Method for producing heat source unit and method for producing refrigeration cycle device

Abstract

A method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device (1) is a method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device comprising a heat source unit (2), utilization units (3a, 3b), and connecting pipes (4, 5). Connection pipes (4, 5) connect the heat source unit (2) and the utilization units (3a, 3b). A method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device (101) comprises a producing step (S40) and a sealing step (S50). A generation step (S40) connects a heat source unit (2) in which a refrigerant including R1234yf is sealed and the connection pipes (4, 5) connected to the utilization units (3a, 3b), and generates a refrigerant circuit (10). A sealing step (S50) fills the refrigerant circuit (10) with R32 recovered and recirculated from existing facilities and seals a mixed refrigerant comprising at least R32 and R1234yf.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a heat source unit and a method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device. Background Art

[0002] WO2020 / 003509 discloses a recycling system that recycles refrigerant by removing at least oil from the recovered refrigerant. Summary of the invention

[0003] <Technical Issues>

[0004] However, recycled refrigerants have not been fully developed.

[0005] <Solutions to Solve the Problem>

[0006] The method for manufacturing a heat source unit according to the first aspect includes a first step and a second step. The heat source unit constitutes a refrigeration cycle device. The first step is to mix R32 recovered and recycled from an existing facility with R1234yf and produce a mixed refrigerant including at least R32 and R1234yf. The second step is to fill the heat source unit with the mixed refrigerant.

[0007] According to the method for manufacturing a heat source unit of the first aspect, since the first step mixes the recycled R32 and the R1234yf with low global warming potential (GWP), a mixed refrigerant with low GWP can be produced. Therefore, by performing the second step, the heat source unit can be filled with the mixed refrigerant with low GWP. Therefore, the recycled refrigerant can be used for the heat source unit that contributes to reducing global warming.

[0008] According to the method for manufacturing a heat source unit of the second aspect, in the method for manufacturing a heat source unit of the first aspect, the first step includes a recycling step and a mixing step. The recycling step recycles R32 recovered from an existing facility. The mixing step mixes at least the recycled R32 and R1234yf. The recycling step includes a step of reducing at least one of water, acid and oil included in the recovered R32.

[0009] In the method for manufacturing a heat source unit according to the second aspect, since R32 in which at least one of water, acid, and oil has been reduced is recycled, the quality of the mixed refrigerant produced by mixing R32 with R1234yf can be improved.

[0010] According to a method for manufacturing a heat source unit of a third aspect, in the method for manufacturing a heat source unit of the second aspect, the mixing step includes a step of further mixing an acid scavenger.

[0011] In the method for manufacturing a heat source unit according to the third aspect, in the mixing step, even if R1234yf is decomposed to generate acid, the acid scavenger can capture the acid. Therefore, an increase in acid concentration can be suppressed.

[0012] According to a method for manufacturing a heat source unit of a fourth aspect, in the method for manufacturing a heat source unit of the second aspect or the third aspect, the first step further includes an inspection step of inspecting a composition of the mixed refrigerant produced in the mixing step.

[0013] In the method for manufacturing the heat source unit according to the fourth aspect, the checking step may check whether the refrigerant is a mixed refrigerant having an appropriate composition. Therefore, the heat source unit can be filled with the mixed refrigerant having an appropriate composition.

[0014] According to a fifth aspect of the method for manufacturing a heat source unit, in the method for manufacturing a heat source unit according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, in the first step, R1234yf is included in an amount of 65 mass % or more.

[0015] In the method for manufacturing a heat source unit according to the fifth aspect, a mixed refrigerant with a lower GWP can be produced in the first step. Therefore, in the second step, since the heat source unit can be filled with a mixed refrigerant with a low GWP, it can further contribute to reducing global warming.

[0016] According to a sixth aspect of the method for manufacturing a heat source unit, in the method for manufacturing a heat source unit according to the fifth aspect, in the first step, R454C, R455A, or R454B is produced as the mixed refrigerant.

[0017] In the method for manufacturing a heat source unit according to the sixth aspect, the heat source unit can be filled with a mixed refrigerant having a very low GWP. Therefore, a heat source unit that contributes to reducing global warming can be realized by using recycled R32.

[0018] The method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device according to the seventh aspect is a method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device including a heat source unit, a utilization unit and a connecting pipe, the method comprising a third step and a fourth step. The heat source unit is manufactured by the method for manufacturing a heat source unit according to any one of the first to sixth aspects. The connecting pipe connects the heat source unit and the utilization unit. The first step includes a recovery step of recovering refrigerant from an existing refrigeration cycle device. The third step removes the first heat source unit constituting the existing refrigeration cycle device from the connecting pipe. The fourth step connects the second heat source unit manufactured by the method for manufacturing a heat source unit according to any one of the first to sixth aspects to the connecting pipe.

[0019] In the method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device according to the seventh aspect, refrigerant is recovered from an existing refrigeration cycle device, and an existing first heat source unit is removed from an existing connecting pipe and replaced with a second heat source unit filled with a mixed refrigerant including recycled R32. Thus, a refrigeration cycle device including a heat source unit can be manufactured, which contributes to reducing global warming by using recycled refrigerant.

[0020] According to the method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device according to the eighth aspect, in the method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device according to the seventh aspect, it also includes a fifth step of cleaning at least one of oil and acid attached to the connecting pipe of the existing refrigeration cycle device, and the fifth step is performed before the fourth step.

[0021] In the method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device according to the eighth aspect, oil and acid attached to the connecting pipe can be reduced by the fifth step. Therefore, when the second heat source unit is connected and the mixed refrigerant is used as the working refrigerant, mixing of impurities in the mixed refrigerant can be suppressed.

[0022] According to the method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device of the ninth aspect, in the method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device of the seventh aspect or the eighth aspect, the recovery step recovers the working refrigerant from an existing refrigeration cycle device using R410A or R32 as the working refrigerant. The fourth step connects the second heat source unit sealed with R454B to the connecting pipe.

[0023] In the method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device according to the ninth aspect, a mixed refrigerant having a GWP lower than that of an existing working refrigerant can be used. Therefore, a refrigeration cycle device including a heat source unit that contributes to reducing global warming can be manufactured.

[0024] According to the method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device of the tenth aspect, in the method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device of the eighth aspect, the recovery step recovers the working refrigerant from an existing refrigeration cycle device using R22, R404A or R407C as the working refrigerant. The fourth step connects the second heat source unit sealed with R454C or R455A to the connecting pipe.

[0025] In the method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device according to the tenth aspect, a mixed refrigerant having a GWP lower than that of an existing working refrigerant can be used. Therefore, a refrigeration cycle device including a heat source unit that contributes to reducing global warming can be manufactured.

[0026] The method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device according to the eleventh aspect is a method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device, the method comprising a generation step (a step for generation) and a sealing step (a step for sealing). The refrigeration cycle device comprises a heat source unit, a utilization unit, and a connecting pipe connecting the heat source unit and the utilization unit. The generation step generates a refrigerant circuit by connecting the heat source unit in which a refrigerant including R1234yf is sealed to a connecting pipe connected to the utilization unit. The sealing step seals a mixed refrigerant including at least R32 and R1234yf by filling the refrigerant circuit with R32 recovered and recycled from an existing facility.

