Refrigerant storage container and refrigerant storage method using the same

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerant storage container capable of preventing a change in refrigerant composition occurring during storage and / or transportation of refrigerant, and a refrigerant storage method using the same. The refrigerant storage container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a body including a storage space storing refrigerant and a head space formed at an upper portion of the storage space, a head space adjustment portion disposed in the head space and provided with a gas-phase refrigerant communication port communicating with the head space, and an opening and closing adjustment device coupled to the gas-phase refrigerant communication port for selectively opening or closing the head space adjustment portion with respect to the head space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a container for storing refrigerant and a method for storing refrigerant using the same. Background Technology

[0002] Refrigerant is a substance that absorbs heat in heat pumps used in air conditioners, refrigerators, cooling towers, etc.

[0003] Recently, the types of heat pumps used indoors and outdoors have become more diverse, and the development of electric vehicles and other technologies has created a need for smaller heat pumps. Therefore, refrigerant combinations that optimize the coefficient of performance (COP) of each heat pump are being developed.

[0004] For example, when two or more refrigerants are used in combination, the coefficient of performance (COP) of a heat pump may differ if their composition changes. However, in the case of mixing two or more refrigerants, for non-azeotropic mixtures with different boiling points and other properties, the composition of the refrigerant may change during storage and transportation.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a refrigerant storage container that can suppress changes in refrigerant composition when dispensing and storing non-azeotropic refrigerant mixtures. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical problems to be solved

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerant storage container is provided that can suppress compositional changes when dispensing and storing mixed refrigerants.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerant storage method using the above-described refrigerant storage container is provided.

[0009] Technical solution

[0010] A refrigerant storage container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a body including a storage space for storing refrigerant and a head space formed on the upper part of the storage space; a head space adjustment section disposed in the head space and having a gaseous refrigerant communication port communicating with the head space; and an opening and closing adjustment device coupled to the gaseous refrigerant communication port for selectively opening or closing the head space adjustment section relative to the head space.

[0011] In one embodiment, a refrigerant inlet / outlet can be formed on one side of the body for the refrigerant to enter and exit.

[0012] In one embodiment, the amount of refrigerant charged in the storage space of the aforementioned body can be 30% or more of the internal volume of the aforementioned body.

[0013] In one embodiment, the head space adjustment section, when closed by the opening and closing adjustment device, may have a fixed volume with a sealed internal space.

[0014] In one embodiment, the internal space of the head space adjustment section may be formed to be more than 1% and less than 20% of the internal volume of the main body.

[0015] In one embodiment, the aforementioned gaseous refrigerant inlet may be configured to be formed on the upper part of the aforementioned head space adjustment section and communicate with the upper region of the aforementioned head space.

[0016] In one embodiment, the head space adjustment portion includes: a first wall that divides the head space and the internal space of the head space adjustment portion; and a second wall that is formed by or combined with the inner wall of the main body; wherein an internal space may be included between the first wall and the second wall.

[0017] In one embodiment, the second wall can be integrally formed with the inner wall of the main body, and the first wall can be spaced apart and disposed on the inner side of the second wall.

[0018] In one embodiment, the head space adjustment unit may include multiple internal partitions that divide the internal space into multiple partitioned spaces.

[0019] In one embodiment, the plurality of internal partitions can be formed by extending downward from the upper inner wall of the head space adjustment part, and the bottom end of the internal partitions can be connected to the lower inner wall of the head space adjustment part.

[0020] In one embodiment, the aforementioned plurality of partitioned spaces may each have a gaseous refrigerant connection port, and may include opening and closing adjustment devices respectively connected to the aforementioned gaseous refrigerant connection ports.

[0021] In one embodiment, the refrigerant storage container may further include a liquid inflow prevention section, which is attached to the end of the gas phase refrigerant inlet to allow gas to pass through and block the inflow of liquid refrigerant.

[0022] In one embodiment, the refrigerant storage container may include ribs that protrude from the inner wall of the body to form and support the head space adjustment section.

[0023] In one embodiment, the refrigerant storage container may further include a control unit that generates a control signal for turning the opening and closing adjustment device on or off.

[0024] In one embodiment, the control unit can control the opening and closing adjustment device to the closed position when the amount of refrigerant discharged is more than 10% by weight of the initial charge.

[0025] In one embodiment, the refrigerant may include a non-azeotropic mixture of refrigerants.

[0026] In one embodiment, the aforementioned non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture may include refrigerant A with a lower boiling point and other refrigerants with a boiling point difference of more than 10°C from refrigerant A.

[0027] In one embodiment, the refrigerant A can be any one of carbon dioxide (R-744), difluoromethane (R-32), or 1,1-difluoroethylene (R-1132a).

[0028] A refrigerant storage method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a method for storing refrigerant using a refrigerant storage container, comprising: a step of filling a storage space of the main body with refrigerant to form a head space at the upper part of the storage space; a step of keeping the head space adjustment section open relative to the head space through a gas phase refrigerant communication port disposed in the head space; a step of confirming the amount of refrigerant discharged in the storage space as the refrigerant is used; and a step of closing the head space adjustment section relative to the head space when the amount of refrigerant discharged is 10% by weight or more of the initial charge amount.

