Air conditioning device

Abstract

To obtain an air conditioning device that can reduce electric power from a commercial power source during operation.SOLUTION: An air conditioning device comprises a compressor, a storage battery, and a power circuit. The storage battery can store electric power from a commercial power source. The power circuit can supply the electric power of the commercial power source and the electric power of the storage battery to the compressor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an air conditioning apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art An air conditioning apparatus such as an air conditioner performs cooling operation, heating operation, and the like using power from a commercial power source. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4127449 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In this type of air conditioner, there is a demand for reducing the power consumed from a commercial power source during operation.

[0005] One example of a problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that is capable of reducing the power consumed from a commercial power source during operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an indoor heat exchanger, an outdoor heat exchanger, a first pipe connecting the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger and through which a refrigerant flows, a second pipe connecting the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger and through which the refrigerant flows, a compressor provided in the first pipe and having an inlet port for sucking in the refrigerant and an outlet port for discharging the refrigerant, a four-way valve provided in the first pipe and capable of changing the direction in which the refrigerant flows, a first valve provided in the first pipe and regulating the flow of the refrigerant in the first pipe, an expansion valve provided in the second pipe, and a valve provided in the second pipe on the outdoor heat exchanger side with respect to the expansion valve and configured to adjust the flow of the refrigerant. a second valve that adjusts the flow of the refrigerant, a third valve that is provided in the second piping on the indoor heat exchanger side with respect to the expansion valve and adjusts the flow of the refrigerant in the second piping, a third piping that connects the first piping between the four-way valve and the first valve and the second piping between the expansion valve and the third valve, a fourth piping that connects the first piping between the four-way valve and the outdoor heat exchanger and the second piping between the expansion valve and the second valve, a heat storage material provided between the third piping and the fourth piping, a storage battery that can store power from a commercial power source, and a power supply circuit that can supply power from the commercial power source and power from the storage battery to the compressor.

[0007] The air conditioning apparatus includes, for example, a gas-liquid separator provided in the second piping between the expansion valve and the third valve, the gas-liquid separator having a first opening connected to the expansion valve, a second opening connected to the third valve, and a third opening through which the gaseous refrigerant passes, and a fifth piping connecting the third opening and the first piping between the four-way valve and the compressor.

[0008] The air conditioner includes, for example, a sixth pipe that connects the first pipe between the four-way valve and the outdoor heat exchanger and the fifth pipe.

[0009] In the air conditioner, for example, the power supply circuit is capable of switching between operation of the compressor using power from the commercial power supply and operation of the compressor using power from the storage battery.

[0010] The air conditioning apparatus can be operated, for example, by closing the second valve so that the refrigerant does not flow to the outdoor heat exchanger and flows through the fourth pipe, utilizing heat or cold storage in the heat storage material.

[0011] According to the above air conditioner, for example, it is possible to reduce the power consumed from a commercial power source during operation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an illustrative schematic block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a refrigerant system diagram of the air conditioning apparatus main body according to the embodiment, and is also an illustrative and schematic diagram showing the flow of refrigerant during cooling operation (normal cooling operation). [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an exemplary schematic block diagram showing a control device of an air conditioning apparatus main body according to an embodiment and a configuration controlled by the control device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a refrigerant system diagram of the air conditioner main body according to the embodiment, and is also an illustrative and schematic diagram showing the flow of refrigerant during cooling operation (hybrid cooling operation). [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a refrigerant system diagram of the air conditioning apparatus main body according to the embodiment, and is also an exemplary and schematic diagram showing the flow of refrigerant during cold storage operation. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a refrigerant system diagram of an air-conditioning apparatus main body according to an embodiment, and is also an illustrative and schematic diagram showing the flow of refrigerant during heating operation (normal heating operation). [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a refrigerant system diagram of an air conditioner main body according to an embodiment, and is also an illustrative and schematic diagram showing the flow of refrigerant during heating operation (hybrid heating operation). [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a refrigerant system diagram of the air conditioning apparatus main body according to the embodiment, and is also an illustrative and schematic diagram showing the flow of refrigerant during heat storage operation. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a refrigerant system diagram of an air conditioning apparatus main body according to an embodiment, and is also an illustrative and schematic diagram showing the flow of refrigerant during a defrosting operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In this specification, components according to the embodiments and descriptions of the components may be described in a plurality of ways. The components and their descriptions are merely examples and are not limited by the expressions in this specification. The components may be identified by names different from those in this specification. The components may also be described by expressions different from those in this specification.

[0014] Fig. 1 is an exemplary schematic block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning device 10 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioning device 10 includes an air conditioning device main body 10a, a storage battery 100, and a power supply circuit 200. Fig. 1 shows an example of a configuration in which the air conditioning device main body 10a, the storage battery 100, and the power supply circuit 200 are separate, but is not limited to this. For example, the storage battery 100 and the power supply circuit 200 may be integrated with the air conditioning device main body 10a (e.g., outdoor unit 11).

[0015] The air conditioning device main body 10a is, for example, a home air conditioner. However, the air conditioning device main body 10a is not limited to this example and may be another air conditioning device such as a commercial air conditioner.

[0016] The storage battery 100 is capable of storing electric power from a commercial power source 300. The storage battery 100 is also capable of supplying the stored electric power to the air conditioning apparatus main body 10a and the home appliances 400. The storage battery 100 is, for example, a lithium ion battery, but is not limited to this. The storage battery 100 is supplied with electric power from the commercial power source 300, for example, during the nighttime when the electricity bill from the commercial power source 300 is relatively low.

