Air conditioner

Abstract

This disclosure relates to an air conditioner. An embodiment of the air conditioner according to this disclosure includes: a compressor for compressing refrigerant; a condenser provided with heat exchange piping, through which refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows; an evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant flowing through the condenser; and a gas-liquid separator for separating a portion of the refrigerant flowing in the heat exchange piping; the heat exchange piping includes: a first piping for receiving refrigerant discharged from the compressor; and a second piping connected between the first piping and the evaporator; the gas-liquid separator includes: a gas-liquid separation pipe for separating gaseous refrigerant from the first piping and conveying it to the second piping; and a bypass pipe for receiving liquid refrigerant separated from the first piping.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an air conditioner, and more specifically, to an air conditioner capable of achieving phase separation of the refrigerant. Background Technology

[0002] Air conditioners are devices that can be used in various environments, such as industrial, commercial, or residential buildings, to cool or heat desired spaces or equipment by utilizing the heat exchange process of refrigerants.

[0003] Currently, in order to reduce the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of refrigerants, a variety of environmentally friendly alternative refrigerants are being developed and used.

[0004] However, these alternative refrigerants often exhibit temperature glide during condensation and evaporation. Therefore, the non-constant temperature during the refrigerant's phase change reduces heat exchange efficiency and consequently decreases the efficiency of the air conditioner.

[0005] This problem has become a major obstacle to the use of alternative refrigerants, and the inability to use alternative refrigerants may accelerate global warming. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] The technical problem of this disclosure is to provide an air conditioner that can solve the various problems of the prior art described above.

[0008] Another subject of this disclosure is to provide an air conditioner capable of separating liquid refrigerant at the middle end of the condenser.

[0009] Another objective of this disclosure is to provide an air conditioner capable of improving the separation rate of gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant at the intermediate end of the condenser.

[0010] Another objective of this disclosure is to provide an air conditioner capable of increasing the subcooling of the liquid refrigerant separated at the middle end of the condenser.

[0011] Another objective of this disclosure is to provide an air conditioner that improves heat exchange efficiency while using an alternative refrigerant that generates temperature slip.

[0012] The subject matter of this disclosure is not limited to the subject matter mentioned above, and other subject matters not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0013] Technical solutions to the problem

[0014] To address the aforementioned issues, an air conditioner according to an embodiment of this disclosure includes: a compressor for compressing refrigerant; a condenser provided with heat exchange piping, through which refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows; an evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant flowing through the condenser; and a gas-liquid separator for separating a portion of the refrigerant flowing in the heat exchange piping; the heat exchange piping includes: a first piping for receiving refrigerant discharged from the compressor; and a second piping connected between the first piping and the evaporator; the gas-liquid separator includes: a gas-liquid separation pipe for separating gaseous refrigerant from the first piping and conveying it to the second piping; and a bypass pipe for receiving liquid refrigerant separated from the first piping.

[0015] The condenser may also include subcooling piping that cools the liquid refrigerant flowing to the bypass pipe.

[0016] The gas-liquid separation tube may include an insertion tube inserted into the interior of the first pipe; the insertion tube may include: a tapered portion, at least a portion of which is separated from the inner surface of the first pipe; and an extension portion extending from the end of the tapered portion.

[0017] The refrigerant can be a non-azeotropic refrigerant (zeotropic mixture).

[0018] The lengths of the first and second piping can be set taking into account the dryness of the refrigerant flowing in the heat exchange piping.

[0019] Invention Effects

[0020] The air conditioner according to this disclosure has one or more of the following effects.

[0021] Liquid refrigerant can be separated at the middle end of the condenser using a gas-liquid separator, which can improve heat exchange efficiency.

[0022] Due to the conical and extended structure of the gas-liquid separator tube, the separation rate of gaseous and liquid refrigerant at the middle end of the condenser can be improved.

[0023] Because of the subcooling piping that supplies the flow of the separated liquid refrigerant, the subcooling of the liquid refrigerant separated at the middle end of the condenser can be increased.

[0024] When a non-azeotropic refrigerant is condensed, the liquid refrigerant, which has a lower separation temperature than the gaseous refrigerant, can improve heat exchange efficiency.

[0025] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other effects not mentioned from the description in the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown with markings.

