Refrigeration cycle device

Abstract

A refrigeration cycle device is configured by connecting a plurality of refrigeration cycle modules. The refrigeration cycle module has a refrigeration cycle component including a water heat exchanger and an electrical component case. The water heat exchanger has a water flow path and a refrigerant flow path, and exchanges heat between water flowing through the water flow path and refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path. The electrical component case houses electrical components that control the operation of the refrigeration cycle component inside. The refrigeration cycle device has a water pipe that connects the water heat exchangers of adjacent refrigeration cycle modules in the connection direction to each other and communicates the water flow paths of the water heat exchangers to each other. The electrical component case has a pipe portion for disposing the water pipe, which is defined by the outer contour thereof.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a refrigeration cycle apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] A refrigeration cycle device is a device that includes various components (refrigeration cycle components) that constitute a refrigeration cycle. For example, an air conditioner, a chiller, or a heat pump water heater that generates chilled or hot water and uses the generated chilled or hot water for cooling, heating, freezing, or hot water supply are examples of refrigeration cycle devices.

[0003] These refrigeration cycle units are configured to connect multiple modules according to the required capacity. Each module contains a water heat exchanger and an electrical component box as its main components within a housing. The water heat exchanger exchanges heat between the refrigerant and water (the heat transfer medium). The electrical component box houses various electrical components that control the operation of the compressor and other refrigeration cycle components. For example, one of the water heat exchanger and the electrical component box is located at one end of the long side of the module's housing, and the other is located at the other end of that long side.

[0004] When multiple modules are connected along the long side of the housing, water pipes are needed to connect the water heat exchangers of adjacent modules to each other. Furthermore, in adjacent modules, the electrical component box of one module is located between the water heat exchangers of both modules along the long side of the housing. Therefore, the water pipes connecting the water heat exchangers of adjacent modules must be configured to pass near the electrical component box located between them.

[0005] Because cold or hot water flows through the water pipes, a temperature difference may sometimes occur between the water pipes and the electrical component box. This temperature difference can potentially lead to condensation or excessive temperature rise within the electrical component box. Therefore, it is necessary to install water pipes near the electrical component box to account for such condensation or temperature rise. In this case, in addition to configuring the electrical component box and water pipes within the limited space inside the housing of each module, it is also necessary to ensure that the volume of the electrical component box is not less than the volume of the group of electrical components it houses.

[0006] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 7158590 Summary of the Invention The technical problem that the invention aims to solve The present invention is based on this, and its object is to provide a refrigeration circulation device with multiple modules connected, which suppresses condensation or excessive temperature rise in the electrical component box, and enables the electrical component box and water pipes to be properly arranged in the limited space within the housing of each module.

[0007] Solution to the above technical problems According to one embodiment, the refrigeration cycle device is composed of multiple refrigeration cycle modules connected together. Each refrigeration cycle module includes a refrigeration cycle component containing a water-heat exchanger and an electrical component housing. The water-heat exchanger has a water flow path and a refrigerant flow path, and heat exchange occurs between the water flowing through the water flow path and the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path. The electrical component housing internally houses electrical components that control the operation of the refrigeration cycle component. The refrigeration cycle device includes water pipes that connect the water-heat exchangers of adjacent refrigeration cycle modules in a connecting direction and connect the water flow paths of the water-heat exchangers to each other. The electrical component housing has a pipe section defined by its outline for accommodating the water pipes. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a top view that schematically shows the structure of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 From Figure 1 The direction of arrow A12 roughly shows the front view of the structure of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration cycle of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 It is roughly shown from the direction of the arrow. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the electrical unit of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the first embodiment at the location indicated by arrow A14.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of water pipes arranged longitudinally side by side in the pipe space of the refrigeration circulation device according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical unit of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the second embodiment, shown from the front of the machine room (front in the second direction).

[0014] Figure 7 It is shown in the second embodiment, except Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an example of an insulation structure obtained by covering the inside of the pipe space (first and second sections) with insulation material in addition to the insulation material shown.

[0015] Figure 8 It is shown in the second embodiment, except Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of an example of an insulation structure obtained by wrapping insulation material around the portion of the water pipe that passes through the pipe space, in addition to the insulation material shown.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the electrical unit involved in the third embodiment from the front of the machine room (front in the second direction). Detailed Implementation

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 This is a top view that schematically shows the structure of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 From Figure 1 The direction of arrow A12 schematically shows a front view of the structure of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. In the following description, as... Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z are defined respectively. These directions X, Y, and Z are mutually orthogonal. As an example, the first direction X is set as the width direction, the second direction Y is set as the depth direction, and the third direction Z is set as the height direction (vertical direction). However, these directions may not be consistent with the directions in the actual setting of the refrigeration cycle device 1.

