Air conditioning device

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning device that can effectively utilize a temperature difference of a refrigerant flowing in pipes.SOLUTION: An air conditioning device comprises a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, an ejector, a gas-liquid separator, a first pipe, a second pipe, and a thermoelectric element. The first pipe forms a flow passage from a discharge port of the compressor via the condenser, a first inflow port and an outflow port of the ejector, a first opening and a second opening of the gas-liquid separator, and the evaporator to a second inflow port of the ejector. The second pipe forms a flow passage from a third opening of the gas-liquid separator to a suction port of the compressor. The thermoelectric element is thermally connected to a first pipe between the discharge port of the compressor and the first inflow port of the ejector, and the second pipe, and converts a temperature difference between the first pipe and the second pipe into electric energy.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] An air conditioner, such as an air conditioner, adjusts the indoor temperature by condensing and evaporating the refrigerant in a refrigeration cycle. The outdoor unit expels the air around the outdoor heat exchanger to the outside by driving an outdoor blower fan built in the outdoor unit, and also draws in outdoor air and passes it around the outdoor heat exchanger, thereby promoting heat exchange. Among such air conditioners, one that is equipped with an ejector in the outdoor unit has been proposed. In such a configuration, the refrigerant blown out from the ejector is separated into liquid refrigerant and the other refrigerant (in a state close to a saturated gas state) by gas-liquid separation. Then, this refrigerant in a state close to a saturated gas state is gasified by utilizing the temperature difference of the refrigerant flowing in the piping in an internal heat exchanger provided in the outdoor unit, and is returned to the compressor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-116124 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in a configuration having an internal heat exchanger as described above, although the internal heat exchanger gasifies the refrigerant by utilizing the temperature difference of the refrigerant flowing inside the piping, it is not used for any purpose other than gasifying the refrigerant.

[0005] One example of a problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that can effectively utilize the temperature difference of a refrigerant flowing inside a pipe. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, an ejector, a gas-liquid separator, a first pipe, a second pipe, and a thermoelectric element. The compressor has an intake port for sucking in a refrigerant and an outlet port for discharging the refrigerant. The ejector includes a first inlet and a second inlet into which the refrigerant flows, and an outlet port for mixing the refrigerant flowing in from the first inlet and the refrigerant flowing in from the second inlet and discharging the refrigerant. The gas-liquid separator is provided with a first opening through which the refrigerant can flow in, a second opening through which the liquid refrigerant can flow out, and a third opening through which at least the gaseous refrigerant can flow out. The first pipe forms a flow path from the outlet port of the compressor through the condenser, the first inlet and the outlet of the ejector, the first opening and the second opening of the gas-liquid separator, and the evaporator, to the second inlet of the ejector. The second pipe forms a flow path from the third opening of the gas-liquid separator to the intake port of the compressor. The thermoelectric element is thermally connected to the first pipe between the discharge port of the compressor and the first inlet of the ejector and to the second pipe, and converts a temperature difference between the first pipe and the second pipe into electric energy.

[0007] The air conditioner may further include a power storage unit capable of storing the electric energy generated by the thermoelectric element.

[0008] Furthermore, the thermoelectric element of the air-conditioning apparatus may be disposed, for example, between the first pipe between the discharge port of the compressor and the condenser and the second pipe.

[0009] Furthermore, the thermoelectric element of the air-conditioning apparatus may be disposed, for example, between the first pipe between the condenser and the first inlet of the ejector, and the second pipe.

[0010] According to the above air conditioning apparatus, for example, the thermoelectric element generates electricity using the temperature difference of the refrigerant flowing through the pipes (the first pipe and the second pipe), so the energy of the refrigerant can be effectively utilized for purposes other than heat exchange. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a refrigerant system diagram of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment, and is also an illustrative and schematic diagram showing the flow of refrigerant during cooling operation. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a refrigerant system diagram of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment, and is also an illustrative and schematic diagram showing the flow of refrigerant during heating operation. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an illustrative schematic Mollier diagram showing the state of the refrigerant flowing through the air conditioner according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an illustrative and schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of an ejector mounted in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an exemplary schematic block diagram showing an air-conditioning device control device according to the embodiment and a configuration controlled by the control device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a refrigerant system diagram of an air conditioner according to the second embodiment, and is also an illustrative and schematic diagram showing the flow of refrigerant during cooling operation. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an illustrative schematic Mollier diagram showing the state of the refrigerant flowing through the air conditioner according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Several embodiments will be described below with reference to Figs. 1 to 7. In this specification, components according to the embodiments and their descriptions 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 specified by names different from those in this specification. The components may also be described by expressions different from those in this specification.