[0029] In one embodiment, the step of closing the head space adjustment section relative to the head space may include switching the opening and closing adjustment device connected to the gas phase refrigerant inlet to the closed position.

[0030] Technical effect

[0031] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a refrigerant storage container may include a head space adjustment section. This prevents changes in the refrigerant composition during refrigerant storage and / or transportation. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant storage container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant storage container according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant storage container according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant storage container according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 5This is a flowchart of a refrigerant storage method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this is merely exemplary, and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein.

[0038] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various elements, components, and / or parts, these elements, components, and / or parts are clearly not limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, component, or part from other elements, components, or parts. Therefore, within the technical concept of this disclosure, the first element, first component, or first part mentioned below can also be a second element, second component, or second part.

[0039] The terminology used in this specification is for illustrative purposes and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless the context specifically indicates otherwise. The use of "comprises" and / or "made of" as in this specification to refer to components, steps, actions, and / or elements does not exclude the presence or addition of more than one other component, step, action, and / or element.

[0040] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in this specification (including technical and scientific terms) are to be used in the sense that would be commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Furthermore, terms defined in common dictionaries should not be idealized or over-interpreted unless explicitly specified otherwise.

[0041] The refrigerants included in a mixed refrigerant can be, for example, natural refrigerants, chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerants, hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants, hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants, hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerants, etc., or any combination thereof.

[0042] The aforementioned natural refrigerants are not artificial compounds, but substances that naturally exist on Earth. Examples of these natural refrigerants include ammonia (R-717), carbon dioxide (R-744), propane (R-290), propylene (R-1270), and butane (R-600a), or any combination thereof.

[0043] The aforementioned chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerants are refrigerants composed of chlorine atoms (Cl), fluorine atoms (F), and carbon atoms (C). Examples of CFC refrigerants include trichlorofluoromethane (R-11), dichlorodifluoromethane (R-12), 1,1,2-trichlorotrifluoroethane (R-113), 1,2-dichlorotetrafluoroethane (R-114), and pentafluorochloroethane (R-115), or any combination thereof.

[0044] The aforementioned hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants are refrigerants composed of hydrogen atoms (H), chlorine atoms (Cl), fluorine atoms (F), and carbon atoms (C). Examples of HCFC refrigerants include difluorochloromethane (R-22), 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane (R-123), tetrafluoroethane (R-124), and 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane (R-142b), or any combination thereof.

[0045] The aforementioned hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants are refrigerants composed of hydrogen atoms (H), fluorine atoms (F), and carbon atoms (C). The aforementioned hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants may include, for example, difluoromethane (R-32), trifluoroiodomethane (R-13I1), 1,1-difluoroethane (R-152a), pentafluoroethane (R-125), 1,1,1-trifluoroethane (R-143a), trifluoromethane (R-23), fluoroethane (R-161), 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (R-227ea), 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane (R-236ea), 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane (R-236fa), 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (R-245fa), and 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane (R-365mfc), etc. Alternatively, any combination thereof may be used.

[0046] The aforementioned hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerants are refrigerants composed of hydrogen atoms (H), fluorine atoms (F), and carbon atoms (C), with at least one double bond between the carbon atoms. Examples of such hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerants include 1,1,2-trifluoroethylene (R-1123), 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropylene (R-1234yf), 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropylene (R-1234ze), 1,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropylene (R-1234ye), 3,3,3-trifluoropropylene (R-1243zf), 1,1-difluoroethylene (R-1132a), and 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropylene (R-1225ye), or any combination thereof.

[0047] The above-mentioned mixed refrigerants can be divided into azeotropic refrigerant mixtures and non-azeotropic refrigerant mixtures.

[0048] Azeotropic refrigerant mixtures refer to constant refrigerants where all refrigerants have the same boiling point before mixing and their composition remains unchanged under all conditions. For example, an azeotropic refrigerant mixture can be defined as a refrigerant mixture whose composition does not change during condensation or evaporation. Because azeotropic refrigerant mixtures have a fixed boiling point, their components may not separate during storage and transportation, but they can only be used in a fixed composition ratio, thus limiting their applicability. Furthermore, since most azeotropic refrigerant mixtures are based on chlorine-containing (Cl) hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) and chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerants, they may contribute to ozone layer depletion. Therefore, non-azeotropic refrigerant mixtures with lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) can be used instead of azeotropic refrigerant mixtures.

[0049] Non-azeotropic refrigerant mixtures refer to refrigerants whose individual boiling points differ before mixing and which possess different properties from their original state. For example, a non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture can refer to a refrigerant mixture whose composition changes during condensation or evaporation. Compared to azeotropic refrigerant mixtures, non-azeotropic refrigerant mixtures have advantages such as lower global warming potential and easier design of their composition to suit heat pumps using the mixture.

[0050] However, due to the characteristics of non-azeotropic refrigerant mixtures, the boiling points and other properties of the individual refrigerants within the mixture differ, making it prone to compositional changes. In particular, the composition of the mixed refrigerant changes during storage, which may lead to a decline in its performance.