[0019] exist Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 In this example, as a refrigeration cycle device 1, a configuration example of an air-cooled heat pump refrigeration unit capable of operating in both cooling and heating modes is shown. Figure 1 As shown, the refrigeration cycle device 1 is composed of multiple refrigeration cycle modules (hereinafter referred to as modules) 11 and 12 connected together. In the example shown, the first module 11 and the second module 12 are connected in the second direction Y. That is, the second direction Y corresponds to the connection direction of the two modules 11 and 12. The number of modules constituting the refrigeration cycle device 1 is not particularly limited, and may be three or more. The basic structure of the first module 11 and the second module 12 is equivalent. Therefore, in the following description, the same reference numerals are used for equivalent constituent elements in each module 11 and 12.

[0020] Modules 11 and 12 include an air heat exchange chamber 101 and a mechanical chamber 102. In the third direction Z, which is the height direction, they are configured with the air heat exchange chamber 101 on the upper side and the mechanical chamber 102 on the lower side. The air heat exchange chamber 101 includes two sets of air heat exchange sections 22, 22 as main components. Each air heat exchange section 22, 22 includes a pair of air heat exchangers 29a, 29b and a fan 30.

[0021] Air heat exchangers 29a and 29b, for example, have multiple plate-shaped fins and multiple refrigerant pipes passing through the plate-shaped fins. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the air heat exchangers 29a and 29b are erected in a manner that is spaced apart from each other in the first direction X, which is the width direction of the air heat exchange chamber 101, and are tilted further apart from each other as they move upward toward the third direction Z, which is the height direction.

[0022] Furthermore, the two ends of the air heat exchangers 29a and 29b in the second direction Y are bent along the first direction X so that they are opposite each other. The gap between the two ends of the air heat exchangers 29a and 29b is closed by a pair of shielding plates 151 and 151. The cylindrical space surrounded by the air heat exchangers 29a and 29b and the shielding plates 151 and 151 defines an exhaust passage extending in the vertical direction.

[0023] The fan 30 includes, for example, a fan motor that rotates an impeller and a fan casing surrounding the impeller. The fan motor is supported by a fan base spanning the upper ends of a pair of air heat exchangers 29a and 29b. The fan casing has a cylindrical exhaust port opposite to the impeller.

[0024] If the fan 30 is driven, the air around the refrigeration circulation unit 1 is drawn into the exhaust passage through the air heat exchangers 29a and 29b. The air drawn into the exhaust passage is sucked up toward the exhaust port and discharged from the exhaust port toward the top of the air heat exchangers 29a and 29b.

[0025] The machine room 102 comprises a housing 2, a first refrigeration cycle unit 3, a second refrigeration cycle unit 4, a water circuit 5, and an electrical installation unit 6 as its main components. Figure 1 Only the frame 7 of the housing 2 is shown, with the front, back, right, and left panels (not shown) removed from the housing 2. The front and back are the faces viewed from the front and back in the second direction Y, respectively, while the right and left are the faces viewed from the sides in the first direction X, respectively. The panels cover the interior of the machine room 102 from the outside.

[0026] The housing 2 is mounted, for example, on a horizontal mounting surface G such as the roof of a building. The housing 2 is formed as an elongated hollow box with a depth dimension (the dimension along the second direction Y) greater than its width dimension (the dimension along the first direction X).

[0027] The shell 2 includes a frame 7. The frame 7 consists of a lower frame 71, an upper frame 72, and a plurality of longitudinal beams 73. The lower frame 71 and the upper frame 72 are elongated rectangular shapes extending along the depth direction of the shell 2. The length of the lower frame 71 along the depth direction of the shell 2 is approximately the same as the length of the upper frame 72 along the depth direction of the shell 2. Furthermore, the length of the upper frame 72 along the width direction of the shell 2 is shorter than the length of the lower frame 71 along the width direction of the shell 2.

[0028] The longitudinal beam 73 is a component connecting the lower frame 71 and the upper frame 72. Figure 1 In the example shown, the longitudinal beams 73 are positioned at both ends and approximately the middle of the shell 2 in the depth direction. The longitudinal beams 73, which are opposite each other in the width direction of the shell 2, are inclined closer to each other as they move from the lower frame 71 toward the upper frame 72.

[0029] Therefore, as Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, when the housing 2 is viewed from the front and back in the second direction Y, the frame 7 is formed into a cone shape whose dimensions gradually narrow from the lower frame 71 toward the upper frame 72 along the width direction of the housing 2.

[0030] The lower frame 71 has a base plate 74. The base plate 74, together with multiple panels (not shown) covering the areas surrounded by the lower frame 71, the upper frame 72, and multiple longitudinal beams 73, defines a machine room 102 inside the housing 2. The base plate 74 forms the bottom of the machine room 102. The machine room 102 extends along the entire length of the housing 2 in the depth direction.

