Heat pump device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heat pump device, which may comprise: an outdoor unit including a switching valve for switching an operation mode, an outdoor compressor which compresses primary refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger for performing heat exchange between the primary refrigerant and outdoor air, an outdoor expansion valve for expanding the primary refrigerant, and a plurality of refrigerant flow paths which are connected to the outdoor compressor and through which the primary refrigerant flows to perform the operation mode; an indoor air conditioner including an air conditioning heat exchanger for performing heat exchange between the primary refrigerant and indoor air, and an air conditioning expansion valve for expanding the primary refrigerant; and an indoor water heater including an indoor compressor which compresses secondary refrigerant, a heat storage tank for storing water as a heat medium to perform a heat storage function, a first hot water heat exchanger for performing heat exchange between the secondary refrigerant and the water stored in the heat storage tank, a second hot water heat exchanger for performing heat exchange between the primary refrigerant and the secondary refrigerant, and an indoor expansion valve for expanding the secondary refrigerant.

Description

heat pump device

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat pump device, and more particularly, to a heat pump device in which an outdoor unit, an indoor air conditioner, and an indoor water heater are combined.

[0002]

[0003] A heat pump device is a device that can move heat from a low-temperature area to a high-temperature area. The basic components of the heat pump cycle are divided into an evaporator and compressor, which are low-temperature heat exchangers, and a condenser and expansion valve, which are high-temperature heat exchangers. In other words, a heat pump device performs heating and cooling or hot water supply through the process of evaporating, compressing, condensing, and expanding the refrigerant, which is the working fluid.

[0004] The process can be briefly explained as follows:

[0005] First, the refrigerant in the low-temperature, low-pressure, wet vapor state evaporates in the evaporator, absorbing the latent heat of vaporization from the surroundings and being discharged as a low-temperature, low-pressure, dry saturated vapor state refrigerant. The low-temperature, low-pressure, dry saturated vapor state refrigerant discharged from the evaporator is adiabatically compressed in the compressor and flows into the condenser as a high-temperature, high-pressure, superheated vapor state. The high-temperature, high-pressure, superheated vapor state refrigerant that flows into the condenser releases the latent heat of condensation and passes through the expansion valve as a high-temperature, high-pressure, saturated liquid state refrigerant before being returned to the evaporator.

[0006] By repeating this cycle, indoor air is cooled or heated, or hot water is supplied to the room.

[0007] In this way, heat pump water heaters are used, which heat hot water with a heat pump, store it at night, and then use it during the day.

[0008] As a related prior art document, Prior Art 1 (Korean Patent Publication No. 2012-0125857, Title of the Invention: Heat storage device having a dual refrigeration cycle and its operating method) is used to evaporate the secondary refrigerant of the indoor cycle when the high-temperature primary refrigerant provided through heat exchange between outdoor air and refrigerant in the outdoor cycle of the outdoor unit is supplied to the indoor cycle of the indoor unit. Then, the condensed primary refrigerant is reintroduced into the outdoor cycle and circulated, and the high-temperature, high-pressure secondary refrigerant compressed in the indoor cycle provides high-temperature hot water to the user through heat exchange with circulating water, and the secondary refrigerant condensed through heat exchange evaporates after exchanging heat with the primary refrigerant and circulates through the indoor cycle. At this time, when the high-temperature primary refrigerant of the outdoor cycle is supplied to the indoor cycle of the indoor unit, it is used to evaporate the secondary refrigerant of the indoor cycle, so there was a problem that the secondary refrigerant could not be used for cooling operation of the indoor cycle.

[0009] Prior art 2 (Korean Patent Publication No. 2013-0067384, title of the invention: heat storage device and heat pump-linked hot water heater including the same) is composed of a compressor, an expansion valve, a coil heat exchanger that functions as a condenser, and a fin heat exchanger that functions as an evaporator.

[0010] The coil heat exchanger exchanges heat with the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant coming from the compressor to raise the water temperature, and the refrigerant that has undergone the heat exchange can evaporate in the fin heat exchanger. To raise the water temperature to a certain level, the condensing temperature must be higher than the water temperature, and the ambient temperature must be lower than the evaporation temperature to evaporate the condensed refrigerant. However, if the target water temperature is high but the ambient temperature is low, the refrigerant must be compressed to high pressure to achieve a high condensing temperature, and to achieve a lower evaporation temperature than the ambient temperature, the refrigerant must be compressed to low pressure. This not only creates low efficiency due to the high compression ratio, but also makes the compressor unreliable, making it impossible to operate. In addition, an electric heater must be added to raise the water temperature. Furthermore, because heat exchange is performed through the air, additional ventilation ducts must be installed to secure the air heat source, which increases installation costs.

[0011]

[0012] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a heat pump device capable of heating and cooling an indoor space by switching the flow path of a switching valve of a primary cycle.

