TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigeration cycle apparatus.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-134099 (PTL 1) discloses a refrigeration cycle apparatus including a refrigerant circuit
that includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a decompressing device, a second
heat exchanger, and a flow path switching valve. In this refrigeration cycle apparatus,
the state of the flow path switching valve is switched to thereby allow switching
between the first operation and the second operation. In the first operation, refrigerant
circulates through the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the decompressing device,
and the second heat exchanger sequentially in this order. In the second operation,
refrigerant circulates through the compressor, the second heat exchanger, the decompressing
device, and the first heat exchanger sequentially in this order.
CITATION LIST
PATENT LITERATURE
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
TECHNICAL PROBLEM
[0004] The pressure distribution of the refrigerant is different between the first operation
and the second operation. Specifically, in the first operation, high-pressure refrigerant
is distributed in the first heat exchanger and low-pressure refrigerant is distributed
in the second heat exchanger. In contrast, in the second operation, high-pressure
refrigerant is distributed in the second heat exchanger and low-pressure refrigerant
is distributed in the first heat exchanger. Thus, when the operation is switched from
one to the other between the first operation and the second operation, the pressure
distribution of the refrigerant collapses. This leads to a concern that such a distribution
collapse may increase the time required for the refrigeration cycle to stabilize after
the operation is switched.
[0005] The present disclosure has been made in order to solve the above-described problems.
An object of the present disclosure is to reduce the time required for a refrigeration
cycle to stabilize after an operation is switched in a refrigeration cycle apparatus
switchable between a first operation and a second operation. In the first operation,
refrigerant circulates in order of a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a decompressing
device, and a second heat exchanger. In the second operation, refrigerant circulates
in order of the compressor, the second heat exchanger, the decompressing device, and
the first heat exchanger.
SOLUTION TO PROBLEM
[0006] A refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present disclosure is a refrigeration
cycle apparatus switchable between a first operation and a second operation. In the
first operation, refrigerant circulates in order of a compressor, a first heat exchanger,
a decompressing device, and a second heat exchanger. In the second operation, the
refrigerant circulates in order of the compressor, the second heat exchanger, the
decompressing device, and the first heat exchanger. The refrigeration cycle apparatus
includes: a first switching valve connected to a discharge port of the compressor,
one port of the first heat exchanger, one port of the second heat exchanger, and one
port of the decompressing device; a second switching valve connected to a suction
port of the compressor, the other port of the first heat exchanger, the other port
of the second heat exchanger, and the other port of the decompressing device; and
a controller configured to control the first switching valve and the second switching
valve.
[0007] The first switching valve is configured to be switchable to one of a first state
and a second state. In the first state, the discharge port of the compressor is connected
to the one port of the first heat exchanger, and the one port of the second heat exchanger
is connected to the one port of the decompressing device. In the second state, the
discharge port of the compressor is connected to the one port of the second heat exchanger,
and the one port of the first heat exchanger is connected to the one port of the decompressing
device.
[0008] The second switching valve is configured to be switchable to one of a third state,
a fourth state, and a fifth state. In the third state, the other port of the first
heat exchanger is connected to the other port of the decompressing device, and the
other port of the second heat exchanger is connected to the suction port of the compressor.
In the fourth state, the other port of the second heat exchanger is connected to the
other port of the decompressing device, and the other port of the first heat exchanger
is connected to the suction port of the compressor. In the fifth state, the other
port of the decompressing device is connected to the suction port of the compressor,
and the other port of the first heat exchanger is disconnected from the other port
of the second heat exchanger.
[0009] The controller is configured to set the first switching valve to the first state
and set the second switching valve to the third state during the first operation,
and set the first switching valve to the second state and set the second switching
valve to the fourth state during the second operation.
[0010] When switching to the second operation is requested during the first operation, the
controller is configured to perform a first switching operation to bring the first
switching valve into the second state and bring the second switching valve into the
fifth state, and switch an operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus to the second
operation after performing the first switching operation.
ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION
[0011] According to the present disclosure, the time required for the refrigeration cycle
to stabilize after switching of the operation can be reduced in the refrigeration
cycle apparatus switchable between the first operation and the second operation. In
the first operation, refrigerant circulates in order of the compressor, the first
heat exchanger, the decompressing device, and the second heat exchanger. In the second
operation, refrigerant circulates in order of the compressor, the second heat exchanger,
the decompressing device, and the first heat exchanger.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0012]
Fig. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an example of an overall configuration of
a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to a present first embodiment.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of an internal structure of a second
switching valve.
Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a rotational position of a valve body when the second
switching valve is in a third state.
Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the rotational position of the valve body when the second
switching valve is in a fourth state.
Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a rotational position of the valve body when the second
switching valve is in a fifth state.
Fig. 6 is a diagram (first diagram) showing a state during a first cooling operation
of a refrigerant circuit.
Fig. 7 is a diagram (first diagram) showing a state during a second cooling operation
of the refrigerant circuit.
Fig. 8 is a diagram (first diagram) showing a state during a first switching operation
of the refrigerant circuit.
Fig. 9 is a diagram (first diagram) showing a state during a second switching operation
of the refrigerant circuit.
Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of transition of an operation state of the
refrigeration cycle apparatus.
Fig. 11 is a diagram (second diagram) showing a state during the first cooling operation
of the refrigerant circuit.
Fig. 12 is a diagram (second diagram) showing a state during the first switching operation
of the refrigerant circuit.
Fig. 13 is a diagram (second diagram) showing a state during the second cooling operation
of the refrigerant circuit.
Fig. 14 is a diagram (second diagram) showing a state during the second switching
operation of the refrigerant circuit.
