Heat source unit and refrigeration apparatus

Abstract

A heat source unit (10) includes a casing (50), a vertical partition plate (70), a compressor (11), and a heat source fan (14). The casing (50) has a bottom plate (52) and an internal space (S). The vertical partition plate (70) partitions the internal space (S) into a fan chamber (S3) and a machine chamber (S4). The compressor (11) is disposed in the machine chamber (S4) and compresses a refrigerant (R). The heat source fan (14) is disposed in the fan chamber (S3). The bottom plate (52) has a machine chamber wall (526). The machine chamber wall (526) extends upward from a peripheral edge of a machine chamber bottom surface portion (522). The vertical partition plate (70) has a partition opening (75). The partition opening(75) allows the fan chamber (S3) and the machine chamber (S4) to communicate with each other. A height (H2) of a lower end (75L) of the partition opening (75) is lower than a height (H0) of the machine chamber wall (526).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat source unit that handles a highly flammable refrigerant and a refrigeration apparatus including the heat source unit.Description of the Related Art

[0002] In a refrigeration apparatus disclosed in JP 2014-055705 A, R32 which is a flammable refrigerant is used.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In recent years, a highly flammable refrigerant that is particularly easily combusted among flammable refrigerants may be used in a refrigeration apparatus. Examples of the highly flammable refrigerant include R290 (propane). When a high-concentration highly flammable refrigerant leaks from a refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration apparatus, it is required to rapidly mix the leaking refrigerant with air and stir the mixture to dilute the refrigerant to reduce the concentration of the refrigerant and improve user safety.

[0004] A heat source unit according to a first aspect includes a casing, a partition plate, a compressor, and a heat source fan. The casing includes a bottom plate and an internal space. The partition plate partitions the internal space into a fan chamber and a machine chamber. The compressor is disposed in the machine chamber and compresses a refrigerant. The heat source fan is disposed in the fan chamber. The bottom plate has a machine chamber wall. The machine chamber wall extends upward from a peripheral edge of a bottom surface of the machine chamber. The partition plate has a partition opening. The partition opening allows the fan chamber and the machine chamber to communicate with each other. A height of a lower end of the partition opening is lower than a height of the machine chamber wall.

[0005] In this configuration, the height of the lower end of the partition opening is lower than the height of the machine chamber wall. Therefore, when the refrigerant having a specific gravity larger than the specific gravity of air leaks from a refrigerant circuit of the machine chamber, the refrigerant passes through the partition opening and is guided to the fan chamber before flowing out of a casing over the machine chamber wall. The refrigerant is then stirred and diluted by the air flow generated by the heat source fan. As a result, the high-concentration refrigerant is restrained from flowing out of the heat source unit.

[0006] A heat source unit according to a second aspect is the heat source unit according to the first aspect, in which a height of an upper end of the partition opening is lower than the height of the machine chamber wall.

[0007] In this configuration, the height of the upper end of the partition opening is lower than the height of the machine chamber wall. Therefore, the refrigerant leaking into the machine chamber is more easily guided to the fan chamber.

[0008] A heat source unit according to a third aspect is the heat source unit according to the first or second aspect, in which the height of the machine chamber wall is an average value of a height of the machine chamber wall in an entirety of the machine chamber wall.

[0009] In this configuration, the height of the machine chamber wall compared with a height position of the partition opening means an average value of a height in an entire periphery of the machine chamber wall. Therefore, when the height of the machine chamber wall changes depending on the location, the height of the machine chamber wall can be uniquely determined.

[0010] A heat source unit according to a fourth aspect is the heat source unit according to any one of the first to third aspects, in which the casing further includes a first side plate, a second side plate, a front plate, and a rear plate. The first side plate and the second side plate are separated from each other in a horizontal longitudinal direction of the casing. The front plate and the rear plate are separated from each other in a horizontal transverse direction of the casing. The fan chamber is located on a side of the first side plate. The machine chamber is located on a side of the second side plate. The partition plate has a first region and a second region. The first region extends in the horizontal transverse direction from the front plate. The second region extends from an end of the first region to the rear plate in non-parallel with the first region. The partition opening is provided in the second region.