[0031] The first refrigeration cycle unit 3 constitutes a refrigeration cycle (refrigerant circuit) corresponding to one of the two sets of air heat exchange sections 22, 22 in the air heat exchange chamber 101. In contrast, the second refrigeration cycle unit 4 constitutes a refrigeration cycle (refrigerant circuit) corresponding to the other set of two sets of air heat exchange sections 22, 22. The refrigeration cycles constituted by these refrigeration cycle units 3 and 4 are independent of each other.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the refrigeration cycle of refrigeration cycle device 1. (Example) Figure 3As shown, the first refrigeration cycle unit 3 of the first module 11 includes a first refrigerant circuit RA. On the other hand, the second refrigeration cycle unit 4 of the first module 11 includes a second refrigerant circuit RB. As described above, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 of this embodiment, a second module 12 is connected to the first module 11. Similar to the first module 11, the first refrigeration cycle unit 3 of the second module 12 includes a third refrigerant circuit RC. On the other hand, the second refrigeration cycle unit 4 of the second module 12 includes a fourth refrigerant circuit RD. That is, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is configured to be formed by connecting the first module 11 and the second module 12, and has four independent refrigerant circuits RA, RB, RC, and RD.

[0033] The first to fourth refrigerant circuits RA, RB, RC, and RD are independent refrigerant circuits, but their basic circuit configuration is the same. Therefore, the first refrigerant circuit RA of the first refrigeration cycle unit 3 in the mechanical room 102 of the first module 11 will be described below. For the second to fourth refrigerant circuits RB, RC, and RD, the same reference numerals will be used in the accompanying drawings and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0034] like Figure 3 As shown, the first refrigerant circuit RA includes, for example, a variable-capacity hermetic compressor (hereinafter referred to as compressor) 20, a four-way valve 21, an air heat exchanger 22, a pair of expansion valves 23a and 23b, a liquid receiver 24, a water heat exchanger 25, and a gas-liquid separator 26 as main components. These components are an example of refrigeration cycle components that constitute the refrigeration cycle, and are connected by a circulation loop 27 that circulates the refrigerant.

[0035] Specifically, the discharge port of compressor 20 is connected to port 21a of four-way valve 21. Port 21b of four-way valve 21 is connected in parallel to the inlet of a pair of air heat exchangers 29a and 29b of air heat exchange section 22. The outlet of air heat exchangers 29a and 29b is connected to port 21c of four-way valve 21 via expansion valves 23a and 23b, liquid receiver 24, and water heat exchanger 25. Port 21d of four-way valve 21 is connected to the suction side of compressor 20 via gas-liquid separator 26.

[0036] like Figure 3As shown, the water heat exchanger 25 includes a first refrigerant flow path 25a, a second refrigerant flow path 25b, and a water flow path 25c. The first refrigerant flow path 25a of the water heat exchanger 25 is connected to the receiver 24 of the refrigerant circuit (first refrigerant circuit RA) of the first refrigeration cycle unit 3 of the first module 11 and the third port 21c of the four-way valve 21. Conversely, the second refrigerant flow path 25b of the water heat exchanger 25 is connected to the receiver 24 of the refrigerant circuit (second refrigerant circuit RB) of the second refrigeration cycle unit 4 of the first module 11 and the third port 21c of the four-way valve 21. In this way, in the first module 11, the first refrigerant circuit RA of the first refrigeration cycle unit 3 and the second refrigerant circuit RB of the second refrigeration cycle unit 4 share a water heat exchanger 25.

[0037] Similarly, in module 12, the refrigerant circuit of the first refrigeration cycle unit 3 (the third refrigerant circuit RC) and the refrigerant circuit of the second refrigeration cycle unit 4 (the fourth refrigerant circuit RD) also share a water-heat exchanger 25. That is, in Figure 1 as well as Figure 3 In the example shown, two water heat exchangers 25 are installed in the refrigeration cycle unit 1.

[0038] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 3 As shown, in the first module 11 and the second module 12, various components, except for the four sets of air heat exchange units 22, are housed in the machine room 102. In the first module 11, for example, when the housing 2 is viewed from above in the vertical direction (third direction Z), the first refrigeration cycle unit 3 and the second refrigeration cycle unit 4, in other words, the first refrigerant circuit RA and the second refrigerant circuit RB, are arranged in the rear half of the machine room 102 in the depth direction. In contrast, in the first module 11, for example, when the housing 2 is viewed from above in the vertical direction (third direction Z), the electrical assembly unit 6 is arranged in the front half of the machine room 102 in the depth direction.

[0039] Similarly, in the second module 12, for example, when the housing 2 is viewed from above in the vertical direction (third direction Z), the first refrigeration cycle unit 3 and the second refrigeration cycle unit 4, in other words, the third refrigerant circuit RC and the fourth refrigerant circuit RD, are arranged in the rear half of the machine room 102 in the depth direction. In contrast, in the second module 12, for example, when the housing 2 is viewed from above in the vertical direction (third direction Z), the electrical assembly unit 6 is arranged in the front half of the machine room 102 in the depth direction.

[0040] In this embodiment, the refrigeration cycle device 1 is configured by connecting a first module 11 and a second module 12. Therefore, in the depth direction of the refrigeration cycle device 1, that is, in the second direction Y, which is the connection direction of modules 11 and 12, the electrical installation unit 6 of the second module 12 is arranged between the refrigeration cycle units 3 and 4 of the first module 11 and the refrigeration cycle units 3 and 4 of the second module 12. Specifically, the electrical installation unit 6 of the first module 11 is arranged between the water heat exchangers 25 constituting the refrigerant circuits RA and RB of the first module 11 and the water heat exchangers 25 constituting the refrigerant circuits RC and RD of the second module 12.