[0051] The refrigerant storage container according to the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can minimize changes in the composition of the stored mixed refrigerant, such as during the storage and / or transportation of the refrigerant or during use and application in the refrigeration process, for example, during the use and application of the non-azeotropic mixed refrigerant.

[0052] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant storage container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant storage container according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant storage container according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant storage container according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Reference Figures 1 to 4 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerant storage container 10 includes: a body 100, which includes a storage space 101 for storing refrigerant and a head space 102 formed on the upper part of the storage space 101; a head space adjustment part 110 disposed in the head space 102 and having a gas phase refrigerant inlet 115 communicating with the head space 102; and an opening and closing adjustment device 120, which is coupled to the gas phase refrigerant inlet 115 for selectively opening or closing the head space adjustment part 110 relative to the head space 102.

[0054] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the body 100 may include a storage space 101 for storing liquid refrigerant and a head space 102 formed on the upper part of the storage space 101.

[0055] The interior of the aforementioned body 100 can be divided into a region that contains refrigerant and a region that does not contain refrigerant. The aforementioned storage space 101 is a region that contains liquid refrigerant, and the aforementioned head space 102 is continuously formed above the storage space 101 and is a region where the refrigerant exists in a gaseous state after vaporization. Hereinafter, the aforementioned refrigerant existing in a gaseous state may be referred to as "gas-phase refrigerant".

[0056] The aforementioned body 100 can be formed into a closed container structure such as a cylinder or prism, and the storage space 101 and the head space 102 can be naturally divided based on the liquid level of the refrigerant without separate partitions.

[0057] According to one embodiment, a refrigerant inlet / outlet 140 for the refrigerant to enter and exit may be provided on one side of the main body 100.

[0058] The refrigerant inlet / outlet 140 can be a channel for refrigerant to flow into or out of the storage space 101 of the main body 100. Thus, the main body 100 can be connected to the outside (e.g., a heat pump) through the refrigerant inlet / outlet 140.

[0059] According to one embodiment, based on the refrigerant system design, the refrigerant inlet / outlet 140 can be connected to the storage space 101 and also to the head space 102. For example, when connected to the storage space 101, the refrigerant inlet / outlet 140 can be formed on the lower side of the body 100; when connected to the head space 102, the refrigerant inlet / outlet 140 can be formed on the upper side of the body 100.

[0060] Reference Figure 1In one embodiment, the refrigerant inlet / outlet 140 may be disposed on the upper part of the body 100. According to one embodiment, the refrigerant inlet / outlet 140 may be an opening formed through the upper wall of the body 100. For example, the refrigerant inlet / outlet 140 may be connected to an external piping. In this case, the refrigerant inlet / outlet 140 may be equipped with an on / off valve to control the charging and discharging of the refrigerant.

[0061] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the refrigerant can be filled with 30% or more of the internal volume of the body 100 through the refrigerant inlet / outlet 140. Furthermore, the refrigerant stored in the storage space 101 can be discharged to the outside through the refrigerant inlet / outlet 140.

[0062] When the charge rate or charge amount of the refrigerant is less than 30% by volume, the volume of the head space will increase excessively, resulting in an increase in the absolute amount of vaporized refrigerant. Therefore, even if the opening and closing control of the opening and closing device is performed, the possibility of compositional imbalance due to changes in the refrigerant composition ratio will increase.

[0063] Furthermore, when the refrigerant charge rate is too high (e.g., above 90% by volume), the liquid refrigerant will expand with temperature changes, which may cause the refrigerant storage container to rupture. Therefore, overcharging of refrigerant should be avoided.

[0064] According to one embodiment, based on the internal volume of the body 100, the charge amount of the refrigerant can be 30% to 90% by volume, 40% to 90% by volume, 50% to 90% by volume, 60% to 90% by volume, 70% to 90% by volume, or 80% to 90% by volume.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the refrigerant can be a non-azeotropic mixture of refrigerants. For example, the mixture of refrigerants can include multiple refrigerants with a large difference in boiling points. A large difference in boiling points means a difference of at least 10°C, more preferably at least 12°C, further preferably at least 15°C, and most preferably at least 20°C.

[0066] According to one embodiment, refrigerant A has the lowest boiling point among the various refrigerant components constituting the non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture. Other refrigerants have higher boiling points than refrigerant A. Here, the non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture can be formed from a composition including refrigerant A with a lower boiling point and other refrigerants whose boiling point difference with refrigerant A is greater than 10°C. In this case, the composition ratio of each component in the non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture may differ in the liquid phase and the gas phase.

[0067] According to one embodiment, in the above-mentioned mixed refrigerants, the refrigerant with the lowest boiling point can be 10°C, 12°C, 15°C or more lower than the boiling points of the other refrigerants.

[0068] For example, the above-mentioned mixed refrigerant may include the refrigerant with the lowest boiling point and refrigerants with a boiling point difference of 10°C, 12°C, 15°C or 20°C or more compared with the refrigerant with the lowest boiling point.

[0069] In some embodiments, the boiling point difference between the refrigerants in the mixed refrigerant mixture, excluding the refrigerant with the lowest boiling point, can be within 8°C, 5°C, 3°C, or 1°C.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the refrigerant A with the lowest boiling point can be carbon dioxide (R-744), difluoromethane (R-32), or 1,1-difluoroethylene (R-1132a), etc.