[0011] In this configuration, since the partition plate has the second region, the size of the fan chamber on the side of the rear plate can be expanded as compared with the size of the fan chamber on the side of the front plate. Therefore, since a heat exchanger can be extended to the expanded fan chamber, the heat exchange efficiency of the heat source unit can be improved.

[0012] A heat source unit according to a fifth aspect is the heat source unit according to the fourth aspect, in which the second region is a plane inclined so as to approach the second side plate from the end of the first region.

[0013] In this configuration, the second region is an inclined plane. Therefore, the size of the fan chamber on the side of the rear plate can be effectively expanded.

[0014] A heat source unit according to a sixth aspect is the heat source unit according to the fourth or fifth aspect, in which the heat source fan includes a heat source fan blade and a heat source fan motor. The heat source fan blade generates an air flow. The heat source fan motor rotates the heat source fan blade. A first separation distance between the partition opening and the rear plate is shorter than a second separation distance between the heat source fan blade and the rear plate. In this configuration, the partition opening is closer to the rear plate than the heat source fan blade. Therefore, since the refrigerant guided from the partition opening to the fan chamber is appropriately sucked by the heat source fan blade, the refrigerant is effectively stirred and diluted.

[0015] A heat source unit according to a seventh aspect is the heat source unit according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects, in which the second side plate does not have an opening having a size exceeding 5 mm.

[0016] In this configuration, the second side plate has no opening having a significant size. Therefore, the high-concentration refrigerant leaking into the machine chamber is restrained from passing through the second side plate and flowing out of the casing.

[0017] A heat source unit according to an eighth aspect is the heat source unit according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, in which the heat source fan generates an air flow flowing from the machine chamber to the fan chamber through the partition opening.

[0018] In this configuration, an air flow flowing from the machine chamber to the fan chamber through the partition opening exists. Therefore, the refrigerant leaking into the machine chamber is guided to the fan chamber.

[0019] A heat source unit according to a ninth aspect is the heat source unit according to any of the first to eighth aspects, and further includes a refrigerant sensor and a heat source control unit. The heat source control unit drives the heat source fan when the refrigerant sensor detects the leaking refrigerant regardless of whether the compressor is operating or stopped.

[0020] In this configuration, the heat source control unit drives the heat source fan when a leakage of the refrigerant is detected. Therefore, even when the compressor is stopped, an air flow passing through the partition opening is generated, and the leaking refrigerant is guided to the fan chamber.

[0021] A heat source unit according to a tenth aspect is the heat source unit according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, in which the refrigerant is a highly flammable refrigerant.

[0022] In this configuration, the refrigerant is a highly flammable refrigerant. Therefore, since the leaking highly flammable refrigerant is stirred and diluted, the concentration of the highly flammable refrigerant flowing out of the casing can be reduced, and the safety can be improved at the installation location of the heat source unit.

[0023] A refrigeration apparatus according to an eleventh aspect includes a heat source unit and a utilization unit. The heat source unit is the heat source unit according to any one of the first to tenth aspects. The utilization unit provides a user with hot heat or cold heat acquired by the heat source unit.

[0024] In this configuration, the concentration of the refrigerant flowing out of the heat source unit included in the refrigeration apparatus is low. Therefore, the safety of the refrigeration apparatus against refrigerant leakage can be improved.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a refrigeration apparatus 100; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a heat source unit 10; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the heat source unit 10 from which some components have been removed; FIG. 4 is a front view schematically showing a structure of the heat source unit 10; FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the heat source unit 10 from which some components have been removed; FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of the heat source unit 10; FIG. 7 is a side view schematically showing the structure of the heat source unit 10; FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the heat source unit 10 in plan view; and FIG. 9 is a plan view schematically showing the structure of the heat source unit 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS <Embodiment>(1) Overall configuration