Fig. 15 is a diagram (third diagram) showing a state during the first cooling operation
of the refrigerant circuit.
Fig. 16 is a diagram (third diagram) showing a state during the first switching operation
of the refrigerant circuit.
Fig. 17 is a diagram (third diagram) showing a state during the second cooling operation
of the refrigerant circuit.
Fig. 18 is a diagram (third diagram) showing a state during the second switching operation
of the refrigerant circuit.
Fig. 19 is a diagram (first diagram) showing a configuration example of a first air
blower and a second air blower.
Fig. 20 is a diagram (second diagram) showing a configuration example of the first
air blower and the second air blower.
Fig. 21 is a diagram (third diagram) showing a configuration example of the first
air blower and the second air blower.
Fig. 22 is a diagram (fourth diagram) showing a configuration example of the first
air blower and the second air blower.
Fig. 23 is a diagram (fifth diagram) showing a configuration example of the first
air blower and the second air blower.
Fig. 24 is a diagram (sixth diagram) showing a configuration example of the first
air blower and the second air blower.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0013] The following describes embodiments of the present disclosure in detail with reference
to the accompanying drawings. While a plurality of embodiments will be described below,
it has been originally intended at the time of filing of the present application to
appropriately combine the configurations described in the embodiments. In the accompanying
drawings, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference characters,
and description thereof will not be repeated.
First Embodiment
[Description of Configuration]
[0014] Fig. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an example of an overall configuration
of a refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 according to the present first embodiment. Refrigeration
cycle apparatus 1 includes a refrigerant circuit RC, a first air blower 80, a second
air blower 90, and a controller 100. Refrigerant circuit RC includes a compressor
10, a first heat exchanger 20, a decompressing device 30, a second heat exchanger
40, pipes 51 to 58, a first switching valve 60, and a second switching valve 70.
[0015] In refrigerant circuit RC, compressor 10, first heat exchanger 20, decompressing
device 30, and second heat exchanger 40 are connected by pipes 51 to 58, first switching
valve 60, and second switching valve 70 to thereby form a circulation flow path through
which refrigerant circulates. Inside refrigerant circuit RC, refrigerant involving
a phase change, such as carbon dioxide or R410A, circulates.
[0016] Compressor 10 has a suction port connected to pipe 58, and a discharge port connected
to pipe 51. Compressor 10 suctions low-pressure refrigerant from pipe 58, compresses
the suctioned refrigerant, and then discharges the compressed refrigerant as high-pressure
refrigerant to pipe 51. The rotation speed of compressor 10 is adjusted in response
to a command from controller 100. Compressor 10 discharges refrigerant at a flow rate
corresponding to the rotation speed. The flow rate of the refrigerant circulating
through refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is controlled by adjusting the rotation speed
(the discharge flow rate) of compressor 10.
[0017] First heat exchanger 20 and second heat exchanger 40 each are a heat exchanger having
a flow path through which refrigerant flows. In each of first heat exchanger 20 and
second heat exchanger 40, heat is exchanged between the refrigerant flowing through
the flow path and the air outside the flow path.
[0018] Decompressing device 30 decompresses high-pressure refrigerant. Examples of decompressing
device 30 usable herein include a device having a valve body capable of adjusting
a degree of opening in response to a command from controller 100, such as an electronic
control type expansion valve.
[0019] First switching valve 60 is a four-way valve having: a port connected to the discharge
port of compressor 10 via pipe 51; a port connected to one port of first heat exchanger
20 via pipe 52; a port connected to one port of second heat exchanger 40 via pipe
56; and a port connected to one port of decompressing device 30 via pipe 55.
[0020] First switching valve 60 is switched to one of the first state and the second state
in response to a command from controller 100.
[0021] When first switching valve 60 is in the first state, pipe 51 is connected to pipe
52, and pipe 56 is connected to pipe 55. Thereby, the discharge port of compressor
10 is connected to one port of first heat exchanger 20, and one port of second heat
exchanger 40 is connected to one port of decompressing device 30. Note that Fig. 1
illustrates the case where first switching valve 60 is set in the first state.
[0022] When first switching valve 60 is in the second state, pipe 51 is connected to pipe
56, and pipe 52 is connected to pipe 55. Thereby, the discharge port of compressor
10 is connected to one port of second heat exchanger 40, and one port of first heat
exchanger 20 is connected to one port of decompressing device 30.
[0023] Second switching valve 70 is a four-way valve having: a port connected to the suction
port of compressor 10 via pipe 58; a port connected to the other port of first heat
exchanger 20 via pipe 53; a port connected to the other port of second heat exchanger
40 via pipe 57; and a port connected to the other port of decompressing device 30
via pipe 54.
[0024] Second switching valve 70 is switched to one of the third state, the fourth state,
and the fifth state in response to a command from controller 100.
[0025] When second switching valve 70 is in the third state, pipe 53 is connected to pipe
54 and pipe 57 is connected to pipe 58. Thereby, the other port of first heat exchanger
20 is connected to the other port of decompressing device 30, and the other port of
second heat exchanger 40 is connected to the suction port of compressor 10. Note that
Fig. 1 illustrates the case where second switching valve 70 is set in the third state.
[0026] When second switching valve 70 is in the fourth state, pipe 57 is connected to pipe
54, and pipe 53 is connected to pipe 58. Thereby, the other port of second heat exchanger
40 is connected to the other port of decompressing device 30, and the other port of
first heat exchanger 20 is connected to the suction port of compressor 10.