[0017] The power supply circuit 200 can supply power from a commercial power supply 300 and power from the storage battery 100 to the air conditioner body 10a. The power supply circuit 200 can also supply power from the storage battery 100 to a home appliance 400. The power supply circuit 200 includes, for example, a control / detection circuit 201, an EMI circuit 202, an AC filter protection circuit 203, an AC reactor 204, a power conditioner circuit 205, a DC / DC converter 206, and a DC filter circuit 207. The control / detection circuit 201 controls each part of the power supply circuit 200. The power supply circuit 200 can also detect the state of the storage battery 100, such as the amount of charge stored. Power from the commercial power supply 300 is supplied to the air conditioner body 10a via the EMI circuit 202, the AC filter protection circuit 203, the AC reactor 204, the power conditioner circuit 205, and the DC / DC converter 206. Moreover, power from the commercial power supply 300 is supplied to the storage battery 100 via an EMI circuit 202, an AC filter protection circuit 203, an AC reactor 204, a power conditioner circuit 205, and a DC filter circuit 207. Moreover, power from the storage battery 100 is supplied to the air conditioning device main body 10a via a DC filter circuit 207, a power conditioner circuit 205, and a DC / DC converter 206. For example, when the air conditioning device main body 10a is not operating, the power supply circuit 200 supplies power from the storage battery 100 to the home appliance 400 when the amount of power stored in the storage battery 100 is 50% or more.

[0018] FIG. 2 is an illustrative and schematic diagram showing a refrigerant system diagram of the air conditioning apparatus main body 10a according to the embodiment.

[0019] 2, the air conditioner 10 has an outdoor unit 11, an indoor unit 12, refrigerant piping 13, and a control device 14. The outdoor unit 11 is disposed, for example, outdoors. The indoor unit 12 is disposed, for example, indoors.

[0020] The air conditioner 10 includes a refrigeration cycle in which an outdoor unit 11 and an indoor unit 12 are connected by refrigerant piping 13. A refrigerant flows between the outdoor unit 11 and the indoor unit 12 through the refrigerant piping 13. In addition, the outdoor unit 11 and the indoor unit 12 are electrically connected to each other by, for example, electrical wiring.

[0021] The outdoor unit 11 has an outdoor heat exchanger 21, an outdoor blower fan 22, a compressor 23, an accumulator 24, a four-way valve 25, an expansion valve 31, first to fifth valves 32A to 32E, three-way valves 33 and 34, a gas-liquid separator 61, and a heat storage material 62. Hereinafter, the first to fifth valves 32A to 32E will be collectively referred to as a valve 32. The indoor unit 12 has an indoor heat exchanger 41 and an indoor blower fan 42.

[0022] The refrigerant pipes 13 are pipes made of a metal such as copper or aluminum, and include a first pipe 51, a second pipe 52, a third pipe 53, a fourth pipe 54, a fifth pipe 55, a sixth pipe 56, and the like.

[0023] The first pipe 51 connects the indoor heat exchanger 41 and the outdoor heat exchanger 21. The compressor 23, the accumulator 24, the four-way valve 25, the first valve 32A, and the three-way valve 33 are provided in the first pipe 51. The first pipe 51 has an area 51a, an area 51b, an area 51c, and an area 51d. The area 51a is a piping area that connects the four-way valve 25 and the indoor heat exchanger 41. The area 51b is a piping area that connects the four-way valve 25 and the accumulator 24. The area 51c is a piping area that connects the four-way valve 25 and the outdoor heat exchanger 21. The area 51d is a piping area that connects the four-way valve 25 and the discharge port 23b of the compressor 23.

[0024] The second pipe 52 connects the outdoor heat exchanger 21 and the indoor heat exchanger 41. The expansion valve 31, the second valve 32B, the third valve 32C, and the gas-liquid separator 61 are provided in the second pipe 52. The second pipe 52 has a region 52a and a region 52b. The region 52a is a piping region that connects the expansion valve 31 and the indoor heat exchanger 41 via the gas-liquid separator 61. The region 52b is a piping region that connects the expansion valve 31 and the outdoor heat exchanger 21. The second valve 32B is provided on the outdoor heat exchanger 21 side with respect to the expansion valve 31 in the second pipe 52. The third valve 32C is provided on the indoor heat exchanger 41 side with respect to the expansion valve 31 in the second pipe 52. That is, the expansion valve 31 is provided between the second valve 32B and the third valve 32C in the second pipe 52.

[0025] The third pipe 53 connects the first pipe 51 between the four-way valve 25 and the first valve 32A to the second pipe 52 between the expansion valve 31 and the third valve 32C. The third pipe 53 is provided with a fourth valve 32D.

[0026] The fourth pipe 54 connects the first pipe 51 between the four-way valve 25 and the outdoor heat exchanger 21, and the second pipe 52 between the expansion valve 31 and the second valve 32B. More specifically, the fourth pipe 54 connects the three-way valve 33 provided in the first pipe 51, and the second pipe 52 between the expansion valve 31 and the second valve 32B. A fifth valve 32E is provided in the fourth pipe 54.

[0027] The fifth pipe 55 connects the third opening 61c of the gas-liquid separator 61 to the first pipe 51 between the four-way valve 25 and the compressor 23. In other words, the fifth pipe 55 is a pipe for introducing the gaseous refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator 61 into the first pipe 51. The fifth pipe 55 is provided with the three-way valve 34.

[0028] The sixth pipe 56 connects the first pipe 51 between the four-way valve 25 and the outdoor heat exchanger 21 to the fifth pipe 55. More specifically, the sixth pipe 56 connects the first pipe 51 between the four-way valve 25 and the outdoor heat exchanger 21 to the three-way valve 34 provided on the fifth pipe 55. When the amount of refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant pipe 13 becomes low, the sixth pipe 56 can be used to introduce refrigerant into the gas-liquid separator 61 and push out the liquid refrigerant from the gas-liquid separator 61.

[0029] In cooling operation, the refrigerant flows from the indoor heat exchanger 41 to the outdoor heat exchanger 21 through the first piping 51, and flows from the outdoor heat exchanger 21 to the indoor heat exchanger 41 through the second piping 52. In heating operation, the refrigerant flows from the outdoor heat exchanger 21 to the indoor heat exchanger 41 through the first piping 51, and flows from the indoor heat exchanger 41 to the outdoor heat exchanger 21 through the second piping 52.