[0026] FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a refrigeration apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. The refrigeration apparatus 100 provides cold heat or hot heat acquired from a heat source to a user by circulating a refrigerant R. The refrigeration apparatus 100 provides cold heat to the user in a cold heat utilization operation. The refrigeration apparatus 100 provides hot heat to the user in a hot heat utilization operation. The refrigeration apparatus 100 can be configured in the form such as an air conditioner, a refrigerator, a freezer, a hot water supplier, or a floor heater. When the refrigeration apparatus 100 is an air conditioner, the cold heat utilization operation and the hot heat utilization operation correspond to a cooling operation and a heating operation, respectively. The refrigeration apparatus 100 includes a heat source unit 10, a utilization unit 20, and a connection pipe group 30.(2) Detailed configuration(2-1) Refrigerant R

[0027] The refrigerant R is a highly flammable refrigerant. Examples of the highly flammable refrigerant include R290 (propane). The specific gravity of the refrigerant R is larger than the specific gravity of air. The high-concentration refrigerant R leaking from a refrigerant circuit of the refrigeration apparatus 100 can be reduced in concentration by quickly mixing the refrigerant R with air, stirring the mixture, and diluting the mixture.(2-2) Heat source unit 10

[0028] The heat source unit 10 acquires cold heat or hot heat from air as a heat source. The heat source unit 10 includes a casing 50, a compressor 11, a four-way switching valve 12, a heat source heat exchanger 13, a heat source fan 14, a heat source expansion valve 15, an accumulator 16, a liquid shutoff valve 17, a gas shutoff valve 18, a refrigerant sensor 41, and a heat source control unit 19.(2-2-1) Casing 50

[0029] The casing 50 accommodates constituent elements of the heat source unit 10, such as the compressor 11. As shown in FIG. 2, the casing 50 includes a top plate 51, a bottom plate 52, a first side plate 53, a second side plate 54, a front plate 55, a rear plate 56, and a front grille 57. In the present embodiment, the front grille 57 overlaps the front plate 55 to form two layers, but the front grille 57 and the front plate 55 may be provided on the same plane. In any design, the front grille 57 may be considered to constitute a part of the front plate 55.

[0030] The top plate 51 and the bottom plate 52 both extend in a horizontal longitudinal direction x and a horizontal transverse direction y of the casing 50. The first side plate 53 and the second side plate 54 both extend in the horizontal transverse direction y and a vertical direction z. The front plate 55 and the rear plate 56 both extend in the horizontal longitudinal direction x and the vertical direction z.

[0031] The first side plate 53 and the second side plate 54 are separated from each other in the horizontal longitudinal direction x of the casing 50. The front plate 55 and the rear plate 56 are separated in the horizontal transverse direction y of the casing 50. As shown in FIG. 3, when the front grille 57 is removed, the front plate 55 is exposed. The second side plate 54 has no opening at all, or even if the second side plate has an opening, the size of the opening does not exceed 5 mm.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 4, the casing 50 has an internal space S. The internal space S is provided with a horizontal partition plate 60 and a vertical partition plate 70. The horizontal partition plate 60 is a plate-shaped member that extends generally horizontally but may have irregularities or an opening. The horizontal partition plate 60 partitions the internal space S into an upper space S1 and a lower space S2. The vertical partition plate 70 partitions the lower space S2 into a fan chamber S3 and a machine chamber S4. The fan chamber S3 is located on the side of the first side plate 53. The machine chamber S4 is located on the side of the second side plate 54.(2-2-2) Compressor 11

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, the compressor 11 includes a suction pipe 11a and a discharge pipe 11b. The compressor 11 sucks the refrigerant R in a low-pressure gas state from the suction pipe 11a, compresses the refrigerant R, and discharges the refrigerant R in a high-pressure gas state from the discharge pipe 11b. As shown in FIG. 4, the compressor 11 is disposed in the machine chamber S4.(2-2-3) Four-way switching valve 12

[0034] The four-way switching valve 12 shown in FIG. 1 switches between the cold heat utilization operation and the hot heat utilization operation by switching an advancing direction of the refrigerant R. When the cold heat utilization operation is performed, the four-way switching valve 12 forms a connection indicated by a solid line in FIG. 1 and causes the refrigerant R to advance in a direction indicated by an arrow CO. When the hot heat utilization operation is performed, the four-way switching valve 12 forms a connection indicated by a broken line in FIG. 1 and causes the refrigerant R to advance in a direction indicated by an arrow HO. The four-way switching valve 12 is disposed in the machine chamber S4.(2-2-4) Heat source heat exchanger 13