[0071] For example, the refrigerant with the lowest boiling point mentioned above could be carbon dioxide (R-744). Carbon dioxide is a natural refrigerant with an ozone depletion potential (ODP) of 0 and a global warming potential of 1, and it is non-toxic and non-explosive. Therefore, while improving the environmental friendliness and stability of mixed refrigerants containing carbon dioxide (R-744), the cooling / heating capacity of heat pumps using such mixed refrigerants can be improved.

[0072] For example, the refrigerant with the lowest boiling point mentioned above could be difluoromethane (R-32). Difluoromethane (R-32) is a type of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant with an ozone depletion potential of 0 and can exhibit high heat transfer performance and energy efficiency. Therefore, while improving the environmental friendliness and stability of mixed refrigerants containing difluoromethane (R-32), the cooling / heating capacity of heat pumps using such mixed refrigerants can also be improved.

[0073] For example, the refrigerant A with the lowest boiling point mentioned above could be 1,1-difluoroethylene (R-1132a). 1,1-Difluoroethylene (R-1132a) is a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerant with an ozone depletion potential of 0 and a global warming potential (GWP) of less than 1. Therefore, while improving the environmental friendliness of mixed refrigerants containing 1,1-difluoroethylene (R-1132a), the cooling / heating capacity of heat pumps using these mixed refrigerants can also be improved.

[0074] According to one embodiment, when the amount of refrigerant contained in the storage space 101 decreases, the area corresponding to the head space 102 can be increased. Specifically, the volume of the head space 102 increases relative to the total volume of the storage space 101 and the head space 102, with the storage space 101 filled with liquid and the head space 102 filled with gas. In this case, the amount of the gaseous refrigerant increases, and therefore the equilibrium condition between the refrigerant and the gaseous refrigerant may change.

[0075] Generally, in a liquid refrigerant mixture, the refrigerant with a relatively lower boiling point vaporizes more than the refrigerant with a relatively higher boiling point.

[0076] Therefore, when the amount of the gaseous refrigerant increases, resulting in an increase in the area corresponding to the head space 102, the proportion of refrigerants with relatively low boiling points in the gaseous refrigerant increases, while the proportion of refrigerants with relatively low boiling points in the gaseous refrigerant decreases.

[0077] As a result, the composition ratio of the various refrigerants contained in the aforementioned refrigerant will deviate from the composition ratio of the various refrigerants in the original manufacturing process. Consequently, when operating a heat pump using the aforementioned refrigerant stored in the refrigerant storage container 10, the cooling or heating efficiency may decrease.

[0078] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerant storage container 10 is able to maintain the composition ratio between the refrigerants contained in the liquid mixed refrigerant by separately providing a head space adjustment section 110 in the head space 102.

[0079] For example, as the amount of refrigerant stored in the refrigerant storage container 10 decreases, the volume of the head space 102 increases, which may cause the refrigerant with the lowest boiling point to vaporize or evaporate. To prevent the resulting change in refrigerant composition, the volume of the head space 102 can be adjusted by opening and closing the head space adjustment section 110, thereby keeping the composition of the gaseous refrigerant constant. As the gaseous refrigerant components are maintained, the composition of the refrigerant can also be maintained.

[0080] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a head space adjustment unit 110 is disposed in the head space 102 inside the main body 100, and may have a gaseous refrigerant inlet 115 communicating with the head space 102.

[0081] The head space adjustment unit 110 described above includes a sealable internal space and can be disposed in the upper region inside the main body 100. For example, with the height direction as a reference, the center line of the head space adjustment unit 110 (orthogonal to the height direction) can be located at a higher position than the center line of the main body 100 (orthogonal to the height direction).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the head space adjustment part 110 is located inside the head space 102, and can be attached to the inner wall of the body 100 or spaced apart from the inner wall of the body 100.

[0083] The aforementioned gaseous refrigerant connection port 115 can be a channel connecting the internal space of the head space adjustment section 110 and the head space 102. According to one embodiment, the gaseous refrigerant connection port 115 can be formed in the upper part of the head space adjustment section 110. For example, the gaseous refrigerant connection port 115 can be configured upwards to communicate with the upper region of the head space 102. According to one embodiment, the gaseous refrigerant connection port 115 can be a path for the movement of gaseous refrigerant, and to prevent the inflow of liquid refrigerant, it can be located in the upper part of the head space adjustment section 110.

[0084] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the head space adjustment section 110, when closed by the opening / closing adjustment device 120, can have a fixed volume with its internal space sealed. Therefore, the internal space of the head space adjustment section 110 will not expand or contract even when external pressure or temperature changes, or when the internal pressure of the main body 100 changes, and can maintain the same volume.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the head space adjustment section 110 can be configured such that the volume of its internal space does not change regardless of whether the gas phase refrigerant connection port 115 is open or closed. According to one embodiment, the head space adjustment section 110 can be formed of a rigid material, such as any one of metal, synthetic resin, or composite material.

[0086] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the internal space of the head space adjustment unit 110 can be formed to be more than 1% and less than 20% of the internal volume of the main body 100.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the internal volume of the main body 100 can be set as a reference volume, and the internal volume of the head space adjustment part 110 can be designed according to the ratio relative to the aforementioned reference volume.

