WO2023095418A1 - Heat medium circulation device - Google Patents

Heat medium circulation device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023095418A1
WO2023095418A1 PCT/JP2022/033867 JP2022033867W WO2023095418A1 WO 2023095418 A1 WO2023095418 A1 WO 2023095418A1 JP 2022033867 W JP2022033867 W JP 2022033867W WO 2023095418 A1 WO2023095418 A1 WO 2023095418A1
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Prior art keywords
space
heat medium
heat
refrigerant
partition
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PCT/JP2022/033867
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
繁男 青山
由樹 山岡
俊二 森脇
潤 吉田
和人 中谷
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パナソニックIpマネジメント株式会社
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Publication of WO2023095418A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023095418A1/en

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    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F1/00Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
    • F24F1/06Separate outdoor units, e.g. outdoor unit to be linked to a separate room comprising a compressor and a heat exchanger
    • F24F1/20Electric components for separate outdoor units
    • F24F1/22Arrangement or mounting thereof
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25BREFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B1/00Compression machines, plants or systems with non-reversible cycle
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25BREFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B49/00Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F25B49/02Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for compression type machines, plants or systems

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a heat medium circulating device having a heat source side circuit and a utilization side circuit.
  • Patent Literature 1 discloses a heat pump device that includes a heat source side circuit and a user side circuit that use a combustible refrigerant.
  • an outdoor unit accommodates a heat source side circuit, a heat medium heat exchanger, and a user side circuit, and the user side circuit is provided with a refrigerant release valve comprising at least one of a pressure relief valve and an air purge valve.
  • the outdoor unit has a first space in which at least the compressor of the heat source side circuit is provided, and a refrigerant release valve is provided in a second space separated from the first space.
  • the present invention provides an outdoor unit comprising a heat source side circuit using a flammable refrigerant, a refrigerant/heat medium heat exchanger, and an air vent valve and a pressure relief valve that are part of the user side circuit.
  • a heat medium circulation device includes a heat source side circuit in which a compressor, an intermediate heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a heat source side heat exchanger are sequentially connected in a circular manner by refrigerant pipes, and blows air to the heat source side heat exchanger.
  • a utilization side circuit in which an outdoor fan, a conveying pump for conveying a heat medium, the intermediate heat exchanger, and the utilization side heat exchanger are sequentially connected by heat medium piping in a circular manner, the compressor, the expansion device, and the an electrical box comprising a control board for controlling the operation of the outdoor fan and power supply parts;
  • the heat source side circuit is filled with a combustible refrigerant;
  • the user side circuit is filled with the heat medium;
  • the combustible refrigerant and the heat medium flow through the intermediate heat exchanger,
  • the heat medium pipe has a gas discharge device comprising at least an air vent valve or a pressure relief valve, and the gas discharge device is provided in a space.
  • C, and the space C and the electrical equipment box are separated by at least one or more partition walls.
  • the heat medium circulation device when the combustible refrigerant enclosed in the heat source side circuit leaks from the intermediate heat exchanger or mixes into the utilization side circuit via the intermediate heat exchanger, gas Even if the refrigerant is discharged from the discharging device, the probability that the refrigerant reaches the power supply terminal or the contact point of the electronic component inside the electrical box, which can be an ignition source, is extremely low. As a result, the risk of ignition in the electrical box can be eliminated, and safety can be further improved.
  • a heat medium circulator is equipped with an air vent valve for removing air when equipment is installed, and a pressure relief valve as a safety device when the heat medium pressure rises above a predetermined pressure in the user side circuit. ing. Therefore, when the flammable refrigerant flows into the utilization side circuit, the flammable refrigerant is released outside the circuit via the air vent valve and the pressure relief valve.
  • the general product design is to increase the explosion-proofness of each electronic component with a high ignition risk to reduce the probability of ignition even if a potential refrigerant exists.
  • the inventors have hinted that the ignition probability of a flammable refrigerant can be expressed as the product of three elements (probability of refrigerant leakage, probability of ignition source existence, and probability of encounter between flammable refrigerant and ignition source).
  • the present invention provides a heat source side circuit in which a compressor, an intermediate heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a heat source side heat exchanger are sequentially connected in a circular manner by refrigerant pipes, an outdoor fan that blows air to the heat source side heat exchanger, A control that controls the operation of a user-side circuit in which a transfer pump that transports the heat medium, an intermediate heat exchanger, and a user-side heat exchanger are sequentially connected by heat medium piping in a circular fashion, a compressor, an expansion device, and an outdoor fan.
  • the heat medium pipe has a gas release device consisting of at least an air vent valve or a pressure relief valve, the gas release device is housed in the space C, and there is at least one space between the space C and the electrical box.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a heat medium circulation device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • a heat medium circulation device 10 is composed of an outdoor unit 11 and an indoor unit 12 .
  • a compressor 22 In the heat source side circuit 20 , a compressor 22 , an intermediate heat exchanger (refrigerant/heat medium heat exchanger) 23 , an expansion device 24 , and a heat source side heat exchanger 25 are annularly connected in sequence by a refrigerant pipe 21 .
  • the outdoor air blower 26 blows air to the heat source side heat exchanger 25 .
  • a combustible refrigerant is sealed in the heat source side circuit 20 .
  • a transfer pump 32 that conveys the heat medium, an intermediate heat exchanger 23 , and a utilization side heat exchanger 33 are sequentially connected in a loop by a heat medium pipe 31 .
  • a heat medium is enclosed in the utilization side circuit 30 .
  • a combustible refrigerant and a heat medium flow through the intermediate heat exchanger 23 .
  • the refrigerant absorbs heat from the outside air in the heat source side heat exchanger 25 , is compressed to a high temperature and high pressure in the compressor 22 , and releases heat in the intermediate heat exchanger 23 .
  • the heat medium is heated by exchanging heat with the combustible refrigerant in the intermediate heat exchanger 23 , circulates through the utilization side circuit 30 by the conveying pump 32 , and radiates heat in the utilization side heat exchanger 33 .
  • a terminal device 41 is connected to the indoor unit 12, and the terminal device 41 is used for hot water heating and hot water supply. Water or antifreeze is used as the heat medium.
  • the outdoor unit 11 is provided with a compressor 22 , an intermediate heat exchanger 23 , an expansion device 24 , a heat source side heat exchanger 25 , an outdoor fan 26 and an electrical box 27 .
  • a conveying pump 32 and a user-side heat exchanger 33 are installed in the indoor unit 12 .
  • the outdoor unit 11 and the indoor unit 12 are connected by a heat medium pipe 31 .
  • the electrical equipment box 27 is composed of a control board and power supply parts for controlling the operation of the compressor 22, the expansion device 24, and the outdoor fan 26.
  • the heat medium pipe 31 has a gas release device 50 comprising at least an air vent valve 51 or a pressure relief valve 52 .
  • the air vent valve 51 discharges gas phase components contained in the utilization side circuit 30 .
  • the pressure relief valve 52 operates when the pressure in the utilization side circuit 30 rises excessively.
  • a space A, a space B, and a space C are formed in the outdoor unit 11 .
  • a compressor 22 and an expansion device 24 are installed in the space A.
  • a heat source side heat exchanger 25, an outdoor fan 26, and an electrical box 27 are installed in the space B.
  • a utilization side heat exchanger 33 and a gas discharge device 50 are installed in the space C.
  • the electrical equipment box 27 is covered with a housing 27a, and the housing 27a functions as a first partition.
  • a space A in which the compressor 22 is installed and a space B in which the electrical box 27 is arranged are separated by a soundproof plate 28, and the soundproof plate 28 functions as a second partition wall.
  • a partition wall 29 separates the space A and the space C, and the partition wall 29 functions as a third partition wall.
  • the electrical equipment box 27 and the space C are separated by the first partition 27 a , the second partition 28 , and the third partition 29 .
  • the intermediate heat exchanger 23 and the gas discharge device 50 are accommodated in the space C, and the space C and the electrical equipment box 27 are separated by at least one or more partition walls.