[0035] The heat source heat exchanger 13 shown in FIG. 1 causes the refrigerant R to acquire cold heat or hot heat by exchanging heat between air as a heat source and the refrigerant R. When the cold heat utilization operation is performed, the heat source heat exchanger 13 functions as a condenser or a heat radiator for the refrigerant R, and causes the refrigerant R to acquire cold heat. When the hot heat utilization operation is performed, the heat source heat exchanger 13 functions as an evaporator or a heat absorber for the refrigerant R, and causes the refrigerant R to acquire hot heat. As shown in FIG. 5, the heat source heat exchanger 13 is disposed in the fan chamber S3.(2-2-5) Heat source fan 14

[0036] The heat source fan 14 shown in FIG. 1 generates an air flow passing through the heat source heat exchanger 13 to promote heat exchange between air and the refrigerant R. The heat source fan 14 includes a heat source fan blade 141 and a heat source fan motor 142. The heat source fan blade 141 generates an air flow. The heat source fan motor 142 rotates the heat source fan blade 141. As shown in FIG. 5, the heat source fan 14 is disposed in the fan chamber S3.(2-2-6) Heat source expansion valve 15

[0037] The heat source expansion valve 15 shown in FIG. 1 decompresses the refrigerant R. The heat source expansion valve 15 is constituted by an electric valve capable of adjusting a magnitude of an opening degree. When the opening degree of the heat source expansion valve 15 is set small, the amount of the refrigerant R that can pass through the heat source expansion valve 15 decreases, and the pressure of the refrigerant R after passing through the heat source expansion valve 15 decreases. The heat source expansion valve 15 is disposed in the machine chamber S4.(2-2-7) Accumulator 16

[0038] The accumulator 16 stores therein only a liquid component contained in the refrigerant R to allow only a gas component to pass therethrough. The accumulator 16 is connected to the suction pipe 11a of the compressor 11, and restrains the liquid component of the refrigerant R from damaging the compressor 11. The accumulator 16 is disposed in the machine chamber S4.(2-2-8) Liquid shutoff valve 17 and gas shutoff valve 18

[0039] The liquid shutoff valve 17 and the gas shutoff valve 18 shut off movement of the refrigerant R in installation work of the refrigeration apparatus 100 and the like. The liquid shutoff valve 17 and the gas shutoff valve 18 are manually opened or closed by an installation operator of the refrigeration apparatus 100.(2-2-9) Refrigerant sensor 41

[0040] The refrigerant sensor 41 detects the refrigerant R leaking from the refrigerant circuit constituting the heat source unit 10.(2-2-10) Heat source control unit 19

[0041] The heat source control unit 19 is a computer that performs various calculations. The heat source control unit 19 acquires signals from various sensors including a temperature sensor or a pressure sensor in addition to the refrigerant sensor 41. The heat source control unit 19 further controls actuators mounted on the compressor 11, the four-way switching valve 12, the heat source fan 14, the heat source expansion valve 15, and other components.(2-3) Utilization unit 20

[0042] The utilization unit 20 shown in FIG. 1 provides a user with cold heat or hot heat acquired by the heat source unit 10 from a heat source. The utilization unit 20 includes a casing 21, a utilization heat exchanger 23, and a utilization fan 24.(2-3-1) Casing 21

[0043] The casing 21 accommodates constituent elements of the utilization unit 20 including the utilization heat exchanger 23.(2-3-2) Utilization heat exchanger 23

[0044] The utilization heat exchanger 23 provides cold heat or hot heat to the user by performing heat exchange between the refrigerant R and air in an environment of the user, water used by the user, or the like. When the cold heat utilization operation is performed, the utilization heat exchanger 23 functions as an evaporator or a heat absorber of the refrigerant R and provides cold heat to the user. When the hot heat utilization operation is performed, the utilization heat exchanger 23 functions as a condenser or a heat radiator of the refrigerant R and provides hot heat to the user.(2-3-3) Utilization fan 24