[0013] First Embodiment 1 and 2 are exemplary and schematic diagrams showing a refrigerant system diagram of an air conditioner 10 according to a first embodiment. The air conditioner 10 is, for example, a home air conditioner. Note that the air conditioner 10 is not limited to this example and may be other air conditioners such as a commercial air conditioner. Note that FIG. 1 is an exemplary and schematic diagram showing the flow of refrigerant during cooling operation (dehumidification operation), and FIG. 2 is an exemplary and schematic diagram showing the flow of refrigerant during heating operation. FIGS. 1 and 2 have the same configuration, except that the direction in which the refrigerant flows is different.

[0014] 1 and 2, an air conditioner 10 has an outdoor unit 11, an indoor unit 12, a refrigerant pipe 13, a control device 14, a thermoelectric element 15, and an electricity storage unit 16. The outdoor unit 11 is disposed, for example, outdoors. The indoor unit 12 is disposed, for example, indoors.

[0015] 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.

[0016] The outdoor unit 11 has an outdoor heat exchanger 21, an outdoor blower fan 22, a compressor 23, a first four-way valve 24, a second four-way valve 25, an ejector 26, a gas-liquid separator 27, an expansion valve 28, etc. The indoor unit 12 has an indoor heat exchanger 41 and an indoor blower fan 42.

[0017] The refrigerant pipe 13 is, for example, a pipe made of a metal such as copper or aluminum. The refrigerant pipe 13 includes a first pipe 51 and a second pipe 52.

[0018] The first piping 51 connects the indoor heat exchanger 41 and the outdoor heat exchanger 21. In the case of Fig. 1, the air conditioner 10 shows the flow of refrigerant during cooling operation, so the outdoor heat exchanger 21 functions as a condenser and the indoor heat exchanger 41 functions as an evaporator. The outdoor heat exchanger 21, the indoor heat exchanger 41, the compressor 23, the first four-way valve 24, the second four-way valve 25, the ejector 26, the gas-liquid separator 27, and the expansion valve 28 are provided in the first piping 51.

[0019] The first pipe 51 has a first region 51a, a second region 51b, a third region 51c, a fourth region 51d, a fifth region 51e, a sixth region 51f, a seventh region 51g, an eighth region 51h, a ninth region 51i, and a tenth region 51j.

[0020] The first area 51a is a piping area that connects the first four-way valve 24 and the indoor heat exchanger 41 (which functions as an evaporator during cooling operation and as a condenser during heating operation). The second area 51b is a piping area that connects the first four-way valve 24 and the second inlet 26b of the ejector 26. The third area 51c is a piping area that connects the first four-way valve 24 and the discharge port 23b of the compressor 23. The fourth area 51d is a piping area that connects the first four-way valve 24 and the outdoor heat exchanger 21 (which functions as a condenser during cooling operation and as an evaporator during heating operation). The fifth area 51e is a piping area that connects the outdoor heat exchanger 21 and the second four-way valve 25. The sixth area 51f is a piping area that connects the second four-way valve 25 and the first inlet 26a of the ejector 26. The seventh region 51g is a piping region that connects the outlet 26c of the ejector 26 and the first opening 27a of the gas-liquid separator 27. The eighth region 51h is a piping region that connects the second opening 27b of the gas-liquid separator 27 and the expansion valve 28. The ninth region 51i is a piping region that connects the expansion valve 28 and the second four-way valve 25. The tenth region 51j is a piping region that connects the second four-way valve 25 and the indoor heat exchanger 41 (which functions as an evaporator during cooling operation and as a condenser during heating operation). In other words, the first piping forms a flow path from the discharge port 23b of the compressor 23, through the condenser (outdoor heat exchanger 21 or indoor heat exchanger 41), the first inlet 26a and outlet 26c of the ejector 26, the first opening 27a and second opening 27b of the gas-liquid separator 27, and the evaporator (indoor heat exchanger 41 or indoor heat exchanger 211), to the second inlet 26b of the ejector 26.

[0021] The second pipe 52 connects the third opening 27c of the gas-liquid separator 27 and the suction port 23a of the compressor 23. That is, the second pipe 52 forms a flow path from the third opening 27c of the gas-liquid separator 27 to the suction port 23a of the compressor 23.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, during cooling operation and dehumidification operation of the air conditioner 10, the refrigerant flows from the compressor 23 to the outdoor heat exchanger 21, the second four-way valve 25, the ejector 26, the gas-liquid separator 27, the expansion valve 28, the second four-way valve 25, the indoor heat exchanger 41, the first four-way valve 24, the ejector 26, and the gas-liquid separator 27 through the first piping 51. Then, the refrigerant is returned from the gas-liquid separator 27 to the compressor 23 through the second piping. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, during heating operation of the air conditioner 10, the refrigerant flows from the compressor 23 to the indoor heat exchanger 41, the second four-way valve 25, the ejector 26, the gas-liquid separator 27, the expansion valve 28, the second four-way valve 25, the outdoor heat exchanger 21, the first four-way valve 24, the ejector 26, and the gas-liquid separator 27 through the first piping 51. Then, the refrigerant passes through the second pipe and is returned from the gas-liquid separator 27 to the compressor 23.

