WO2022259396A1

WO2022259396A1 - Air-conditioning apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2022259396A1
Application number: PCT/JP2021/021843
Authority: WO
Inventors: 幸二古谷; 博紀鷲山; 祐治本村
Original assignee: 三菱電機株式会社
Priority date: 2021-06-09
Filing date: 2021-06-09
Publication date: 2022-12-15
Also published as: EP4354031A1

Abstract

Provided is an air-conditioning apparatus comprising a heat medium circulation circuit in which a heat-source-side device that heats or cools a heat medium serving as a medium for transporting heat, a plurality of indoor heat exchangers that perform heat exchange between the heat medium and indoor air to be air-conditioned, and a main pump that pressurizes the heat medium and supplies the pressurized heat medium to the indoor heat exchangers are connected by piping, and in which the heat medium is caused to circulate, the air-conditioning apparatus also comprising a lifting-height-adjusting pump that is installed in the heat medium circulation circuit and that supplements performance pertaining to the lifting height of the main pump.

Description

air conditioner

This technology relates to air conditioners. In particular, it relates to assistance of the capability related to the lift of a pump that pressurizes to circulate the heat medium.

There are air conditioners that perform air conditioning by forming a heat medium circulation circuit that circulates a heat medium containing water or brine between a heat source side device and an indoor unit having an indoor heat exchanger. In such an air conditioner, the heat source side device heats or cools the heat medium to supply heat to the indoor unit. The indoor unit heats or cools indoor air with the heat supplied by the heat medium to perform air conditioning (see, for example, Patent Document 1). An air conditioner has a pump that pressurizes a heat medium to circulate in a heat medium circulation circuit. In the heat source side device, the pump pressurizes the heat medium that has exchanged hot or cold heat with the heat source side refrigerant and sends it to the indoor unit side.

JP 2017-053507 A

Here, when installing an air conditioner, the capacity of the pump is selected based on the pressure loss due to scale adhesion, etc., and installed on the heat medium circulation circuit. In particular, pumps are often selected based on the pressure loss in the heat transfer medium path up to the highest and most remote indoor units. Therefore, the pump used in the heat medium circulation circuit is required to have a head capacity. In the air conditioner, the installation range of the indoor unit is defined based on the capacity of the pump. In order to expand the installation range of the indoor unit, the pump needs to have a head capacity. At this time, if the capacity required for supplying the heat medium to the entire heat medium circulation circuit is compensated for by a high-performance pump, the system cost of the entire air conditioner increases.

Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide an air conditioner with a configuration that can assist the pump head capacity, reduce costs, and expand the installation range of indoor units.

The disclosed air conditioner includes a heat source side device that heats or cools a heat medium serving as a heat transfer medium, a plurality of indoor heat exchangers that exchange heat between the indoor air to be air-conditioned and the heat medium, and heat An air conditioner comprising a heat medium circulation circuit that pressurizes a medium and circulates the heat medium by pipe connection with a main pump that supplies the medium to an indoor heat exchanger, the air conditioner being installed in the heat medium circulation circuit and having a head of the main pump. It is equipped with a pump for head adjustment that assists the ability related to.

According to the disclosed air conditioner, a head adjustment pump is installed in the heat medium circulation circuit to assist the ability related to the head of the main pump that supplies the heat medium to the indoor heat exchanger. Therefore, by driving the head adjustment pump, even if the main pump is not a high-capacity, high-cost main pump, the heat source side device and the indoor heat exchanger installed at a higher place or farther from the main pump can achieve the required flow rate. A heat carrier can be supplied. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an air conditioner in which the indoor heat exchanger can be installed in a wide range.

1 is a diagram showing an outline of an installation example of an air conditioner 0 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioner 0 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the QH line when selecting a head adjusting pump 34 according to Embodiment 1; 4 is a diagram showing the flow of processing related to regular control performed by the control device in the air conditioner 0 of Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the flow of processing related to control of the main pump 22 in regular control of the air conditioner 0 of Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the flow of processing related to regular control by the head adjusting pump 34 in the air conditioner 0 of Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioner 0 according to Embodiment 2; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a flow of processing related to regular control performed by a control device in the air conditioner 0 of Embodiment 2; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of processing related to regular control by the head adjustment pump 34 in the air conditioner 0 of Embodiment 2. FIG.

An air conditioner according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts, and are common throughout the embodiments described below. Also, in the drawings, the size relationship of each component may differ from the actual size. The forms of the constituent elements shown in the entire specification are merely examples, and are not limited to the forms described in the specification. In particular, the combination of components is not limited only to the combinations in each embodiment, and the components described in other embodiments can be applied to other embodiments. Further, the levels of pressure and temperature are not determined in relation to absolute values, but relatively determined by the state and operation of the device. In addition, when there is no need to distinguish or specify a plurality of devices of the same type that are distinguished by subscripts, the subscripts may be omitted.

Embodiment 1.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of an installation example of an air conditioner 0 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. An installation example of the air conditioner 0 according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The air conditioner 0 includes a heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A that circulates the heat source side refrigerant, and a heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A that circulates the heat source side refrigerant, and water that does not change its state in the use temperature range. A heat medium circulation circuit B is provided for circulating the heat medium in a circuit-like path for the heat medium. The air conditioner 0 performs air conditioning by heating and cooling. The heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A heats or cools the heat medium in the heat medium circulation circuit B, thereby functioning as a heat source side device that supplies hot or cold heat to the indoor side.

In FIG. 1, the air conditioner 0 according to Embodiment 1 includes one outdoor unit 1 serving as a heat source device, a plurality of indoor units 3 serving as indoor units (indoor unit 3a to indoor unit 3d), and a relay unit 2. have The relay unit 2 is a unit that relays heat transfer between the heat source side refrigerant circulating in the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A and the heat medium circulating in the heat medium circulation circuit B. The outdoor unit 1 and the relay unit 2 are connected by a refrigerant pipe 6 that serves as a flow path for the heat source side refrigerant. Here, a plurality of relay units 2 can be connected in parallel to one outdoor unit 1 .

Also, each indoor unit 3 is connected to the relay unit 2 by a heat medium pipe 5 that serves as a heat medium flow path. Here, when a heat medium with a high flow velocity flows through the heat medium pipe 5, the oxide film that plays a role in protecting the pipe peels off inside the pipe, causing erosion that corrodes the metal of the pipe in a horseshoe shape. . In particular, when the temperature of the heat transfer medium is high, erosion is likely to occur. In order to prevent erosion, it is necessary to suppress the flow velocity of the heat medium flowing through the piping. The flow velocity at which erosion occurs differs depending on the type of metal used as the piping material. Here, it is assumed that erosion occurs in the heat medium pipe 5, but in the heat medium circulation circuit B, erosion may occur in the flow path in the equipment of the heat medium circulation circuit B.

Examples of the heat source side refrigerant circulating in the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A include single refrigerants such as R-22 and R-134a, quasi-azeotropic mixture refrigerants such as R-410A and R-404A, and R-407C. Non-azeotropic refrigerant mixtures can be used. In addition, refrigerants having a relatively low global warming potential, such as CF ₃ CF=CH ₂ , which contain double bonds in their chemical formulas, mixtures thereof, and natural refrigerants such as CO ₂ and propane can also be used. Furthermore, as the heat medium circulating in the heat medium circulation circuit B, for example, brine (antifreeze), water, a mixed solution of brine and water, a mixed solution of an additive having a high anticorrosive effect and water, etc. can be used. . Thus, in the air conditioner 0 of Embodiment 1, a highly safe heat medium can be used.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the air conditioner 0 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. Based on FIG. 2, the configuration of the equipment and the like included in the air conditioner 0 will be described. As described above, the outdoor unit 1 and the relay unit 2 are connected by the refrigerant pipe 6 . Also, the relay unit 2 and each indoor unit 3 are connected by a heat medium pipe 5 . Here, in FIG. 2 , four indoor units 3 are connected to the relay unit 2 via heat medium pipes 5 . However, the number of connected indoor units 3 is not limited to four.

<Outdoor unit 1>
The outdoor unit 1 is a unit that circulates the heat source side refrigerant in the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A to transfer heat, and performs heat exchange with the heat medium in the heat medium heat exchanger 21 of the relay unit 2 . The outdoor unit 1 has a compressor 10, a heat source side heat exchanger 12, an expansion device 13 and an accumulator 14 in a housing. The compressor 10 , the refrigerant flow switching device 11 , the heat source side heat exchanger 12 and the accumulator 14 are connected by refrigerant piping 6 and mounted. The compressor 10 sucks in the heat source side refrigerant, compresses it, changes it to a high temperature and high pressure state, and discharges it. Here, the compressor 10 may be composed of, for example, a capacity-controllable compressor. The refrigerant flow switching device 11 is a device that switches the flow path of the heat source side refrigerant depending on the cooling operation mode or the heating operation mode. The refrigerant flow switching device 11 has a four-way valve and the like. If only the cooling operation or the heating operation is performed, it is not necessary to install the refrigerant flow switching device 11 .