[0045] The utilization fan 24 is provided when the user uses cold heat or hot heat through air. The utilization fan 24 generates an air flow passing through the utilization heat exchanger 23 to promote heat exchange between air and the refrigerant R.(2-3-4) Utilization control unit 29

[0046] The utilization control unit 29 is a computer that performs various calculations. The utilization control unit 29 acquires signals from various sensors. Furthermore, the utilization control unit 29 controls a motor mounted on the utilization fan 24. In addition, the utilization control unit 29 exchanges information with the heat source control unit 19 by communicating with the heat source control unit 19.(2-4) Connection pipe group 30

[0047] The connection pipe group 30 constitutes a circulation path of the refrigerant R by connecting the heat source unit 10 and the utilization unit 20. The connection pipe group 30 includes a liquid connection pipe 31 and a gas connection pipe 32. The liquid connection pipe 31 mainly allows the refrigerant R in a liquid state or a gas-liquid two-phase state to pass therethrough. The liquid connection pipe 31 connects the liquid shutoff valve 17 and the utilization heat exchanger 23. The gas connection pipe 32 mainly allows the refrigerant R in a high-pressure gas state or in a low-pressure gas state. The gas connection pipe 32 connects the gas shutoff valve 18 and the utilization heat exchanger 23.(2-5) Communication line 35

[0048] A communication line 35 enables communication between the heat source control unit 19 and the utilization control unit 29.(3) Overall operation(3-1) Cold heat utilization operation

[0049] When the cold heat utilization operation is performed, the four-way switching valve 12 forms a connection indicated by a solid line in FIG. 1 and causes the refrigerant R to advance in a direction indicated by an arrow CO.

[0050] The compressor 11 sucks the refrigerant R in a low-pressure gas state from the suction pipe 11a, and discharges the refrigerant R in a high-pressure gas state from the discharge pipe 11b. The refrigerant R in the high-pressure gas state passes through the four-way switching valve 12 and reaches the heat source heat exchanger 13. In the heat source heat exchanger 13, the refrigerant R in the high-pressure liquid state is generated by cold heat of air condensing the refrigerant R. The refrigerant R in the high-pressure liquid state is decompressed in the heat source expansion valve 15 to become the refrigerant R in the gas-liquid two-phase state. After that, the refrigerant R passes through the liquid shutoff valve 17 and the liquid connection pipe 31, and reaches the utilization heat exchanger 23. The utilization heat exchanger 23 evaporates the refrigerant R in the gas-liquid two-phase state to provide the user with cold heat carried by the refrigerant R, and generates the refrigerant R in the low-pressure gas state. Thereafter, the refrigerant R sequentially passes through the gas connection pipe 32, the gas shutoff valve 18, the four-way switching valve 12, and the accumulator 16, and then is sucked into the compressor 11 through the suction pipe 11a.(3-2) Hot heat utilization operation

[0051] When the hot heat utilization operation is performed, the four-way switching valve 12 forms a connection indicated by a broken line in FIG. 1 and causes the refrigerant R to advance in a direction indicated by an arrow HO.

[0052] The compressor 11 sucks the refrigerant R in a low-pressure gas state from the suction pipe 11a, and discharges the refrigerant R in a high-pressure gas state from the discharge pipe 11b. The refrigerant R in the high-pressure gas state sequentially passes through the four-way switching valve 12, the gas shutoff valve 18, and the gas connection pipe 32, and reaches the utilization heat exchanger 23. The utilization heat exchanger 23 condenses the refrigerant R in the high-pressure gas state to provide the user with hot heat carried by the refrigerant R and generate the refrigerant R in the high-pressure liquid state. After that, the refrigerant R passes through the liquid connection pipe 31 and the liquid shutoff valve 17, and reaches the heat source expansion valve 15. The refrigerant R in the high-pressure liquid state is decompressed in the heat source expansion valve 15 to become the refrigerant R in the gas-liquid two-phase state. Thereafter, the refrigerant R reaches the heat source heat exchanger 13. In the heat source heat exchanger 13, the refrigerant R in the low-pressure gas state is generated by hot heat of air evaporating the refrigerant R. Thereafter, the refrigerant R sequentially passes through the four-way switching valve 12 and the accumulator 16, and then is sucked into the compressor 11 through the suction pipe 11a.(4) Detailed structure of heat source unit 10