[0027] According to the method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device of the eleventh aspect, the refrigerant circuit can mix the refrigerant including R1234yf sealed in the heat source unit and the recycled R32 to produce a mixed refrigerant with a low GWP. Therefore, the recycled refrigerant can be used in a refrigeration cycle device that helps reduce global warming.

[0028] According to a method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device of a twelfth aspect, in the method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device of the eleventh aspect, the generating step uses a heat source unit in which R1234yf single refrigerant is sealed.

[0029] The method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device according to the twelfth aspect can manufacture a refrigeration cycle device including a refrigerant circuit in which a mixed refrigerant with a low GWP such as R454C or R454B is sealed by mixing R1234yf of the third heat source unit with recycled R32.

[0030] According to a method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device of a thirteenth aspect, in the method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device of the twelfth aspect, the generating step uses a heat source unit in which a refrigerant consisting of R1234yf and carbon dioxide is sealed.

[0031] The method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device according to the thirteenth aspect can manufacture a refrigeration cycle device including a refrigerant circuit in which a mixed refrigerant with a low GWP such as R455A is sealed by mixing R1234yf and carbon dioxide of the third heat source unit with recycled R32. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a refrigeration cycle device according to a first embodiment and a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device according to a first embodiment;

[0034] Figure 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a conventional refrigeration cycle device according to a first embodiment;

[0035] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device according to a first embodiment;

[0036] Figure 5 is a block diagram of a recycling device according to each of the first embodiment and the second embodiment;

[0037] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a heat source unit according to the second embodiment; and

[0038] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing a heat source device and a method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device according to the present disclosure will be described. In this specification, "refrigerant" refers to a substance having a refrigerant component. Specifically, "refrigerant" includes at least a compound having a refrigerant number (ASHRAE number) starting with R, which indicates the type of refrigerant defined in ISO817 (International Organization for Standardization), and also includes substances having equal refrigerant properties even if a refrigerant number has not been given.

[0040] In the present specification, "consisting of" may or may not include impurities. Specifically, "consisting of" may include 1 mass % or less of impurities.

[0041] (1) First Embodiment

[0042] (1-1) Refrigeration cycle equipment

[0043] Will refer to Figure 1 A refrigeration cycle device 1 manufactured by the method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is described. Figure 1 The illustrated refrigeration cycle device 1 is an air conditioner that performs air conditioning inside a building, etc. by using a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. It should be noted that the type of refrigeration cycle device 1 is not limited to an air conditioner, and in some embodiments, it may be a hot water supply device, a floor heating device, a refrigeration device, etc.

[0044] The refrigeration cycle device 1 mainly includes a heat source unit 2, a plurality of (here two) utilization units 3a and 3b connected in parallel, and a liquid connecting pipe 4 and a gas connecting pipe 5 connecting the heat source unit 2 and the utilization units 3a and 3b. The vapor compression refrigerant circuit 10 of the refrigeration cycle device 1 is composed of the heat source unit 2 and the plurality of utilization units 3a and 3b connected via the liquid connecting pipe 4 and the gas connecting pipe 5.

[0045] In the refrigerant circuit 10, a refrigerant including at least recycled R32 and R1234yf is sealed. In the refrigerant circuit 10 of the present embodiment, a refrigerant composed of recycled R32 and R1234yf is sealed.

[0046] Note that at least the refrigerant is sealed in the refrigerant circuit 10, and refrigerating machine oil may be further sealed in the refrigerant circuit 10. The refrigerating machine oil includes an additive.

[0047] (1-1-2) Heat source unit

[0048] The heat source unit 2 is installed outside a building, etc. As described above, the heat source unit 2 is connected to the utilization units 3 a and 3 b via the liquid connection pipe 4 and the gas connection pipe 5 , and constitutes a part of the refrigerant circuit 10 .

[0049] The heat source unit 2 mainly includes a compressor 21 , a four-way switching valve 22 , an outdoor heat exchanger 23 , and an expansion valve 24 .

[0050] The compressor 21 is a device that compresses low-pressure refrigerant to high pressure in the refrigeration cycle.

[0051] The four-way switching valve 22 is a valve that switches the direction of the refrigerant flow when switching between the cooling operation and the heating operation. During the cooling operation, the four-way switching valve 22 connects the discharge side of the compressor 21 and the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 23, and connects the gas side of each indoor heat exchanger 31a and 31a (described later) and the suction side of the compressor 21 via the gas connecting pipe 5 (see Figure 1 In addition, during the heating operation, the four-way switching valve 22 connects the discharge side of the compressor 21 and the gas side of each indoor heat exchanger 31a and 31a via the gas connecting pipe 5, and connects the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the suction side of the compressor 21 (see Figure 1 The four-way switching valve 22 is represented by a dotted line).

[0052] The outdoor heat exchanger 23 is a heat exchanger that serves as a radiator for the refrigerant during cooling operation and as an evaporator for the refrigerant during heating operation. The liquid side of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is connected to the expansion valve 24, and the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is connected to the four-way switching valve 22.

[0053] The expansion valve 24 is an expansion mechanism that is capable of decompressing the high-pressure liquid refrigerant that has radiated heat in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 during a cooling operation before delivering the high-pressure liquid refrigerant to the indoor heat exchangers 31a and 31a, and is capable of decompressing the high-pressure liquid refrigerant that has radiated heat in the indoor heat exchangers 31a and 31a during a heating operation before delivering the high-pressure liquid refrigerant to the outdoor heat exchanger 23.

[0054] A liquid shutoff valve 25 is provided at the connection between the heat source unit 2 and the liquid connection pipe 4. A gas shutoff valve 26 is provided at the connection between the heat source unit 2 and the gas connection pipe 5. The liquid shutoff valve 25 and the gas shutoff valve 26 are valves that are opened and closed manually.

[0055] (1-1-3) Utilization Unit

[0056] The utilization units 3a and 3b are installed inside a building, etc. As described above, the utilization units 3a and 3b are connected to the heat source unit 2 via the liquid connection pipe 4 and the gas connection pipe 5, and constitute a part of the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0057] Note that since the utilization unit 3a and the utilization unit 3b have similar configurations, only the configuration of the utilization unit 3a is described here. The description of the configuration of the utilization unit 3b is omitted, and instead of the mark "a" indicating each part of the utilization unit 3a, the mark "b" is added.

[0058] The utilization unit 3a mainly includes an indoor heat exchanger 31a. The indoor heat exchanger 31a is a heat exchanger that serves as an evaporator of the refrigerant during cooling operation and as a radiator of the refrigerant during heating operation. The liquid side of the indoor heat exchanger 31a is connected to the liquid connecting pipe 4, and the gas side of the indoor heat exchanger 31a is connected to the gas connecting pipe 5.

