Steam jet module and heat pump system using the same

Abstract

A vapor injection module includes a first expansion device to block flow of condensed refrigerant or pass condensed refrigerant to a gas-liquid separator by expanding the condensed refrigerant according to an air conditioning mode, the gas-liquid separator to receive refrigerant from the first expansion device and separate the refrigerant into gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant, and a second expansion device to allow condensed refrigerant to pass through the second expansion device or expand the condensed refrigerant or to expand liquid refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator according to the air conditioning mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to a vapor injection module and a heat pump system using the vapor injection module. This embodiment relates to a vapor injection module and a heat pump system using the vapor injection module, which is capable of expanding refrigerant, performing bypass operations, and separating gas and liquid according to an air conditioning mode. Background Technology

[0002] With ongoing development and research into environmentally friendly technologies and alternative energy sources to replace fossil fuels, electric and hybrid vehicles are considered among the most attractive sectors in the automotive industry recently. Batteries are installed in electric and hybrid vehicles to provide power. The electricity from the batteries is not only used to drive the vehicle but also to cool or heat the vehicle's interior.

[0003] When batteries are used as a heat source to cool or heat the interior of a vehicle that uses batteries to provide propulsion, the driving range is reduced to a certain extent. To address this issue, a method has been proposed to apply a heat pump system to the vehicle, which has been widely used domestically in related technologies as a cooling or heating device.

[0004] For reference, a heat pump is a process that absorbs heat from a low temperature and transfers that heat to a high temperature location. For example, a heat pump implements a cycle in which a liquid refrigerant evaporates in an evaporator, absorbing heat from its surroundings to become a gaseous refrigerant, and the gaseous refrigerant dissipates heat to its surroundings via a condenser to become a liquid refrigerant. Applying heat pumps to electric or hybrid vehicles can advantageously ensure that insufficient heat sources are available in conventional air conditioning housings in related technologies.

[0005] Heating capacity deteriorates significantly when the outside air temperature is too low during the process of heating the vehicle interior using a heat pump system. This is caused by insufficient absorption. Heating efficiency deteriorates when the amount of gaseous refrigerant delivered to the compressor is insufficient.

[0006] Various studies have been conducted by automobile manufacturers in many countries to address the aforementioned problems. For example, in some cases, methods have been used to improve heating performance by using PTC heaters and by utilizing waste heat from electrical components.

[0007] However, even the methods in the relevant technologies cannot effectively solve the problem of deteriorated heating performance during heat pump defrosting operations. Furthermore, methods that unilaterally deplete the battery, primarily used to improve heating performance, result in a significant degradation of battery drivability. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] The purpose of this implementation is to provide a steam injection module that can improve heating efficiency even in low-temperature conditions with low external air temperatures.

[0010] Another objective of the implementation is to provide a steam injection module in which, in both internal cooling and non-steam injection modes, the refrigerant bypasses the gas-liquid separator (LGS), thereby achieving excellent heating efficiency without unnecessary pressure drop.

[0011] The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other technical problems not mentioned above from the following description.

[0012] Technical solution

[0013] An embodiment of the present invention provides a vapor injection module, the vapor injection module comprising: a first expansion device configured to, according to an air conditioning mode, block the flow of condensing refrigerant or expand the condensing refrigerant and deliver the refrigerant to a gas-liquid separator; the gas-liquid separator configured to receive refrigerant from the first expansion device and separate the refrigerant into gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant; and a second expansion device configured to, according to the air conditioning mode, allow the condensing refrigerant to pass through the second expansion device, thereby expanding the condensing refrigerant, or to expand the liquid refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator.

[0014] Specifically, when the first expansion device obstructs the flow of the condensing refrigerant, the second expansion device can allow the condensing refrigerant to pass through the second expansion device or cause the condensing refrigerant to expand.

[0015] Specifically, in the cooling mode of the air conditioning mode, the first expansion device can block the flow of the condensing refrigerant, and the second expansion device can allow the condensing refrigerant to pass through the second expansion device.

[0016] Specifically, in the cooling mode of the air conditioning mode, the first expansion device can block the flow of the refrigerant, and the second expansion device can allow the condensed refrigerant to pass through the second expansion device.

[0017] Specifically, in the steam injection heating mode of the air conditioning mode, the first expansion device can expand the condensed refrigerant, and the gas-liquid separator can separate the expanded refrigerant into gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant. The gaseous refrigerant is sent to the compressor, while the liquid refrigerant is sent to the second expansion device, and the second expansion device can expand the liquid refrigerant.

[0018] Specifically, the gas-liquid separator can separate the refrigerant into gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant only in the steam injection heating mode of the air conditioning mode, which includes cooling mode, general heating mode and steam injection heating mode.

[0019] Specifically, the vapor injection module may further include: a first pipeline connected to an inlet port into which the refrigerant is introduced; a second pipeline connected to the first pipeline and an upper region of the gas-liquid separator; a third pipeline connected to the first pipeline and a lower region of the gas-liquid separator; a first expansion device disposed in the second pipeline and configured to control the direction of movement of the refrigerant and whether to expand the refrigerant according to the air conditioning mode; and a second expansion device disposed in the third pipeline and configured to control the direction of movement of the liquid refrigerant introduced through the first pipeline or separated and introduced in the gas-liquid separator and whether to expand the liquid refrigerant.

[0020] Specifically, the first expansion device may include a first ball valve disposed in the second pipeline and configured to rotate.

[0021] Specifically, the first ball valve may include a first inlet orifice, and a first expansion groove is connected to the first inlet orifice.

[0022] Specifically, the gas-liquid separator may include: a housing having an internal space in which the refrigerant flows; an outlet channel disposed on the upper side of the housing and configured to discharge the gaseous refrigerant, the outlet channel being arranged in the form of a pipe to prevent the introduction of the liquid refrigerant; and a moving channel disposed on the lower side of the housing and configured to discharge the liquid refrigerant to the second expansion device.

[0023] Specifically, the second line connected to the housing can be configured such that the refrigerant is discharged toward the sidewall of the housing.