[0027] When second switching valve 70 is in the fifth state, pipe 54 is connected to pipe
58, and pipe 53 and pipe 57 are disconnected from each other. Thereby, the suction
port of compressor 10 is connected to the other port of decompressing device 30, and
the other port of first heat exchanger 20 and the other port of second heat exchanger
40 are disconnected from each other.
[0028] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of second
switching valve 70. Second switching valve 70 includes: a container 71 having a hollow
cylindrical shape and provided with four ports connected to respective pipes 53, 54,
57, and 58; and a valve body 72 having a cylindrical shape and accommodated in container
71. Valve body 72 is configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis 76 in response
to a command from controller 100.
[0029] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the rotational position of valve body 72 when second
switching valve 70 is in the third state. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the rotational
position of valve body 72 when second switching valve 70 is in the fourth state. Fig.
5 is a diagram showing the rotational position of valve body 72 when second switching
valve 70 is in the fifth state.
[0030] As shown in Figs. 3 to 5, three flow paths 73, 74 and 75 independent of each other
are provided inside valve body 72. When second switching valve 70 is in the third
state, as shown in Fig. 3, pipes 54 and 53 are connected to each other through flow
path 73 of valve body 72, and pipes 57 and 58 are connected to each other through
flow path 74 of valve body 72. Thereby, the other port of first heat exchanger 20
is connected to the other port of decompressing device 30, and the other port of second
heat exchanger 40 is connected to the suction port of compressor 10.
[0031] When second switching valve 70 is in the fourth state, as shown in Fig. 4, pipes
54 and 57 are connected to each other through flow path 74 of valve body 72, and pipes
53 and 58 are connected to each other through flow path 73 of valve body 72. Thereby,
the other port of second heat exchanger 40 is connected to the other port of decompressing
device 30, and the other port of first heat exchanger 20 is connected to the suction
port of compressor 10.
[0032] When second switching valve 70 is in the fifth state, as shown in Fig. 5, pipes 54
and 58 are connected to each other through flow path 75 of valve body 72, whereas
pipes 53 and 57 are disconnected from each other by valve body 72. Thereby, the suction
port of compressor 10 is connected to the other port of decompressing device 30, and
the other port of first heat exchanger 20 and the other port of second heat exchanger
40 are disconnected from each other.
[0033] Referring back to Fig. 1, first air blower 80 is configured to be capable of blowing
air on the indoor side as a target to be cooled (the air will be hereinafter simply
referred to as "indoor air"), in response to a command from controller 100. Further,
first air blower 80 is configured to be capable of switching the supply destination
of the indoor air between first heat exchanger 20 and second heat exchanger 40.
[0034] Second air blower 90 is configured to be capable of blowing air on the outdoor side
as a target not to be cooled (the air will be hereinafter simply referred to as "outdoor
air"), in response to a command from controller 100. Further, second air blower 90
is configured to be capable of switching the supply destination of the outdoor air
between first heat exchanger 20 and second heat exchanger 40.
[0035] Controller 100 is configured to include a central processing unit (CPU), a memory,
and an input/output port through which various signals are input and output. Based
on signals from each sensor and device, a program stored in the memory, and the like,
controller 100 controls each device (compressor 10, decompressing device 30, first
switching valve 60, second switching valve 70, first air blower 80, second air blower
90, and the like) of refrigeration cycle apparatus 1. Note that the control performed
by controller 100 is not limited to processing by software and may be performed by
dedicated hardware (an electronic circuit).
[First and Second Cooling Operations]
[0036] In refrigeration cycle apparatus 1, the states of first switching valve 60 and second
switching valve 70 are switched to thereby allow switching between the first cooling
operation and the second cooling operation.
[0037] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the state during the first cooling operation of refrigerant
circuit RC. During the first cooling operation, controller 100 operates compressor
10, and also, brings first switching valve 60 into the first state and brings second
switching valve 70 into the third state.
[0038] During the first cooling operation, the refrigerant circulates through compressor
10, first heat exchanger 20, decompressing device 30, and second heat exchanger 40
sequentially in this order, so that first heat exchanger 20 functions as a condenser
and second heat exchanger 40 functions as an evaporator. More specifically, the high-temperature
and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from compressor 10 flows into first heat
exchanger 20 through first switching valve 60. The high-temperature and high-pressure
refrigerant exchanges heat with the outside air in first heat exchanger 20, and thus,
decreases in temperature and flows out of first heat exchanger 20. The refrigerant
flowing out of first heat exchanger 20 is decompressed by decompressing device 30,
turns into low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant, and then, flows into second
heat exchanger 40. The low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant exchanges heat
with the outside air in second heat exchanger 40, and thus, rises in temperature and
flows out of second heat exchanger 40. The refrigerant flowing out of second heat
exchanger 40 is suctioned into compressor 10 through second switching valve 70.
[0039] Thus, during the first cooling operation, the high-pressure refrigerant is distributed
through pipes 51 and 52, first heat exchanger 20, and pipes 53 and 54, and the low-pressure
refrigerant is distributed through pipes 55 and 56, second heat exchanger 40, and
pipes 57 and 58.
[0040] During the first cooling operation, controller 100 controls first air blower 80 and
second air blower 90 such that the supply destination of the indoor air is set to
second heat exchanger 40 and the supply destination of the outdoor air is set to first
heat exchanger 20. This facilitates exchange of heat between first heat exchanger
20 functioning as a condenser and the outdoor air not to be cooled, and also facilitates
exchange of heat between second heat exchanger 40 functioning as an evaporator and
the indoor air to be cooled. Thereby, the indoor air to be cooled can be efficiently
cooled. Note that Fig. 1 illustrates the state during the first cooling operation.
