressed from flowing out to the air-conditioned space 60 through the blowout duct 75 and flows out to the ceiling space 61 through a gap in the housing 70 or the like.
  • the refrigerant that has flowed out to the ceiling space 61 diffuses and dilutes in the ceiling space 61, and then flows into the air-conditioned space 60a, the air-conditioned space 60b, and the space immediately below the ceiling space 61.
  • a duct 75 may be used for connection, and a duct air volume adjustment device 76 may be provided in the middle of the blowout duct 75 .
  • FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 5.
  • the air conditioner 100 of Embodiment 5 described here has a ceiling air outlet 78 having a ceiling air outlet opening/closing device 78 a in the duct air volume adjustment device 76 . is provided.
  • the description of the same parts as in the first to fourth embodiments will be omitted, and the differences from the first to fourth embodiments will be mainly described.
  • the duct air volume adjustment device 76 of the present embodiment has a member such as a damper for changing the flow passage cross-sectional area of the blowout duct 75, and a housing that accommodates the member. This housing may be part of the blowout duct 75 .
  • the ceiling vent 78 is an opening provided in the housing of the duct air volume adjustment device 76 .
  • the ceiling air outlet 78 is provided downstream of the damper or the like of the duct air volume adjustment device 76 or at a position straddling the downstream and upstream of the damper or the like.
  • the blowout duct 75 and the ceiling space 61 communicate with each other via an ceiling vent 78 .
  • the ceiling air outlet 78 is provided with a ceiling air outlet opening/closing device 78a that can be switched between an open state and a closed state.
  • the ceiling air outlet 78 is opened by opening the ceiling air outlet opening/closing device 78a.
  • the ceiling air outlet 78 is closed by closing the ceiling air outlet opening/closing device 78a. Therefore, the blow-out duct 75 and the ceiling space 61 are communicated with each other when the ceiling air outlet opening/closing device 78a is opened, and are blocked when the ceiling ceiling air outlet opening/closing device 78a is closed.
  • a movable louver or shutter having a plate surface covering the ceiling air outlet 78 is used as the ceiling air outlet opening/closing device 78a.
  • the ceiling air outlet opening/closing device 78a is not limited to a movable louver or shutter, and may be any mechanism that can switch the ceiling air outlet 78 between an open state and a closed state.
  • the ceiling vent opening/closing device 78a is in a closed state when the indoor unit 2 is performing heating operation and cooling operation. Therefore, the blowout duct 75 and the ceiling space 61 are shut off during the heating operation and the cooling operation.
  • the coolant leakage detection device 63 detects coolant leakage
  • the ceiling vent opening/closing device 78 a is opened by the leakage reduction control function 80 of the control device 30 .
  • FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing the operation of the leakage reduction control function 80 at the time of refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 5.
  • the refrigerant leakage detection device 63 detects refrigerant leakage in the air-conditioned space 60, and when the control device 30 is notified that the refrigerant leakage has occurred, the control device 30 performs the leakage reduction control function. 80 is carried out.
  • step ST41 the compressor 10 is stopped (step ST41).
  • step ST42 the duct air volume adjusting device 76 is closed (step ST42).
  • the ceiling air outlet opening/closing device 78a provided in the ceiling air outlet 78 is opened (step ST43).
  • the blowout duct 75 and the ceiling space 61 are communicated with each other. Therefore, the refrigerant that leaks from the indoor unit 2 and remains in the blowout duct 75 flows out to the ceiling space 61 instead of the air-conditioned space 60 . Therefore, an increase in refrigerant concentration in the air-conditioned space 60 can be suppressed.
  • the above-ceiling air outlet opening/closing device 78 a operates as a leaked refrigerant guide means 81 that guides the leaked refrigerant to a space different from the air-conditioned space 60 .
  • the ceiling space exhaust port opening/closing device 78a is one of the constituent elements of the leaked refrigerant induction means 81 of the present embodiment.
  • step ST44 the indoor blower 42 is put into operation
  • step ST45 the expansion device 41 is fully closed.
  • step ST45 the operation of the leakage reduction control function 80 shown in FIG. 17 is an example.
  • the order of operation of each step is not limited to that in FIG. 17, and the same effect can be obtained even if the order of each step is changed.
  • the duct air volume adjustment device 76 has the ceiling exhaust port 78 that allows the blowout duct 75 and the ceiling space 61 to communicate with each other.
  • the leaked refrigerant induction means 81 is provided in the ceiling air outlet 78 and has a ceiling air outlet opening/closing device 78a that can be switched between an open state and a closed state. It becomes an open state when leakage of the refrigerant is detected.