[0024] Specifically, a partition wall may be provided on one side of the moving channel, and the partition wall is configured to prevent the refrigerant from spilling out.

[0025] Specifically, the partition wall may be larger than the diameter of the outflow channel to prevent spilled liquid refrigerant from moving toward the outflow channel.

[0026] Specifically, the second expansion device may include a second ball valve having a second inlet hole, a second outlet hole connected to the second inlet hole, and a second expansion groove formed on one side of the second outlet hole.

[0027] Specifically, in cooling mode, the refrigerant can flow along the first and third pipelines, the flow of the refrigerant in the second pipeline is blocked by the first expansion device, and the second expansion device can perform a bypass operation on the refrigerant.

[0028] Specifically, in the steam injection heating mode, the refrigerant can flow along the first pipeline, the refrigerant can be expanded by the first expansion device and flow to the gas-liquid separator, and the liquid refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator can be expanded by the second expansion device and discharged.

[0029] Specifically, in heating mode, the refrigerant can flow along the first pipeline and the second pipeline, and the refrigerant can be expanded and discharged through the second expansion device.

[0030] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a steam jet heat pump system, the steam jet heat pump system comprising: a compressor configured to compress and discharge a refrigerant; a condenser configured to condense the compressed refrigerant; a first expansion device configured to either block the flow of the condensed refrigerant according to an air conditioning mode or to expand the condensed refrigerant and deliver the refrigerant to a gas-liquid separator; the gas-liquid separator configured to receive the refrigerant from the first expansion device and separate the refrigerant into gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant; and a second expansion device. The device is configured to allow the condensed refrigerant to pass through the second expansion device according to the air conditioning mode, causing the condensed refrigerant to expand, or to cause the liquid refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator to expand; an external heat exchanger configured to condense or evaporate the refrigerant delivered from the second expansion device; a third expansion device configured to control the direction of movement of the refrigerant delivered from the external heat exchanger and whether to cause the refrigerant to expand according to the air conditioning mode; and an evaporator configured to cool the interior by using the refrigerant delivered from the third expansion device.

[0031] In particular, the second expansion device can be arranged in parallel with the first expansion device.

[0032] Specifically, when the air conditioning mode is cooling mode, the first expansion device can block the flow of the refrigerant, and the second expansion device can perform a bypass operation on the refrigerant and transfer the refrigerant to the external heat exchanger.

[0033] Specifically, when the air conditioning mode is a steam injection heating mode, the first expansion device can expand the condensed refrigerant and deliver the refrigerant to the gas-liquid separator. The gaseous refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator can be introduced into the compressor, while the liquid refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator can be expanded by the second expansion device and delivered to the external heat exchanger.

[0034] Specifically, when the air conditioning mode is normal heating (non-steam injection) mode, the first expansion device can block the flow of the refrigerant, and the second expansion device can expand the refrigerant and transfer the refrigerant to the external heat exchanger.

[0035] Specifically, the steam jet heat pump system may further include: a fourth expansion device connected in parallel to the third expansion device; and a cooler connected to the fourth expansion device and configured to allow the refrigerant and coolant to exchange heat with each other.

[0036] In particular, the steam jet heat pump system may also include an internal heat exchanger configured to heat the interior using the refrigerant compressed by the compressor.

[0037] Specifically, the evaporator and the internal heat exchanger can be housed within the air conditioner casing.

[0038] Specifically, the refrigerant in the internal heat exchanger can exchange heat with the air, and the air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant can be introduced into the interior and heat the interior.

[0039] Specifically, the refrigerant in the internal heat exchanger can exchange heat with the coolant, and the coolant that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant can exchange heat with the air used to heat the interior.

[0040] In particular, the steam jet heat pump system may also include a water-cooled condenser configured to allow the coolant and refrigerant discharged from the internal heat exchanger to exchange heat with each other.

[0041] Beneficial effects

[0042] According to this embodiment, heating efficiency can be improved even in low-temperature conditions with low external air temperature.

[0043] In particular, in internal cooling and non-steam injection modes, the refrigerant bypasses the gas-liquid separator, which allows for improved heating efficiency without unnecessary pressure drop.

[0044] The various beneficial advantages and effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and can be more easily understood during the description of specific embodiments of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the interior of a steam injection module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 The diagram shows the operation of the refrigerant in cooling mode.

[0047] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 The diagram shows the operation of the refrigerant in the steam injection heating mode.

[0048] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 The diagram shows the operation of the refrigerant in heating mode.

[0049] Figure 5 and Figure 6 It is used to explain as Figure 1 A diagram showing the operation of the first expansion device, which is a constituent element of the structure.

[0050] Figures 7 to 9 It is used to explain as Figure 1 A diagram showing the operation of the second expansion device, which is a constituent element of the structure.

[0051] Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of a heat pump system using a steam injection module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 11 It is shown Figure 10 The diagram shows the operating status of the system in cooling mode.

[0053] Figure 12 It is shown Figure 10 The diagram shows the operating state of the system in steam injection heating mode.

[0054] Figure 13 It is shown Figure 10 The diagram shows the operating state of the system in normal heating mode. Detailed Implementation

[0055] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] However, the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but can be implemented in various different forms. Within the scope of the spirit of the present invention, one or more of the constituent elements in the embodiments can be selectively combined and replaced.

[0057] Furthermore, unless otherwise specifically and explicitly defined and stated, the terminology (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of this invention may be interpreted as having the meaning commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The meaning of commonly used terms, such as those defined in dictionaries, can be interpreted in light of the contextual meaning of related art.

[0058] Furthermore, the terminology used in the embodiments of this invention is for explaining the embodiments and not for limiting the invention.

[0059] In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the singular form may also include the plural form. The expression "at least one (or one or more) of A, B, and C" may include one or more of all combinations that can be made by combining A, B, and C.

[0060] Furthermore, the terms first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) can be used to describe the constituent elements of embodiments of the present invention.

[0061] These terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one constituent element from another, and the nature, sequence, or order of the constituent elements are not limited by these terms.

