Chiller system

Abstract

This invention relates to a chiller system. The chiller system of this invention includes: an outdoor unit for exchanging heat between refrigerant and water, and discharging cooled or heated water after heat exchange; a plurality of indoor units for exchanging heat between the cooled or heated water discharged from the outdoor unit and air; a hot water supply device for heating water supplied to the indoor units using heated water discharged from the outdoor units; and a distribution unit disposed between the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units, and distributing the cooled or heated water discharged from the outdoor unit to each of the plurality of indoor units. The outdoor unit includes: a compressor; an outdoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat between refrigerant flowing from the compressor and air; a first heat exchanger for exchanging heat between refrigerant flowing from the compressor and water, and discharging heated water to the distribution unit; a second heat exchanger for exchanging heat between refrigerant flowing from the compressor and water, and discharging cooled water to the distribution unit; and a third heat exchanger for exchanging heat between refrigerant flowing from the compressor and water, and discharging heated water to the hot water supply device. Therefore, by operating the compressor, it is possible not only to regulate multiple indoor units, but also to operate the hot water supply system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a chiller system, and more specifically, to a chiller system capable of simultaneously controlling a plurality of indoor units. Background Technology

[0002] If a hybrid water refrigerant (Air to Water Heat Pumps) system uses a refrigerant with a low Global Warming Potential (GWP), an additional refrigerant leak sensor or shut-off valve system is required due to the refrigerant's flammability. Furthermore, the simultaneous presence of refrigerant and water lines makes the setup cumbersome and difficult to manage.

[0003] Simultaneous chiller systems have the following disadvantages: multiple pipes extend to the indoor side, and additional valves are installed near the indoor unit, resulting in complicated setup and high material costs.

[0004] Korean Patent No. 10-2022-0093805 discloses a chiller system, but does not disclose a simultaneous chiller system that uses one outdoor unit to operate multiple indoor units individually. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a chiller system that uses a water circuit module to reduce the number of connecting pipes on the indoor unit side, thereby improving installability and reducing material costs.

[0007] Another problem with the present invention is to provide a chiller system that enables multiple indoor units to operate individually and simultaneously.

[0008] Another problem with the present invention is to provide a chiller system that can supply hot water to a hot water supply device while controlling a plurality of indoor units.

[0009] The problems of this invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other problems not mentioned through the following description.

[0010] Technical solutions to the problem

[0011] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the chiller system of this invention includes: an outdoor unit for exchanging heat between refrigerant and water, and discharging the heat-exchanged cooling water or heated water; a plurality of indoor units for exchanging heat between the cooling water or heated water discharged from the outdoor unit and air; a hot water supply device for heating the water supplied to the indoor units using the heated water discharged from the outdoor unit; and a distribution unit arranged between the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units for delivering the cooling water or heated water discharged from the outdoor unit to each of the plurality of indoor units.

[0012] The outdoor unit includes: a compressor; an outdoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant flowing from the compressor and air; a first heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant flowing from the compressor and water, and supplying heated water to the distribution unit; a second heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant flowing from the compressor and water, and supplying cooled water to the distribution unit; and a third heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant flowing from the compressor and water, and supplying heated water to the hot water supply device. Therefore, by operating the compressor, not only can multiple indoor units be regulated, but the hot water supply device can also be operated.

[0013] The first heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger are connected in series.

[0014] The refrigerant flowing from the compressor can flow sequentially through the first heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger.

[0015] It also includes: a first pump for delivering water heated in the first heat exchanger to the distribution unit; and a second pump for delivering water cooled in the second heat exchanger to the distribution unit. The operation of the first and second pumps enables the delivery of water discharged from the first and second heat exchangers to the distribution unit.

[0016] It also includes a third pump that delivers water heated in the third heat exchanger to the hot water supply unit.

[0017] Includes: a main expansion valve for expanding refrigerant flowing to the outdoor heat exchanger; a first expansion valve for expanding refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger; and a second expansion valve for expanding refrigerant flowing to the second heat exchanger.

[0018] The first expansion valve can expand the refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger or the third heat exchanger.

