Adjusting method of heat conveying device

Abstract

This method for adjusting a cooling device (100) is provided with: a step for preparing a cooling device for adjusting the evaporation temperature of a refrigerant by adjusting the pressure of an inert gas (6) sealed in a gas phase part of a tank (1) in which the refrigerant (101) is stored by changing the volume of the gas phase part (1a) of the tank; and a step for adjusting the rate of change in the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant with respect to a change in the volume of the gas phase part of the tank by adjusting the amount of the inert gas or the amount of the refrigerant filled in the cooling device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for adjusting a heat transfer device. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, heat transfer devices with tanks have been disclosed. Such heat transfer devices are disclosed, for example, in International Publication No. 2023 / 074049.

[0003] International Publication No. 2023 / 074049 discloses a cooling device (heat transfer device) comprising: a tank for storing refrigerant; an evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant supplied from the tank to cool the object being cooled; and a condenser for condensing the refrigerant evaporated in the evaporator. In this cooling device, a sealing gas is sealed in the vapor phase of the tank, and a bellows is provided to change the volume of the vapor phase. In this cooling device, by changing the volume of the vapor phase of the tank through the bellows, the pressure of the inert gas sealed in the vapor phase of the tank is adjusted, thereby adjusting the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant.

[0004] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2023 / 074049 Summary of the Invention The technical problem that the invention aims to solve In the cooling device described in International Publication No. 2023 / 074049, although the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant can be adjusted by changing the volume of the gas phase portion of the tank through a bellows, thereby adjusting the pressure of the inert gas sealed in the gas phase portion of the tank, the rate of change of the refrigerant's evaporation temperature is completely ignored. Therefore, effective temperature control is difficult when the rate of change of the refrigerant's evaporation temperature is taken into account. Therefore, it is desirable to achieve effective temperature control while taking into account the rate of change of the refrigerant's evaporation temperature.

[0005] The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. One object of the present invention is to provide an adjustment method for a heat transfer device that can effectively control the temperature while taking into account the rate of change of the refrigerant's evaporation temperature.

[0006] Solution to the above technical problems To achieve the above objectives, one aspect of the present invention provides a method for adjusting a heat transfer device, comprising: a step of preparing a heat transfer device, wherein the heat transfer device adjusts the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant by changing the volume of the gas phase portion of a tank containing refrigerant, thereby adjusting the pressure of an inert gas sealed in the gas phase portion of the tank; and a step of adjusting the rate of change of the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant relative to the volume change of the gas phase portion of the tank by adjusting the amount of inert gas filled into the heat transfer device.

[0007] Invention Effects In one aspect of the adjustment method for the heat transfer device, a step is included to adjust the rate of change of the refrigerant's evaporation temperature relative to the volume change of the gas phase portion of the tank by adjusting the amount of inert gas filled into the heat transfer device. This allows the rate of change of the refrigerant's evaporation temperature to be adjusted to a desired rate. As a result, for example, when the heat transfer device is used for applications requiring a rapid increase in the refrigerant's evaporation temperature, the rate of increase in the refrigerant's evaporation temperature can be increased, thereby enabling a rapid increase in the refrigerant's evaporation temperature. Furthermore, for example, when the heat transfer device is used for applications requiring a rapid decrease in the refrigerant's evaporation temperature, the rate of decrease in the refrigerant's evaporation temperature can be increased, thereby enabling a rapid decrease in the refrigerant's evaporation temperature. Therefore, effective temperature control can be achieved when the rate of change of the refrigerant's evaporation temperature is important. Attached Figure Description

[0008]

【 Figure 1 [Image] is a schematic diagram showing a heat transfer device according to one embodiment.

[0009]

【 Figure 2 [This is a diagram illustrating the volume change of the gas phase of a tank caused by a volume change section in a heat transfer apparatus according to one embodiment.]

[0010]

【 Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration for filling a heat transfer device according to one embodiment with inert gas and refrigerant.

[0011]

【 Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an adjustment method for a heat transfer device according to one embodiment.

[0012]

Figure 5

[0013]

Figure 6

[0014] 【 Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the refrigerant state of a heat transfer device according to one embodiment, under conditions of heat input and without heat input.

[0015] 【 Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a heat transfer device for filling an inert gas and a refrigerant into a modified embodiment of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] First, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 This section describes the configuration of the heat transfer device 100, which is the object of the adjustment method of the heat transfer device 100 as one embodiment.