[0062] Furthermore, when a component is described as being “connected,” “joined,” or “attached” to another component, a component may be directly connected, joined, or attached to another component, or may be connected, joined, or attached to another component through another component inserted between the two.

[0063] Furthermore, the statement "one component is formed or disposed above or below another component" includes not only cases where the two components are in direct contact with each other, but also cases where one or more additional components are formed or disposed between the two components. Additionally, the expression "above or below" can include meanings based on the downward and upward directions of a component.

[0064] In this document, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regardless of the reference numerals, the same or corresponding constituent elements are given the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0065] Figures 1 to 13 Only the main features for conceptual and clear understanding of the invention are clearly shown. As a result, various modifications to the drawings are contemplated, and the scope of the invention is not necessarily limited to the specific shapes shown in the drawings.

[0066] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the interior of a steam injection module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A diagram showing the operation of the refrigerant in cooling mode. Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A diagram showing the operation of the refrigerant in vapor injection heating mode. Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 A diagram showing the operation of the refrigerant in heating mode. Figure 5 and Figure 6 It is used to explain as Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the operation of the first expansion device, a constituent element of the structure, and Figures 7 to 9 It is used to explain as Figure 1 A diagram showing the operation of the second expansion device, which is a constituent element of the structure.

[0067] refer to Figures 1 to 9 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the steam injection module 1 may include a first pipeline 100, a gas-liquid separator 400, a second pipeline 200, a third pipeline 300, a first expansion device 500, and a second expansion device 600.

[0068] The first line 100 is connected to the inlet port 110, into which refrigerant is introduced. The first line 100 provides a passage for the refrigerant to pass through and be introduced into the vapor injection module 1. In one embodiment, the first line 100 may have a circular tube structure, and various tube structures may be used to move the refrigerant.

[0069] The gas-liquid separator 400 can receive refrigerant from the first expansion device 500 and separate the refrigerant into gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant. The gas-liquid separator 400 can move the separated gaseous refrigerant to the compressor 10 and move the liquid refrigerant to the third line 300.

[0070] The gas-liquid separator 400 may include a housing 410, an outlet channel 420, and a moving channel 430.

[0071] The housing 410 provides an internal space for the refrigerant to flow within it. The housing 410 has a cylindrical structure, and the inner wall of the housing 410 may have an inclination. This inclination can reduce the radius of the housing towards the lower side, thereby providing a flow rate correction effect.

[0072] The outlet port can be located on the upper side of the housing 410, and the moving channel 430 can be formed on the lower side of the housing 410.

[0073] The outflow channel 420 can be connected to the outlet port, and gaseous refrigerant can flow through the outflow channel 420 to the outlet port.

[0074] The second line 200 is connected to a region on the upper side of the housing 410. The second line 200 can be configured such that refrigerant is discharged toward the sidewall of the housing 410, thereby defining the circulation of refrigerant. The refrigerant discharged from the second line 200 flows downward while spiraling along the sidewall of the outlet passage 420.

[0075] The moving channel 430 provides a passage for the refrigerant liquefied in the housing 410 to flow toward the second expansion device 600 disposed in the third line 300.

[0076] A partition wall 440 can be provided on one side of the moving channel 430, and the partition wall 440 prevents refrigerant from spilling.

[0077] The partition wall 440 can be positioned at the central portion of the moving channel 430 (i.e., below the outlet channel 420) and prevents refrigerant flowing through the moving channel from scattering and being introduced into the outlet channel 420. In one embodiment, the partition wall 440 can have a circular plate structure and a diameter larger than that of the outlet channel 420. The shape of the partition wall 440 is not limited, but the cross-section of the partition wall 440 can be larger than that of the outlet channel 420. Various modifications can be made to the partition wall 440 according to the cross-sectional shape of the outlet channel 420.

[0078] Furthermore, the fixing part can be connected to the partition wall part 440, so that the partition wall part 440 can be fixed to the housing 410. In one embodiment, the fixing part can have a rod structure. The fixing part can be fixed by a structure in which one side is connected to the partition wall part 440 and the other side is fixed to the housing 410.

[0079] One side of the second pipeline 200 can be connected to the first pipeline 100, while the other side is connected to an area above the gas-liquid separator 400. The second pipeline 200 provides a passage for refrigerant to flow through. The first expansion device 500 can be located in an area of ​​the second pipeline 200.

[0080] The first expansion device 500 can block the flow of condensed refrigerant or expand the condensed refrigerant according to the air conditioning mode and transfer the expanded refrigerant to the gas-liquid separator 400.

[0081] The first expansion device 500 may include a first ball valve 510 disposed at the center of the second pipeline 200 and configured to rotate. The first ball valve 510 may include a first inlet port 511 and a first expansion groove 513 connected to the first inlet port 511.

[0082] The refrigerant introduced into the first expansion device 500 can flow through the first inlet hole 511 formed in the first ball valve 510, expand as it passes through the first expansion groove 513, and then enter the gas-liquid separator 400.

[0083] The actuator can be connected to the first ball valve 510 so that the first ball valve 510 can be rotated. The rotation of the first ball valve 510 can be used to allow or block the flow of refrigerant to the second line 200.

[0084] Furthermore, both the first expansion device 500 and the second expansion device 600 are electronic expansion valves. Although reference numerals are omitted, both the first expansion device 500 and the second expansion device 600 may have an actuator (motor) for rotating the ball valve, and the expansion amount or flow rate of the refrigerant is controlled according to the rotation angle of the actuator.

[0085] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The first inlet hole 511 may have a curved structure, and the first expansion groove 513 may be connected to the end of the first inlet hole 511.

[0086] like Figure 5 As shown, with the first inlet 511 located in the second pipeline 200, the refrigerant enters the first ball valve 510, expands as it passes through the first expansion groove 513, and then flows to the gas-liquid separator 400.

[0087] refer to Figure 6 When the ball valve rotates and the second line 200 and the first inlet hole 511 are not aligned with each other, the flow of refrigerant into the second line 200 can be blocked.

[0088] Figure 5 and Figure 6 One embodiment of a first expansion device 500 using a ball valve is shown. However, various known structures capable of expanding the refrigerant while controlling its flow can be used.