[0059] (1-2) Method for manufacturing refrigeration cycle equipment

[0060] Will refer to Figures 1 to 5 Description for manufacturing Figure 1 The method of the refrigeration cycle device 1 illustrated includes a heat source unit 2 , utilization units 3 a and 3 b , and connection pipes 4 and 5 .

[0061] Note that the method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device 1 according to the present embodiment is performed, for example, when an existing refrigeration cycle device is updated to a refrigeration cycle device using a mixed refrigerant including recycled R32 and R1234yf.

[0062] First, if Figure 2 As exemplified, from Figure 3The refrigeration cycle equipment 101 illustrated as an existing facility recovers the refrigerant (step S10 ). Figure 3 The existing refrigeration cycle equipment 101 has Figure 1 The refrigeration cycle device 1 manufactured in Figure 1 The difference between the refrigeration cycle device 1 in the embodiment is that R32 is sealed in the Figure 3 In the refrigerant circuit 110 of the existing refrigeration cycle device 101 in the embodiment of the present invention. In other words, the existing refrigeration cycle device 101 uses a single refrigerant of R32 as a working refrigerant. Therefore, in step S10, R32 as a working refrigerant is recovered from the existing refrigeration cycle device 101.

[0063] Although the method for recovering the refrigerant is not limited, a refrigerant recovery machine including a compressor for sucking the refrigerant is used here. The refrigerant recovery machine is operated in a state connected to the liquid stop valve 25 and the gas stop valve 26 to suck the refrigerant from the refrigerant circuit 110 of the existing refrigeration cycle device 101 and recover the refrigerant in the recovery cylinder 131 connected to the refrigerant recovery machine.

[0064] Note that the recycling step S10 may be performed in a factory, but in the present embodiment, the recycling step is performed on-site.

[0065] Next, the heat source unit 102 constituting the existing refrigeration cycle device 101 is disassembled from the connection pipes 4 and 5 (step S20). The heat source unit 102 from which the refrigerant is recovered is separated from the utilization units 3a and 3b and the connection pipes 4 and 5 by the disassembly step S20.

[0066] Next, at least one of the oil and the acid attached to the connection pipes 4 and 5 of the existing refrigeration cycle device 101 is cleaned (step S30). Through the cleaning step S30, the refrigeration oil and the acid attached to the existing connection pipes 4 and 5 can be removed. The cleaning method is not limited, and a common technique can be used.

[0067] Next, the heat source unit in which the refrigerant of R1234yf is sealed is connected to the connection pipes 4 and 5 connected to the utilization units 3a and 3b to create a refrigerant circuit (step S40). Specifically, the creation step S40 is performed as follows.

[0068] A new heat source unit in which a refrigerant including R1234yf is sealed is prepared (step S41). The new heat source unit is a unit that replaces the heat source unit 102 of the existing refrigeration cycle device 101, and becomes the heat source unit 2 of the refrigeration cycle device 1 to be manufactured. The new heat source unit may use at least a part of the components of the existing heat source unit 102 or new components.

[0069] In some embodiments, the refrigerant including R1234yf may be R1234yf alone, or may be a mixed refrigerant of R1234yf and another refrigerant. R1234yf may be a newly generated refrigerant or a recycled refrigerant.

[0070] Only the refrigerant including R1234yf may be sealed in the new heat source unit, or the refrigerant including R1234yf and components other than the refrigerant may be sealed in the new heat source unit. The components other than the refrigerant are, for example, refrigeration oil including additives. Although the refrigeration oil is not limited, for example, oxygen-containing synthetic oil (ester refrigeration oil, ether refrigeration oil, etc.), hydrocarbon refrigeration oil, etc. may be used. The additive is, for example, an acid scavenger.

[0071] In the present embodiment, a new heat source unit in which newly produced R1234yf single refrigerant is sealed is used.

[0072] Thereafter, a new heat source unit sealed with a refrigerant including R1234yf is connected to the connection pipes 4 and 5 of the existing refrigeration cycle device 101 (step S42). Figure 1 The heat source unit 2 in the embodiment is produced by utilizing the units 3a and 3b and the connecting pipes 4 and 5, and the heat source unit 2 is a new heat source unit in which the R1234yf single refrigerant is sealed.

[0073] Next, the refrigerant circuit is filled with R32 recovered and recycled from an existing facility, and a mixed refrigerant including at least R32 and R1234yf is sealed (step S50). Specifically, the sealing step S50 is performed as follows.

[0074] The R32 recovered from the existing facility is recycled (step S51). The existing facility is not limited, but in this embodiment, the R32 is recycled (step S51). Figure 3 The illustrated refrigeration cycle device 101. Therefore, here, the R32 recovered from the refrigeration cycle device 101 is recycled. The recycling step S51 includes a step of reducing at least one of water, acid, and oil included in the recovered R32 (steps S51a to S51c).

[0075] Specifically, Figure 4 As illustrated, the recycling cylinder 132 and the recovery cylinder 131 filled with R32 recovered from the refrigeration cycle equipment 101 are connected to the recycling device 120. Then, the R32 filled in the recovery cylinder 131 is transferred to the recycling device 120. Figure 5As illustrated, the recycling device 120 removes oil from the recovered R32 mainly through the compressor 121 and the electrostatic separation device 122 (step S51a). Water and acid are removed from the recovered R32 by the filter dryer 123 (steps S51b and S51c). As a result, the water, acid and oil included in the recovered R32 can be reduced to produce the recycled R32. Then, the recycled R32 is transferred to the recycling cylinder 132, and the recycling cylinder 132 is filled with R32.

[0076] Thereafter, the refrigerant circuit 10 constituted by connecting the heat source unit 2 is filled with recycled R32 (step S52). Here, the recycled R32 is filled in the refrigerant pipe constituting the refrigerant circuit 10. As a result, a mixed refrigerant including R1234yf filled in the heat source unit 2 to be a new heat source unit and recycled R32 is sealed in the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0077] The mixed refrigerant of the present embodiment includes 65% by mass or more of R1234yf. Specifically, in the refrigerant made of the mixed refrigerant, R1234yf is 65% by mass or more. As described above, the mixed refrigerant including 65% by mass or more of R1234yf is sealed in the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0078] In addition, refrigeration oil including an additive is filled (step S53). Step S52 and step S53 may not be performed simultaneously, but are performed simultaneously in the present embodiment. Specifically, in a state where the recycled R32 and the refrigeration oil including an additive are mixed, the mixed refrigerant is filled in the refrigerant circuit 10 constituted by connecting a new heat source unit in which a single refrigerant of R1234yf is sealed. Note that the recycled R32 and the refrigeration oil may be filled from the same position or different positions in the refrigerant pipe constituting the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0079] Examples of the additives include acid scavengers, extreme pressure agents, antioxidants, defoamers, oiliness agents, metal passivators such as copper passivators, anti-wear agents, compatibilizers, and the like.