  • the electrical equipment box 27 is installed at the top of the space B, and the space C is installed at the bottom of the space A. Thus, it is preferable to arrange the electrical equipment box 27 above the space B and arrange the space C below the space A. As shown in FIG.
  • the indoor unit 12 is installed in a space to be air-conditioned, and is composed of a carrier pump 32 that carries a heat medium and a use-side heat exchanger 33 that exchanges heat with the heat medium.
  • the outdoor unit 11 is physically separated into three spaces A, B and C by partition walls 27a, 28 and 29, respectively.
  • a space A in which the compressor 22 is housed and a space B in which the electric equipment box 27, the heat source side heat exchanger 25, and the outdoor fan 26 are housed are partitioned by a soundproof plate 28.
  • the electrical equipment box 27 is installed upward in the space B.
  • the pressure relief valve 52 has a communication pipe 62a for releasing gas.
  • the communicating pipe 62a releases the gas to the outside of the outdoor unit 11 without passing through the space A and the space B.
  • the refrigerant in the heat source side circuit 20 with high pressure will flow into the utilization side circuit 30 with low pressure.
  • the heat medium side passage in the refrigerant/heat medium heat exchanger 23 freezes and expands and cracks occur, there is a risk that the refrigerant will leak to the space C side of the refrigerant/heat medium heat exchanger 23 .
  • the air vent valve 51, the pressure relief valve 52, and the refrigerant/heat medium heat exchanger 23 in the utilization side circuit 30 in the space C are isolated from the space A by the partition wall 29, and the space A and the space are separated from each other.
  • the combustible refrigerant flows into the utilization side circuit 30 and is released from the air vent valve 51 and the pressure relief valve 52 .
  • the electrical equipment box 27 which has a high risk of becoming an ignition source, is in the space B, and the electrical equipment box 27 is located in the housing 27a of the electrical equipment box 27.
  • the space C is isolated from the power supply terminals and electronic components in the space C by the housing 27a of the electrical equipment box 27, the partition wall 29 of the space C, and the triple partition walls 27a, 28, and 29 of the soundproof plate .
  • the probability that the flammable refrigerant diffused in the space C reaches the electrical equipment box 27 via the triple partition walls 27a, 28, 29 is greatly reduced. Furthermore, when the combustible refrigerant used in the heat source side circuit 20 of the heat medium circulation device 10 has a higher specific gravity than air, the space C is installed at the bottom in the space A, and the electrical box 27 is installed at the top in the space B. is installed in Therefore, the probability that the refrigerant heavier than air diffused in the space C reaches the electrical equipment box 27 positioned above is even lower.
  • the electrical equipment box 27 is installed at the top of the space B isolated from the space A in which the compressor 22 is stored.
  • a space C surrounded by a partition wall 29 is installed at the lowest part of the space A, and accommodates an air vent valve 51, a pressure relief valve 52, and a refrigerant/heat medium heat exchanger 23 in the space C.
  • the flammable refrigerant heavier than air passes through the gaps of the triple partition walls 27a, 28, and 29.
  • the probability (probability of encountering an ignition source) that the coolant reaches the power supply terminals and the contacts of the electronic components in the housing 27a of the electrical box 27 installed at the top of the space B rather than the space C is significantly smaller.
  • the probability that the combustible refrigerant from the space C reaches the compressor 22 in the space A and the power supply part of the refrigerant parts through the gap of the single partition wall and reaches the lower limit of combustion concentration (LFL) (ignition source encounter probability) is significantly reduced. Therefore, regardless of whether the device is in operation or not, the risk of ignition in the electrical box 27, the compressor 22, and the refrigerant parts is reduced, so that the heat medium circulation device 10 with further improved safety can be provided.
  • LFL lower limit of combustion concentration
  • FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a heat medium circulation device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
  • the basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. That is, the heat medium circulation device 10 is composed of an outdoor unit 11 and an indoor unit 12, the outdoor unit 11 has three spaces A, B, and C, and the spaces A, B, and C are each They are physically isolated by partition walls 27a, 28, and 29.
  • FIG. 2 of the present invention the air outside the outdoor unit 11 is introduced into the space C, and the air in the space C is discharged to the outside of the outdoor unit 11 with vents 61a and 61b.
  • a first ventilation port 61a capable of introducing and ventilating outside air is provided above the space C in FIG.
  • the air vents 61a and 61b do not allow the space C and the space A to communicate with each other, and do not allow the space C and the space B to communicate with each other.
  • the first vent 61a capable of introducing and ventilating the outside air is provided above the space C
  • the second vent 61b capable of introducing and ventilating the outside air is provided below the space C. ing.
  • the amount of combustible refrigerant staying in the space C decreases, the refrigerant concentration in the space C decreases, and the power source of the compressor 22 in the space A and the power terminals and electronic parts in the electrical box 27 in the space C
  • the probability that the refrigerant concentration reaching the junction of will reach the lower flammability limit (LFL) is greatly reduced. Therefore, the risk of ignition in the electrical equipment box 27 can be further reduced.
  • the space C in which the air vent valve 51, the pressure relief valve 52, and the refrigerant/heat medium heat exchanger 23 are accommodated is separated from the space A in which the compressor 22, which causes noise during operation, is partitioned. isolated.
  • the operating sound of the compressor 22 does not propagate to the outside of the outdoor unit 11 from the first vent 61a and the second vent 61b of the space C. Therefore, even if the refrigerant leaks to the utilization side circuit 30 and the combustible refrigerant diffuses into the space C, the operating noise of the compressor 22 does not propagate outside the apparatus, and the ignition probability in the electrical box 27 can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to ensure both safety and quietness.
  • FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a heat medium circulation device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
  • the basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. That is, the heat medium circulation device 10 is composed of an outdoor unit 11 and an indoor unit 12, the outdoor unit 11 has three spaces A, B, and C, and the spaces A, B, and C are each They are physically isolated by partition walls 27a, 28, and 29.
  • FIG. A communication pipe 62b is provided in the space C in FIG. 3 to communicate the exhaust port of the air vent valve 51 with the outside air.
  • the gas discharge device 50 has communication pipes 62a and 62b for discharging gas, and the communication pipes 62a and 62b discharge gas to the outside of the outdoor unit 11 without passing through the space A and the space B.
  • the space C is provided with the communication pipe 62b that communicates the exhaust port of the air vent valve 51 with the outside air.
  • the refrigerant is not discharged into the space C, and is directly discharged to the outside of the outdoor unit 11 through the communication pipe 62b. be done. Therefore, since the combustible refrigerant does not stay in the space C, the refrigerant released from the usage side circuit 30 is discharged from the power source of the compressor 22 in the space A and the power source in the electrical box 27 in the space C. It is no longer possible to reach terminals and contacts of electronic components.
  • the probability that the refrigerant reaches the power supply terminal or the contact point of the electronic component in the electrical box, which can be an ignition source, in the heat medium circulation device is reduced.
  • the combustible refrigerant leaks from the heat source side circuit to the utilization side circuit via the intermediate heat exchanger and the combustible refrigerant is released from the air vent valve, the pressure relief valve, and the intermediate heat exchanger, it will not ignite.
  • the probability that the coolant will reach the power supply terminals in the electrical equipment box and the contacts of the electronic parts, which can be the source of the coolant, is further reduced.
  • the present invention includes heating equipment that heats a heat medium such as water or antifreeze liquid and uses the generated hot water or hot air, or a device that uses a heat medium such as water or antifreeze liquid for cooling or freezing. , refrigeration, air conditioning, hot water supply, and the like.
