JPH11248273A - Refrigeration air conditioner and equipment selection method - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide a conventional refrigeration / air-conditioning system comprising an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, there is a problem that the cost for changing the existing system becomes extremely large in order to greatly improve the efficiency. Was. SOLUTION: An outdoor unit comprising a compressor, a four-way valve and an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor unit comprising an indoor heat exchanger are provided in two.
In a refrigeration cycle configured by connecting with
The outdoor unit can be connected to an auxiliary unit.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a refrigeration / air-conditioning system comprising an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, and more particularly to a refrigeration / air-conditioning system which is connected to an outdoor unit to thereby increase efficiency. is there.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 14 shows a configuration of a refrigerant circuit of a conventional refrigeration and air-conditioning apparatus disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 64-6657. In the figure, reference numeral 10 denotes an outdoor unit, which comprises a compressor 1, a four-way valve 2, an outdoor heat exchanger 3, and an outdoor blower 4. Reference numeral 20 denotes an indoor unit, which includes the indoor heat exchanger 5, the indoor blower 6, and the expansion valve 7. The outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 are connected by two pipes 11 and 12,
A refrigeration cycle is formed.

Next, the operation of the conventional refrigeration / air-conditioning apparatus configured as described above during cooling and heating will be described.
As shown by the dashed arrow in the drawing, the flow of the refrigerant during cooling is such that the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant vapor compressed by the compressor 1 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 3 through the four-way valve 2 and condenses and liquefies. This liquid refrigerant passes through the pipe 12 and extends through the expansion valve 7 in the indoor unit 20.
After being decompressed by the evaporator, it evaporates in the indoor heat exchanger 5 and returns to the compressor 1 through the pipe 11 and the four-way valve 2. On the other hand, the flow of the refrigerant at the time of heating is as shown by a solid line arrow in the drawing, and the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant vapor compressed by the compressor 1 is supplied to the four-way valve 2 and the pipe 11.
And flows into the indoor heat exchanger 5 to be condensed and liquefied. After the pressure of the liquid refrigerant is reduced by the expansion valve 7, the liquid refrigerant flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 3 through the pipe 12 and evaporates. This vapor refrigerant returns to the compressor 1 through the four-way valve 2.

[0004]

In the conventional refrigeration and air-conditioning system as described above, since the outdoor unit is selected according to the required capacity, if the required capacity is determined, the heat transfer area of the outdoor heat exchanger is also determined. As a result, the efficiency of the refrigeration / air-conditioning device is determined to a certain value, and there is a problem that even if the purchaser attempts to select a high-efficiency refrigeration / air-conditioning device, it cannot respond.

[0005] In a home air conditioner, the heat transfer area of the outdoor heat exchanger is changed in the same capacity band, and a high-efficiency unit having a large outdoor heat exchanger and a low-cost unit having a small outdoor heat exchanger are manufactured. However, with this method, you can choose between a high-efficiency unit and a low-cost unit at the time of new purchase,
There was a problem that the existing unit could not be handled.
In addition, when changing an existing low-cost outdoor unit to a high-efficiency outdoor unit, it is necessary to dispose of the low-cost outdoor unit and purchase a new high-efficiency unit, resulting in a very high change cost. Was.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and has a refrigeration / air-conditioning apparatus capable of selecting a normal-efficiency unit or a high-efficiency unit when purchasing a refrigeration / air-conditioning apparatus. The purpose is to obtain. It is still another object of the present invention to provide a refrigeration and air-conditioning system that can improve the efficiency of a unit at a low cost even for an existing refrigeration and air-conditioning system.

[0007]

A refrigerating and air-conditioning apparatus according to the present invention is configured by connecting an outdoor unit including a compressor, a switching valve, and an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor unit including an indoor heat exchanger by piping. In a refrigeration cycle for cooling and heating the room based on preset operating conditions, an auxiliary unit for reducing the temperature difference between the heat source and the refrigerant can be additionally connected to the outdoor heat exchanger.

Further, the outdoor heat exchanger and the heat exchanger in the auxiliary unit are connected in parallel.

Further, the outdoor heat exchanger and the heat exchanger in the auxiliary unit are connected so as to be switchable in parallel or in series.