[0023] As described above, the outdoor heat exchanger 21 of the outdoor unit 11 functions as an evaporator to absorb heat from the refrigerant or as a condenser to release heat from the refrigerant depending on the direction in which the refrigerant flows. 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] An accumulator may be connected to the suction port 23a side of the compressor 23. The accumulator separates the gaseous refrigerant from the liquid refrigerant. This allows the compressor 23 to suck the gaseous refrigerant that has passed through the accumulator through the suction port 23a. The accumulator may be configured integrally with the compressor 23 to serve as the suction port of the compressor 23.

[0026] The first four-way valve 24 is connected to the discharge port 23b of the compressor 23, the outdoor heat exchanger 21, the second inlet 26b of the ejector 26, and the indoor heat exchanger 41. The first four-way valve 24 switches the flow paths connected to the discharge port 23b of the compressor 23, the outdoor heat exchanger 21, the second inlet 26b of the ejector 26, and the indoor heat exchanger 41, respectively, during heating operation and cooling operation (dehumidification operation), thereby changing the direction in which the refrigerant flows.

[0027] During cooling operation and dehumidification operation, the first four-way valve 24 connects the discharge port 23b of the compressor 23 to the outdoor heat exchanger 21, and supplies high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant to the outdoor heat exchanger 21 functioning as a condenser. The medium-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant that has been heat exchanged in the outdoor heat exchanger 21 passes through the second four-way valve 25, flows into the first inlet 26a of the ejector 26 as a driving flow, is mixed with the refrigerant that flows in from the second inlet 26b as a suction flow, and is supplied from the outlet 26c to the first opening 27a of the gas-liquid separator 27 as a two-phase, gas-liquid, medium-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant. The medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator 27 flows out from the second opening 27b, expands in the expansion valve 28 to become low-temperature and low-pressure, and flows through the second four-way valve 25 to the indoor heat exchanger 41 functioning as an evaporator. Then, heat exchange is performed in the indoor heat exchanger 41, and cool air is discharged toward the room during cooling operation. Also, during dehumidification operation, condensation (condensed water) is generated and the condensed water is collected to perform dehumidification. During cooling operation and dehumidification operation, the first four-way valve 24 connects the indoor heat exchanger 41 to the second inlet 26b of the ejector 26, and the low-temperature, low-pressure, almost gaseous refrigerant discharged from the indoor heat exchanger 41 is supplied to the second inlet 26b of the ejector 26 as a suction flow. The suction flow supplied to the ejector 26 is mixed with the liquid refrigerant (driving flow) supplied to the first inlet 26a of the ejector 26 from the outdoor heat exchanger 21 side as described above. The refrigerant in a state in which the temperature is adjusted and the pressure is increased by the ejector effect in the ejector 26 is separated into a liquid refrigerant and a liquid-gas refrigerant in a state close to a saturated gas state in the gas-liquid separator 27. As described above, the liquid refrigerant is supplied to the expansion valve 28 from the second opening 27b. On the other hand, the liquid gas refrigerant is returned to the suction port 23a of the compressor 23 through the second piping 52 from the third opening 27c.

[0028] 2, during heating operation, the first four-way valve 24 connects the discharge port 23b of the compressor 23 to the indoor heat exchanger 41, and supplies high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant to the indoor heat exchanger 41, which functions as a condenser. Then, heat exchange is performed in the indoor heat exchanger 41, and warm air is discharged toward the room during heating operation. The medium-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant that has been heat exchanged (condensed) in the indoor heat exchanger 41 passes through the second four-way valve 25, flows into the first inlet 26a of the ejector 26 as a driving flow, is mixed with the refrigerant that flows in from the second inlet 26b as a suction flow, and is supplied to the first opening 27a of the gas-liquid separator 27 from the outlet 26c as a gas-liquid two-phase medium-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant. The medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant separated by the gas-liquid separator 27 flows out from the second opening 27b, expands in the expansion valve 28 to become low-temperature, low-pressure, and flows through the second four-way valve 25 to the outdoor heat exchanger 21 functioning as an evaporator. Then, the refrigerant undergoes heat exchange in the outdoor heat exchanger 21 and becomes almost gaseous at low temperature and low pressure, and is supplied to the second inlet 26b of the ejector 26 as a suction flow through the first four-way valve 24. The suction flow supplied to the ejector 26 is mixed with the liquid refrigerant (driving flow) supplied to the first inlet 26a of the ejector 26 from the indoor heat exchanger 41 side, as described above. The refrigerant in a state in which the temperature is adjusted and the pressure is increased by the ejector effect in the ejector 26 is separated by the gas-liquid separator 27 into a liquid refrigerant and a liquid-gas refrigerant close to a saturated gas state. As described above, the liquid refrigerant is supplied to the expansion valve 28 from the second opening 27b. On the other hand, the liquid gas refrigerant passes through the third opening 27c and the second pipe 52 and is returned to the suction port 23a of the compressor 23.