[0013] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a heat pump device capable of securing a high-temperature heat source only through refrigerant flow without installing a ventilation duct to secure a heat source by enabling heat exchange between a high-temperature primary refrigerant of an outdoor unit and a secondary refrigerant of an indoor water heater in a second hot water heat exchanger of the indoor water heater.

[0014]

[0015] In order to achieve the above purpose, the present invention provides a heat pump device capable of performing indoor heating and cooling by switching the flow path of a switching valve of a primary cycle.

[0016] A heat pump device according to the present invention may include an outdoor unit having a switching valve for switching an operation mode, an outdoor compressor for compressing a primary refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the primary refrigerant and outdoor air, an outdoor expansion valve for expanding the primary refrigerant, and a plurality of refrigerant passages connected to the outdoor compressor and through which the primary refrigerant flows to perform the operation mode; an indoor air conditioner having an air conditioning heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the primary refrigerant and indoor air, and an air conditioning expansion valve for expanding the primary refrigerant; and an indoor water heater having an indoor compressor for compressing a secondary refrigerant, a heat storage tank for storing water as a heat medium for performing the heat storage function, a first hot water heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the secondary refrigerant and water stored in the heat storage tank, a second hot water heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the primary refrigerant and the secondary refrigerant, and an indoor expansion valve for expanding the secondary refrigerant.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerant passage includes a first refrigerant passage connected between the outdoor compressor and the second hot water heat exchanger of the indoor water heater; a second refrigerant passage connected between the outdoor compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger; and a third refrigerant passage connected between the outdoor compressor and the indoor air conditioner; wherein the first refrigerant passage, the second refrigerant passage, and the third refrigerant passage are combined with each other, and the refrigerant flows in the first refrigerant passage in a forward direction toward the second refrigerant passage and / or the third refrigerant passage, and the refrigerant can flow in the forward or reverse direction in the second refrigerant passage and the third refrigerant passage.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the switching valve may include a first switching valve that switches the flow path of the primary refrigerant between the outdoor compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger, as a four-way valve; and a second switching valve that switches the flow path of the primary refrigerant between the outdoor compressor and the air conditioning heat exchanger of the indoor air conditioner.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second hot water heat exchanger can be connected to the outdoor compressor through the refrigerant passage, and at the same time, connected to the first hot water heat exchanger through the refrigerant passage.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the indoor air conditioner cooling mode and the outdoor unit cooling mode, the first switching valve switches the flow path so that the primary refrigerant flows to the outdoor heat exchanger, and the second switching valve can be blocked.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the indoor air conditioner cooling mode and the outdoor unit heating mode, the first switching valve and the second switching valve are blocked, and the flow path can be switched so that the primary refrigerant flows to the indoor water heater through the first refrigerant flow path.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the indoor air conditioner heating mode and the outdoor unit heating mode, the first switching valve is blocked, and the second switching valve can switch the flow path so that the primary refrigerant flows to the air conditioning heat exchanger of the indoor air conditioner.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the outdoor unit is in cooling operation, the primary refrigerant supplied from the outdoor compressor can be condensed by exchanging heat with outdoor air in the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the outdoor unit is in heating operation, the primary refrigerant supplied from the outdoor compressor may be condensed through heat exchange with the secondary refrigerant of the indoor water heater, and the primary refrigerant passing through the outdoor expansion valve may be evaporated through heat exchange with outdoor air in the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the indoor air conditioner is in cooling operation, the primary refrigerant supplied from the outdoor compressor is condensed through heat exchange with the secondary refrigerant of the indoor water heater, and the condensed primary refrigerant passing through the air conditioning expansion valve can be evaporated through heat exchange with outdoor air in the air conditioning heat exchanger.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the indoor air conditioner is in heating operation, the primary refrigerant supplied from the outdoor compressor can be condensed through heat exchange with the air conditioning heat exchanger of the indoor air conditioner.

[0027]

[0028] According to the heat pump device according to the present invention having the configuration described above, there is an effect that indoor heating and cooling can be performed through the flow switching of the switching valve of the primary cycle.

[0029] By forming a simultaneous operation cycle between the indoor air conditioner and the indoor water heater, it is possible to achieve higher efficiency operation through heat recovery operation during cooling operation, and by supplying the heat source required for evaporation of the refrigerant from the outdoor unit during heating operation, it is possible to form a high condensation temperature even under low outdoor temperature conditions, thereby enabling the storage of high-temperature water.

[0030] It has the effect of enabling indoor heating and cooling, and changing the condenser mode and evaporator mode on the outdoor side, thereby performing a stable cycle in response to external load conditions.