[0019] In the heating mode where the refrigerant flows to the first heat exchanger and the first pump is running, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows to the first heat exchanger via the third heat exchanger.

[0020] In the hot water supply mode where refrigerant flows to the third heat exchanger and the third pump is operating, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows through the third heat exchanger to the first heat exchanger.

[0021] When both the first and second pumps are running simultaneously, the refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger is delivered to the second heat exchanger.

[0022] When the simultaneous mode is running, considering the cooling and heating loads generated by the plurality of indoor units, it can be used as the condenser or evaporator of the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0023] When the first pump and the third pump are running, the refrigerant discharged from the third heat exchanger expands in the expansion valve after passing through the first heat exchanger.

[0024] When the first pump, the second pump, and the third pump are all running simultaneously in the hot water supply mode, the pump can be used as the condenser or evaporator of the outdoor heat exchanger, taking into account the cooling load and heating load generated by the plurality of indoor units and the heating load used by the hot water supply device.

[0025] The distribution unit is connected to each of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and the distribution unit is connected to each of the plurality of indoor units.

[0026] The distribution unit can deliver heated water discharged from the first heat exchanger or cooled water discharged from the second heat exchanger to each of the plurality of indoor units.

[0027] Detailed descriptions of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0028] Invention Effects

[0029] The chiller system according to the present invention has one or more of the following effects.

[0030] First, by applying the water circuit module to the chiller system, the present invention minimizes the indoor unit side connection pipes connected to the indoor unit side, thereby reducing the material cost of the chiller system.

[0031] Secondly, the distribution unit enables multiple indoor units to operate simultaneously in heating and cooling modes.

[0032] Third, by arranging a third heat exchanger connected to the hot water supply device on the side of the first heat exchanger, it is possible to control multiple indoor units with one outdoor unit while simultaneously operating the hot water supply device.

[0033] The effects of this invention are not limited to those mentioned above. Those skilled in the art can clearly understand other effects not mentioned through the description in the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a chiller unit system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the flow of refrigerant and water in a chiller system according to an embodiment of the present invention, where multiple indoor units are all operating in cooling mode.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the flow of refrigerant and water in a chiller system according to an embodiment of the present invention, where multiple indoor units are arranged and all are operating in heating mode.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the flow of refrigerant and water when a hot water supply device arranged in a chiller system according to an embodiment of the present invention is in operation, i.e., in hot water supply mode.

[0038] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the flow of refrigerant and water in a chiller system according to an embodiment of the present invention, when operating in cooling mode and hot water supply mode.

[0039] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the flow of refrigerant and water in a chiller system according to an embodiment of the present invention, when operating in heating mode and hot water supply mode.

[0040] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the flow of refrigerant and water in a chiller system according to an embodiment of the present invention, operating in a simultaneous mode using both heating and cooling modes.

[0041] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the refrigerant flow and water flow of a chiller system according to an embodiment of the present invention, operating in simultaneous mode and hot water supply mode. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The advantages and features of the invention, as well as the methods of implementing them, will become apparent from the embodiments described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and can be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided only to fully disclose the invention and to reveal the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art, which is defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout this specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same constituent elements.

[0043] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating the chiller system and through embodiments thereof.

[0044] Reference Figure 1 The configuration of the chiller unit system of the present invention will be described.

[0045] The chiller system of the present invention includes an outdoor unit (ODU) that allows refrigerant to exchange heat with water. The outdoor unit (ODU) can discharge heated water or cooled water that has undergone heat exchange. The outdoor unit (ODU) can deliver heated water or cooled water to at least one of a plurality of indoor units (IDUs). The outdoor unit (ODU) can simultaneously deliver heated water and cooled water to each of the plurality of indoor units (IDUs).

[0046] The outdoor unit (ODU) can deliver heated water to the hot water supply unit 60.

[0047] The outdoor unit (ODU) includes a compressor 10 that compresses the refrigerant. The compressor 10 enables refrigerant flow by compressing and discharging the refrigerant.

[0048] The outdoor unit (ODU) may include an outdoor heat exchanger 12 that allows air to exchange heat with the refrigerant.