The heat source side heat exchanger 12, for example, exchanges heat between the outdoor air supplied from the heat source side blower 15 and the heat source side refrigerant. In the heating operation mode, the heat source side heat exchanger 12 functions as an evaporator and causes the heat source side refrigerant to absorb heat. In the cooling operation mode, the heat source side heat exchanger 12 functions as a condenser or a radiator, and causes the heat source side refrigerant to radiate heat. Further, the expansion device 13 is a device that functions as a pressure reducing valve and an expansion valve to decompress and expand the heat source side refrigerant. Here, the expansion device 13 is preferably a device such as an electronic expansion valve that can control the degree of opening to an arbitrary size and can arbitrarily adjust the flow rate of the heat source side refrigerant. Further, the diaphragm device 13 may be installed in the relay unit 2 in some cases. The accumulator 14 is a tank provided on the suction side of the compressor 10 . The accumulator 14 stores, for example, the difference in the amount of refrigerant used between the heating operation mode and the cooling operation mode, and the surplus refrigerant that occurs during transitional periods when the operation changes. Here, the accumulator 14 may not be installed in the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A.

<Indoor unit 3>
The indoor unit 3 is a unit that sends conditioned air to the indoor space. Each indoor unit 3 of Embodiment 1 has an indoor heat exchanger 31 (indoor heat exchanger 31a to indoor heat exchanger 31d) and an indoor blower 33 (indoor blower 33a to indoor blower 33d). Further, among the indoor units 3, the indoor unit 3a and the indoor unit 3b each have an indoor flow rate adjusting device 32 (an indoor flow rate adjusting device 32a and an indoor flow rate adjusting device 32b). The indoor unit 3c and the indoor unit 3d each have a lift adjusting pump 34 (lift adjusting pump 34c and lift adjusting pump 34d). The indoor heat exchanger 31, the indoor flow rate adjusting device 32, and the head adjusting pump 34 are devices that constitute the heat medium circulation circuit B. As shown in FIG. Here, the indoor flow rate adjusting device 32 and the head adjusting pump 34 may not be installed in the heat medium circulation circuit B depending on the system.

The indoor heat exchanger 31 has, for example, heat transfer tubes and fins. The heat medium passes through the heat transfer tubes of the indoor heat exchanger 31 . The indoor heat exchanger 31 exchanges heat between the indoor air supplied from the indoor blower 33 and the heat medium. When a heat medium colder than air passes through the heat transfer tubes, the air is cooled and the indoor space is cooled. The indoor-side blower 33 passes the air in the indoor space through the indoor heat exchanger 31 to generate a flow of air returning to the indoor space.

In addition, the indoor flow rate adjusting device 32 has, for example, a two-way valve that can control the degree of opening (opening area) of the valve. The indoor flow rate adjusting device 32 controls the flow rate of the heat medium flowing in and out of the indoor heat exchanger 31 (heat medium amount flowing per unit time) by adjusting the degree of opening. Then, the indoor flow rate adjusting device 32 adjusts the amount of the heat medium passing through the indoor heat exchanger 31 based on the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the indoor unit 3 and the temperature of the heat medium flowing out of the indoor unit 3. 31 enables heat exchange with the amount of heat corresponding to the heat load in the room. Here, when the indoor heat exchanger 31 does not need to exchange heat with the heat load, such as when the indoor flow rate adjusting device 32 is stopped or the thermostat is turned off, the valve is fully closed and the indoor heat is The supply can be stopped so that the heat medium does not flow into or out of the exchanger 31 . In FIG. 2, the indoor flow control device 32 is installed in the piping on the heat medium outflow side of the indoor heat exchanger 31, but it is not limited to this. For example, the indoor flow control device 32 may be installed on the heat medium inflow side of the indoor heat exchanger 31 .

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the QH line when selecting the head adjusting pump 34 according to the first embodiment. The head adjusting pump 34 assists the heat medium supply of the main pump 22 . For example, for an indoor unit 3 located at a high place or far away from the relay unit 2, corresponding to the indoor unit 3 in the heat medium path where it is difficult to sufficiently supply the heat medium with the capacity related to the head of the main pump 22, A head adjustment pump 34 is installed in place of the indoor flow rate adjustment device 32 . In the heat medium circulation circuit B, the head adjusting pump 34 is directly connected to the main pump 22 and is connected in parallel with the other head adjusting pumps 34 . Here, the head adjustment pump 34 is described as a device that the indoor unit 3 has, and is connected to the indoor unit 3 and installed on the heat medium path, but it is not limited to this. The head adjusting pump 34 may be a device independent of the separately installed indoor unit 3 .

Here, let ΔPr be the path pressure loss in the heat medium path from the relay unit 2 to the indoor unit 3 when the rated flow rate Q1 set according to the capacity of the indoor unit 3 flows. Further, let P be the total lift of the main pump 22 of the relay unit 2 and the lift adjustment pump 34 connected to the indoor unit 3 . At this time, the head adjustment pump 34 is selected so as to satisfy the relation of total head P>path pressure loss ΔPr.

The head adjustment pump 34 adjusts the amount of heat medium passing through the indoor heat exchanger 31 based on the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the indoor unit 3 and the temperature of the heat medium flowing out of the indoor unit 3, so that the indoor heat exchanger 31 , to enable heat exchange with a heat amount corresponding to the heat load in the room.

The indoor unit control device 300, which will be described later, has map data that maps the relationship between the voltage applied to the main pump 22 and the flow rate during the trial operation, which will be described later. When the indoor unit controller 300 starts operating the indoor unit 3, the voltage applied to the head adjustment pump 34 is adjusted so that the rated flow rate Q1 passing through the indoor unit 3 is obtained. Here, in FIG. 2, the head adjustment pump 34 is installed in the piping on the heat medium outflow side of the indoor heat exchanger 31, but it is not limited to this. For example, the head adjusting pump 34 may be installed on the heat medium inflow side of the indoor heat exchanger 31 . Here, the head adjusting pump 34 of Embodiment 1 can block the passage of the heat medium to stop the flow when the operation of the indoor unit 3 is stopped. Therefore, the head adjusting pump 34 functions not only as a pressurizing device but also as a flow rate adjusting device.

<Relay unit 2>
Next, the configuration of the relay unit 2 will be described. The relay unit 2 is a unit having a device related to heat transfer between the heat source side refrigerant circulating in the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A and the heat medium circulating in the heat medium circulation circuit B. FIG. The relay unit 2 has a heat medium heat exchanger 21 and a main pump 22 . The heat medium heat exchanger 21 performs heat exchange between the heat source side refrigerant and the heat medium, and transfers heat from the heat source side refrigerant side to the heat medium side. When heating the heat medium, the heat medium heat exchanger 21 functions as a condenser or a radiator, and causes the heat source side refrigerant to radiate heat. When cooling the heat medium, the heat medium heat exchanger 21 functions as an evaporator and causes the heat source side refrigerant to absorb heat. The main pump 22 is a device that draws in the heat medium, pressurizes it, and circulates it through the heat medium circulation circuit B. As shown in FIG.

Here, the operation of the components on the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A side of the air conditioner 0 will be described based on the flow of the heat source side refrigerant circulating in the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A. First, the case of cooling the heat medium will be described. The compressor 10 sucks in the heat source side refrigerant, compresses it, and discharges it in a state of high temperature and high pressure. The discharged heat source side refrigerant flows into the heat source side heat exchanger 12 via the refrigerant flow switching device 11 . The heat source side heat exchanger 12 exchanges heat between the air supplied by the heat source side blower 15 and the heat source side refrigerant to condense and liquefy the heat source side refrigerant. The condensed and liquefied heat source side refrigerant passes through the expansion device 13 . The expansion device 13 decompresses the condensed and liquefied heat source side refrigerant passing through. The depressurized heat source side refrigerant flows out of the outdoor unit 1 , passes through the refrigerant pipe 6 , and flows into the heat medium heat exchanger 21 of the relay unit 2 . The heat medium heat exchanger 21 exchanges heat between the passing heat source side refrigerant and the heat medium, and evaporates the heat source side refrigerant. At this time, the heat medium is cooled. The heat source side refrigerant that has flowed out of the heat medium heat exchanger 21 flows out of the relay unit 2 , passes through the refrigerant pipe 6 , and flows into the outdoor unit 1 . Then, the compressor 10 sucks the evaporated and gasified heat source side refrigerant that has passed through the refrigerant flow switching device 11 again.