[0031]

[0032] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a heat pump device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a refrigerant cycle in the outdoor condenser and air conditioning evaporator modes of a heat pump device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a refrigerant cycle in the outdoor evaporator and air conditioning evaporator modes of a heat pump device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a refrigerant cycle in the outdoor evaporator and air conditioning condenser modes of a heat pump device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036]

[0037] The following merely illustrates the principles of the present invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art will be able to implement the principles of the present invention and invent various devices within the scope and spirit of the present invention, even if not explicitly described or illustrated herein. Furthermore, all conditional terms and embodiments listed herein are expressly intended, in principle, to facilitate understanding of the concepts of the present invention, and should be understood as being in no way limiting to the specifically enumerated embodiments and conditions.

[0038] Furthermore, it should be understood that all detailed descriptions of the principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present invention, as well as specific embodiments, are intended to encompass structural and functional equivalents thereof. Furthermore, it should be understood that such equivalents encompass not only currently known equivalents but also equivalents developed in the future, i.e., all devices invented to perform the same function, regardless of structure.

[0039] In the claims of this specification, a component expressed as a means for performing a function described in the detailed description is intended to include any method for performing the function, including, for example, a combination of circuit elements performing the function, or any form of software including firmware / microcode, combined with appropriate circuitry for executing said software to perform the function. The invention defined by these claims should be understood to be equivalent to any means found in this specification for providing the functions provided by the various enumerated means, as long as they are combined and combined in the manner required by the claims.

[0040] The above-described purposes, features, and advantages will become more apparent through the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will be able to readily implement the technical concepts of the present invention. Furthermore, in describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of known technologies related to the present invention will be omitted if they are deemed to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the invention.

[0041] The suffixes “module” and “part” used for components in the following description are given simply for the convenience of writing this specification, and the “module” and “part” may be used interchangeably.

[0042] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a heat pump device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Hereinafter, a heat pump device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0044] A heat pump device (1) includes an outdoor unit (10), an indoor water heater (20), and an indoor air conditioner (30). The outdoor unit (10), indoor water heater (20), and indoor air conditioner (30) of the heat pump device (1) are connected to each other through a refrigerant pipe to form a cycle.

[0045] A refrigerant may flow in the refrigerant pipe of the heat pump device (1). For example, the refrigerant flowing to the outdoor unit (10) may be classified as a primary refrigerant, and the refrigerant flowing to the indoor water heater (20) may be classified as a secondary refrigerant.

[0046] Primary and secondary refrigerants can be understood as refrigerants with different condensing and evaporating temperatures. Specifically, the primary refrigerant can be composed of a refrigerant such as R410A, which has lower condensing and evaporating temperatures and is relatively efficient in low-temperature regions. The secondary refrigerant can be composed of R134a, which has higher condensing and evaporating temperatures than the primary refrigerant and is relatively efficient in high-temperature regions. However, this is not necessarily limited to these refrigerants, and other types of refrigerants can be used.

[0047] A heat pump device (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a primary cycle (2) in which a primary refrigerant can exchange heat with air and evaporate a secondary refrigerant, and a secondary cycle (3) in which the secondary refrigerant evaporated by the primary cycle (2) can exchange heat with water to heat water.

[0048] In the heat pump device (1), the primary refrigerant can exchange heat with outdoor air in the outdoor heat exchanger (16) of the outdoor unit (10), and the secondary refrigerant can exchange heat with water supplied to the heat storage tank (22) in the first hot water heat exchanger (23) installed in the heat storage tank (22) of the indoor water heater (20).

[0049] As described above, the refrigerant circulated in the primary cycle (2) of the outdoor unit (10) will be referred to as the primary refrigerant, and the refrigerant circulated in the secondary cycle (3) of the indoor water heater (20) will be referred to as the secondary refrigerant.

[0050] [Outdoor unit configuration]

[0051] The outdoor unit (10) includes an outdoor accumulator (11), an outdoor compressor (12) that compresses refrigerant, a first switching valve (13) and a second switching valve (14) that switch the refrigerant path (100), an outdoor expansion valve (15) that expands and decompresses the primary refrigerant, and an outdoor heat exchanger (16) in which the primary refrigerant and outside air exchange heat.

[0052] Additionally, the outdoor unit (10) includes a refrigerant path (100) consisting of refrigerant pipes through which primary refrigerant flows and which are connected to each main component.

[0053] Specifically, the outdoor accumulator (11) of the outdoor unit (10) can supply low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant to the outdoor compressor (12).

[0054] The outdoor compressor (12) is a device that compresses low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant introduced from the outdoor accumulator (11) into high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant.

[0055] For example, the outdoor compressor (12) may be equipped with a constant-speed compressor that rotates at a constant speed to compress at a constant capacity, or an inverter compressor that can adjust the compression capacity by varying the rotation speed according to the load.

[0056] The inlet side of the outdoor compressor (12) is connected to the outdoor accumulator (11). The outlet side of the outdoor compressor (12) is connected to the first switching valve (13). The first switching valve (13) and the second switching valve (14) can also be connected to the outdoor accumulator (11) via the outdoor compressor (12) and the refrigerant passage (100).