[0029] Fig. 3 is a graph showing an example of a Mollier diagram showing the state of the refrigerant in the air conditioning device 10. Note that the symbol AI in the Mollier diagram coincides with the symbol AI given to the inside of the piping of the air conditioning device 10 shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, and indicates the state of the refrigerant in the piping.

[0030] In cooling operation, the refrigerant is compressed by the compressor 23 (symbol IA in FIG. 3) and discharged from the discharge port 23b of the compressor 23. The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the discharge port 23b partially dissipates heat at the connection (installation) position of the thermoelectric element 15 (symbol AB), and further passes through the first four-way valve 24 to dissipate heat in the outdoor heat exchanger 21 (symbol BC). Details of the operation of the thermoelectric element 15 will be described later.

[0031] The liquid refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 21 and changed to a medium-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant passes through the second four-way valve 25 and is supplied as a driving flow to the first inlet 26a of the ejector 26. The liquid refrigerant is depressurized in the nozzle of the ejector 26, mixed with the refrigerant supplied as a suction flow from the second inlet 26b, and pressurized in the diffuser, and flows out of the outlet 26c in a gas-liquid two-phase state (symbol CD). The ejector 26 will be described in detail later.

[0032] The two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant flowing out from the outlet 26c of the ejector 26 is separated into, for example, a liquid and a liquid gas close to a saturated gas state (symbols DE and DH) in the gas-liquid separator 27. The liquid refrigerant flows out from a second opening 27b of the gas-liquid separator 27 and is decompressed by the expansion valve 28 (symbol EF).

[0033] The low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant, which has been decompressed by the expansion valve 28 and passed through the second four-way valve 25, absorbs heat by heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger 41 (symbol FG). The almost gaseous refrigerant evaporated by heat absorption in the indoor heat exchanger 41 is sucked as a suction flow from the second inlet 26b of the ejector 26 via the first four-way valve 24, and is mixed with the refrigerant (driving flow) supplied from the first inlet 26a (symbol GD).

[0034] On the other hand, the liquid gas refrigerant close to a saturated gas state separated in the gas-liquid separator 27 is further gasified by absorbing heat through heat exchange with the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant coming out of the discharge port 23b of the compressor 23 at the installation position of the thermoelectric element 15 (symbol HI) and is returned to the suction port 23a of the compressor 23.

[0035] The Mollier diagram corresponding to the state of the refrigerant flowing through the air conditioner 10 during heating operation is generally the same as the Mollier diagram during cooling operation shown in Fig. 3, and the symbol AI in Fig. 2 is given corresponding to the flow of the refrigerant during heating operation. Therefore, a description of the state of the refrigerant during heating operation will be omitted.

[0036] Returning to FIG. 1 (FIG. 2), the second four-way valve 25 is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 41, the expansion valve 28, the outdoor heat exchanger 21, and the first inlet 26a of the ejector 26. The second four-way valve 25 switches the flow paths connected to the indoor heat exchanger 41, the expansion valve 28, the outdoor heat exchanger 21, and the first inlet 26a of the ejector 26 between cooling operation (dehumidification operation) and heating operation, and changes the direction of the refrigerant flow. The second four-way valve 25 is not limited to a general four-way valve, and may be a valve of other configurations as long as it can change the direction of the refrigerant flow. For example, it may be replaced with a bridge circuit in which four check valves are connected in a ring shape. When a bridge circuit is adopted as the second four-way valve, the second four-way valve drive circuit described later can be omitted.

[0037] 1, during cooling operation or dehumidification operation, the second four-way valve 25 connects the indoor heat exchanger 41 and the expansion valve 28, and supplies the liquid refrigerant that has become low temperature and low pressure as a result of expansion in the expansion valve 28 to the indoor heat exchanger 41. In addition, the second four-way valve 25 connects the outdoor heat exchanger 21 and the first inlet 26a of the ejector 26, and supplies the liquid refrigerant that has become medium temperature and high pressure as a result of heat exchange in the outdoor heat exchanger 21 to the first inlet 26a of the ejector 26.

[0038] 2, during heating operation, the second four-way valve 25 connects the indoor heat exchanger 41 and the first inlet 26a of the ejector 26, and supplies the medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed as a result of heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger 41 to the first inlet 26a of the ejector 26. The second four-way valve 25 also connects the expansion valve 28 and the outdoor heat exchanger 21, thereby supplying the liquid refrigerant that has become low-pressure and low-temperature due to the expansion action of the expansion valve 28 to the outdoor heat exchanger 21.