[0089] The third line 300 can be connected to a region below the first line 100 and the gas-liquid separator 400, and provides a passage for refrigerant to flow through.

[0090] One side of the third pipeline 300 can be connected to the first pipeline 100, and the other side is connected to the moving channel 430 of the gas-liquid separator 400, so that the refrigerant can flow.

[0091] The second expansion device 600 can allow condensed refrigerant to pass through the second expansion device according to the air conditioning mode, causing the condensed refrigerant to expand, or causing the liquid refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator 400 to expand.

[0092] The second expansion device 600 can be installed in the third pipeline 300 and control the direction of movement of the liquid refrigerant introduced through the first pipeline 100 or separated in the gas-liquid separator 400, as well as whether to expand the liquid refrigerant.

[0093] When the first expansion device 500 blocks the flow of condensing refrigerant, the second expansion device 600 can allow the condensing refrigerant to pass through the second expansion device or cause the condensing refrigerant to expand.

[0094] The second expansion device 600 may include a second ball valve 610 having a second inlet hole 611, a second outlet hole 613 connected to the second inlet hole 611, and a second expansion groove 613a formed on one side of the second outlet hole 613.

[0095] The second ball valve 610 has a spherical shape. The second ball valve 610 can be connected to an actuator (not shown) and rotated. The second ball valve 610 can be disposed in the second expansion device 600.

[0096] The second inlet port 611 and the second outlet port 613 of the second ball valve 610 can be connected to define a passage for refrigerant to flow through. In one embodiment, the second inlet port 611 and the second outlet port 613 can be connected to define an angle of 90 degrees. However, the angle between the second inlet port 611 and the second outlet port 613 is not limited to this. This angle can be modified to various angles.

[0097] The second expansion groove 613a can be connected to the end of the second outlet hole 613 and causes the refrigerant flowing through the second outlet hole 613 to expand and move. In one embodiment, the second expansion groove 613a can have an elongated shape and cause the refrigerant to expand by using changes in the pressure of the flowing refrigerant.

[0098] The second ball valve 610 is operated to move or expand the refrigerant. The second ball valve 610 can be rotated to change the position of the second inlet port 611, the second outlet port 613, and the second expansion groove 613a to move or expand the refrigerant.

[0099] refer to Figure 7The second outlet hole 613 can be located on the side adjacent to the third pipeline 300 connected to the first pipeline 100. A second outlet port connected to the second outlet hole 613 at a 90-degree angle can be located on the side adjacent to the refrigerant outlet 601 formed in the second expansion device 600, allowing refrigerant movement. In this case, when the side of the third pipeline 300 connected to the gas-liquid separator 400 is blocked, the refrigerant flows toward the refrigerant outlet 601 without passing through the second expansion groove 613a.

[0100] refer to Figure 8 The second outlet port 613 can be located on the side adjacent to the third pipeline 300 connected to the gas-liquid separator 400. A second outlet port connected to the second outlet port 613 at a 90-degree angle can be located near the second expansion device 600. In this case, when the second outlet port is blocked by the inner wall of the second expansion device 600, the refrigerant expands through the second expansion groove 613a and flows toward the refrigerant outlet 601.

[0101] refer to Figure 9 The second outlet hole 613 can be located on the side where the third pipeline 300 connects to the first pipeline 100. The second outlet port, connected to the second outlet hole 613 at a 90-degree angle, can be located near the second expansion device 600. In this case, when the second outlet port is blocked by the inner wall of the second expansion device 600, the refrigerant expands through the second expansion groove 613a and flows towards the refrigerant outlet 601.

[0102] As described above, the second expansion device 600 can perform a bypass operation on the refrigerant introduced through the first pipeline 100 or the gas-liquid separator 400, or expand and move the refrigerant introduced through the first pipeline 100 or the gas-liquid separator 400.

[0103] The operation of the steam injection module 1 according to the air conditioning mode will be described below.

[0104] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the refrigerant in the cooling mode in the steam injection module 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] refer to Figure 2 In cooling mode, the first expansion device 500 can block the flow of condensed refrigerant, and the second expansion device 600 can allow condensed refrigerant to pass through the second expansion device.

[0106] In cooling mode, refrigerant is introduced through inlet port 110. In this case, the flow of refrigerant in the second line 200 connected to the first line 100 is blocked by the first expansion device 500, and the refrigerant flows to the third line 300.

[0107] The second expansion device 600 can move the refrigerant introduced through the third pipeline 300 to the refrigerant outlet 601 while performing the bypass operation.

[0108] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the refrigerant in the steam injection heating mode in the steam injection module 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0109] refer to Figure 3 In the steam injection heating mode, the first expansion device 500 can expand the condensed refrigerant, and the gas-liquid separator 400 can separate the expanded refrigerant into gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant. The gaseous refrigerant is sent to the compressor, while the liquid refrigerant is sent to the second expansion device 600, which can expand the liquid refrigerant.

[0110] In steam injection heating mode, refrigerant is introduced through inlet port 110. In this case, refrigerant is introduced when the first expansion device 500 is opened. The introduced refrigerant expands to an intermediate pressure through the first expansion device 500 and is then introduced into the gas-liquid separator 400. The first expansion device 500 can expand the introduced refrigerant to an intermediate pressure and reduce the load applied to the compressor, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency in the evaporator.

[0111] The refrigerant introduced into the gas-liquid separator 400 can flow downwards while circulating along the side wall of the housing 410 of the gas-liquid separator 400. The liquid refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator 400 can flow through the connecting channel to the third line 300, while the separated gaseous refrigerant can be discharged through the outflow channel 420.

[0112] The second ball valve 610 of the second expansion device 600 can prevent refrigerant from being introduced from the first line 100 into the third line 300, and allow refrigerant to enter the third line 300 connected to the gas-liquid separator 400.

[0113] The refrigerant introduced into the second ball valve 610 can be expanded to a low pressure through the second expansion groove 613a and discharged through the refrigerant outlet 601.

[0114] In the steam injection heating mode, the expansion pressure of the refrigerant can be adjusted as it passes through the first expansion device 500 and the second expansion device 600 in sequence, which can improve efficiency.