[0010] In addition, the outdoor heat exchanger and the heat exchanger in the auxiliary unit are connected in parallel during heating, and the outdoor heat exchanger and the heat exchanger in the auxiliary unit are connected in series during cooling.

In the outdoor unit, first and second connection valves are provided at both ends of a pipe to which the outdoor heat exchanger is connected for connection with the auxiliary unit.

In the outdoor unit, a first connection valve is provided at one end of a pipe to which the outdoor heat exchanger is connected, and second and third connection valves are provided at the other end, for connection with the auxiliary unit. An on-off valve is provided in a pipe between the second connection valve and the third connection valve.

The auxiliary unit is constituted by a heat exchanger and a blower.

In a refrigeration cycle in which a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator are sequentially connected by pipes, an auxiliary unit having another condenser is additionally connected to the condenser in series. is there.

In a refrigerating cycle in which a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator are sequentially connected by piping, an auxiliary unit having another evaporator is additionally connected to the evaporator in parallel. is there.

The auxiliary unit is constituted by a water heat exchanger.

The auxiliary unit is filled with a necessary refrigerant in advance.

Further, the equipment selecting method according to the present invention comprises:
Based on preset operating conditions or capabilities,
Providing an indoor unit and an outdoor unit; andconsidering the addition of an auxiliary unit that reduces the temperature difference between the heat source and the refrigerant with respect to the target energy efficiency while maintaining the operating conditions or capacity. Alternatively, equipment selection of a refrigeration / air-conditioning apparatus is performed based on capacity and energy efficiency.

Further, a step is provided for creating a comparison means indicating the energy efficiency when an auxiliary unit is added to a refrigeration / air-conditioning apparatus for performing cooling / heating or refrigeration / freezing.

[0020]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of a refrigeration / air-conditioning apparatus showing an example of an embodiment of the present invention,
Parts similar to those of the conventional device are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the figure, reference numeral 10 denotes an outdoor unit, a compressor 1 whose rotation speed can be varied by an inverter, a four-way valve 2 for switching the flow of refrigerant during cooling and heating, an outdoor heat operating as a condenser during cooling and an evaporator during heating. The pipe between the outdoor heat exchanger 3 and the four-way valve 2 branches on the way, and a first connection valve 13 is provided at the end of the branch pipe. . The other pipe of the outdoor heat exchanger 3 also branches midway, and a second connection valve 14 is provided at the end of the branch pipe.
Is provided. The first connection valve 13 and the second connection valve 14 are constituted by manual ball valves.

An auxiliary unit 30 comprises the same heat exchanger 8 as the outdoor heat exchanger 3 and a blower 9. Both ends of the heat exchanger 8 are connected to the outdoor unit 10 by the first connection valve 13 and the second connection valve. It is connected via a valve 14. Reference numeral 20 denotes an indoor unit, which includes the indoor heat exchanger 5, the indoor blower 6, and the expansion valve 7. Outdoor unit 10 and indoor unit 20
Are connected by two pipes 11 and 12 to form a refrigeration cycle.

Next, the operation during cooling and during heating will be described. As shown by the dashed arrow in the figure, the flow of the refrigerant during cooling is such that the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant vapor compressed by the compressor 1 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 3 and the heat exchanger 8 through the four-way valve 2. , Condensed and liquefied. The liquid refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 3 and the heat exchanger 8 merges, passes through a pipe 12, is decompressed by an expansion valve 7 in an indoor unit 20, evaporates in an indoor heat exchanger 5, and And returns to the compressor 1 through the four-way valve 2.

On the other hand, the flow of the refrigerant at the time of heating is as shown by the solid line arrow in the figure, and the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant vapor compressed by the compressor 1 passes through the four-way valve 2 and the pipe 11 and the indoor heat exchanger 5 And condensed and liquefied. This liquid refrigerant is decompressed by the expansion valve 7, becomes a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant, flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 3 and the heat exchanger 8 through the pipe 12, and evaporates. The vapor refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 3 and the heat exchanger 8 joins,
It returns to the compressor 1 through the four-way valve 2.