[0041] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the state during the second cooling operation of refrigerant
circuit RC. During the second cooling operation, controller 100 operates compressor
10, and also, brings first switching valve 60 into the second state and brings second
switching valve 70 into the fourth state.
[0042] During the second cooling operation, the refrigerant circulates through compressor
10, second heat exchanger 40, decompressing device 30, and first heat exchanger 20
sequentially in this order, and thus, second heat exchanger 40 functions as a condenser
and first heat exchanger 20 functions as an evaporator. More specifically, the high-temperature
and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from compressor 10 flows into second heat
exchanger 40 through first switching valve 60. The high-temperature and high-pressure
refrigerant exchanges heat with the outside air in second heat exchanger 40, and thus,
decreases in temperature and flows out of second heat exchanger 40. The refrigerant
flowing out of second heat exchanger 40 is decompressed by decompressing device 30,
turns into low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant, and then, flows into first
heat exchanger 20. The low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant exchanges heat
with the outside air in first heat exchanger 20, and thus, rises in temperature and
flows out of first heat exchanger 20. The refrigerant flowing out of first heat exchanger
20 is suctioned into compressor 10 through second switching valve 70.
[0043] Thus, during the second cooling operation, the high-pressure refrigerant is distributed
through pipes 51 and 56, second heat exchanger 40, and pipes 57 and 54, and the low-pressure
refrigerant is distributed through pipes 55 and 52, first heat exchanger 20, and pipes
53 and 58.
[0044] Further, during the second cooling operation, controller 100 controls first air blower
80 and second air blower 90 such that the supply destination of the indoor air is
set to first heat exchanger 20 and the supply destination of the outdoor air is set
to second heat exchanger 40. This facilitates exchange of heat between second heat
exchanger 40 functioning as a condenser and the outdoor air not to be cooled, and
also facilitates exchange of heat between first heat exchanger 20 functioning as an
evaporator and the indoor air to be cooled. Thereby, also during the second cooling
operation, the indoor air to be cooled can be efficiently cooled.
[0045] During the first cooling operation, for example, when the temperature of the refrigerant
inside second heat exchanger 40 functioning as an evaporator becomes equal to or lower
than 0 °C, frost forms on second heat exchanger 40, which makes it difficult for air
to flow therethrough, with the result that the heat exchange efficiency in second
heat exchanger 40 may deteriorate. Thus, when frost forms on second heat exchanger
40 during the first cooling operation (for example, when the temperature of the refrigerant
in second heat exchanger 40 detected by a sensor (not shown) falls below a reference
value close to 0 °C), controller 100 determines that switching to the second cooling
operation is requested, and then, switches the operation to the second cooling operation.
Thereby, second heat exchanger 40 functioning as an evaporator comes to function as
a condenser, and thereby, frost forming on second heat exchanger 40 can be removed.
[0046] Further, in the present embodiment, the supply destination of the indoor air is set
to first heat exchanger 20 functioning as an evaporator during the second cooling
operation, and therefore, cold air can be delivered to the indoor side also during
the second cooling operation.
[0047] During the second cooling operation, when frost forms on first heat exchanger 20
functioning as a condenser (for example, when the temperature of the refrigerant in
first heat exchanger 20 detected by a sensor (not shown) falls below a reference value
close to 0 °C), controller 100 determines that switching to the first cooling operation
is requested, and then, switches the operation to the first cooling operation. Thereby,
first heat exchanger 20 functioning as an evaporator comes to function as a condenser,
and thereby, frost forming on first heat exchanger 20 can be removed.
[First and Second Switching Operations]
[0048] As described above, during the first cooling operation, the high-pressure refrigerant
is distributed in first heat exchanger 20, and the low-pressure refrigerant is distributed
in second heat exchanger 40. In contrast, during the second cooling operation, the
high-pressure refrigerant is distributed in second heat exchanger 40, and the low-pressure
refrigerant is distributed in first heat exchanger 20. Thus, when the operation is
switched from one to the other between the first cooling operation and the second
cooling operation, the pressure distribution of the refrigerant collapses. This leads
to a concern that such a distribution collapse may increase the time required for
the refrigeration cycle to stabilize after the operation is switched.
[0049] In view of such a problem, when switching to the second cooling operation is requested
during the first cooling operation, controller 100 according to the present embodiment
performs the "first switching operation" to bring first switching valve 60 into the
second state and bring second switching valve 70 into the fifth state. Then, after
the first switching operation is performed for a certain time period, controller 100
switches the operation of refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 to the second cooling operation.
[0050] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the state during the first switching operation of refrigerant
circuit RC. As shown in Fig. 8, during the first switching operation, controller 100
operates compressor 10, and also, brings first switching valve 60 into the second
state and brings second switching valve 70 into the fifth state.
[0051] The first switching operation is performed before the first cooling operation is
switched to the second cooling operation. Thereby, the refrigerant inside first heat
exchanger 20 in which the pressure is raised high during the first cooling operation
is recovered into compressor 10, so that the inside of first heat exchanger 20 can
be set in the low pressure state. Also, the high-pressure refrigerant from compressor
10 is supplied into second heat exchanger 40 in which the pressure is reduced low
during the first cooling operation, so that the inside of second heat exchanger 40
can be set in the high pressure state. In other words, before switching to the second
cooling operation, the inside of first heat exchanger 20 can be set in the low pressure
state in advance and the inside of second heat exchanger 40 can be set in the high
pressure state in advance.