[0088] For example, the internal space of the head space adjustment section 110 can be formed to be 1% to 20% of the internal volume of the main body 100, 2% to 19% of the internal volume, 3% to 18% of the internal volume, 4% to 17% of the internal volume, or 5% to 15% of the internal volume.

[0089] Within the aforementioned range, it can prevent the increase in refrigerant transportation costs due to the reduction in the amount of refrigerant that can be stored in the refrigerant storage container 10, and it can also prevent changes in the composition of the refrigerant stored in the refrigerant storage container 10.

[0090] For example, the head space adjustment section 110 can be closed when the head space 102 reaches 5% or more, 6% or more, 7% or more, 8% or more, 9% or more, 10% or more, 11% or more, 12% or more, 13% or more, 14% or more, or 15% or more of the internal volume of the main body 100. This reduces the increase in the volume of the head space 102 due to refrigerant usage, thereby preventing changes in the composition of the refrigerant stored in the refrigerant storage container 10.

[0091] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the gaseous refrigerant inlet 115 can be configured to be formed on the upper part of the head space adjustment section 110 and communicate with the upper region of the head space 102. Thus, the space inside the head space adjustment section 110 can be opened relative to the head space 102 through the gaseous refrigerant inlet 115. Furthermore, it can prevent the gaseous refrigerant present in the head space 102 from mixing with the liquid refrigerant.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the gaseous refrigerant connection 115 can be formed as a through hole, a tubular channel, or a nozzle-like channel. According to one embodiment, the gaseous refrigerant connection 115 can be integrally formed on the uppermost wall surface of the head space adjustment section 110. According to one embodiment, the gaseous refrigerant connection 115 can be formed as a separate component at the upper end of the head space adjustment section 110.

[0093] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the head space adjustment unit 110 includes a first wall 111 that divides the head space 102 and the internal space of the head space adjustment unit 110, and a second wall 112 formed by or combined with the inner wall of the body 100. The first wall 111 and the second wall 112 may include an internal space.

[0094] For example, the first wall 111 can be flat, curved, or cylindrical. The second wall 112 can be the inner wall of the body 100 itself, or formed by joining it to the inner wall of the body 100. For example, the second wall 112 can be connected to the inner wall of the body 100 by welding or mechanical means.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the aforementioned internal space may be a sealed space formed between the first wall 111 and the second wall 112.

[0096] Reference Figure 2 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second wall 112 is integrally formed with the inner wall of the body 100, and the first wall 111 can be spaced apart and disposed inside the second wall 112.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the second wall 112 can be integrally formed with the inner wall of the body 100. For example, the second wall 112 and the inner wall of the body 100 can be continuously formed with the same material, so that no joint boundary is formed between the body 100 and the second wall 112.

[0098] Furthermore, the second wall 112 can be formed simultaneously with the inner wall of the body 100. For example, the second wall 112 can be integrally formed with the inner wall of the body 100 by injection molding, extrusion molding, or casting. Thus, when the second wall 112 is integrally formed with the inner wall of the body 100, the head space adjustment part 110 can be structurally more stable and can stably maintain its airtightness.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the first wall 111 can be concentrically disposed inside the second wall 112. That is, it can be formed such that the central axis of the first wall 111 coincides with the central axis of the second wall 112.

[0100] According to one embodiment, when the body 100 is formed as a four-cornered cylinder, it can be composed of a second wall 112 and a first wall 111 disposed on the inner side at a certain distance from the second wall 112.

[0101] Therefore, an internal space can be formed between the first wall 111 and the second wall 112. According to one embodiment, the internal space can be formed uniformly along the inner circumference of the body 100. Therefore, the internal pressure change caused by the opening and closing of the gaseous refrigerant inlet 115 can be uniformly propagated in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the volume of the head space 102 can be quickly adjusted, thereby suppressing changes in the composition of the refrigerant.

[0102] Reference Figure 3 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the head space adjustment unit 110 may include a plurality of internal partitions 113 that divide the internal space into a plurality of partition spaces 113a.

[0103] According to one embodiment, a plurality of internal partitions 113 can divide the internal space of the head space adjustment section 110 into a plurality of independent partition spaces 113a. Each partition space 113a can be formed as a sealed structure to prevent gas (e.g., gaseous refrigerant) communication with other partition spaces.

[0104] According to one embodiment, a plurality of internal partitions 113 can be connected to the inner wall of the head space adjustment section 110. According to one embodiment, the plurality of internal partitions 113 extend downward from the upper inner wall of the head space adjustment section 110, and the bottom end of the internal partitions 113 can be connected to the lower inner wall of the head space adjustment section 110. According to one embodiment, they can extend from the side wall of the head space adjustment section 110 towards the center. Thus, the dividing spaces 113a can be arranged in parallel.

[0105] According to one embodiment, multiple internal partitions can be formed radially, so that the partitioned space is arranged radially.

[0106] According to one embodiment, each partition space 113a can be formed as a closed space. According to another embodiment, the upper, side, and lower portions of each partition space 113a are enclosed by walls, thereby maintaining each partition space 113a as an independent closed space. The volumes of each partition space 113a can be the same, or they can be formed with different volumes as needed.