[0080] As the acid scavenger, epoxy compounds such as phenyl glycidyl ether, alkyl glycidyl ether, alkylene glycol glycidyl ether, cyclohexene oxide, α-olefin oxide or epoxidized soybean oil, carbodiimide, etc. can be used. Among them, from the viewpoint of compatibility, phenyl glycidyl ether, alkyl glycidyl ether, alkylene glycol glycidyl ether, cyclohexene oxide and α-olefin oxide are preferred. The alkyl group of the alkyl glycidyl ether and the alkylene group of the alkylene glycol glycidyl ether may have a branched chain. The number of carbon atoms may be 3 or more and 30 or less, more preferably 4 or more and 24 or less, and more preferably 6 or more and 16 or less. The total carbon number of the α-olefin oxide may be 4 or more and 50 or less, more preferably 4 or more and 24 or less, and more preferably 6 or more and 16 or less. The acid scavenger may be used alone or in combination of two or more thereof.

[0081] As the extreme pressure agent, for example, substances including phosphates can be used. As the phosphates, phosphates, phosphites, acidic phosphates, acidic phosphites, etc. can be used, and amine salts of phosphates, phosphites, acidic phosphates, acidic phosphites, etc. can also be used.

[0082] As an antioxidant, for example, a phenol-based antioxidant or an amine-based antioxidant can be used. Examples of phenol-based antioxidants include 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol (DBPC), 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-ethylphenol, 2,2'-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol), 2,4-dimethyl-6-tert-butylphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol, di-tert-butyl-p-cresol, bisphenol A, etc. Examples of amine-based antioxidants include N,N'-diisopropyl-p-phenylenediamine, N,N'-di-sec-butyl-p-phenylenediamine, phenyl-α-naphthylamine, N,N'-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine, N,N-di(2-naphthyl)-p-phenylenediamine, etc. As an antioxidant, an oxygen scavenger that captures oxygen can also be used.

[0083] As the defoaming agent, for example, a silicon compound can be used.

[0084] As the oiliness agent, for example, higher alcohols, fatty acids, etc. can be used.

[0085] As the metal deactivator, a copper deactivator, benzotriazole and its derivatives, etc. can be used.

[0086] As the anti-wear agent, zinc dithiophosphate or the like can be used.

[0087] The compatibilizer is not limited and can be appropriately selected from commonly used compatibilizers. One compatibilizer can be used alone or two or more compatibilizers can be used. Examples of compatibilizers include polyoxyalkyl ethers, amides, nitriles, ketones, chlorocarbons, esters, lactones, aryl ethers, fluoroethers, 1,1,1-trifluoroalkanes, etc. As the compatibilizer, polyoxyalkyl ethers are particularly preferred.

[0088] The mixing is performed so that the mixing ratio of the additive in the entire fluid (here, the refrigerant and the refrigeration oil) sealed in the refrigerant circuit 10 is preferably 5 mass % or less, more preferably 3 mass % or less.

[0089] The sealing step S50 is performed on site. Specifically, in the generation step S40, a new heat source unit in which a refrigerant including R1234yf is sealed is transported, and the refrigerant circuit 10 is generated on site, and in the sealing step S50, recovered and recycled R32 and refrigeration oil are filled. When the recycled R32 is filled in excess of an appropriate amount, an error may be displayed.

[0090] Next, the composition of the mixed refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10 is checked (step S54). In the checking step S54, the composition of the mixed refrigerant is checked using a component analyzer or the like. When the composition of the mixed refrigerant is appropriate in the checking step S54, it is determined that it can be used as the refrigeration cycle device 1. On the other hand, when the composition of the mixed refrigerant is not appropriate in the checking step S54, the composition is adjusted.

[0091] Figure 1 The refrigeration cycle device 1 in the embodiment can be manufactured by performing the above steps S10 to S50.

[0092] (1-3) Features

[0093] (1-3-1)

[0094] The method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device 1 according to the present embodiment is a method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device including a heat source unit 2, utilization units 3a and 3b, and connecting pipes 4 and 5. The connecting pipes 4 and 5 connect the heat source unit and the utilization unit. The method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device 101 includes a production step S40 and a sealing step S50. In the production step S40, the heat source unit in which the refrigerant of R1234yf is sealed is connected to the connecting pipes 4 and 5 connected to the utilization units 3a and 3b to produce a refrigerant circuit 10. In the sealing step S50, the refrigerant circuit 10 is filled with R32 recovered and recycled from an existing facility, and a mixed refrigerant including at least R32 and R1234yf is sealed.

[0095] According to the method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device 1 of the present embodiment, the refrigerant circuit 10 mixes the refrigerant including R1234yf sealed in the heat source unit 2 with the recycled R32 to produce a mixed refrigerant with a low GWP. Therefore, the recycled refrigerant can be used in the refrigeration cycle device 1, which contributes to reducing (preventing) global warming.

[0096] Note that the GWP of the mixed refrigerant sealed in the refrigerant circuit 10 of the manufactured refrigeration cycle device 1 may be higher than the GWP of R32, but is lower than the GWP of R32 in the present embodiment. Figure 3 The existing refrigeration cycle equipment 101 is more helpful in reducing global warming.

[0097] In the present embodiment, the step S10 of recovering the refrigerant from the existing refrigeration cycle equipment 101 and the step S51 of recycling the R32 recovered from the existing facility are performed on site. Therefore, compared with the case where the refrigerant is recovered from a plurality of devices and the recycling process is performed in a factory, the risk that different kinds of refrigerants are mixed and the recycling process becomes difficult can be suppressed.

[0098] (1-3-2)

[0099] As with the method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device 1 according to the present embodiment, a heat source unit in which the R1234yf single refrigerant is sealed may be used in the producing step S40.

[0100] In this case, by mixing R1234yf filled in a new heat source unit and recycled R32, the refrigeration cycle device 1 including the refrigerant circuit 10 in which a mixed refrigerant having a low GWP such as R454C or R454B is sealed can be manufactured.

[0101] In particular, R454C or R454B is preferably produced as the mixed refrigerant.

[0102] (1-3-3)

[0103] In the method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device 1 according to the present embodiment, preferably, in the sealing step S50 , a mixed refrigerant including 65% by mass or more of R1234yf is sealed in the refrigerant circuit 10 .

[0104] In this case, the refrigeration cycle device 1 including the refrigerant circuit 10 in which the mixed refrigerant having a lower GWP is sealed can be manufactured.

[0105] (1-3-4)

[0106] In the present embodiment, in the sealing step S50, the refrigerant circuit 10 is filled with R32 recovered and recycled from the existing refrigeration cycle device 101, and a mixed refrigerant including at least R32 and R1234yf is sealed.

[0107] Therefore, the refrigerant including R32 is recovered from the refrigeration cycle device 101 which is an existing facility. Since R32 is reused in the sealing step S50, the release of R32 to the atmosphere can be reduced.

[0108] (1-3-5)

[0109] In the method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device 1 according to the present embodiment, preferably, the recycling step S51 includes steps S51a to S51c of reducing at least one of water, acid, and oil included in the recovered R32.