[0115] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the refrigerant in the steam injection module 1 in a normal heating mode (non-steam injection mode) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] refer to Figure 4 In normal heating mode, the first expansion device 500 can block the flow of condensed refrigerant, and the second expansion device 600 can expand the condensed refrigerant.

[0117] In normal heating mode, refrigerant is introduced through inlet port 110. In this case, the flow of refrigerant in the second line 200 connected to the first line 100 is blocked by the first expansion device 500, so the refrigerant flows to the third line 300.

[0118] The second ball valve 610 of the second expansion device 600 can prevent refrigerant from being introduced from the gas-liquid separator 400 into the third line 300, and allow refrigerant to enter the third line 300 connected to the first line 100.

[0119] The refrigerant introduced into the second ball valve 610 can be expanded to a low pressure through the second expansion groove 613a and discharged through the refrigerant outlet 601.

[0120] As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the vapor injection module 1 separates the refrigerant into gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant only in the vapor injection heating mode of the air conditioning mode, which includes cooling mode, general heating mode and vapor injection heating mode.

[0121] Meanwhile, a heat pump system using a steam injection module 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Descriptions of structures identical to those of the steam injection module 1 according to the above embodiment of the present invention will be omitted.

[0122] Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of a heat pump system using a steam injection module according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 It is shown Figure 10 A diagram showing the operating status of the system in cooling mode. Figure 12 It is shown Figure 10 The diagram shows the operating state of the system in steam injection heating mode, and Figure 13 It is shown Figure 10 The diagram shows the operating state of the system in normal heating mode. Figures 1 to 9 Similar reference numerals in the accompanying drawings refer to... Figures 10 to 13 Similar components will be described, and detailed descriptions of the same components will be omitted.

[0123] refer to Figure 10According to another embodiment of the present invention, a heat pump system using a steam injection module 1 may include a compressor 10, a condenser 30, an internal heat exchanger 20, a first expansion device 500, a second expansion device 600, a gas-liquid separator 400, an external heat exchanger 40, a third expansion device 50, an evaporator 60, a fourth expansion device 70, a cooler 80, and an accumulator 90.

[0124] The compressor 10 is operated by receiving power from an engine (internal combustion engine) or a motor. The compressor draws in refrigerant, compresses it into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, and then discharges the refrigerant into the condenser 30.

[0125] The internal heat exchanger 20 heats the interior by allowing the refrigerant introduced from the compressor 10 to exchange heat with the air conditioning air. The internal heat exchanger 20, together with the evaporator 60 described below, can be disposed in the air conditioning housing C of the vehicle and heat the interior of the vehicle.

[0126] In one embodiment, the internal heat exchanger 20 may use a condenser as a heat exchanger to heat the interior.

[0127] The refrigerant flowing through the internal heat exchanger 20 can exchange heat with the air, and the air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant can be introduced into the interior and heat the interior.

[0128] In addition, the refrigerant in the internal heat exchanger 20 can exchange heat with the coolant, and the coolant that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant can exchange heat with the air to heat the interior.

[0129] As described above, an air-cooled heat exchanger or a water-cooled heat exchanger can be used as an internal heat exchanger 20.

[0130] In one embodiment, the internal heat exchanger 20 may further include a water-cooled condenser configured to allow the discharged refrigerant and coolant to exchange heat with each other. The water-cooled condenser included in the internal heat exchanger 20 can exchange heat with the coolant flowing through the coolant line, and the coolant that has exchanged heat with the water-cooled condenser can heat the interior.

[0131] The condenser 30 functions as a condenser in both cooling and heating modes. The condenser 30 condenses compressed refrigerant. The refrigerant condensed by the condenser 30 flows along the first line 100 and is supplied to the steam injection module 1. In one embodiment, a water-cooled condenser 30 may be used as the condenser 30.

[0132] The first expansion device 500 can block the flow of condensed refrigerant or expand the condensed refrigerant according to the air conditioning mode and deliver the expanded refrigerant to the gas-liquid separator 400. The first expansion device 500 is installed in the second pipeline 200 connecting the first pipeline 100 and the gas-liquid separator 400. The first ball valve 510 installed in the first expansion device 500 can determine whether to allow the refrigerant to move and expand.

[0133] The second expansion device 600 can be connected in parallel with the first expansion device 500 to the gas-liquid separator 400. Depending on the air conditioning mode, the refrigerant is allowed to pass through the second expansion device or expand, and the refrigerant is discharged to the external heat exchanger 40. The second expansion device 600 can be installed in the third pipeline 300 connecting the first pipeline 100 and the gas-liquid separator 400. A second ball valve 610 installed in the second expansion device 600 can determine the direction of refrigerant movement and whether to expand the refrigerant. The second pipeline 200 and the third pipeline 300 are connected to each other in parallel. The third pipeline 300 can be located below the second pipeline 200 to allow the liquid refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator 400 to flow.

[0134] A 3-way / 2-way expansion valve can be used as a secondary expansion device 600. The 3-way / 2-way expansion valve can determine the flow direction of the introduced refrigerant, determine whether to expand the refrigerant, and control the flow rate.

[0135] The gas-liquid separator 400 can separate the refrigerant that has passed through the first expansion device 500 into gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant, and move the liquid refrigerant in the separated refrigerant to the second expansion device, while the gaseous refrigerant can be reintroduced into the compressor 10.

[0136] The gas-liquid separator 400, together with the accumulator 90, can be used to separate the refrigerant into gaseous and liquid refrigerant before the refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant line and enters the compressor 10. However, the difference is that the accumulator 90 supplies gaseous refrigerant to the compressor 10, while the gas-liquid separator 400 allows the separated liquid refrigerant to flow as is.

[0137] The liquid refrigerant separated by the gas-liquid separator 400 passes through a second expansion device 600 located in the third pipeline 300. In this case, the second expansion device 600 can further depressurize the liquid refrigerant separated by the gas-liquid separator 400.