[0107] Thus, by independently setting the effective volume of each partition space 113a (e.g., the volume of the internal space connected to the head space) through the aforementioned multiple internal partitions 113, the number of open and closed partition spaces 113a can be adjusted according to the refrigerant discharge rate. As a result, the effective volume of the internal space can be changed proportionally in a stepwise manner with the discharge rate, thereby allowing the volume of the head space 102 to be adjusted accordingly based on the discharge rate.

[0108] Reference Figure 3 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of partitioned spaces 113a may each have a gaseous refrigerant inlet 115, and may include an opening and closing adjustment device 120 respectively connected to the gaseous refrigerant inlet 115.

[0109] According to one embodiment, each of the multiple partitioned spaces 113a may have a gaseous refrigerant inlet 115. According to one embodiment, a gaseous refrigerant inlet 115 may be formed in the upper region of each partitioned space 113a.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the plurality of partitioned spaces 113a may each include an opening / closing adjustment device 120 coupled to a gaseous refrigerant inlet 115. Each opening / closing adjustment device 120 may selectively open or close the corresponding partitioned space 113a relative to the head space 102.

[0111] Therefore, the effective volume of the internal space can be adjusted proportionally in steps according to the discharge volume, thereby allowing the volume of the head space 102 to be adjusted accordingly based on the discharge volume. As a result, the composition of the gaseous refrigerant present in the head space 102 can be kept constant, and the composition of the refrigerant can also be maintained.

[0112] Reference Figures 1 to 4 According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the refrigerant storage container 10 may further include a liquid inflow prevention section 150, which is attached to the end of the aforementioned gaseous refrigerant inlet 115, for allowing gas to pass through and blocking the inflow of liquid refrigerant. Thus, refrigerant can be prevented from flowing into the head space adjustment section 110, allowing only gaseous refrigerant to flow in.

[0113] For example, the liquid inflow prevention unit 150 may be equipped with a porous filter structure or a check valve that only allows gas to pass through.

[0114] Therefore, by preventing refrigerant from flowing into the head space adjustment section 110, the effective volume of the head space adjustment section 110 can be kept constant. This allows for stable adjustment of the volume of the head space 102. Consequently, the composition of the gaseous refrigerant present in the head space 102 remains constant, and the refrigerant composition can also be maintained.

[0115] Reference Figure 4 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerant storage container 10 may include a rib 103 that protrudes from the inner wall of the body 100 and supports the head space adjustment portion 110.

[0116] like Figure 4 As shown, according to one embodiment, the rib 103 may be configured to contact the bottom surface of the head space adjustment portion 110. According to another embodiment (not shown), the rib 103 may be configured to contact at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the head space adjustment portion 110. Thus, the rib 103 can support the head space adjustment portion 110.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the rib 103 can be integrally formed with the inner wall of the body 100, or combined with the inner wall of the body. According to one embodiment, the rib 103 can be formed by protruding horizontally from the inner wall of the body.

[0118] According to one embodiment, when the body 100 is cylindrical, the aforementioned rib 103 can be formed as a ring along the inner wall of the body 100 while keeping the central portion of the interior space of the body 100 open. The ring-shaped rib 103 can extend along the entire circumference of the body 100. Alternatively, the rib 103 can also extend only partially along the inner wall of the body 100 to protrude partially.

[0119] Therefore, the head space adjustment part 110 can be stably fixed in a predetermined position inside the main body 100.

[0120] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the opening and closing adjustment device 120 is combined with the gaseous refrigerant inlet 115, which can selectively open or close the head space adjustment section 110 relative to the head space 102.

[0121] The aforementioned opening and closing adjustment device 120 may be a valve (e.g., a solenoid valve, a hydraulic valve, etc.), but is not particularly limited thereto. The aforementioned opening and closing adjustment device 120 can connect the internal space of the head space adjustment section 110 with the head space 102 in the open position, and isolate the internal space of the head space adjustment section 110 from the head space 102 in the closed position.

[0122] Reference Figures 1 to 4 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerant storage container 10 may include a control unit 130 that generates control signals for opening or closing the aforementioned opening / closing regulating device 120. For example, the control unit 130 may be disposed outside the main body 100. Thus, the opening / closing regulating device 120 can be controlled by the control unit 130 disposed outside the main body 100. According to one embodiment, the control unit 130 may control the opening / closing regulating device 120 by means of electricity or fluid (e.g., pneumatic or hydraulic pressure).

[0123] According to one embodiment, the control unit 130 can generate a control signal based on an input signal. According to another embodiment, the control unit 130 can generate the control signal based on refrigerant status information (e.g., the amount of refrigerant charged during refrigerant charging) or refrigerant discharge information. That is, when the charged refrigerant is discharged, the control unit 130 can sense the amount discharged, and if the discharged refrigerant amount exceeds a predetermined value, it can shut down the headroom adjustment unit 110.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the control unit 130 may be composed of a processor or circuit board storing a program. For example, the control unit 130 may be composed of a microcontroller, a microprocessor, or a logic circuit.