[0039] The ejector 26 is provided in the first pipe 51. More specifically, the ejector 26 includes a first inlet 26a, a second inlet 26b, and an outlet 26c. During cooling and dehumidifying operations, liquid refrigerant flows into the first inlet 26a as a driving flow from the outdoor heat exchanger 21 through the second four-way valve 25. During heating operations, liquid refrigerant flows into the first inlet 26a as a driving flow from the indoor heat exchanger 41 through the second four-way valve 25. During cooling and dehumidifying operations, low-temperature, low-pressure, almost gaseous refrigerant flows into the second inlet 26b from the indoor heat exchanger 41 through the first four-way valve 24. During heating operations, low-temperature, low-pressure, almost gaseous refrigerant flows into the second inlet 26b from the outdoor heat exchanger 21 through the first four-way valve 24. During cooling operation, dehumidification operation, and heating operation, the outlet 26c mixes the refrigerant supplied to the first inlet 26a with the refrigerant supplied to the second inlet 26b, and supplies the pressurized refrigerant to the first opening 27a of the gas-liquid separator 27.

[0040] Fig. 4 is an exemplary and schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the ejector 26 of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the ejector 26 has a simple structure, and therefore is easy to maintain and to install in the air conditioning device 10. The structure of the ejector 26 is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 4. The ejector 26 is provided with a first inlet 26a, a second inlet 26b, an outlet 26c, a nozzle section 61, a suction section 62, a mixing section 63, and a diffuser section 64.

[0041] In the case of the ejector 26, as shown in FIG. 1, the first inlet 26a is connected to the sixth region 51f of the first pipe 51. In the first inlet 26a, liquid refrigerant flows in as a driving flow from the outdoor heat exchanger 21 during cooling operation and dehumidification operation, and liquid refrigerant flows in as a driving flow from the indoor heat exchanger 41 during heating operation. The second inlet 26b is connected to the second region 51b of the first pipe 51. In the cooling operation and dehumidification operation, a substantially gaseous refrigerant flows in as a suction flow from the indoor heat exchanger 41, and in the heating operation, a substantially gaseous refrigerant flows in as a suction flow from the outdoor heat exchanger 21. The outlet 26c is connected to the seventh region 51g of the first pipe 51. The refrigerant flowing in from the first inlet 26a and the second inlet 26b is mixed and discharged in a pressurized gas-liquid two-phase state from the outlet 26c.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 4, the nozzle portion 61 of the ejector 26 is provided between the first inlet 26a and the mixing portion 63. The nozzle portion 61 is a flow path having a portion tapering toward the mixing portion 63 and a portion gradually expanding toward the mixing portion 63. The shape of the nozzle portion 61 is not limited to this, and any structure may be used as long as the refrigerant that has flowed in can be decompressed and sprayed at high speed. The nozzle portion 61 decompresses and expands the refrigerant that has flowed into the first inlet 26a, and sprays it into the mixing portion 63. Since the pressure near the outlet of the nozzle portion 61 is low, the first inlet 26a connected to the nozzle portion 61 can suck the refrigerant as a driving flow.

[0043] The suction section 62 is provided between the second inlet 26b and the mixing section 63. The suction section 62 is provided around the nozzle section 61 and is a substantially cylindrical flow path having a portion tapering toward the mixing section 63. The suction section 62 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant that has flowed into the second inlet 26b and expands it, and ejects it into the mixing section 63. Since the pressure near the outlet of the suction section 62 is low, the second inlet 26b connected to the suction section 62 can suck in the refrigerant as a suction flow.

[0044] The mixing section 63 is provided between the nozzle section 61 and the suction section 62, and the diffuser section 64. In the mixing section 63, the ejector 26 mixes the refrigerant ejected from the suction section 62 with the refrigerant ejected from the nozzle section 61.

[0045] The diffuser section 64 is provided between the mixing section 63 and the outlet 26c. The diffuser section 64 is a flow path having a portion that expands toward the outlet 26c. The refrigerant mixed in the mixing section 63 is decelerated and pressurized in the diffuser section 64, and is discharged from the outlet 26c.

[0046] The ejector 26 has an ejector solenoid valve 65. The ejector solenoid valve 65 can open and close the first inlet 26a, can control the flow rate of the driving flow, and can adjust the ejector effect (zero to maximum). In FIG. 4, an example in which the ejector solenoid valve 65 is located outside the nozzle portion 61 is shown, but the ejector solenoid valve 65 may be provided inside the nozzle portion 61 or in another portion. For example, it may be a needle-shaped valve that is inserted into the nozzle portion 61 and has an opening degree adjusted. The ejector solenoid valve 65 adjusts the amount of refrigerant supplied to the first inlet 26a by controlling the opening degree. In the ejector 26, the amount of refrigerant supplied to the second inlet 26b may be adjusted by providing an ejector solenoid valve at or inside the second inlet 26b, similar to the first inlet 26a, and the ejector effect may be adjusted.