[0018] (Composition of the heat transfer device) like Figure 1 As shown, the heat transfer device 100 is a two-phase heat exchange (cooling or heating) device that utilizes the phase change of the refrigerant 101 when it changes between liquid and gas. Specifically, the heat transfer device 100 includes a tank 1, a pump 2, a heat exchanger 3, and a condenser 4. While there are no particular limitations on the refrigerant 101, carbon dioxide, as a natural refrigerant, can be used, for example. Furthermore, while there are no particular limitations on the heat transfer device 100, it can be applied, for example, to heat exchange in aerospace equipment and mechanical component manufacturing equipment.

[0019] Tank 1 is a container for storing liquid refrigerant 101. In addition, tank 1 is connected to pump 2 via pipe 5a.

[0020] Pump 2 is configured to draw in refrigerant 101 stored in tank 1 and discharge the drawn-in refrigerant 101 towards heat exchanger 3. While there are no particular limitations on pump 2, a positive displacement or centrifugal pump can be used, for example. Furthermore, pump 2 is connected to heat exchanger 3 via piping 5b.

[0021] The heat exchanger 3 functions as an evaporator that cools the object 200 by evaporating the liquid refrigerant 101 discharged from the pump 2. The object 200 is, for example, a heat-generating element such as an electronic device. The heat exchanger 3 functions as a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the object 200 and the refrigerant 101. That is, the heat exchanger 3 is configured to receive heat from the object 200 and cause the refrigerant 101 to evaporate. Furthermore, the heat exchanger 3 is connected to the condenser 4 via piping 5c. In addition, in piping 5c, the refrigerant 101 is in a gas-liquid two-phase flow state, which is a mixture of liquid refrigerant 101 and gaseous refrigerant 101.

[0022] Furthermore, a preheater 3a is provided on the upstream side of the heat exchanger 3. The preheater 3a is configured to preheat the refrigerant 101 flowing into the heat exchanger 3. The preheater 3a is configured to cause a portion of the refrigerant 101 in the heat exchanger 3 to evaporate by preheating the refrigerant 101 in the liquid.

[0023] The condenser 4 is configured to condense the refrigerant 101 gas that evaporates in the heat exchanger 3. The condenser 4 functions as a heat exchanger that facilitates heat exchange between the brine 4b in the refrigeration unit 4a and the refrigerant 101. Specifically, the condenser 4 is configured to transfer heat to the brine 4b, causing the refrigerant 101 to condense. Furthermore, the condenser 4 is connected to the tank 1 via a pipe 5d.

[0024] The heat transfer device 100 functions as a cooling device for the object being cooled 200 by repeatedly circulating the refrigerant 101 sent from tank 1 through pump 2, heat exchanger 3, condenser 4 and returning it to tank 1.

[0025] Furthermore, due to the presence of the preheater 3a, the heat transfer device 100 can function not only as a cooling device but also as a heating device for the object 200. In this case, the heat exchanger 3 functions as a condenser that condenses the refrigerant 101, which evaporates in the preheater 3a, thereby heating the object 200. That is, the heat exchanger 3 is configured to provide heat to the object 200, causing the refrigerant 101 to condense.

[0026] Furthermore, the heat transfer device 100 is configured to adjust the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101 by adjusting the pressure of the refrigerant 101, thereby adjusting the temperature of the object 200. The heat transfer device 100 is configured to adjust the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101 by changing the volume of the gas phase section 1a of the tank 1 storing the refrigerant 101, thereby adjusting the pressure of the inert gas 6 (described later) sealed in the gas phase section 1a of the tank 1.

[0027] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, an inert gas 6 is sealed in the vapor phase section 1a of the tank 1, and a volume change section 7 is provided. This volume change section 7 changes the volume of the vapor phase section 1a, thereby changing the pressure of the inert gas 6 and the pressure of the refrigerant 101, thus adjusting the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101. By sealing the inert gas 6 in the vapor phase section 1a of the tank 1, the pressure of the refrigerant 101 can be increased by relying on the pressure (partial pressure) of the inert gas 6 sealed in the vapor phase section 1a of the tank 1. Therefore, the amount of pressure increase in the refrigerant 101 caused by the pump 2 can be reduced accordingly with the amount of pressure (partial pressure) of the inert gas 6. As a result, the pump 2 can be miniaturized. Furthermore, by providing the volume change section 7 in the vapor phase section 1a of the tank 1, the amount of pressure increase in the refrigerant 101 caused by the inert gas 6 can be changed, thereby adjusting the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101.