  • heat medium circulation device 11 outdoor unit 12 indoor unit 20 heat source side circuit 21 refrigerant pipe 22 compressor 23 intermediate heat exchanger (refrigerant/heat medium heat exchanger) 24 Expansion device 25 Heat source side heat exchanger 26 Outdoor fan 27 Electrical box 27a Case (first partition wall) 28 Soundproof plate (second partition) 29 partition (third partition) 30 use-side circuit 31 heat medium pipe 32 transfer pump 33 use-side heat exchanger 41 terminal device 50 gas release device 51 air vent valve 52 pressure relief valve 61a first vent 61b second vent 62a, 62b communicating pipes A, B , C space

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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Abstract

Provided is a heat medium circulation device comprising a heat source-side circuit 20, an outdoor blower 26, a utilization-side circuit 30, and an electrical box 27, wherein: a combustible refrigerant is enclosed in the heat source-side circuit 20; a heat medium is enclosed in the utilization-side circuit 30; the combustible refrigerant and the heat medium flow to the intermediate heat exchanger 23; heat medium piping 31 has at least a gas discharge device 50 made of an air vent valve 51 and a pressure relief valve 52; the gas discharge device 50 is stored in a space C; the space C and the electrical box 27 are isolated from each other by at least one partition wall, thereby reducing the risk that the electrical box 27, which has a high risk as an ignition source, ignites, and further improving safety in an outdoor unit 11 formed from the heat source-side circuit 20 using the combustible refrigerant, the refrigerant/heat medium heat exchanger 23, and the air vent valve 51 or pressure relief valve 52, which is a part of the utilization-side circuit 30.

Description

熱媒体循環装置Heat medium circulator
 本発明は、熱源側回路と利用側回路とを備えた熱媒体循環装置に関するものである。 The present invention relates to a heat medium circulating device having a heat source side circuit and a utilization side circuit.
 特許文献1は、可燃性冷媒を使用した熱源側回路と利用側回路とを備えたヒートポンプ装置を開示する。このヒートポンプ装置は、室外ユニットに、熱源側回路、熱媒体熱交換器、及び利用側回路を収容し、圧力リリーフ弁およびエアパージ弁の少なくとも一方からなる冷媒放出弁を利用側回路に設けている。
 そして、室外ユニットは熱源側回路の少なくとも圧縮機が設けられた第1空間を備え、第1空間から仕切られた第2空間に冷媒放出弁が設けられている。
Patent Literature 1 discloses a heat pump device that includes a heat source side circuit and a user side circuit that use a combustible refrigerant. In this heat pump device, an outdoor unit accommodates a heat source side circuit, a heat medium heat exchanger, and a user side circuit, and the user side circuit is provided with a refrigerant release valve comprising at least one of a pressure relief valve and an air purge valve.
The outdoor unit has a first space in which at least the compressor of the heat source side circuit is provided, and a refrigerant release valve is provided in a second space separated from the first space.
EP3312531B1(WO2018/047265A1)EP3312531B1 (WO2018/047265A1)
 本発明は、可燃性冷媒を使用した熱源側回路、冷媒/熱媒体熱交換器、および利用側回路の一部であるエア抜き弁や圧力逃し弁から構成された室外ユニットにおいて、可燃性冷媒が、万が一、漏洩した場合を想定し、このような場合でも電装ボックスが着火源とならないことによる安全性に優れた熱媒体循環装置を提供する。 The present invention provides an outdoor unit comprising a heat source side circuit using a flammable refrigerant, a refrigerant/heat medium heat exchanger, and an air vent valve and a pressure relief valve that are part of the user side circuit. To provide a heat medium circulating device excellent in safety by assuming the case of leakage, and preventing an electric equipment box from becoming an ignition source even in such a case.
 本発明における熱媒体循環装置は、圧縮機、中間熱交換器、膨張装置、および熱源側熱交換器が冷媒配管によって環状に順次接続される熱源側回路と、前記熱源側熱交換器に送風する室外送風機と、熱媒体を搬送する搬送ポンプ、前記中間熱交換器、および利用側熱交換器が熱媒体配管によって環状に順次接続される利用側回路と、前記圧縮機、前記膨張装置、および前記室外送風機の運転を制御する制御基板と電力供給部品とからなる電装ボックスと、を備え、前記熱源側回路には可燃性冷媒が封入され、前記利用側回路には前記熱媒体が封入され、前記中間熱交換器には、前記可燃性冷媒と前記熱媒体とが流れ、前記熱媒体配管には、少なくともエア抜き弁、または圧力逃し弁からなるガス放出装置を有し、前記ガス放出装置を空間Cに収納し、前記空間Cと前記電装ボックスとの間を少なくとも1つ以上の隔壁で隔離したものである。 A heat medium circulation device according to the present invention includes a heat source side circuit in which a compressor, an intermediate heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a heat source side heat exchanger are sequentially connected in a circular manner by refrigerant pipes, and blows air to the heat source side heat exchanger. A utilization side circuit in which an outdoor fan, a conveying pump for conveying a heat medium, the intermediate heat exchanger, and the utilization side heat exchanger are sequentially connected by heat medium piping in a circular manner, the compressor, the expansion device, and the an electrical box comprising a control board for controlling the operation of the outdoor fan and power supply parts; the heat source side circuit is filled with a combustible refrigerant; the user side circuit is filled with the heat medium; The combustible refrigerant and the heat medium flow through the intermediate heat exchanger, the heat medium pipe has a gas discharge device comprising at least an air vent valve or a pressure relief valve, and the gas discharge device is provided in a space. C, and the space C and the electrical equipment box are separated by at least one or more partition walls.
 本発明による熱媒体循環装置は、熱源側回路に封入されている可燃性冷媒が、中間熱交換器から漏洩すること、又は、中間熱交換器を介して利用側回路に混入することで、ガス放出装置から放出される場合でも、着火源となり得る電装ボックス内の電源端子や電子部品の接点に冷媒が到達する確率は極めて低くなる。これにより、電装ボックスにおける着火リスクを無くし、安全性をさらに向上させることができる。 In the heat medium circulation device according to the present invention, when the combustible refrigerant enclosed in the heat source side circuit leaks from the intermediate heat exchanger or mixes into the utilization side circuit via the intermediate heat exchanger, gas Even if the refrigerant is discharged from the discharging device, the probability that the refrigerant reaches the power supply terminal or the contact point of the electronic component inside the electrical box, which can be an ignition source, is extremely low. As a result, the risk of ignition in the electrical box can be eliminated, and safety can be further improved.
本発明の実施の形態1における熱媒体循環装置の概略構成図Schematic configuration diagram of a heat medium circulation device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention 本発明の実施の形態2における熱媒体循環装置の概略構成図Schematic configuration diagram of a heat medium circulation device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention 本発明の実施の形態3における熱媒体循環装置の概略構成図Schematic configuration diagram of a heat medium circulation device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention
 (本発明の基礎となった知見等)
 一般的に、熱媒体循環装置は、利用側回路において、機器設置時のエア抜きのためのエア抜き弁や、熱媒体圧力が所定圧力以上に上昇した場合の安全装置として圧力逃し弁が設置されている。そのため、可燃性冷媒が利用側回路に流入すると、エア抜き弁や圧力逃し弁を介して回路外に可燃性冷媒が放出されることになる。
 そのため、当該業界では、可燃性冷媒を使用した熱媒体循環装置の安全性を高めることを課題として、熱源側回路、冷媒/熱媒体熱交換器、および利用側回路の一部であるエア抜き弁や圧力逃し弁から構成された室外ユニットにおいて、着火リスクの高い電子部品それぞれの防爆性を高めて可能性冷媒が存在しても着火する確率を低減させるという製品設計が一般的であった。
 そうした状況下において、発明者らは、可燃性冷媒の着火確率を3つの要素(冷媒漏洩確率、着火源存在確率、および可燃性冷媒と着火源の遭遇確率)の積で表現できることをヒントにして、安全性を高めるためには、可燃性冷媒の着火確率を低減することが必要であると考えた。そのための一方策として、上記要素の可燃性冷媒と着火源の遭遇確率を低減することで対応可能という着想を得た。
 そして、発明者らは、その着想を実現するには、可燃性冷媒と着火源ができるだけ遭遇しないように、多重安全設計の追究が必要という課題があることを発見した。そして、その課題を解決するために、本発明の主題を構成するに至った。
(Knowledge, etc. on which the present invention is based)
In general, a heat medium circulator is equipped with an air vent valve for removing air when equipment is installed, and a pressure relief valve as a safety device when the heat medium pressure rises above a predetermined pressure in the user side circuit. ing. Therefore, when the flammable refrigerant flows into the utilization side circuit, the flammable refrigerant is released outside the circuit via the air vent valve and the pressure relief valve.