[0057] The first switching valve (13) and the second switching valve (14) can be configured as four-way valves, and by selectively switching the primary refrigerant flow path in each of the heat recovery mode, heating mode, and cooling mode, a refrigerant flow path (100) required for operation in the corresponding mode can be formed.

[0058] The first switching valve (13) is provided to switch the refrigerant flow path (100) between the outlet side of the outdoor compressor (12) and the inlet side of the outdoor heat exchanger (16).

[0059] The second switching valve (14) is provided to switch the refrigerant flow path (100) between the outlet side of the outdoor compressor (12) and the indoor air conditioner (30).

[0060] The first switching valve (13) and the second switching valve (14) may each be provided with four ports (passages through which refrigerant flows in and out). In an embodiment of the present invention, when two ports are used, the remaining two ports may be blocked.

[0061] The outdoor heat exchanger (16) can operate as a condenser in cooling mode and as an evaporator in heating mode.

[0062] An outdoor heat exchanger (16) can be installed in the refrigerant path (100) between the outlet side of the outdoor compressor (12) and the outdoor expansion valve (15).

[0063] When the outdoor unit (10) is in cooling operation, the primary refrigerant supplied from the outdoor compressor (12) can be condensed by exchanging heat with the outdoor air in the outdoor heat exchanger (16).

[0064] And, when the outdoor unit (10) is in heating operation, the primary refrigerant supplied from the outdoor compressor (12) is condensed through heat exchange with the secondary refrigerant of the indoor water heater (20) of the secondary cycle (3), and the primary refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor expansion valve (15) can be evaporated through heat exchange with the outdoor air in the outdoor heat exchanger (16).

[0065] The outdoor expansion valve (15) is an expansion valve that expands and depressurizes the condensed primary refrigerant. The outdoor expansion valve (15) is installed on the second refrigerant passage (120) described below, and may be installed adjacent to the outdoor heat exchanger (16).

[0066] The outdoor expansion valve (15) depressurizes the primary refrigerant flowing through the second hot water heat exchanger (24) of the secondary cycle (3) to the outdoor heat exchanger (16). In addition, it depressurizes the primary refrigerant discharged from the outdoor compressor (12) and passing through the outdoor heat exchanger (16).

[0067] The outdoor expansion valve (15) may be an electronic expansion valve such as EEV whose opening degree can be adjusted.

[0068] [Indoor water heater configuration]

[0069] The indoor water heater (20) can be connected to the outdoor unit (10). The secondary refrigerant flowing through the indoor water heater (20) can exchange heat with water supplied to the storage tank (22) to supply hot water indoors.

[0070] The indoor water heater (20) includes an indoor compressor (21), a heat storage tank (22), a first hot water heat exchanger (23), a second hot water heat exchanger (24), and an indoor expansion valve (25).

[0071] Specifically, the indoor compressor (21) of the indoor water heater (20), like the outdoor compressor (12), can compress high-temperature and high-pressure secondary refrigerant and discharge it to the first hot water heat exchanger (23) of the storage tank (22).

[0072] The heat storage tank (22) uses water or other materials as heat to perform the heat storage function, and allows heat exchange between the high-temperature secondary refrigerant and water.

[0073] The first hot water heat exchanger (23) is formed to surround the heat storage tank (22) and heats the water stored in the heat storage tank (22).

[0074] In the first hot water heat exchanger (23), water stored in the storage tank (22) and high-temperature secondary refrigerant discharged from the indoor compressor (21) and circulating in the secondary cycle (3) can exchange heat with each other. At this time, the first hot water heat exchanger (23) can function as a condenser that condenses the secondary refrigerant discharged from the indoor compressor (21).

[0075] The second hot water heat exchanger (24) is connected to the outdoor compressor (12) on one side through a refrigerant passage (100), and is connected to the first hot water heat exchanger (23) on the other side through a refrigerant passage (100). For example, the second hot water heat exchanger (24) may include a plate heat exchanger that allows heat exchange between the primary refrigerant circulating in the primary cycle (2) and the secondary refrigerant circulating in the secondary cycle (3).

[0076] In the second hot water heat exchanger (24), the primary refrigerant discharged from the outdoor compressor (12) of the outdoor unit (10) and the secondary refrigerant circulating in the secondary cycle (3) can undergo heat exchange.

[0077] The second hot water heat exchanger (24) may include a condensation path through which the primary refrigerant of the primary cycle (2) passes and condenses, and an evaporation path through which the secondary refrigerant of the secondary cycle (3) passes and evaporates.

[0078] The indoor expansion valve (25) is an expansion valve that expands and reduces the pressure of the secondary refrigerant that passes through the first hot water heat exchanger (23) and flows toward the second hot water heat exchanger (24). The indoor expansion valve (25) may be an expansion valve that is installed between the first hot water heat exchanger (23) and the second hot water heat exchanger (24).