[0028] The inert gas 6 is an inert gas that does not react with the refrigerant 101 and will not condense due to the volume change in the gas phase 1a caused by the volume change section 7. The evaporation temperature of the inert gas 6 is lower than that of the refrigerant 101 at the same pressure. The inert gas 6 is, for example, nitrogen. Furthermore, the volume change section 7 is located in the top section 1c of the tank 1, which avoids the liquid phase 1b containing the liquid refrigerant 101. Additionally, in Figure 2In the diagram, for ease of understanding, the inert gas 6 present in the gas phase 1a is represented by a shaded circle, and the refrigerant 101 present in the gas phase 1a is represented by a white circle.

[0029] The volume change section 7 is configured to change the volume of the gas phase section 1a by utilizing the expansion and contraction of the gas 8 through volume change. Specifically, the volume change section 7 is a metal bellows. The volume change section 7 is composed of a hollow tubular member with a corrugated (accordion bellows shape) tube wall having continuously alternating crests and troughs. Furthermore, one end of the volume change section 7, which is a fixed end, is mounted on the top section 1c of the tank 1, while the other end, which is a movable end, is provided so that it can move vertically within the tank 1. The interior of the volume change section 7 is separated from the interior of the tank 1 by the tube wall and the other end, so that fluids (liquid and gas) do not flow through it.

[0030] The volume change section 7 is configured to increase its volume by supplying a volume change gas 8 from the gas source 9 into its interior, causing it to deform in an elongated manner, thereby decreasing the volume of the gas phase section 1a and thus changing its volume. Alternatively, the volume change section 7 can also decrease its volume by discharging the volume change gas 8 from its interior to its exterior, causing it to deform in a contracted manner, thereby increasing the volume of the gas phase section 1a and thus changing its volume. Furthermore, the volume change section 7 is configured to expand and contract within the range of the gas phase section 1a (the range that does not contact the surface of the liquid refrigerant 101). Additionally, the maximum volume of the volume change section 7 (the volume at maximum extension) is less than the volume of the tank 1. The volume change gas 8 is, for example, nitrogen.

[0031] Here, the volume of the gas phase 1a when the volume change section 7 is in a contracted state is defined as V. A Let the pressure (partial pressure) of the inert gas 6 in the gas phase section 1a at this time be P. A Furthermore, the volume of the gas phase 1a when the volume change section 7 is in an extended state is set as V. B Let the pressure (partial pressure) of the inert gas 6 in the gas phase section 1a at this time be P. B Furthermore, since the amount of inert gas 6 in the gas phase 1a is constant, P holds true according to Boyle's law. A ×V A =P B ×V B The relationship. Therefore, through the volume change section 7 changing from a contracted state to an elongated state, the volume of the gas phase section 1a changes from V. A Reduce to V B Under these conditions, the pressure (partial pressure) of inert gas 6 changes from P. A Increase to P BFurthermore, when the volume change section 7 changes from a contracted state to an extended state, the refrigerant 101a in the gas phase section 1a condenses and becomes liquid refrigerant 101. Therefore, the pressure (partial pressure) of the refrigerant 101a does not change.

[0032] In addition, the pressure (partial pressure) of inert gas 6 is from P A Increase to P B This means that the pressurization of the refrigerant 101 in the liquid inside tank 1 is increased due to the inert gas 6. Therefore, the pressure (partial pressure) of the inert gas 6 increases from P. A Increase to P B In this case, the pressure of refrigerant 101 can be increased, and the evaporation temperature of refrigerant 101, which changes according to the pressure, can also be increased. Furthermore, although detailed descriptions are omitted, the pressure (partial pressure) of the inert gas 6 from P... B Reduce to P A In this case, the evaporation temperature of refrigerant 101 can be reduced.

[0033] (Composition for filling inert gas and refrigerant) Reference Figure 3 This describes the composition of the inert gas 6 and refrigerant 101 used to fill the heat transfer device 100.

[0034] like Figure 3 As shown, the refrigerant source 111, the inert gas source 112, and the vacuum pump 113 are connected to the heat transfer device 100 via a manifold 114.

[0035] A refrigerant source 111 supplies refrigerant 101 to the heat transfer device 100. The refrigerant source 111 is, for example, a steel cylinder filled with refrigerant 101. A flow regulating valve 115 is provided between the refrigerant source 111 and the manifold 114. The flow regulating valve 115 regulates the flow rate of refrigerant 101 supplied from the refrigerant source 111 to the heat transfer device 100 by adjusting its opening degree.

[0036] An inert gas source 112 supplies inert gas 6 to the heat transfer device 100. The inert gas source 112 is, for example, a steel cylinder filled with inert gas 6. A flow regulating valve 116 is provided between the inert gas source 112 and the manifold 114. The flow regulating valve 116 regulates the flow rate of inert gas 6 supplied from the inert gas source 112 to the heat transfer device 100 by adjusting its opening degree.

