Air conditioning system
The air conditioning system addresses the inefficiencies of geothermal and indirect air cooling by integrating heat radiators, aquifer storage, and flexible heat exchange, enabling continuous cooling and efficient cold storage.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2023104029
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-06-26
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-15
AI Technical Summary
Geothermal systems face challenges in maintaining constant cooling as they rely on outside air temperature, and indirect outside air cooling devices are limited by air temperature, making continuous cooling inefficient.
An air conditioning system that integrates a heat radiating device for outside air cooling, an aquifer cold storage section, and a heat exchanger to enable parallel cold storage and cooling, using both air and water cooling methods, with adjustable heat radiators and valves for flexible cooling capacity.
The system allows for continuous cooling using outside air and efficient cold storage, enhancing cooling efficiency by utilizing aquifer storage and flexible heat exchange, regardless of outside air temperature.
Smart Images

Figure 2025004377000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system that provides cooling. [Background technology]
[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a geothermal system. The geothermal system includes a heat source well facility, a heat source machine, an auxiliary heat exchanger, a cooling tower, a plurality of pumps, a plurality of on-off valves, and a central control unit including a mode switching unit and a mode determination unit. The geothermal system operates mainly in a cold storage operation mode in winter, and stores cold energy in the heat source well facility. The geothermal system operates mainly in a cold release operation mode in summer, and releases cold energy from the heat source well facility.
[0003] The geothermal energy utilization system includes a primary refrigerant circuit, a secondary refrigerant circuit, a first auxiliary refrigerant circuit, a second auxiliary refrigerant circuit, a first expansion refrigerant circuit, and a second expansion refrigerant circuit, each including an on-off valve and a pump. The mode switching unit controls the opening and closing of each on-off valve so that at least one of the primary refrigerant circuit, the secondary refrigerant circuit, the first auxiliary refrigerant circuit, the second auxiliary refrigerant circuit, the first expansion refrigerant circuit, and the second expansion refrigerant circuit is operated. The central control unit controls the heat source unit, the cooling tower, each pump, and the well facility control unit.
[0004] Patent Document 2 describes an air conditioning system installed in a data center having a server room. The air conditioning system includes an indirect outdoor air cooling device that cools at least one room in a building. The indirect outdoor air cooling device includes an air conditioner, an outdoor unit, and piping that circulates a refrigerant between the air conditioner and the outdoor unit.
[0005] The indirect outdoor air cooling device includes two pipes. One of the two pipes supplies refrigerant from the air conditioner to the outdoor unit, and the other of the two pipes supplies refrigerant from the outdoor unit to the air conditioner. The air conditioner includes a first air conditioner coil, a second air conditioner coil, and an air conditioner blower. The first air conditioner coil inputs cooled refrigerant from the outdoor unit through the pipe, and outputs warmed refrigerant through the pipe to the outdoor unit. The second air conditioner coil inputs refrigerant cooled by the refrigerator. The air conditioner blower blows air cooled by the first air conditioner coil and the second air conditioner coil to the server room.
[0006] The outdoor unit includes an outdoor unit coil and an outdoor unit blower that blows outside air that has been heated by heat exchange in the outdoor unit coil. The outdoor unit coil is a heat exchanger that circulates a refrigerant and cools the refrigerant by exchanging heat between the outside air and the refrigerant. The outdoor unit coil inputs the warmed refrigerant from the air conditioner via piping, and outputs the refrigerant that has been cooled by heat exchange to the air conditioner via piping. In this way, the indirect outdoor air cooling device cools the server room of the data center using outside air. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6857883 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6431453 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0008] The above-mentioned geothermal system has a cold storage operation mode in which cold energy is stored in the heat source well equipment, and a cold release operation mode in which cold energy is released from the heat source well equipment. However, in facilities where cooling is constantly required, it may be necessary to perform cold storage and cooling in parallel. In the above-mentioned indirect outdoor air cooling device, the server room is cooled using the outside air taken in by the outdoor unit. However, in this indirect outdoor air cooling device, the outside air can only be used for cooling when the temperature of the outside air is low, so there may be a problem that cooling using the outside air cannot be performed constantly.
[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioning system that can store cold heat and perform cooling in parallel, and can steadily perform cooling using outside air. [Means for solving the problem]
[0010] The air conditioning system according to the present disclosure includes (1) a heat dissipation device that cools a first heat medium from an air conditioner that performs cooling by dissipating heat to outside air, a refrigerator that cools the first heat medium that is cooled by the heat dissipation device and supplied to the air conditioner, an aquifer cold storage unit provided underground, and a first heat exchanger that exchanges heat between a second heat medium passing through the aquifer cold storage unit and the first heat medium supplied to the air conditioner.
[0011] This air conditioning system includes a heat dissipation device that cools a first heat medium from an air conditioner by dissipating heat to outside air, and the first heat medium cooled by the heat dissipation device is supplied to the air conditioner. Therefore, the air conditioner can steadily perform cooling using outside air. The air conditioning system includes an aquifer cold storage unit provided underground, and a second heat medium flows through the aquifer cold storage unit. The air conditioning system includes a refrigerator that cools the first heat medium supplied to the air conditioner, and a first heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the first heat medium and the second heat medium supplied to the air conditioner. Therefore, the first heat medium cooled by the refrigerator is supplied to the air conditioner to perform cooling, and the cold heat of the first heat medium is supplied to the second heat medium in the first heat exchanger to store cold heat in the aquifer cold storage unit. Therefore, cold heat storage and cooling can be performed in parallel.
[0012] (2) In the above (1), the heat dissipation device may dissipate heat by air cooling. In this case, the first heat medium can be cooled by air cooling by supplying cold energy from outside air to the first heat medium.
[0013] (3) In the above (1), the heat dissipation device may dissipate heat by water cooling. In this case, the cold energy of the water cooled by the outside air is supplied to the first heat medium, so that the first heat medium can be cooled by water cooling.
[0014] (4) In the above (3), the heat dissipation device may have a cooling tower and a second heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the water passing through the cooling tower and the first heat medium. In this case, the cold energy of the water in the cooling tower is supplied to the first heat medium in the second heat exchanger. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the water in the cooling tower from flowing toward the air conditioner.
[0015] (5) In any of the above (1) to (4), the heat dissipation device may have a plurality of heat dissipation devices that cool the third heat medium by heat dissipation, a first header to which the third heat medium is supplied from each of the plurality of heat dissipation devices, and a second header to which the third heat medium is supplied from each of the plurality of heat dissipation devices. The cold heat of the third heat medium in at least one of the first header and the second header may be supplied to the first heat medium. In this case, the amount of heat for the first heat medium supplied to the air conditioner can be freely changed. Effect of the Invention
[0016] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to store cold heat and perform cooling in parallel, and it is also possible to steadily perform cooling using outside air. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an air conditioning system according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an air conditioning system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 4] 3(a), (b) and (c) are diagrams showing operation modes of the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 3(a), (b) and (c) are diagrams showing operation modes of the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 3(a) and 3(b) are diagrams showing operation modes of the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 3(a) and 3(b) are diagrams showing operation modes of the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 13(a), (b) and (c) are diagrams showing operation modes of an air conditioning system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] 13(a) and 13(b) are diagrams illustrating an example of details of a heat radiating device of an air conditioning system according to a modified example. [Figure 10] 13(a) and 13(b) are diagrams illustrating an example of details of a heat radiating device of an air conditioning system according to a modified example. [Figure 11] 13(a) and (b) are diagrams showing an air conditioning system according to a modified example. [Figure 12] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of steps of an air conditioning method according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an air conditioning system according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions are omitted as appropriate. The drawings may be partially simplified or exaggerated for ease of understanding, and the dimensional ratios and the like are not limited to those shown in the drawings.