[0047] Returning to FIG. 1 (FIG. 2), the gas-liquid separator 27 is provided in the first pipe 51. The gas-liquid separator 27 is, for example, a surface tension gas-liquid separator. The gas-liquid separator 27 is provided with a first opening 28a (liquid gas refrigerant inlet), a second opening 27b (liquid refrigerant outlet), and a third opening 27c (liquid gas refrigerant outlet). During cooling operation (dehumidification operation) and heating operation, the first opening 27a of the gas-liquid separator 27 receives liquid refrigerant, and the second opening 27b allows the liquid refrigerant from the gas-liquid separated refrigerant to flow out. The third opening 27c allows the refrigerant from the gas-liquid separated refrigerant other than the liquid refrigerant flowing out from the second opening 27b to flow out. That is, the third opening 27c may contain liquid refrigerant. For example, the liquid gas refrigerant close to a saturated gas state flows out. The third opening 27c may be configured to allow only the gaseous refrigerant to flow out. The gas-liquid separator 27 may be any other gas-liquid separator that can separate the liquid refrigerant flowing out from the second opening 27b from other refrigerants, and may be, for example, a receiver tank or other gas-liquid separator that can temporarily store the liquid refrigerant.

[0048] The expansion valve 28 is provided between the second opening 27b of the gas-liquid separator 27 and the second four-way valve 25. The expansion valve 28 is, for example, an electromagnetic expansion valve. Note that the expansion valve 28 may be another type of expansion valve. The expansion valve 28 adjusts the amount of refrigerant passing through by controlling the opening degree.

[0049] The thermoelectric element 15 is an energy conversion element that utilizes the interaction between heat and electricity. The thermoelectric element 15 is, for example, a sheet-like element, and one surface of the thermoelectric element 15 is thermally contacted with a pipe through which a high-temperature refrigerant flows, and the other surface of the thermoelectric element 15 is thermally contacted with a pipe through which a low-temperature refrigerant flows. When a temperature difference is created between the front and back of the thermoelectric element 15 by the refrigerant, a thermoelectromotive force is generated from both the front and back ends due to the Seebeck effect. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the third region 51c of the first pipe 51 contacts the first surface 15a, which is one surface of the thermoelectric element 15, and the second pipe contacts the second surface 15b, which is the surface opposite to the first surface 15a. The area between the first pipe 51 between the discharge port 23b of the compressor 23 and the condenser (the outdoor heat exchanger 21 or the indoor heat exchanger 41), where the thermoelectric element 15 is arranged, and the second pipe 52, is the position where the temperature difference is the largest in the air conditioner 10. Therefore, by thermally connecting thermoelectric element 15 to each pipe at this position, power can be generated efficiently by the temperature difference. Note that, although it is preferable for first surface 15a and second surface 15b of thermoelectric element 15 to be in direct contact with each pipe from the viewpoint of power generation efficiency, direct contact is not necessarily required and indirect contact is also acceptable as long as a temperature difference can be obtained between first surface 15a and second surface 15b.

[0050] In the example of FIG. 1, the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52 in the previous shape are in contact with the front and back of the thermoelectric element 15, and the larger the contact area between the thermoelectric element 15 and the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52, the more effectively the temperature difference between the front and back can be formed, and the more efficient the power generation. For example, the first pipe 51 (third region 51c) is bent into a zigzag shape many times to be in contact with the first surface 15a of the thermoelectric element 15. Similarly, the second pipe 52 is bent into a zigzag shape many times to be in contact with the second surface 15b of the thermoelectric element 15. As a result, it is possible to increase the temperature of the front and back of the thermoelectric element 15, and the power generation can be improved. The shape of the pipes for improving the power generation efficiency can be changed as appropriate, but it is preferable to determine the shape in consideration of suppressing the increase in the flow resistance in the pipes.

[0051] The power generated by the thermoelectric element 15 can be stored in the power storage unit 16, for example. In this embodiment, the power storage unit 16 is configured to store the power via the outdoor control device 14a. Although the amount of power generated per unit time by the thermoelectric element 15 is not large, the generated power can be stored for a long period of time and used for the operation of the air conditioner 10. For example, the power can be used to temporarily continue the operation of the air conditioner 10 during a power outage. As described above, regardless of the operating state of the air conditioner 10, such as cooling operation, dehumidification operation, and heating operation, a high-temperature refrigerant is discharged from the discharge port 23b of the compressor 23, and a low-temperature refrigerant returns to the intake port 23a. In other words, the thermoelectric element 15 can generate power as long as the air conditioner 10 is operating with a flow of refrigerant. As a result, by storing power in the power storage unit 16 for several months or several years, it is possible to store power for driving the air conditioner 10 for a certain period of time during an emergency. The power stored in the power storage unit 16 may be supplied to devices other than the air conditioner 10. For example, it may be used as a battery that temporarily drives other home appliances during a power outage.