[0037] Vacuum pump 113 is a pump used to evacuate the heat transfer device 100. Furthermore, in this specification, "vacuum" does not refer to absolute vacuum, but rather to a state in which a specific space is filled with gas at a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure.

[0038] Manifold 114 switches the connection of the heat transfer device 100. Specifically, manifold 114 has: a valve 114a that opens and closes the flow path of vacuum pump 113 to heat transfer device 100; and a valve 114b that opens and closes the flow path of either refrigerant source 111 or inert gas source 112 to heat transfer device 100. By operating valves 114a and 114b, manifold 114 switches the connection of heat transfer device 100 to any one of refrigerant source 111, inert gas source 112, or vacuum pump 113. This allows for the filling of heat transfer device 100 with refrigerant 101, the filling of heat transfer device 100 with inert gas 6, and the evacuation of heat transfer device 100.

[0039] (Adjustment method for heat transfer device) Main reference Figure 4 The adjustment method of the heat transfer device 100 is explained based on the flowchart.

[0040] Here, in this embodiment, as Figure 4 As shown, the adjustment method of the heat transfer device 100 includes: a step (901) of preparing the heat transfer device 100, wherein the heat transfer device 100 adjusts the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101 by changing the volume of the gas phase portion 1a of the tank 1 containing the refrigerant 101, thereby adjusting the pressure of the inert gas 6 sealed in the gas phase portion 1a of the tank 1; and a step (902) of adjusting the rate of change of the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101 relative to the volume change of the gas phase portion 1a of the tank 1 by adjusting the amount of inert gas 6 or the amount of refrigerant 101 filled into the heat transfer device 100. Furthermore, the adjustment method of the heat transfer device 100 includes: a step (903) of filling the heat transfer device 100 with inert gas 6; and a step (904) of filling the heat transfer device 100 with refrigerant 101.

[0041] <Steps for preparing a heat transfer device> In step 901, a heat transfer device 100 is prepared. Specifically, a heat transfer device 100 is prepared in a state where it is not filled with inert gas 6 and refrigerant 101. The tank 1, pump 2, heat exchanger 3, condenser 4, and piping 5a to 5d are not filled with inert gas 6 and refrigerant 101.

[0042] <Steps for adjusting the rate of change of refrigerant evaporation temperature> In step 902, the rate of change of the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101 relative to the volume change of the vapor phase 1a of the tank 1 is adjusted by adjusting the amount of inert gas 6 or refrigerant 101 charged into the heat transfer device 100. Specifically, when increasing the rate of increase of the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101 relative to the volume change of the vapor phase 1a of the tank 1, the amount of inert gas 6 or refrigerant 101 charged into the heat transfer device 100 is increased. Conversely, when increasing the rate of decrease of the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101 relative to the volume change of the vapor phase 1a of the tank 1, the amount of inert gas 6 or refrigerant 101 charged into the heat transfer device 100 is decreased. Step 902 is performed by an operator.

[0043] Increasing the amount of inert gas 6 filled into the heat transfer device 100 increases the amount of inert gas 6 relative to the volume of the gas phase section 1a inside the tank 1, thereby increasing the pressure (partial pressure) of the inert gas 6 in the gas phase section 1a inside the tank 1. Furthermore, increasing the amount of refrigerant 101 filled into the heat transfer device 100 decreases the volume of the gas phase section 1a inside the tank 1, thereby increasing the amount of inert gas 6 relative to the volume of the gas phase section 1a inside the tank 1. Therefore, the pressure (partial pressure) of the inert gas 6 in the gas phase section 1a inside the tank 1 can be increased.

[0044] Similarly, reducing the amount of inert gas 6 filled into the heat transfer device 100 reduces the amount of inert gas 6 relative to the volume of the gas phase portion 1a inside the tank 1, thus reducing the pressure (partial pressure) of the inert gas 6 in the gas phase portion 1a inside the tank 1. Furthermore, reducing the amount of refrigerant 101 filled into the heat transfer device 100 increases the volume of the gas phase portion 1a inside the tank 1, thus reducing the amount of inert gas 6 relative to the volume of the gas phase portion 1a inside the tank 1. Therefore, the pressure (partial pressure) of the inert gas 6 in the gas phase portion 1a inside the tank 1 can be reduced. Alternatively, either the amount of inert gas 6 or the amount of refrigerant 101 can be kept constant, or both the amount of inert gas 6 and the amount of refrigerant 101 can be adjusted.