[0019] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system 1 according to a first embodiment. For example, the air conditioning system 1 is intended for use in extremely cold regions. The air conditioning system 1 has a plurality of flow paths R through which a first heat medium B1 passes. In this disclosure, the term "heat medium" refers to a fluid such as a liquid or gas that is heated or cooled to supply heat at a desired temperature to an apparatus.
[0020] For example, the air conditioning system 1 is installed in a building. For example, the building in which the air conditioning system 1 is installed is a building in which cooling is performed all year round. As an example, the "building in which cooling is performed all year round" is a data center equipped with a server room in which servers are installed. The building may also be a logistics warehouse. The first heat medium B1 passing through the multiple flow paths R is a refrigerant, for example, an antifreeze liquid.
[0021] The air conditioning system 1 has an air conditioner 2 that performs cooling, and a heat dissipation device 3 that cools the first heat medium B1 from the air conditioner 2 by dissipating heat to the outside air. In the present disclosure, the "heat dissipation device" may be one heat dissipation device or a group of multiple heat dissipation devices. The air conditioner 2 is provided, for example, in a server room or in a separate room, and performs cooling for the server room. The air conditioning system 1 has multiple heat dissipation devices 3. As an example, the air conditioning system 1 has three heat dissipation devices 3.
[0022] The heat dissipation device 3 is, for example, an air-cooled radiator. In this case, the heat dissipation device 3 cools the first heat medium B1 flowing through the multiple flow paths R by air cooling. That is, the heat dissipation device 3 dissipates heat from the first heat medium B1 by air cooling. For example, the multiple heat dissipation devices 3 include a first heat dissipation device 3b, a second heat dissipation device 3c, and a third heat dissipation device 3d.
[0023] The air conditioning system 1 includes a refrigerator 4 that cools a first heat medium B1 that is cooled by a heat dissipation device 3 and is supplied to an air conditioner 2, an aquifer heat storage unit 5 provided in the ground G, an aquifer cold storage unit 6 provided in a location in the ground G different from the aquifer heat storage unit 5, and a first heat exchanger 7. The air conditioning system 1 includes a flow path T that extends from the aquifer heat storage unit 5 to the aquifer cold storage unit 6 via the first heat exchanger 7, and a second heat medium B2 is passed through the flow path T. The first heat exchanger 7 exchanges heat between the second heat medium B2 that passes through the aquifer heat storage unit 5 and the aquifer cold storage unit 6 and the first heat medium B1 that is supplied to the air conditioner 2.
[0024] For example, the refrigerator 4 includes an evaporator 4b and a condenser 4c. The aquifer heat storage unit 5 and the aquifer cold storage unit 6 are provided in an aquifer underground G. The aquifer is a sand or gravel layer sandwiched between impermeable layers and saturated with water, and therefore has excellent insulation properties and a large heat capacity. For example, the aquifer heat storage unit 5 stores hot heat in the summer, and the aquifer cold storage unit 6 stores cold heat in the winter. The aquifer heat storage unit 5 and the aquifer cold storage unit 6 enable large-scale long-term heat storage.
[0025] For example, in summer, the first heat medium B1 supplied to the air conditioner 2 is cooled by the chiller 4. However, in order to realize decarbonization of the cooling load in summer, it may be necessary to cool the first heat medium B1 by the heat dissipation device 3 and the aquifer cold storage unit 6. In this embodiment, the air conditioning system 1 is a system that performs outdoor air cooling in winter when the outdoor temperature and humidity are low, stores cold energy in the aquifer cold storage unit 6, and reduces the load of the chiller 4 by using the cold energy stored in the aquifer cold storage unit 6 in summer.
[0026] A detailed description will be given of an example of the multiple flow paths R through which the first heat medium B1 supplied to the air conditioner 2 passes. The multiple flow paths R include a flow path R1 extending from the air conditioner 2 to the first heat radiating device 3b, and a flow path R2 extending from the first heat radiating device 3b to the air conditioner 2. In the flow path R1, the first heat medium B1 flows from the air conditioner 2 toward the first heat radiating device 3b, and in the flow path R2, the first heat medium B1 flows from the first heat radiating device 3b toward the air conditioner 2.
[0027] The first heat dissipation device 3b cools the first heat medium B1 that flows in from the air conditioner 2 via flow path R1 by heat dissipation and air cooling. The first heat medium B1 cooled by the first heat dissipation device 3b is supplied to the air conditioner 2 through flow path R2. As an example, the temperature of the first heat medium B1 flowing out from the air conditioner 2 to flow path R1 is 25°C, and the temperature of the first heat medium B1 flowing into the air conditioner 2 from flow path R2 is 15°C.
[0028] The flow path R includes a flow path R3 that branches off from the flow path R1 and extends to the refrigerator 4, and a flow path R4 that extends from the refrigerator 4 to the flow path R2. For example, the flow paths R3 and R4 are connected to the evaporator 4b of the refrigerator 4. A part of the first heat medium B1 flowing through the flow paths R1 and R2 flows into the refrigerator 4 (evaporator 4b) through the flow path R3 and is cooled by the refrigerator 4. The first heat medium B1 cooled by the refrigerator 4 is supplied to the air conditioner 2 through the flow paths R4 and R2.
[0029] The flow path R includes a flow path R5 extending from the second heat radiating device 3c to the refrigerator 4, a flow path R6 extending from the third heat radiating device 3d to the air conditioner 2, a flow path R7 extending from the refrigerator 4 to the flow path R6, and a flow path R8 extending from the second heat radiating device 3c to the flow path R7. For example, the flow paths R5 and R7 are connected to the condenser 4c of the refrigerator 4. In the refrigerator 4, cold heat is generated in the evaporator 4b, and hot heat is generated in the condenser 4c. For example, the first heat medium B1 having hot heat from the condenser 4c flows into the second heat radiating device 3c through the flow path R5, is cooled by the second heat radiating device 3c, and then flows into the flow path R8.
[0030] In flow path R6, the first heat medium B1 flows from the air conditioner 2 toward the third heat dissipation device 3d, and a part of the first heat medium B1 that passes through flow path R6 and flow path R10 (described later) flows in flow paths R7, R5, R8, and 12. The second heat dissipation device 3c cools the first heat medium B1 that has flowed in through flow path R5 by dissipating heat through air cooling. The first heat medium B1 cooled by the second heat dissipation device 3c is supplied to the refrigerator 4 (condenser 4c) through flow path R8.
[0031] The flow path R includes a flow path R9 extending from the third heat radiating device 3d to the first heat exchanger 7, and a flow path R10 extending from the first heat exchanger 7 to the air conditioner 2. The third heat radiating device 3d cools the first heat medium B1 that flows in from the air conditioner 2 via the flow path R6 by heat dissipation and air cooling. The first heat medium B1 cooled by the third heat radiating device 3d is supplied to the first heat exchanger 7 through the flow path R9.
[0032] The first heat exchanger 7 exchanges heat between the first heat medium B1 flowing in from the third heat dissipation device 3d through the flow path R9 and the second heat medium B2 passing through the flow path T. For example, the cold energy of the first heat medium B1 from the third heat dissipation device 3d is supplied to the second heat medium B2 through the first heat exchanger 7, and the cold energy supplied to the second heat medium B2 is stored in the aquifer cold storage unit 6.