[0049] The outdoor heat exchanger 12 allows the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 to exchange heat with the air. The outdoor heat exchanger 12 allows the refrigerant flowing into the compressor 10 to exchange heat with the air.

[0050] The outdoor unit (ODU) may include a first heat exchanger 22 that allows refrigerant flowing from the compressor 10 to exchange heat with water. The first heat exchanger 22 heats the water by exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the water. The first heat exchanger 22 can deliver the heated water to the indoor unit. The first heat exchanger 22 can also deliver the heated water to the distribution unit 40.

[0051] The refrigerant that has been heat-exchanged in the first heat exchanger 22 can flow to the outdoor heat exchanger 12. The refrigerant that has been heat-exchanged in the first heat exchanger 22 can flow to the second heat exchanger 20.

[0052] The outdoor unit (ODU) may include a second heat exchanger 20 that allows refrigerant flowing from the compressor 10 to exchange heat with water. The second heat exchanger 20 cools the water by exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the water. The second heat exchanger 20 can deliver the water cooled by the heat exchange to the indoor unit. The second heat exchanger 20 can also deliver the water cooled by the heat exchange to the distribution unit 40.

[0053] The refrigerant that has been heat-exchanged in the second heat exchanger 20 can flow to the compressor 10. The refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchanger 22 can flow into the second heat exchanger 20. The refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger 12 can flow into the second heat exchanger 20.

[0054] The outdoor unit (ODU) may include a third heat exchanger 24 that allows the refrigerant flowing from the compressor 10 to exchange heat with water. The third heat exchanger 24 heats the water by exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the water. The third heat exchanger 24 can then deliver the heated water to the hot water supply unit 60.

[0055] The refrigerant discharged from the third heat exchanger 24 can flow to the second heat exchanger 20. The refrigerant discharged from the third heat exchanger 24 can flow to the outdoor heat exchanger 12. The refrigerant discharged from the third heat exchanger 24 can also flow through the first heat exchanger 22. The third heat exchanger 24 can be arranged in series with the first heat exchanger 22. Therefore, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 can flow through the third heat exchanger 24 to the first heat exchanger 22.

[0056] The refrigerant discharged from the third heat exchanger 24 can flow through the first heat exchanger 22 to the outdoor heat exchanger 12 or the second heat exchanger 20.

[0057] The outdoor unit (ODU) may include a switching valve 14 that selectively delivers refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 to the outdoor heat exchanger 12 or the first heat exchanger 22.

[0058] The outdoor unit (ODU) may include a main expansion valve 16 that expands the refrigerant flowing to the outdoor heat exchanger 12. The main expansion valve 16 can expand the refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger 12.

[0059] When the outdoor heat exchanger 12 is used as a condenser, the main expansion valve 16 can expand the refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger 12. When the outdoor heat exchanger 12 is used as an evaporator, the main expansion valve 16 can expand the refrigerant flowing to the outdoor heat exchanger 12.

[0060] The outdoor unit (ODU) may include a first expansion valve 28 that expands the refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchanger 22. The first expansion valve 28 may expand the refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchanger 22, which serves as a condenser.

[0061] The outdoor unit (ODU) may include a second expansion valve 26 that expands the refrigerant flowing to the second heat exchanger 20. The second expansion valve 26 can expand the refrigerant flowing to the second heat exchanger 20, which serves as an evaporator.

[0062] The outdoor unit (ODU) includes a first pump 34 that directs water to the first heat exchanger 22.

[0063] The first pump 34 can deliver water that has been heat-exchanged in the first heat exchanger 22 to the indoor unit. The first pump 34 can also deliver water that has been heated in the first heat exchanger 22 to the distribution unit 40. The first pump 34 can further deliver water heated in the first heat exchanger 22 to the indoor unit via the distribution unit 40.

[0064] The outdoor unit (ODU) includes a second pump 32 for generating a water flow toward the second heat exchanger 20.

[0065] The second pump 32 can deliver water that has been heat-exchanged in the second heat exchanger 20 to the indoor unit. The second pump 32 can also deliver water that has been cooled in the second heat exchanger 20 to the distribution unit 40. The second pump 32 can further deliver water that has been cooled in the second heat exchanger 20 to the indoor unit via the distribution unit 40.