[0041] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the water heat exchangers 25 of the first module 11 and the second module 12 have a square box shape and rise, for example, from the base plate 74 corresponding to the bottom of the machine room 102 toward the height direction (third direction Z) of the machine room 102. These water heat exchangers 25 have a water inlet 28a and a water outlet 28b. In the example shown, from the front (near the front in the second direction Y), in Figure 1 When observing the shell 2 (center to right), the water inlet 28a and the water outlet 28b are located on the left side of the water heat exchanger 25.

[0042] Water inlet 28a is located at the upper end of the left side of the water heat exchanger 25 and is connected to the upstream end of the water flow path 25c. Water outlet 28b is located at the lower end of the left side of the water heat exchanger 25 and is connected to the downstream end of the water flow path 25c. Therefore, water flowing into the water flow path 25c from the water inlet 28a flows downward through the water flow path 25c in the vertical direction (third direction Z).

[0043] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the water circuit 5, together with the first refrigeration cycle unit 3 and the second refrigeration cycle unit 4, is housed in the machine room 102. The water circuit 5 has a pump device (for example, a variable capacity centrifugal pump) 45 and water pipes 46 as its main components. In this embodiment, as an example, the water pipes 46 are composed of the first to fourth water pipes 46a, 46b, 46c, and 46d.

[0044] like Figure 3 As shown, the first water pipe 46a of the water circuit 5 is connected to the suction port 51 of the pump unit 45. A filter 56 is connected to the rear end of the first water pipe 46a. The rear end of the first water pipe 46a and the filter 56 protrude from the rear end of the refrigeration circulation unit 1, specifically from the rear end of the machine room 102 of the first module 11 in the depth direction (second direction Y). The filter 56 is connected to the water outlet on the side of the utilization equipment, such as an air conditioner, through various valves, flexible joints, and field pipes laid on the mounting surface G. That is, water (heat medium) returning from the utilization equipment flows in the first water pipe 46a.

[0045] The second water pipe 46b connects the outlet 52 of the pump unit 45 to the water inlet 28a of the water heat exchanger 25 corresponding to the first module 11. The second water pipe 46b is arranged horizontally in the depth direction of the machine room 102.

[0046] The third water pipe 46c connects in series between the water outlet 28b of the water heat exchanger 25 corresponding to the first module 11 and the water inlet 28a of the water heat exchanger 25 corresponding to the second module 12. That is, through the third water pipe 46c, the water flow path 25c of a water heat exchanger 25 shared by the first refrigerant circuit RA and the second refrigerant circuit RB of the first module 11, and the water flow path 25c of another water heat exchanger 25 shared by the third refrigerant circuit RC and the fourth refrigerant circuit RD of the second module 12 are connected in series.

[0047] The fourth water pipe 46d is connected to the water outlet 28b of the water heat exchanger 25 corresponding to the second module 12. At the rear end of the fourth water pipe 46d, a discharge pipe 58 with a check valve 57 is connected. The rear end of the discharge pipe 58 protrudes from the rear end of the refrigeration circulation unit 1, specifically from the rear end of the machine room 102 of the first module 11 in the depth direction (second direction Y). Furthermore, the check valve 57 is connected to the water inlet on the side of the utilizing equipment, such as an air conditioner, via various valves, flexible joints, or other field pipes laid on the mounting surface G. That is, water (heat medium) supplied to the utilizing equipment flows in the fourth water pipe 46d.

[0048] Therefore, water, serving as a heat transfer medium, circulates between the refrigeration circulation unit 1 and the air conditioning unit or other utilizing equipment. The specific operation of the refrigeration circulation unit 1 during this process will be explained.

[0049] If the refrigeration cycle unit 1 starts operating in cooling mode, then the four-way valves 21 of the refrigerant circuits RA and RB of module 11 and the refrigerant circuits RC and RD of module 12, such as Figure 3 As shown by the solid line, the connection between port 1 (21a) and port 21b is switched, and the connection between port 3 (21c) and port 4 (21d) is switched.

[0050] Furthermore, compressors 20 from refrigerant circuits RA, RB, RC, and RD discharge high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant into circulation circuit 27. The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from compressor 20 is guided to air heat exchangers 29a and 29b via four-way valves 21.

[0051] The gaseous refrigerant guided to air heat exchangers 29a and 29b condenses upon heat exchange with the air passing through them, transforming into a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. This high-pressure liquid refrigerant is then depressurized as it passes through expansion valves 23a and 23b, becoming an intermediate-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. This gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant is then guided to the water heat exchanger 25 via the receiver 24.

[0052] In this embodiment, the first refrigerant circuit RA and the second refrigerant circuit RB share a water heat exchanger 25, and the third refrigerant circuit RC and the fourth refrigerant circuit RD share another water heat exchanger 25. Therefore, in the first refrigerant circuit RA and the second refrigerant circuit RB, the intermediate-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant is guided to the first refrigerant flow path 25a and the second refrigerant flow path 25b of the water heat exchanger 25, respectively, to exchange heat with the water flowing through the water flow path 25c.