[0033] In addition, the cold energy of the second heat medium B2 from the aquifer cold storage section 6 may be supplied to the first heat medium B1 via the first heat exchanger 7, and the cold energy supplied to the first heat medium B1 may be supplied to the air conditioner 2. In the flow path R10, the first heat medium B1 that has been heat exchanged by the first heat exchanger 7 is supplied to the air conditioner 2.
[0034] The flow paths R include a flow path R11 extending from the flow path R1 to the flow path R6 via the flow path R5, a flow path R12 extending from the flow path R2 to the flow path R9 via the flow path R8, and a flow path R13 extending from the flow path R9 to the flow path R6. In the flow path R11, the first heat medium B1 flows from the flow path R1 toward the flow path R5 and the flow path R6, and in the flow path R12, the first heat medium B1 flows from the flow path R9 toward the flow path R8 and the flow path R2. In the flow path R13, the first heat medium B1 flows from the flow path R9 toward the flow path R6.
[0035] The air conditioning system 1 includes, for example, a plurality of valves V provided between the plurality of flow paths R, a plurality of pumps P1 provided between the plurality of flow paths R, a plurality of pumps P2 provided between the plurality of flow paths T, and a control unit that controls the plurality of valves V, the plurality of pumps P1, and the plurality of pumps P2. The control unit controls the opening and closing of the plurality of valves V and the operation of the plurality of pumps P1 and the plurality of pumps P2, thereby controlling the flow of the first heat medium B1 in the flow paths R1 to R13 and the flow of the second heat medium B2 in the flow path T.
[0036] Second embodiment 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system 1A according to a second embodiment. A part of the configuration of the air conditioning system 1A is the same as a part of the configuration of the air conditioning system 1 described above. Therefore, in the following, the explanations that overlap with the explanation of the air conditioning system 1 will be appropriately omitted by assigning the same reference numerals. The air conditioning system 1A has a heat dissipation device 3A that dissipates heat by water cooling instead of the heat dissipation device 3 that dissipates heat by air cooling.
[0037] The heat dissipation equipment 3A has a cooling tower 8 and a second heat exchanger 9 that performs heat exchange between the water W passing through the cooling tower 8 and the first heat medium B1. The cooling tower 8 cools the water W. For example, the air conditioning system 1A is intended for areas where the wet-bulb temperature is seldom below 0°C and where it is possible to use a cooling tower.
[0038] The heat dissipation device 3A includes a flow path U through which the water W flows between the cooling tower 8 and the second heat exchanger 9, and a pump P3 provided in the flow path U. The above-mentioned control unit controls the operation of the pump P3. As a result, the water W flows from the second heat exchanger 9 into the cooling tower 8, and the water W cooled by the cooling tower 8 is supplied to the second heat exchanger 9.
[0039] The air conditioning system 1A has flow paths R1 to R13 through which the first heat medium B1 flows, and for example, in the air conditioning system 1A, the first heat medium B1 is water. The air conditioning system 1A has a plurality of heat dissipation devices 3A, and for example, the plurality of heat dissipation devices 3A include a first heat dissipation device 3f, a second heat dissipation device 3g, and a third heat dissipation device 3h. The flow paths R1 and R2 are connected to the second heat exchanger 9 of the first heat dissipation device 3f, the flow paths R5 and R8 are connected to the second heat exchanger 9 of the second heat dissipation device 3g, and the flow paths R6 and R9 are connected to the second heat exchanger 9 of the third heat dissipation device 3h.
[0040] The first heat radiating device 3f cools the first heat medium B1 that has flowed in from the air conditioner 2 via the flow path R1 by heat radiation and water cooling. At this time, the first heat medium B1 flowing through the second heat exchanger 9 of the first heat radiating device 3f is cooled by the water W flowing through the second heat exchanger 9. The second heat radiating device 3g cools the first heat medium B1 that has flowed in via the flow path R5 by heat radiation and water cooling, for example.
[0041] At this time, the first heat medium B1 flowing through the second heat exchanger 9 of the second heat radiating device 3g is cooled by the water W flowing through the second heat exchanger 9. Similarly, the third heat radiating device 3h cools the first heat medium B1 flowing from the air conditioner 2 via the flow path R6 by heat dissipation and water cooling. At this time, the first heat medium B1 flowing through the second heat exchanger 9 of the third heat radiating device 3h is cooled by the water W flowing through the second heat exchanger 9.
[0042] Third embodiment 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system 1B according to a third embodiment. The air conditioning system 1B includes a heat dissipation device 3 that dissipates heat by air cooling and a heat dissipation device 3A that dissipates heat by water cooling. The air conditioning system 1B includes flow paths R14, R15, and R16 instead of flow paths R11, R12, and R13, and a heat exchanger 10. For example, a first heat medium B1 as an antifreeze liquid flows through flow paths R1 to R4, and a first heat medium B1 as water flows through flow paths R5 to R10. Water W flows through flow paths R14 to R16.
[0043] The air conditioning system 1B includes a plurality of heat dissipation devices 3A, and the plurality of heat dissipation devices 3A include a first heat dissipation device 3j and a second heat dissipation device 3k. A flow path R14 extends from a flow path U of the first heat dissipation device 3j to a flow path U of the second heat dissipation device 3k. A flow path R15 extends from a flow path U of the first heat dissipation device 3j to a heat exchanger 10, and a flow path R16 extends from a flow path U of the second heat dissipation device 3k to a heat exchanger 10. The flow paths R14 to R16 and the heat exchanger 10 enable the capacity to be shared between the first heat dissipation device 3j and the second heat dissipation device 3k.
[0044] Next, an example of the operation of the air conditioning system will be described. First, an example of the operation of the air conditioning system 1 described above will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 7. Note that in Figure 4 and subsequent figures, the same reference numerals as those in Figures 1 to 3 have been omitted as appropriate to avoid complication.
[0045] First, the example shown in Fig. 4(a) (hereinafter referred to as the first mode) will be described. In Fig. 4(a) and subsequent figures, the valves V that are filled in black indicate valves V that are closed, and the valves V that are filled in white indicate valves V that are open. In Fig. 4(a) and subsequent figures, of the flow paths R1 to R13, the flow paths R1 to R13 shown in thick lines indicate flow paths through which the first heat medium B1 flows, and the flow paths R1 to R13 shown in thin lines indicate flow paths through which the first heat medium B1 does not flow.
[0046] In the first mode, the air conditioning system 1 performs cooling only by indirect outdoor air cooling. In the first mode, the first heat medium B1 flows from the air conditioner 2 into the first heat radiating device 3b, and the first heat radiating device 3b cools the first heat medium B1 that has flowed in. The first heat medium B1 cooled by the first heat radiating device 3b is supplied to the air conditioner 2 via the flow path R2.
[0047] A part of the first heat medium B1 flowing through the flow path R1 flows into the second heat dissipation device 3c through the flow path R11 and the flow path R5, and flows into the third heat dissipation device 3d through the flow path R11 and the flow path R6. Each of the second heat dissipation device 3c and the third heat dissipation device 3d cools the first heat medium B1 that has flowed in.
[0048] The first heat medium B1 cooled by the second heat radiating device 3c passes through flow paths R8 and R12 to merge with flow path R2, and is then supplied to the air conditioner 2. The first heat medium B1 cooled by the third heat radiating device 3d passes through flow paths R9 and R12 to merge with flow path R2, and is then supplied to the air conditioner 2.