As described above, in this embodiment, the heat exchanger 8 of the auxiliary unit 30 is connected in parallel with the outdoor heat exchanger 3 during cooling and heating, and the heat transfer of the condenser is performed during cooling. The area becomes larger than the conventional device, the condensation temperature decreases, the difference between the temperature of the heat source such as outside air and water around the outdoor heat exchanger and the refrigerant temperature in the refrigeration cycle decreases, and the cycle efficiency improves. . In addition, during heating, the heat transfer area of the evaporator increases, the evaporating temperature rises, and the efficiency of the cycle improves.

FIG. 2 shows the cooling efficiency (CO
3 shows the relationship between P) and the condensation temperature. This figure shows the characteristics when the rotation speed of the compressor 1 is adjusted by the inverter so that the capacity is constant even if the condensation temperature changes. In the figure, point A shows the condensing temperature and cooling efficiency when only the outdoor unit which is the conventional device is used, and point B shows the condensing temperature and cooling efficiency when the outdoor unit and the auxiliary unit according to this embodiment are connected in parallel. ing. FIG.
As can be seen from the above, by connecting the outdoor unit and the auxiliary unit in parallel during cooling, the condensing temperature is significantly reduced, and as a result, the cooling efficiency is also greatly improved. When the heat exchanger 8 of the auxiliary unit 30 has the same area as the outdoor heat exchanger 3, the cooling efficiency is improved by about 30%.

FIG. 3 shows the heating efficiency (CO
3 shows the relationship between P) and the evaporation temperature. This figure shows the characteristics when the rotation speed of the compressor 1 is adjusted by the inverter so that the performance is kept constant even when the evaporation temperature changes. Point A in the figure shows the evaporation temperature and the heating efficiency when only the outdoor unit as the conventional device is used, and point B shows the evaporation temperature and the heating efficiency when the outdoor unit and the auxiliary unit according to this embodiment are connected in parallel. ing. FIG.
As can be seen from the above, by connecting the outdoor unit and the auxiliary unit in parallel at the time of heating as well as at the time of cooling, the evaporation temperature is significantly increased, and as a result, the heating efficiency is also greatly improved. The heat exchanger 8 of the auxiliary unit 30 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 3
If the area is the same as the above, the heating efficiency is improved by about 30%.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the configuration of the outdoor unit and the auxiliary unit according to this embodiment. The box, the heat exchanger 8, and the blower 9 of the auxiliary unit 30 are the same as the box, the outdoor heat exchanger 3, and the blower 6 of the outdoor unit 10, respectively. In the outdoor unit 10, a first connection valve 13 and a second connection valve 14 are provided on the surface of the box for connection with the auxiliary unit 30, and the outdoor unit 10 is connected to the auxiliary knit 30 via these connection valves. It is connected.

As described above, in this embodiment, the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20
Or a high-efficiency unit in which the auxiliary unit 30 is combined with the standard unit. In addition, even when a standard unit combining the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 is already installed, the outdoor unit 10 has the auxiliary unit 30.
Is provided, the existing outdoor unit 10 can be used as it is, the auxiliary unit 30 can be additionally connected, and the efficiency of the refrigeration / air-conditioning apparatus can be greatly improved without replacing the compressor 1. be able to.

The auxiliary unit is filled with necessary refrigerant in advance. Therefore, when the auxiliary unit 30 is additionally connected to the existing outdoor unit 10,
It is only necessary to connect the first connection valve 13 and the second connection valve 14 of the outdoor unit 10 to the auxiliary unit 30 and open the first and second connection valves manually, and the refrigerant flows out in the cycle, and it is necessary to additionally charge the refrigerant. The construction cost can be kept low. In addition, there is an advantage that there is no decrease in efficiency or reliability due to excess or deficiency of the refrigerant.

The refrigerant of the refrigeration and air conditioning system includes
Currently mainstream R22 and R410 with zero ozone depletion potential
An HFC-based refrigerant such as A or R407C may be used. Also, from the viewpoint of preventing global warming, the same effect is exhibited even when a natural refrigerant such as propane, butane, or ammonia is used.

The outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 2
In buildings where standard units combining 0 are installed,
When the indoor load increases, the capacity can be increased by connecting to the auxiliary unit 30. At this time, since the energy efficiency improves with the increase in the capacity, the power consumption hardly changes even if the capacity increases, so that the cooling and heating capacity can be increased at a low cost without changing the power receiving equipment or the contract power.

As shown in FIG. 5, an auxiliary unit 80 including a heat exchanger 81, an expansion valve 82, and a blower 83 is added to the indoor unit branch section by connecting valves (expansion valves) 84 and 85. Accordingly, it is possible to increase the indoor load by increasing the number of indoor units.

As described above, since the auxiliary unit 30 uses the same box, heat exchanger, and blower as the outdoor unit 10, there is no need to design and manufacture the auxiliary unit exclusively.
Since the auxiliary unit 30 can be manufactured by removing the compressor 1 and the four-way valve 2 of the outdoor unit 10, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

In this embodiment, the auxiliary unit 30 and the outdoor unit 10 use the same box, heat exchanger, and blower, but they need not be the same.

In this embodiment, an example in which one indoor unit is connected to one outdoor unit has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of indoor units may be connected to one outdoor unit. The same effect can be obtained with the connected refrigeration and air conditioning system.

In this embodiment, since the auxiliary unit 30 has only the heat exchanger 8 and the blower 9, the compressor and the four-way valve (switching valve) are eliminated, so that the weight is light, compact and easy to install.

Further, in this embodiment, the example in which the expansion valve 7 is installed in the indoor unit 20 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Demonstrate.

Further, in this embodiment, an example in which one auxiliary unit is connected to the outdoor unit has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and two or more auxiliary units are connected to improve efficiency. Further improvements can be made.

Further, in this embodiment, the example of the refrigerating and air-conditioning apparatus separated into the outdoor unit and the indoor unit has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the integrated unit in which the outdoor unit and the indoor unit are integrated is described. However, the same effect is exhibited.

Embodiment 2 FIG. 6 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of a refrigeration / air-conditioning apparatus showing another embodiment of the present invention. The heat exchanger 8 of the auxiliary unit 30 is constituted by a water-refrigerant heat exchanger 8, and this water heat exchange is performed. Vessel 8 has cooling tower 4
Water from 0 is circulating. Note that the same components as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

In this embodiment, a water heat exchanger that exchanges heat with water from the cooling tower 40 is used as the heat exchanger 8 of the auxiliary unit 30. Therefore, during cooling, water having a temperature lower than the outside air temperature is used. The water can be supplied to the water heat exchanger 8 operating as a condenser, and the efficiency can be further greatly improved. Further, at the time of heating, water having a temperature higher than the outside air temperature can be supplied to the water heat exchanger 8 which operates as an evaporator, so that the efficiency can be further greatly improved. Further, there is an advantage that the heat exchanger can be made compact and the auxiliary unit can be made inexpensive.

Embodiment 3 FIG. 7 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of a refrigeration / air-conditioning apparatus showing another example of the embodiment of the present invention. The same components as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. I do. In the figure, a pipe between the outdoor heat exchanger 3 and the four-way valve 2 branches on the way, and a first connection valve 13 is provided at a tip of the branch pipe. In addition, the other pipe of the outdoor heat exchanger 3 also branches at two places in the middle,
A second connection valve 14 and a third connection valve 15 are provided at the ends of the branch pipes, respectively.
An electromagnetic valve 16 is provided in the piping between the pipes 5. The first connection valve 13, the second connection valve 14, and the third connection valve 15 are constituted by manual ball valves.

One end of the heat exchanger 8 in the auxiliary unit 30 is connected to the first connection valve 13 and the third connection valve 1 of the outdoor unit 10.
5 is connected via an electromagnetic valve 31 and an electromagnetic valve 32. The other end of the heat exchanger 8 is connected to the second unit of the outdoor unit 10.
The connection valve 14 is connected.