[0053] As a result, the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flowing in the first refrigerant flow path 25a and the second refrigerant flow path 25b evaporates and absorbs heat from the water in the water flow path 25c, changing into a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant through the latent heat of vaporization. The water in the water flow path 25c becomes cold water due to the loss of latent heat.

[0054] The water flow path 25c of the water heat exchanger 25 shared by the first refrigerant circuit RA and the second refrigerant circuit RB is connected in series with the water flow path 25c of another water heat exchanger 25 shared by the third refrigerant circuit RC and the fourth refrigerant circuit RD via the third water pipe 46c.

[0055] Therefore, the water cooled in the water heat exchanger 25 shared by the first refrigerant circuit RA and the second refrigerant circuit RB is cooled again by exchanging heat with the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flowing in the first refrigerant flow path 25a and the second refrigerant flow path 25b of another water heat exchanger 25 shared by the third refrigerant circuit RC and the fourth refrigerant circuit RD. The water cooled in these two stages is then supplied to the utilization equipment side via the fourth water pipe 46d through the field piping.

[0056] The low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant from each water-heat exchanger 25 is guided to the gas-liquid separator 26 via the four-way valve 21, where it is separated into liquid refrigerant and gaseous refrigerant. The gaseous refrigerant separated from the liquid refrigerant is drawn into the compressor 20 and becomes a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant again, which is then discharged from the compressor 20 to the circulation loop 27.

[0057] On the other hand, if the refrigeration cycle unit 1 starts operating in heating mode, then the four-way valves 21 of the first to fourth refrigerant circuits RA, RB, RC, and RD, such as Figure 3 As shown by the dashed line, the connection is switched so that port 1 (21a) is connected to port 3 (21c), and port 2 (21b) is connected to port 4 (21d).

[0058] In heating mode, the high-temperature, high-pressure vapor refrigerant compressed by compressor 20 is guided to water heat exchanger 25 via four-way valve 21. Even in heating mode, the water flow path 25c of the water heat exchanger 25 shared by the first refrigerant circuit RA and the second refrigerant circuit RB, and the water flow path 25c of another water heat exchanger 25 shared by the third refrigerant circuit RC and the fourth refrigerant circuit RD are connected in series. Therefore, the water flowing through water flow path 25c exchanges heat with the vapor refrigerant flowing in the first refrigerant flow path 25a and the second refrigerant flow path 25b, and is heated in two stages. The water heated by receiving heat from the vapor refrigerant is supplied to the utilization equipment side from the fourth water pipe 46d via field piping.

[0059] The high-pressure liquid refrigerant in the water heat exchanger 25 changes into an intermediate-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant as it passes through the receiver 24 and expansion valves 23a and 23b, and is then guided to the air heat exchangers 29a and 29b. The gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant guided to the air heat exchangers 29a and 29b evaporates due to heat exchange with the air passing through them, changing into a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant.

[0060] The low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant, passing through air heat exchangers 29a and 29b, is guided to the gas-liquid separator 26 via four-way valve 21, where it is separated into liquid refrigerant and gaseous refrigerant. The gaseous refrigerant separated from the liquid refrigerant is drawn into compressor 20 and becomes high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant again, which is then discharged from compressor 20 to circulation loop 27.

[0061] Figure 4 It is roughly shown from the direction of the arrow. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the electrical assembly unit 6 at the location indicated by the middle arrow A14. In this embodiment, the electrical assembly units 6 of both the first module 11 and the second module 12 are equipped with... Figure 4 The outline structure shown.

[0062] The electrical unit 6 is configured to house various electrical components (hereinafter referred to as the electrical component group) 61 used to control the operation of the refrigeration cycle components within an electrical component housing 62. The electrical component group 61 includes, for example, multiple control boards for controlling the voltage and frequency applied to the compressor 20, multiple power modules such as inverters and converters, multiple smoothing capacitors, multiple reactors for improving the power factor, multiple filter boards, multiple terminal blocks, multiple electromagnetic contactors, operating components such as buttons and switches, display panels, communication modules, and memory and storage devices. The space created inside the electrical component housing 62 with these electrical component groups 61 housed functions as a cooling (heat dissipation) space for the electrical component groups 61. The electrical component housing 62 accommodates the electrical component groups 61 with almost no extra clearance, except for this cooling (heat dissipation) space. Furthermore, the electrical component housing 62 occupies almost the entire length of the housing 2 of the machine room 102 in both the width direction (first direction X) and height direction (third direction Z).

[0063] The electrical component box 62 is a three-dimensional structure with an outer outline defined by a metal plate such as iron and an enclosed interior. The electrical component box 62 has a pipe section 63 defined by its outer outline for housing water pipes 46. The pipe section 63 is the space defined by the outer outline of the electrical component box 62 (hereinafter referred to as the pipe space 63).