[0052] Furthermore, the air conditioner 10 is equipped with a plurality of sensors and actuators such as valves for control purposes. The power generated by the thermoelectric element 15 may be used to drive the sensors and actuators during steady operation of the air conditioner 10. In this case, this can contribute to reducing the power consumption during operation of the air conditioner 10. In this case, the power storage unit 16 may be omitted.

[0053] As described above, the low-temperature liquid-gas refrigerant in a state close to a saturated gas state flows through the second pipe 52 from the third opening 27c of the gas-liquid separator 27. When this liquid-gas refrigerant passes the position of the thermoelectric element 15, it exchanges heat with the high-temperature gas refrigerant discharged from the discharge port 23b of the compressor 23 connected to the first surface 15a of the thermoelectric element 15. As a result, gasification of the liquid-gas refrigerant is promoted, and the refrigerant in a state in which gasification has been promoted can be returned to the compressor 23. As a result, it is possible to contribute to reducing the load on the compressor 23.

[0054] The control device 14 controls the outdoor blower fan 22, the indoor blower fan 42, the compressor 23, each control valve, and the power storage unit 16, which are provided in the outdoor unit 11 and the indoor unit 12, and controls cooling operation, heating operation, dehumidification operation, defrosting operation, and other operations, and also controls charging and discharging of the power storage unit 16. The control device 14 is composed of, for example, an outdoor control device 14a provided in the outdoor unit 11 and an indoor control device 14b provided in the indoor unit 12. The outdoor control device 14a and the indoor control device 14b are electrically connected to each other and transmit and receive control signals to cooperate with each other to control the outdoor unit 11 and the indoor unit 12. The indoor control device 14b provided in the indoor unit 12 may be controlled by inputting a signal from a remote controller operated by a user, or may be controlled by inputting a signal from an information terminal such as a smartphone through a communication device. The outdoor control device 14a and the indoor control device 14b may be integrated into one control device 14. In this case, the control device 14 may be provided in either the outdoor unit 11 or the indoor unit 12, but can be provided in the indoor unit 12, for example.

[0055] The control device 14 is, for example, a computer having a control device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microcontroller, and a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a flash memory. Note that the control device 14 is not limited to this example.

[0056] Fig. 5 is an exemplary schematic block diagram showing the control device 14 of the air conditioner 10 of this embodiment and a configuration controlled by the control device 14. As shown in Fig. 5, the air conditioner 10 of this embodiment has an outdoor fan drive circuit 81, an indoor fan drive circuit 82, an inverter circuit 83, a first four-way valve drive circuit 84, a second four-way valve drive circuit 85, an expansion valve drive circuit 86, an ejector solenoid valve drive circuit 87, a charge / discharge switching circuit 88, and the like.

[0057] The outdoor 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.

[0058] The first four-way valve drive circuit 84 is a drive circuit for the first four-way valve 24. The second four-way valve drive circuit 85 is a drive circuit for the second four-way valve 25. The expansion valve drive circuit 86 is a drive circuit for the expansion valve 28. The ejector solenoid valve drive circuit 87 is a drive circuit for the ejector solenoid valve 65. The charge / discharge switching circuit 88 switches the charge / discharge state of the electricity storage unit 16.

[0059] The control device 14 is connected to the temperature sensors T1, T2, T3, . . . , the outdoor fan drive circuit 81, the indoor fan drive circuit 82, the inverter circuit 83, the first four-way valve drive circuit 84, the second four-way valve drive circuit 85, the expansion valve drive circuit 86, the ejector solenoid valve drive circuit 87, and the charge / discharge switching circuit 88. Note that, for the sake of simplicity, in Figs. 1 and 2, and Fig. 6 shown in the second embodiment described later, only the temperature sensor T1 for measuring the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 41, the temperature sensor T2 for measuring the temperature of the first surface 15a of the thermoelectric element 15, and the temperature sensor T3 for measuring the temperature of the second surface 15b are shown, but a plurality of temperature sensors for measuring the temperatures of the components of the outdoor unit 11 and the indoor unit 12 and at various points in the refrigerant piping 13 are provided.

[0060] The control device 14 includes a temperature acquisition unit 91 , an operation switching unit 92 , an outdoor fan control unit 93 , an indoor fan control unit 94 , a compressor control unit 95 , a valve control unit 96 , and an electricity storage unit control unit 97 .

[0061] The temperature acquisition unit 91 measures the temperature of each part in the refrigeration cycle using the temperature sensors T1, T2, T3, . . . and controls the outdoor unit 11 and the indoor unit 12 based on the measured temperatures.

[0062] The operation switching unit 92 switches the air conditioner 10 between cooling operation, heating operation, dehumidification operation, defrosting operation, and other operations.