Therefore, in this industry, as an issue to improve the safety of the heat medium circulation device using the flammable refrigerant, the heat source side circuit, the refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger, and the air vent valve which is a part of the user side circuit In the outdoor unit, which consists of an air conditioner and a pressure relief valve, the general product design is to increase the explosion-proofness of each electronic component with a high ignition risk to reduce the probability of ignition even if a potential refrigerant exists.
Under such circumstances, the inventors have hinted that the ignition probability of a flammable refrigerant can be expressed as the product of three elements (probability of refrigerant leakage, probability of ignition source existence, and probability of encounter between flammable refrigerant and ignition source). Therefore, in order to improve safety, we thought it necessary to reduce the ignition probability of the flammable refrigerant. As a measure for that, we got the idea that it is possible to deal with it by reducing the encounter probability between the combustible refrigerant and the ignition source of the above elements.
In order to realize the idea, the inventors have found that there is a need to pursue a multiple safety design so that the combustible refrigerant and the ignition source do not come into contact with each other as much as possible. Then, in order to solve the problem, the main subject of the present invention was constructed.
 そこで、本発明は、圧縮機、中間熱交換器、膨張装置、および熱源側熱交換器が冷媒配管によって環状に順次接続される熱源側回路と、熱源側熱交換器に送風する室外送風機と、熱媒体を搬送する搬送ポンプ、中間熱交換器、および利用側熱交換器が熱媒体配管によって環状に順次接続される利用側回路と、圧縮機、膨張装置、および室外送風機の運転を制御する制御基板と電力供給部品とからなる電装ボックスと、を備え、熱源側回路には可燃性冷媒が封入され、利用側回路には熱媒体が封入され、中間熱交換器には、可燃性冷媒と熱媒体とが流れ、熱媒体配管には、少なくともエア抜き弁、または圧力逃し弁からなるガス放出装置を有し、ガス放出装置を空間Cに収納し、空間Cと電装ボックスとの間を少なくとも1つ以上の隔壁で隔離した熱媒体循環装置を提供する。 Therefore, the present invention provides a heat source side circuit in which a compressor, an intermediate heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a heat source side heat exchanger are sequentially connected in a circular manner by refrigerant pipes, an outdoor fan that blows air to the heat source side heat exchanger, A control that controls the operation of a user-side circuit in which a transfer pump that transports the heat medium, an intermediate heat exchanger, and a user-side heat exchanger are sequentially connected by heat medium piping in a circular fashion, a compressor, an expansion device, and an outdoor fan. an electrical box comprising a circuit board and power supply parts, a flammable refrigerant is sealed in the heat source side circuit, a heat medium is sealed in the user side circuit, and the intermediate heat exchanger contains the flammable refrigerant and heat. The heat medium pipe has a gas release device consisting of at least an air vent valve or a pressure relief valve, the gas release device is housed in the space C, and there is at least one space between the space C and the electrical box. To provide a heat medium circulation device isolated by one or more partitions.
 以下、図面を参照しながら、実施の形態を詳細に説明する。但し、必要以上に詳細な説明は省略する場合がある。例えば、既によく知られた事項の詳細説明、または、実質的に同一の構成に対する重複説明を省略する場合がある。
 なお、添付図面および以下の説明は、当業者が本発明を十分に理解するために提供されるのであって、これらにより特許請求の範囲に記載の主題を限定することを意図していない。
Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or redundant descriptions of substantially the same configurations may be omitted.
It should be noted that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided for a thorough understanding of the invention by those skilled in the art and are not intended to limit the claimed subject matter thereby.
(実施の形態1)
 [1-1.構成]
 図1は、本発明の実施の形態1における熱媒体循環装置の概略構成図を示すものである。図1において、熱媒体循環装置10は室外ユニット11と室内ユニット12により構成されている。
 熱源側回路20は、圧縮機22、中間熱交換器(冷媒/熱媒体熱交換器)23、膨張装置24、および熱源側熱交換器25が冷媒配管21によって環状に順次接続されている。室外送風機26は熱源側熱交換器25に送風する。熱源側回路20には可燃性冷媒が封入されている。
 利用側回路30は、熱媒体を搬送する搬送ポンプ32、中間熱交換器23、および利用側熱交換器33が熱媒体配管31によって環状に順次接続されている。利用側回路30には熱媒体が封入されている。中間熱交換器23には、可燃性冷媒と熱媒体とが流れる。
(Embodiment 1)
[1-1. composition]
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a heat medium circulation device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In FIG. 1 , a heat medium circulation device 10 is composed of an outdoor unit 11 and an indoor unit 12 .
In the heat source side circuit 20 , a compressor 22 , an intermediate heat exchanger (refrigerant/heat medium heat exchanger) 23 , an expansion device 24 , and a heat source side heat exchanger 25 are annularly connected in sequence by a refrigerant pipe 21 . The outdoor air blower 26 blows air to the heat source side heat exchanger 25 . A combustible refrigerant is sealed in the heat source side circuit 20 .
In the utilization side circuit 30 , a transfer pump 32 that conveys the heat medium, an intermediate heat exchanger 23 , and a utilization side heat exchanger 33 are sequentially connected in a loop by a heat medium pipe 31 . A heat medium is enclosed in the utilization side circuit 30 . A combustible refrigerant and a heat medium flow through the intermediate heat exchanger 23 .
 冷媒は、熱源側熱交換器25において外気より吸熱して、圧縮機22にて高温高圧に圧縮され、中間熱交換器23において放熱する。熱媒体は、中間熱交換器23において可燃性冷媒と熱交換して加熱され、搬送ポンプ32によって利用側回路30を循環することにより、利用側熱交換器33で放熱する。また、室内ユニット12には端末機器41が接続され、端末機器41は温水暖房や、給湯に利用される。熱媒体には水または不凍液が用いられる。 The refrigerant absorbs heat from the outside air in the heat source side heat exchanger 25 , is compressed to a high temperature and high pressure in the compressor 22 , and releases heat in the intermediate heat exchanger 23 . The heat medium is heated by exchanging heat with the combustible refrigerant in the intermediate heat exchanger 23 , circulates through the utilization side circuit 30 by the conveying pump 32 , and radiates heat in the utilization side heat exchanger 33 . A terminal device 41 is connected to the indoor unit 12, and the terminal device 41 is used for hot water heating and hot water supply. Water or antifreeze is used as the heat medium.
 室外ユニット11には、圧縮機22、中間熱交換器23、膨張装置24、熱源側熱交換器25、室外送風機26、および電装ボックス27が設置されている。
 室内ユニット12には搬送ポンプ32および利用側熱交換器33が設置されている。
 室外ユニット11と室内ユニット12とは熱媒体配管31によって接続されている。
 電装ボックス27は、圧縮機22、膨張装置24、および室外送風機26の運転を制御する制御基板と電力供給部品とからなる。
 熱媒体配管31には、少なくともエア抜き弁51、または圧力逃し弁52からなるガス放出装置50を有している。エア抜き弁51は利用側回路30内に含まれる気相成分を排出する。圧力逃し弁52は、利用側回路30の圧力過昇時に作動する。
The outdoor unit 11 is provided with a compressor 22 , an intermediate heat exchanger 23 , an expansion device 24 , a heat source side heat exchanger 25 , an outdoor fan 26 and an electrical box 27 .
A conveying pump 32 and a user-side heat exchanger 33 are installed in the indoor unit 12 .
The outdoor unit 11 and the indoor unit 12 are connected by a heat medium pipe 31 .
The electrical equipment box 27 is composed of a control board and power supply parts for controlling the operation of the compressor 22, the expansion device 24, and the outdoor fan 26. FIG.