[0110] Therefore, since R32 in which at least one of water, acid, and oil has been reduced is recycled, the quality of the mixed refrigerant produced by mixing R32 with R1234yf sealed in the heat source unit 2 can be improved.

[0111] In particular, when the recycling step S51 includes the step S51a of reducing water included in the recovered R32, R32 from which water is removed is recycled, so that oxidation and decomposition of R1234yf to be mixed in the step S52 of filling the recycled refrigerant can be suppressed.

[0112] R32, R1234yf and their mixed gases are flammable. When the recycling step S51 is performed on site, the recycling process is performed on a small scale of refrigerant compared to the case where the recycling step is performed in a factory. In this case, the explosion-proof measures of the recycling facilities used on site can be simplified.

[0113] (1-3-6)

[0114] In the method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device 1 according to the present embodiment, preferably, the sealing step S50 includes a step S53 of further filling an acid scavenger.

[0115] As a result, in the step of mixing R1234yf and recycled R32, even if R1234yf is decomposed to generate acid, the acid scavenger can capture the acid. Therefore, the increase in acid concentration can be suppressed.

[0116] (1-3-7)

[0117] In the method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device 1 according to the present embodiment, preferably, the sealing step S55 further includes a step S54 of checking the composition of the generated mixed refrigerant.

[0118] Through the checking step S54, it can be checked whether the mixed refrigerant has an appropriate composition. Therefore, the refrigerant circuit 10 of the refrigeration cycle device 1 can be filled with the mixed refrigerant having an appropriate composition.

[0119] (1-3-8)

[0120] In the method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device 1 according to the present embodiment, preferably, step S30 of cleaning at least one of oil and acid attached to the connection pipes 4 and 5 of the existing refrigeration cycle device 101 is performed before the producing step S40.

[0121] The oil and acid attached to the connection pipes 4 and 5 can be reduced by the cleaning step S30. Therefore, when the generating step S40 and the sealing step S50 are performed and the mixed refrigerant is used as the working refrigerant, it is possible to suppress impurities from being mixed into the mixed refrigerant.

[0122] (1-4) Modifications of the First Embodiment

[0123] (1-4-1) Modification 1

[0124] In the above embodiment, in the generating step S40, a new heat source unit in which R1234yf single refrigerant is sealed is used, but not limited thereto as long as the new heat source unit includes R1234yf. In this modification, in the generating step S40, a new heat source unit in which a refrigerant composed of R1234yf and carbon dioxide is sealed is used.

[0125] In this case, the refrigeration cycle device 1 including the refrigerant circuit in which a mixed refrigerant having a low GWP such as R455A is sealed by mixing recycled R32 with R1234yf and carbon dioxide filled in a new heat source unit may be manufactured.

[0126] (1-4-2) Modification 2

[0127] In the above-mentioned embodiment and modification 1, R32 is recovered from the refrigeration cycle equipment 101, the refrigeration cycle equipment 101 is an existing facility including a refrigerant circuit 110, R32 single refrigerant is sealed in the refrigerant circuit 110, the heat source unit is replaced by a new heat source unit, a refrigerant including R1234yf is sealed in the new heat source unit, and the recovered R32 is recycled and additionally filled, so that the existing refrigeration cycle equipment 101 is converted into a refrigeration cycle equipment 1 using a mixed refrigerant including R1234yf and R32 as a working refrigerant.

[0128] However, the existing facilities are not limited to the refrigeration cycle equipment in which the single refrigerant of R32 is sealed. In the case of the existing facilities in which the mixed refrigerant including R32 is sealed, the mixed refrigerant can be recovered and R32 can be recycled. When the existing refrigeration cycle equipment does not include R32, R32 is never used in the refrigeration cycle equipment 1 to be manufactured (different from Figure 3 The existing facilities of part of the refrigeration cycle equipment 101) in the refrigeration cycle are recycled separately, and the existing refrigeration cycle equipment that does not include R32 is converted into a refrigeration cycle equipment 1 that uses a mixed refrigerant including R1234yf and R32 as a working refrigerant.

[0129] The refrigeration cycle device 101 is converted into the refrigeration cycle device 1 using the connection pipes 4 and 5 and the utilization units 3a and 3b of the existing refrigeration cycle device 101, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In the generation step S40, at least one of the connection pipes of the utilization unit or the new heat source unit connected and sealed with the refrigerant including R1234yf may be newly installed.

[0130] (1-4-3) Modification 3

[0131] In the above-described embodiment and Modifications 1 and 2, newly generated R1234yf refrigerant is used, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In the present modification, recycled R1234yf refrigerant is used.

[0132] (1-4-4) Modification 4

[0133] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the sealing step S50 at least mixes the refrigerant including R1234yf sealed in the new heat source unit, the recycled R32 and the refrigeration oil including the additive, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In this modification, in the generating step S40, the new heat source unit in which the refrigerant including R1234yf and the refrigeration oil containing the additive are sealed is connected to the connecting pipes 4 and 5 connected to the utilization units 3a and 3b to generate the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0134] Specifically, a new heat source unit sealed with refrigerant including R1234yf and refrigeration oil is prepared (step S41). Thereafter, the new heat source unit sealed with refrigerant including R1234yf and refrigeration oil is connected to connection pipes 4 and 5 of the existing refrigeration cycle device 101 (step S42).

[0135] (1-4-5) Modification 5

[0136] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the step S30 of cleaning at least one of the oil and the acid attached to the connecting pipes 4 and 5 is performed after the step S20 of disassembling the heat source unit, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The cleaning step S30 is performed before the step S41 of connecting the new heat source unit to the connecting pipes 4 and 5. In the present modification, the cleaning step S30 is performed in the step S10 of recovering the refrigerant. In other words, the step S10 of recovering the refrigerant from the existing device also includes the step S30 of cleaning at least one of the oil and the acid attached to the connecting pipes of the existing refrigeration cycle equipment.

[0137] (1-4-6) Modification 6

[0138] In the above embodiment, the refrigerant circuit 10 in which the refrigerant and the refrigeration oil are sealed is used as an example for explanation, but the refrigeration oil may be omitted. In this case, only the refrigeration oil component may be omitted, and at least a part of the above additive may be sealed in the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0139] (1-4-7) Modification 7

[0140] In the above-described embodiment, the method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device 1 including the plurality of utilization units 3a and 3b has been described. However, the number of utilization units may be one or three or more.

[0141] (1-4-8) Modification 8

[0142] In the above embodiment, the method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device 1 capable of cooling and heating has been described, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device 1 of the present disclosure can also be applied to a method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device dedicated to cooling.

[0143] (1-4-9) Modification 9

[0144] In the above-described embodiment, the refrigeration cycle apparatus has been described as an example of an existing apparatus for recovering R32, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. R32 is recovered from any existing facility including R32.