[0138] The external heat exchanger 40 is an air-cooled heat exchanger and is installed at the front of the vehicle's engine compartment. The external heat exchanger 40, together with the radiator, is arranged in a straight line along the direction of airflow blown by the blower fan. Furthermore, the external heat exchanger 40 can exchange heat with the low-temperature coolant discharged from the radiator.

[0139] Furthermore, the external heat exchanger 40 can perform different functions depending on the air conditioning mode. In cooling mode, the external heat exchanger 40 functions as the same condenser 30 as the water-cooled condenser 30. In heating mode, the external heat exchanger 40 functions as an evaporator 60 that performs a different function than the water-cooled condenser 30.

[0140] The third expansion device 50 can be located on the side adjacent to the inlet of the evaporator 60 and performs the following functions: expanding the refrigerant, controlling the flow rate, and controlling the opening and closing operations.

[0141] Evaporator 60 is installed in the air conditioning housing C and disposed in the refrigerant circulation line. During the process of supplying low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant discharged from the third expansion device 50 to evaporator 60 and air flowing in the air conditioning housing C through evaporator 60 by a blower exchanging heat with the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant in evaporator 60 and being converted into cold air, the cold air is then discharged into the vehicle interior and cools the passenger compartment. In other words, evaporator 60 serves as an evaporator in the refrigerant circulation line.

[0142] The fourth expansion unit 70 can be connected in parallel to the third expansion unit 50 and performs the following functions: expanding the circulating refrigerant, controlling the flow rate, and controlling the opening and closing operations.

[0143] The low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant discharged from the fourth expansion unit 70 can be supplied to the cooler 80 and exchange heat with the coolant flowing in the coolant circulation line. At the same time, the cold coolant generated by the heat exchange in the cooler 80 can circulate through the coolant circulation line and exchange heat with the high-temperature battery.

[0144] An accumulator 90 is installed in the refrigerant circulation line on the side adjacent to the inlet of the compressor 10. Refrigerant that has passed through the evaporator 60 and / or cooler 80 is collected in the accumulator 90. The accumulator 90 can separate the refrigerant into liquid and gaseous refrigerant, supplying only the gaseous refrigerant to the compressor 10 and storing the remaining refrigerant.

[0145] The suction port of compressor 10 can be connected to the gaseous refrigerant outlet of accumulator 90. Therefore, liquid refrigerant can be prevented from being drawn into compressor 10.

[0146] In embodiments of the present invention, the first expansion device 500, the second expansion device 600, the third expansion device 50, and the fourth expansion device 70 may perform expansion, connection, and blocking functions according to corresponding modes. In other words, the respective expansion devices may have the following three functions: expanding the refrigerant, allowing the refrigerant to pass through without being expanded, and blocking the refrigerant.

[0147] Figure 11 It is shown Figure 10 The diagram shows the operating status of the system in cooling mode.

[0148] refer to Figure 11 In cooling mode, compressor 10 operates, and high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant is discharged from compressor 10. The compressed refrigerant flows to internal heat exchanger 20 and is introduced into water-cooled condenser 30 by bypassing the non-operating internal heat exchanger 20.

[0149] The refrigerant introduced into the water-cooled condenser 30 is cooled by exchanging heat with the coolant, and the cooled refrigerant is introduced into the steam injection module 1 along the first pipeline 100.

[0150] The first expansion device 500 prevents the refrigerant flowing along the first pipeline 100 from flowing into the second pipeline 200, so the refrigerant is introduced into the third pipeline 300. A second expansion device 600, located in the third pipeline 300, performs a bypass operation on the refrigerant, allowing it to be introduced into the external heat exchanger 40. The refrigerant is cooled by exchanging heat with the outside air in the external heat exchanger 40. In other words, both the water-cooled condenser 30 and the external heat exchanger 40 function as condensers 30 and condense the refrigerant.

[0151] Subsequently, the condensed refrigerant is throttled and expanded as it passes through the third expansion device 50. The expanded refrigerant then passes through the evaporator 60, exchanging heat with air blown by a blower (not shown) from the air conditioning housing C, causing the refrigerant to evaporate and the air to be cooled. The cooled air is supplied to the vehicle interior for cooling. Furthermore, the refrigerant evaporated through the evaporator 60 flows back into the compressor 10 via the accumulator 90.

[0152] The remaining portion of the refrigerant branching off from refrigerant branch B passes through the fourth expansion device 70.

[0153] In this situation, the fourth expansion device 70 is shut off, allowing refrigerant to be introduced into the evaporator 60, and the refrigerant can expand and enter the cooler 80.

[0154] After the refrigerant is throttled and expanded by the fourth expansion device 70, the expanded refrigerant can exchange heat with the coolant while passing through the cooler 80, allowing the refrigerant to evaporate and the coolant to be cooled. Furthermore, the refrigerant evaporated in the cooler 80 flows back into the compressor 10 via the accumulator 90. As described above, the refrigerant that has passed through the evaporator 60 and the refrigerant that has passed through the cooler 80 merge together in the accumulator 90 and flow into the compressor 10. The refrigerant circulates by repeating the above process.

[0155] Figure 12 It is shown Figure 10 The diagram shows the operating state of the system in steam injection heating mode.

[0156] refer to Figure 12 In steam injection heating mode, compressor 10 operates, and high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant is discharged from compressor 10. The compressed refrigerant flows to internal heat exchanger 20 and is introduced into water-cooled condenser 30 by bypassing the non-operating internal heat exchanger 20.

[0157] The refrigerant introduced into the water-cooled condenser 30 is cooled by exchanging heat with the coolant, and the cooled refrigerant is introduced into the steam injection module 1 along the first pipeline 100.

[0158] The refrigerant flowing along the first pipeline 100 flows to the second pipeline 200. The refrigerant expands to an intermediate pressure through the first expansion device 500 and flows toward the gas-liquid separator 400.

[0159] The expanded refrigerant flows toward the gas-liquid separator 400. The liquid refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator 400 flows to the second expansion device 600. The liquid refrigerant is further depressurized to a low pressure and then introduced into the external heat exchanger 40.