  • the ceiling air outlet opening/closing device 78a which is the leakage refrigerant induction means 81, is opened, thereby opening the ceiling air outlet 78. Therefore, the blowout duct 75 and the ceiling space 61 communicate with each other, and the leaked refrigerant remaining in the blowout duct 75 flows out to the ceiling space 61 instead of the air-conditioned space 60 . Therefore, an increase in the refrigerant concentration in the air-conditioned space 60 is suppressed, and the safety of the air conditioner 100 is further improved.
  • the duct air volume adjustment device having the ceiling air outlet 78 provided with the ceiling air outlet opening and closing device 78 a in the renewal work in Embodiment 4 76 may be provided.
  • FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 6.
  • the air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 6 described here differs from the air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 5 in that a suction duct 77 is connected to the suction port 72 of the indoor unit 2 .
  • the description of the same parts as in the first to fifth embodiments will be omitted, and the differences from the first to fifth embodiments will be mainly described.
  • a suction duct 77 is connected to the suction port 72 of the indoor unit 2 , and a suction duct suction port 77 a of the suction duct 77 is exposed on the ceiling surface of the corridor 62 .
  • the indoor unit 2 sucks the air in the corridor 62 from the suction duct inlet 77a.
  • the sucked air flows into the indoor unit 2 through the suction duct 77 .
  • the space where the indoor unit 2 sucks air through the suction duct 77 may not be the corridor 62 . It is sufficient to draw in a large volume of air so that even if the refrigerant leaks, the concentration of the refrigerant will not reach a dangerous concentration.
  • the air may be sucked from a ventilated space such as a machine room.
  • air in a space where no ignition source exists or where no person exists may be sucked.
  • a space for sucking air may be selected according to the building in which the air conditioner 100 is installed.
  • the leakage reduction control function 80 according to the sixth embodiment is the same as the leakage reduction control function 80 according to the third embodiment. Also, the flowchart showing the operation of the leakage reduction control function 80 is shown in FIG. 12, which is the same as in the third embodiment. Since FIG. 12 has been described in Embodiment 3, description thereof will be omitted here.
  • the indoor fan 42 of the air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 6 is a fan capable of switching the direction of the generated airflow according to the rotation direction of the blades, similarly to the indoor fan 42 of the air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 3. is. Therefore, for example, a propeller fan is used as the indoor fan 42 of the air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 6.
  • Embodiment 6 when the refrigerant leakage detection device 63 detects refrigerant leakage, the indoor fan 42 rotates in the reverse direction to generate an airflow toward the suction port 72 . Since a suction duct 77 is connected to the suction port 72, refrigerant leaking from the indoor unit 2 is discharged to the corridor 62 via the suction duct 77 and the suction duct suction port 77a. Therefore, the refrigerant leaking from the indoor unit 2 is suppressed from flowing out into the air-conditioned space 60 .
  • the suction duct 77 functions as leakage refrigerant guide means 81 that guides the leaked refrigerant to a space different from the air-conditioned space 60 .
  • the suction duct 77 is one of the components of the leaked refrigerant guide means 81 of this embodiment.
  • the air conditioner 100 includes the suction duct 77 provided between the indoor unit 2 and a space different from the air-conditioned space 60 and the ceiling space 61 .
  • the indoor fan 42 which is the leaked refrigerant induction means 81, rotates in the reverse direction, thereby generating an airflow from the outlet 73 to the suction port 72.
  • the air flows from the air-conditioned space 60 to a space different from the air-conditioned space 60 and the ceiling space 61, the refrigerant leaked into the air-conditioned space 60 and the refrigerant leaked from the indoor unit 2 are released into the air-conditioned space 60 and It flows out to a space different from the ceiling space 61 .
  • the refrigerant is suppressed from flowing out into the ceiling space 61, the amount of refrigerant flowing out from the ceiling space 61 to the air-conditioned space 60 immediately below is also reduced. Therefore, an increase in the refrigerant concentration in the air-conditioned space 60 is further suppressed, and the safety of the air conditioner 100 is further improved.
  • the suction duct 77 is connected to the suction port 72 of the indoor unit 2, and the suction duct suction port 77a is air-conditioned. It may be exposed to a space different from the space 60 and the ceiling space 61 .
  • FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 7.
  • the air conditioner 100 of Embodiment 7 described here is different from the air conditioner 100 of Embodiment 1 in that the air conditioner 100 includes alarm devices 6a and 6b, shutoff valves 7a and 7b, and a ventilation device. It differs in that it includes 8a and 8b.
  • the description of the same parts as in the first embodiment will be omitted, and the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.
  • This embodiment is used in combination with the first to sixth embodiments.