[0030] The outdoor heat exchanger 21 of the outdoor unit 11 absorbs heat from the refrigerant as an evaporator or releases heat from the refrigerant as a condenser depending on the direction of refrigerant flow. The outdoor blower fan 22 blows air to the outdoor heat exchanger 21 to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant and air in the outdoor heat exchanger 21. In other words, the outdoor blower fan 22 generates an airflow that exchanges heat with the outdoor heat exchanger 21.

[0031] The compressor 23 has a suction port 23a and a discharge port 23b. The compressor 23 draws in a refrigerant from the suction port 23a and discharges the compressed refrigerant from the discharge port 23b. In this way, the compressor 23 compresses the refrigerant in a refrigeration cycle and causes the refrigerant to circulate.

[0032] The accumulator 24 is connected to the suction port 23a of the compressor 23. The accumulator 24 separates the refrigerant in a gaseous state from the refrigerant in a liquid state. This allows the compressor 23 to suck the refrigerant in a gaseous state that has passed through the accumulator 24 from the suction port 23a. The accumulator 24 can also function as the suction port of the compressor 23 by being configured integrally with the compressor 23.

[0033] The four-way valve 25 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 21, the indoor heat exchanger 41, the discharge port 23b of the compressor 23, and the accumulator 24 (the suction port 23a of the compressor 23). The four-way valve 25 switches the flow paths connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 21, the indoor heat exchanger 41, the discharge port 23b of the compressor 23, and the accumulator 24, respectively, during heating operation and cooling operation, thereby changing the direction in which the refrigerant flows.

[0034] During cooling operation, the four-way valve 25 connects the discharge port 23b of the compressor 23 to the outdoor heat exchanger 21. Furthermore, during cooling operation, the four-way valve 25 connects the indoor heat exchanger 41 to the accumulator 24. As a result, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 23 flows to the outdoor heat exchanger 21, and the refrigerant that has undergone heat exchange (evaporated) in the indoor heat exchanger 41 flows to the accumulator 24. Furthermore, during heating operation, the four-way valve 25 connects the outdoor heat exchanger 21 to the accumulator 24. Furthermore, during heating operation, the four-way valve 25 connects the discharge port 23b of the compressor 23 to the indoor heat exchanger 41. As a result, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 23 flows to the indoor heat exchanger 41, and the refrigerant that has undergone heat exchange (evaporated) in the outdoor heat exchanger 21 flows to the accumulator 24.

[0035] The expansion valve 31 is, for example, an electromagnetic expansion valve. However, other types of expansion valves may be used as the expansion valve 31. The expansion valve 31 adjusts the amount of refrigerant passing through by controlling the opening degree.

[0036] The first to fifth valves 32A to 32E are, for example, solenoid valves. The first to fifth valves 32A to 32E can adjust the flow of the refrigerant. Adjustment of the flow of the refrigerant includes opening the valve to allow the refrigerant to flow and closing the valve to prevent the refrigerant from flowing. In detail, the first and second valves 32A to 32B are on-off valves, and the third to fifth valves 32C to 32E are solenoid expansion valves that can adjust the amount of refrigerant passing through. The first to fifth valves 32A to 32E are not limited to the above.

[0037] The three-way valve 33 is connected to the first pipe 51 and the fourth pipe 54. The three-way valve 34 is connected to the fifth pipe 55 and the sixth pipe 56.

[0038] The gas-liquid separator 61 is provided in the second pipe 52 between the expansion valve 31 and the third valve 32C, and is provided with a first opening 61a connected to the expansion valve 31, a second opening 61b connected to the third valve 32C, and a third opening 61c through which the gaseous refrigerant passes. The gas-liquid separator 61 separates the gas-liquid two-phase liquid-gas refrigerant flowing in from the expansion valve 31 side during cooling operation, and the liquid-gas refrigerant flowing in from the indoor heat exchanger 41 side during heating operation, into a liquid medium and a gaseous medium. During cooling operation, the liquid refrigerant is sent to the indoor heat exchanger 41 side. During heating operation, the liquid refrigerant is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 21 side. The separated gaseous refrigerant is sent to the accumulator 24 (compressor 23) through the fifth pipe 55.

[0039] The heat storage material 62 is provided between the third pipe 53 and the fourth pipe .

[0040] The heat storage material 62 has, for example, a latent heat storage material filled in a block-shaped container. The latent heat storage material is, for example, calcium chloride. The heat storage material 62 may have other latent heat storage materials. The heat storage material 62 in this embodiment is, for example, a heat storage material that can be used in a temperature range of about 10°C to about 100°C.

[0041] The heat storage material 62 is not limited to the above example, and may be, for example, another heat storage material such as a sensible heat storage material, or may be a heat storage material that can be used in other temperature ranges.

[0042] The heat storage material 62 is thermally connected to the third pipe 53 and the fourth pipe 54. The third pipe 53 and the fourth pipe 54 are spaced apart from each other and pass through the heat storage material 62. Therefore, the third pipe 53 and the fourth pipe 54 are thermally connected to each other via the heat storage material 62. In addition, the heat storage material 62 is configured as a double heat exchanger.

[0043] The heat storage material 62 has a larger amount of heat that can be stored (heat storage capacity) than each of the third pipe 53 and the fourth pipe 54. In addition, the third pipe 53 and the fourth pipe 54 are made of metal and are in close contact with the latent heat storage material of the heat storage material 62. For this reason, heat conduction is likely to occur between the third pipe 53 and the fourth pipe 54 and the latent heat storage material of the heat storage material 62.

[0044] The indoor heat exchanger 41 of the indoor unit 12 absorbs heat as an evaporator or releases heat as a condenser depending on the direction of refrigerant flow. The indoor blower fan 42 blows air toward the indoor heat exchanger 41 to promote heat exchange between the indoor heat exchanger 41 and the air. In other words, the indoor blower fan 42 generates an airflow that exchanges heat with the indoor heat exchanger 41.