[0066] The outdoor unit (ODU) includes a third pump 36 for generating a water flow toward the third heat exchanger 24.

[0067] The third pump 36 can deliver the water that has been heat-exchanged in the third heat exchanger 24 to the hot water supply unit 60.

[0068] The chiller system of the present invention includes a plurality of indoor units (IDUs) connected to an outdoor unit (ODU) to control the temperature of the indoor space. Each of the plurality of indoor units (IDUs) can be connected to an outdoor unit (ODU).

[0069] Multiple indoor units (IDUs) are connected to outdoor units (ODUs) via distribution unit 40. The multiple indoor units (IDUs) can operate individually. The multiple indoor units (IDUs) can operate in the same operating mode. Each of the multiple indoor units (IDUs) can operate in a different operating mode.

[0070] Reference Figure 1 The plurality of indoor units may include a first indoor unit 52 and a second indoor unit 54, and additional indoor units may be connected.

[0071] The chiller system of the present invention includes a distribution unit 40, which delivers heated and cooled water discharged from an outdoor unit (ODU) to each of a plurality of indoor units (IDUs).

[0072] Distribution unit 40 can be connected to each of the first heat exchanger 22 and the second heat exchanger 20. Distribution unit 40 can be connected to each of a plurality of indoor units (IDUs). Distribution unit 40 can be connected to each of the first indoor unit 52 and the second indoor unit 54.

[0073] Distribution unit 40 can deliver heat-exchanged water discharged from the first heat exchanger 22 or the second heat exchanger 20 to a plurality of indoor units (IDUs). Depending on the operating status of each of the plurality of indoor units (IDUs), distribution unit 40 can deliver heated or cooled water to each of the plurality of indoor units (IDUs). Distribution unit 40 can also deliver heat-exchanged water discharged from the first heat exchanger 22 or the second heat exchanger 20 to the first indoor unit 52 or the second indoor unit 54.

[0074] The chiller system of the present invention includes a hot water supply device 60, which utilizes heated water discharged from a third heat exchanger 24. The hot water supply device 60 can provide hot water to users.

[0075] The following is for reference Figure 2 The flow of water and refrigerant is explained when multiple indoor units (IDUs) are operating in cooling mode (or cooling operation).

[0076] The refrigerant discharged from compressor 10 can flow to outdoor heat exchanger 12. Switching valve 14 can deliver the refrigerant discharged from compressor 10 to outdoor heat exchanger 12. Outdoor heat exchanger 12 can be used as a condenser.

[0077] The refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger 12 can flow to the second heat exchanger 20. The second heat exchanger 20 serves as an evaporator. The refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger 20 can flow to the compressor 10.

[0078] The second pump 32, which is connected to the second heat exchanger 20, can be started to deliver the water that has been cooled by heat exchange in the second heat exchanger 20 to the distribution unit 40.

[0079] The distribution unit 40 can deliver cooled water discharged from the second heat exchanger 20 to at least one of the plurality of indoor units.

[0080] The following is for reference Figure 3 The flow of water and refrigerant is explained when multiple indoor units (IDUs) are all operating in heating mode (or heating operation).

[0081] The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 can flow to the first heat exchanger 22. The switching valve 14 can deliver the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 to the first heat exchanger 22. The first heat exchanger 22 serves as a condenser.

[0082] The refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchanger 22 can flow to the outdoor heat exchanger 12. The outdoor heat exchanger 12 can be used as an evaporator. The refrigerant discharged from the outdoor heat exchanger 12 can flow to the compressor 10.

[0083] The first pump 34, which is connected to the first heat exchanger 22, can be activated to deliver the water heated by heat exchange in the first heat exchanger 22 to the distribution unit 40.

[0084] The distribution unit 40 can deliver heated water discharged from the first heat exchanger 22 to at least one of the plurality of indoor units (IDUs).

[0085] The following is for reference Figure 4 The flow of water and refrigerant is explained in a hot water supply mode where all indoor units (IDUs) are not operating and only the hot water supply unit 60 is operating.