The heat medium pipe 31 has a gas release device 50 comprising at least an air vent valve 51 or a pressure relief valve 52 . The air vent valve 51 discharges gas phase components contained in the utilization side circuit 30 . The pressure relief valve 52 operates when the pressure in the utilization side circuit 30 rises excessively.
 室外ユニット11には、空間A、空間B、および空間Cを形成している。
 空間Aには、圧縮機22と膨張装置24とが設置されている。空間Bには、熱源側熱交換器25と室外送風機26と電装ボックス27とが設置されている。空間Cには、利用側熱交換器33とガス放出装置50とが設置されている。
 電装ボックス27は筐体27aで覆われており、筐体27aは第1隔壁として機能する。
 圧縮機22が設置される空間Aと電装ボックス27が配置される空間Bとは、防音板28により仕切られて隔離され、防音板28は第2隔壁として機能する。
 空間Aと空間Cとの間は隔壁29で隔離され、隔壁29は第3隔壁として機能する。
 このように、電装ボックス27と空間Cとは、第1隔壁27a、第2隔壁28、および第3隔壁29で隔離されている。中間熱交換器23とガス放出装置50とを空間Cに収納し、空間Cと電装ボックス27との間を少なくとも1つ以上の隔壁で隔離する。そうすることで、熱源側回路20に封入されている可燃性冷媒が、中間熱交換器23から漏洩すること、又は、中間熱交換器23を介して利用側回路30に混入することで、ガス放出装置50から放出される場合でも、着火源となり得る電装ボックス27内の電源端子や電子部品の接点に冷媒が到達する確率は極めて低くなる。これにより、電装ボックス27における着火リスクを低減でき、安全性をさらに向上させることができる。
 電装ボックス27は空間Bにおいて最上部に設置され、かつ空間Cは空間Aにおいて最下部に設置されている。このように、電装ボックス27を空間B内の上方に配置し、空間Cを空間A内の下方に配置することが好ましい。
A space A, a space B, and a space C are formed in the outdoor unit 11 .
In the space A, a compressor 22 and an expansion device 24 are installed. In the space B, a heat source side heat exchanger 25, an outdoor fan 26, and an electrical box 27 are installed. In the space C, a utilization side heat exchanger 33 and a gas discharge device 50 are installed.
The electrical equipment box 27 is covered with a housing 27a, and the housing 27a functions as a first partition.
A space A in which the compressor 22 is installed and a space B in which the electrical box 27 is arranged are separated by a soundproof plate 28, and the soundproof plate 28 functions as a second partition wall.
A partition wall 29 separates the space A and the space C, and the partition wall 29 functions as a third partition wall.
Thus, the electrical equipment box 27 and the space C are separated by the first partition 27 a , the second partition 28 , and the third partition 29 . The intermediate heat exchanger 23 and the gas discharge device 50 are accommodated in the space C, and the space C and the electrical equipment box 27 are separated by at least one or more partition walls. By doing so, the combustible refrigerant enclosed in the heat source side circuit 20 leaks from the intermediate heat exchanger 23 or mixes into the utilization side circuit 30 via the intermediate heat exchanger 23, resulting in gas Even if the refrigerant is discharged from the discharge device 50, the probability of the refrigerant reaching the power supply terminals and the contacts of the electronic parts inside the electrical equipment box 27, which can be an ignition source, is extremely low. As a result, the risk of ignition in the electrical box 27 can be reduced, and safety can be further improved.
The electrical equipment box 27 is installed at the top of the space B, and the space C is installed at the bottom of the space A. Thus, it is preferable to arrange the electrical equipment box 27 above the space B and arrange the space C below the space A. As shown in FIG.
 また、室内ユニット12は、被空調空間に設置され、熱媒体を搬送する搬送ポンプ32、および熱媒体と熱交換する利用側熱交換器33から構成されている。
 室外ユニット11は、3つの空間A、空間B、および空間Cにそれぞれ、隔壁27a、28、29により物理的に隔離されている。
 圧縮機22が収納される空間Aと、電装ボックス27、熱源側熱交換器25、および室外送風機26が収納される空間Bとは、防音板28により仕切られている。かつ、電装ボックス27は空間Bにおいて上方に設置されている。
 圧力逃し弁52はガスを放出する連通管62aを有している。連通管62aは、空間Aおよび空間Bを通ることなく、室外ユニット11外にガスを放出する。
The indoor unit 12 is installed in a space to be air-conditioned, and is composed of a carrier pump 32 that carries a heat medium and a use-side heat exchanger 33 that exchanges heat with the heat medium.
The outdoor unit 11 is physically separated into three spaces A, B and C by partition walls 27a, 28 and 29, respectively.
A space A in which the compressor 22 is housed and a space B in which the electric equipment box 27, the heat source side heat exchanger 25, and the outdoor fan 26 are housed are partitioned by a soundproof plate 28. FIG. In addition, the electrical equipment box 27 is installed upward in the space B. As shown in FIG.
The pressure relief valve 52 has a communication pipe 62a for releasing gas. The communicating pipe 62a releases the gas to the outside of the outdoor unit 11 without passing through the space A and the space B.
 [1-2.動作]
 以上のように構成された熱媒体循環装置10について、以下その動作、作用を説明する。
 図1に基づいて、熱媒体循環装置10の作用を説明する。
 熱媒体循環装置10の熱源側回路20において可燃性冷媒の漏洩が発生した場合でも、着火源となり得る電装ボックス27の筐体27a内に設置された電源端子や電子部品の接点に冷媒が到達する確率は低くなる。
 また、複数の伝熱隔壁(図示せず)が、冷媒/熱媒体熱交換器23における冷媒と熱媒体との間に具備されている。複数の伝熱隔壁のうち一部が何らかの原因で破損すると、圧力の高い熱源側回路20の冷媒が圧力の低い利用側回路30に流入するリスクがある。また、冷媒/熱媒体熱交換器23における熱媒体側流路が凍結膨張して亀裂が発生した場合、冷媒/熱媒体熱交換器23の空間C側に冷媒が漏洩するリスクがある。
 そのような場合でも、空間C内の利用側回路30におけるエア抜き弁51、圧力逃し弁52、および冷媒/熱媒体熱交換器23は、隔壁29により空間Aと隔離され、更に空間Aと空間Bとは防音壁28で隔離されている。そのため、可燃性冷媒が利用側回路30に流入してエア抜き弁51や圧力逃し弁52から放出される。または、可燃性冷媒が冷媒/熱媒体熱交換器23から漏洩することになったとしても、着火源となるリスクの高い電装ボックス27は空間B内にあり、電装ボックス27の筐体27a内にある電源端子や電子部品と空間Cとの間には、電装ボックス27の筐体27a、空間Cの隔壁29、および防音板28の三重の隔壁27a、28、29で隔離されている。そのため、空間C内に拡散した可燃性冷媒が、三重の隔壁27a、28、29を介して電装ボックス27に到達する確率は、大幅に低くなる。
 更に、熱媒体循環装置10の熱源側回路20に使用する可燃性冷媒が空気より比重が高い場合、空間Cは空間Aにおいて最下部に設置されており、かつ電装ボックス27は空間Bにおいて最上部に設置されている。そのため、空間C内に拡散した空気より重い冷媒が、上方に位置する電装ボックス27に到達する確率は、更に低くなる。
[1-2. motion]
The operation and action of the heat medium circulation device 10 configured as described above will be described below.
Based on FIG. 1, the operation of the heat medium circulation device 10 will be described.
Even if a flammable refrigerant leaks in the heat source side circuit 20 of the heat medium circulation device 10, the refrigerant reaches the power supply terminals and contacts of electronic parts installed inside the housing 27a of the electrical box 27, which can become an ignition source. less likely to do so.
A plurality of heat transfer partitions (not shown) are also provided between the refrigerant and heat medium in the refrigerant/heat medium heat exchanger 23 . If some of the plurality of heat transfer partitions are damaged for some reason, there is a risk that the refrigerant in the heat source side circuit 20 with high pressure will flow into the utilization side circuit 30 with low pressure. Further, if the heat medium side passage in the refrigerant/heat medium heat exchanger 23 freezes and expands and cracks occur, there is a risk that the refrigerant will leak to the space C side of the refrigerant/heat medium heat exchanger 23 .