[0052] In particular, during the first switching operation, second switching valve 70 is
brought into the fifth state, and thereby, the other port of first heat exchanger
20 and the other port of second heat exchanger 40 are disconnected from each other
by second switching valve 70. This can prevent the high-pressure refrigerant and the
low-pressure refrigerant from being mixed and equalized in pressure. Thus, as compared
with the case where the first cooling operation is simply switched to the second cooling
operation, the inside of first heat exchanger 20 can be set in the low pressure state
in the early stage, and the inside of second heat exchanger 40 can be set in the high
pressure state in the early stage.
[0053] Further, during the first switching operation, controller 100 stops blowing of air
by first air blower 80 and second air blower 90. Thus, during the first switching
operation, blowing of air into first heat exchanger 20 and second heat exchanger 40
is stopped. Accordingly, the inside of first heat exchanger 20 can be set in the low
pressure state in the earlier stage, and the inside of second heat exchanger 40 can
be set in the high pressure state in the earlier stage.
[0054] After performing the first switching operation for a certain time period, controller
100 switches the operation of refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 to the second cooling
operation. This can reduce the time required for the refrigeration cycle to stabilize
after switching to the second cooling operation.
[0055] Further, when switching to the first cooling operation is requested during the second
cooling operation, controller 100 according to the present embodiment performs the
"second switching operation" to bring first switching valve 60 into the first state
and bring second switching valve 70 into the fifth state. Then, after performing the
second switching operation for a certain time period, controller 100 switches the
operation to the first cooling operation.
[0056] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the state during the second switching operation of refrigerant
circuit RC. As shown in Fig. 9, during the second switching operation, controller
100 operates compressor 10, and also, brings first switching valve 60 into the first
state and brings second switching valve 70 into the fifth state.
[0057] The second switching operation is performed before the second cooling operation is
switched to the first cooling operation. Thereby, the refrigerant inside second heat
exchanger 40 in which the pressure is raised high during the second cooling operation
is recovered into compressor 10, so that the inside of second heat exchanger 40 can
be set in the low pressure state. Also, the high-pressure refrigerant from compressor
10 is supplied into first heat exchanger 20 in which the pressure is reduced low during
the second cooling operation, so that the inside of first heat exchanger 20 can be
set in the high pressure state. In other words, before switching to the first cooling
operation, the inside of second heat exchanger 40 can be set in the low pressure state
in advance and the inside of first heat exchanger 20 can be set in the high pressure
state in advance.
[0058] In particular, during the second switching operation, second switching valve 70 is
brought into the fifth state, and thereby, the other port of first heat exchanger
20 and the other port of second heat exchanger 40 are disconnected from each other
by second switching valve 70. This can prevent the high-pressure refrigerant and the
low-pressure refrigerant from being mixed and equalized in pressure. Therefore, the
inside of second heat exchanger 40 can be set in the low pressure state in the early
stage, and the inside of first heat exchanger 20 can be set in the high pressure state
in the early stage.
[0059] Further, during the second switching operation, controller 100 stops blowing of air
by first air blower 80 and second air blower 90. Thereby, during the second switching
operation, blowing of air into first heat exchanger 20 and second heat exchanger 40
is stopped. Accordingly, the inside of second heat exchanger 40 can be set in the
low pressure state in the earlier stage, and the inside of first heat exchanger 20
can be set in the high pressure state in the earlier stage.
[0060] After performing the second switching operation for a certain time period, controller
100 switches the operation of refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 to the first cooling
operation. This can reduce the time required for the refrigeration cycle to stabilize
after switching to the first cooling operation.
[0061] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of transition of the operation state of refrigeration
cycle apparatus 1 controlled by controller 100. In Fig. 10, the horizontal axis represents
time while the vertical axis represents, sequentially from the top, the state of compressor
10, the state of first switching valve 60, the state of second switching valve 70,
the supply destination of indoor air, and the supply destination of outdoor air.
[0062] Before time t1, the first cooling operation is performed. During the first cooling
operation, controller 100 brings first switching valve 60 into the first state and
brings second switching valve 70 into the third state. Further, controller 100 controls
first air blower 80 such that the supply destination of the indoor air is set to second
heat exchanger 40, and controls second air blower 90 such that the supply destination
of the outdoor air is set to first heat exchanger 20.
[0063] When switching to the second cooling operation is requested at time t1 during the
first cooling operation, controller 100 switches the operation of refrigeration cycle
apparatus 1 from the first cooling operation to the first switching operation. Specifically,
controller 100 switches first switching valve 60 from the first state to the second
state, and switches second switching valve 70 from the third state to the fifth state.
Further, controller 100 stops blowing of the indoor air by first air blower 80 and
stops blowing of the outdoor air by second air blower 90.
[0064] At time t2 at which a certain time period has elapsed since the start of the first
switching operation, controller 100 switches the operation of refrigeration cycle
apparatus 1 from the first switching operation to the second cooling operation. Specifically,
controller 100 switches second switching valve 70 from the fifth state to the fourth
state while maintaining first switching valve 60 in the second state.
Further, controller 100 controls first air blower 80 to switch the supply destination
of the indoor air from second heat exchanger 40 to first heat exchanger 20, and also
controls second air blower 90 to switch the supply destination of the outdoor air
from first heat exchanger 20 to second heat exchanger 40.
[0065] When switching to the first cooling operation is requested at time t3 during the
second cooling operation, controller 100 switches the operation of refrigeration cycle
apparatus 1 from the second cooling operation to the second switching operation. Specifically,
controller 100 switches first switching valve 60 from the second state to the first
state, and switches second switching valve 70 from the fourth state to the fifth state.
Further, controller 100 stops blowing of the indoor air by first air blower 80 and
also stops blowing of the outdoor air by second air blower 90.