[0160] In the steam injection heating mode, as the refrigerant passes through the first expansion device 500 and the second expansion device 600 in sequence, the expansion pressure of the refrigerant can be adjusted, which can improve efficiency.

[0161] The second expansion device 600 can block the third pipeline 300 connected to the first pipeline 100, allowing refrigerant to be introduced into the second pipeline 200. The second ball valve 610 provided in the second expansion device 600 can expand the refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator 400 and supply the expanded refrigerant to the external heat exchanger 40.

[0162] In this scenario, during heating operation, under certain conditions, the second expansion device 600 can alter the flow rate of the refrigerant that has passed through the gas-liquid separator 400 to maintain optimal COP. That is, the second expansion device 600 can regulate the flow rate of the refrigerant that has passed through the gas-liquid separator 400 by adjusting the opening of the ball valve. Conversely, to improve system performance while sacrificing optimal COP, the refrigerant flow rate can be forcibly reduced. In other words, according to the invention, the second expansion device 600 can change the amount of refrigerant expansion in steam jet heating mode. Therefore, optimal COP or optimal system performance can be ensured.

[0163] The gaseous refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator 400 can flow back into the compressor 10. Therefore, heating efficiency is improved because refrigerant with a higher temperature than the refrigerant introduced from the accumulator 90 can flow back into the compressor 10.

[0164] The refrigerant, having passed through the external heat exchanger 40, absorbs heat from the outside air and evaporates by exchanging heat with the outside air. Afterward, the refrigerant passes through the refrigerant branch B and the fully open fourth expansion device 70, then flows into the cooler 80. In the cooler 80, the refrigerant is heated by exchanging heat with the coolant. Next, the refrigerant that has passed through the cooler 80 flows back into the compressor 10 via the accumulator 90. In this case, the third expansion device 50 is closed, preventing the refrigerant from flowing to the evaporator 60. Thus, the refrigerant circulates by repeating the above process.

[0165] Figure 13 It is shown Figure 10 The diagram shows the operating state of the system in normal heating mode.

[0166] refer to Figure 13 In normal heating mode (non-steam injection mode), compressor 10 operates, and high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant is discharged from compressor 10. The compressed refrigerant flows to internal heat exchanger 20 and is introduced into water-cooled condenser 30 by bypassing the non-operating internal heat exchanger 20.

[0167] The refrigerant introduced into the water-cooled condenser 30 is cooled by exchanging heat with the coolant, and the cooled refrigerant is introduced into the steam injection module 1 along the first pipeline 100.

[0168] The first expansion device 500 prevents refrigerant flowing along the first pipeline 100 from flowing into the second pipeline 200, and the refrigerant is introduced into the third pipeline 300. A second expansion device 600, located in the third pipeline 300, expands the refrigerant to a low pressure and introduces it into the external heat exchanger 40, where the refrigerant is cooled by exchanging heat with the outside air in the external heat exchanger 40. In other words, both the water-cooled condenser 30 and the external heat exchanger 40 function as condensers, causing the refrigerant to condense.

[0169] The second expansion device 600 can block the third pipeline 300 connected to the gas-liquid separator 400, allowing refrigerant to be introduced into the second pipeline 200. The second ball valve 610 provided in the second expansion device 600 can expand the refrigerant introduced through the third pipeline 300 and supply the expanded refrigerant to the external heat exchanger 40.

[0170] The refrigerant, having passed through the external heat exchanger 40, absorbs heat from the outside air and evaporates by exchanging heat with the outside air. Afterward, the refrigerant passes through the refrigerant branch B and the fully open fourth expansion device 70, and then flows into the cooler 80. In the cooler 80, the refrigerant is heated by exchanging heat with the coolant. Next, the refrigerant that has passed through the cooler 80 flows into the compressor 10 via the accumulator 90. In this case, the third expansion device 50 is closed, preventing the refrigerant from flowing to the evaporator 60. Thus, the refrigerant circulates by repeating the above process.

[0171] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0172] The foregoing description is merely illustrative of the technical spirit of the invention, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications, alterations, and substitutions can be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the invention and accompanying drawings are not intended to be limiting but rather to describe the technical spirit of the invention, and the scope of the technical spirit of the invention is not limited by the embodiments and drawings. The scope of protection of the invention should be interpreted based on the claims, and all technical spirit within its equivalent scope should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the invention.

[0173] [Description of reference numerals in the attached figures] 1: Steam injection module, 10: Compressor, 20: Internal heat exchanger, 30: Condenser, 40: External heat exchanger, 50: Third expansion device, 60: Evaporator, 70: Fourth expansion device, 80: Cooler, 90: Accumulator, 100: First pipeline, 110: Inlet port, 200: Second pipeline, 300: Third pipeline, 400: Gas-liquid separator, 410: Housing, 420: Outlet channel, 430: Moving channel, 440: Partition wall, 500: First expansion device, 510: First ball valve, 511: First inlet hole, 513: First expansion groove, 600: Second expansion device, 601: Refrigerant outlet, 610: Second ball valve, 611: Second inlet hole, 613: Second outlet hole, 613a: Second expansion groove, C: Air conditioner housing, B: Refrigerant branch.

Claims

1. A steam injection module, the steam injection module comprising: A first expansion device is configured to either block the flow of condensing refrigerant or expand the condensing refrigerant and deliver it to a gas-liquid separator according to an air conditioning mode. The gas-liquid separator is configured to receive refrigerant from the first expansion device and separate the refrigerant into gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant; as well as A second expansion device is configured to allow the condensed refrigerant to pass through the second expansion device according to the air conditioning mode, causing the condensed refrigerant to expand, or to cause the liquid refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator to expand. The first expansion device is coupled to the upper part of one side surface of the gas-liquid separator. The second expansion device is coupled to the lower part of one side surface of the gas-liquid separator. The steam injection module also includes: A first pipeline is connected to an inlet port, through which the refrigerant is introduced. The second pipeline is connected to the first pipeline and an area on the upper side of the gas-liquid separator; A third pipeline is connected to the first pipeline and a region on the lower side of the gas-liquid separator; The first expansion device is disposed in the second pipeline and configured to control the movement of the refrigerant and whether to expand the refrigerant according to the air conditioning mode; and the second expansion device is disposed in the third pipeline and configured to control the movement of the liquid refrigerant introduced through the first pipeline or separated and introduced in the gas-liquid separator and whether to expand the liquid refrigerant. In steam injection heating mode, the refrigerant flows along the first pipeline, expands through the first expansion device, and flows to the gas-liquid separator. The liquid refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator is expanded by the second expansion device and then discharged. In heating mode, the refrigerant flows along the first pipeline and the second pipeline, and the refrigerant expands and is discharged through the second expansion device.