[0027] Figure 2 This is an enlarged view of a condenser according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 3 A gas-liquid separator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0029] Figure 4 The refrigerant flow during the cooling operation of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0030] Figure 5 The refrigerant flow during heating operation of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0032] 11: Compressor

[0033] 14: Indoor heat exchanger

[0034] 20: Outdoor heat exchanger

[0035] 21: Heat exchange piping

[0036] 22: First piping

[0037] 23: Second piping

[0038] 24: Subcooling piping

[0039] 30: Gas-liquid separator

[0040] 40: Gas-liquid separator

[0041] 50: Bypass pipe Detailed Implementation

[0042] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified in the drawing numbers, the same or similar constituent elements will be assigned the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0043] The suffixes “module” and “section” used in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably for ease of writing the specification only, and do not have any distinguishing meaning or function from each other.

[0044] Furthermore, in describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, detailed descriptions of related well-known technologies will be omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions may obscure the spirit of the embodiments disclosed in this specification. Additionally, the accompanying drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification. The technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited to the drawings, but should be understood to include all changes, equivalents, and substitutions made within the concept and scope of this disclosure.

[0045] Terms such as "first," "second," etc., which include ordinal numbers, can be used to describe a variety of constituent elements, but these constituent elements are not limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one constituent element from another.

[0046] When it is mentioned that a constituent element is "connected" or "linked" to another constituent element, it should be understood that the constituent element can be directly connected or linked to the other constituent element, or that there may be other constituent elements between them. Conversely, when it is mentioned that a constituent element is "directly connected" or "directly linked" to another constituent element, it should be understood that there are no other constituent elements between them.

[0047] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, singular expressions include plural expressions.

[0048] In this application, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to specify the presence of features, figures, steps, actions, constituent elements, components or combinations thereof as described in the specification, and should not be construed as pre-excluding the presence or additional possibility of one or more other features, figures, steps, actions, constituent elements, components or combinations thereof.

[0049] Reference Figure 1 It can be confirmed that the configuration of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0050] Compressor 11 compresses the refrigerant. Compressor 11 can discharge gaseous refrigerant after compression. The refrigerant flow can be generated using the pressure difference created by compressor 11. The compressed refrigerant can be in a high-temperature, high-pressure superheated vapor state.

[0051] The switching valve 12 can switch the flow path. The switching valve 12 can be connected to the compressor 11 via the discharge flow path 61. The switching valve 12 can deliver the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 to the outdoor heat exchanger 20 or the indoor heat exchanger 14, which will be described later. The switching valve 12 can be a four-way valve.

[0052] When the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 is delivered to the outdoor heat exchanger 20 through the switching valve 12, the outdoor heat exchanger 20 can function as a condenser. At this time, the air conditioner 1 can operate in cooling mode.

[0053] When the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 is delivered to the indoor heat exchanger 14 through the switching valve 12, the indoor heat exchanger 14 can function as a condenser. At this time, the air conditioner 1 can operate in heating mode.

[0054] The outdoor heat exchanger 20 allows refrigerant to exchange heat with the air. The refrigerant can pass through the outdoor heat exchanger 20. The outdoor heat exchanger 20 and the switching valve 12 can be connected via the first connection flow path 62.

[0055] The indoor heat exchanger 14 allows the refrigerant to exchange heat with a specified heat medium. The refrigerant can pass through the indoor heat exchanger 14. The refrigerant can exchange heat with the heat medium through the indoor heat exchanger 14. For example, the heat medium can be water. The indoor heat exchanger 14 and the switching valve 12 can be connected via a second connection flow path 64.

[0056] The intermediate flow path 63 can connect the outdoor heat exchanger 20 and the indoor heat exchanger 14. The intermediate flow path 63 may include a first intermediate flow path 63a, a second intermediate flow path 63b, and a third intermediate flow path 63c.

[0057] The first expansion valve 71 and the second expansion valve 72 can be configured in the intermediate flow path 63. The first expansion valve 71 and the second expansion valve 72 can be electronic expansion valves (EEV). The opening degree of the first expansion valve 71 and the second expansion valve 72 can be controlled to regulate the expansion of the refrigerant. Alternatively, the first expansion valve 71 and the second expansion valve 72 can also be fully open or fully closed.