[0079] The indoor expansion valve (25) may be an electronic expansion valve such as EEV whose opening degree can be adjusted.

[0080] [Indoor air conditioner configuration]

[0081] The indoor air conditioner (30) includes an air conditioning heat exchanger (31) and an air conditioning expansion valve (32).

[0082] Specifically, the air conditioning heat exchanger (31) of the indoor air conditioner (30) operates as an evaporator during cooling operation and as a condenser during heating operation.

[0083] For example, when the indoor air conditioner (30) is in cooling operation, the primary refrigerant supplied from the outdoor compressor (12) is condensed through heat exchange with the secondary refrigerant of the indoor water heater (20), and the condensed primary refrigerant that has passed through the air conditioning expansion valve (32) can be evaporated through heat exchange with the outdoor air in the air conditioning heat exchanger (31).

[0084] In addition, when the indoor air conditioner (30) is in heating operation, the primary refrigerant supplied from the outdoor compressor (12) can be switched by the second switching valve (14) and condensed through heat exchange with the air conditioning heat exchanger (31) of the indoor air conditioner (30).

[0085] An air conditioning expansion valve (32) is connected to one side of the air conditioning heat exchanger (31). The air conditioning expansion valve (32) may be implemented as an electronic expansion valve. The air conditioning expansion valve (32) may be an expansion valve for expanding refrigerant, controlling the flow rate of the refrigerant, and, if necessary, blocking the flow of the refrigerant.

[0086] [Composition of refrigerant flow path]

[0087] The refrigerant passage (100) is composed of refrigerant pipes that are connected to each major component of the outdoor unit (10), indoor water heater (20), and indoor air conditioner (30).

[0088] In particular, it includes a first refrigerant path (110) through which the primary refrigerant discharged from the outdoor compressor (12) of the outdoor unit (10) is supplied to an indoor water heater (20), for example, a second hot water heat exchanger (24).

[0089] In addition, it includes a second refrigerant passage (120) through which the primary refrigerant discharged from the outdoor compressor (12) of the outdoor unit (10) passes through the outdoor heat exchanger (16) or flows through the first refrigerant passage (110) from the outdoor compressor (12) and passes through the outdoor heat exchanger (16).

[0090] In addition, it includes a third refrigerant passage (130) through which the primary refrigerant discharged from the outdoor compressor (12) of the outdoor unit (10) passes through the air conditioning heat exchanger (31) of the indoor air conditioner (30), or through which the primary refrigerant flowing through the first refrigerant passage (110) in the outdoor compressor (12) passes through the air conditioning heat exchanger (31) of the indoor air conditioner (30).

[0091] The first refrigerant passage (110), the second refrigerant passage (120), and the third refrigerant passage (130) configured in this manner can be combined with each other. At this time, the refrigerant can flow in the forward direction toward the second refrigerant passage (120) and / or the third refrigerant passage (130) in the first refrigerant passage (110), and the refrigerant can flow in the forward or reverse direction in the second refrigerant passage (120) and the third refrigerant passage (130).

[0092] [Indoor air conditioner cooling mode and outdoor unit cooling mode (heat recovery mode)]

[0093] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a refrigerant cycle in the outdoor condenser and air conditioning evaporator modes of a heat pump device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] Figure 2 shows a refrigerant cycle when the cooling load required in the indoor air conditioner cooling mode is greater than the heating load required in the indoor water heater (20) heating mode in the heat recovery mode.

[0095] As shown in Fig. 2, the control means can switch the heat pump device (1) to cooling mode by switching the first switching valve (13) so that the a1-a2 flow path is formed.

[0096] In addition, the control means switches the second switching valve (14) so ​​that the b2-b3 path is formed, thereby preventing the high-temperature, high-pressure primary refrigerant discharged from the outdoor compressor (12) from flowing to the indoor air conditioner (30).

[0097] In this way, when the flow paths of the first switching valve (13) and the second switching valve (14) are switched, the low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant is supplied to the outdoor compressor (12) by the outdoor accumulator (11), and the outdoor compressor (12) changes the low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant and then supplies it to the outdoor heat exchanger (16). The primary refrigerant supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger (16) is condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (16), passes through the second refrigerant flow path (120), and is then supplied to the indoor air conditioner (30) through the third refrigerant flow path (130). The primary refrigerant is supplied to the air conditioning heat exchanger (31) of the indoor air conditioner (30) to perform cooling. At this time, the air conditioning heat exchanger (31) can function as an evaporator.