[0045] The control device 14 controls the above-mentioned compressor 23, the outdoor blower fan 22, the indoor blower fan 42, each valve, etc., which are provided in the outdoor unit 11 and the indoor unit 12, and performs cooling operation, heating operation, cold storage operation, heat storage operation, dehumidification operation, defrosting operation, and other operation control. The control device 14 is provided, for example, in the indoor unit 12. In this case, the control device 14 may be controlled by inputting a signal from, for example, a remote controller, or may be controlled by inputting a signal from an information terminal such as a smartphone through a communication device. In another embodiment, the control device 14 may be provided on the outdoor unit 11 side. Also, an outdoor control device for controlling the outdoor unit 11 side and an indoor control device for controlling the indoor unit 12 side may be separately provided. The control device 14 is, for example, a computer having a control device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microcontroller, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a storage device such as a flash memory. Note that the control device 14 is not limited to this example.

[0046] 3 is an exemplary schematic block diagram showing the control device 14 of the air-conditioning device main body 10a of this embodiment and the configuration controlled by the control device 14. As shown in FIG. 3, the air-conditioning device 10 of this embodiment has an outdoor blower fan drive circuit 81, an indoor fan drive circuit 82, an inverter circuit 83, a four-way valve drive circuit 84, an expansion valve drive circuit 85, a three-way valve drive circuit 86, and a valve drive circuit 87.

[0047] The outdoor blower fan drive circuit 81 is a drive circuit for the outdoor blower fan 22. The indoor fan drive circuit 82 is a drive circuit for the indoor blower fan 42. The inverter circuit 83 inverter controls the compressor 23 to change the frequency of the compressor 23. The inverter circuit 83 is, for example, a PAM (Pulse Amplitude Modulation) type inverter circuit. Note that the inverter circuit 83 is not limited to this example.

[0048] The four-way valve drive circuit 84 is a drive circuit for the four-way valve 25. The expansion valve drive circuit 85 is a drive circuit for the expansion valve 31. The three-way valve drive circuit 86 is a drive circuit for the three-way valves 33, 34. The valve drive circuit 87 is a drive circuit for the valve 32.

[0049] The control device 14 is connected to the temperature sensors T1 to T5, the temperature sensors CT1, CT2, and the temperature sensor Su, the outdoor blower fan drive circuit 81, the indoor fan drive circuit 82, the inverter circuit 83, the four-way valve drive circuit 84, the expansion valve drive circuit 85, the three-way valve drive circuit 86, and the valve drive circuit 87. The control device 14 includes a temperature acquisition unit 91, an operation switching unit 92, an outdoor blower fan control unit 93, an indoor fan control unit 94, a compressor control unit 95, and a valve control unit 96.

[0050] The temperature acquisition unit 91 measures the temperature of each part in the refrigeration cycle using the temperature sensors T1 to T5, the temperature sensors CT1, CT2, and the temperature sensor Su.

[0051] For example, the temperature sensor T1 detects the temperature of the refrigerant in the vicinity of the indoor heat exchanger 41 between the indoor heat exchanger 41 and the four-way valve 25 (T1 value).

[0052] The temperature sensor T2 detects the temperature of the refrigerant inside the indoor heat exchanger 41 (T2 value).

[0053] The temperature sensor T3 detects the temperature of the refrigerant inside the outdoor heat exchanger 21 (T3 value).

[0054] The temperature sensor T4 detects the temperature of the refrigerant in the vicinity of the outdoor heat exchanger 21 between the outdoor heat exchanger 21 and the expansion valve 31 (T4 value).

[0055] The temperature sensor T5 detects the temperature of the refrigerant in the vicinity of the outdoor heat exchanger 21 between the four-way valve 25 and the outdoor heat exchanger 21 (T5 value).

[0056] The temperature sensor CT1 detects the temperature of the refrigerant inside the heat storage material 62 near the third pipe 53 and on the first pipe 51 side (CT1 value).

[0057] The temperature sensor CT2 detects the temperature of the refrigerant inside the heat storage material 62 near the third pipe 53 and on the second pipe 52 side (CT2 value).

[0058] The temperature sensor Su detects the temperature (Su value) of the refrigerant at the refrigerant inlet of the accumulator 24.

[0059] The operation switching unit 92 switches the air conditioner 10 between cooling operation, heating operation, cold storage operation, heat storage operation, dehumidification operation, defrosting operation, and other operations.

[0060] The exterior blower fan control section 93 controls the exterior blower fan 22. For example, the exterior blower fan control section 93 controls the exterior blower fan drive circuit 81 to control the rotation speed of the motor of the exterior blower fan 22.

[0061] The indoor fan control unit 94 controls the indoor blower fan 42. For example, the indoor fan control unit 94 controls the indoor fan drive circuit 82 to control the rotation speed of the motor of the indoor blower fan 42.

[0062] The compressor control unit 95 controls the compressor 23. For example, the compressor control unit 95 controls the inverter circuit 83 to control the frequency (operating frequency) of the compressor 23 by inverter control.

[0063] The valve control unit 96 controls the four-way valve 25, the expansion valve 31, the valve 32, and the three-way valves 33 and 34. The valve control unit 96 controls the four-way valve drive circuit 84 to drive the actuator of the four-way valve 25 and change the direction in which the refrigerant flows through the four-way valve 25. The valve control unit 96 controls the expansion valve drive circuit 85 to change the opening degree of the expansion valve 31. The valve control unit 96 changes the opening degree of the expansion valve 31 to adjust the amount of refrigerant flowing through each valve, thereby adjusting the flow rate (pressure) of the refrigerant supplied to the downstream side. In addition, the valve control unit 96 controls the three-way valve drive circuit 86 to drive the actuator of the three-way valves 33 and 34 and change the direction in which the refrigerant flows through the three-way valves 33 and 34. In addition, the valve control unit 96 controls the valve drive circuit 87 to change the opening degree of the valve 32. The valve control unit 96 adjusts the amount of refrigerant flowing through each valve by changing the opening of the valve 32, thereby adjusting the flow rate (pressure) of the refrigerant supplied to the downstream side, and the like.