[0125] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the control unit 130 can control the opening and closing adjustment device 120 to the closed position when the amount of refrigerant discharged is more than 10% by weight of the initial charge amount.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the control unit 130 can receive information confirming the amount of refrigerant discharged and store the initial charge amount as a reference value. According to another embodiment, the control unit 130 can determine whether the amount of refrigerant discharged reaches 10% by weight or more of the initial charge amount, and if the determination result is 10% by weight or more, output a control signal to switch the opening / closing adjustment device 120 to the closed position.

[0127] In one embodiment, the amount of refrigerant discharged that triggers the closure of the head space adjustment unit 110 can be 5% or more by weight, 6% or more by weight, 7% or more by weight, 8% or more by weight, 9% or more by weight, 10% or more by weight, 11% or more by weight, 12% or more by weight, 13% or more by weight, 14% or more by weight, or 15% or more by weight of the initial charge refrigerant amount. Within the above range, the composition of the refrigerant remaining inside the body 100 can remain unchanged.

[0128] In one embodiment, the head space adjustment section 110 may not dissolve in the refrigerant or react with the refrigerant. Therefore, the head space adjustment section 110 can also be in direct contact with the storage space 101. Thus, the refrigerant storage container 10 can store a sufficient amount of refrigerant, thereby preventing increased costs associated with transporting the refrigerant.

[0129] Thus, the refrigerant storage container 10 according to an embodiment of this disclosure may include a head space adjustment section 110. This allows for the suppression of changes in refrigerant composition that may occur during refrigerant storage.

[0130] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a refrigerant storage method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For the refrigerant storage method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, detailed descriptions of certain repetitive parts of the refrigerant storage container will be omitted.

[0131] Reference Figure 5 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerant storage method is a method of storing refrigerant using a refrigerant storage container, including: step S210 of filling the storage space of the main body with refrigerant to form a head space in the upper part of the storage space; step S220 of keeping the head space adjustment section open relative to the head space through the gas phase refrigerant communication port of the head space adjustment section disposed in the head space; step S230 of confirming the amount of refrigerant discharged in the storage space as the refrigerant is used; and step S240 of closing the head space adjustment section relative to the head space when the amount of refrigerant discharged is 10% by weight or more of the initial charge amount.

[0132] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerant is injected into the storage space of the body to form a head space in the upper part of the storage space (S210).

[0133] First, the refrigerant to be stored in the refrigerant storage container is determined. In one embodiment, the refrigerant may be a liquid mixture of refrigerants. For example, the liquid mixture of refrigerants may be a non-azeotropic mixture of refrigerants. In one embodiment, the mixture of refrigerants comprises multiple refrigerants, which may include the refrigerant with the lowest boiling point.

[0134] For example, the refrigerant with the lowest boiling point in the above-mentioned mixed refrigerant can be carbon dioxide (R-744), difluoromethane (R-32), 1,1-difluoroethylene (R-1132a), etc. Alternatively, it can be any combination of them.

[0135] According to one embodiment, the refrigerant is charged into the storage space of the main body. For example, the refrigerant can be charged into the interior of the main body through a refrigerant inlet / outlet. According to one embodiment, a head space is formed in the upper part of the storage space as the refrigerant is charged.

[0136] In an exemplary embodiment, the head space may be formed to occupy 5% or more, 6% or more, 7% or more, 8% or more, 9% or more, 10% or more, 11% or more, 12% or more, 13% or more, 14% or more, or 15% or more of the internal volume of the body.

[0137] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the head space adjustment section is kept open relative to the head space by means of a gaseous refrigerant inlet disposed in the head space adjustment section (S220).

[0138] The head space is connected to the internal space of the head space adjustment unit through the aforementioned gaseous refrigerant inlet. At this time, the opening and closing adjustment device is kept in the open position, so that the head space adjustment unit remains open relative to the head space.

[0139] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the amount of refrigerant discharged from the storage space is confirmed as the refrigerant is used (S230).

[0140] According to one embodiment, the amount of refrigerant discharged is sensed along with the refrigerant discharge. In one embodiment, when the charged refrigerant is discharged, the control unit senses the amount discharged. The control unit compares the sensed discharge amount with the initial charge amount to calculate the amount of refrigerant discharged.

[0141] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, when the amount of refrigerant discharged is 10% or more of the initial charge amount, the head space adjustment section is closed relative to the head space (S240).

[0142] According to one embodiment, the control unit determines whether the amount of refrigerant discharged reaches 10% or more of the initial charge amount. In one embodiment, the amount of refrigerant discharged that triggers the closing of the head space adjustment unit can be 5% or more, 6% or more, 7% or more, 8% or more, 9% or more, 10% or more, 11% or more, 12% or more, 13% or more, 14% or more, or 15% or more of the initial charge amount of refrigerant.

[0143] In an exemplary embodiment, when the head space reaches 5% or more, 6% or more, 7% or more, 8% or more, 9% or more, 10% or more, 11% or more, 12% or more, 13% or more, 14% or more, or 15% or more of the internal volume of the body, the head space adjustment unit can be closed relative to the head space by the opening and closing adjustment device.

[0144] In one embodiment, the opening and closing adjustment device is operated by a control unit to close the head space adjustment unit. The control unit controls the opening and closing adjustment device to the closed position when the discharged refrigerant dose exceeds a predetermined value.