[0053] FIG. 5 shows a state of the heat source unit 10 from which some components have been removed. FIG. 5 shows the bottom plate 52, the vertical partition plate 70, the heat source heat exchanger 13, and the heat source fan 14. The fan chamber S3 is located on the left side of the vertical partition plate 70, and the machine chamber S4 is located on the right side of the vertical partition plate 70.

[0054] The bottom plate 52 has a bottom surface portion 521 and a wall 525. The bottom surface portion 521 has irregularities, but constitutes a generally horizontal plane. The wall 525 extends upward from a peripheral edge of the bottom surface portion 521. The vertical partition plate 70 partitions the bottom surface portion 521 into a fan chamber bottom surface portion 523 and a machine chamber bottom surface portion 522. Furthermore, the vertical partition plate 70 partitions the wall 525 into a fan chamber wall 527 and a machine chamber wall 526. The fan chamber wall 527 extends upward from a peripheral edge of the fan chamber bottom surface portion 523. The machine chamber wall 526 extends upward from a peripheral edge of the machine chamber bottom surface portion 522.

[0055] The vertical partition plate 70 is provided with a partition opening 75. The partition opening 75 allows the fan chamber S3 and the machine chamber S4 to communicate with each other. The heat source fan 14 generates an air flow flowing from the machine chamber S4 to the fan chamber S3 through the partition opening 75. The partition opening 75 moves the refrigerant R leaking into the machine chamber S4 to the fan chamber S3 by action of the heat source fan 14. The partition opening 75 is provided at a low position and is close to the bottom surface portion 521.

[0056] As schematically shown in FIG. 6, the vertical partition plate 70 has a first region 71, a second region 72, and a third region 73. The first region 71 extends from an end Q1 to an end Q2 in the horizontal transverse direction y of the casing 50 from the front plate 55. The second region 72 extends from the end Q2 of the first region 71 to an end Q3 toward the rear plate 56 in non-parallel with the first region 71. The second region 72 is a plane inclined so as to approach the second side plate 54 from the end Q2 of the first region 71. The third region 73 extends from the end Q3 of the second region 72 to an end Q4 toward the rear plate 56 by a short distance in non-parallel with the second region 72. The third region 73 is provided with an opening through which a pipe connecting the heat source heat exchanger 13 of the fan chamber S3 and a refrigerant circuit component of the machine chamber S4 passes. Alternatively, in order to allow such a pipe to pass through, when the area of the third region 73 is sufficiently small, it is also possible not to install the third region 73. The partition opening 75 that allows the fan chamber S3 and the machine chamber S4 to communicate with each other is provided in the second region 72.

[0057] The machine chamber wall 526 has an upper end 526H and a lower end 526L. The height of the upper end 526H means a height H0 of the machine chamber wall 526. The partition opening 75 has an upper end 75H and a lower end 75L. A height H2 of the lower end 75L of the partition opening 75 is a separation distance between the lower end 75L and the bottom surface portion 521. The height H2 of the lower end 75L of the partition opening 75 is lower than the height H0 of the machine chamber wall 526. The height H0 of the machine chamber wall 526 here may be an average value of a height of the machine chamber wall 526 in an entirety of the machine chamber wall 526.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, in the horizontal transverse direction y of the casing 50, the rear plate 56 is disposed at a position Y0, an end of the partition opening 75 close to the rear plate 56 is disposed at a position Y1, and an end of the heat source fan 14 close to the rear plate 56 is disposed at a position Y2.