[0145] (2) Second Embodiment

[0146] (2-1) Heat source unit and refrigeration cycle equipment

[0147] The heat source unit manufactured by the method of manufacturing the heat source unit according to the second embodiment is similar to Figure 1 The heat source unit 2 according to the first embodiment is illustrated. In addition, the refrigeration cycle device manufactured by the method of manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device according to the second embodiment is similar to Figure 1 The refrigeration cycle device 1 according to the first embodiment is illustrated.

[0148] (2-2) Method for manufacturing heat source unit

[0149] Will refer to Figure 1 and Figures 3 to 6 Description for manufacturing Figure 1 The method of the heat source unit 2 is illustrated.

[0150] First, if Figure 6 As shown, a first step S1 of mixing R1234yf with R32 recovered and recycled from an existing facility to produce a mixed refrigerant including at least R32 and R1234yf is performed. Specifically, the first step S1 is performed as follows.

[0151] First, R32 is recovered from the refrigeration cycle equipment which is an existing facility (step S10). Similar to the first embodiment, the recovery step S10 is performed from Figure 3 The illustrated conventional refrigeration cycle device 101 recovers R32 as a working refrigerant.

[0152] Thereafter, at least one of water, acid and oil included in the recovered R32 is reduced (step S51). In step S51, similar to the first embodiment, Figure 4 The recycling device 120 performs a step S51a of removing oil from the recovered R32, a step S51b of removing water from the recovered R32, and a step S51c of removing acid from the recovered R32.

[0153] By performing the recovery step S10 and the recycling step S51, R32 recovered from existing facilities and recycled can be generated.

[0154] Next, at least the recycled R32 and R1234yf are mixed (step S60). In the mixing step S60, only the recycled R32 and R1234yf may be mixed as refrigerants, or the recycled R32, R1234yf and other refrigerant components may be mixed. In addition, R1234yf may be a newly generated refrigerant or a recycled refrigerant.

[0155] In the mixing step S60, the recycled R32 and R1234yf are mixed as a refrigerant component (step S61).

[0156] In the mixing step S60, refrigerating machine oil may be further mixed. In this embodiment, refrigerating machine oil containing an additive is further mixed (step S62). The refrigerating machine oil and the additive are similar to those in the first embodiment.

[0157] The step S61 of mixing and circulating R32 and R1234yf and the step S62 of mixing refrigeration oil may not be performed at the same time, but are performed simultaneously in the present embodiment. Specifically, in the mixing step S60, at least the recycled R32, R1234yf and the refrigeration oil including the additive are mixed. Here, since the additive includes an acid scavenger, the mixing step S60 includes a step of further mixing the acid scavenger.

[0158] By performing the mixing step S60, a mixed refrigerant is generated. The mixed refrigerant of this embodiment includes 65% by mass or more of R1234yf. Specifically, the refrigerant including the refrigerant component contains 65% by mass or more of R1234yf. Specifically, R454C, R455A or R454B is generated as the mixed refrigerant.

[0159] Note that the mixing step S60 may be performed in a factory, but is performed on-site in the present embodiment.

[0160] Thereafter, the composition of the generated mixed refrigerant is checked S63. The checking step S63 is similar to the checking step S54 of the first embodiment. When the composition of the mixed refrigerant is appropriate in the checking step S63, it is determined that the heat source unit 2 can be filled with the mixed refrigerant. On the other hand, when the composition of the mixed refrigerant is not appropriate in the checking step S63, the composition is adjusted.

[0161] Next, a second step S2 of filling the heat source unit with the mixed refrigerant is performed. Specifically, the second step S2 is performed as follows.

[0162] Prepare a heat source unit in which no refrigerant is sealed. This embodiment uses a heat source unit 102 in which the refrigerant has been Figure 3 The conventional refrigeration cycle equipment illustrated is recovered. Then, the heat source unit 102 is filled with the mixed refrigerant produced in the first step S1. As a result, it is possible to manufacture Figure 1 The heat source unit 2 shown in the example is filled with a mixed refrigerant including at least R32 and R1234yf.

[0163] (2-3) Method for manufacturing refrigeration cycle equipment

[0164] Will refer to Figure 1 and Figures 3 to 7 Description for manufacturing Figure 1 The method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device 1 according to the present embodiment is a method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device 1, which includes the heat source unit 2 manufactured by the method for manufacturing the heat source unit 2 according to the above-mentioned (2-2), the utilization units 3a and 3b, and the connecting pipes 4 and 5 connecting the heat source unit 2 and the utilization units 3a and 3b.

[0165] First, if Figure 7 As exemplified, from Figure 3 The illustrated conventional refrigeration cycle equipment 101 recovers the refrigerant (step S10 ).

[0166] Next, a third step S3 is performed to remove the first heat source unit 102 constituting the existing refrigeration cycle device 101 from the connecting pipes 4 and 5. The heat source unit 102 from which the refrigerant is recovered is separated from the utilization units 3a and 3b and the connecting pipes 4 and 5 by the third step S3.

[0167] Next, a fifth step S5 of cleaning at least one of oil and acid attached to the connection pipes 4 and 5 of the existing refrigeration cycle device 101 is performed before the fourth step S4. The fifth step S5 is similar to the step S30 of cleaning the connection pipes 4 and 5 according to the first embodiment.

[0168] Next, the recycling step S51, the mixing step S60, and the second step S2 are performed. Thus, the second heat source unit 2 can be manufactured by the method for manufacturing the heat source unit 2 in (2-2).

[0169] Next, a fourth step S4 of connecting the manufactured second heat source unit 2 to the connection pipes 4 and 5 is performed. The fourth step S4 is similar to step S42 of connecting the heat source unit to the connection pipes 4 and 5 according to the first embodiment.

[0170] Figure 1 The illustrated refrigeration cycle device 1 can be manufactured by performing the above-described steps S1 to S5 .

[0171] (2-4) Features

[0172] (2-4-1)

[0173] The method for manufacturing the heat source unit 2 according to the present embodiment includes a first step S1 and a second step S2. The heat source unit constitutes a refrigeration cycle device. The first step S1 mixes R32 recovered and recycled from an existing facility with R1234yf to produce a mixed refrigerant including at least R32 and R1234yf. The second step S2 fills the heat source unit 2 with the mixed refrigerant.

[0174] According to the method for manufacturing the heat source unit 2 of the present embodiment, since the recycled R32 and R1234yf having low GWP are mixed in the first step S1, a mixed refrigerant having low GWP can be produced. Therefore, by performing the second step S2, the heat source unit 2 can be filled with the mixed refrigerant having low GWP. Therefore, the recycled refrigerant can be used for the heat source unit 2, which contributes to reducing (preventing) global warming.

[0175] Note that the GWP of the mixed refrigerant filled in the manufactured heat source unit 2 may be higher than the GWP of R32, but in the present embodiment, is lower than the GWP of R32. Therefore, the heat source unit 2 that can contribute to reducing global warming can be manufactured.

[0176] In the present embodiment, since R32 is reused in the first step S1 , the release of R32 into the atmosphere can be reduced.