[0049] As described above, in the first mode, cooling is performed only by indirect outdoor air cooling using multiple (three, as an example) heat dissipation devices 3. The first mode is a mode that uses a suitable capacity within the range of the total capacity of the first heat dissipation device 3b, the second heat dissipation device 3c, and the third heat dissipation device 3d. In the first mode, by adjusting the capacity used by the heat dissipation device 3, the heat transfer area for heat dissipation changes, and the supply temperature of the first heat medium B1 to the air conditioner 2 changes. This makes it possible to supply a suitable amount of cold heat at a suitable temperature to the air conditioner 2 by suitable power of the pump P1.
[0050] FIG. 4(b) is a diagram showing the second mode of the air conditioning system 1. A part of the operation in the second mode is the same as a part of the operation in the first mode described above. Therefore, in the following description, the description overlapping with the first mode will be omitted as appropriate. In the second mode, aquifer heat storage by free cooling using the third heat dissipation device 3d is performed in parallel with air conditioning.
[0051] In the second mode, the first heat medium B1 flows from the first heat exchanger 7 to the third heat dissipation device 3d through the flow path R6, and the third heat dissipation device 3d cools the first heat medium B1. The first heat medium B1 cooled by the third heat dissipation device 3d is supplied to the first heat exchanger 7 through the flow path R9. The first heat exchanger 7 transfers the cold energy of the cooled first heat medium B1 to the second heat medium B2 passing through the flow path T to cool the second heat medium B2. The cooled second heat medium B2 flows into the aquifer cold storage section 6. This causes cold energy to accumulate in the aquifer cold storage section 6. As described above, according to the second mode, the air conditioning system 1 can perform cooling and cold storage in parallel.
[0052] 4(c) is a diagram showing a third mode of the air conditioning system 1. In the third mode, the air conditioning system 1 cools the first heat medium B1 by indirect outdoor air cooling, and further removes heat from the first heat medium B1 by the refrigerator 4, and supplies the first heat medium B1 to the air conditioner 2. That is, the first heat medium B1 cooled by the first heat dissipation device 3b flows into the refrigerator 4 (evaporator 4b) through flow paths R2 and R3, and is cooled by the refrigerator 4. The first heat medium B1 cooled by the refrigerator 4 flows into the air conditioner 2 through flow paths R4 and R2.
[0053] For example, the capacities of the first heat dissipation device 3b, the second heat dissipation device 3c, and the third heat dissipation device 3d are not fixed but are changeable. The first heat medium B1 flows into the second heat dissipation device 3c from the refrigerator 4 (condenser 4c) through a flow path R5. The second heat dissipation device 3c cools the first heat medium B1 that has flowed in, and the first heat medium B1 cooled by the second heat dissipation device 3c flows into the refrigerator 4 through a flow path R8.
[0054] The first heat medium B1 flows into the third heat dissipation device 3d from the refrigerator 4 (condenser 4c) through flow paths R5, R11, and R6. The third heat dissipation device 3d cools the first heat medium B1 that has flowed in, and the first heat medium B1 cooled by the third heat dissipation device 3d flows into the refrigerator 4 through flow paths R9, R12, and R8.
[0055] In the third mode, some (first heat dissipation device 3b) of the multiple heat dissipation devices 3 are used for indirect outdoor air cooling of the air conditioner 2, and the remaining (second heat dissipation device 3c and third heat dissipation device 3d) of the multiple heat dissipation devices 3 are used for cooling the condenser 4c of the refrigerator 4. Since the efficiency of the refrigerator 4 can be increased as the temperature of the first heat medium B1 in the condenser 4c is lower, in the third mode, indirect outdoor air cooling is performed and the efficiency of the refrigerator 4 can be increased.
[0056] 5(a) is a diagram showing a fourth mode of the air conditioning system 1. The fourth mode differs from the third mode in the operation of the third heat dissipation device 3d. As in the second mode, the third heat dissipation device 3d cools the first heat medium B1 flowing in from the first heat exchanger 7 and supplies the cooled first heat medium B1 to the first heat exchanger 7.
[0057] The first heat exchanger 7 transfers the cold energy of the first heat medium B1 to the second heat medium B2 to cool the second heat medium B2, and the cooled second heat medium B2 is supplied to the aquifer cold storage section 6, whereby cold energy is stored in the aquifer cold storage section 6. In the fourth mode, a part of the multiple heat dissipation devices 3 (the first heat dissipation device 3b) performs indirect outdoor air cooling, a part of the multiple heat dissipation devices 3 (the second heat dissipation device 3c) cools the condenser 4c of the refrigerator 4, and the remaining part of the multiple heat dissipation devices 3 (the third heat dissipation device 3d) stores cold energy in the aquifer cold storage section 6. Therefore, in the fourth mode, the air conditioning system 1 can perform indirect outdoor air cooling, improve the efficiency of the refrigerator 4, and store cold energy in the aquifer cold storage section 6 in parallel.
[0058] 5(b) is a diagram showing a fifth mode of the air conditioning system 1. In the fifth mode, the air conditioner 2 performs cooling using the first heat medium B1 cooled by the refrigerator 4. The first heat medium B1 flows from the air conditioner 2 into the evaporator 4b of the refrigerator 4 via flow paths R1 and R3. The evaporator 4b cools the flowing first heat medium B1, and the first heat medium B1 cooled by the evaporator 4b is supplied to the air conditioner 2 via flow paths R4 and R2.
[0059] The first heat medium B1 flows into the first heat dissipation device 3b from the condenser 4c of the refrigerator 4 through flow paths R5, R11, and R1. The first heat dissipation device 3b cools the first heat medium B1 that has flowed in, and the first heat medium B1 cooled by the first heat dissipation device 3b is supplied to the condenser 4c of the refrigerator 4 through flow paths R2, R12, R8, and R7.
[0060] The first heat medium B1 flows into the second heat dissipation device 3c from the condenser 4c through the flow path R5. The second heat dissipation device 3c cools the first heat medium B1 that flows in, and the first heat medium B1 cooled by the second heat dissipation device 3c is supplied to the condenser 4c through the flow paths R8 and R7. The first heat medium B1 flows into the third heat dissipation device 3d from the condenser 4c through the flow paths R5, R11, and R6. The third heat dissipation device 3d cools the first heat medium B1 that flows in, and the first heat medium B1 cooled by the third heat dissipation device 3d is supplied to the condenser 4c through the flow paths R9, R12, R8, and R7.
[0061] As described above, in the fifth mode, the first heat medium B1 is cooled by the first heat dissipation device 3b, the second heat dissipation device 3c, and the third heat dissipation device 3d, and the first heat medium B1 cooled by the first heat dissipation device 3b, the second heat dissipation device 3c, and the third heat dissipation device 3d is supplied to the condenser 4c. Therefore, the efficiency of the refrigerator 4 can be further improved.
[0062] 5(c) is a diagram showing a sixth mode of the air conditioning system 1. In the sixth mode, the air conditioner 2 performs cooling using the first heat medium B1 cooled by the refrigerator 4, and a part (the third heat dissipation device 3d) of the multiple heat dissipation devices 3 stores cold in the aquifer cold storage unit 6. The first heat dissipation device 3b and the second heat dissipation device 3c supply the cooled first heat medium B1 to the condenser 4c of the refrigerator 4, as in the fifth mode.