[0045] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a graph used to illustrate the rate of change of the evaporation temperature of refrigerant 101. In Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the graph, the horizontal axis represents the volume of the gas phase 1a of tank 1, and the vertical axis represents the pressure (partial pressure) of the inert gas 6. As mentioned above, the pressure (partial pressure) of the inert gas 6 corresponds to the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101; the higher the pressure (partial pressure) of the inert gas 6, the higher the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101. Furthermore, in Figure 5 and Figure 6In the chart, solid lines represent examples where the amount of inert gas 6 or refrigerant 101 filled into the heat transfer device 100 is small, and the pressure (partial pressure) of the inert gas 6 is small. Specifically, solid lines represent the change in the pressure (partial pressure) of the inert gas 6 relative to the change in the volume of the gas phase 1a of the tank 1 when the volume of the gas phase 1a of the tank 1 is 3L and the pressure (partial pressure) of the inert gas 6 is 0.1MPa. Furthermore, dashed lines represent examples where the amount of inert gas 6 or refrigerant 101 filled into the heat transfer device 100 is large, and the pressure (partial pressure) of the inert gas 6 is large. Specifically, dashed lines represent the change in the pressure (partial pressure) of the inert gas 6 relative to the change in the volume of the gas phase 1a of the tank 1 when the volume of the gas phase 1a of the tank 1 is 3L and the pressure (partial pressure) of the inert gas 6 is 0.5MPa.

[0046] Consider the case where the volume of the gas phase section 1a of tank 1 is reduced from 3L to 1L. In this case, as... Figure 5 As shown, in the example with the solid line, the pressure (partial pressure) of the inert gas 6 increases from 0.1 MPa to 0.3 MPa, and in the example with the dashed line, the pressure (partial pressure) of the inert gas 6 increases from 0.5 MPa to 1.5 MPa. Thus, in the example with the dashed line, the pressure (partial pressure) of the inert gas 6, i.e., the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101, increases more significantly relative to the volume change of the gas phase 1a of tank 1. This means that in the example with the dashed line, the rate of increase in the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101 relative to the volume change of the gas phase 1a of tank 1 is greater. Therefore, when the operator increases the rate of increase of the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101 relative to the volume change of the gas phase 1a of the tank 1 (when focusing on the rate of increase of the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101), compared with the following method of increasing the rate of decrease of the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101 relative to the volume change of the gas phase 1a of the tank 1, the operator increases the amount of inert gas 6 or the amount of refrigerant 101 filled into the heat transfer device 100 (increasing the pressure (partial pressure) of the inert gas 6).

[0047] Furthermore, consider the case where the pressure (partial pressure) of inert gas 6 is reduced from 3 MPa to 1 MPa. In this case, such as Figure 6As shown, in the example with the solid line, the volume of the gas phase 1a of tank 1 increases from 0.1L to 0.3L, and in the example with the dashed line, the volume of the gas phase 1a of tank 1 increases from 0.5L to 1.5L. Thus, in the example with the solid line, the pressure (partial pressure) of the inert gas 6, i.e., the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101, decreases more significantly relative to the volume change of the gas phase 1a of tank 1. This means that in the example with the solid line, the rate of decrease in the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101 relative to the volume change of the gas phase 1a of tank 1 is greater. Therefore, when increasing the rate of decrease in the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101 relative to the volume change of the gas phase 1a of tank 1 (when focusing on the rate of decrease in the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101), the operator should reduce the amount of inert gas 6 or the amount of refrigerant 101 filled into the heat transfer device 100 (reduce the pressure (partial pressure) of the inert gas 6) compared to increasing the rate of increase in the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101 relative to the volume change of the gas phase 1a of tank 1.

[0048] in addition, Figure 5 and Figure 6 The volume of the gas phase 1a of the tank 1 shown and the pressure (partial pressure) of the inert gas 6 are examples, and are not limited to these.

[0049] Furthermore, in step 902, the operator determines the amount of inert gas 6 or refrigerant 101 charged into the heat transfer device 100 to achieve the desired rate of change in the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101. Specifically, the pressure (partial pressure) of the inert gas 6 used to achieve the desired rate of change in the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101 is determined, and based on the determined pressure (partial pressure) of the inert gas 6, the amount of inert gas 6 or refrigerant 101 charged into the heat transfer device 100 is determined. More specifically, the amount of inert gas 6 or refrigerant 101 that enables the pressure (partial pressure) of the inert gas 6 to reach the determined pressure is determined as the amount of inert gas 6 or refrigerant 101 charged into the heat transfer device 100. At this time, the pressure (partial pressure) of the inert gas 6 in the heat transfer device 100, where the volume change section 7 is in a contracted state (maximum contracted state), is determined. That is, the amount of inert gas 6 or refrigerant 101 filled into the heat transfer device 100, which is in a contracted state (most contracted state) in the volume change section 7, can be determined (adjusted).