Even in such a case, the air vent valve 51, the pressure relief valve 52, and the refrigerant/heat medium heat exchanger 23 in the utilization side circuit 30 in the space C are isolated from the space A by the partition wall 29, and the space A and the space are separated from each other. B is separated by a soundproof wall 28 . Therefore, the combustible refrigerant flows into the utilization side circuit 30 and is released from the air vent valve 51 and the pressure relief valve 52 . Alternatively, even if the flammable refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant/heat medium heat exchanger 23, the electrical equipment box 27, which has a high risk of becoming an ignition source, is in the space B, and the electrical equipment box 27 is located in the housing 27a of the electrical equipment box 27. The space C is isolated from the power supply terminals and electronic components in the space C by the housing 27a of the electrical equipment box 27, the partition wall 29 of the space C, and the triple partition walls 27a, 28, and 29 of the soundproof plate . Therefore, the probability that the flammable refrigerant diffused in the space C reaches the electrical equipment box 27 via the triple partition walls 27a, 28, 29 is greatly reduced.
Furthermore, when the combustible refrigerant used in the heat source side circuit 20 of the heat medium circulation device 10 has a higher specific gravity than air, the space C is installed at the bottom in the space A, and the electrical box 27 is installed at the top in the space B. is installed in Therefore, the probability that the refrigerant heavier than air diffused in the space C reaches the electrical equipment box 27 positioned above is even lower.
[1-3.効果等]
 以上のように、本実施の形態において、電装ボックス27を、圧縮機22が格納される空間Aから隔離された空間Bにおいて最上部に設置する。かつ隔壁29で囲った空間Cは空間A内において最下部に設置され、空間C内にエア抜き弁51、圧力逃し弁52、冷媒/熱媒体熱交換器23を収納している。
 これにより、熱源側回路20において、可燃性冷媒の漏洩が発生した場合でも、利用側回路30において、着火源となり得る電装ボックス27の筐体27a内の電源端子や電子部品の接点に冷媒が到達する確率は低くなる。
 また、エア抜き弁51、圧力逃し弁52、および冷媒/熱媒体熱交換器23から可燃性冷媒が放出された場合でも、三重の隔壁27a、28、29の隙間を介して空気より重い可燃性冷媒が、空間C内より、空間Bにおいて最上部に設置されている電装ボックス27の筐体27a内の電源端子や電子部品の接点に到達する確率(着火源遭遇確率)は、大幅に小さくなる。また、一重の隔壁の隙間を介して空間C内より可燃性冷媒が、空間A内の圧縮機22や冷媒部品の電源部に到達して燃焼下限濃度(LFL)に至る確率(着火源遭遇確率)は、大幅に小さくなる。
 そのため、装置運転の有無に拘らず、電装ボックス27、および圧縮機22や冷媒部品における着火リスクが小さくなるため、安全性をさらに向上させた熱媒体循環装置10を提供できる。
[1-3. effects, etc.]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the electrical equipment box 27 is installed at the top of the space B isolated from the space A in which the compressor 22 is stored. A space C surrounded by a partition wall 29 is installed at the lowest part of the space A, and accommodates an air vent valve 51, a pressure relief valve 52, and a refrigerant/heat medium heat exchanger 23 in the space C.
As a result, even if a flammable refrigerant leaks in the heat source side circuit 20, the refrigerant will not leak to the power supply terminals and electronic component contacts inside the housing 27a of the electrical box 27, which can become an ignition source in the user side circuit 30. less likely to arrive.
In addition, even when the flammable refrigerant is released from the air vent valve 51, the pressure relief valve 52, and the refrigerant/heat medium heat exchanger 23, the flammable refrigerant heavier than air passes through the gaps of the triple partition walls 27a, 28, and 29. The probability (probability of encountering an ignition source) that the coolant reaches the power supply terminals and the contacts of the electronic components in the housing 27a of the electrical box 27 installed at the top of the space B rather than the space C is significantly smaller. Become. In addition, the probability that the combustible refrigerant from the space C reaches the compressor 22 in the space A and the power supply part of the refrigerant parts through the gap of the single partition wall and reaches the lower limit of combustion concentration (LFL) (ignition source encounter probability) is significantly reduced.
Therefore, regardless of whether the device is in operation or not, the risk of ignition in the electrical box 27, the compressor 22, and the refrigerant parts is reduced, so that the heat medium circulation device 10 with further improved safety can be provided.
(実施の形態2)
 [2-1.構成]
 図2は、本発明の実施の形態2における熱媒体循環装置の概略構成図を示すものである。図2において、基本構成は実施の形態1と同様である。すなわち、熱媒体循環装置10が室外ユニット11および室内ユニット12により構成され、室外ユニット11が3つの空間A、空間B、および空間Cを有し、空間A、空間B、および空間Cがそれぞれ、隔壁27a、28、29により物理的に隔離されている。
 本発明の実施の形態2では、空間Cに室外ユニット11外の空気を導入し、空間C内の空気を室外ユニット11外に排出する通気口61a、61bを有している。
 図2中の空間Cの上方に外気の導入、および換気ができる第1通気口61a、空間Cの下方に外気の導入、および換気ができる第2通気口61bを備えている。
 通気口61a、61bは、空間Cと空間Aとを連通させず、空間Cと空間Bとを連通させない。
(Embodiment 2)
[2-1. composition]
FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a heat medium circulation device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In FIG. 2, the basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. That is, the heat medium circulation device 10 is composed of an outdoor unit 11 and an indoor unit 12, the outdoor unit 11 has three spaces A, B, and C, and the spaces A, B, and C are each They are physically isolated by partition walls 27a, 28, and 29. FIG.
In Embodiment 2 of the present invention, the air outside the outdoor unit 11 is introduced into the space C, and the air in the space C is discharged to the outside of the outdoor unit 11 with vents 61a and 61b.
A first ventilation port 61a capable of introducing and ventilating outside air is provided above the space C in FIG.
The air vents 61a and 61b do not allow the space C and the space A to communicate with each other, and do not allow the space C and the space B to communicate with each other.
 [2-2.動作]
 以上のように構成された熱媒体循環装置10について、その動作、作用を説明する。
 空間Cにあるエア抜き弁51、圧力逃し弁52、および冷媒/熱媒体熱交換器23より可燃性冷媒が放出された場合、第1通気口61a、および第2通気口61bより外気が流入し、空間C内で空気と漏洩冷媒が混合される。
 2つの通気口61a、61bが存在している。そのため、どちらか一方の通気口より、外気が流入する気流と、他方の通気口より、空間C内の空気と漏洩冷媒の混合気体が室外ユニット11の外部へ流出する気流が発生する。
[2-2. motion]
The operation and action of the heat medium circulation device 10 configured as described above will be described.
When the combustible refrigerant is released from the air vent valve 51, the pressure relief valve 52, and the refrigerant/heat medium heat exchanger 23 in the space C, outside air flows in through the first vent port 61a and the second vent port 61b. , the air and the leaked refrigerant are mixed in the space C. As shown in FIG.
There are two vents 61a, 61b. Therefore, an airflow in which the outside air flows in from one of the vents, and an airflow in which the mixed gas of the air in the space C and the leaked refrigerant flows out of the outdoor unit 11 from the other vent is generated.