[0098] In addition, the high temperature and high pressure primary refrigerant discharged from the outdoor compressor (12) can flow to the indoor water heater (20) through the first refrigerant passage (110). The primary refrigerant flowing to the indoor water heater (20) is condensed by heat exchange with the secondary refrigerant circulating in the indoor water heater (20) while passing through the condensation passage of the second hot water heat exchanger (24). In this process, the primary refrigerant, whose temperature has dropped in the indoor water heater (20), is recovered to the outdoor accumulator (11) of the outdoor unit (10) through the indoor air conditioner (30) through the third refrigerant passage (130). At this time, the primary refrigerant is supplied to the air conditioning heat exchanger (31) of the indoor air conditioner (30) to perform cooling. The air conditioning heat exchanger (31) can function as an evaporator.

[0099] The primary refrigerant flowing from the outdoor compressor (12) to the second switching valve (14) no longer forms a flow.

[0100] The heat generated when the primary refrigerant is condensed in the second hot water heat exchanger (24) is discharged from the indoor compressor (21) and used to evaporate the secondary refrigerant condensed in the first hot water heat exchanger (23).

[0101] The secondary refrigerant discharged from the indoor compressor (21) of the indoor water heater (20) is supplied to the first hot water heat exchanger (23) surrounding the storage tank (22) where water is stored and condenses by exchanging heat with the water in the storage tank (22). In this way, the secondary refrigerant that exchanges heat with the water in the storage tank (22) in the first hot water heat exchanger (23) decreases in temperature, and the water that has exchanged heat with the secondary refrigerant can increase in temperature to a high temperature of 50°C or higher by absorbing the heat of the secondary refrigerant.

[0102] In this way, cooling of the indoor air conditioner (30) and hot water supply of the indoor water heater (20) can be performed simultaneously through control of the first switching valve (13) and the second switching valve (14). In addition, cooling of the outdoor unit (2) can be performed through the heat recovery mode.

[0103] In addition, the outdoor expansion valve (15) provided in the outdoor unit (10), the air conditioning expansion valve (32) provided in the indoor air conditioner (30), and the indoor expansion valve (25) provided in the indoor water heater (20) can control the amount of refrigerant flowing into the indoor air conditioner (30) and the indoor water heater (20) by adjusting the opening degree. This can be controlled so that the outdoor unit (10) can be operated simultaneously in cooling mode when the evaporator load of the indoor air conditioner (30) is greater than the condenser load of the indoor water heater (20).

[0104] [Indoor air conditioner cooling mode and outdoor unit heating mode (heat recovery mode)]

[0105] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a refrigerant cycle in the outdoor evaporator and air conditioning evaporator modes of a heat pump device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] Figure 3 shows a refrigerant cycle when the heating load required in the indoor water heater (20) heating mode is greater than the cooling load required in the indoor air conditioner cooling mode in the heat recovery mode.

[0107] As shown in Fig. 3, the control means can switch the heat pump device (1) to heating mode by switching the first switching valve (13) so that the a2-a3 flow path is formed.

[0108] In addition, the control means switches the second switching valve (14) so ​​that the b2-b3 path is formed, thereby preventing the high-temperature, high-pressure primary refrigerant discharged from the outdoor compressor (12) from flowing to the indoor air conditioner (30).

[0109] In this way, when the flow paths of the first switching valve (13) and the second switching valve (14) are switched, the low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant is supplied to the outdoor compressor (12) by the outdoor accumulator (11), and the outdoor compressor (12) changes the low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant and supplies it to the indoor water heater (20). The primary refrigerant supplied to the indoor water heater (20) is condensed by heat exchange with the secondary refrigerant circulating in the indoor water heater (20) while passing through the condensation path of the second hot water heat exchanger (24). In this process, the primary refrigerant, whose temperature has dropped in the indoor water heater (20), is recovered to the outdoor accumulator (11) through the indoor air conditioner (30) via the third refrigerant path (130). At this time, the primary refrigerant is supplied to the air conditioning heat exchanger (31) of the indoor air conditioner (30) to perform cooling. At this time, the air conditioning heat exchanger (31) can function as an evaporator.

[0110] In addition, the primary refrigerant that has exchanged heat with the secondary refrigerant circulating in the indoor water heater (20) while passing through the second hot water heat exchanger (24) of the indoor water heater (20) flows to the outdoor heat exchanger (16) through the second refrigerant passage (120). At this time, the primary refrigerant evaporates by exchanging heat with the air flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger (16).

[0111] The heat generated when the primary refrigerant is condensed in the second hot water heat exchanger (24) is discharged from the indoor compressor (21) and used to evaporate the secondary refrigerant condensed in the first hot water heat exchanger (23).

[0112] The secondary refrigerant discharged from the indoor compressor (21) of the indoor water heater (20) is supplied to the first hot water heat exchanger (23) surrounding the storage tank (22) where water is stored and condenses by exchanging heat with the water in the storage tank (22). In this way, the secondary refrigerant that exchanges heat with the water in the storage tank (22) in the first hot water heat exchanger (23) decreases in temperature, and the water that has exchanged heat with the secondary refrigerant can increase in temperature to a high temperature of 50°C or higher by absorbing the heat of the secondary refrigerant.