[0064] The cooling operation, heating operation, cold storage operation, heat storage operation, and defrosting operation of the air conditioner 10 of this embodiment will be described below. The following is an example in which a contract is made with an electric power company to not use the commercial power source 300 during a specified time period (for example, between 10:00 and 15:00) due to a demand response (DR). Note that the air conditioner 10 is not limited to the above operations, and can perform other operations such as a dehumidification operation and a sterilization operation. Also, the cooling operation, heating operation, cold storage operation, heat storage operation, and defrosting operation of the air conditioner 10 are not limited to the examples described below.

[0065] First, the cooling operation will be described based on the medium flow pattern shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 2 shows an example of normal cooling operation (load fluctuation power storage and discharge cooling operation), which is one of the cooling operations. The normal cooling operation is performed, for example, in a time period other than 10:00 to 15:00. For example, when the air conditioner 10 is started and the cooling operation starts at the same time, the outdoor blower fan 22, the compressor 23, and the indoor blower fan 42 are stopped. In this case, the outdoor blower fan control unit 93, the indoor fan control unit 94, and the compressor control unit 95 start the outdoor blower fan 22, the compressor 23, and the indoor blower fan 42 at the start of the cooling operation.

[0066] During normal cooling operation, the outdoor blower fan control unit 93 adjusts the rotation speed of the outdoor blower fan 22. The indoor fan control unit 94 adjusts the rotation speed of the indoor blower fan 42. The compressor control unit 95 adjusts the frequency of the compressor 23. For example, the indoor fan control unit 94 controls the indoor blower fan 42 between weak wind (low speed) operation and strong wind (high speed) operation in response to the air temperature in the room where the indoor unit 12 is installed or a signal input from a remote controller.

[0067] When the normal cooling operation is started, the valve control unit 96 controls the four-way valve drive circuit 84, the three-way valve drive circuit 88, and the three-way valve drive circuit 86 to change the direction of refrigerant flow in the four-way valve 25 and the three-way valves 33 and 34 for normal cooling. The valve control unit 96 also controls the valve drive circuit 87 to open the first valve 32A, the second valve 32B, and the third valve 32C, and close (fully close) the fourth valve 32D and the fifth valve 32E. As a result, the outdoor heat exchanger 21 and the discharge port 23b of the compressor 23 are connected, and the indoor heat exchanger 41 and the accumulator 24 (the suction port 23a of the compressor 23) are connected. Also, the third opening 61c of the gas-liquid separator 61 and the region 51b of the first pipe 51 are connected via the three-way valve 34. That is, the control device 14 executes a normal cooling operation in which the four-way valve 25 is controlled so that the refrigerant flows from the discharge port 23b of the compressor 23 to the outdoor heat exchanger 21. The control device 14 also controls the four-way valve 25 so that the refrigerant flowing out from the indoor heat exchanger 41 returns to the accumulator 24 (compressor 23). The valve control unit 96 also controls the opening degree (valve opening amount) of the expansion valve 31 during operation. The opening degrees (valve opening amounts) of the second valve 32B and the third valve 32C may also be controlled to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant.

[0068] In normal cooling operation in the air conditioner 10 of this embodiment, power is switched according to the load of the compressor 23, which is the air conditioning load, and the amount of charge stored in the storage battery 100. For example, when the frequency of the compressor 23 is 50% or less of the rated operation and the amount of charge stored in the storage battery 100 is 50% or more, the power supply circuit 200 supplies power from the storage battery 100 to the air conditioner body 10a including the compressor 23, but does not supply power from the commercial power source 300 (discharging operation). Also, when the frequency of the compressor 23 is 51% to 100% of the rated operation, the power supply circuit 200 supplies power from the commercial power source 300 to the air conditioner body 10a including the compressor 23, but does not supply power from the storage battery 100. At this time, the power supply circuit 200 supplies power from the commercial power source 300 to the air conditioner body 10a and the storage battery 100 according to the amount of power usage (load) of the home appliance 400. Furthermore, when the amount of stored power in the storage battery 100 is less than 20%, the power supply circuit 200 supplies power from the commercial power source 300 to the storage battery 100 to charge the storage battery 100. When the amount of stored power in the storage battery 100 is less than 20%, if heat (cold air) remains in the heat storage material 62 and the power of the commercial power source 300 cannot be used, a hybrid cooling operation described below is performed. When the amount of stored power in the storage battery 100 is less than 20%, if there is no heat (cold air) remaining in the heat storage material 62, a normal cooling operation is performed using power from the commercial power source 300.

[0069] Next, the hybrid cooling operation (cooling release / discharge hybrid cooling operation) will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a refrigerant system diagram of an air conditioner main body according to an embodiment, and is also an exemplary and schematic diagram showing the flow of refrigerant during cooling operation (hybrid cooling operation).

[0070] The following mainly describes the differences between the hybrid cooling operation and the normal cooling operation. The hybrid cooling operation is performed between 10:00 and 15:00. In the hybrid cooling operation, the power supply circuit 200 supplies power from the storage battery 100 to the air conditioner main body 10a including the compressor 23, and does not supply power from the commercial power supply 300 (discharging operation).