[2-3.効果等]
 以上のように、本実施の形態において、空間Cの上方に外気の導入、および換気ができる第1通気口61a、空間Cの下方に外気の導入、および換気ができる第2通気口61bを備えている。
 これにより、空間Cにあるエア抜き弁51、圧力逃し弁52、および冷媒/熱媒体熱交換器23より可燃性冷媒が放出された場合でも、第1通気口61a、第2通気口61bのどちらか一方より外気が流入し、他方より空間C内で空気と混合された漏洩冷媒が室外ユニット11の外部へ排出する。
 そのため、空間Cに滞留する可燃性冷媒量が減少して空間Cにおける冷媒濃度が低下し、空間A内にある圧縮機22の電源部や空間Cにある電装ボックス27内の電源端子や電子部品の接点に到達する冷媒濃度が、燃焼下限濃度(LFL)に到達する確率は、大幅に小さくなる。よって、電装ボックス27における着火リスクをさらに低減することができる。
 また、エア抜き弁51、圧力逃し弁52、および冷媒/熱媒体熱交換器23が収納されている空間Cは、運転音が騒音となる圧縮機22が収納されている空間Aとは隔壁で隔離されている。そのため、圧縮機22の運転音が空間Cの第1通気口61aや第2通気口61bから室外ユニット11の外部に伝播しない。
 そのため、利用側回路30に冷媒が漏洩して空間Cに可燃性冷媒が拡散しても、圧縮機22の運転音を機外へ伝播させることなく、電装ボックス27における着火確率を低減できる。よって、安全性確保と静粛性確保の両立が可能となる。
[2-3. effects, etc.]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the first vent 61a capable of introducing and ventilating the outside air is provided above the space C, and the second vent 61b capable of introducing and ventilating the outside air is provided below the space C. ing.
As a result, even if the combustible refrigerant is released from the air vent valve 51, the pressure relief valve 52, and the refrigerant/heat medium heat exchanger 23 in the space C, either the first ventilation port 61a or the second ventilation port 61b Outside air flows in from either one, and leaked refrigerant mixed with air in the space C is discharged from the other to the outside of the outdoor unit 11 .
Therefore, the amount of combustible refrigerant staying in the space C decreases, the refrigerant concentration in the space C decreases, and the power source of the compressor 22 in the space A and the power terminals and electronic parts in the electrical box 27 in the space C The probability that the refrigerant concentration reaching the junction of will reach the lower flammability limit (LFL) is greatly reduced. Therefore, the risk of ignition in the electrical equipment box 27 can be further reduced.
Further, the space C in which the air vent valve 51, the pressure relief valve 52, and the refrigerant/heat medium heat exchanger 23 are accommodated is separated from the space A in which the compressor 22, which causes noise during operation, is partitioned. isolated. Therefore, the operating sound of the compressor 22 does not propagate to the outside of the outdoor unit 11 from the first vent 61a and the second vent 61b of the space C.
Therefore, even if the refrigerant leaks to the utilization side circuit 30 and the combustible refrigerant diffuses into the space C, the operating noise of the compressor 22 does not propagate outside the apparatus, and the ignition probability in the electrical box 27 can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to ensure both safety and quietness.
(実施の形態3)
 図3は、本発明の実施の形態3における熱媒体循環装置の概略構成図を示すものである。図3において、基本構成は実施の形態1と同様である。すなわち、熱媒体循環装置10が室外ユニット11および室内ユニット12により構成され、室外ユニット11が3つの空間A、空間B、および空間Cを有し、空間A、空間B、および空間Cがそれぞれ、隔壁27a、28、29により物理的に隔離されている。
 図3中の空間C内には、エア抜き弁51の排気口と外気を連通する連通管62bを備えている。このように、ガス放出装置50はガスを放出する連通管62a、62bを有し、連通管62a、62bは、空間Aおよび空間Bを通ることなく、室外ユニット11外にガスを放出する。
(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a heat medium circulation device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In FIG. 3, the basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. That is, the heat medium circulation device 10 is composed of an outdoor unit 11 and an indoor unit 12, the outdoor unit 11 has three spaces A, B, and C, and the spaces A, B, and C are each They are physically isolated by partition walls 27a, 28, and 29. FIG.
A communication pipe 62b is provided in the space C in FIG. 3 to communicate the exhaust port of the air vent valve 51 with the outside air. As described above, the gas discharge device 50 has communication pipes 62a and 62b for discharging gas, and the communication pipes 62a and 62b discharge gas to the outside of the outdoor unit 11 without passing through the space A and the space B.
 [3-2.動作]
 以上のように構成された熱媒体循環装置10について、その動作、作用を説明する。
 空間Cにあるエア抜き弁51より可燃性冷媒が放出された場合、冷媒が空間C内に排出されることはなく、連通管62bを介して直接、室外ユニット11の外部へ排出される。
[3-2. motion]
The operation and action of the heat medium circulation device 10 configured as described above will be described.
When the flammable refrigerant is released from the air vent valve 51 in the space C, the refrigerant is not discharged into the space C, but is discharged directly to the outside of the outdoor unit 11 via the communicating pipe 62b.
[3-3.効果等]
 以上のように、本実施の形態において、空間C内において、エア抜き弁51の排気口と外気を連通する連通管62bを備えている。
 これにより、空間Cにあるエア抜き弁51より可燃性冷媒が放出された場合でも、冷媒が空間C内に排出されることはなく、連通管62bを介して直接、室外ユニッ11の外部へ排出される。
 そのため、空間C内に可燃性冷媒が滞留することがないため、利用側回路30から放出された冷媒が、空間A内にある圧縮機22の電源部や空間Cにある電装ボックス27内の電源端子や電子部品の接点に到達することがなくなる。
 その結果、空間Cにあるエア抜き弁51を介して可燃性冷媒が放出された場合でも、圧縮機22の電源部や電装ボックス27内の電源端子や電子部品の接点が着火源になることがなくなる。よって、安全性を更に向上させた熱媒体循環装置10を提供できる。
[3-3. effects, etc.]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the space C is provided with the communication pipe 62b that communicates the exhaust port of the air vent valve 51 with the outside air.
As a result, even if the flammable refrigerant is discharged from the air vent valve 51 in the space C, the refrigerant is not discharged into the space C, and is directly discharged to the outside of the outdoor unit 11 through the communication pipe 62b. be done.
Therefore, since the combustible refrigerant does not stay in the space C, the refrigerant released from the usage side circuit 30 is discharged from the power source of the compressor 22 in the space A and the power source in the electrical box 27 in the space C. It is no longer possible to reach terminals and contacts of electronic components.
As a result, even if the combustible refrigerant is discharged through the air vent valve 51 in the space C, the power source of the compressor 22, the power terminals in the electrical box 27, and the contacts of the electronic components become ignition sources. disappears. Therefore, it is possible to provide the heat medium circulation device 10 with further improved safety.
 なお、上述の実施の形態は、本発明における技術を例示するためのものであるから、特許請求の範囲またはその均等の範囲において種々の変更、置き換え、付加、省略などを行うことができる。 It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present invention, and various modifications, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. can be made within the scope of the claims or equivalents thereof.
 本発明は、熱源側回路において可燃性冷媒の漏洩が発生した場合でも、熱媒体循環装置において、着火源となり得る電装ボックス内の電源端子や電子部品の接点に冷媒が到達する確率は低くなる。かつ熱源側回路から可燃性冷媒が中間熱交換器を介して利用側回路に漏洩して、エア抜き弁、圧力逃し弁、および中間熱交換器から可燃性冷媒が放出された場合でも、着火源となり得る電装ボックス内の電源端子や電子部品の接点に冷媒が到達する確率は更に低くなる。
 そのため、可燃性冷媒を使用した熱媒体循環装置において、電装ボックスにおける着火リスクを低減でき、安全性をさらに向上させ装置を提供することが可能になる。よって、水や不凍液などの熱媒体を加熱し、生成された温水や温風を使用する暖房機器や、水や不凍液などの熱媒体を冷却、冷凍に使用する装置、すなわち、本発明は、冷凍、冷蔵、空調、給湯等を行う装置に適用可能である。
According to the present invention, even if a flammable refrigerant leaks in the heat source side circuit, the probability that the refrigerant reaches the power supply terminal or the contact point of the electronic component in the electrical box, which can be an ignition source, in the heat medium circulation device is reduced. . In addition, even if the combustible refrigerant leaks from the heat source side circuit to the utilization side circuit via the intermediate heat exchanger and the combustible refrigerant is released from the air vent valve, the pressure relief valve, and the intermediate heat exchanger, it will not ignite. The probability that the coolant will reach the power supply terminals in the electrical equipment box and the contacts of the electronic parts, which can be the source of the coolant, is further reduced.