[0113] In this way, cooling of the indoor air conditioner (30) and hot water supply of the indoor water heater (20) can be performed simultaneously through control of the first switching valve (13) and the second switching valve (14). In addition, heating of the outdoor unit (2) can be performed through the heat recovery mode.

[0114] In addition, the outdoor expansion valve (15) provided in the outdoor unit (10), the air conditioning expansion valve (32) provided in the indoor air conditioner (30), and the indoor expansion valve (25) provided in the indoor water heater (20) can control the amount of refrigerant flowing into the indoor air conditioner (30) and the indoor water heater (20) by adjusting the opening degree. This can be controlled so that the outdoor unit (10) can be operated simultaneously in heating mode when the evaporator load of the indoor air conditioner (30) is smaller than the condenser load of the indoor water heater (20).

[0115] [Indoor air conditioner heating mode and outdoor unit heating mode]

[0116] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a refrigerant cycle in the outdoor evaporator and air conditioning condenser modes of a heat pump device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] Figure 4 shows the refrigerant cycle in the heating mode of the outdoor unit and the heating mode of the indoor air conditioner.

[0118] As illustrated in Fig. 4, the control means can switch the heat pump device (1) to heating mode by switching the first switching valve (13) so that the a2-a3 flow path is formed. This prevents the high-temperature, high-pressure primary refrigerant discharged from the outdoor compressor (12) from flowing to the outdoor heat exchanger (16).

[0119] In addition, the control means switches the second switching valve (14) so ​​that the b1-b2 flow path is formed, thereby allowing the high-temperature, high-pressure primary refrigerant discharged from the outdoor compressor (12) to flow to the indoor air conditioner (30).

[0120] In this way, when the flow paths of the first switching valve (13) and the second switching valve (14) are switched, the high temperature and high pressure primary refrigerant discharged from the outdoor compressor (12) flows simultaneously to both the indoor air conditioner (30) and the indoor water heater (20). At this time, the primary refrigerant that has passed through the first switching valve (13) flows to the indoor air conditioner (30) through the third refrigerant flow path (130) and flows to the indoor water heater (20) through the first refrigerant flow path (110).

[0121] The primary refrigerant supplied to the indoor air conditioner (30) is condensed through heat exchange with air. The high-temperature air that has exchanged heat with the primary refrigerant in the indoor air conditioner (30) heats the interior. The primary refrigerant condensed in the indoor air conditioner (30) is supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger (16) through the second refrigerant passage (120), and the primary refrigerant supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger (16) is evaporated through heat exchange with air.

[0122] The primary refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger (16) passes through the first switching valve (13) and is recovered to the outdoor accumulator (11) and then supplied to the outdoor compressor (12).

[0123] In addition, the outdoor compressor (12) supplies high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant to the indoor water heater (20) through the first refrigerant passage (110). The primary refrigerant supplied to the indoor water heater (20) is condensed by heat exchange with the secondary refrigerant circulating in the indoor water heater (20) while passing through the condensation passage of the second hot water heat exchanger (24). In this process, the primary refrigerant that has passed through the indoor water heater (20) is supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger (16) through the second refrigerant passage (120) and recovered to the outdoor accumulator (11). At this time, the outdoor heat exchanger (16) can function as an evaporator.

[0124] The heat generated when the primary refrigerant is condensed in the second hot water heat exchanger (24) is discharged from the indoor compressor (21) and used to evaporate the secondary refrigerant condensed in the first hot water heat exchanger (23).

[0125] The secondary refrigerant discharged from the indoor compressor (21) of the indoor water heater (20) is supplied to the first hot water heat exchanger (23) surrounding the storage tank (22) where water is stored and condenses by exchanging heat with the water in the storage tank (22). In this way, the secondary refrigerant that exchanges heat with the water in the storage tank (22) in the first hot water heat exchanger (23) decreases in temperature, and the water that has exchanged heat with the secondary refrigerant can increase in temperature to a high temperature of 50°C or higher by absorbing the heat of the secondary refrigerant.

[0126] In this way, the heating mode of the indoor air conditioner (30) and the heating mode of the outdoor unit (10) can be operated simultaneously through the control of the first switching valve (13) and the second switching valve (14).

[0127] In addition, the outdoor expansion valve (15) provided in the outdoor unit (10), the air conditioning expansion valve (32) provided in the indoor air conditioner (30), and the indoor expansion valve (25) provided in the indoor water heater (20) can control the amount of refrigerant flowing into the indoor air conditioner (30) and the outdoor unit (10) through the opening control. This can be controlled so that the indoor air conditioner (30) can be operated in the heating mode and the outdoor unit (10) in the heating mode at the same time.