[0064] exist Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 4 In the example shown, the electrical component box 62 has a pipe space 63 for the third water pipe 46c and the fourth water pipe 46d. In the example shown, the pipe space 63 is provided as a notch in the electrical component box 62. The pipe space 63 is located at one end of the lower width direction of the electrical component box 62. The lower part of the electrical component box 62 is the lower part in the vertical direction (third direction Z). The width direction (first direction X) of the electrical component box 62 is orthogonal to the connection direction (second direction Y) between modules 11 and 12. Specifically, when viewed from the front (near the front of the second direction Y), Figure 1 When viewed from the right side of the housing 2, the electrical component box 62 has its lower left corner (corner) cut off, and has a pipe space 63 at this notch. That is, the electrical component box 62 has a shape that spans the water pipe 46 in the width direction (first direction X) through the notch. In the pipe space 63, the electrical component box 62 is open to the first to third directions X, Y, and Z.

[0065] The conduit space 63 is a generally rectangular parallelepiped space defined by two faces 64 and 65. In other words, the two faces 64 and 65 are the faces that face the conduit space 63 and define the conduit space 63. These faces 64 and 65 are equivalent to the partitions between the outer side and the inner side (interior) of the conduit space 63, i.e., the electrical component box 62. Figure 1 as well as Figure 4 In the example shown, of the two faces 64 and 65, the first face 64, which is one face, is located on the upper side in the vertical direction (third direction Z) and is generally parallel to the horizontal plane (the plane defined by the first direction X and the second direction Y). Conversely, the second face 65, which is the other face, is located on one end side in the width direction (first direction X) and is generally parallel to the vertical plane (the plane defined by the second direction Y and the third direction Z). The first face 64 defines the upper surface of the notch forming the pipe space 63, and the second face 65 defines the side surface of the notch.

[0066] However, as long as the pipe space 63 is a space that can accommodate water pipes 46, specifically the third water pipe 46c and the fourth water pipe 46d, it can be a passage or through hole provided in the electrical component box 62, in addition to the notch shown in the example.

[0067] Furthermore, the space above or to the side of the pipe space 63 located within the electrical component housing 62 can also be used as the space for cooling (heat dissipation) of the aforementioned electrical component group 61. That is, by providing a pipe-side proximal space 70 near the water pipe 46 and the pipe space 63, and by providing a ventilation path for cooling the electrical component group 61 within the internal space of the electrical component housing 62, the volumetric efficiency within the electrical component housing 62 can be improved by ensuring the cooling effect of the electrical component group 61, and condensation can be prevented from adhering to the electrical component group 61. Furthermore, heat generated in the electrical component group 61 can be prevented from being transferred to the water pipe 46, and water with a stable temperature can be supplied to the user side. Here, the pipe-side proximal space 70 can be an air passage formed using a part of the base, frame component, metal plate component, etc., used to fix the various electrical components of the electrical component group 61.

[0068] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 4 As shown, in the pipe space 63, in the water pipe 46, the third water pipe 46c and the fourth water pipe 46d are arranged side by side laterally, that is, side by side along the width direction (first direction X) of the shell 2.

[0069] Although the illustration is omitted, in the machine room 102, the heat dissipation path and heat sink for dissipating heat from the electrical component group 61, such as the control board and power module, extend in the height direction (third direction Z) approximately from the center of the electrical component box 62. Therefore, by arranging the third water pipe 46c and the fourth water pipe 46d laterally side by side in the pipe space 63, the pipe space 63 can be ensured in the electrical component box 62 without obstructing the arrangement of the heat dissipation path and heat sink extending in the height direction. As a result, even when the electrical component box 62 occupies almost the entire length of the housing 2 of the machine room 102 in both the width direction (first direction X) and height direction (third direction Z), it becomes easy to ensure a relatively large pipe space 63 in the electrical component box 62.

[0070] Furthermore, the arrangement of the third water pipe 46c and the fourth water pipe 46d in the pipe space 63 is not limited to being horizontally side by side. For example, Figure 5 As shown, the third water pipe 46c and the fourth water pipe 46d can also be arranged longitudinally side by side, that is, side by side in the pipe space 63 along the height direction of the shell 2 (the third direction Z).

[0071] By arranging the third water pipe 46c and the fourth water pipe 46d longitudinally side by side, a relatively large space can be ensured in the electrical component box 62 on the side opposite to the pipe space 63 in the width direction (first direction X) of the housing 2. As a result, the ensured space can be effectively utilized, for example, as a accommodating space for the electrical component group 61 in the electrical component box 62.

[0072] In this embodiment, the pipe space 63 is located at one end of the electrical component box 62 in the width direction at the lower part, and the electrical component box 62 is configured to cross the third water pipe 46c and the fourth water pipe 46d at the pipe space 63. Therefore, the electrical component box 62 and the water pipes 46c and 46d can be appropriately arranged within the limited space of the machine room 102 of modules 11 and 12. Furthermore, even if condensation occurs in these water pipes 46c and 46d, the condensate will not drip onto the electrical component box 62, preventing water from entering the electrical component box 62. Additionally, condensation inside the electrical component box 62 due to dripping condensate can be avoided.