[0058] The first intermediate flow path 63a can be referred to as the part of the intermediate flow path 63 that connects the outdoor heat exchanger 20 and the first expansion valve 71.

[0059] The second intermediate flow path 63b can be referred to as the part of the intermediate flow path 63 that connects the first expansion valve 71 and the second expansion valve 72.

[0060] The third intermediate flow path 63c can be referred to as the part of intermediate flow path 63 that connects the second expansion valve 72 and the indoor heat exchanger 14.

[0061] The subcooler 13 can cool the refrigerant. The subcooler 13 can improve the efficiency of the air conditioner 1 by cooling the refrigerant below its saturation temperature. The second inflow path 66 can connect the second intermediate path 63b and the compressor 11. The subcooler 13 can be configured in the second intermediate path 63b and the second inflow path 66.

[0062] The third expansion valve 73 can be configured between the point in the second inflow path 66 that connects to the second intermediate flow path 63b and the subcooler 13. The third expansion valve 73 can expand a portion of the refrigerant flowing in from the second intermediate flow path 63b and deliver it to the subcooler 13. The subcooler 13 can cool the refrigerant flowing through the second intermediate flow path 63b to below its saturation temperature by exchanging heat between the expanded, low-temperature refrigerant and the remaining refrigerant.

[0063] The switching valve 12 and the compressor 11 can be connected via the first inflow path 65. The reservoir 15 can be configured in the first inflow path 65.

[0064] The receiver 15 can supply gaseous refrigerant to the compressor 11. The receiver 15 can separate gaseous and liquid refrigerant. The receiver 15 can prevent liquid refrigerant from flowing into the compressor 11.

[0065] Air conditioner 1 may be equipped with a plurality of sensors (not shown) to measure the temperature or pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant piping.

[0066] The control unit (not shown) can control the operation of the air conditioner 1. The control unit can be electrically connected to each component of the aforementioned air conditioner 1. The control unit can control the operation of each component of the air conditioner 1, causing the air conditioner 1 to operate in heating mode or cooling mode.

[0067] The outdoor heat exchanger 20 may include heat exchange piping 21, subcooling piping 24, gas-liquid separator 30, first valve 28, etc.

[0068] When the outdoor heat exchanger 20 acts as a condenser, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 can pass through the heat exchange piping 21 to exchange heat with the air and be condensed.

[0069] The gas-liquid separator 30 can separate the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchange piping 21 into liquid refrigerant and gaseous refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant separated by the gas-liquid separator 30 can flow to the subcooling piping 24. The terms "liquid refrigerant" and "gaseous refrigerant" mentioned below include not only cases where they are completely formed in a liquid or gaseous state, but also states where they are mostly in a liquid or gaseous state.

[0070] The subcooling piping 24 can cool the separated liquid refrigerant to below its saturation temperature. This prevents damage to the expansion valve, improving the stability of the air conditioner 1, and allows it to absorb a larger amount of heat in the evaporator, thus improving the performance of the air conditioner 1. The subcooling piping 24 can be separated into a region distinct from the heat exchange piping 21.

[0071] The first valve 28 can be configured in the gas-liquid separator 30. The refrigerant flow can be regulated by opening and closing the first valve 28. For example, when the outdoor heat exchanger 20 functions as a condenser, the first valve 28 can be open, allowing liquid refrigerant to separate and flow from the heat exchange pipe 21 to the subcooling pipe 24. As another example, when the indoor heat exchanger 14 functions as a condenser, the first valve 28 can be closed, allowing the refrigerant to flow only along the heat exchange pipe 21 without flowing to the subcooling pipe 24.

[0072] The first valve 28 can be a check valve 28 that allows refrigerant to flow from the heat exchange pipe 21 to the subcooling pipe 24. Therefore, while refrigerant flows from the heat exchange pipe 21 to the subcooling pipe 24 when the outdoor heat exchanger 20 functions as a condenser, refrigerant cannot flow from the subcooling pipe 24 to the heat exchange pipe 21 when the indoor heat exchanger 14 functions as a condenser. When the first valve 28 is a check valve 28, the flow of refrigerant can be controlled even without the intervention of the control unit, thereby reducing the complexity of the air conditioning system 1 and improving control stability.