[0066] At time t4 at which a certain time period has elapsed since the start of the second
switching operation, controller 100 switches the operation of refrigeration cycle
apparatus 1 from the second switching operation to the first cooling operation. Specifically,
controller 100 switches second switching valve 70 from the fifth state to the third
state while maintaining first switching valve 60 in the first state. Further, controller
100 controls first air blower 80 to switch the supply destination of the indoor air
from first heat exchanger 20 to second heat exchanger 40, and also controls second
air blower 90 to switch the supply destination of the outdoor air from second heat
exchanger 40 to first heat exchanger 20.
[0067] Also at and after time t5, switching similar to that performed until time t5 is performed.
[0068] As described above, when switching to the second cooling operation is requested during
the first cooling operation, controller 100 according to the present embodiment performs
the "first switching operation" to bring first switching valve 60 into the second
state and bring second switching valve 70 into the fifth state, for a certain time
period before switching to the second cooling operation. Thus, as compared with the
case where the first cooling operation is simply switched to the second cooling operation,
the high-pressure refrigerant and the low-pressure refrigerant can be prevented from
being mixed and equalized in pressure during switching of the operation, and also,
the operation can be switched to the second cooling operation after the distribution
state close to the pressure distribution in the second cooling operation is achieved
in advance in the early stage. This can reduce the time required for the refrigeration
cycle to stabilize after switching to the second cooling operation. As a result, wasteful
energy consumed to stabilize the refrigeration cycle after switching to the second
cooling operation can be reduced, to thereby allow energy saving for refrigeration
cycle apparatus 1.
[0069] Further, when switching to the first cooling operation is requested during the second
cooling operation, controller 100 according to the present embodiment performs the
"second switching operation" to bring first switching valve 60 into the first state
and bring second switching valve 70 into the fifth state, for a certain time period
before switching to the first cooling operation. Thereby, as compared with the case
where the second cooling operation is simply switched to the first cooling operation,
the high-pressure refrigerant and the low-pressure refrigerant can be prevented from
being mixed and equalized in pressure during switching of the operation, and also,
the operation can be switched to the first cooling operation after the distribution
state close to the pressure distribution in the first cooling operation is achieved
in advance in the early stage. This can reduce the time required for the refrigeration
cycle to stabilize after switching to the first cooling operation. As a result, wasteful
energy consumed to stabilize the refrigeration cycle after switching to the first
cooling operation can be reduced, to thereby allow energy saving for refrigeration
cycle apparatus 1.
Second Embodiment
[0070] Figs. 11 to 14 each schematically show an example of the configuration of a refrigerant
circuit RCa of a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present second embodiment.
Refrigerant circuit RCa according to the present second embodiment is obtained by
adding a decompressing device 32 and a third heat exchanger 42 to refrigerant circuit
RC according to the first embodiment. Other configurations of refrigerant circuit
RCa are the same as those of refrigerant circuit RC. Further, other configurations
and operations of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present second
embodiment are the same as those of refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 shown in Fig.
1 described above.
[0071] Decompressing device 32 and third heat exchanger 42 are disposed between second switching
valve 70 and the suction port of compressor 10.
[0072] Decompressing device 32 decompresses the refrigerant from second switching valve
70 and outputs the decompressed refrigerant to third heat exchanger 42. Examples of
decompressing device 32 usable herein include a device having a valve body capable
of adjusting the degree of opening in response to a command from controller 100, such
as an electronic control type expansion valve.
[0073] Third heat exchanger 42 exchanges heat between the refrigerant decompressed by decompressing
device 32 and the outside air.
[0074] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the state during the first cooling operation of refrigerant
circuit RCa. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing the state during the first switching operation
of refrigerant circuit RCa. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the state during the second
cooling operation of refrigerant circuit RCa. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the state
during the second switching operation of refrigerant circuit RCa.
[0075] The states of compressor 10, first switching valve 60, second switching valve 70,
first air blower 80, and second air blower 90 during each operation are controlled
basically in the same manner as that in the above-described first embodiment.
[0076] In refrigerant circuit RCa according to the present second embodiment, however, due
to addition of decompressing device 32, during each operation, high-pressure refrigerant
is distributed in the circuit extending from the discharge port of compressor 10 to
decompressing device 30, medium-pressure refrigerant is distributed in the circuit
extending from decompressing device 30 to decompressing device 32, and low-pressure
refrigerant is distributed in the circuit extending from decompressing device 32 to
the suction port of compressor 10.
[0077] Further, as shown in Fig. 11, refrigerant circuit RCa according to the present second
embodiment is configured such that indoor air is blown through second heat exchanger
40 and third heat exchanger 42 sequentially in this order during the first cooling
operation. In other words, during the first cooling operation, second heat exchanger
40 and third heat exchanger 42 function as evaporators, and the indoor air flows through
second heat exchanger 40 and thereafter is blown to third heat exchanger 42.
[0078] In this way, in the present second embodiment, the indoor air is blown through second
heat exchanger 40 and third heat exchanger 42 sequentially in this order during the
first cooling operation. Thus, among second heat exchanger 40 and third heat exchanger
42 each functioning as an evaporator during the first cooling operation (i.e., a heat
exchanger on which frost may form), second heat exchanger 40 functioning as a condenser
after switching to the second cooling operation can be positively covered with frost,
and third heat exchanger 42 functioning as an evaporator also after switching to the
second cooling operation can be less likely to be covered with frost. As a result,
when the operation is thereafter switched to the second cooling operation for defrosting,
only second heat exchanger 40 significantly covered with frost can be defrosted, so
that an efficient defrosting operation can be performed.