[0071] As shown in Fig. 4, in the hybrid cooling operation, the second valve 32B is closed (fully closed) and the fifth valve 32E is opened. The discharge port 23b of the compressor 23 is connected to the fourth pipe 54 via the four-way valve 25 and the three-way valve 33. That is, the control device 14 executes the hybrid cooling operation to control the three-way valves 33, 34 so that the refrigerant flows from the discharge port 23b of the compressor 23 to the fourth pipe 54 instead of the outdoor heat exchanger 21. As a result, the refrigerant from the compressor 23 is cooled (absorbs heat) in the fourth pipe 54 by discharging the heat of the heat storage material 62 that has stored the heat, and flows to the expansion valve 31 (cold discharging operation). At this time, the outdoor blower fan 22 is stopped. When CT2 value-CT1 value≧2° C., the second valve 32B is opened, the fifth valve 32E is closed (fully closed) so that the refrigerant flow is the same as in normal cooling operation, and the discharge port 23b of the compressor 23 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 21 via the four-way valve 25 and the three-way valve 33. When the amount of stored electricity in the storage battery 100 is 20% or more, the discharge operation using the power of the storage battery 100 is continued. Here, when the pressure on the high pressure side rises in the refrigeration cycle, the amount of power consumption increases, but in this embodiment, the heat storage material 62 configured as a double heat exchanger can suppress the rise in pressure on the high pressure side.

[0072] Next, the cold storage operation for storing cold in the heat storage material 62 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a refrigerant system diagram of the air conditioning device main body according to the embodiment, and is also an exemplary and schematic diagram showing the flow of the refrigerant during the cold storage operation.

[0073] The following mainly describes the differences between the cold storage operation and the normal cooling operation. The cold storage operation is performed, for example, at night when the cooling operation or heating operation is not performed, or when no one is present in the room where the indoor unit 12 is installed. The case where no one is present in the room where the indoor unit 12 is installed is, for example, when a human presence sensor (not shown) does not detect any person in the room. When the cold storage operation is performed during the day, the outside air temperature is relatively high, so the pressure of the refrigerant increases, and the amount of power consumption increases accordingly. However, by performing the cold storage operation at night, the increase in the amount of power consumption can be suppressed.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 5, in the cold storage operation, the first valve 32A and the third valve 32C are closed (fully closed), and the fourth valve 32D is opened. As a result, the refrigerant discharged from the outdoor heat exchanger 21 returns to the compressor 23 through the third pipe 53 without passing through the indoor heat exchanger 41. As a result, the refrigerant from the outdoor heat exchanger 21 absorbs heat in the heat storage material 62 in the fourth pipe 54 and cools the heat storage material 62. Here, if the refrigerant accumulates in the indoor unit 12, the amount of refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant pipe 13 decreases, and the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 23 may become abnormal. Therefore, as a refrigerant stagnation prevention control, the third valve 32C is closed 30 seconds after the first valve 32A is closed. The cold storage operation is performed until the CT1 value becomes, for example, 12°C or less.

[0075] Next, the heating operation will be described based on the medium flow state shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a refrigerant system diagram of the air conditioner main body according to the embodiment, and is also an exemplary and schematic diagram showing the flow of the refrigerant during the heating operation (normal heating operation). FIG. 6 shows an example of the normal heating operation (load fluctuation storage and discharge heating operation), which is one of the heating operations. The normal heating operation is performed, for example, in a time period other than 10:00 to 15:00. In the normal heating operation, for example, when the air conditioner 10 is started and the normal heating operation is started at the same time, the outdoor blower fan 22, the compressor 23, and the indoor blower fan 42 are stopped. In this case, the outdoor blower fan control unit 93, the indoor fan control unit 94, and the compressor control unit 95 start the outdoor blower fan 22, the compressor 23, and the indoor blower fan 42 at the start of the heating operation.

[0076] During normal heating operation, the outdoor blower fan control unit 93 adjusts the rotation speed of the outdoor blower fan 22. The indoor fan control unit 94 adjusts the rotation speed of the indoor blower fan 42. The compressor control unit 95 adjusts the frequency of the compressor 23. For example, the indoor fan control unit 94 controls the indoor blower fan 42 between weak wind (low speed) operation and strong wind (high speed) operation in response to the air temperature in the room where the indoor unit 12 is installed or a signal input from a remote controller.

[0077] When the normal heating operation is started, the valve control unit 96 controls the four-way valve drive circuit 84 and the three-way valve drive circuit 86 to change the direction of refrigerant flow in the four-way valve 25 and the three-way valves 33 and 34 to heating. The valve control unit 96 also controls the valve drive circuit 87 to open the first valve 32A, the second valve 32B, and the third valve 32C, and close (fully close) the fourth valve 32D and the fifth valve 32E. This connects the indoor heat exchanger 41 to the discharge port 23b of the compressor 23, and connects the outdoor heat exchanger 21 to the accumulator 24 (the suction port 23a of the compressor 23). The third opening 61c of the gas-liquid separator 61 and the region 51b of the first pipe 51 are also connected via the three-way valve 34. That is, the control device 14 executes a heating operation to control the four-way valve 25 so that the refrigerant flows from the discharge port 23b of the compressor 23 to the indoor heat exchanger 41. The control device 14 also controls the four-way valve 25 so that the liquid refrigerant flowing out from the outdoor heat exchanger 21 returns to the accumulator 24 (compressor 23). The valve control unit 96 also controls the opening degrees (valve opening amounts) of the expansion valve 31, the second valve 32B, and the third valve 32C during operation.

[0078] In normal heating operation in the air conditioner 10 of this embodiment, power is switched according to the load of the compressor 23, which is the air conditioning load, and the amount of charge stored in the storage battery 100. For example, when the frequency of the compressor 23 is 50% or less of the rated operation and the amount of charge stored in the storage battery 100 is 50% or more, the power supply circuit 200 supplies power from the storage battery 100 to the air conditioner body 10a including the compressor 23, but does not supply power from the commercial power source 300 (discharging operation). Also, when the frequency of the compressor 23 is 51% to 100% of the rated operation, the power supply circuit 200 supplies power from the commercial power source 300 to the air conditioner body 10a including the compressor 23, but does not supply power from the storage battery 100. At this time, the power supply circuit 200 supplies power from the commercial power source 300 to the air conditioner body 10a and the storage battery 100 according to the amount of power usage (load) of the home appliance 400. Furthermore, when the amount of stored power in the storage battery 100 is less than 20%, the power supply circuit 200 supplies power from the commercial power source 300 to the storage battery 100 to charge the storage battery 100. When the amount of stored power in the storage battery 100 is less than 20%, if heat (cold air) remains in the heat storage material 62 and the power of the commercial power source 300 cannot be used, a hybrid heating operation described below is performed. When the amount of stored power in the storage battery 100 is less than 20% and there is no heat remaining in the heat storage material 62, a normal heating operation is performed using power from the commercial power source 300.