[0073] On the other hand, when the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 is delivered to the indoor heat exchanger 14 through the switching valve 12, the indoor heat exchanger 14 can act as a condenser. Therefore, unlike the attached figure, the indoor heat exchanger 14 may also include heat exchange piping 21, subcooling piping 24, gas-liquid separator 30, first valve 28, etc.

[0074] <Air Conditioner Cooling Operation Modes>

[0075] Reference Figure 1 The solid line shown for the switching valve 12 indicates that if the air conditioner 1 receives a cooling operation signal, the control unit can execute the cooling operation of the air conditioner 1. For example, the cooling operation signal can be any signal input by the user. As another example, when the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor is higher than the user-set desired temperature by a constant level, the cooling operation signal can be a signal provided to the control unit by a thermostat installed in the indoor space.

[0076] When the cooling system is running, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 can be delivered to the outdoor heat exchanger 20 by the switching valve 12. At this time, the outdoor heat exchanger 20 can act as a condenser, and the indoor heat exchanger 14 can act as an evaporator.

[0077] In the refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 20, liquid refrigerant can flow through the gas-liquid separator 30 to the subcooling pipe 24. The refrigerant passing through the subcooling pipe 24 can exchange heat with the air and be cooled below the saturation temperature.

[0078] The gaseous refrigerant separated by the gas-liquid separator 30 can pass through the heat exchange pipe 21 to exchange heat with the air and be condensed into liquid refrigerant.

[0079] The refrigerant that has passed through the heat exchange piping 21 and the refrigerant that has passed through the subcooling piping 24 can merge in the first intermediate flow path 63a.

[0080] The first expansion valve 71 can be fully open, preventing the refrigerant passing through it from expanding. The refrigerant can pass through the subcooler 13 and be cooled below its saturation temperature, and can also pass through the second expansion valve 72 and expand.

[0081] The expanded refrigerant can pass through the indoor heat exchanger 14 to exchange heat with the heat medium and evaporate. The evaporated refrigerant can be delivered to the receiver 15 through the switching valve 12, and the gaseous refrigerant can be delivered from the receiver 15 to the compressor 11, thus continuously circulating.

[0082] <Heating Operation Mode of Air Conditioner>

[0083] Reference Figure 1 The dotted line shown for the switching valve 12 indicates that if the air conditioner 1 receives a heating operation signal, the control unit can execute the heating operation of the air conditioner 1. For example, the heating operation signal can be any signal input by the user. As another example, when the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor is at a constant level lower than the user-set desired temperature, the heating operation signal can be a signal provided to the control unit by the thermostat installed in the indoor space.

[0084] When operating in heating mode, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 can be delivered to the indoor heat exchanger 14 by the switching valve 12. At this time, the indoor heat exchanger 14 can act as a condenser, and the outdoor heat exchanger 20 can act as an evaporator.

[0085] The refrigerant can exchange heat with the heat medium through the indoor heat exchanger 14 and be condensed into liquid refrigerant.

[0086] The second expansion valve 72 can be fully open, preventing the refrigerant passing through it from expanding. The refrigerant can pass through the subcooler 13 to be cooled below its saturation temperature, and can pass through the first expansion valve 71 and expand.

[0087] The expanded refrigerant can flow to the heat exchange piping 21. At this time, due to the closure of the first valve 28 or the directionality of the check valve 28, the refrigerant cannot flow from the first intermediate flow path 63a to the subcooling piping 24.

[0088] The refrigerant flowing through the heat exchange piping 21 can evaporate. The evaporated refrigerant can be delivered to the receiver 15 through the switching valve 12, and the gaseous refrigerant can be delivered from the receiver 15 to the compressor 11, thus continuously circulating.

[0089] Reference Figure 2 The composition of the outdoor heat exchanger 20 can be confirmed.

[0090] The outdoor heat exchanger 20 may have a plurality of paths. The outdoor heat exchanger 20 may have a plurality of heat exchange pipes 21a, 21b. In this figure, only the first heat exchange pipe 21a and the second heat exchange pipe 21b are shown, but they may also be provided as one or more.

[0091] The outdoor heat exchanger 20 may include a head 25. The head 25 may distribute refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 into a plurality of paths, or may merge refrigerant flowing in from a plurality of paths. The head 25 may be connected to each heat exchange piping 21a, 21b. The head 25 may be connected to one end of a plurality of first piping 22.