[0079] Further, in refrigerant circuit RCa according to the present second embodiment, the
indoor air is blown through first heat exchanger 20 and third heat exchanger 42 sequentially
in this order during the second cooling operation, as shown in Fig. 13. In other words,
during the second cooling operation, first heat exchanger 20 and third heat exchanger
42 function as evaporators, and the indoor air flows through first heat exchanger
20 and thereafter is blown to third heat exchanger 42.
[0080] In this way, in the present second embodiment, the indoor air is blown through first
heat exchanger 20 and third heat exchanger 42 sequentially in this order during the
second cooling operation. Thus, among first heat exchanger 20 and third heat exchanger
42 each functioning as an evaporator during the second cooling operation (i.e., a
heat exchanger on which frost may form), first heat exchanger 20 functioning as a
condenser after switching to the first cooling operation can be positively covered
with frost, and third heat exchanger 42 functioning as an evaporator also after switching
to the first cooling operation can be less likely to be covered with frost. As a result,
when the operation is thereafter switched to the first cooling operation for defrosting,
only first heat exchanger 20 significantly covered with frost can be defrosted, so
that an efficient defrosting operation can be performed.
[0081] In refrigerant circuit RCa according to the present second embodiment, an adsorbent
(a desiccant material or the like) that adsorbs moisture in air may be applied onto
the surfaces of first heat exchanger 20 and second heat exchanger 40. Thereby, moisture
in air is adsorbed in first heat exchanger 20 or second heat exchanger 40, so that
third heat exchanger 42 can be prevented from being covered with frost.
[0082] For example, during the second cooling operation in which first heat exchanger 20
functions as an evaporator, the moisture in the indoor air is adsorbed by the adsorbent
of first heat exchanger 20 when the indoor air flows through first heat exchanger
20. Thus, the indoor air flowing through first heat exchanger 20 and thereafter blown
to third heat exchanger 42 is dried. As a result, third heat exchanger 42 can be less
likely to be covered with frost.
[0083] Further, the operation is thereafter switched to the first cooling operation to cause
first heat exchanger 20 to function as a condenser, and thereby, moisture contained
in the adsorbent of first heat exchanger 20 can be released to outdoor air. As a result,
the adsorbent of first heat exchanger 20 is dried. Accordingly, when the operation
is again switched to the second cooling operation to cause first heat exchanger 20
to function as an evaporator, moisture in the indoor air can be adsorbed again by
the adsorbent of first heat exchanger 20.
Third Embodiment
[0084] Figs. 15 to 18 each schematically show an example of the configuration of a refrigerant
circuit RCb of a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present third embodiment.
Refrigerant circuit RCb according to the present third embodiment is obtained by adding
a fourth heat exchanger 44 to refrigerant circuit RCa according to the above-described
second embodiment. Other configurations of refrigerant circuit RCb are the same as
those of refrigerant circuit RCa. Further, other configurations and operations of
the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present third embodiment are the
same as those of refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 shown in Fig. 1 described above.
[0085] Fourth heat exchanger 44 is disposed between the discharge port of compressor 10
and first switching valve 60. Fourth heat exchanger 44 exchanges heat between the
refrigerant discharged from compressor 10 and outside air.
[0086] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing the state during the first cooling operation of refrigerant
circuit RCb. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing the state during the first switching operation
of refrigerant circuit RCb. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing the state during the second
cooling operation of refrigerant circuit RCb. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing the state
during the second switching operation of refrigerant circuit RCb.
[0087] The states of compressor 10, first switching valve 60, second switching valve 70,
first air blower 80, and second air blower 90 during each operation are controlled
basically in the same manner as that in the above-described second embodiment.
[0088] In the case where frost or moisture adheres to the condenser when first heat exchanger
20 or second heat exchanger 40 functions as a condenser, the heat exchange efficiency
of the condenser changes according to the amount of adherence of frost or moisture.
Further, since the heat exchanger is used as a condenser, the amount of adherence
of frost or moisture may change in accordance with the operation, so that the high
pressure inside the condenser changes from moment to moment.
[0089] In view of the above-described point, in refrigerant circuit RCb according to the
present third embodiment, fourth heat exchanger 44 is additionally disposed between
the discharge port of compressor 10 and first switching valve 60. Thereby, even when
the heat exchanger performance of first heat exchanger 20 or second heat exchanger
40 changes, the high pressure can be stably maintained at a constant value.
[0090] Further, as shown in Fig. 15, refrigerant circuit RCb according to the present third
embodiment is configured such that, during the first cooling operation, the outdoor
air flows through first heat exchanger 20 and thereafter is blown to third heat exchanger
42. This can facilitate exchange of heat by fourth heat exchanger 44 serving as a
condenser.
[Configuration Examples of First Air Blower 80 and Second Air Blower 90]
[0091] The following describes configuration examples of first air blower 80 and second
air blower 90 used in the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to each of the above-described
first to third embodiments.
[0092] Figs. 19 and 20 each are a diagram showing a configuration example of first air blower
80 and second air blower 90 suitable for the refrigeration cycle apparatus according
to the above-described first embodiment. Note that Fig. 19 shows the state during
the first cooling operation (see Fig. 6) according to the first embodiment, and Fig.
20 shows the state during the second cooling operation (see Fig. 7) according to the
first embodiment.
[0093] First air blower 80 includes a fan 81, an air path 82, and an air path switch 83.
Fan 81 operates in response to a command from controller 100, and blows indoor air
into air path 82. Air path 82 allows communication between the indoor space to be
cooled and each of first heat exchanger 20 and second heat exchanger 40. Air path
switch 83 is configured to be capable of switching a supply destination of the indoor
air between first heat exchanger 20 and second heat exchanger 40 by switching the
path in air path 82 in response to a command from controller 100. Note that the state
of air path switch 83 is switched, for example, by driving a motor (not shown).