Next, the case of heating the heat medium will be explained. The compressor 10 sucks in the heat source side refrigerant, compresses it, and discharges it in a state of high temperature and high pressure. The discharged heat source side refrigerant flows out of the outdoor unit 1 via the refrigerant flow switching device 11 , passes through the refrigerant pipe 6 , and flows into the heat medium heat exchanger 21 of the relay unit 2 . The heat medium heat exchanger 21 exchanges heat between the heat source side refrigerant and the heat medium passing therethrough to condense and liquefy the heat source side refrigerant. At this time, the heat medium is heated. The condensed and liquefied heat source side refrigerant that flows out of the heat medium heat exchanger 21 flows out of the relay unit 2, passes through the refrigerant pipe 6, and passes through the expansion device 13 of the outdoor unit 1. The expansion device 13 decompresses the condensed and liquefied heat source side refrigerant passing through. The depressurized heat source side refrigerant flows into the heat source side heat exchanger 12 . The heat source side heat exchanger 12 exchanges heat between the air supplied by the heat source side blower 15 and the heat source side refrigerant, and evaporates the heat source side refrigerant. Then, the compressor 10 sucks the evaporated and gasified heat source side refrigerant that has passed through the refrigerant flow switching device 11 again.

In addition, the air conditioner 0 is equipped with various sensors that serve as detection devices that detect physical quantities. In the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A, a discharge temperature sensor 501, a discharge pressure sensor 502 and an outdoor temperature sensor 503 are installed on the outdoor unit 1 side. A discharge temperature sensor 501 detects the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 and outputs a discharge temperature detection signal. The outdoor unit control device 100 to be described later obtains a discharge temperature detection signal output by the discharge temperature sensor 501 . Here, the discharge temperature sensor 501 has a thermistor or the like. Also, other temperature sensors to be described below are assumed to have a thermistor or the like. A discharge pressure sensor 502 detects the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 and outputs a discharge pressure detection signal. The outdoor unit control device 100, which will be described later, obtains a discharge pressure detection signal output by the discharge pressure sensor 502. FIG. The outdoor temperature sensor 503 is installed in the air inflow portion of the heat source side heat exchanger 12 in the outdoor unit 1 . The outdoor temperature sensor 503 detects, for example, the outdoor temperature, which is the ambient temperature of the outdoor unit 1, and outputs an outdoor temperature detection signal. The outdoor unit control device 100, which will be described later, obtains an outdoor temperature detection signal output by the outdoor temperature sensor 503. FIG.

Also, in the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A, a first refrigerant temperature sensor 504 and a second refrigerant temperature sensor 505 are installed on the relay unit 2 side. The first refrigerant temperature sensor 504 is installed in the piping on the refrigerant inflow side of the heat medium heat exchanger 21 when cooling the heat medium in the refrigerant flow in the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A. The first refrigerant temperature sensor 504 and the second refrigerant temperature sensor 505 detect the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in and out of the heat medium heat exchanger 21 and output a refrigerant side detection signal. Relay unit control device 200 , which will be described later, obtains refrigerant-side detection signals output by first refrigerant temperature sensor 504 and second refrigerant temperature sensor 505 .

On the other hand, in the heat medium circulation circuit B, a heat medium inlet side temperature sensor 511 and a heat medium outlet side temperature sensor 512 are installed on the relay unit 2 side. The heat medium inlet side temperature sensor 511 is installed in the piping on the heat medium inlet side of the heat medium heat exchanger 21 in the flow of the heat medium in the heat medium circulation circuit B. As shown in FIG. The heat medium inlet side temperature sensor 511 detects the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the heat medium heat exchanger 21 and outputs a heat medium inlet side detection signal. A relay unit control device 200, which will be described later, obtains a heat medium inlet side detection signal output by the heat medium inlet side temperature sensor 511. FIG. The heat medium outlet side temperature sensor 512 is installed in the pipe on the heat medium outlet side of the heat medium heat exchanger 21 in the flow of the heat medium in the heat medium circulation circuit B. The heat medium outlet side temperature sensor 512 detects the temperature of the heat medium flowing out of the heat medium heat exchanger 21 and outputs a heat medium outlet side detection signal. A relay unit control device 200, which will be described later, obtains a heat medium outflow side detection signal output by the heat medium outflow side temperature sensor 512. FIG. Here, although not installed in the air conditioner 0 of Embodiment 1, in the heat medium circulation circuit B, a detection device such as a pressure sensor or a flow rate sensor may be installed on the relay unit 2 side.

In the heat medium circulation circuit B, an indoor inlet side temperature sensor 513 (indoor inlet side temperature sensor 513a to indoor inlet side temperature sensor 513d) is installed on each indoor unit 3 side. Further, indoor outlet side temperature sensors 514 (indoor outlet side temperature sensors 514a to indoor outlet side temperature sensors 514d) are installed. The indoor inlet side temperature sensor 513 detects the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 31 and outputs an inlet side detection signal. An indoor unit control device 300 included in each indoor unit 3 to be described later obtains an inflow side detection signal output by the corresponding indoor outlet side temperature sensor 514 . Each indoor outlet side temperature sensor 514 detects the temperature of the heat medium flowing out from the indoor heat exchanger 31 and outputs an outlet side detection signal. An indoor unit control device 300, which will be described later, obtains an inflow side detection signal output by the corresponding indoor outlet side temperature sensor 514. FIG.

Furthermore, in the heat medium circulation circuit B, an indoor inflow-side pressure sensor 521 (indoor inflow-side pressure sensor 521a to indoor inflow-side pressure sensor 521b) is installed on the indoor unit 3 side. Further, an indoor outflow side pressure sensor 522 (indoor outflow side pressure sensor 522a to indoor outflow side pressure sensor 522b) is installed. The indoor inflow-side pressure sensor 521 and the indoor outflow-side pressure sensor 522 are installed on the heat medium inflow/outflow side of the indoor flow rate adjusting device 32 of each indoor unit 3, and send a signal according to the detected pressure. An indoor unit controller 300 included in each indoor unit 3, which will be described later, obtains a signal corresponding to the pressure output by the corresponding indoor inflow-side pressure sensor 521 and indoor outflow-side pressure sensor 522. FIG.

Here, for example, if a pressure sensor for detecting the overall pressure of the heat medium circulating in the heat medium circulation circuit B is installed in the relay unit 2, the indoor inflow side pressure sensor 521 can be omitted. can be done. Also, a flow rate detection device that detects the flow rate may be installed instead of the pressure sensor. Further, when the head adjustment pump 34 installed in the indoor unit 3 has an applied voltage-rotational speed-flow rate map, the flow rate can be detected from the applied voltage-rotational speed, and the pressure sensor can be omitted. Further, a calorific value detector capable of detecting the calorific value associated with heat exchange with the air in the indoor space, which is the heat load, may be installed. Each indoor unit control device 300 acquires the amount of heat associated with heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger 31 by performing calculations or the like. Then, each indoor unit control device 300 sends a signal including the acquired heat quantity data to the relay unit control device 200 .

Also, an indoor temperature sensor 515 (room temperature sensor 515a to room temperature sensor 515d) is installed on each indoor unit 3 side. The indoor temperature sensor 515 detects the intake temperature, which is the temperature of the air flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 31 due to the flow of air driven by the indoor blower 33, and outputs an intake temperature detection signal. Here, the suction temperature can be the temperature of the indoor air to be air-conditioned in the indoor space, which is the heat load.

Next, the configuration of the control system device in the air conditioner 0 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, each unit has a control device that controls the equipment of each unit. Further, each control device performs processing based on signals such as data of physical quantities contained in signals sent from various sensors, instructions and settings sent from an input device (not shown) or the like. Further, each control device is connected to other control devices for wired communication or wireless communication, and can communicate signals including various data with the other control devices. The outdoor unit 1 has an outdoor unit controller 100 . Also, the relay unit 2 has a relay unit control device 200 . Each indoor unit 3 has an indoor unit controller 300 (indoor unit controller 300a to indoor unit controller 300d).

Here, each control device has a microcomputer. The microcomputer has, for example, a control processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Further, each control device has an I/O port for managing input/output of various signals. The microcomputer also includes, for example, a volatile storage device (not shown) such as a random access memory (RAM) that can temporarily store data, and a non-volatile auxiliary storage device (not shown) such as a hard disk and flash memory. as a storage device. Each control device can store various data contained in signals sent from other control devices and various sensors, data resulting from arithmetic processing, and the like in a storage device. In addition, the storage device has data in which processing procedures to be performed by the control arithmetic processing unit are programmed. Then, the control arithmetic processing unit executes processing based on the data of the program to realize the processing of each section. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and each device may be composed of dedicated equipment (hardware). In addition, the control device has a timing device such as a timer for timing.