[0092] Each heat exchange pipe 21a, 21b may include a first pipe 22 and a second pipe 23. The first pipe 22 and the second pipe 23 may be separated by a gas-liquid separator 30, described later. With the outdoor heat exchanger 20 acting as a condenser, refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 may flow into the first pipe 22. The second pipe 23 may connect the first pipe 22 and the indoor heat exchanger 14.

[0093] The first piping 22 and the second piping 23 can be connected using a gas-liquid separator 30. The gas-liquid separator 30 may include a gas-liquid separation pipe 40 and a bypass pipe 50. The gas-liquid separation pipe 40 can separate gaseous refrigerant from the first piping 22 and deliver it to the second piping 23. The bypass pipe 50 can deliver the liquid refrigerant separated from the first piping 22 to the subcooled piping 24.

[0094] One end of the first piping 22 can be connected to the head 25, and the other end of the first piping 22 can be connected to one end of the gas-liquid separator 40. One end of the second piping 23 can be connected to the other end of the gas-liquid separator 40, and the other end of the second piping 23 can be connected to the distributor 29.

[0095] Distributor 29 can be configured in intermediate flow path 63. Distributor 29 can combine and deliver refrigerant passing through second piping 23 to intermediate flow path 63 when outdoor heat exchanger 20 acts as a condenser. Distributor 29 can also distribute refrigerant flowing through intermediate flow path 63 to multiple paths when indoor heat exchanger 14 acts as a condenser.

[0096] The gas-liquid separator 30 can be provided in a number corresponding to the paths of the heat exchange piping 21a, 21b. For example, as shown in this figure, the heat exchange piping 21a, 21b can consist of two paths, and the gas-liquid separator 30 can also be provided in two separate connections to the two paths.

[0097] The outdoor heat exchanger 20 may include an inlet head 26. Each refrigerant that passes through each bypass pipe 50 via multiple paths may converge at the inlet head 26. The inlet head 26 and the subcooling piping 24 may be connected via inlet piping 27.

[0098] and Figure 1 In contrast, the first valve 28 or check valve 28 can be configured on the inflow pipe 27. Due to the first valve 28 or check valve 28, refrigerant cannot flow from the subcooling pipe 24 to the inflow head 26. On the other hand, unlike this figure, when the heat exchange pipe 21 is configured with a single path, the first valve 28 or check valve 28 can also be configured on the bypass pipe 50.

[0099] One end of the subcooling pipe 24 can be connected to the inflow pipe 27, and the other end can be connected to the intermediate flow path 63. Therefore, the liquid refrigerant separated by the gas-liquid separator 30 can pass through the subcooling pipe 24 and be cooled, and then merge with the refrigerant that passes through the heat exchange pipe 21 from the intermediate flow path 63.

[0100] The heat exchange piping 21 can be configured to be longer than the subcooling piping 24. This can be a configuration suitable for outdoor heat exchangers 20 with limited volume, where the refrigerant is fully condensed through the heat exchange piping 21 while the separated liquid refrigerant is further cooled through the subcooling piping 24.

[0101] On the other hand, in this figure, a gas-liquid separator 30 is connected to each path. However, unlike this figure, multiple gas-liquid separators 30 can also be connected in a single path. In the case of multiple gas-liquid separators 30 connected in a multi-stage configuration, each gas-liquid separator 30 can separate the liquid refrigerant that is condensed while flowing through the heat exchange piping 21 and bypass it to the subcooling piping 24.

[0102] For example, the gas-liquid separator 30 can be connected in two stages. In this case, the heat exchange piping 21 can be divided into a first piping 22, a second piping 23, and a third piping because the gas-liquid separator 30 is connected in two stages. One gas-liquid separator 30 can be used to separate liquid refrigerant between the first piping 22 and the second piping 23, and another gas-liquid separator 30 can be used to separate liquid refrigerant between the second piping 23 and the third piping.

[0103] Reference Figure 3The structure of the gas-liquid separator 30 can be confirmed. The refrigerant flow direction shown in this figure is the flow direction when the outdoor heat exchanger 20 acts as a condenser.