Therefore, in a heat medium circulation device using a flammable refrigerant, the risk of ignition in the electrical equipment box can be reduced, and the safety can be further improved to provide the device. Therefore, the present invention includes heating equipment that heats a heat medium such as water or antifreeze liquid and uses the generated hot water or hot air, or a device that uses a heat medium such as water or antifreeze liquid for cooling or freezing. , refrigeration, air conditioning, hot water supply, and the like.
 10 熱媒体循環装置
 11 室外ユニット
 12 室内ユニット
 20 熱源側回路
 21 冷媒配管
 22 圧縮機
 23 中間熱交換器(冷媒/熱媒体熱交換器)
 24 膨張装置
 25 熱源側熱交換器
 26 室外送風機
 27 電装ボックス
 27a 筐体(第1隔壁)
 28 防音板(第2隔壁)
 29 隔壁(第3隔壁)
 30 利用側回路
 31 熱媒体配管
 32 搬送ポンプ
 33 利用側熱交換器
 41 端末機器
 50 ガス放出装置
 51 エア抜き弁
 52 圧力逃し弁
 61a 第1通気口
 61b 第2通気口
 62a、62b 連通管
 A、B、C 空間

 
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 heat medium circulation device 11 outdoor unit 12 indoor unit 20 heat source side circuit 21 refrigerant pipe 22 compressor 23 intermediate heat exchanger (refrigerant/heat medium heat exchanger)
24 Expansion device 25 Heat source side heat exchanger 26 Outdoor fan 27 Electrical box 27a Case (first partition wall)
28 Soundproof plate (second partition)
29 partition (third partition)
30 use-side circuit 31 heat medium pipe 32 transfer pump 33 use-side heat exchanger 41 terminal device 50 gas release device 51 air vent valve 52 pressure relief valve 61a first vent 61b second vent 62a, 62b communicating pipes A, B , C space

Claims (5)

  1.  圧縮機、中間熱交換器、膨張装置、および熱源側熱交換器が冷媒配管によって環状に順次接続される熱源側回路と、
    前記熱源側熱交換器に送風する室外送風機と、
    熱媒体を搬送する搬送ポンプ、前記中間熱交換器、および利用側熱交換器が熱媒体配管によって環状に順次接続される利用側回路と、
    前記圧縮機、前記膨張装置、および前記室外送風機の運転を制御する制御基板と電力供給部品とからなる電装ボックスと、
    を備え、
    前記熱源側回路には可燃性冷媒が封入され、
    前記利用側回路には前記熱媒体が封入され、
    前記中間熱交換器には、前記可燃性冷媒と前記熱媒体とが流れ、
    前記熱媒体配管には、少なくともエア抜き弁、または圧力逃し弁からなるガス放出装置を有し、
    前記ガス放出装置を空間Cに収納し、
    前記空間Cと前記電装ボックスとの間を少なくとも1つ以上の隔壁で隔離した
    ことを特徴とする熱媒体循環装置。
    a heat source side circuit in which the compressor, the intermediate heat exchanger, the expansion device, and the heat source side heat exchanger are sequentially connected in a circular manner by refrigerant piping;
    an outdoor fan that blows air to the heat source side heat exchanger;
    a utilization-side circuit in which a conveying pump for conveying a heat medium, the intermediate heat exchanger, and the utilization-side heat exchanger are sequentially connected in a circular manner by heat medium piping;
    an electrical box comprising a control board for controlling the operation of the compressor, the expansion device, and the outdoor fan, and power supply parts;
    with
    A combustible refrigerant is sealed in the heat source side circuit,
    The heat medium is enclosed in the utilization side circuit,
    the combustible refrigerant and the heat medium flow through the intermediate heat exchanger;
    The heat medium pipe has a gas discharge device consisting of at least an air vent valve or a pressure relief valve,
    housing the gas discharge device in the space C,
    A heat medium circulation device, wherein the space C and the electrical equipment box are separated by at least one or more partition walls.
  2.  前記隔壁として、第1隔壁と、第2隔壁と、第3隔壁とを有し、
    前記電装ボックスの筐体を前記第1隔壁とし、
    前記圧縮機が設置される空間Aと前記電装ボックスが配置される空間Bとを前記第2隔壁で隔離し、
    前記空間Aと前記空間Cとを前記第3隔壁で隔離し、
    前記電装ボックスと前記空間Cとは、前記第1隔壁、前記第2隔壁、および前記第3隔壁で隔離される
    ことを特徴とする請求項1に記載の熱媒体循環装置。
    having a first partition, a second partition, and a third partition as the partition,
    The housing of the electrical box is the first partition wall,
    A space A in which the compressor is installed and a space B in which the electrical box is arranged are separated by the second partition,
    The space A and the space C are separated by the third partition,
    2. The heat medium circulation device according to claim 1, wherein the electrical box and the space C are separated by the first partition, the second partition, and the third partition.
  3.  前記電装ボックスを前記空間B内の上方に配置し、
    前記空間Cを前記空間A内の下方に配置した
    ことを特徴とする請求項2に記載の熱媒体循環装置。
    disposing the electrical box above the space B,
    3. The heat medium circulation device according to claim 2, wherein the space C is arranged below the space A.
  4.  前記空間A、前記空間B、および前記空間Cを室外ユニットに形成し、
    前記空間Cに前記室外ユニット外の空気を導入し、前記空間C内の空気を前記室外ユニット外に排出する通気口を有し、
    前記通気口は、前記空間Cと前記空間Aとを連通させず、前記空間Cと前記空間Bとを連通させない
    ことを特徴とする請求項2に記載の熱媒体循環装置。
    forming the space A, the space B, and the space C in an outdoor unit;
    having a vent for introducing the air outside the outdoor unit into the space C and discharging the air in the space C to the outside of the outdoor unit;
    3. The heat medium circulation device according to claim 2, wherein the ventilation port does not allow the space C and the space A to communicate with each other, and does not allow the space C and the space B to communicate with each other.
  5.  前記空間A、前記空間B、および前記空間Cを室外ユニットに形成し、
    前記ガス放出装置はガスを放出する連通管を有し、
    前記連通管は、前記空間Aおよび前記空間Bを通ることなく、前記室外ユニット外に前記ガスを放出する
    ことを特徴とする請求項2に記載の熱媒体循環装置。
    forming the space A, the space B, and the space C in an outdoor unit;
    The gas release device has a communicating pipe for releasing gas,
    3. The heat medium circulation device according to claim 2, wherein the communicating pipe releases the gas to the outside of the outdoor unit without passing through the space A and the space B.
PCT/JP2022/033867 2021-11-29 2022-09-09 Heat medium circulation device WO2023095418A1 (en)

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2014222121A (en) * 2013-05-13 2014-11-27 三菱電機株式会社 Outdoor unit and air conditioning device
JP2018025372A (en) * 2016-07-27 2018-02-15 パナソニック株式会社 Refrigeration cycle apparatus
WO2018047265A1 (en) * 2016-09-08 2018-03-15 三菱電機株式会社 Heat pump device
CN210832608U (en) * 2019-11-11 2020-06-23 恒量电器(厦门)有限公司 Integrated supply device based on temperature and humidity control and hot water heating
CN213931210U (en) * 2020-06-03 2021-08-10 青岛海信日立空调系统有限公司 Outdoor machine of air conditioner

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2014222121A (en) * 2013-05-13 2014-11-27 三菱電機株式会社 Outdoor unit and air conditioning device
JP2018025372A (en) * 2016-07-27 2018-02-15 パナソニック株式会社 Refrigeration cycle apparatus
WO2018047265A1 (en) * 2016-09-08 2018-03-15 三菱電機株式会社 Heat pump device
CN210832608U (en) * 2019-11-11 2020-06-23 恒量电器(厦门)有限公司 Integrated supply device based on temperature and humidity control and hot water heating
CN213931210U (en) * 2020-06-03 2021-08-10 青岛海信日立空调系统有限公司 Outdoor machine of air conditioner

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