Next, the operation during cooling and during heating will be described. During cooling, the solenoid valve 16 is closed, the solenoid valve 31 is closed, and the solenoid valve 32 is open. As shown by the dashed arrow in the figure, the flow of the refrigerant during cooling is such that the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant vapor compressed by the compressor 1 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 3 through the four-way valve 2 and then to the electromagnetic valve 32. Through the heat exchanger 8
Condensed and liquefied. The liquid refrigerant leaving the heat exchanger 8 passes through the pipe 12 and is decompressed by the expansion valve 7 in the indoor unit 20, then evaporates in the indoor heat exchanger 5, passes through the pipe 11 and the four-way valve 2, and Return to

On the other hand, during heating, the solenoid valve 16 is opened, the solenoid valve 31 is opened, and the solenoid valve 32 is closed. As shown by the solid arrows in the figure, the flow of the refrigerant during heating is such that the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant vapor compressed by the compressor 1 flows into the indoor heat exchanger 5 through the four-way valve 2 and the pipe 11, and condenses. Liquefy. This liquid refrigerant is decompressed by the expansion valve 7, becomes a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant, flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 3 and the heat exchanger 8 through the pipe 12, and evaporates. The vapor refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 3 and the heat exchanger 8 joins and returns to the compressor 1 through the four-way valve 2.

As described above, in this embodiment, the heat exchanger 8 of the auxiliary unit 30 for cooling is connected in series with the outdoor heat exchanger 3, and the auxiliary unit 30 for heating is also connected.
Is connected in parallel with the outdoor heat exchanger 3.

During cooling, the heat exchanger 8 of the auxiliary unit 30 and the outdoor heat exchanger 3 operate as a condenser.
As compared with the parallel connection shown in (1), the series connection can increase the refrigerant flow rate in the condenser and maintain a high heat transfer coefficient of the refrigerant flowing in the pipe. In the relationship between the cooling efficiency (COP) and the condensing temperature of the refrigerating and air-conditioning apparatus shown in FIG. 2, the condensing temperature and the cooling efficiency when the outdoor unit and the auxiliary unit are connected in series at the point C, and the parallelism shown at the point B Than the connection,
The condensing temperature is further reduced, and the effect of improving efficiency is great.

During heating, the heat exchanger 8 of the auxiliary unit 30 and the outdoor heat exchanger 3 operate as evaporators.
Similarly, the heat exchanger 8 and the outdoor heat exchanger 3 are connected in parallel. This is because, as in the case of cooling, the series connection has a higher refrigerant flow rate in the evaporator and can maintain a higher heat transfer coefficient of the refrigerant flowing in the pipe, but at the same time increases the pressure loss in the evaporator. It is. In the relationship between the heating efficiency (COP) and the evaporating temperature of the refrigeration / air-conditioning apparatus shown in FIG. 3, the condensing temperature and the cooling efficiency when the outdoor unit and the auxiliary unit are connected in series at the point C, and the parallelism shown at the point B This is because the efficiency improvement effect is smaller than the connection, and the efficiency is higher when the outdoor unit 10 and the auxiliary unit 30 are connected in parallel during heating.

FIG. 8 shows an example of the configuration of the outdoor unit and the auxiliary unit according to this embodiment. The box, the heat exchanger 8, and the blower 9 of the auxiliary unit 30 are the same as the box, the outdoor heat exchanger 3, and the blower 6 of the outdoor unit 10, respectively. , And a connection unit 50. The connection unit 50 accommodates the solenoid valve 31, the solenoid valve 32, and the piping. Since the unit is formed as described above, the connection unit 50 can be placed anywhere and the handling is convenient.

As described above, in this embodiment, the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20
Or a high-efficiency unit in which the auxiliary unit 30 and the connection unit 50 are combined with the standard unit. Further, even when a standard unit combining the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 is already installed, the outdoor unit 10 is provided with three connection valves with the connection unit 50. The connection unit 50 and the auxiliary unit 30 can be additionally connected, and the efficiency can be greatly improved.

Although the solenoid valves 31 and 32 are provided independently of the auxiliary unit 30 here, the electromagnetic valve 31 and 32 are included in the auxiliary unit 30 to make the unit more compact.

Embodiment 4 FIG. FIG. 9 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 1 is a compressor, 3 is a condenser pipe arranged around a refrigerator box and operates as a condenser, 7 is a capillary tube as an expansion valve, 5 is an evaporator, and these are sequentially connected by piping, Constructs a refrigeration cycle. Further, the capillary 7 and the suction pipe of the compressor 1 are configured to exchange heat.