[0104] The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 can flow through the heat exchange pipe 21 and exchange heat with the air, thus condensing. The refrigerant can flow through the heat exchange pipe 21 and gradually condense; therefore, the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchange pipe 21 can be a two-phase refrigerant in which both liquid and gaseous states coexist.

[0105] On the other hand, the flow characteristics of a two-phase refrigerant within the piping can vary depending on the refrigerant's velocity or dryness fraction. If the two-phase refrigerant passing through the heat exchange piping 21 has a constant velocity and dryness fraction, it can exhibit annular flow characteristics within the heat exchange piping 21. Here, annular flow refers to the flow of the relatively fast-flowing gaseous refrigerant concentrated in the center of the piping, while the flow of the relatively slow-flowing and highly viscous liquid refrigerant is concentrated along the inner wall of the piping. Annular flow characteristics can be observed when the refrigerant's dryness fraction is between 0.4 and 0.6.

[0106] The gas-liquid separator 40 may include an insertion tube 41 inserted into the interior of the first pipe 22. The insertion tube 41 may include: a tapered portion 42, at least a portion of which is separated from the inner surface of the first pipe 22; and an extension 43 extending from the end of the tapered portion 42.

[0107] The tapered portion 42 can be configured such that its diameter decreases as it is inserted deeper into the first pipe 22. This allows for the separation of liquid and gaseous refrigerant flowing through the first pipe 22. Specifically, when the refrigerant exhibits annular flow characteristics, the gaseous refrigerant can concentrate at the center of the first pipe 22 and thus flow through the tapered portion 42 into the second pipe 23. The liquid refrigerant can concentrate on the inner wall of the first pipe 22 and therefore cannot pass through the tapered portion 42 to separate from the gaseous refrigerant.

[0108] The extension 43 can guide gaseous refrigerant to the second pipe 23. The extension 43 extends from the end of the tapered portion 42, so the liquid refrigerant and the gaseous refrigerant can be separated in the extension 43.

[0109] The extension 43 can be formed to be longer than the tapered portion 42. Therefore, even if the liquid refrigerant separated from the gaseous refrigerant forms a vortex in the piping, the inflow of liquid refrigerant into the gas-liquid separation pipe 40 can be minimized.

[0110] The bypass pipe 50 can be connected adjacent to the other end of the first piping 22. The bypass pipe 50 allows the liquid refrigerant separated by the insertion pipe 41 to bypass.

[0111] The bypass pipe 50 can be connected to one side of the section surrounding the extension 43 and the tapered portion 42 in the first piping 22. This prevents the backflow of liquid refrigerant separated from the insertion pipe 41, minimizes eddy formation, and allows the refrigerant to bypass effectively.

[0112] The bypass pipe 50 can be connected in a direction that intersects the length direction of the first piping 22. This allows for easy connection of the bypass pipe 50 to the first piping 22. Additionally, the flow direction of the liquid refrigerant separated by the insertion pipe 41 can be reversed to improve the separation rate with the gaseous refrigerant.

[0113] The separated gaseous refrigerant can flow through the second pipe 23 to exchange heat with the air, and can be condensed into liquid refrigerant.

[0114] The structure of the gas-liquid separator 30, which separates gaseous and liquid refrigerant, improves the heat exchange efficiency of the condenser. By separating the liquid refrigerant, the ratio of heat exchange between the gaseous refrigerant and air can be increased. Therefore, most of the refrigerant passing through the condenser is condensed into a liquid state, thereby improving the performance and efficiency of the air conditioner 1.

[0115] On the other hand, in order to improve the gas-liquid separation rate, the outdoor heat exchanger 20 or the heat exchange piping 21 can be designed to make the two-phase refrigerant passing through the heat exchange piping 21 exhibit annular flow characteristics, or the operating frequency of the compressor 11 can be adjusted, etc.

[0116] For example, the first pipe 22 (refer to) Figure 2 The length of the second conduit 23 can be equal to or less than that of the second conduit (refer to...). Figure 2 The length of the pipe is such that the refrigerant can be condensed between the first pipe 22 and the second pipe 23 to exhibit annular flow characteristics, and liquid refrigerant can be separated at the front end of the heat exchange pipe 21, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0117] As another example, the lengths of the first pipe 22 and the second pipe 23 can be set taking into account the dryness of the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchange pipe 21. The lengths of the first pipe 22 and the second pipe 23 can be set such that the dryness of the refrigerant between the first pipe 22 and the second pipe 23 is 0.4 to 0.6, thereby improving the gas-liquid separation rate.