Regarding communication between each control device in Embodiment 1, each indoor unit control device 300 includes data such as pressure and temperature detected by a sensor in the corresponding indoor unit 3 in a signal, and relay unit 2 has It can be sent to the relay unit control device 200 . Each indoor unit control device 300 can also send to the relay unit control device 200 data related to the indoor set temperature input from a remote controller (not shown), data obtained by calculating the amount of heat, and the like. In addition, it is possible to send to the relay unit control device 200 data relating to the characteristics of the equipment of the corresponding indoor unit 3 , such as the heat exchange capacity of the indoor heat exchanger 31 .

Here, it is assumed that the relay unit control device 200 or the indoor unit control device 300 performs processing related to flow rate control of the head adjusting pump 34, which will be described later. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the head adjustment pump 34 may have a control device and independently perform flow rate control processing based on map data, which will be described later.

Next, the test run operation of the heat medium circulation circuit B in the air conditioner 0 of Embodiment 1 will be described. Here, it is assumed that the relay unit control device 200 controls the devices in the test run by controlling the devices or sending instructions to the indoor unit control device 300 . However, the processing is not limited to this, and another control device may perform the processing.

When conducting a test run, the air conditioner 0 is first operated with the opening degrees of the indoor flow control devices 32 in all the indoor units 3 fully open. At this time, the main pump 22 of the relay unit 2 and all the head adjustment pumps 34 are driven with the maximum applied voltage. Then, based on the map data showing the relationship between the voltage applied to the indoor inflow side pressure sensor 521, the indoor outflow side pressure sensor 522, and the lift adjustment pump 34 - the number of rotations - the flow rate, the air conditioner 0 is installed in all the indoor units 3 Check that the heat transfer medium is circulating in the

Next, the air conditioner 0 is operated with all the indoor flow control devices 32 other than the indoor flow control device 32a among the plurality of indoor units 3 closed. At this time, all the head adjusting pumps 34 are stopped. Furthermore, the main pump 22 of the relay unit 2 is driven with the maximum applied voltage. In this way, in a state in which the opening degree of the indoor flow rate adjusting device 32a of the indoor unit 3a is fully opened, the relay unit control device 200 controls the connection between the indoor outflow side pressure sensor 522 and the indoor inflow side pressure sensor 521 of the relay unit 2. Calculate the pressure difference ΔP between Furthermore, the relay unit control device 200 calculates the path pressure loss ΔPr from the pressure difference ΔP, and records the data of the path pressure loss ΔPr.

Further, the relay unit control device 200 records the data of the flow rate Qa of the heat medium flowing through the indoor unit 3a. At this time, the relay unit control device 200 calculates the pressure difference ΔPa between the indoor inflow side pressure sensor 521 and the indoor outflow side pressure sensor 522 when the indoor unit 3a is passed. Also, the relay unit control device 200 obtains the flow rate Qa of the heat medium based on the pressure difference ΔPa. As a method of obtaining the flow rate Qa of the heat medium, for example, as described above, there is a method of calculating from the pressure difference ΔP between the pressure sensors installed in the indoor unit 3 or the relay unit 2 and the Cv value in the flow path through which the heat medium flows. be. There is also a method of installing a flow rate detection device or the like for detection. Here, when calculating the flow rate Q of the heat medium from the pressure difference ΔP between the pressure sensors, it can be expressed as Q=45.58×Cv×(ΔP/G) ^1/2 . Here, Cv is the Cv value of the flow path through which the heat medium flows when the heat medium is liquid. Also, G is the specific gravity of the heat medium.

Next, the relay unit control device 200 calculates the path pressure loss ΔPra_t when the rated flow Q1a corresponding to the capacity of the indoor unit 3a flows. As described above, the path pressure loss ΔPra_t can be calculated from the path pressure loss ΔPra calculated by the relay unit control device 200 and the heat medium flow rate Qa by ΔPra_t=ΔPra×(Q1a/Qa) ² . The relay unit control device 200 records data of the calculated path pressure loss ΔPra_t.

Next, the air conditioner 0 is operated with the indoor flow rate adjusting device 32a of the indoor unit 3a closed and the indoor flow rate adjusting device 32b fully opened. The relay unit control device 200 records data obtained by operating the air conditioner 0 . The air conditioner 0 repeats the above operation until the relay unit control device 200 records the data for all the indoor units 3 . As described above, the data of the path pressure loss ΔPr_t when the rated flow rate Q1 flows in each indoor unit 3 is recorded in the relay unit control device 200. FIG.

Furthermore, the air conditioner 0 is operated with the indoor flow control devices 32 in all the indoor units 3 closed. At this time, in the air conditioner 0, the main pump 22 of the relay unit 2 and the head adjustment pump 34c of the indoor unit 3c are driven. The main pump 22 is driven at maximum applied voltage. Further, the head adjusting pump 34c is driven by applying a voltage so that the rated flow rate Q1c corresponding to the capacity of the indoor unit 3c is achieved. The voltage applied to the head adjustment pump 34c at this time is assumed to be Vc_t_max%. The relay unit controller 200 records Vc_t_max% data. Next, the main pump 22 of the relay unit 2 is driven with the applied voltage reduced to x% of the maximum applied voltage. Further, the head adjusting pump 34c is driven by applying a voltage so that the rated flow rate Q1c corresponding to the capacity of the indoor unit 3c is achieved. The voltage applied to the head adjustment pump 34c at this time is assumed to be Vc_t_x%. The relay unit controller 200 records Vc_t_x% data.

The air conditioner 0 repeats the above operation while changing the voltage applied to the main pump 22 of the relay unit 2 . Then, the relay unit control device 200 stores the data indicating the relationship between the voltage applied to the main pump 22 of the relay unit 2 and the voltage applied to the head adjustment pump 34c to achieve the rated flow rate Q1c corresponding to the capacity of the indoor unit 3c as map data. Record as

After that, the air conditioner 0 stops the lift adjustment pump 34c of the indoor unit 3c and drives the lift adjustment pump 34d of the indoor unit 3d to operate. The relay unit control device 200 records data obtained by operating the air conditioner 0 . The air conditioner 0 repeats the above operation until the relay unit control device 200 records the data obtained by driving the respective head adjustment pumps 34 . Then, the air conditioner 0 ends the test run operation.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the flow of processing related to regular control performed by the control device in the air conditioner 0 of Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. Next, processing related to air conditioning in the air conditioner 0 of Embodiment 1 will be described. The process in FIG. 4 is mainly controlled by the indoor unit controller 300 of each indoor unit 3 in cooperation with the outdoor unit controller 100 and the relay unit controller 200 . However, the processing is not limited to this, and processing may be performed centrally by one control device. Here, to simplify the explanation, it is assumed that the indoor unit 3 (the indoor unit 3c and the indoor unit 3d) in which the head adjustment pump 34 is installed in the heat medium path is in a stopped state. Next, a case where the indoor unit 3 (the indoor unit 3a or the indoor unit 3b) to which the head adjustment pump 34 is not connected is operated will be described.

In the indoor unit 3 that operates, the indoor unit control device 300 opens the indoor flow control device 32 in order to circulate the heat medium according to the operation mode to be started. In addition, the indoor unit control device 300 operates the indoor air blower 33 (step S1). At that time, each indoor unit control device 300 opens the indoor flow rate adjusting device 32 with an opening degree obtained by multiplying the opening degree according to the capacity of the indoor unit 3 by the correction value Cv_h. The correction value Cv_h is determined by the path pressure loss ΔPr_t in each indoor unit 3 recorded in the relay unit control device 200 during trial operation. The correction value Cv_h increases as the path pressure loss ΔPr_t increases. Therefore, the degree of opening of the indoor flow rate adjusting device 32 is increased.

The indoor unit control device 300 sends a signal to the relay unit control device 200 of the relay unit 2 when the indoor flow rate adjusting device 32 is opened. The relay unit control device 200 starts driving the main pump 22 (step S2). At this time, the relay unit control device 200 determines the applied voltage to be applied to the main pump 22 of the relay unit 2 according to the total capacity of the indoor units 3 in operation.

The relay unit control device 200 drives the main pump 22 to ensure the flow rate of the heat medium in the heat medium circulation circuit B, and then transmits an operation signal to the outdoor unit control device 100 of the outdoor unit 1 . The outdoor unit control device 100 starts driving the compressor 10 of the outdoor unit 1 (step S3).

After the compressor 10 is driven, the indoor unit control device 300 performs regular control to control the degree of opening of the indoor flow control device 32 to be controlled at regular intervals according to the load in the room where the indoor unit 3 is installed. process. Each indoor unit control device 300 calculates the temperature difference ΔTo between the indoor temperature sensor 515 and the indoor set temperature To, and the temperature difference value ΔTo (t) calculated this time and the temperature difference ΔTo value ΔTo (t− 1) to make a determination (step S4). Based on the determination, each indoor unit control device 300 controls the degree of opening of the indoor flow rate adjusting device 32 at regular time intervals t.