2. The steam injection module according to claim 1, wherein, When the first expansion device obstructs the flow of the condensing refrigerant, the second expansion device allows the condensing refrigerant to pass through the second expansion device or causes the condensing refrigerant to expand.

3. The steam injection module according to claim 1, wherein, In the steam injection heating mode of the air conditioning mode, the first expansion device expands the condensed refrigerant, the gas-liquid separator separates the expanded refrigerant into gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant, the gaseous refrigerant is sent to the compressor, and the liquid refrigerant is sent to the second expansion device, and the second expansion device expands the liquid refrigerant.

4. The steam injection module according to claim 1, wherein, The gas-liquid separator separates the refrigerant into gaseous and liquid refrigerant only in the steam injection heating mode of the air conditioning mode, which includes cooling mode, general heating mode and steam injection heating mode.

5. The steam injection module according to claim 4, wherein, The first expansion device includes a first ball valve disposed in the second pipeline and configured to rotate.

6. The steam injection module according to claim 5, wherein, The first ball valve includes a first inlet orifice, and a first expansion groove is connected to the first inlet orifice.

7. The steam injection module according to claim 1, wherein, The gas-liquid separator includes: A housing having an internal space through which the refrigerant flows; An outlet channel, disposed on the upper side of the housing and configured to discharge the gaseous refrigerant, the outlet channel being arranged in the form of a pipe to prevent the introduction of the liquid refrigerant; and A moving channel is disposed on the lower side of the housing and configured to discharge the liquid refrigerant to the second expansion device.

8. The steam injection module according to claim 7, wherein, The second pipeline connected to the housing is configured such that the refrigerant is discharged toward the side wall of the housing.

9. The steam injection module according to claim 8, wherein, A partition wall is provided on one side of the moving channel, and the partition wall is configured to prevent the refrigerant from spilling.

10. The steam injection module according to claim 9, wherein, The partition wall is larger than the diameter of the outflow channel to prevent scattered liquid refrigerant from moving into the outflow channel.

11. The steam injection module according to claim 1, wherein, The second expansion device includes a second ball valve having a second inlet hole, a second outlet hole connected to the second inlet hole, and a second expansion groove formed on one side of the second outlet hole.

12. The steam injection module according to claim 1, wherein, In cooling mode, the refrigerant flows along the first pipeline and the third pipeline. The flow of the refrigerant in the second pipeline is blocked by the first expansion device, and the second expansion device performs a bypass operation on the refrigerant.

13. A steam jet heat pump system, the steam jet heat pump system comprising: The compressor is configured to compress and discharge refrigerant; A condenser configured to condense a compressed refrigerant; A first expansion device is configured to either block the flow of condensing refrigerant or expand the condensing refrigerant and deliver it to a gas-liquid separator according to an air conditioning mode. The gas-liquid separator is configured to receive refrigerant from the first expansion device and separate the refrigerant into gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant; A second expansion device is configured to allow the condensed refrigerant to pass through the second expansion device according to the air conditioning mode, thereby expanding the condensed refrigerant or expanding the liquid refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator. An external heat exchanger configured to condense or evaporate the refrigerant delivered from the second expansion device; A third expansion device is configured to control the direction of movement of the refrigerant delivered from the external heat exchanger and whether to expand the refrigerant according to the air conditioning mode. as well as An evaporator configured to cool its interior using the refrigerant supplied from the third expansion device. The first expansion device is coupled to the upper part of one side surface of the gas-liquid separator. The second expansion device is coupled to the lower part of one side surface of the gas-liquid separator. The steam jet heat pump system also includes: A first pipeline is connected to an inlet port, through which the refrigerant is introduced. The second pipeline is connected to the first pipeline and an area on the upper side of the gas-liquid separator; A third pipeline is connected to the first pipeline and a region on the lower side of the gas-liquid separator; The first expansion device is disposed in the second pipeline and configured to control the movement of the refrigerant and whether to expand the refrigerant according to the air conditioning mode; and the second expansion device is disposed in the third pipeline and configured to control the movement of the liquid refrigerant introduced through the first pipeline or separated and introduced in the gas-liquid separator and whether to expand the liquid refrigerant. In steam injection heating mode, the refrigerant flows along the first pipeline, expands through the first expansion device, and flows to the gas-liquid separator. The liquid refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator is expanded by the second expansion device and then discharged. In heating mode, the refrigerant flows along the first pipeline and the second pipeline, and the refrigerant expands and is discharged through the second expansion device.

14. The steam jet heat pump system according to claim 13, wherein, The second expansion device is arranged in parallel with the first expansion device.

15. The steam jet heat pump system according to claim 13, wherein, When the air conditioning mode is cooling mode, the first expansion device blocks the flow of the refrigerant, and the second expansion device performs a bypass operation on the refrigerant and transfers the refrigerant to the external heat exchanger.

16. The steam jet heat pump system according to claim 13, wherein, When the air conditioning mode is the steam injection heating mode, the first expansion device expands the condensed refrigerant and delivers the refrigerant to the gas-liquid separator. The gaseous refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator is introduced into the compressor, while the liquid refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator is expanded by the second expansion device and delivered to the external heat exchanger.

17. The steam jet heat pump system according to claim 13, wherein, When the air conditioning mode is the normal heating mode, i.e., the non-steam injection heating mode, the first expansion device blocks the flow of the refrigerant, and the second expansion device expands the refrigerant and transfers the refrigerant to the external heat exchanger.

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