[0086] The refrigerant discharged from compressor 10 can flow to the third heat exchanger 24. Switching valve 14 can deliver the refrigerant discharged from compressor 10 to the third heat exchanger 24. The third heat exchanger 24 serves as a condenser.

[0087] The refrigerant flowing out of the third heat exchanger 24 can flow to the outdoor heat exchanger 12. The outdoor heat exchanger 12 can be used as an evaporator. The refrigerant discharged from the outdoor heat exchanger 12 can flow to the compressor 10.

[0088] The third pump 36, which is connected to the third heat exchanger 24, can be started to deliver the water heated by heat exchange in the third heat exchanger 24 to the hot water supply unit 60.

[0089] The following is for reference Figure 5 The flow of water and refrigerant is explained when multiple indoor units (IDUs) are operating in both cooling and hot water supply modes.

[0090] The refrigerant discharged from compressor 10 can flow to outdoor heat exchanger 12. Switching valve 14 can deliver the refrigerant discharged from compressor 10 to outdoor heat exchanger 12. Outdoor heat exchanger 12 can be used as a condenser.

[0091] The refrigerant discharged from compressor 10 can flow to the third heat exchanger 24. Switching valve 14 can deliver the refrigerant discharged from compressor 10 to the third heat exchanger 24. The third heat exchanger 24 serves as a condenser.

[0092] The refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger 12 can flow to the second heat exchanger 20. The refrigerant flowing out of the third heat exchanger 24 can flow to the second heat exchanger 20.

[0093] The second heat exchanger 20 serves as an evaporator. The refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger 20 can flow to the compressor 10.

[0094] The third pump 36, which is connected to the third heat exchanger 24, can be started to deliver the water heated by heat exchange in the third heat exchanger 24 to the hot water supply unit 60.

[0095] The second pump 32, which is connected to the second heat exchanger 20, can be started to deliver the water that has been cooled by heat exchange in the second heat exchanger 20 to the distribution unit 40.

[0096] The distribution unit 40 can deliver cooled water discharged from the second heat exchanger 20 to at least one of the plurality of indoor units (IDUs).

[0097] The following is for reference Figure 6 The flow of water and refrigerant is explained when multiple indoor units (IDUs) are operating in heating mode and the hot water supply unit 60 is running.

[0098] The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 can flow to the first heat exchanger 22. The switching valve 14 can deliver the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 to the first heat exchanger 22. The first heat exchanger 22 serves as a condenser.

[0099] The refrigerant discharged from compressor 10 can flow to the third heat exchanger 24. Switching valve 14 can deliver the refrigerant discharged from compressor 10 to the third heat exchanger 24. The third heat exchanger 24 serves as a condenser.

[0100] The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 can flow sequentially through the third heat exchanger 24 and the first heat exchanger 22.

[0101] The refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchanger 22 can flow to the outdoor heat exchanger 12.

[0102] The outdoor heat exchanger 12 can be used as an evaporator. The refrigerant discharged from the outdoor heat exchanger 12 can flow to the compressor 10.

[0103] The first pump 34, which is connected to the first heat exchanger 22, can be activated to deliver the water heated by heat exchange in the first heat exchanger 22 to the distribution unit 40.

[0104] The third pump 36, which is connected to the third heat exchanger 24, can be started to deliver the water heated by heat exchange in the third heat exchanger 24 to the hot water supply unit 60.

[0105] The distribution unit 40 can deliver heated water discharged from the first heat exchanger 22 to at least one of the plurality of indoor units (IDUs).

[0106] The following is for reference Figure 7 The flow of water and refrigerant in the simultaneous operation of each of the plurality of indoor units (IDUs) in cooling and heating modes is described.

[0107] The refrigerant discharged from compressor 10 can flow to outdoor heat exchanger 12. Switching valve 14 can deliver the refrigerant discharged from compressor 10 to outdoor heat exchanger 12. Outdoor heat exchanger 12 can be used as a condenser.