The piping at the inlet and outlet of the condenser pipe 3 operating as a condenser is branched in the middle, and a first connection valve 13 and a second connection valve 14 are provided at the tip of each branch pipe. Additional connection with the heat exchanger 8 is possible via a connection valve. Note that the first connection valve 13 and the second connection valve 14 are configured by manual ball valves. When the heat exchanger 8 is not additionally connected, the two connection valves are closed, and the heat exchanger 8 is closed. When additional connection is made, two connection valves are opened.

Next, the operation will be described. The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant vapor compressed by the compressor 1 is condensed and liquefied by the condenser pipe 3 and the heat exchanger 8, and this liquid refrigerant is
And becomes a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant, flows into the evaporator 5, and evaporates. The vapor refrigerant exchanges heat with the capillary 7 and is heated, returns to the compressor 1 as superheated vapor.

In this embodiment, the heat exchanger 8 is connected to the refrigerator in parallel with the condenser pipe 3 and is used as an auxiliary condenser, so that the condensation temperature is reduced as compared with the conventional refrigerator, The efficiency has been greatly improved.

FIG. 10 shows an example of the configuration of the refrigerator-freezer and the heat exchanger 8 according to this embodiment. The heat exchanger 8 is installed separately from the refrigerator-freezer main body 60, and is connected to the first connection valve 13 and the second connection valve 13. The refrigerator 14 is connected to the refrigerator / freezer main body 60 via the valve 14.
It should be noted that the same effect is exhibited regardless of whether the additionally connected heat exchanger 8 is an air-cooled heat exchanger or a water-cooled heat exchanger.

Embodiment 5 As shown in FIG. 11, the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 2 of the existing standard system are used.
By connecting the auxiliary unit 70 in the middle of the connection pipe 0, COP is improved and emission of greenhouse gas is reduced. In this way, by connecting the auxiliary unit in the middle of the connection pipe between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, the auxiliary unit can be connected to the existing system in which the connection valves 13 and 14 are not provided. Energy efficiency can be improved.

The inventions described in the first to fifth embodiments use the following concept. For example, operating conditions such as a preset indoor set temperature are determined,
According to the target value, there is a refrigerating air conditioner equipped with an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, and for the refrigerating air conditioner, the power consumption is reduced by increasing the capacity or by increasing the energy efficiency. If there is a goal to increase the cooling / heating capacity by 30% in order to achieve a global environmental conservation effect, it is considered as follows.

First, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, at the same time as the calculation for increasing the efficiency when an auxiliary unit is added to the existing equipment,
As shown in FIG. 12, it is determined in S1 (Step 1) whether there is enough power receiving equipment, and in S2 (Step 2), it is determined whether to change the power receiving equipment, and it is determined to add an auxiliary unit. doing.

In the case of YES in S1, replacement of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit is required, which increases costs. If S1 is NO, the process proceeds to the next step, S2. In the case of YES in S2, it is necessary to change the power receiving equipment and replace the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, which further increases the cost. Here, when S2 is NO, it is not necessary to change the power receiving equipment by adding the auxiliary unit as in the present invention, and it is possible to utilize the existing outdoor unit and indoor unit. Can increase the target cooling / heating capacity. The target value here may be a value capturing the lower limit or a value capturing the zone.

Further, for example, there is an indoor unit and an outdoor unit (existing equipment) provided based on target values of operating conditions set in advance, and it is desired to increase the COP by 15% in order to comply with COP regulations and the like. In the case where there is such a target, as shown in FIG. 13, it is determined whether to maintain the cooling capacity in S11 (Step 11), and the process proceeds to S12 (Step 11).
At p12), it is determined whether all the equipment can be updated. At S13 (Step 13), it is determined whether the equipment parts can be updated, and it is determined to add an auxiliary unit. .