[0063] As in the second mode, the third heat dissipation device 3d cools the first heat medium B1 flowing in from the first heat exchanger 7 and supplies the cooled first heat medium B1 to the first heat exchanger 7. Then, the first heat exchanger 7 transfers the cold energy of the first heat medium B1 to the second heat medium B2, thereby storing the cold energy in the aquifer cold storage unit 6.
[0064] 6(a) is a diagram showing a seventh mode of the air conditioning system 1. In the seventh mode, the air conditioner 2 performs cooling using the first heat medium B1 cooled by the refrigerator 4, the first heat dissipation device 3b, the second heat dissipation device 3c, and the third heat dissipation device 3d store cold in the aquifer cold storage unit 6, and the first heat medium B1 that has passed through the first heat exchanger 7 is supplied to the condenser 4c.
[0065] In the seventh mode, the cold heat from the first heat radiating device 3b, the second heat radiating device 3c, and the third heat radiating device 3d and the cold heat from the aquifer cold storage unit 6 are used as heat source water for the refrigerator 4. In the seventh mode, the first heat medium B1 is cooled by the first heat radiating device 3b, the second heat radiating device 3c, and the third heat radiating device 3d, and then the first heat medium B1 is further heat-removed by the second heat medium B2 flowing from the aquifer cold storage unit 6 in the first heat exchanger 7 and is guided to the refrigerator 4 (condenser 4c). The seventh mode is an aquifer cold-discharge mode in which the aquifer cold storage unit 6 discharges cold. In the seventh mode, it is possible to perform cooling with even higher efficiency.
[0066] FIG. 6(b) is a diagram showing a deformation pattern of the seventh mode of the air conditioning system 1. In this deformation pattern, the cold heat (second heat medium B2) stored in the aquifer cold storage section 6 is supplied to the first heat medium B1 cooled by the first heat radiating device 3b, the second heat radiating device 3c, and the third heat radiating device 3d, and sent to the refrigerator 4 (condenser 4c). In the deformation pattern shown in FIG. 6(b), the first heat medium B1 cooled by the first heat radiating device 3b, the first heat medium B1 cooled by the second heat radiating device 3c, and a part of the first heat medium B1 cooled by the third heat radiating device 3d are supplied to the refrigerator 4 without passing through the first heat exchanger 7. This point is different from the seventh mode shown in FIG. 6(a).
[0067] FIG. 7(a) is a diagram showing the eighth mode of the air conditioning system 1. In the eighth mode, the air conditioner 2 performs cooling using the first heat medium B1 cooled by the refrigerator 4 and the cold energy stored in the aquifer cold storage unit 6. The first heat dissipation device 3b, the second heat dissipation device 3c, and the third heat dissipation device 3d cool the first heat medium B1 supplied to the refrigerator 4 (condenser 4c), and the refrigerator 4 (evaporator 4b) supplies the cooled first heat medium B1 to the air conditioner 2. The cold energy stored in the aquifer cold storage unit 6 is supplied to the air conditioner 2 via the first heat exchanger 7. The eighth mode is an aquifer cold discharge mode in which the aquifer cold storage unit 6 discharges cold.
[0068] Fig. 7(b) is a diagram showing a deformation pattern of the eighth mode of the air conditioning system 1. The deformation pattern in Fig. 7(b) differs from Fig. 7(a) in that the first heat medium B1 from the air conditioner 2 is cooled by the third heat radiating device 3d, and the first heat medium B1 cooled by the third heat radiating device 3d is heat exchanged in the first heat exchanger 7. The first heat exchanger 7 supplies the cold energy stored in the aquifer cold storage unit 6 to the first heat medium B1, and the first heat medium B1 to which the cold energy has been supplied flows into the air conditioner 2.
[0069] The first to eighth modes in the air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment have been described above. The first to eighth modes can also be performed in the air conditioning system 1A according to the second embodiment and the air conditioning system 1B according to the third embodiment. Below, the aquifer cool-release modes (seventh and eighth modes) of the air conditioning system 1B according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8(a), 8(b) and 8(c).
[0070] Fig. 8(a) is a diagram showing the seventh mode of the air conditioning system 1B. In Fig. 8(a), the air conditioner 2 performs cooling using the first heat medium B1 cooled by the refrigerator 4. In Fig. 8(a), the path of the first heat medium B1 from the refrigerator 4 (condenser 4c) to the heat dissipation device 3A (the first heat dissipation device 3j and the second heat dissipation device 3k), the path of the first heat medium B1 from the heat dissipation device 3A to the first heat exchanger 7, and the path of the first heat medium B1 from the first heat exchanger 7 to the refrigerator 4 (condenser 4c) are connected in series.
[0071] In the seventh mode, the first heat medium B1 is cooled in the heat radiating device 3A, and cold heat is supplied to the first heat medium B1 cooled in the heat radiating device 3A in the first heat exchanger 7. The first heat medium B1 to which the cold heat has been supplied is supplied to the refrigerator 4 (condenser 4c). In the seventh mode, the capacities of the first heat radiating device 3j and the second heat radiating device 3k are not fixed but are changeable.
[0072] FIG. 8(b) is a diagram showing the eighth mode of the air conditioning system 1B. In FIG. 8(b), the air conditioner 2 performs cooling using the first heat medium B1 cooled by the refrigerator 4 and the first heat medium B1 cooled by the cold energy of the aquifer cold storage unit 6. In the eighth mode, the heat dissipation device 3A (the first heat dissipation device 3j and the second heat dissipation device 3k) is used as heat source water for the refrigerator 4. The cold energy of the aquifer cold storage unit 6 is supplied to the air conditioner 2 via the first heat exchanger 7. In the eighth mode, the capacities of the first heat dissipation device 3j and the second heat dissipation device 3k are not fixed but are changeable.
[0073] Fig. 8(c) is a diagram showing a modified pattern of the eighth mode of the air conditioning system 1B. In this modified pattern, similar to Fig. 8(b), the air conditioner 2 performs cooling using the first heat medium B1 cooled by the refrigerator 4 and the cold heat of the aquifer cold storage section 6. In this modified pattern, the first heat dissipation device 3j is used as heat source water for the refrigerator 4. The second heat dissipation device 3k cools the first heat medium B1 from the air conditioner 2, and the first heat medium B1 cooled by the second heat dissipation device 3k is supplied to the air conditioner 2 via the first heat exchanger 7.
[0074] Next, a system for changing the capacity of a plurality of heat dissipation devices will be described with reference to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. Fig. 9(a) shows a heat dissipation device 11 of an air conditioning system according to a first modified example. The heat dissipation device 11 includes heat dissipation devices 12b, 12c, 12d,...,12p which are a plurality of heat dissipation devices that cool the third heat medium B3 by dissipating heat, and a first header 13b, a second header 13c, and a third header 13d to which the third heat medium B3 is supplied from each of the heat dissipation devices 12b, 12c, 12d,...,12p.
[0075] The heat dissipation device 11 is provided, for example, in place of the first heat dissipation device 3b, the second heat dissipation device 3c, and the third heat dissipation device 3d of the air conditioning system 1 (see FIG. 1) described above. A flow path R1 is connected to the first header 13b, a flow path R5 is connected to the second header 13c, and a flow path R6 is connected to the third header 13d. The first heat medium B1 flows into the first header 13b via the flow path R1, the first heat medium B1 flows into the second header 13c via the flow path R5, and the first heat medium B1 flows into the third header 13d via the flow path R6.