[0059] A first separation distance P1 between the partition opening 75 and the rear plate 56 is an interval between the position Y0 and the position Y2. A second separation distance P2 between the heat source fan blade 141 of the heat source fan 14 and the rear plate 56 is an interval between the position Y0 and the position Y2. The first separation distance P1 is shorter than the second separation distance P2.(5) Control of heat source unit 10

[0060] The heat source control unit 19 drives the heat source fan 14 when the refrigerant sensor 41 detects the refrigerant R leaking from the refrigerant circuit regardless of whether the compressor 11 is operating or stopped. At this time, the refrigerant R leaking into the machine chamber S4 passes through the partition opening 75 by action of the heat source fan 14, and moves to the fan chamber S3. Thereafter, the refrigerant R is stirred by the air flow generated by the heat source fan 14, and the refrigerant R is diluted.(6) Characteristics

[0061] (6-1) The heat source fan 14 generates an air flow flowing from the machine chamber S4 to the fan chamber S3 through the partition opening 75. The height H2 of the lower end 75L of the partition opening 75 is lower than the height H0 of the machine chamber wall 526. Therefore, when the refrigerant R having a specific gravity larger than the specific gravity of air leaks from the refrigerant circuit of the machine chamber S4, the refrigerant R passes through the partition opening 75 and is guided to the fan chamber S3 before flowing out of the casing 50 over the machine chamber wall 526. The refrigerant R is then stirred and diluted by the air flow generated by the heat source fan 14. As a result, the high-concentration refrigerant R is restrained from flowing out of the heat source unit 10. (6-2) As the height H0 of the machine chamber wall 526 to be compared with a height position of the partition opening 75, an average value of the height in an entire area of the machine chamber wall 526 can be used. In this case, when the machine chamber wall 526 changes depending on the location, the height H0 of the machine chamber wall 526 can be uniquely determined. (6-3) Since the vertical partition plate 70 has the second region 72, the size of the fan chamber S3 near the rear plate 56 can be expanded as compared with the size of the fan chamber S3 near the front plate 55. Therefore, since the heat source heat exchanger 13 can be extended to the expanded fan chamber S3, the heat exchange efficiency of the heat source unit 10 can be improved. (6-4) The second region 72 is an inclined plane. Therefore, the size of the fan chamber S3 can be effectively expanded on the side of the rear plate 56. (6-5) The partition opening 75 is closer to the rear plate 56 than the heat source fan blade 141 of the heat source fan 14. Therefore, since the refrigerant R guided from the partition opening 75 to the fan chamber S3 is appropriately sucked by the heat source fan blade 141, the refrigerant R is effectively stirred and diluted. (6-6) The second side plate 54 disposed on the side of the machine chamber S4 has no opening having a significant size. Therefore, the high-concentration refrigerant R leaking into the machine chamber S4 is restrained from passing through the second side plate 54 and flowing out of the casing 50. (6-7) The heat source control unit 19 drives the heat source fan 14 when a leakage of the refrigerant R is detected. Therefore, even when the compressor 11 is stopped, an air flow passing through the partition opening 75 is generated, and the leaking refrigerant R is guided to the fan chamber S3. (6-8) The refrigerant R is a highly flammable refrigerant. Therefore, since the leaking highly flammable refrigerant is stirred and diluted, the concentration of the highly flammable refrigerant flowing out of the casing 50 can be reduced, and the safety can be improved at the installation location of the heat source unit 10. (7) Modifications

[0062] Modifications of the embodiment described so far will be described below. (7-1) First modification In the embodiment described above, the height H2 of the lower end 75L of the partition opening 75 is lower than the height H0 of the machine chamber wall 526. In addition, the height H1 of the upper end 75H of the partition opening 75 may be lower than the height H0 of the machine chamber wall 526. In this case, the refrigerant R leaking into the machine chamber S4 is more easily guided to the fan chamber S3. (7-2) Second modification In the embodiment, the second region 72 is a plane inclined so as to approach the second side plate 54 from the end Q2 of the first region 71. Alternatively, the second region 72 may be, for example, a curved surface having a gentle elliptic arc or an S-shaped cross section. (7-3) Third modification The refrigeration apparatus 100 according to the embodiment includes one heat source unit 10 and one utilization unit 20. Alternatively, the refrigeration apparatus 100 may include one heat source unit 10 and a plurality of utilization units 20. The refrigeration apparatus 100 may further include a plurality of heat source units 10. <Conclusion>