[0094] Second air blower 90 includes a fan 91, an air path 92, and an air path switch 83
that is shared between first air blower 80 and second air blower 90. Fan 91 operates
in response to a command from controller 100, and blows outdoor air into air path
92. Air path 92 allows communication between the outdoor space not to be cooled and
each of first heat exchanger 20 and second heat exchanger 40. Air path switch 83 is
configured to be capable of switching a supply destination of the outdoor air between
first heat exchanger 20 and second heat exchanger 40 by switching the path in air
path 92 in response to a command from controller 100.
[0095] During the first cooling operation, air path switch 83 is brought into the state
shown in Fig. 19 while fans 81 and 91 are operated, and thereby, the supply destination
of the indoor air can be set to second heat exchanger 40, and the supply destination
of the outdoor air can be set to first heat exchanger 20. During the second cooling
operation, air path switch 83 is brought into the state shown in Fig. 20 while fans
81 and 91 are operated, and thereby, the supply destination of the indoor air can
be set to first heat exchanger 20 and the supply destination of the outdoor air can
be set to second heat exchanger 40.
[0096] Figs. 21 and 22 each are a diagram showing a configuration example of a first air
blower 80A and a second air blower 90A suitable for the refrigeration cycle apparatus
according to the above-described second embodiment. Note that Fig. 21 shows the state
during the first cooling operation (see Fig. 11) according to the second embodiment,
and Fig. 22 shows the state during the second cooling operation (see Fig. 13) according
to the second embodiment.
[0097] First air blower 80A is obtained by adding air paths 82a and 82b and air path switches
83a and 83b to the above-described first air blower 80. Second air blower 90A is obtained
by adding air paths 92a and 92b and air path switches 83a and 83b, which are shared
between second air blower 90A and first air blower 80A, to the above-described second
air blower 90.
[0098] Air path 82a is formed to supply the air having passed through first heat exchanger
20 to third heat exchanger 42. Air path 82b is formed to supply the air having passed
through second heat exchanger 40 to third heat exchanger 42. Air path 92a is formed
to supply the air having passed through first heat exchanger 20 to the outdoors. Air
path 92b is formed to supply the air having passed through second heat exchanger 40
to the outdoors.
[0099] Air path switch 83a is configured to be capable of switching, between air paths 82a
and 92a, the supply destination of the air having passed through first heat exchanger
20, in response to a command from controller 100. Air path switch 83b is configured
to be capable of switching, between air paths 82b and 92b, the supply destination
of the air having passed through second heat exchanger 40, in response to a command
from controller 100. Note that the states of air path switches 83a and 83b are switched,
for example, by driving a motor (not shown).
[0100] During the first cooling operation, air path switches 83, 83a, and 83b are brought
into the states shown in Fig. 21 while fans 81 and 91 are operated, and thereby, the
supply destination of the outdoor air can be set to first heat exchanger 20 while
the indoor air is blown through second heat exchanger 40 and third heat exchanger
42 sequentially in this order. During the second cooling operation, air path switches
83, 83a and 83b are brought into the states shown in Fig. 22 while fans 81 and 91
are operated, and thereby, the supply destination of the outdoor air can be set to
second heat exchanger 40 while the indoor air is blown through first heat exchanger
20 and third heat exchanger 42 sequentially in this order.
[0101] Figs. 23 and 24 each are a diagram showing a configuration example of first air blower
80A and second air blower 90B suitable for the refrigeration cycle apparatus according
to the above-described third embodiment. Note that Fig. 23 shows the state during
the first cooling operation (see Fig. 15) according to the third embodiment, and Fig.
24 shows the state during the second cooling operation (see Fig. 17) according to
the third embodiment.
[0102] First air blower 80A is the same as first air blower 80A shown in Fig. 21 described
above. Second air blower 90B is obtained by replacing air paths 92a and 92b of second
air blower 90A shown in Fig. 21 with air paths 92c and 92d, respectively.
[0103] Air path 92c is formed to supply the air having passed through first heat exchanger
20 to fourth heat exchanger 44. Air path 92d is formed to supply the air having passed
through second heat exchanger 40 to fourth heat exchanger 44.
[0104] During the first cooling operation, air path switches 83, 83a, and 83b are brought
into the states shown in Fig. 23 while fans 81 and 91 are operated, and thereby, the
outdoor air can be blown through first heat exchanger 20 and fourth heat exchanger
44 sequentially in this order while the indoor air is blown through second heat exchanger
40 and third heat exchanger 42 sequentially in this order. During the second cooling
operation, air path switches 83, 83a, and 83b are brought into the states shown in
Fig. 24 while fans 81 and 91 are operated, and thereby, the outdoor air can be blown
through second heat exchanger 40 and fourth heat exchanger 44 sequentially in this
order while the indoor air is blown through first heat exchanger 20 and third heat
exchanger 42 sequentially in this order.
[0105] It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and
non-restrictive in every respect. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by
the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include
any modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the terms of the claims.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0106] 1 refrigeration cycle apparatus, 10 compressor, 20 first heat exchanger, 30, 32 decompressing
device, 40 second heat exchanger, 42 third heat exchanger, 44 fourth heat exchanger,
51 to 58 pipe, 60 first switching valve, 70 second switching valve, 71. container,
72 valve body, 73 to 75 flow path, 76 rotation axis, 80, 80A, first air blower, 81,
91 fan, 82, 82a, 82b, 92, 92a, 92b, 92c, 92d air path, 83, 83a, 83b air path switch,
90, 90A, second air blower, 100 controller, RC, RCa, RCb refrigerant circuit.