In the case of NO in S11, the set temperature is changed, and the temperature may deviate from the comfortable temperature. Here, if S11 is YES, the next step is S
Proceed to 12. In the case of YES in S12, it is necessary to update all the equipment to efficient equipment (equipment), which requires enormous cost, increases waste, and wastes resources. Here, if S12 is NO, the process proceeds to the next step, S13. In the case of YES in S13, it is necessary to update a part of the equipment, for example, the heat exchanger, the compressor, the refrigerant, etc., to one having high efficiency, so that the system becomes more difficult. Here, when S13 is NO, the target COP can be improved by adding an auxiliary unit for reducing the temperature difference between the heat source and the refrigerant as in the present invention, and the energy can be saved in the direction of decreasing the energy. The system is established. When it is decided to add an auxiliary unit by the above-described equipment (update) selection method, an auxiliary unit can be added to an outdoor unit (for example, an outdoor heat exchanger) to improve the efficiency of the refrigeration and air conditioning system. it can.

The addition of the auxiliary unit described above may be obtained by performing calculations while keeping the load conditions (capacities) of the refrigeration cycle of the refrigerating air conditioner constant. By creating a line graph like this in advance and showing the result of adding a standard auxiliary unit to this curve, anyone can easily update the equipment from this curve (selection of equipment) ) Can be considered. Alternatively, the target efficiency and the energy saving value may be created in a form such as a list instead of a curve, and comparison means indicating each case of adding an auxiliary unit may be created. Needless to say, it is preferable to insert the curves and the list in a personal computer or the like as a database so that the data can be accessed at any time. In addition, here, the update (selection) of the existing system was compared before the addition of the auxiliary unit. However, the addition of the auxiliary unit may be selected first. In this case, the capacity is determined at the design stage, and the It will determine the efficiency.

[0064]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, it has the following effects.

An outdoor unit comprising a compressor, a switching valve and an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor unit comprising an indoor heat exchanger are connected by piping, and a refrigeration system for cooling and heating the room based on preset operating conditions. In the cycle, an auxiliary unit for reducing the temperature difference between the heat source and the refrigerant can be additionally connected to the outdoor heat exchanger, so that the efficiency can be greatly improved.

Further, since the outdoor heat exchanger and the heat exchanger in the auxiliary unit are connected in parallel, the efficiency can be greatly improved.

Since the outdoor heat exchanger and the heat exchanger in the auxiliary unit are switchably connected in parallel or in series,
Efficiency can be greatly improved.

Further, the outdoor heat exchanger and the heat exchanger in the auxiliary unit are connected in parallel during heating, and the outdoor heat exchanger and the heat exchanger in the auxiliary unit are connected in series during cooling. Can be further greatly improved.

Since the outdoor unit is provided with the first and second connection valves at both ends of the pipe to which the outdoor heat exchanger is connected for connection with the auxiliary unit, the existing outdoor unit is also provided with the auxiliary unit. Can be easily added.

In the outdoor unit, a first connection valve is provided at one end of a pipe to which the outdoor heat exchanger is connected, and second and third connection valves are provided at the other end for connection with the auxiliary unit. Since the on-off valve is provided in the pipe between the second connection valve and the third connection valve, the auxiliary unit can be easily additionally connected to the existing outdoor unit.

Further, since the auxiliary unit is composed of the heat exchanger and the blower, the auxiliary unit can be manufactured at low cost.

Further, in a refrigeration cycle in which a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator are sequentially connected by pipes, an auxiliary unit having another condenser is additionally connected to the condenser in series, so that the efficiency is improved. Can be greatly improved.

Further, in a refrigeration cycle in which a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator are sequentially connected by piping, an auxiliary unit having another evaporator is additionally connected to the evaporator in parallel, so that the efficiency is improved. Can be greatly improved.

Since the auxiliary unit is constituted by a water heat exchanger, the efficiency can be further improved and the auxiliary unit can be made compact.

Further, since the auxiliary unit is filled with the necessary refrigerant in advance, the work for connecting the auxiliary unit is simplified, and the reliability is further improved.

The equipment selection method according to the present invention is as follows.
Based on preset operating conditions or capabilities,
Providing an indoor unit and an outdoor unit; andconsidering the addition of an auxiliary unit that reduces the temperature difference between the heat source and the refrigerant with respect to the target energy efficiency while maintaining the operating conditions or capacity. Alternatively, the equipment of the refrigeration / air-conditioning apparatus is selected based on the capacity and the energy efficiency, so that efficient equipment can be selected.