When the temperature difference ΔTo(t) between the indoor temperature sensor 515 and the indoor set temperature To is greater than the previous value ΔTo(t−1), the indoor unit controller 300 determines that the indoor load is higher than the capacity of the indoor unit 3. judged to be large. Then, the indoor unit control device 300 issues an instruction to increase the opening degree of the indoor flow rate adjusting device 32, thereby increasing the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the indoor heat exchanger 31 to secure the capacity (step S5).

Further, when the temperature difference ΔTo(t) between the indoor temperature sensor 515 and the indoor set temperature To is smaller than the previous value ΔTo(t−1), the indoor unit control device 300 detects that the indoor load is on the indoor unit 3. judged to be less than ability. Then, the indoor unit control device 300 issues an instruction to reduce the opening degree of the indoor flow rate adjusting device 32, thereby reducing the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the indoor heat exchanger 31 and suppressing the capacity (step S6).

When the temperature difference ΔTo (t) between the indoor temperature sensor 515 and the indoor set temperature To is the same as the previous value ΔTo (t−1), the indoor unit control device 300 closes the indoor flow rate adjusting device 32, The operation of the indoor unit 3 is stopped (step S7).

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the flow of processing related to control of the main pump 22 in regular control of the air conditioner 0 of Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in step S2 of FIG. 4, the relay unit control device 200 determines the applied voltage to be applied to the main pump 22 of the relay unit 2, and starts driving the main pump 22. As shown in FIG. After driving the main pump 22 , the relay unit control device 200 performs regular control processing for controlling the driving of the main pump 22 at regular time intervals. Next, control of the main pump 22 included in the relay unit 2 in the air conditioner 0 of Embodiment 1 will be described. The processing in FIG. 5 is mainly performed by the relay unit control device 200. FIG. However, the processing is not limited to this, and processing may be performed centrally by one control device.

When the relay unit control device 200 transmits the operation signal to the outdoor unit control device 100 of the outdoor unit 1 in step S3 of FIG. 4, it controls the voltage applied to the main pump 22 while the air conditioner 0 is operating. Thereby, the air conditioner 0 controls the flow rate of the heat medium for all the indoor units 3 .

The relay unit control device 200 determines whether the opening degree of the indoor flow rate adjusting device 32 of each indoor unit 3 is smaller than the initial opening degree when the indoor unit 3 starts operating (step S11). When the relay unit control device 200 determines that the opening degrees of all the indoor flow rate adjusting devices 32 are smaller than the initial opening degrees, the relay unit control device 200 determines that the flow rate of the heat medium in the heat medium circulation circuit B is secured, and switches the heat medium to the main pump 22. The applied voltage is lowered to decelerate the main pump 22 (step S12).

On the other hand, when the opening degree of even one indoor flow rate adjusting device 32 is larger than the initial opening degree, the relay unit control device 200 determines that the flow rate of the heat medium in the heat medium circulation circuit B is insufficient, and the main pump 22 is increased to increase the speed of the main pump 22 (step S13). The relay unit control device 200 adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium according to the load of each indoor unit 3 by repeating the above-described processing during regular control.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the flow of processing related to regular control by the head adjustment pump 34 in the air conditioner 0 of Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. Next, the case where the indoor unit 3 in which the head adjustment pump 34 is installed in the heat medium path operates in response to an operation command will be described. Here, the process related to the drive of the head adjustment pump 34 when the indoor unit 3 (the indoor unit 3c or the indoor unit 3d) in which the head adjustment pump 34 is installed in the heat medium path operates will be mainly described.

When the relay unit control device 200 performs the processing of steps S2 and S3 in FIG. 4, the indoor unit control device 300 causes the heat medium to pass through the indoor unit 3 in which the head adjustment pump 34 is installed in the heat medium path. Therefore, the driving of the head adjustment pump 34 is started. Also, the indoor unit control device 300 drives the indoor blower 33 (step S21). At this time, the indoor unit controller 300 determines the applied voltage so that the head adjustment pump 34 is driven at the rated flow rate Q1 based on the applied voltage of the main pump 22 and the map data recorded during the test run.

After the compressor 10 is driven, the indoor unit control device 300 controls the driving of the head adjusting pump 34 according to the air conditioning load in the indoor unit 3 . The indoor unit control device 300 calculates the temperature difference ΔTo between the indoor temperature sensor 515 and the indoor set temperature To, and the temperature difference value ΔTo(t) calculated this time and the temperature difference ΔTo value ΔTo(t−1 ) to determine (step S22). Based on the determination, the indoor unit control device 300 then controls the driving of the head adjustment pump 34 at regular time intervals t.

When the temperature difference ΔTo(t) between the indoor temperature sensor 515 and the indoor set temperature To is greater than the previous value ΔTo(t−1), the indoor unit control device 300 determines that the indoor air conditioning load exceeds the capacity of the indoor unit 3. determined to be greater than Then, the indoor unit control device 300 issues an instruction to increase the voltage applied to the lift adjustment pump 34, speeds up the lift adjustment pump 34, and increases the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the indoor heat exchanger 31. to secure the ability (step S23).

Further, when the temperature difference ΔTo(t) between the indoor temperature sensor 515 and the indoor set temperature To is smaller than the previous value ΔTo(t−1), the indoor unit control device 300 determines that the indoor air conditioning load is reduced to the indoor unit 3 is smaller than the ability of Then, the indoor unit control device 300 instructs to lower the voltage applied to the lift adjustment pump 34, decelerates the lift adjustment pump 34, and reduces the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the indoor heat exchanger 31. Suppress ability (step S24).

When the temperature difference ΔTo(t) between the indoor temperature sensor 515 and the indoor set temperature To is the same as the previous value ΔTo(t−1), the indoor unit control device 300 stops the head adjustment pump 34, The operation of the indoor unit 3 is stopped (step S25).

Here, the indoor unit control device 300 drives and controls the lift adjustment pump 34 according to the air conditioning load in the room where the indoor unit 3 is installed, but this is not restrictive. For example, the indoor unit control device 300 adjusts the voltage applied to the pump for adjusting the lift 34 so that the heat medium passing through the indoor unit 3 has the rated flow rate Q1 based on the applied voltage-rotational speed-flow rate map data described above. You may control and drive.

In the regular control, the control of the main pump 22 performed by the relay unit control device 200 is basically the same as the control described with reference to FIG. Here, when the voltage applied to the lift adjustment pump 34 is the maximum, the relay unit control device 200 determines that the heat medium supplied to the indoor unit 3 to which the lift adjustment pump 34 is connected is insufficient. do. The relay unit control device 200 then increases the voltage applied to the main pump 22 to speed up the main pump 22 . In regular control, when the head adjustment pump 34 is operating, the drive control described above is repeated to adjust the flow rate of the heat medium.

As described above, according to the air conditioner 0 of Embodiment 1, the indoor unit 3 (the indoor heat exchanger 31 ) is connected to the head adjustment pump 34 as an auxiliary pump. By driving the head adjusting pump 34, the indoor heat exchanger 31 can be supplied with the required flow rate of the heat medium. For this reason, the heat medium can be sent without using the main pump 22 having a high head capability corresponding to the indoor unit 3 installed in a path such as a high place or a distant place where the head is insufficient. Therefore, it is possible to obtain the air conditioner 0 in which the indoor unit 3 can be installed in a wide range while achieving low cost.

Further, during trial operation, the heat medium passing through the indoor unit 3 is operated so as to have the rated flow rate Q1, and the data on the relationship between the head adjusting pump 34 and the main pump 22 is stored in the storage device of the relay unit controller 200. Remember. Then, map data relating to the rated flow rate Q1 created based on the stored data is stored in the indoor unit controller 300. FIG. Then, when the indoor unit 3 in which the head adjusting pump 34 is installed in the heat medium path operates in response to an operation command, the indoor unit control device 300 drives the head adjusting pump 34 based on the map data. Therefore, when the air conditioning apparatus 0 is operated, it is possible to suppress performance variations due to uneven flow rates of the indoor units 3 installed near and far. Therefore, the heat medium can be circulated according to the load in the room where the indoor unit 3 is installed. Moreover, the indoor unit 3 can pass the heat medium of the flow volume according to the installed indoor load. Therefore, the power consumption of the air conditioner 0 can be apportioned among the indoor units 3 .

The head adjusting pump 34 is configured to be able to block the passage of the heat medium, for example, when the operation of the indoor unit 3 is stopped. Therefore, it is possible to prevent passage of the heat medium to the indoor unit 3 that does not need to be supplied.