[0050] For example, suppose that the pressure (partial pressure) of the inert gas 6 in the heat transfer device 100, where the volume change section 7 is in a contracted state, is determined to be 0.5 MPa, based on the rate of increase in the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101. In this case, the amount of inert gas 6 or refrigerant 101 that enables the pressure (partial pressure) of the inert gas 6 in the heat transfer device 100, where the volume change section 7 is in a contracted state, to reach 0.5 MPa is determined as the amount of inert gas 6 or refrigerant 101 filled into the heat transfer device 100.

[0051] Furthermore, for example, assuming that the pressure (partial pressure) of the inert gas 6| in the heat transfer device 100 where the volume change section 7 is in a contracted state is determined to be 0.1 MPa due to the importance of the rate of decrease in the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101. In this case, the amount of inert gas 6 or refrigerant 101 that enables the pressure (partial pressure) of the inert gas 6 in the heat transfer device 100 where the volume change section 7 is in a contracted state to reach 0.1 MPa is determined as the amount of inert gas 6 or refrigerant 101 filled into the heat transfer device 100.

[0052] Here, as Figure 7 As shown, when there is no heat input from the preheater 3a and the heat exchanger 3, the refrigerant 101 exists as a liquid. On the other hand, when there is heat input from the preheater 3a and the heat exchanger 3, a portion of the refrigerant 101 becomes a gas-liquid two-phase state. In this case, due to the generation of gaseous refrigerant 101, the amount of liquid refrigerant 101 in tank 1 increases, and the volume of the gas phase portion 1a of tank 1 decreases. The decrease in the volume of the gas phase portion 1a of tank 1 means a decrease in the volume of inert gas 6. Therefore, in the state with heat input, the pressure (partial pressure) of inert gas 6 increases compared to the state without heat input.

[0053] The increase in pressure (partial pressure) of the inert gas 6 due to heat input can be estimated based on: the volume of the portion that becomes a gas-liquid two-phase component when there is heat input (the amount of refrigerant 101 returning to the liquid in tank 1), the volume of tank 1, and the amount of refrigerant 101 in the liquid in tank 1 when there is no heat input. Then, assuming that all the inert gas 6 is present in tank 1, the amount of inert gas 6 or refrigerant 101 filled into the heat transfer device 100 is determined based on the volume of the gas phase portion 1a of tank 1 when there is no heat input, in a manner that a predetermined pressure is reached (the pressure that can reach the desired pressure when the increase in pressure (partial pressure) of the inert gas 6 is added). In addition, errors may occur due to reasons such as the inert gas 6 dissolving into the refrigerant 101, so adjustments may sometimes be necessary.

[0054] <Steps for filling with inert gas> like Figure 4As shown, in step 903, inert gas 6 is charged into the heat transfer device 100. If the amount of inert gas 6 was adjusted in step 902, the adjusted amount of inert gas 6 is charged into the heat transfer device 100. First, the heat transfer device 100 is evacuated by an operator operating the vacuum pump 113 and manifold 114. Then, inert gas 6 is charged into the evacuated heat transfer device 100. Specifically, inert gas 6 is charged into the heat transfer device 100 from the inert gas source 112 by an operator operating the flow regulating valve 116 and manifold 114. For example, based on the output of a pressure sensor (not shown) installed in the heat transfer device 100, inert gas 6 is charged into the heat transfer device 100 until a predetermined pressure corresponding to the desired amount of inert gas 6 is reached. Furthermore, inert gas 6 is charged into the heat transfer device 100 before the refrigerant 101 is charged into it.

[0055] <Steps for filling refrigerant> In step 904, the heat transfer device 100, which was filled with inert gas 6 in step 903, is charged with refrigerant 101. If the amount of refrigerant 101 was adjusted in step 902, the adjusted amount of refrigerant 101 is charged into the heat transfer device 100. Specifically, refrigerant 101 is charged from the refrigerant source 111 into the heat transfer device 100 by an operator operating the flow regulating valve 115 and manifold 114 until at least the predetermined amount required for the operation of the heat transfer device 100 is reached. The amount of refrigerant 101 that allows the heat transfer device 100 to circulate without heat input from the preheater 3a and heat exchanger 3 is the minimum amount of refrigerant 101 required for the operation of the heat transfer device 100. Specifically, the minimum amount of refrigerant 101 is the volume of the portion of the refrigerant 101 circulating, excluding the volume of tank 1 (the volume of pump 2, heat exchanger 3, condenser 4, and piping 5a to 5d). Therefore, the heat transfer device 100 is filled with a refrigerant 101 in an amount greater than or equal to the volume of the portion of the refrigerant 101 circulating except for the volume of the tank 1.