[0177] (2-4-2)

[0178] In the method for manufacturing the heat source unit 2 according to the present embodiment, preferably, the first step S1 includes a recycling step S51 and a mixing step S60. The recycling step S51 recycles R32 recovered from an existing facility. The mixing step S60 mixes at least the recycled R32 and R1234yf.

[0179] In this embodiment, the mixing step S60 is performed on site. R32, R1234yf and their mixed gases are flammable. The recycling step S5 includes one or more steps S51a, S51b, S51c or any combination thereof of reducing at least one of water, acid and oil included in the recovered R32.

[0180] Here, by performing at least one of the water reduction step S51a, the acid reduction step S51b, and the oil reduction step S51c, the R32 from which at least one of water, acid, and oil is reduced is recycled, thereby improving the quality of the mixed refrigerant generated by mixing R32 with R1234yf.

[0181] In particular, it is preferred that the recycling step S51 has a water reduction step S51a. Since R32 from which water has been removed is recycled through the water reduction step SS1a, oxidation and decomposition of R1234yf mixed in the mixing step S60 can be suppressed.

[0182] In the present embodiment, in order to perform the mixing step S60 on-site, it is assumed that a small-scale mixed refrigerant is to be manufactured. Therefore, the explosion-proof measures of the manufacturing facilities used when the mixed refrigerant is manufactured on-site can be simplified.

[0183] (2-4-3)

[0184] In the method for manufacturing the heat source unit 2 according to the present embodiment, preferably, the mixing step S60 includes a step S53 of further mixing an acid scavenger.

[0185] Here, in the mixing step S60, even if R1234yf is decomposed to generate acid, the acid scavenger can capture the acid. Therefore, the increase in acid concentration can be suppressed.

[0186] (2-4-4)

[0187] In the method for manufacturing the heat source unit 2 according to the present embodiment, the first step S1 further includes an inspection step S54 of inspecting the composition of the mixed refrigerant produced in the mixing step S60.

[0188] Here, through the checking step S54, it can be checked whether the mixed refrigerant has an appropriate composition. Therefore, the heat source unit 2 can be filled with the mixed refrigerant having an appropriate composition.

[0189] (2-4-5)

[0190] The method for manufacturing the heat source unit 2 according to the present embodiment includes 65 mass % or more of R1234yf in the first step S1 .

[0191] Here, in the first step S1, a mixed refrigerant with a lower GWP may be generated. Therefore, in the second step S2, the heat source unit may be filled with the mixed refrigerant with a low GWP, which helps reduce global warming.

[0192] (2-4-6)

[0193] In the method for manufacturing the heat source unit 2 according to the present embodiment, preferably, in the first step S1 , R454C, R455A, or R454B is produced as the mixed refrigerant.

[0194] Here, the heat source unit 2 may be filled with a mixed refrigerant having a very low GWP. Therefore, the heat source unit 2 that contributes to reducing global warming may be realized using recycled R32.

[0195] (2-4-7)

[0196] The method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a third step S3 and a fourth step S4, and the refrigeration cycle device 1 includes a heat source unit 2, utilization units 3a and 3b, and connecting pipes 4 and 5. The heat source unit 2 is manufactured by the method for manufacturing the heat source unit 2. The connecting pipes 4 and 5 connect the heat source unit 2 and the utilization units 3a and 3b. The first step S1 includes a recovery step S10 of recovering refrigerant from the existing refrigeration cycle device 101. The third step S3 disassembles the first heat source unit 102 constituting the existing refrigeration cycle device 101 from the connecting pipes 4 and 5. The fourth step S4 connects the second heat source unit 2 manufactured by the method for manufacturing the heat source unit 2 to the connecting pipes 4 and 5.

[0197] Here, refrigerant is recovered from the existing refrigeration cycle device 101, and the existing first heat source unit 102 is removed from the existing connecting pipes 4 and 5 and replaced with the second heat source unit 2 filled with a mixed refrigerant including recycled R32. Therefore, by using recycled refrigerant, a refrigeration cycle device 1 including a heat source unit 2 that contributes to reducing global warming can be manufactured.

[0198] In the present embodiment, the connection pipes 4 and 5 of the existing refrigeration cycle device 101 can be used. As described above, the installation method for connecting the heat source unit 2 manufactured by the method for manufacturing the heat source unit 2 to the existing connection pipes 4 and 5 can contribute to suppressing carbon dioxide emissions.

[0199] (2-4-8)

[0200] The method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device 1 according to the present embodiment preferably further includes a fifth step S5 of cleaning at least one of oil and acid attached to the connection pipes 4 and 5 of the existing refrigeration cycle device 101 , which is performed before the fourth step S4 .

[0201] Here, the oil and acid attached to the connection pipes 4 and 5 can be reduced through the fifth step S5. Therefore, when the second heat source unit 2 is connected and the mixed refrigerant is used as the working refrigerant, mixing of impurities in the mixed refrigerant can be suppressed.

[0202] (2-5) Modification of the Second Embodiment

[0203] (2-5-1) Modification 1

[0204] In the above embodiment, R32 is recovered from a refrigeration cycle device 101 as an existing facility including a refrigerant circuit 110 in which a single refrigerant of R32 is sealed, a heat source unit 2 filled with a mixed refrigerant of R454C, R455A or R454B is manufactured, and the refrigeration cycle device is converted into a refrigeration cycle device 1 using the mixed refrigerant as a working refrigerant.

[0205] However, the existing facilities are not limited to refrigeration cycle equipment in which a single refrigerant of R32 is sealed. In the case of an existing facility in which a mixed refrigerant including R32 is sealed, the mixed refrigerant can be recovered and R32 can be recycled. When the existing refrigeration cycle equipment does not include R32, R32 can be recovered separately from an existing facility different from the refrigeration cycle equipment 1 to be manufactured, and the existing refrigeration cycle equipment not including R32 can be converted into a refrigeration cycle equipment 1 using a mixed refrigerant including recycled R32 as a working refrigerant.

[0206] Specifically, in the method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device 1 according to the present modification, in the recovery step S10 of the first step S1, the working refrigerant is recovered from the existing refrigeration cycle device 101 using R410A as the working refrigerant. In the mixing step S60 of the first step S1, R454B composed of R32 and R1234yf is produced. In the second step S2, the heat source unit 2 is filled with R454B. In the fourth step S4, the second heat source unit 2 in which R454B is sealed is connected to the connecting pipes 4 and 5. Therefore, the refrigeration cycle device 1 including the refrigerant circuit 10 in which R454B is sealed can be manufactured.

[0207] As described above, in this modification, a mixed refrigerant having a lower GWP than the existing working refrigerant can be used. Therefore, a refrigeration cycle device including a heat source unit that contributes to reducing global warming can be manufactured.