Embodiment 2.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the air conditioner 0 according to Embodiment 2. As shown in FIG. Based on FIG. 7, the configuration of the equipment and the like included in the air conditioner 0 will be described. In the second embodiment, devices and the like that are not specifically described perform the same operations and processes as those described for the devices in the first embodiment.

As described above, the outdoor unit 1 and the relay unit 2 are connected by the refrigerant pipe 6. Also, the relay unit 2 and each indoor unit 3 are connected by a heat medium pipe 5 . Here, in FIG. 7 , four indoor units 3 are connected to the relay unit 2 via heat medium pipes 5 . However, the number of connected indoor units 3 is not limited to four. In the air conditioner 0 according to Embodiment 2, the indoor unit 3 can basically freely select either the cooling mode or the heating mode as the operation mode. However, the indoor unit 3c and the indoor unit 3d are in the same mode.

<Outdoor unit 1>
The outdoor unit 1 is a unit that circulates the heat source side refrigerant in the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A to transfer heat, and performs heat exchange with the heat medium in the heat medium heat exchanger 21 of the relay unit 2 . The outdoor unit 1 has a compressor 10, a refrigerant flow switching device 11, a heat source side heat exchanger 12, an accumulator 14, and a heat source side blower 15 in a housing.

The outdoor unit 1 further has a first connection pipe 16, a second connection pipe 17, and first backflow prevention devices 18a to 18d. Here, check valves are used as the first backflow prevention devices 18a to 18d. The first backflow prevention device 18a is a device that prevents high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant from flowing back from the first connection pipe 16 to the heat source side heat exchanger 12 in the heating only operation mode and the heating main operation mode. be. The first backflow prevention device 18b is a device that prevents high-pressure liquid or gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant from flowing back from the first connection pipe 16 to the accumulator 14 during the cooling only operation mode and the cooling main operation mode. is. The first backflow prevention device 18c is a device that prevents the high-pressure liquid or gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant from flowing back from the second connection pipe 17 to the accumulator 14 during the cooling only operation mode and the cooling main operation mode. is. The first backflow prevention device 18d prevents high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant from flowing back from the discharge-side flow path of the compressor 10 to the second connection pipe 17 during the heating-only operation mode and the heating-main operation mode. It is a device that

By providing the first connecting pipe 16, the second connecting pipe 17, and the first backflow prevention devices 18a to 18d in this manner, the flow of the refrigerant flowing into the relay unit 2 can be prevented regardless of the operation requested by the indoor unit 3. Can be unidirectional. Here, check valves are used as the first backflow prevention devices 18a to 18d, but any device that can prevent backflow of the refrigerant may be used. For example, as the first backflow prevention device 18a to the first backflow prevention device 18d, an opening/closing device, an expansion device having a fully closing function, or the like can be used.

<Indoor unit 3>
The indoor unit 3 is a unit that sends conditioned air to the indoor space. Each indoor unit 3 of Embodiment 2 has an indoor heat exchanger 31 (indoor heat exchanger 31a to indoor heat exchanger 31d) and an indoor fan 33 (indoor fan 33a to indoor fan 33d). Further, among the indoor units 3, the indoor unit 3b and the indoor unit 3d have a lift adjustment pump 34b and a lift adjustment pump 34d, respectively. As will be described later, since the relay unit 2 has the heat medium flow rate adjusting device 28, unlike the first embodiment, the indoor flow rate adjusting device 32 in the indoor unit 3 becomes unnecessary. The indoor heat exchanger 31 and the head adjustment pump 34 are devices that constitute the heat medium circulation circuit B. As shown in FIG. Here, the head adjustment pump 34 is a device installed in the heat medium circulation circuit B depending on the system. For example, a head adjusting pump 34 that assists the main pump 22 in supplying the heat medium is installed corresponding to the indoor unit 3 installed at a high place or far away.

The head adjustment pump 34 adjusts the amount of heat medium that passes through the indoor heat exchanger 31 based on the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the indoor unit 3 and the temperature of the heat medium flowing out. The indoor unit control device 300 has map data that maps the relationship between the voltage applied to the main pump 22 and the flow rate during a trial operation, which will be described later. When the indoor unit controller 300 starts operating the indoor unit 3, the voltage applied to the head adjustment pump 34 is adjusted so that the rated flow rate Q1 passing through the indoor unit 3 is obtained. Here, in FIG. 7, the head adjustment pump 34 is installed in the piping on the heat medium outflow side of the indoor heat exchanger 31, but it is not limited to this. For example, the head adjusting pump 34 may be installed on the heat medium inflow side of the indoor heat exchanger 31 . Here, the head adjusting pump 34 of Embodiment 1 can block the passage of the heat medium to stop the flow when the operation of the indoor unit 3 is stopped. Therefore, the head adjusting pump 34 functions not only as a pressurizing device but also as a flow rate adjusting device.

Also, the indoor heat exchanger 31 has, for example, heat transfer tubes and fins. The heat medium passes through the heat transfer tubes of the indoor heat exchanger 31 . The indoor heat exchanger 31 exchanges heat between the indoor air supplied from the indoor blower 33 and the heat medium. When a heat medium colder than air passes through the heat transfer tubes, the air is cooled and the indoor space is cooled. The indoor-side blower 33 passes the air in the indoor space through the indoor heat exchanger 31 to generate a flow of air returning to the indoor space.

<Relay unit 2>
The relay unit 2 has a heat medium heat exchanger 21 that exchanges heat between a heat source side refrigerant and a heat medium, and two main pumps 22 that convey heat to the indoor unit 3 . Also, the relay unit 2 has two relay-side expansion devices 23 , two opening-closing devices 24 , and two relay-side refrigerant flow switching devices 25 in the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A. In addition, the relay unit 2 has a first heat medium flow switching device 26 , a second heat medium flow switching device 27 and a heat medium flow control device 28 in the heat medium circulation circuit B.

The two heat medium heat exchangers 21 (heat medium heat exchanger 21a, heat medium heat exchanger 21b) function as condensers (radiators) or evaporators. The heat medium heat exchanger 21a is provided between the relay side expansion device 23a and the relay side refrigerant flow switching device 25a in the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A, and heats the heat medium in the cooling/heating mixed operation mode. It becomes a heat exchanger. Further, the heat medium heat exchanger 21b is provided between the relay side expansion device 23b and the relay side refrigerant flow switching device 25b in the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A, and in the cooling/heating mixed operation mode, the heat medium heat exchanger 21b becomes a heat exchanger that cools the

The two relay-side throttle devices 23 (relay-side throttle device 23a, relay-side throttle device 23b) function as pressure reducing valves and expansion valves, and reduce the pressure of the heat source side refrigerant to expand it. The relay-side expansion device 23a is provided upstream of the heat medium heat exchanger 21a in the flow of the heat source-side refrigerant during the cooling operation. Further, the relay-side expansion device 23b is provided upstream of the heat medium heat exchanger 21b in the flow of the heat source-side refrigerant during the cooling operation. The two relay-side expansion devices 23 are composed of, for example, electronic expansion valves whose opening can be controlled.

The two opening/closing devices 24 (opening/closing device 24a and opening/closing device 24b) are composed of two-way valves and the like, and open and close the heat medium pipes 5. The opening/closing device 24a is provided in the heat medium pipe 5 on the inlet side of the heat source side refrigerant. Further, the opening/closing device 24b is provided with a pipe connecting the inlet side and the outlet side of the heat source side refrigerant. The opening/closing device 24 may be an electronic expansion valve such as a throttle device.

The two relay-side refrigerant flow switching devices 25 (relay-side refrigerant flow switching device 25a, relay-side refrigerant flow switching device 25b) are composed of four-way valves or the like, and control the flow of the heat source-side refrigerant according to the operation mode. switch. The relay-side refrigerant flow switching device 25a is provided downstream of the heat medium heat exchanger 21a in the flow of the heat source-side refrigerant during cooling operation. Further, the relay-side refrigerant flow switching device 25b is provided downstream of the heat medium heat exchanger 21b in the flow of the heat source-side refrigerant during the cooling only operation.

The two main pumps 22 (main pump 22a, main pump 22b) pressurize the heat medium passing through the heat medium pipe 5 to circulate the heat medium circulation circuit B. The main pump 22 a is provided in the heat medium pipe 5 between the heat medium heat exchanger 21 a and the second heat medium flow switching device 27 . Also, the main pump 22 b is provided in the heat medium pipe 5 between the heat medium heat exchanger 21 b and the second heat medium flow switching device 27 .