[0056] (Effects of this implementation method) In this embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0057] In this embodiment, as described above, a step is provided to adjust the rate of change of the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101 relative to the volume change of the gas phase portion 1a of the tank 1 by adjusting the amount of inert gas 6 or refrigerant 101 filled into the heat transfer device 100. This allows the rate of change of the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101 to be adjusted to a desired rate. As a result, for example, when the heat transfer device 100 is used for applications requiring a rapid increase in the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101, the rate of increase in the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101 can be increased, thereby enabling a rapid increase in the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101. Furthermore, for example, when the heat transfer device 100 is used for applications requiring a rapid decrease in the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101, the rate of decrease in the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101 can be increased, thereby enabling a rapid decrease in the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101. Therefore, effective temperature control can be achieved when the rate of change of the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101 is important.

[0058] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the following further effects can be obtained through the following configuration.

[0059] That is, in this embodiment, as described above, the step of adjusting the rate of change of the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101 includes the following steps: when increasing the rate of increase of the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101 relative to the volume change of the vapor phase 1a of the tank 1, increasing the amount of inert gas 6 or refrigerant 101 charged into the heat transfer device 100; and when increasing the rate of decrease of the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101 relative to the volume change of the vapor phase 1a of the tank 1, decreasing the amount of inert gas 6 or refrigerant 101 charged into the heat transfer device 100. Therefore, by utilizing the characteristic that the greater the amount of inert gas 6 or refrigerant 101 charged into the heat transfer device 100, the greater the rate of increase of the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101, effective temperature control can be achieved when the heat transfer device 100 is used for applications requiring a rapid increase in the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101. Furthermore, taking advantage of the characteristic that the less amount of inert gas 6 or refrigerant 101 is filled into the heat transfer device 100, the greater the rate of decrease in the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101, effective temperature control can be achieved when the heat transfer device 100 is used for applications where rapid reduction of the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101 is of great importance.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the heat transfer device 100 includes a volume change section 7, which is provided in the gas phase section 1a of the tank 1. The volume of the gas phase section 1a of the tank 1 changes by expanding and contracting. The step of adjusting the rate of change of the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant 101 includes adjusting the amount of inert gas 6 or refrigerant 101 filled into the heat transfer device 100 when the volume change section 7 is in a contracted state. Therefore, since inert gas 6 or refrigerant 101 can be filled into the heat transfer device 100 when the volume change section 7 is in a contracted state, the load applied to the volume change section 7 can be reduced, unlike the case where inert gas 6 or refrigerant 101 is filled into the heat transfer device 100 when the volume change section 7 is in an extended state.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the adjustment method for the heat transfer device 100 includes the step of filling the heat transfer device 100, which is in a vacuum state, with inert gas 6. Therefore, since inert gas 6 can be filled into the heat transfer device 100, which is in a vacuum state, the amount of inert gas 6 filled can be accurately controlled. As a result, inert gas 6 can be accurately filled.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the adjustment method for the heat transfer device 100 includes a step of charging the heat transfer device 100 with an inert gas 6 before charging the heat transfer device 100 with the refrigerant 101. Therefore, unlike the case where the inert gas 6 is charged to the heat transfer device 100 after the refrigerant 101 is charged, the inaccuracy in controlling the amount of inert gas 6 charged can be avoided due to the inert gas 6 dissolving into the refrigerant 101. As a result, the inert gas 6 can be charged accurately.

[0063] [Variation Example] Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed herein should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects. The scope of the invention is defined not by the description of the above embodiments but by the scope of the claims, and includes all modifications (variations) within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of the claims.

[0064] For example, the above embodiments show an example where the refrigerant is carbon dioxide, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the refrigerant can be a Freon-based refrigerant or a natural refrigerant such as ammonia other than carbon dioxide.

[0065] Furthermore, while the above embodiments illustrate an example where the inert gas is nitrogen, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the inert gas may also be argon.

[0066] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, an example of using nitrogen as the gas for volume change was shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the gas for volume change may also be a gas other than nitrogen.

[0067] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, an example of a bellows made of metal for the volume change section was shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the volume change section may also be a bellows other than metal. Furthermore, the volume change section may also be a rubber balloon that can expand and contract using gas for volume change, or a cylinder structure that moves a piston within a cylinder using gas for volume change.

[0068] Furthermore, the above embodiments illustrate an example where a preheater is provided in the heat transfer device, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the heat transfer device may also be without a preheater. In this case, the heat transfer device functions solely as a cooling device.