[0076] As described above, the first heat medium B1 flows into the heat dissipation device 11 from each of the flow paths R1, R5, and R6. The heat dissipation device 11 cools the first heat medium B1 that has flowed in by the action of the heat dissipation devices 12b, 12c, 12d, . . . 12p described below. Note that the air conditioning system according to the first modified example includes a heat dissipation device (not shown) that flows the cooled first heat medium B1 into the flow paths R2, R8, and R9, and the configuration of the heat dissipation device is similar to that of the heat dissipation device 11.
[0077] Each of the first header 13b, the second header 13c, and the third header 13d has a plurality of flow paths 14 extending from each of the heat dissipation devices 12b, 12c, 12d, . . . 12p, and a plurality of valves 15 provided in each of the flow paths 14. The plurality of valves 15 in each of the first header 13b, the second header 13c, and the third header 13d are controlled to open and close by the control unit described above. This allows the capacity of the third heat medium B3 in the first header 13b, the second header 13c, and the third header 13d to be changed. The first header 13b, the second header 13c, and the third header 13d supply the first heat medium B1 that has flowed in as the third heat medium B3 to the heat dissipation devices 12b, 12c, 12d, . . . 12p.
[0078] 9(b) shows a heat dissipation device 21 of an air conditioning system according to a second modification. A part of the configuration of the heat dissipation device 21 is the same as a part of the configuration of the heat dissipation device 11 described above. Therefore, in the following, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same parts as those of the heat dissipation device 11, and the description overlapping with the configuration of the heat dissipation device 11 will be omitted as appropriate. The heat dissipation device 21 includes the heat dissipation devices 12b, 12c, 12d, . . . 12p, a first header 23b that supplies the third heat medium B3 to each of the heat dissipation devices 12b, 12c, 12d, . . . 12p, and a second header 23c to which the third heat medium B3 is supplied from each of the heat dissipation devices 12b, 12c, 12d, . . . 12p.
[0079] The first header 23b is connected to the flow paths R1, R5, and R6, and the second header 23c is connected to the flow paths R2, R8, and R9. The first heat medium B1 flows into the first header 23b via the flow paths R1, R5, and R6, and flows out of the second header 23c to the flow paths R2, R8, and R9.
[0080] The first header 23b has a plurality of flow paths 24b extending from each of the heat dissipation devices 12b, 12c, 12d,...,12p and a plurality of valves 25b provided in each of the flow paths 24b. The second header 23c has a plurality of flow paths 24c extending from each of the heat dissipation devices 12b, 12c, 12d,...,12p and a plurality of valves 25c provided in each of the flow paths 24c.
[0081] The valves 25b and 25c are controlled to open and close by the control unit described above. This allows the capacity of the third heat medium B3 in the first header 23b and the second header 23c to be changed. The first header 23b and the second header 23c each branch the first heat medium B1 into the third heat medium B3 and merge the third heat medium B3 into the first heat medium B1. The third heat medium B3 branched in the first header 23b is cooled in the heat dissipation devices 12b, 12c, 12d, . . . 12p, and then merges as the first heat medium B1 in the second header 23c and flows out into the flow paths R2, R8, and R9.
[0082] 10(a) shows a heat dissipation device 31 of an air conditioning system according to a third modification. The heat dissipation device 31 includes cooling towers 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e, . . . 32p, which are a plurality of heat dissipation devices that cool the third heat medium B3 by heat dissipation, and a first header 33b, a second header 33c, and a third header 33d to which the third heat medium B3 is supplied from each of the cooling towers 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e, . . . 32p. The heat dissipation device 31 further includes a heat exchanger 34b connected to the first header 33b, a heat exchanger 34c connected to the second header 33c, and a heat exchanger 34d connected to the third header 33d.
[0083] The heat dissipation device 31 is provided in place of, for example, the first heat dissipation device 3f, the second heat dissipation device 3g, and the third heat dissipation device 3h of the air conditioning system 1A (see FIG. 2) described above. The flow paths R1 and R2 are connected to the heat exchanger 34b, the flow paths R5 and R8 are connected to the heat exchanger 34c, and the flow paths R6 and R9 are connected to the heat exchanger 34d.
[0084] The first heat medium B1 flows into the heat exchanger 34b via a flow path R1, the first heat medium B1 flows into the heat exchanger 34c via a flow path R5, and the first heat medium B1 flows into the heat exchanger 34d via a flow path R6. The cooled first heat medium B1 flows out of the heat exchanger 34b into a flow path R2, the cooled first heat medium B1 flows out of the heat exchanger 34c into a flow path R8, and the cooled first heat medium B1 flows out of the heat exchanger 34d into a flow path R9.
[0085] Each of the first header 33b, the second header 33c, and the third header 33d has a plurality of flow paths 35 extending from each of the cooling towers 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e, . . . 32p, and a plurality of valves 36 provided in each of the flow paths 35. The opening and closing of the plurality of valves 36 in each of the first header 33b, the second header 33c, and the third header 33d is controlled by the above-mentioned control unit.
[0086] This allows the capacity of the third heat medium B3 in the first header 33b, the second header 33c, and the third header 33d to be changeable. The cold energy of the third heat medium B3 in the first header 33b is supplied to the first heat medium B1 via the heat exchanger 34b, the cold energy of the third heat medium B3 in the second header 33c is supplied to the first heat medium B1 via the heat exchanger 34c, and the cold energy of the third heat medium B3 in the third header 33d is supplied to the first heat medium B1 via the heat exchanger 34d.
[0087] 10(b) shows a heat dissipation device 41 of an air conditioning system according to a fourth modification. A part of the configuration of the heat dissipation device 41 is the same as a part of the configuration of the heat dissipation device 31 described above. In the following, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same components as those of the heat dissipation device 31, and the description will be omitted as appropriate. The heat dissipation device 41 includes cooling towers 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e, . . . 32p, a first header 43b that supplies the third heat medium B3 to each of the cooling towers 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e, . . . 32p, and a second header 43c to which the third heat medium B3 is supplied from each of the cooling towers 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e, . . . 32p.
[0088] The first header 43b is connected to each of the heat exchangers 34b, 34c, and 34d, and the third heat medium B3 flows in and out of each of the heat exchangers 34b, 34c, and 34d. The second header 43c, like the first header 43b, is connected to each of the heat exchangers 34b, 34c, and 34d, and the third heat medium B3 flows in and out of each of the heat exchangers 34b, 34c, and 34d.
[0089] The first header 43b has a plurality of flow paths 45b extending from each of the cooling towers 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e, . . . 32p and a plurality of valves 46b provided in each of the flow paths 45b. The second header 43c has a plurality of flow paths 45c extending from each of the cooling towers 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e, . . . 32p and a plurality of valves 46c provided in each of the flow paths 45c.
[0090] The valves 46b and 46c are controlled to open and close by the control unit described above. This allows the capacity of the third heat medium B3 in the first header 43b and the second header 43c to be changed. The cold energy of the third heat medium B3 in the second header 43c is supplied to the first heat medium B1 in the heat exchangers 34b, 34c, and 34d, and the first heat medium B1 to which the cold energy has been supplied flows out of the heat exchangers 34b, 34c, and 34d into the flow paths R2, R8, and R9, respectively.
[0091] Next, a further modified example of the air conditioning system will be described with reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11(a) is a diagram showing an air conditioning system 51 according to a fifth modified example. The air conditioning system 51 differs from the air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment in that it has a flow path R21 extending from the air conditioner 2 to the flow paths R1 and R6, and a flow path R22 extending from the air conditioner 2 to the flow paths R2 and R10. The air conditioning system 51 sends the first heat medium B1 in parallel to a plurality of heat radiating devices 3 (for example, the first heat radiating device 3b, the second heat radiating device 3c, and the third heat radiating device 3d) via the flow path R21. In the air conditioning system 51, the first heat medium B1 cooled by the plurality of heat radiating devices 3 is merged into the flow path R21 and the flow path R22 and then sent to the air conditioner 2.