Further, a step of creating a comparison means indicating the energy efficiency when an auxiliary unit is added to a refrigeration / air-conditioning apparatus for performing cooling / heating or refrigeration / freezing is provided. You can choose.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of a refrigeration / air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the relationship between cooling efficiency (COP) and condensation temperature.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a relationship between a heating efficiency (COP) and an evaporation temperature.

FIG. 4 is a unit configuration diagram of the refrigeration / air-conditioning apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a refrigerant circuit of the refrigeration / air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of a refrigeration / air-conditioning apparatus showing Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of a refrigeration / air-conditioning apparatus showing Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

8 is a unit configuration diagram of the refrigeration / air-conditioning apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of a refrigeration / air-conditioning apparatus showing Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a unit configuration diagram of the refrigeration / air-conditioning apparatus of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration / air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a facility selecting method according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the equipment selection method of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of a conventional refrigeration / air-conditioning apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 compressor, 2 four-way valve, 3 outdoor heat exchanger, 5 indoor heat exchanger, 7 expansion valve, 8 heat exchanger, 9 blower, 1
0 outdoor unit, 13 first connection valve, 14 second connection valve, 15 third connection valve, 16 solenoid valve, 20 indoor unit, 30 auxiliary unit, 70 auxiliary unit, 80
Auxiliary unit.

Claims (13)

[Claims] An indoor unit comprising an outdoor unit comprising a compressor, a switching valve and an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor unit comprising an indoor heat exchanger are connected by piping, and the indoor air conditioning and heating are performed based on preset operating conditions. In the refrigeration cycle performed,
A refrigerating air conditioner, wherein an auxiliary unit for reducing a temperature difference between a heat source and a refrigerant can be additionally connected to the outdoor heat exchanger. 2. The refrigeration / air-conditioning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the outdoor heat exchanger and the heat exchanger in the auxiliary unit are connected in parallel. 3. The refrigeration / air-conditioning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the outdoor heat exchanger and the heat exchanger in the auxiliary unit are switchably connected in parallel or in series. 4. The outdoor heat exchanger and the heat exchanger in the auxiliary unit are connected in parallel during heating, and the outdoor heat exchanger and the heat exchanger in the auxiliary unit are connected in series during cooling. Item 4. A refrigeration / air-conditioning apparatus according to Item 3. 5. The outdoor unit is provided with first and second connection valves at both ends of a pipe to which an outdoor heat exchanger is connected, for connection with an auxiliary unit. The refrigeration / air-conditioning apparatus according to claim 4. 6. The outdoor unit is provided with a first connection valve at one end of a pipe to which the outdoor heat exchanger is connected and a second and third connection valve at the other end for connection with the auxiliary unit,
The refrigeration / air-conditioning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an on-off valve is provided in a pipe between the second connection valve and the third connection valve. 7. The refrigeration / air-conditioning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary unit includes a heat exchanger and a blower. 8. In a refrigeration cycle in which a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator are sequentially connected by piping, an auxiliary unit having another condenser is additionally connected to the condenser in series. A refrigeration air conditioner characterized by 9. A refrigeration cycle comprising a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator sequentially connected by piping, wherein an auxiliary unit having another evaporator is additionally connected to the evaporator in parallel. A refrigeration air conditioner characterized by 10. The refrigeration / air-conditioning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary unit comprises a water heat exchanger. 11. The refrigeration / air-conditioning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary unit is filled with a necessary refrigerant in advance. 12. A step of providing an indoor unit and an outdoor unit based on a preset operation condition or capacity;
Considering the addition of an auxiliary unit for reducing the temperature difference between the heat source and the refrigerant for the target energy efficiency while maintaining the operating conditions or the capacity, based on the operating conditions or the capacity and the energy efficiency A method for selecting equipment of a refrigeration / air-conditioning apparatus, comprising selecting equipment of a refrigeration / air-conditioning apparatus. 13. A method according to claim 12, further comprising the step of creating comparison means indicating energy efficiency when an auxiliary unit is added to a refrigeration / air-conditioning apparatus for performing cooling / heating or refrigeration / refrigeration. Equipment selection method for refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.