[0108] The outdoor heat exchanger 12 can be used as a condenser or an evaporator. Taking into account the cooling and heating loads of each of the plurality of indoor units (IDUs), the outdoor heat exchanger 12 can be used as a condenser or an evaporator. That is, if the cooling load of each of the plurality of indoor units (IDUs) is greater than the heating load, then the outdoor heat exchanger 12 can be used as a condenser.

[0109] The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 can flow to the first heat exchanger 22. The switching valve 14 can deliver the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 to the first heat exchanger 22. The first heat exchanger 22 serves as a condenser.

[0110] The refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger 12 can flow to the second heat exchanger 20. The refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchanger 22 can flow to the second heat exchanger 20.

[0111] The second heat exchanger 20 serves as an evaporator. The refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger 20 can flow to the compressor 10.

[0112] The first pump 34, which is connected to the first heat exchanger 22, can be activated to deliver the water heated by heat exchange in the first heat exchanger 22 to the distribution unit 40.

[0113] The second pump 32, which is connected to the second heat exchanger 20, can be started to deliver the water that has been cooled by heat exchange in the second heat exchanger 20 to the distribution unit 40.

[0114] Distribution unit 40 can deliver heated water discharged from the first heat exchanger 22 to one of the plurality of indoor units (IDUs). Distribution unit 40 can also deliver cooling water discharged from the second heat exchanger 20 to another of the plurality of indoor units (IDUs).

[0115] For example, if the first indoor unit 52 is in cooling operation, the distribution unit 40 can deliver cooled water flowing from the second heat exchanger 20 to the first indoor unit 52. Conversely, if the second indoor unit 54 is in heating operation, the distribution unit 40 can deliver heated water flowing from the first heat exchanger 22 to the second indoor unit 54.

[0116] The following is for reference Figure 8 The flow of water and refrigerant is described for each of the plurality of indoor units (IDUs) operating in cooling and heating modes, and for the hot water supply unit 60 also operating.

[0117] The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 can flow to the first heat exchanger 22. The switching valve 14 can deliver the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 to the first heat exchanger 22. The first heat exchanger 22 serves as a condenser.

[0118] The refrigerant discharged from compressor 10 can flow to the third heat exchanger 24. Switching valve 14 can deliver the refrigerant discharged from compressor 10 to the third heat exchanger 24. The third heat exchanger 24 serves as a condenser.

[0119] The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 can flow sequentially through the third heat exchanger 24 and the first heat exchanger 22.

[0120] The refrigerant discharged from the third heat exchanger 24 can flow to the second heat exchanger 20. The refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger 22 can flow to the second heat exchanger 20.

[0121] The second heat exchanger 20 serves as an evaporator. The refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger 20 can flow to the compressor 10.

[0122] The outdoor heat exchanger 12 can be used as a condenser or an evaporator. Taking into account the cooling load, heating load used by the plurality of indoor units (IDUs) and the heating load used by the hot water supply unit 60, the outdoor heat exchanger 12 can be used as a condenser or an evaporator.

[0123] When the outdoor heat exchanger 12 is used as a condenser, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 can flow to the outdoor heat exchanger 12. The switching valve 14 can deliver the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 to the outdoor heat exchanger 12. The refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger 12 can flow to the second heat exchanger 20.

[0124] When the outdoor heat exchanger 12 is used as an evaporator, the refrigerant discharged from the outdoor heat exchanger 12 can flow to the compressor 10. The switching valve 14 can deliver the refrigerant discharged from the outdoor heat exchanger 12 to the compressor 10. The refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger 22 can flow into the outdoor heat exchanger 12.

[0125] The first pump 34, which is connected to the first heat exchanger 22, can be activated to deliver the water heated by heat exchange in the first heat exchanger 22 to the distribution unit 40.

[0126] The second pump 32, which is connected to the second heat exchanger 20, can be started to deliver the water that has been cooled by heat exchange in the second heat exchanger 20 to the distribution unit 40.

[0127] Distribution unit 40 can deliver heated water discharged from the first heat exchanger 22 to one of the plurality of indoor units (IDUs). Distribution unit 40 can also deliver cooled water discharged from the second heat exchanger 20 to another of the plurality of indoor units (IDUs).