[0118] On the other hand, the refrigerant can be a non-azeotropic mixture. A non-azeotropic refrigerant can be described as a refrigerant that exhibits a temperature glide during its phase change. Non-azeotropic refrigerants can also be environmentally friendly mixtures with low global warming indices. For example, the temperature of the refrigerant can decrease during the condensation from a gaseous state to a liquid state. Thus, during the process of heat exchange with air and condensation, the temperature of the refrigerant can gradually decrease, and the temperature difference with the air can decrease. This decrease in temperature difference may reduce the amount of heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air, and the refrigerant passing through the condenser may not condense completely. Therefore, it may hinder the stability and efficiency of the air conditioner 1.

[0119] However, if the low-temperature liquid refrigerant is separated by the gas-liquid separator 30, the high-temperature gaseous refrigerant can exchange heat with the air, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency. As a result, the performance of the air conditioner 1 can be significantly improved.

[0120] Reference Figure 4 This confirms the refrigerant flow in the outdoor heat exchanger 20 when the air conditioner 1 is operating in cooling mode. At this time, the outdoor heat exchanger 20 can function as a condenser.

[0121] Gaseous refrigerant discharged from compressor 11 can flow into head 25 through first connecting flow path 62. Refrigerant can be distributed from head 25 to each heat exchange pipe 21a, 21b. For example, as shown in this figure, when there are two paths in heat exchange pipe 21, head 25 can distribute refrigerant to first heat exchange pipe 21a and second heat exchange pipe 21b.

[0122] Connect the first piping 22 (refer to) Figure 2 ) and second piping 23 (refer to Figure 2 The gas-liquid separator 40 can separate liquid refrigerant and gaseous refrigerant. The gas-liquid separator 40 can deliver gaseous refrigerant to the second piping 23. The bypass pipe 50 can allow liquid refrigerant to bypass to the inlet head 26.

[0123] Gaseous refrigerant can flow through the second piping 23 and be condensed. The condensed refrigerant can be collected through the distributor 29 and then transported to the intermediate flow path 63.

[0124] The liquid refrigerant that converges at the inlet head 26 can flow through the inlet pipe 27 and check valve 28 to the subcooling pipe 24. The liquid refrigerant can pass through the subcooling pipe 24 and exchange heat with the air to be cooled below the saturation temperature. The refrigerant passing through the subcooling pipe 24 can then converge with the refrigerant passing through the second pipe 23 in the intermediate flow path 63.

[0125] Reference Figure 5This confirms the refrigerant flow in the outdoor heat exchanger 20 when the air conditioner 1 is operating in heating mode. At this time, the outdoor heat exchanger 20 can function as an evaporator.

[0126] The refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 20 through the intermediate flow path 63 can be a two-phase refrigerant that is a mixture of liquid and gas.

[0127] Because of the first valve 28 or check valve 28, the refrigerant cannot flow to the subcooled piping 24. The refrigerant can be distributed by the distributor 29 to the respective heat exchange piping 21a, 21b. For example, as shown in this figure, when there are two paths for heat exchange piping 21a, 21b, the distributor 29 can distribute refrigerant to the first heat exchange piping 21a and the second heat exchange piping 21b.

[0128] Refrigerant can flow from the other end of the second pipe 23 to one end of the first pipe 22. At this time, the refrigerant can pass through the gas-liquid separator 40 without phase separation. On the other hand, the pressure in the bypass pipe 50 at the rear end is lower than the pressure in the subcooled pipe 24 at the front end. Therefore, the check valve 28 is closed, so the refrigerant cannot flow from the bypass pipe 50 to the subcooled pipe 24.

[0129] The refrigerant flowing to one end of the first piping 22 can converge at the head 25 and flow into the first connecting flow path 62.