[0092] 11(b) is a diagram showing an air conditioning system 61 according to a sixth modified example. The air conditioning system 61 differs from the air conditioning system 1A according to the second embodiment in that it has a flow path R31 extending from the air conditioner 2 to the flow paths R1 and R6, and a flow path R32 extending from the air conditioner 2 to the flow paths R2 and R10. In the air conditioning system 61, like the above air conditioning system 51, the first heat medium B1 is sent in parallel to a plurality of heat radiating devices 3A (the first heat radiating device 3f, the second heat radiating device 3g, and the third heat radiating device 3h) via the flow path R31, and the first heat medium B1 cooled by the plurality of heat radiating devices 3A is merged with the flow path R31 and the flow path R32 and then sent to the air conditioner 2.
[0093] Next, an example of an air conditioning method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Below, an example of a method of operating each device of the air conditioning system 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 12. First, an operation mode of the air conditioning system 1 is selected (step S1). For example, the operation mode is selected from among a cooling cold storage mode, a cooling mode, and a cooling cold release mode.
[0094] When the cooling and cold storage mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S2, where the predicted temperature T AC In step S3, it is determined whether the predicted temperature T AC If it is determined that no loss will occur because the difference is large, the process proceeds to step S4.
[0095] In step S4, it is determined whether the outdoor dry-bulb temperature T0 is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature X1. As an example, the predetermined temperature X1 is 0°C. If it is determined in step S4 that the outdoor dry-bulb temperature T0 is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature X1, the first cold storage pattern is executed. In the first cold storage pattern, the first heat medium B1 flows from the air conditioner 2 into the third heat dissipation device 3d, which cools the first heat medium B1 that has flowed in, and the cold energy of the first heat medium B1 cooled by the third heat dissipation device 3d is stored in the aquifer cold storage section 6 via the first heat exchanger 7. In the first cold storage pattern, the operation of the first heat dissipation device 3b, the second heat dissipation device 3c, and the refrigerator 4 is the same as that of the second mode (FIG. 4(b)) described above.
[0096] In step S4, if it is determined that the outside air dry-bulb temperature T0 is not equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature X1, the second cold storage pattern is executed. The second cold storage pattern is the same cold storage pattern as the second mode (FIG. 4(b)) described above. In the second cold storage pattern, the first heat medium B1 flows from the first heat exchanger 7 into the third heat dissipation device 3d through the flow path R6, the third heat dissipation device 3d cools the first heat medium B1 that has flowed in, and the cold energy of the first heat medium B1 cooled by the third heat dissipation device 3d is stored in the aquifer cold storage section 6.
[0097] When the cooling mode is selected in step S1, or when the predicted temperature T is calculated based on the outside air dry bulb temperature T0 in step S3, AC If it is determined that the temperature T0 is not high enough to cause a loss, the process proceeds to step S5 and the cooling mode is selected. Then, the process proceeds to step S6, where it is determined whether the outside air dry-bulb temperature T0 is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature X2. The predetermined temperature X2 is higher than the predetermined temperature X1, and as an example, the predetermined temperature X2 is 7.5°C.
[0098] In step S6, if it is determined that the outside air dry-bulb temperature T0 is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature X2, the first cooling pattern is executed. The first cooling pattern is the same cooling pattern as the first mode (FIG. 4(a)) described above. In the first cooling pattern, cooling is performed only by indirect outside air cooling without using the chiller 4 and the aquifer cold storage unit 6. That is, cooling is performed only by indirect outside air cooling using multiple heat dissipation devices 3.
[0099] In step S6, if it is determined that the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature T0 is not equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature X2, the second cooling pattern is executed. The second cooling pattern is the same cooling pattern as the third mode (FIG. 4(c)) described above. In the second cooling pattern, the air conditioning system 1 cools the first heat medium B1 by indirect outdoor air cooling, and further cools the first heat medium B1 by the refrigerator 4 and supplies it to the air conditioner 2. In the second cooling pattern, a part (the first heat dissipation device 3b) of the multiple heat dissipation devices 3 is used for the indirect outdoor air cooling of the air conditioner 2, and the remaining part (the second heat dissipation device 3c and the third heat dissipation device 3d) of the multiple heat dissipation devices 3 is used for cooling the condenser 4c of the refrigerator 4.
[0100] In step S1, when the cooling and cooling mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S7, in which the outside air dry bulb temperature T0 is equal to or higher than the predicted temperature T AC In step S8, it is determined whether the outside air dry bulb temperature T0 is equal to or greater than the predicted temperature T AC If it is determined that the loss is not greater than the above, the process proceeds to step S5 and step S6, where either the first cooling pattern or the second cooling pattern described above is executed.
[0101] In step S8, the outside air dry bulb temperature T0 is set to the predicted temperature T AC If it is determined that the outside dry-bulb temperature T0 is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature X3 and a loss will occur, the process proceeds to step S9. In step S9, it is determined whether the outside dry-bulb temperature T0 is higher than a predetermined temperature X3. For example, the predetermined temperature X3 is higher than the predetermined temperature X1 and the predetermined temperature X2. As an example, the predetermined temperature X3 is 20° C. In step S9, if it is determined that the outside dry-bulb temperature T0 is higher than the predetermined temperature X3, the first cooling pattern is executed.
[0102] The first cold release pattern is the same as the modified pattern of the eighth mode (FIG. 7(a)) described above. In step S9, when it is determined that the outside air dry-bulb temperature T0 is higher than the predetermined temperature X3, the air conditioner 2 performs cooling using the first heat medium B1 cooled by the refrigerator 4 and the cold energy stored in the aquifer cold storage unit 6. The multiple heat dissipation devices 3 cool the first heat medium B1 supplied to the condenser 4c of the refrigerator 4, and the refrigerator 4 supplies the first heat medium B1 cooled by the evaporator 4b to the air conditioner 2. The cold energy stored in the aquifer cold storage unit 6 is supplied to the air conditioner 2 via the first heat exchanger 7.
[0103] In step S9, if it is determined that the outside air dry bulb temperature T0 is not higher than the predetermined temperature X3, the second cold release pattern is executed. The second cold release pattern is the same as the eighth mode (FIG. 7(b)) described above. In the second cold release pattern, the first heat medium B1 cooled by the refrigerator 4 is pre-cooled by the heat radiating device 3, and the first heat medium B1 is cooled by the cold energy of the aquifer cold storage section 6 and guided to the air conditioner 2. That is, the first heat medium B1 from the air conditioner 2 is cooled by the third heat radiating device 3d, heat exchanged in the first heat exchanger 7, and then supplied to the air conditioner 2.
[0104] The process of the air-cooling method according to this embodiment ends after the above-mentioned first cold storage pattern, second cold storage pattern, first cooling pattern, second cooling pattern, first cold release pattern, and second cold release pattern are executed. In this manner, in the air-conditioning system 1, cold storage in the aquifer cold storage section 6, heat release of the first heat medium B1 by the heat dissipation device 3, cooling (cold release) of the first heat medium B1 by the aquifer cold storage section 6, and cooling of the first heat medium B1 by the refrigerator 4 can be executed according to various patterns.