[0079] Next, the hybrid heating operation (heat dissipation / discharge hybrid heating operation) will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a refrigerant system diagram of an air conditioning device main body according to an embodiment, and is also an exemplary and schematic diagram showing the flow of refrigerant during heating operation (hybrid heating operation).

[0080] The following mainly describes the differences between the hybrid heating operation and the normal heating operation. The hybrid heating operation is performed between 10:00 and 15:00. In the hybrid heating operation, the power supply circuit 200 supplies power from the storage battery 100 to the air conditioner main body 10a including the compressor 23, and does not supply power from the commercial power supply 300 (discharging operation).

[0081] As shown in Fig. 7, in the hybrid heating operation, the second valve 32B is closed (fully closed), and the fifth valve 32E is opened. The discharge port 23b of the compressor 23 is connected to the fourth pipe 54 via the four-way valve 25 and the three-way valve 33. That is, the control device 14 executes the hybrid heating operation in which the three-way valves 33, 34 are controlled so that the refrigerant flows from the expansion valve 31 to the fourth pipe 54 instead of the outdoor heat exchanger 21. As a result, the refrigerant from the expansion valve 31 is heated in the fourth pipe 54 by the heat radiation of the heat storage material 62 that has stored heat, and flows to the compressor 23 (heat radiation operation). At this time, the outdoor blower fan 22 is stopped. When the degree of superheat (Su value-CT1 value)≦1° C., the second valve 32B is opened and the fifth valve 32E is closed (fully closed) so that the refrigerant flow becomes the same as in normal heating operation, and the discharge port 23b of the compressor 23 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 21 via the four-way valve 25 and the three-way valve 33. In this case as well, the discharge operation using the power from the storage battery 100 continues.

[0082] Next, the heat storage operation for storing heat in the heat storage material 62 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a refrigerant system diagram of the air conditioning device main body according to the embodiment, and is also an exemplary and schematic diagram showing the flow of refrigerant during the heat storage operation.

[0083] The following mainly describes the differences between the normal heating operation and the heat storage operation. The heat storage operation is performed, for example, at night when neither the cooling operation nor the heating operation is being performed.

[0084] As shown in Fig. 8, in the heat storage operation, the first valve 32A and the third valve 32C are closed (fully closed), and the fourth valve 32D is opened. As a result, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 23 flows to the expansion valve 31 through the third pipe 53 without passing through the indoor heat exchanger 41. As a result, the refrigerant from the compressor 23 dissipates heat in the heat storage material 62 in the fourth pipe 54, heating the heat storage material 62. In addition, as a refrigerant stagnation prevention control, the third valve 32C is closed 30 seconds after the first valve 32A is closed. The heat storage operation is performed until the CT2 value reaches 80°C.

[0085] Here, it is necessary to lower the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 21 due to changes in the outdoor air temperature. In order to perform heat exchange in the outdoor heat exchanger 21, it is necessary to provide the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 21 with a temperature difference of minus 5°C or more with respect to the outdoor air temperature. For example, if the saturation temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 41 is set to 43°C (high pressure 2.6Mpa), the compression work at an outdoor air temperature of 2°C is 53.5kI / kg. The lower the outdoor air temperature, the higher the workload of the compressor 23. The air conditioner 10 of this embodiment stores heat in the heat storage material 62, keeps the evaporation temperature (low pressure) at a constant temperature, and further sets the evaporation temperature at a high temperature of 12°C, reducing the compression workload of the compressor 23, and is configured to operate only with the power of the storage battery 100 during the time period from 10:00 to 15:00.

[0086] In the heat storage operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 21 absorbs heat from the refrigerant as an evaporator and becomes low in temperature. In addition, since the heat storage operation is performed, for example, at night, the outdoor air temperature is relatively low. As a result, moisture in the air tends to condense on the outer surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 21 and adhere to the outdoor heat exchanger 21 as frost. For this reason, the air conditioner 10 performs a defrosting operation to remove frost adhered to the outdoor heat exchanger 21 as necessary during the heat storage operation.

[0087] The defrosting operation will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a refrigerant system diagram of an air conditioning apparatus main body according to an embodiment, and is also an exemplary schematic diagram showing the flow of refrigerant during the defrosting operation.

[0088] 9, in the defrosting operation, each part is controlled so that the flow of the refrigerant is opposite to that in the normal heating operation, that is, the same as that in the normal cooling operation. At this time, the fourth valve 32D is closed (fully closed). As a result, the low-temperature refrigerant does not flow to the heat storage material 62, so that the temperature of the heat storage material 62 is prevented from decreasing.

[0089] As described above, the air conditioning device 10 of this embodiment includes the indoor heat exchanger 41, the outdoor heat exchanger 21, the first pipe 51, the second pipe 52, the compressor 23, the four-way valve 25, the first valve 32A, the expansion valve 31, the second valve 32B, the third valve 32C, the third pipe 53, the fourth pipe 54, the heat storage material 62, the storage battery 100, and the power supply circuit 200. The first pipe 51 connects the indoor heat exchanger 41 and the outdoor heat exchanger 21, and the refrigerant flows through the first pipe 51. The second pipe 52 connects the outdoor heat exchanger 21 and the indoor heat exchanger 41, and the refrigerant flows through the first pipe 51. The compressor 23 is provided in the first pipe 51 and has an intake port 23a for sucking in the refrigerant and an exhaust port 23b for exhausting the refrigerant. The four-way valve 25 is provided in the first pipe 51 and can change the direction in which the refrigerant flows. The first valve 32A is provided in the first pipe 51 and adjusts the flow of the refrigerant in the first pipe 51. The expansion valve 31 is provided in the second pipe 52. The second valve 32B is provided in the second pipe 52 on the outdoor heat exchanger 21 side with respect to the expansion valve 31 and adjusts the flow of the refrigerant in the second pipe 52. The third valve 32C is provided in the second pipe 52 on the indoor heat exchanger 41 side with respect to the expansion valve 31 and adjusts the flow of the refrigerant in the second pipe 52. The third pipe 53 connects the first pipe 51 between the four-way valve 25 and the first valve 32A to the second pipe 52 between the expansion valve 31 and the third valve 32C. The fourth pipe 54 connects the first pipe 51 between the four-way valve 25 and the outdoor heat exchanger 21 and the second pipe 52 between the expansion valve 31 and the second valve 32B. The heat storage material 62 is provided between the third pipe 53 and the fourth pipe 54. The storage battery 100 is capable of storing electric power from a commercial power source 300. The power supply circuit 200 is capable of supplying electric power from the commercial power source 300 and electric power from the storage battery 100 to the compressor 23.