[0130] Reference Figures 1 to 5 An air conditioner according to one aspect of this disclosure includes: a compressor for compressing refrigerant; a condenser provided with heat exchange piping, into which refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows; an evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant flowing through the condenser; and a gas-liquid separator for separating a portion of the refrigerant flowing in the heat exchange piping; the heat exchange piping includes: a first piping for the refrigerant discharged from the compressor to flow into; and a second piping connected between the first piping and the evaporator; the gas-liquid separator includes: a gas-liquid separation pipe for separating gaseous refrigerant from the first piping and conveying it to the second piping; and a bypass pipe for the flow of liquid refrigerant separated from the first piping.

[0131] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the length of the first conduit may be equal to or less than the length of the second conduit.

[0132] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the condenser may further include subcooling piping for cooling liquid refrigerant flowing to the bypass pipe.

[0133] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the air conditioner may also include a first valve disposed on the bypass pipe.

[0134] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the first valve may be a check valve that allows liquid refrigerant to flow from the bypass pipe to the subcooled piping.

[0135] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the heat exchange piping may be configured to be longer than the subcooling piping.

[0136] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the condenser is provided with a plurality of the heat exchange pipes and a plurality of the bypass pipes to have a plurality of paths, and the condenser may further include: an inlet head for refrigerant to flow through the bypass pipes; and an inlet pipe connecting the inlet head and the subcooling pipes.

[0137] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the air conditioner may also include a first valve disposed in the inflow piping.

[0138] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the gas-liquid separation tube may include an insertion tube inserted into the interior of the first piping, the insertion tube including: a tapered portion, at least a portion of which is separated from the inner surface of the first piping; and an extension portion extending from the end of the tapered portion.

[0139] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the tapered portion can be configured such that its diameter decreases the depth into the first pipe.

[0140] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the extension may be formed to be longer than the tapered portion.

[0141] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the bypass pipe may be connected to one side of the section surrounding the extension and the tapered portion in the first piping.

[0142] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the bypass pipe may be connected in a direction that intersects the length direction of the first piping.

[0143] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the refrigerant may be a non-azeotropic refrigerant.

[0144] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the lengths of the first piping and the second piping can be set taking into account the dryness of the refrigerant flowing in the heat exchange piping.

[0145] The embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Each component or function of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be used in combination or in combination.

[0146] This means that, for example, configuration A illustrated in a particular embodiment and / or drawing and configuration B illustrated in another embodiment and / or drawing can be combined. That is, even if the combination between the configurations is not directly described, it is implied that they can be combined unless explicitly stated that they cannot be combined.

[0147] The detailed description above should not be construed as restrictive in all respects, but rather as exemplary. The scope of the invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention fall within its scope.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, wherein, include: Compressor, which compresses refrigerant; The condenser is equipped with heat exchange piping, through which refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows; An evaporator that causes the refrigerant flowing through the condenser to evaporate; as well as A gas-liquid separator separates a portion of the refrigerant flowing in the heat exchange piping; The heat exchange piping includes: A first piping supply is provided for the refrigerant discharged from the compressor; and The second piping is connected between the first piping and the evaporator; The gas-liquid separator includes: A gas-liquid separator separates gaseous refrigerant from the first piping and delivers it to the second piping; and A bypass pipe is provided for the flow of liquid refrigerant separated from the first piping.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, The length of the first conduit is equal to or less than the length of the second conduit.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, The condenser also includes subcooling piping that cools the liquid refrigerant flowing to the bypass pipe.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein, The air conditioner also includes a first valve disposed on the bypass pipe.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein, The first valve is a check valve that allows liquid refrigerant to flow from the bypass pipe to the subcooled piping.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein, The heat exchange piping is formed to be longer than the subcooling piping.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein, The condenser is provided with a plurality of heat exchange pipes and a plurality of bypass pipes to have a plurality of paths; The condenser also includes: The refrigerant flows into the head, allowing it to pass through the bypass pipe; and Inflow piping, connecting the inflow head and the subcooling piping.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 7, wherein, The air conditioner also includes a first valve disposed on the inflow piping.

9. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, The gas-liquid separation pipe includes an insertion tube inserted into the interior of the first piping; The insertion tube includes: The tapered portion, at least a portion of which is separated from the inner surface of the first pipe; and An extension extends from the end of the tapered portion.

10. The air conditioner according to claim 9, wherein, The tapered portion is formed such that its diameter decreases the deeper it is inserted into the first pipe.

Images