The first heat medium flow switching device 26 (first heat medium flow switching device 26a to first heat medium flow switching device 26c) is composed of a three-way valve or the like, and switches the heat medium flow channel. The number of the first heat medium flow switching devices 26 corresponding to the number of branches connected to the indoor unit 3 is provided. A plurality of indoor units 3 may be connected to the branches of the relay unit 2 and the indoor unit 3 . One of the three flow paths of the first heat medium flow switching device 26 is connected to the heat medium heat exchanger 21a. Another one is connected to the heat medium heat exchanger 21b. Another one is connected to the heat medium flow control device 28 . The first heat medium flow switching device 26 is provided on the outlet side of the heat medium flow path in the indoor heat exchanger 31 .

The second heat medium flow switching device 27 (second heat medium flow switching device 27a to second heat medium flow switching device 27c) is composed of a three-way valve or the like, and switches the heat medium flow channel. The number of second heat medium flow switching devices 27 is provided according to the number of indoor units 3 installed. One of the three flow paths of the second heat medium flow switching device 27 is connected to the heat medium heat exchanger 21a. Another one is connected to the heat medium heat exchanger 21b. Another one is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 31 . The second heat medium flow switching device 27 is provided on the inlet side of the heat medium flow path in the indoor heat exchanger 31 .

The heat medium flow rate adjusting device 28 (heat medium flow rate adjusting device 28 a to heat medium flow rate adjusting device 28 c ) is a device that adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the indoor unit 3 . The heat medium flow rate adjusting device 28 is composed of a two-way valve or the like capable of controlling the opening area, and controls the flow rate of the heat medium pipe 5 . The number of heat medium flow control devices 28 corresponding to the number of branches connected to the indoor unit 3 is provided. One end of the heat medium flow control device 28 is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 31 . The other is connected to the first heat medium flow switching device 26 . Here, the heat medium flow control device 28 is provided on the outlet side of the heat medium flow path in the indoor heat exchanger 31 . However, the heat medium flow control device 28 may be provided on the inlet side of the heat medium flow path of the indoor heat exchanger 31 .

First, the relay unit control device 200 directs the branch of the relay unit 2 corresponding to the indoor unit 3b to which the head adjustment pump 34b is connected to the main pump 22a side, and the first heat medium flow switching device 26b. The second heat medium flow switching device 27b is switched. Then, the relay unit control device 200 fully opens the heat medium flow control device 28b.

Next, the relay unit control device 200 drives the main pump 22 and all the head adjustment pumps 34b of the relay unit 2 with the maximum applied voltage. After that, the relay unit control device 200 decreases the voltage applied to the head adjustment pump 34 until the rated flow rate Q1b corresponding to the capacity of the indoor unit 3b is reached. Then, the relay unit control device 200 records the data of the applied voltage Vb_t_100% of the head adjustment pump 34 at the maximum applied voltage of the main pump 22 of the relay unit 2 .

Next, the relay unit control device 200 reduces the voltage applied to the main pump 22a, and adjusts the voltage Vb_t_x% applied to the head adjustment pump 34b so that the rated flow rate Q1b corresponding to the capacity of the indoor unit 3b is reached. Relay unit control device 200 records the data of applied voltage Vb_t_x%.

The air conditioner 0 repeats the above operations. Then, the relay unit control device 200 stores the data indicating the relationship between the voltage applied to the main pump 22 of the relay unit 2 and the voltage applied to the head adjustment pump 34c to achieve the rated flow rate Q1b corresponding to the capacity of the indoor unit 3b as map data. Record as

After that, the air conditioner 0 stops the lift adjustment pump 34b of the indoor unit 3b and drives the lift adjustment pump 34d of the indoor unit 3d to operate. The relay unit control device 200 records data obtained by operating the air conditioner 0 . The air conditioner 0 repeats the above operation until the relay unit control device 200 records the data obtained by driving the respective head adjustment pumps 34 . Then, the air conditioner 0 ends the test run operation.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the flow of processing related to regular control performed by the control device in the air conditioner 0 of Embodiment 2. As shown in FIG. Next, processing related to air conditioning in the air conditioner 0 of Embodiment 1 will be described. 8 is mainly controlled by the relay unit control device 200 in cooperation with the outdoor unit control device 100 and the indoor unit control device 300 of each indoor unit 3. FIG. However, the processing is not limited to this, and another control device may perform the processing. To simplify the explanation, first, the indoor unit 3 (indoor unit 3b to indoor unit 3d) including the head adjustment pump 34 in the heat medium path is stopped and the head adjustment pump 34 is not connected. A case where the indoor unit 3a operates will be described.

In the indoor unit 3 to be operated, the relay unit control device 200 adjusts the flow rate of the branched heat medium connected to the indoor unit 3a by pipes in order to circulate the heat medium according to the operation mode of the indoor unit 3a to start operating. Device 28a is opened. Further, the relay unit control device 200 switches the first heat medium flow switching device 26a and the second heat medium flow switching device 27a to the main pump 22 side related to the operation mode (step S31). At that time, the branch heat medium flow control device 28a to which the indoor unit 3 is connected is determined by the capacity of the indoor unit 3a. Also, the indoor unit control device 300a operates the indoor-side blower 33 .

When the operation signal is transmitted from the indoor unit control device 300 of the indoor unit 3, the relay unit control device 200 starts driving the main pump 22 corresponding to the operation mode (step S32). After the relay unit controller 200 drives the main pump 22 to ensure the flow rate of the heat medium in the heat medium circulation circuit B, the relay unit controller 200 transmits an operation signal to the outdoor unit controller 100 of the outdoor unit 1 . The outdoor unit control device 100 starts driving the compressor 10 of the outdoor unit 1 (step S33).

After the compressor 10 is driven, the relay unit control device 200 controls the heat medium flow control device 28a of the relay unit 2 according to the air conditioning load of the indoor unit 3a. Based on the signal sent from the indoor unit control device 300, the relay unit control device 200 determines the temperature between the temperature detected by the indoor inlet side temperature sensor 513a of the indoor unit 3a and the temperature detected by the indoor outlet side temperature sensor 514a. Calculate the difference ΔTa. Then, the relay unit control device 200 makes a determination based on a comparison between the temperature difference ΔTa and the preset rated temperature difference ΔT_t (step S34).

The relay unit control device 200 determines that the indoor load is greater than the capacity of the indoor unit 3 when the temperature difference ΔTa is greater than the rated temperature difference ΔT_t. The relay unit control device 200 increases the degree of opening of the heat medium flow control device 28a to increase the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the indoor heat exchanger 31a to secure the capacity (step S35).

On the other hand, the relay unit control device 200 determines that the indoor load is smaller than the capacity of the indoor unit 3 when the temperature difference ΔTa is smaller than the rated temperature difference ΔT_t. The relay unit control device 200 reduces the opening degree of the heat medium flow rate adjusting device 28a to reduce the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the indoor heat exchanger 31a to suppress the capacity (step S36). If the temperature difference ΔTa is the same as the rated temperature difference ΔT_t, the relay unit control device 200 returns to step S34 and continues the regular control process. As described above, the relay unit control device 200 performs regular control according to the load in the room by controlling the opening degree of the heat medium flow control device 28a to open or close it.

Further, during regular control, the relay unit control device 200 of the relay unit 2 controls the voltage applied to each main pump 22 of the relay unit 2, and the flow rate of the heat medium to all the indoor units 3 in operation. control. The relay unit control device 200 secures the flow rate of the heat medium when the largest opening degree among the opening degrees of the heat medium flow control device 28 through which the heat medium of the main pump 22 passes is smaller than the initial opening degree. , the voltage applied to the main pump 22 is lowered to decelerate. On the other hand, if even one of the opening degrees of the heat medium flow control device 28 through which the heat medium of the main pump 22 passes is larger than the initial opening degree, the relay unit control device 200 determines that the flow rate of the heat medium in the heat medium path is Assuming that it is insufficient, the voltage applied to the main pump 22 is increased to speed it up. During regular control, the relay unit control device 200 adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium according to the load of the indoor unit 3 by repeating the control described above.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the flow of processing related to regular control by the head adjustment pump 34 in the air conditioner 0 of Embodiment 2. As shown in FIG. Next, the case where the indoor unit 3 in which the head adjustment pump 34 is installed in the heat medium path operates in response to an operation command will be described. In the indoor unit 3 that is to be operated, the relay unit control device 200 adjusts the flow rate of the branched heat medium connected to the indoor unit 3 by piping in order to circulate the heat medium according to the operation mode of the indoor unit 3 that is to start operating. Device 28 is opened. Further, the relay unit control device 200 switches the first heat medium flow switching device 26 and the second heat medium flow switching device 27 to the main pump 22 side related to the operation mode (step S41).