[0145] Thus, the refrigerant storage method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can suppress changes in the composition of the refrigerant by selectively closing the head space adjustment section based on the refrigerant discharge amount.

[0146] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerant storage container and a refrigerant storage method selectively adjust the volume of the head space by opening or closing the head space adjustment section, thereby maintaining a constant head space and suppressing changes in refrigerant composition that occur during refrigerant storage.

[0147] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerant storage container and refrigerant storage method can stably maintain the pressure and composition of the gaseous refrigerant in the head space even when the refrigerant contains a non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture, thereby minimizing refrigerant concentration deviation and stably maintaining refrigerant quality.

[0148] Furthermore, the refrigerant storage container and refrigerant storage method disclosed herein can be used for the storage of eco-friendly mixed refrigerants with low global warming potential (GWP) and for preventing ozone layer depletion.

[0149] The above description is merely an example of applying the principles of this disclosure, and other configurations may be further included without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, at least a portion of the various embodiments of this disclosure described above may be combined.

Claims

1. A container for storing refrigerant, comprising: The body includes a storage space for storing refrigerant and a head space formed above the storage space; A head space adjustment unit is disposed in the head space and has a gaseous refrigerant connection port communicating with the head space; An opening and closing adjustment device, which is connected to the gaseous refrigerant inlet, is used to selectively open or close the head space adjustment section relative to the head space.

2. The refrigerant storage container according to claim 1, wherein: A refrigerant inlet / outlet is formed on one side of the main body for the refrigerant to enter and exit.

3. The refrigerant storage container according to claim 1, wherein: In the storage space of the main body, the amount of refrigerant charged is more than 30% of the internal volume of the main body.

4. The refrigerant storage container according to claim 1, wherein: When the head space adjustment section is closed by the opening and closing adjustment device, it has a fixed volume with a sealed internal space.

5. The refrigerant storage container according to claim 4, wherein: The internal space of the head space adjustment section is formed to be more than 1% and less than 20% of the internal volume of the main body.

6. The refrigerant storage container according to claim 1, wherein: The gaseous refrigerant inlet is configured to be formed on the upper part of the head space adjustment section and communicate with the upper region of the head space.

7. The refrigerant storage container according to claim 1, wherein, The head space adjustment unit includes: A first wall, which divides the head space and the internal space of the head space adjustment section; and The second wall is formed by or attached to the inner wall of the body. An internal space is included between the first wall and the second wall.

8. The refrigerant storage container according to claim 7, wherein: The second wall is integrally formed with the inner wall of the main body, and the first wall is spaced apart and disposed on the inner side of the second wall.

9. The refrigerant storage container according to claim 1, wherein: The head space adjustment unit includes multiple internal partitions that divide the internal space into multiple partitioned spaces.

10. The refrigerant storage container according to claim 9, wherein: The plurality of internal partitions extend downward from the upper inner wall of the head space adjustment section, and the bottom end of the internal partitions is connected to the lower inner wall of the head space adjustment section.

11. The refrigerant storage container according to claim 9, wherein: Each of the multiple partitioned spaces is provided with a gaseous refrigerant connection port, and each gaseous refrigerant connection port is connected to an opening and closing adjustment device.

12. The refrigerant storage container according to claim 1, wherein, The refrigerant storage container also includes: A liquid inflow prevention section, which is attached to the end of the gas phase refrigerant inlet, is used to allow gas to pass through and block the inflow of liquid refrigerant.

13. The refrigerant storage container according to claim 1, wherein, The refrigerant storage container includes: Ribs protrude from the inner wall of the body to form and support the head space adjustment section.

14. The refrigerant storage container according to claim 1, wherein, The refrigerant storage container also includes: The control unit generates control signals for turning the opening and closing adjustment device on or off.

15. The refrigerant storage container according to claim 14, wherein: When the amount of refrigerant discharged is more than 10% by weight of the initial charge, the control unit controls the opening and closing adjustment device to the closed position.

16. The refrigerant storage container according to claim 1, wherein: The refrigerant includes a non-azeotropic mixture of refrigerants.

17. The refrigerant storage container according to claim 16, wherein, The non-azeotropic mixed refrigerant includes: Refrigerant A and other refrigerants whose boiling point difference with refrigerant A is greater than 10°C.

18. The refrigerant storage container according to claim 17, wherein: The refrigerant A is any one of carbon dioxide, difluoromethane, or 1,1-difluoroethylene.

19. A method for storing refrigerant, comprising: The step of filling the storage space of the body with refrigerant to form a head space above the storage space; The step of keeping the head space adjustment unit in an open state relative to the head space by means of the gas phase refrigerant connection port of the head space adjustment unit configured in the head space; The step of confirming the amount of refrigerant discharged from the storage space as the refrigerant is used; The step of closing the head space adjustment section relative to the head space when the amount of refrigerant discharged is more than 10% by weight of the initial charge.

20. The refrigerant storage method according to claim 19, wherein, The step of closing the head space adjustment unit relative to the head space includes: The step of switching the opening and closing adjustment device associated with the gaseous refrigerant inlet to the closed position.

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