[0073] That is, even when cold or warm water flows through the third water pipe 46c and the fourth water pipe 46d, creating a temperature difference between them and the electrical component box 62, condensation or excessive temperature rise in the electrical component box 62 can be suppressed. Embodiments for further effectively suppressing such condensation and excessive temperature rise will be described below as the second and third embodiments.

[0074] Furthermore, the basic structure of the refrigeration cycle apparatus involved in the second and third embodiments is similar to... Figure 1 as well as Figure 3 The refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 shown in the first embodiment is the same. Furthermore, the refrigeration cycles of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses involved in the second and third embodiments are as follows: Figure 3 The circuit diagram of the refrigeration cycle of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is shown. Therefore, the structures of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses of the second and third embodiments are referred to respectively. Figure 1 as well as Figure 3 The refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 of the first embodiment shown Figure 4 The electrical assembly unit 6 of the first embodiment shown is described using the same reference numerals as appropriate.

[0075] (Second Implementation) Figure 6 It is from the front of the machine room 102 (near the front in the second direction Y). Figure 1 (The diagram on the right) schematically shows the electrical assembly unit 6 according to this embodiment. Similar to the first embodiment, the refrigeration cycle device according to this embodiment is constructed by connecting a first module 11 and a second module 12, and each of these modules 11 and 12 has an electrical assembly unit 6. Figure 6 The outline structure shown.

[0076] The electrical unit 6 is configured to house various electrical components (electrical component group 61) used to control the operation of the refrigeration cycle components in an electrical component box 62a.

[0077] like Figure 6 As shown, the electrical component box 62a according to this embodiment has a heat-insulating structure at the portion facing the pipe space 63, which serves as a notch. In the example shown, in the electrical component box 62a, the outer sides of the first face 64 and the second face 65 are respectively covered by heat-insulating material 66. The outer sides of the two faces 64 and 65 do not refer to the side of these faces 64 and 65 facing the interior of the electrical component box 62a, i.e., the housing space of the electrical component group 61, but rather to the side facing the pipe space 63. The raw material of the heat-insulating material 66 is not particularly limited; for example, expanded polystyrene (expanded polystyrene) or polyurethane foam can be used.

[0078] In addition, Figure 6In the example shown, a thermal insulation structure is used that covers the outer sides of the first face 64 and the second face 65 with thermal insulation material 66. However, alternatively or otherwise, a thermal insulation structure can be used that covers the inner sides of the first face 64 and the second face 65 with thermal insulation material equivalent to thermal insulation material 66. Alternatively, a thermal insulation structure can be used that wraps thermal insulation material equivalent to thermal insulation material 66 around at least the portion of the third water pipe 46c and the fourth water pipe 46d passing through the pipe space 63. Figure 7 The image shows an example of a heat insulation structure in which the inner sides of the first face 64 and the second face 65 are covered with heat insulation material 661, in addition to heat insulation material 66. Furthermore, in... Figure 8 The image shows an example of an insulation structure in which the insulation material 662 is wrapped around the portion of the third water pipe 46c and the fourth water pipe 46d through the pipe space 63, in addition to the insulation material 66.

[0079] Thermal insulation structures are not limited to, for example Figures 6 to 8 The structure shown is composed of heat-insulating materials 66, 661, and 662. Next, another example of the heat-insulating structure will be described as a third embodiment.

[0080] (Third implementation) Figure 9 It is from the front of the machine room 102 (near the front in the second direction Y). Figure 1 (The diagram on the right) schematically shows the electrical assembly unit 6 according to this embodiment. Similar to the first embodiment, the refrigeration cycle device according to this embodiment is constructed by connecting a first module 11 and a second module 12, and each of these modules 11 and 12 has an electrical assembly unit 6. Figure 9 The outline structure shown.

[0081] like Figure 9 As shown, the electrical component box 62b according to this embodiment has a heat-insulating structure in which both the first surface 64 and the second surface 65 are configured as a double structure consisting of an outer wall and an inner wall. In the example shown, the first surface 64 has a first wall portion 64a corresponding to the outer wall and a second wall portion 64b corresponding to the inner wall. The second surface 65 has a first wall portion 65a corresponding to the outer wall and a second wall portion 65b corresponding to the inner wall.

[0082] The first wall portion 64a and the second wall portion 64b of the first face portion 64 are opposed to each other along a horizontal plane (a plane defined by the first direction X and the second direction Y) at a predetermined interval. The first wall portion 65a and the second wall portion 65b of the second face portion 65 are opposed to each other along a vertical plane (a plane defined by the second direction Y and the third direction Z) at a predetermined interval. In the example shown, the opposing intervals of the first wall portion 64a and the second wall portion 64b and the opposing intervals of the first wall portion 65a and the second wall portion 65b are set to be equal. The first wall portions 64a and 65a are integrally continuous, and the second wall portions 64b and 65b are integrally continuous.