At this time, when only the indoor unit 3 in which the head adjustment pump 34 is installed in the heat medium path, such as the indoor unit 3b, is on the branched heat medium path, the relay unit control device 200 adjusts the heat medium flow rate. Fully open device 28 . Further, when the indoor unit 3 to which the head adjustment pump 34 is not connected, such as the indoor unit 3c and the indoor unit d, is also on the branched heat medium path, the relay unit control device 200 controls the indoor unit on the path. The total capacity of the unit 3 determines the initial opening.

When the operation signal is transmitted from the indoor unit control device 300 of the indoor unit 3, the relay unit control device 200 drives the main pump 22 corresponding to the operation mode (step S42). After the relay unit controller 200 drives the main pump 22 to ensure the flow rate of the heat medium in the heat medium circulation circuit B, the relay unit controller 200 transmits an operation signal to the outdoor unit controller 100 of the outdoor unit 1 . The outdoor unit control device 100 drives the compressor 10 of the outdoor unit 1 (step S43).
In addition, the relay unit control device 200 drives the head adjustment pump 34 so that the heat medium passes through the indoor unit 3 installed in the heat medium path (step S44).

When only the indoor unit 3 in which the head adjustment pump 34 is installed in the heat medium path is on the branched heat medium path like the indoor unit 3b, after the compressor 10 is driven, the relay unit control device 200 The head adjustment pump 34 is controlled according to the air conditioning load of the indoor unit 3 . Based on the signal sent from the indoor unit control device 300b, the relay unit control device 200 determines the temperature between the temperature detected by the indoor inlet side temperature sensor 513b of the indoor unit 3b and the temperature detected by the indoor outlet side temperature sensor 514b. A difference ΔTb is calculated. Then, the relay unit control device 200 makes a determination based on the temperature difference ΔTb (step S45).

The relay unit control device 200 determines that the indoor load is greater than the capacity of the indoor unit 3b when the temperature difference ΔTb is greater than the preset rated temperature difference ΔT_t. The relay unit control device 200 increases the voltage applied to the head adjusting pump 34b to increase the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the indoor heat exchanger 31b to secure the capacity (step S46).

On the other hand, when the temperature difference ΔTb is smaller than the rated temperature difference ΔT_t, the relay unit control device 200 determines that the indoor load is smaller than the capacity of the indoor unit 3b. The relay unit control device 200 lowers the voltage applied to the head adjustment pump 34b to reduce the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the indoor heat exchanger 31b to suppress the capacity (step S47).
If the temperature difference ΔTb is the same as the rated temperature difference ΔT_t, the relay unit control device 200 returns to step S45 and continues the regular control process. As described above, the relay unit control device 200 performs regular control according to the load in the room by controlling the opening degree of the heat medium flow control device 28b and opening/closing it.

Next, a case where the indoor unit 3 to which the head adjusting pump 34 is not connected, like the indoor unit 3c and the indoor unit 3d, is also on the branched heat medium path will be described. For the indoor unit 3d to which the lift adjusting pump 34d is connected, the relay unit control device 200 adjusts the lift adjusting pump based on the temperature difference ΔTd between the indoor inlet side temperature sensor 513d and the indoor outlet side temperature sensor 514d. It controls the voltage applied to the pump 34d. On the other hand, for the indoor unit 3c to which the head adjustment pump 34 is not connected, the relay unit control device 200 determines the temperature difference ΔTc between the indoor inlet side temperature sensor 513c and the indoor outlet side temperature sensor 514c. It controls the degree of opening of the medium flow rate adjusting device 28c.

Here, the relay unit control device 200 drives and controls the lift adjustment pump 34 in accordance with the load in the room where the indoor unit 3 is installed, but it is not limited to this. For example, the indoor unit control device 300 adjusts the voltage applied to the pump for adjusting the lift 34 so that the heat medium passing through the indoor unit 3 has the rated flow rate Q1 based on the applied voltage-rotational speed-flow rate map data described above. You may control and drive.

Regarding the control of the main pump 22 performed by the relay unit control device 200 when the indoor unit 3 in which the head adjustment pump 34 is installed in the heat medium path in regular control operates, the head adjustment pump 34 is installed in the heat medium path. It is the same as the case of the indoor unit 3 which is not installed. Here, when the voltage applied to the lift adjustment pump 34 is the maximum, the relay unit control device 200 determines that the heat medium supplied to the indoor unit 3 to which the lift adjustment pump 34 is connected is insufficient. do. The relay unit control device 200 then increases the voltage applied to the corresponding main pump 22 to speed up the main pump 22 . In regular control, when the head adjustment pump 34 is operating, the drive control described above is repeated to adjust the flow rate of the heat medium.

As described above, according to the air conditioner 0 of Embodiment 2, the indoor unit 3 (indoor heat exchanger 31 ) is connected to a pump 34 for adjusting the lift as an auxiliary pump. By driving the head adjusting pump 34, the indoor heat exchanger 31 can be supplied with the required flow rate of the heat medium. For this reason, the heat medium can be sent without using the main pump 22 having a high head capability corresponding to the indoor unit 3 installed in a path such as a high place or a distant place where the head is insufficient. Therefore, it is possible to obtain the air conditioner 0 in which the indoor unit 3 can be installed in a wide range while achieving low cost.

0 air conditioner, 1 outdoor unit, 2 relay unit, 3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d indoor unit, 5 heat medium pipe, 6 refrigerant pipe, 10 compressor, 11 refrigerant flow switching device, 12 heat source side heat exchange vessel, 13 expansion device, 14 accumulator, 15 heat source side blower, 16 first connection pipe, 17 second connection pipe, 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d first backflow prevention device, 21, 21a, 21b heat medium heat exchanger, 22, 22a, 22b Main pump, 23, 23a, 23b Relay side throttle device, 24, 24a, 24b Switching device, 25, 25a, 25b Relay side refrigerant flow switching device, 26, 26a, 26b, 26c First heat medium Flow switching device, 27, 27a, 27b, 27c Second heat medium flow switching device, 28, 28a, 28b, 28c Heat medium flow control device, 31, 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d Indoor heat exchanger, 32, 32a, 32b Indoor flow control device, 33, 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d Indoor blower, 34, 34b, 34c, 34d Lift adjustment pump, 100 Outdoor unit control device, 200 Relay unit control device, 300, 300a, 300b , 300c, 300d Indoor unit control device, 501 Discharge temperature sensor, 502 Discharge pressure sensor, 503 Outdoor temperature sensor, 504 First refrigerant temperature sensor, 505 Second refrigerant temperature sensor, 511 Heat medium inlet side temperature sensor, 512 Heat medium Outlet side temperature sensors 513, 513a, 513b, 513c, 513d Indoor inlet side temperature sensors 514, 514a, 514b, 514c, 514d Indoor outlet side temperature sensors 515, 515a, 515b, 515c, 515d Indoor temperature sensors , 521, 521a, 521b: Indoor inflow side pressure sensors, 522, 522a, 522b: Indoor outflow side pressure sensors.

Claims

a heat source side device for heating or cooling a heat medium serving as a heat transfer medium;
a plurality of indoor heat exchangers that exchange heat between indoor air to be air-conditioned and the heat medium;
An air conditioner comprising a heat medium circulation circuit that pressurizes the heat medium and circulates the heat medium by pipe connection with a main pump that supplies the heat medium to the indoor heat exchanger,
An air conditioner comprising a pump for head adjustment installed in the heat medium circulation circuit and assisting the ability related to the head of the main pump.
The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the head adjusting pump is installed corresponding to the indoor heat exchanger on the heat medium path where the head of the main pump is insufficient in the heat medium circulation circuit.
A control device for controlling the driving of the pump for adjusting the lift,
The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device drives the head adjustment pump to adjust the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the plurality of indoor heat exchangers.
A control device for controlling the driving of the pump for adjusting the lift,
The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control device detects the flow rate of the heat medium sent by the head adjusting pump.
A control device for controlling the driving of the pump for adjusting the lift,
The head adjustment pump has a function of blocking passage of the heat medium,
The air according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control device causes the head adjustment pump to block passage of the heat medium to the indoor heat exchanger that has stopped heat exchange. Harmony device.
an indoor temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the indoor air;
A control device for controlling the driving of the pump for adjusting the head,
6. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control device controls the applied voltage applied to the head adjustment pump based on the temperature difference between the indoor air temperature and the indoor set temperature. Air conditioner.
an indoor inlet side temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the indoor heat exchanger;
an indoor outlet side temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heat medium flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger;
A control device for controlling the driving of the pump for adjusting the head,
The control device controls the voltage applied to the pump for adjusting the lift based on the temperature difference between the temperature detected by the indoor inlet side temperature sensor and the temperature detected by the indoor outlet side temperature sensor. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the heat medium circulation circuit circulates the heat medium containing water or brine.