[0069] Furthermore, the above embodiments illustrate an example of adjusting the amount of inert gas filled into a heat transfer device when the volume change section is in a contracted state (maximum contracted state), but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the amount of inert gas filled into a heat transfer device when the volume change section is in an extended state (maximum extended state) can also be adjusted.

[0070] Furthermore, the above embodiments illustrate examples of steps involving an operator filling the heat transfer device with inert gas and filling the heat transfer device with refrigerant, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in Figure 8 In the modified example shown, the steps of charging the heat transfer device 100 with inert gas 6 and charging the heat transfer device 100 with refrigerant 101 are performed by the control device 300. The control device 300 is configured to control the vacuum pump 113, manifold 114, flow regulating valve 115, and flow regulating valve 116. The control device 300 controls the evacuation of the heat transfer device 100 by controlling the vacuum pump 113 and manifold 114. Furthermore, the control device 300 controls the charging of the heat transfer device 100 with inert gas 6 by controlling the flow regulating valve 116 and manifold 114. Additionally, the control device 300 controls the charging of the heat transfer device 100 with refrigerant 101 by controlling the flow regulating valve 115 and manifold 114.

[0071] [plan] Those skilled in the art should understand that the above exemplary implementation methods are specific examples of the following solutions.

[0072] (Project 1) A method for adjusting a heat transfer device includes: a step of preparing a heat transfer device, wherein the heat transfer device adjusts the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant by changing the volume of the gas phase portion of a tank containing refrigerant, thereby adjusting the pressure of an inert gas sealed in the gas phase portion of the tank; and a step of adjusting the rate of change of the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant relative to the volume change of the gas phase portion of the tank by adjusting the amount of the inert gas or the amount of refrigerant filled into the heat transfer device.

[0073] (Project 2) According to the adjustment method of the heat transfer device described in Project 1, the step of adjusting the rate of change of the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant includes: increasing the amount of inert gas or the amount of refrigerant filled into the heat transfer device when the rate of increase of the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant relative to the volume change of the gas phase portion of the tank is increased; and decreasing the amount of inert gas or the amount of refrigerant filled into the heat transfer device when the rate of decrease of the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant relative to the volume change of the gas phase portion of the tank is increased.

[0074] (Project 3) According to the adjustment method of the heat transfer device described in Project 1 or 2, the heat transfer device includes a volume change section disposed in the gas phase section of the tank, and the volume of the gas phase section of the tank changes by expansion and contraction. The step of adjusting the rate of change of the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant includes the following steps: adjusting the amount of inert gas or the amount of refrigerant filled into the heat transfer device in the contracted state of the volume change section.

[0075] (Project 4) The adjustment method for the heat transfer device according to any one of items 1 to 3 further includes the step of filling the heat transfer device, which is in a vacuum state, with the inert gas.

[0076] (Project 5) The adjustment method for the heat transfer device according to any one of items 1 to 4 further includes the following step: before filling the heat transfer device with the refrigerant, filling the heat transfer device with the inert gas.

[0077] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1 can 1a Gas phase 6. Inert gases 7. Volume Change Section 100 Cooling device 101 Refrigerant.

Claims

1. A method for adjusting a heat transfer device, characterized in that, have: The steps of preparing a heat transfer device include adjusting the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant by changing the volume of the gas phase portion of a tank storing the refrigerant, thereby adjusting the pressure of the inert gas sealed in the gas phase portion of the tank; and The step of adjusting the rate of change of the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant relative to the volume change of the gas phase portion of the tank by adjusting the amount of inert gas or refrigerant filled into the heat transfer device.

2. The adjustment method of the heat transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of adjusting the rate of change of the refrigerant's evaporation temperature includes: increasing the amount of inert gas or the amount of refrigerant charged into the heat transfer device when the rate of increase of the refrigerant's evaporation temperature relative to the volume change of the gas phase portion of the tank is increased; and decreasing the amount of inert gas or the amount of refrigerant charged into the heat transfer device when the rate of decrease of the refrigerant's evaporation temperature relative to the volume change of the gas phase portion of the tank is increased.

3. The adjustment method of the heat transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat transfer device includes a volume change section disposed in the gas phase section of the tank, which changes the volume of the gas phase section of the tank by extending and contracting. The step of adjusting the rate of change of the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant includes the following steps: adjusting the amount of inert gas or the amount of refrigerant filled into the heat transfer device in the contracted state of the volume change section.

4. The adjustment method of the heat transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes the step of filling the heat transfer device, which is in a vacuum state, with the inert gas.

5. The adjustment method of the heat transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes the following step: filling the heat transfer device with the inert gas before filling the heat transfer device with the refrigerant.

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