[0128] For example, when the first indoor unit 52 is in cooling operation, the distribution unit 40 can deliver cooled water flowing from the second heat exchanger 20 to the first indoor unit 52. Conversely, when the second indoor unit 54 is in heating operation, the distribution unit 40 can deliver heated water flowing from the first heat exchanger 22 to the second indoor unit 54.

[0129] The third pump 36, which is connected to the third heat exchanger 24, can be started to deliver the water heated by heat exchange in the third heat exchanger 24 to the hot water supply unit 60.

[0130] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention as claimed in the claims, and these modifications should not be understood in a way that departs from the technical concept or prospect of the present invention.

Claims

1. A water chiller system, comprising: include: The outdoor unit allows the refrigerant to exchange heat with water and discharges the cooled or heated water after the heat exchange. Multiple indoor units, allowing cooling water or heated water discharged from the outdoor unit to exchange heat with the air; A hot water supply device that heats the water supplied to the room using heated water discharged from the outdoor unit; as well as A distribution unit is arranged between the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units, and delivers cooling water or heated water discharged from the outdoor unit to each of the plurality of indoor units; The outdoor unit includes: compressor; An outdoor heat exchanger allows the refrigerant flowing from the compressor to exchange heat with the air; The first heat exchanger allows the refrigerant flowing from the compressor to exchange heat with water and delivers heated water to the distribution unit; A second heat exchanger facilitates heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing from the compressor and water, and supplies cooling water to the distribution unit; and The third heat exchanger allows the refrigerant flowing from the compressor to exchange heat with water and delivers heated water to the hot water supply device.

2. The chiller system according to claim 1, wherein, The first heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger are connected in series.

3. The chiller system according to claim 1, wherein, The refrigerant flowing from the compressor flows sequentially through the first heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger.

4. The chiller system according to claim 1, wherein, Also includes: The first pump delivers water heated in the first heat exchanger to the distribution unit; And a second pump, which delivers the water cooled in the second heat exchanger to the distribution unit.

5. The chiller unit system according to claim 4, wherein, Also includes: The third pump delivers the water heated in the third heat exchanger to the hot water supply device.

6. The chiller system according to claim 5, wherein, include: The main expansion valve causes the refrigerant flowing to the outdoor heat exchanger to expand; The first expansion valve causes the refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger to expand; And a second expansion valve, which causes the refrigerant flowing to the second heat exchanger to expand.

7. The chiller system according to claim 6, wherein, The first expansion valve causes the refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger or the third heat exchanger to expand.

8. The chiller system according to claim 5, wherein, In the heating mode where the refrigerant flows to the first heat exchanger and the first pump is running, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows to the first heat exchanger via the third heat exchanger.

9. The chiller system according to claim 5, wherein, In the hot water supply mode where the refrigerant flows to the third heat exchanger and the third pump is operating, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows through the third heat exchanger to the first heat exchanger.

10. The chiller system according to claim 5, wherein, When both the first and second pumps are running simultaneously, the refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger is delivered to the second heat exchanger.

11. The chiller system according to claim 10, wherein, When the simultaneous mode is running, the condenser or evaporator of the outdoor heat exchanger is used, taking into account the cooling and heating loads generated by the plurality of indoor units.

12. The chiller system according to claim 6, wherein, When the first pump and the third pump are running, the refrigerant discharged from the third heat exchanger expands in the expansion valve after passing through the first heat exchanger.

13. The chiller system according to claim 5, wherein, When the first pump, the second pump, and the third pump are all running simultaneously in the hot water supply mode, the condenser or evaporator of the outdoor heat exchanger is used, taking into account the cooling load and heating load generated by the plurality of indoor units and the heating load used by the hot water supply device.

14. The chiller system according to claim 1, wherein, The distribution unit is connected to each of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger; The distribution unit is connected to each of the plurality of indoor units.

15. The chiller system according to claim 14, wherein, The distribution unit delivers heated water discharged from the first heat exchanger or cooled water discharged from the second heat exchanger to each of the plurality of indoor units.

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