[0083] Thus, connecting gaps 67 are formed between the first wall portion 64a and the second wall portion 64b, and between the first wall portion 65a and the second wall portion 65b. That is, the first wall portions 64a and 65a are positioned opposite each other and the second wall portions 64b and 65b are positioned opposite each other through the gaps 67. The gaps 67 are respectively closed by the side portion 68 and the bottom portion 69 of the electrical component housing 62b. The side portion 68 is located from the front (near the front in the second direction Y). Figure 1 The left side of the electrical component box 62b is viewed from the right side. The bottom part 69 is the lower part in the vertical direction (third direction Z) when viewing the electrical component box 62b from the front.

[0084] Therefore, at the location of the pipe space 63 in the electrical component box 62b, a gap (enclosed space) 67 is provided between the outer side of the electrical component box 62b (pipe space 63) and the inner side of the electrical component box 62b (accommodating space of the electrical component group 61). Thus, air insulation can be achieved between the outer side of the electrical component box 62b (pipe space 63) and the inner side of the electrical component box 62b (accommodating space of the electrical component group 61). In this case, the air filling the gap 67 functions as an insulation material. Alternatively, instead of such air insulation, an insulation structure can be constructed in which an insulation material equivalent to the insulation material 66 according to the second embodiment is embedded in the gap 67.

[0085] Thus, according to the second and third embodiments, since the electrical component boxes 62a and 62b have heat-insulating structures, heat insulation can be provided between the outer side and the inner side of the electrical component boxes 62a and 62b. That is, heat insulation can be effectively provided between the pipe space 63 and the housing space of the electrical component group 61. Therefore, for example, when the refrigeration cycle device 1 is operating in cooling mode, even if a temperature difference exists between the water pipe 46 (specifically the fourth water pipe 46d) through which cold water flows and the electrical component group 61 housed in the electrical component boxes 62a and 62b, condensation in the electrical component boxes 62a and 62b can be suppressed. Furthermore, for example, when the refrigeration cycle device 1 is operating in heating mode, even if hot water flows through the water pipe 46 (specifically the fourth water pipe 46d), excessive temperature rise of the electrical component group 61 in the electrical component boxes 62a and 62b due to heat dissipation from the water pipe 46 can be suppressed.

[0086] The foregoing has described several embodiments of the present invention, but these embodiments are provided as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included within the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0087] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1. Refrigeration cycle unit (air-cooled heat pump refrigeration unit) 2. Shell 3 First Refrigeration Cycle Unit 4. Second Refrigeration Cycle Unit 5. Water circuit 6 Electrical installation units 7 Framework Modules 11 and 12 20 Hermetic Compressor 21 Four-way valve 21a Port 1 21b Port 2 21c Port 3 21d Port 4 22 Air Heat Exchanger Expansion valves 23a and 23b 24. Liquid reservoir 25 Water Heat Exchanger 25a First refrigerant flow path 25b Second refrigerant flow path 25c water flow path 26 Gas-liquid separator 27. Loop 28a Water Inlet 28b Water outlet 29a, 29b Air heat exchangers 30 fans 45 Pump Unit 46 Water pipes 46a First Water Pipeline 46b Second water pipe 46c Third water pipe 46d Fourth water pipe 56 Filters 57 Check valve 58 Discharge pipe 61 Electrical Components Group 62, 62a, 62b Electrical component boxes 63 Piping Department (Pipeline Space) 64. Face (First Face) 64a, 65a 1st wall (outer wall) 64b, 65b Second wall section (inner wall) 65. Face (Second Face) Thermal insulation materials 66, 661, and 662 67 gaps 68 Side profile 69 Bottom surface 70 Space near the pipeline section 71 Lower Framework 72 Upper Frame 73 Longitudinal beams 74 base plate 101 Air Heat Exchange Room 102 Machine Room 151 Shielding Panel G mounting surface RA First Refrigerant Circuit RB Second Refrigerant Circuit RC Third Refrigerant Circuit RD 4th Refrigerant Circuit X, first direction Y 2nd direction Z is the third direction.

Claims

1. A refrigeration circulation device, characterized in that, A refrigeration cycle module is connected to multiple refrigeration cycle components, including a water heat exchanger and an electrical component box. The water heat exchanger has a water flow path and a refrigerant flow path, and heat exchange occurs between the water flowing through the water flow path and the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path. The electrical component box houses the electrical components that control the operation of the refrigeration cycle component. The refrigeration circulation device includes water pipes that connect the water heat exchangers of adjacent refrigeration circulation modules in the connection direction, and connect the water flow paths of the water heat exchangers to each other. The electrical component box has a piping section defined by its outline for housing the water pipes.

2. The refrigeration cycle apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The conduit section is the space located at the lower part of the electrical component box in the vertical direction, at one end in a direction orthogonal to both the vertical direction and the connection direction.

3. The refrigeration cycle apparatus as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The electrical component box has a heat-insulating structure on the part facing the space.

4. The refrigeration cycle apparatus as described in claim 3, characterized in that, In the electrical component box, the outer side of the face facing the space and defining the space is covered with thermal insulation material.

5. The refrigeration cycle apparatus as described in claim 3, characterized in that, In the electrical component box, the face of the space, which is defined as the surface of the space, is set as a double structure consisting of an outer wall and an inner wall.

Images