[0128] The present invention can perform indoor heating and cooling air conditioning by switching the flow of the switching valve (13, 14) of the primary cycle (2).

[0129] In addition, the present invention enables higher efficiency operation through heat recovery operation in cooling mode by having the indoor air conditioner (30) and the indoor water heater (20) perform simultaneous operation cycles.

[0130] In addition, in heating mode, high temperature water can be stored even under low outdoor temperature conditions.

[0131] The present invention enables indoor cooling and heating through the cooling and heating mode of an indoor air conditioner (30), and enables changing the condenser mode and evaporator mode on the outdoor side, thereby performing a stable cycle in response to external load conditions.

[0132] The above description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention can be readily modified into other specific forms without altering the technical spirit or essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the following claims, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents should be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An outdoor unit having a switching valve for switching the operation mode, an outdoor compressor for compressing a primary refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the primary refrigerant and outdoor air, an outdoor expansion valve for expanding the primary refrigerant, and a plurality of refrigerant paths connected to the outdoor compressor and through which the primary refrigerant flows to perform the operation mode; An indoor air conditioner having an air conditioning heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the primary refrigerant and indoor air, and an air conditioning expansion valve that expands the primary refrigerant; and A heat pump device comprising: an indoor water heater having an indoor compressor for compressing a secondary refrigerant, a heat storage tank for storing water as a heat medium to perform the heat storage function, a first hot water heat exchanger for heat-exchanging the secondary refrigerant and the water stored in the heat storage tank, a second hot water heat exchanger for heat-exchanging the primary refrigerant with the secondary refrigerant, and an indoor expansion valve for expanding the secondary refrigerant.

2. In paragraph 1, The above refrigerant path is, A first refrigerant passage connected between the outdoor compressor and the second hot water heat exchanger of the indoor water heater; a second refrigerant path connected between the outdoor compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger; and A third refrigerant path connected between the outdoor compressor and the indoor air conditioner; A heat pump device in which the first refrigerant passage, the second refrigerant passage, and the third refrigerant passage are joined to each other, and the refrigerant flows in the forward direction toward the second refrigerant passage and / or the third refrigerant passage through the first refrigerant passage, and the refrigerant flows in the forward or reverse direction through the second refrigerant passage and the third refrigerant passage.

3. In paragraph 2, The above switching valve is, A first switching valve for switching the flow path of the primary refrigerant between the outdoor compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger; and A heat pump device including a second switching valve for switching the flow path of the primary refrigerant between the outdoor compressor and the air conditioning heat exchanger of the indoor air conditioner.

4. In paragraph 3, The above switching valve is a heat pump device composed of a four-way valve.

5. In paragraph 3, A heat pump device in which the second hot water heat exchanger is connected to the outdoor compressor through the refrigerant passage, and at the same time, is connected to the first hot water heat exchanger through the refrigerant passage.

6. In paragraph 4, In the above indoor air conditioner cooling mode and the above outdoor air conditioner cooling mode, The above first switching valve switches the flow path so that the primary refrigerant flows to the outdoor heat exchanger, The above second switching valve is a heat pump device that is blocked.

7. In paragraph 4, In the above indoor air conditioner cooling mode and the above outdoor air conditioner heating mode, The above first switching valve and the above second switching valve are blocked, A heat pump device that switches the flow path so that the above primary refrigerant flows to the indoor water heater through the above first refrigerant flow path.

8. In paragraph 4, In the above indoor air conditioner heating mode and the above outdoor unit heating mode, The above first switching valve is blocked, The above second switching valve is a heat pump device that switches the flow path so that the primary refrigerant flows to the air conditioning heat exchanger of the indoor air conditioner.

9. In paragraph 4, A heat pump device in which the primary refrigerant supplied from the outdoor compressor during cooling operation of the outdoor unit is condensed through heat exchange with outdoor air in the outdoor heat exchanger.

10. In paragraph 4, When the above outdoor unit is in heating operation, the primary refrigerant supplied from the outdoor compressor is condensed through heat exchange with the secondary refrigerant of the indoor water heater. A heat pump device in which the primary refrigerant passing through the outdoor expansion valve is evaporated through heat exchange with outdoor air in the outdoor heat exchanger.

11. In paragraph 4, During the cooling operation of the indoor air conditioner, the primary refrigerant supplied from the outdoor compressor is condensed through heat exchange with the secondary refrigerant of the indoor water heater. A heat pump device in which the condensed primary refrigerant passing through the above-mentioned air-conditioning expansion valve is evaporated through heat exchange with outdoor air in the above-mentioned air-conditioning heat exchanger.

12. In paragraph 4, A heat pump device in which the primary refrigerant supplied from the outdoor compressor is condensed through heat exchange with the air conditioning heat exchanger of the indoor air conditioner during the heating operation of the indoor air conditioner.

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