[0105] Next, the effects and advantages obtained from the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment will be described in more detail. The air conditioning system 1 includes a heat dissipation device 3 that cools the first heat medium B1 from the air conditioner 2 by dissipating heat to outside air, and the first heat medium B1 cooled by the heat dissipation device 3 is supplied to the air conditioner 2. Therefore, the air conditioner 2 can steadily perform cooling using outside air.
[0106] The air conditioning system 1 includes an aquifer cold storage section 6 provided underground G, and a second heat medium B2 is passed through the aquifer cold storage section 6. The air conditioning system 1 includes a refrigerator 4 that cools a first heat medium B1 supplied to an air conditioner 2, and a first heat exchanger 7 that exchanges heat between the first heat medium B1 and the second heat medium B2 supplied to the air conditioner 2. Therefore, the first heat medium B1 cooled by the refrigerator 4 is supplied to the air conditioner 2 to perform cooling, and the cold heat of the first heat medium B1 is supplied to the second heat medium B2 in the first heat exchanger 7 to store cold heat in the aquifer cold storage section 6. Therefore, cold heat storage and cooling can be performed in parallel. This action and effect can be obtained in the same way from the air conditioning system 1A, the air conditioning system 1B, and the air conditioning systems according to the first to sixth modified examples described above.
[0107] As in the above-described air conditioning system 1, the heat dissipation device 3 may dissipate heat by air cooling. In this case, the first heat medium B1 can be cooled by air cooling by supplying cold energy from outside air to the first heat medium B1.
[0108] As in the above-described air conditioning system 1A, the heat dissipation device 3A may dissipate heat by water cooling. In this case, the cold energy of the water cooled by the outside air is supplied to the first heat medium B1, so that the first heat medium B1 can be cooled by water cooling.
[0109] As in the air conditioning system 1A described above, the heat dissipation device 3A may have a cooling tower 8 and a second heat exchanger 9 that exchanges heat between the water W passing through the cooling tower 8 and the first heat medium B1. In this case, the cold energy of the water W in the cooling tower 8 is supplied to the first heat medium B1 in the second heat exchanger 9. Therefore, the water W in the cooling tower 8 can be prevented from flowing toward the air conditioner 2.
[0110] As in the air conditioning system according to the first modified example described above (see FIG. 9(a)), the heat dissipation device 11 may include heat dissipation devices 12b, 12c, 12d, . . . 12p that cool the third heat medium B3 by heat dissipation, a first header 13b that supplies the third heat medium B3 to each of the heat dissipation devices 12b, 12c, 12d, . . . 12p, a second header 13c that supplies the third heat medium B3 to each of the heat dissipation devices 12b, 12c, 12d, . . . 12p, and a third header 13d that supplies the third heat medium B3 to each of the heat dissipation devices 12b, 12c, 12d, . . . 12p. The third heat medium B3 cooled by the heat dissipation devices 12b, 12c, 12d, . . . 12p is guided to the flow path R2, the flow path R8, and the flow path R9 via headers not shown. The cold energy of the third heat medium B3 in at least one of the first header 13b, the second header 13c, and the third header 13d may be supplied as the first heat medium B1. In this case, the temperature and the amount of heat of the first heat medium B1 supplied to the air conditioner 2 can be freely changed.
[0111] Various embodiments and various modifications of the air conditioning system according to the present disclosure have been described above. However, the air conditioning system according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments or modifications, and can be further modified within the scope of the gist described in the claims. That is, the function, number and arrangement of each part of the air conditioning system can be appropriately changed within the scope of the above-mentioned gist. Although the first to third embodiments and the first to sixth modifications have been described above, the air conditioning system according to the present disclosure may be an air conditioning system in which a part of the form selected from the first to third embodiments and the first to sixth modifications is combined with the remaining part different from the form. In this way, the first to third embodiments and the first to sixth modifications described above can be appropriately combined.
[0112] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the air conditioning system 1 is described, which includes the air conditioner 2, the heat dissipation device 3, the refrigerator 4, the aquifer heat storage unit 5, the aquifer cold storage unit 6, and the first heat exchanger 7. However, the overall configuration of the air conditioning system can be appropriately changed, and the configuration of the flow paths of the air conditioning system is also not limited to the above-described flow path R, and can be appropriately changed.
[0113] For example, the above-described air conditioning system 1 has been described as having three heat dissipation devices, namely, the first heat dissipation device 3b, the second heat dissipation device 3c, and the third heat dissipation device 3d. However, the number of heat dissipation devices included in the air conditioning system is not particularly limited and may be one, two, or four or more.
[0114] In the above-described embodiment, an air conditioning system 1 including an air conditioner 2 that conditions the server room of a data center has been described. However, the air conditioner of the air conditioning system may be one that conditions air in places other than the server room. Furthermore, the air conditioning system is not limited to data centers and can be applied to various buildings. [Explanation of symbols]
[0115] 1,1A,1B...air conditioning system, 2...air conditioner, 3,3A...heat radiating equipment, 3b...first heat radiating equipment, 3c...second heat radiating equipment, 3d...third heat radiating equipment, 3f...first heat radiating equipment, 3g... 2nd heat radiator, 3h...3rd heat radiator, 3j...1st heat radiator, 3k...2nd heat radiator, 4...refrigerator, 4b...evaporator, 4c...condenser, 5...aquifer heat storage section, 6...aquifer cold storage section, Reference Signs List 7: first heat exchanger, 8: cooling tower, 9: second heat exchanger, 10: heat exchanger, 11: heat dissipation equipment, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12p: heat dissipation device, 13b: first header, 13c: second header, 13d: third header, 14: flow path, 15: valve, 21: heat dissipation equipment, 23b: first header, 23c: second header, 24b, 24c: flow path, 25b, 25c ...valve, 31...heat dissipation device, 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e, 32p...cooling tower, 33b...first header, 33c...second header, 33d...third header, 34b, 34c, 34d...heat exchanger, 35...flow path, 36...valve, 41...heat dissipation device, 43b...first header, 43c...second header, 45b, 45c...flow path, 46b, 46c...valve B, 51, 61...air conditioning system, B1...first heat medium, B2...second heat medium, B3...third heat medium, G...underground, P1, P2, P3...pump, R, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13, R14, R15, R16, R21, R22, R31, R32, T, U...flow path, V...valve, W...water.
Claims
1. a heat dissipation device that cools a first heat medium from an air conditioner that performs cooling by dissipating heat to outside air; a refrigerator that cools the first heat medium that is cooled by the heat dissipation device and is supplied to the air conditioner; an aquifer cold storage unit provided underground; a first heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between a second heat medium passing through the aquifer cold storage portion and the first heat medium supplied to the air conditioner; Equipped with Air conditioning system.
2. The heat dissipation device dissipates heat by air cooling.
2. The air conditioning system of claim 1.
3. The heat dissipation device dissipates heat by water cooling.
2. The air conditioning system of claim 1.
4. The heat dissipation device includes a cooling tower and a second heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between water passing through the cooling tower and the first heat medium.
4. An air conditioning system according to claim 3.
5. The heat dissipation device is a plurality of heat dissipation devices that cool the third heat medium by dissipating heat; a first header to which the third heat medium is supplied from each of the plurality of heat dissipation devices; a second header to which the third heat medium is supplied from each of the plurality of heat dissipation devices; having The cold heat of the third heat medium in at least one of the first header and the second header is supplied to the first heat medium. An air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
Citation Information
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