[0208] (2-5-2) Modification 2

[0209] Although the existing refrigeration cycle device 101 using the R32 single refrigerant and the R410A single refrigerant in the modification 1 in the above embodiment has been described as an example, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0210] In the method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device 1 according to the present modification, in the recovery step S10, the working refrigerant is recovered from an existing refrigeration cycle device 101 using R22, R404A or R407C as a working refrigerant. In the mixing step S60 of the first step S1, R454C composed of R32 and R1234yf, or R455A composed of R32, R1234yf and carbon dioxide is produced. In the second step S2, the heat source unit 2 is filled with R454C or R455A. In the fourth step S4, the second heat source unit 2 in which R454C or R455A is sealed is connected to the connecting pipes 4 and 5. Therefore, a refrigeration cycle device 1 including a refrigerant circuit 10 in which R454C or R455A is sealed can be manufactured.

[0211] As described above, in this modification, a mixed refrigerant having a lower GWP than the existing working refrigerant can be used. Therefore, a refrigeration cycle device including a heat source unit that contributes to reducing global warming can be manufactured.

[0212] (2-5-3) Modification 3

[0213] In the above embodiment, the refrigeration cycle device is transformed into the refrigeration cycle device 1 by using the connecting pipes 4 and 5 of the existing refrigeration cycle device 101, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The newly installed utilization unit can be connected to the connecting pipes 4 and 5 of the existing refrigeration cycle device 101, and the manufactured second heat source unit 2 is connected to the connecting pipes 4 and 5.

[0214] (2-5-4) Modification 4

[0215] In the above-described embodiment and Modifications 1 and 2, newly generated R1234yf refrigerant is used, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In the present modification, recycled R1234yf refrigerant is used.

[0216] (2-5-5) Modification 5

[0217] In the above embodiment, in the first step S1, at least recycled R32, R1234yf and refrigeration oil including an additive are mixed, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In this modification, in the first step S1, recycled R32 and R1234yf are mixed to produce a mixed refrigerant, and in the second step S2, the mixed refrigerant and the refrigeration oil including an additive are filled into the heat source unit.

[0218] (2-5-6) Modification 6

[0219] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the fifth step S5 of cleaning at least one of oil and acid attached to the connecting pipes 4 and 5 is performed after the third step S3 of disassembling the heat source unit 2, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The fifth step S5 is performed before the fourth step S4 of connecting the manufactured heat source unit 2 to the connecting pipes 4 and 5. In the present modification, the fifth step S5 is performed in the step S10 of recovering the refrigerant. In other words, the step S10 of recovering the refrigerant from the existing device also includes the step S30 of cleaning at least one of oil and acid attached to the connecting pipes of the existing refrigeration cycle equipment.

[0220] (2-5-7) Modification 7

[0221] In the above embodiment, the refrigerant circuit 10 that seals the refrigerant and the refrigeration oil is used as an example for description, but the refrigeration oil may be omitted. In this case, only the component of the refrigeration oil may be omitted, and at least a part of the above additive may be sealed in the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0222] (2-5-8) Modification 8

[0223] In the above-described embodiment, the method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device 1 including the plurality of utilization units 3a and 3b has been described. However, the number of utilization units may be one or three or more.

[0224] (2-5-9) Modification 9

[0225] In the above embodiment, the method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device 1 capable of cooling and heating has been described, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device 1 of the present disclosure can also be applied to a method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device dedicated to cooling.

[0226] (2-5-10) Modification 10

[0227] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the refrigeration cycle equipment has been described as an example of an existing facility for recovering R32, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. R32 is recovered from any existing facility including R32.

[0228] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as described in the claims.

[0229] 1: Refrigeration cycle equipment

[0230] 2: Heat source unit

[0231] 3a, 3b: Utilization unit

[0232] 4, 5: Liquid connecting pipe

[0233] 10: Refrigerant circuit

[0234] 31: Indoor heat exchanger

[0235] 31a: Indoor heat exchanger

[0236] 31b: Indoor heat exchanger

[0237] 34: Outdoor heat exchanger

[0238] 101: Refrigeration cycle equipment

[0239] Citation List

[0240] Patent Literature

[0241] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2020 / 003509

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a heat source unit (2), wherein the heat source unit (2) constitutes a refrigeration cycle device (1), the method for manufacturing the heat source unit (2) comprising: In the first step (S1), R32 recovered and recycled from an existing facility (101) is mixed with R1234yf, and a mixed refrigerant including at least R32 and R1234yf is produced; and In the second step (S2), the heat source unit is filled with the mixed refrigerant.

2. The method for manufacturing a heat source unit according to claim 1, wherein: The first step includes a recycling step (S51) of recycling R32 recovered from the existing facility, and a mixing step (S60) of mixing at least recycled R32 and R1234yf, and The recycling step includes a step of reducing at least one of water, acid and oil included in the recovered R32 (S51a, S51b, S51c).

3. The method for manufacturing a heat source unit according to claim 2, wherein: The mixing step includes: a step of further mixing an acid scavenger (S62).

4. The method for manufacturing a heat source unit according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The first step further includes a checking step (S63) of checking the composition of the mixed refrigerant generated in the mixing step.

5. The method for manufacturing a heat source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The first step produces the mixed refrigerant including 65 mass % or more of R1234yf.

6. The method for manufacturing a heat source unit according to claim 5, wherein: The first step produces R454C, R455A or R454B as the mixed refrigerant.

7. A method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device, the refrigeration cycle device comprising: A heat source unit, a utilization unit (3a), and a connecting pipe (4, 5) connecting the heat source unit and the utilization unit manufactured by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The first step includes: a recovery step (S10), recovering refrigerant from an existing refrigeration cycle device, The method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device comprises the following steps: A third step (S3) is to remove the first heat source unit constituting the existing refrigeration cycle device from the connecting pipe; and A fourth step (S4) is to connect a second heat source unit manufactured by the method for manufacturing a heat source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6 to the connection pipe.

8. The method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device according to claim 7, further comprising: A fifth step (S5) is to clean at least one of oil and acid attached to the connecting pipe of the existing refrigeration cycle equipment, and the fifth step is performed before the fourth step.

9. The method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The recovery step recovers the working refrigerant from the existing refrigeration cycle equipment using R410A or R32 as the working refrigerant, and The fourth step connects the second heat source unit sealed with R454B to the connection pipe.

10. The method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device according to claim 8, wherein: The recovery step recovers the working refrigerant from the existing refrigeration cycle equipment using R22, R404A or R407C as the working refrigerant, The fourth step connects the second heat source unit sealed with R454C or R455A to the connection pipe.

11. A method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device (1), the refrigeration cycle device (1) comprising a heat source unit (2), a utilization unit (3a), and a connecting pipe (4, 5) connecting the heat source unit and the utilization unit, the method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device (1) comprising: A step (S40) of connecting the heat source unit sealed with a refrigerant including R1234yf to the connection pipe connected to the utilization unit to generate a refrigerant circuit (10); and The step of sealing the mixed refrigerant including at least R32 and R1234yf by filling the refrigerant circuit with R32 recovered and recycled from an existing facility (S50).

12. The method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device according to claim 11, wherein: The step of generating uses the heat source unit in which R1234yf single refrigerant is sealed.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The step of generating uses the heat source unit in which a refrigerant consisting of R1234yf and carbon dioxide is sealed.

Images