[0063] The embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above. It is understood that various changes to modes and details should be available without departing from the gist and scope of the present disclosure recited in the claims.REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

[0064] 10: heat source unit 11: compressor 13: heat source heat exchanger 14: heat source fan 19: heat source control unit 20: utilization unit 30: connection pipe group 41: refrigerant sensor 50: casing 51: top plate 52: bottom plate 53: first side plate 54: second side plate 55: front plate 56: rear plate 57: front grille 60: horizontal partition plate 70: vertical partition plate (partition plate) 71: first region 72: second region 73: third region 75: partition opening 75H: upper end of partition opening 75L: lower end of partition opening 100: refrigeration apparatus 141: heat source fan blade 142: heat source fan motor 521: bottom surface portion 522: machine chamber bottom surface portion (bottom surface) 523: fan chamber bottom surface portion 525: wall 526: machine chamber wall 526H: upper end of machine chamber wall 526L: lower end of machine chamber wall 527: fan chamber wall H0: height of machine chamber wall H1: height of upper end of partition opening H2: height of lower end of partition opening P1: first separation distance P2: second separation distance Q1: end of first region Q2: end of first region and end of second region Q3: end of second region and end of third region Q4: end of third region R: refrigerant S: internal space S3: fan chamber S4: machine chamber x: horizontal longitudinal direction y: horizontal transverse direction z: vertical direction

Claims

1. A heat source unit (10) comprising: a casing (50) having a bottom plate (52) and an internal space (S); a partition plate (70) that partitions the internal space into a fan chamber (S3) and a machine chamber (S4); a compressor (11) that is disposed in the machine chamber and compresses a refrigerant (R); and a heat source fan (14) disposed in the fan chamber, wherein the bottom plate includes a machine chamber wall (526) extending upward from a peripheral edge of a bottom surface (522) of the machine chamber, the partition plate includes a partition opening (75) that allows the fan chamber and the machine chamber to communicate with each other, and a height (H2) of a lower end (75L) of the partition opening is lower than a height (H0) of the machine chamber wall.

2. The heat source unit according to claim 1, wherein a height (H1) of an upper end (75H) of the partition opening is lower than the height (H0) of the machine chamber wall.

3. The heat source unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the height of the machine chamber wall is an average value of a height of the machine chamber wall in an entirety of the machine chamber wall.

4. The heat source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the casing further includes a first side plate (53) and a second side plate (54) that are separated from each other in a horizontal longitudinal direction (x) of the casing and a front plate (55) and a rear plate (56) that are separated from each other in a horizontal transverse direction (y) of the casing, the fan chamber is located on a side of the first side plate, the machine chamber is located on a side of the second side plate, the partition plate includes a first region (71) extending from the front plate in the horizontal transverse direction and a second region (72) extending from an end of the first region to the rear plate in non-parallel with the first region, and the partition opening is provided in the second region.

5. The heat source unit according to claim 4, wherein the second region is a plane inclined so as to approach the second side plate from an end (Q2) of the first region.

6. The heat source unit according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the heat source fan includes a heat source fan blade (141) that generates an air flow and a heat source fan motor (142) that rotates the heat source fan blade, and a first separation distance (P1) between the partition opening and the rear plate is shorter than a second separation distance (P2) between the heat source fan blade and the rear plate.

7. The heat source unit according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the second side plate does not have an opening having a size exceeding 5 mm.

8. The heat source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the heat source fan generates an air flow flowing from the machine chamber to the fan chamber through the partition opening.

9. The heat source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: a refrigerant sensor (41); and a heat source control unit (19), wherein the heat source control unit drives the heat source fan when the refrigerant sensor detects the refrigerant being leaking regardless of whether the compressor is operating or stopped.

10. The heat source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the refrigerant is a highly flammable refrigerant.

11. A refrigeration apparatus (100) comprising: the heat source unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10; and a utilization unit (20) that provides a user with hot heat or cold heat acquired by the heat source unit.

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