[0090] According to this configuration, the power supply circuit 200 can supply power from the storage battery 100 to the compressor 23, so it is possible to reduce the power from the commercial power supply 300 during operation. In addition, it is possible to respond to power saving requests from power companies and the like while driving the air conditioning apparatus 10 main body.

[0091] The air conditioner 10 also includes a gas-liquid separator 61 and a fifth pipe 55. The gas-liquid separator 61 is provided in the second pipe 52 between the expansion valve 31 and the third valve 32C, and is provided with a first opening 61a connected to the expansion valve 31, a second opening 61b connected to the third valve 32C, and a third opening 61c through which the gaseous refrigerant passes. The fifth pipe 55 connects the third opening 61c of the gas-liquid separator 61 to the first pipe 51 between the four-way valve 25 and the compressor 23.

[0092] According to such a configuration, for example, only liquid refrigerant can flow through the outdoor heat exchanger 21 and the indoor heat exchanger 41, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchangers.

[0093] The air conditioner 10 also includes a sixth pipe 56 that connects the first pipe 51 between the four-way valve 25 and the outdoor heat exchanger 21 and the fifth pipe 55 .

[0094] With this configuration, the amount of refrigerant circulating between the outdoor heat exchanger 21 and the indoor heat exchanger 41 can be adjusted.

[0095] In addition, the power supply circuit 200 can switch between operating the compressor 23 using power from the commercial power supply 300 and operating the compressor 23 using power from the storage battery 100.

[0096] According to such a configuration, by operating the compressor 23 using power from the storage battery 100, it is possible to reduce the power from the commercial power source 300 during operation.

[0097] Furthermore, when the second valve 32B is closed, the refrigerant does not flow to the outdoor heat exchanger 21, but flows to the fourth pipe 54, and the air conditioner 10 can be operated by utilizing heat storage or cold storage in the heat storage material 62.

[0098] With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the power from the commercial power source 300 during operation.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the gas-liquid separator 61, the fifth pipe 55, the sixth pipe 56, and the three-way valve 34 are provided, but these may not be provided. Even if the three-way valve 34 is not provided, the flow of the refrigerant to the fourth pipe 54 can be adjusted by opening and closing the fifth valve 32E.

[0100] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 10...air conditioning device, 21...outdoor heat exchanger, 23...compressor, 23a...suction port, 23b...discharge port, 25...four-way valve, 31...expansion valve, 32A...first valve, 32B...second valve, 32C...third valve, 41...indoor heat exchanger, 51...first pipe, 52...second pipe, 53...third pipe, 54...fourth pipe, 55...fifth pipe, 56...sixth pipe, 61...gas-liquid separator, 61a...first opening, 61b...second opening, 61c...third opening, 62...heat storage material, 100...storage battery, 200...power supply circuit, 300...commercial power supply.

Claims

1. An indoor heat exchanger; An outdoor heat exchanger; a first pipe connecting the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger and through which a refrigerant flows; a second pipe connecting the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger and through which the refrigerant flows; a compressor provided in the first pipe, the compressor having a suction port for sucking the refrigerant and a discharge port for discharging the refrigerant; a four-way valve provided in the first pipe and capable of changing a direction in which the refrigerant flows; a first valve provided in the first pipe and configured to adjust the flow of the refrigerant in the first pipe; an expansion valve provided in the second pipe; a second valve that is provided in the second pipe on the outdoor heat exchanger side with respect to the expansion valve and adjusts the flow of the refrigerant in the second pipe; a third valve that is provided in the second pipe on the indoor heat exchanger side with respect to the expansion valve and adjusts the flow of the refrigerant in the second pipe; a third pipe connecting the first pipe between the four-way valve and the first valve and the second pipe between the expansion valve and the third valve; a fourth pipe connecting the first pipe between the four-way valve and the outdoor heat exchanger and the second pipe between the expansion valve and the second valve; a heat storage material provided across the third pipe and the fourth pipe; A storage battery capable of storing power from a commercial power source; a power supply circuit capable of supplying power from the commercial power supply and power from the storage battery to the compressor; An air conditioning device equipped with the above.

2. a gas-liquid separator provided in the second pipe between the expansion valve and the third valve, the gas-liquid separator having a first opening connected to the expansion valve, a second opening connected to the third valve, and a third opening through which the gaseous refrigerant passes; The air conditioner according to claim 1 , further comprising: a fifth pipe connecting the third opening and the first pipe between the four-way valve and the compressor.

3. The air-conditioning apparatus according to claim 2 , further comprising a sixth pipe connecting the first pipe between the four-way valve and the outdoor heat exchanger and the fifth pipe.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 1 , wherein the power supply circuit is capable of switching between operation of the compressor using power from the commercial power supply and operation of the compressor using power from the storage battery.

5. The air-conditioning apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the second valve is closed so that the refrigerant does not flow to the outdoor heat exchanger and flows to the fourth pipe, thereby enabling operation utilizing heat or cold storage in the heat storage material.

Images