  • the air conditioner 100 includes an alarm device 6a and a ventilation device 8a in an air-conditioned space 60a. Also, the air-conditioned space 60b is equipped with an alarm device 6b and a ventilation device 8b.
  • the air conditioner 100 also includes a shutoff valve 7a in the refrigerant pipe 3 connected to the indoor unit 2a, and a shutoff valve 7b in the refrigerant pipe 3 connected to the indoor unit 2b.
  • alarm device 6 when there is no particular need to distinguish between the alarm device 6a and the alarm device 6b, they are simply referred to as “alarm device 6". In addition, when the term “alarm device 6" is used, both singular and plural are included. Moreover, when there is no particular need to distinguish between the shutoff valve 7a and the shutoff valve 7b, they are simply referred to as the “shutoff valve 7". In addition, the term “shutoff valve 7" includes both singular and plural. Moreover, when there is no particular need to distinguish between the ventilator 8a and the ventilator 8b, they are simply referred to as the "ventilator 8". In addition, the term “ventilator 8" includes both singular and plural.
  • the alarm device 6 When the refrigerant leakage detection device 63 detects refrigerant leakage in the air-conditioned space 60, the alarm device 6 notifies that the refrigerant is leaking.
  • the alarm device 6 for example, any one or more of a lamp or screen for visual notification, or a buzzer or speaker for auditory notification can be employed.
  • the cutoff valve 7 is closed to block the flow of refrigerant to the indoor unit 2 .
  • the ventilation device 8 exhausts the air in the air-conditioned space 60 when the refrigerant leakage detection device 63 detects refrigerant leakage in the air-conditioned space 60 .
  • the air conditioner 100 does not need to include all three types of the alarm device 6, the shutoff valve 7, and the ventilation device 8. Only one type of the alarm device 6, the shutoff valve 7, and the ventilator 8 may be provided, or two types of the alarm device 6, the shutoff valve 7, and the ventilator 8 may be provided.
  • the air-conditioning apparatus 100 includes the alarm device 6 that notifies that the refrigerant has leaked, the shutoff valve 7 that cuts off the flow of the leaked refrigerant, and the ventilation device that exhausts the leaked refrigerant. 8, and when the refrigerant leakage detection device 63 detects that the refrigerant has leaked, at least one of the alarm device 6, the shutoff valve 7, and the ventilation device 8 is activated. .
  • the cutoff valve 7 blocks the flow of the refrigerant to the indoor unit 2, thereby reducing the leakage amount of the refrigerant from the indoor unit 2 itself.
  • the refrigerant in the air-conditioned space 60 can be discharged by the ventilation device 8 . Therefore, the safety of the air-conditioned space 60 can be further improved.
  • the air conditioner 100 is provided with safety devices such as the alarm device 6, the shutoff valve 7, and the ventilation device 8 required by international standards such as ISO5149 or IEC60335-2-40. Become. Therefore, the reliability of the air conditioner 100 can be improved.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Air Conditioning Control Device (AREA)
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CN119665345A (zh) * 2023-09-19 2025-03-21 青岛海信日立空调系统有限公司 热泵空调系统

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JPH0688638A (ja) * 1992-04-13 1994-03-29 Hitachi Ltd 空気調和装置
JPH08178397A (ja) * 1994-12-26 1996-07-12 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd 空気調和機
JP2013088086A (ja) * 2011-10-20 2013-05-13 Mitsubishi Electric Corp 天井埋込型空気調和機
JP2016196996A (ja) * 2015-04-06 2016-11-24 ダイキン工業株式会社 利用側空調装置及びそれを備えた空調装置
WO2018131085A1 (ja) * 2017-01-11 2018-07-19 三菱電機株式会社 冷却倉庫
JP2020034251A (ja) * 2018-08-31 2020-03-05 日立ジョンソンコントロールズ空調株式会社 空気調和機

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JPH0688638A (ja) * 1992-04-13 1994-03-29 Hitachi Ltd 空気調和装置
JPH08178397A (ja) * 1994-12-26 1996-07-12 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd 空気調和機
JP2013088086A (ja) * 2011-10-20 2013-05-13 Mitsubishi Electric Corp 天井埋込型空気調和機
JP2016196996A (ja) * 2015-04-06 2016-11-24 ダイキン工業株式会社 利用側空調装置及びそれを備えた空調装置
WO2018131085A1 (ja) * 2017-01-11 2018-07-19 三菱電機株式会社 冷却倉庫
JP2020034251A (ja) * 2018-08-31 2020-03-05 日立ジョンソンコントロールズ空調株式会社 空気調和機

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN119665345A (zh) * 2023-09-19 2025-03-21 青岛海信日立空调系统有限公司 热泵空调系统

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