[0063] The outdoor fan control section 93 controls the outdoor blower fan 22. For example, the outdoor fan control section 93 controls the outdoor fan drive circuit 81 to control the rotation speed of the motor of the outdoor blower fan 22.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] The valve control unit 96 controls the first four-way valve 24, the second four-way valve 25, the expansion valve 28, and the ejector solenoid valve 65. The valve control unit 96 controls the first four-way valve drive circuit 84 to drive the actuator of the first four-way valve 24 and change the direction in which the refrigerant flows through the first four-way valve 24. The valve control unit 96 controls the second four-way valve drive circuit 85 to drive the actuator of the second four-way valve 25 and change the direction in which the refrigerant flows through the second four-way valve 25. The valve control unit 96 controls the expansion valve drive circuit 86 to change the opening of the expansion valve 28 and adjust the expansion amount of the medium. In addition, the valve control unit 96 controls the ejector solenoid valve drive circuit 87 to change the opening of the ejector solenoid valve 65 and adjust the flow rate of the medium flowing through the ejector 26, thereby adjusting the ejector effect amount (the amount of pressure rise and temperature of the refrigerant flowing out from the outlet).

[0067] The power storage unit control unit 97 switches between the charged state and the discharged state of the power storage unit 16 by controlling the charge / discharge switching circuit 88. The thermoelectric element 15 can generate power continuously while the air conditioning device 10 is in operation (during refrigerant flow operation). Therefore, the power storage unit control unit 97 may constantly perform charge control while performing discharge control.

[0068] When the power supply from the commercial power source is cut off due to a power outage or the like, the power storage unit control unit 97 can temporarily function with, for example, a built-in spare battery, switch the power storage unit 16 to a discharging state, and then be driven by the power supply from the power storage unit 16. When the power storage unit 16 starts discharging, power supply to the entire control device 14 starts. Note that the switching control of the power storage unit 16 may be performed, for example, based on a control signal from a remote controller with which the user operates the indoor unit 12, or based on a control signal from an information terminal such as a smartphone through a communication device. Also, when a cutoff of the commercial power source is detected, the switching may be performed automatically. Note that it is preferable that the switching to the discharging state by the power storage unit control unit 97 does not function when the power is intentionally cut off, such as when the commercial power cord is unplugged from the outlet. For example, it is preferable that the switching is performed only when the power is cut off during the operation of the air conditioning device 10.

[0069] The power storage unit control unit 97 may also be provided with a power consumption reduction mode that reduces power consumption during normal operation of the air conditioning apparatus 10. The power consumption reduction mode may include, for example, a direct use mode in which the power generated by the thermoelectric element 15 during normal operation of the air conditioning apparatus 10 is used directly to drive the temperature sensor T1 and various valves, as described above. The power consumption reduction mode may also include a combined use mode in which the power generated by the thermoelectric element 15 and the power already stored in the power storage unit 16 are used together during normal operation. Furthermore, the power consumption reduction mode may include a discharge use mode in which the power generated by the thermoelectric element 15 is stored in the power storage unit 16 while the power stored in the power storage unit 16 is discharged.

[0070] Thus, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide a user-friendly air conditioner 10 that can continue to operate temporarily even in an emergency (such as a power outage) by generating electricity using the temperature difference between the refrigerant flowing through the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52. Furthermore, by utilizing the electricity that is generated and stored, it is possible to contribute to reducing normal operation costs. Furthermore, it is also possible to use the electricity stored in the electricity storage unit 16 as a driving power source that provides electricity to electrical products other than the air conditioner 10, which can contribute to improving the commercial value of the air conditioner 10.

[0071] <Second embodiment> FIG. 6 is a refrigerant system diagram of an air conditioner 10A according to a second embodiment, and is also an exemplary and schematic diagram showing the flow of the refrigerant during cooling operation. The configuration of the air conditioner 10A and the configuration of the air conditioner 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 differ only in the arrangement position of the thermoelectric element 15, and the other configurations and the flow of the refrigerant are the same. Therefore, in the air conditioner 10A, the same configurations as those of the air conditioner 10 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations thereof are omitted. Note that during heating operation, the refrigerant flow direction is simply reversed from that during cooling operation, so the refrigerant system diagram during heating operation is omitted.

[0072] In the air conditioner 10A, the first surface 15a of the thermoelectric element 15 is in contact with the sixth region 51f of the first pipe 51. That is, the first surface 15a is in thermal contact with the pipe connecting the first inlet 26a of the ejector 26 and the second four-way valve 25. The second surface 15b of the thermoelectric element 15 is in contact with the second pipe 52. That is, the second surface 15b is in thermal contact with the pipe connecting the third opening 27c of the gas-liquid separator 27 and the suction port 23a of the compressor 23. In this case, a temperature difference is also generated between the first surface 15a and the second surface 15b of the thermoelectric element 15, and a thermoelectromotive force is generated from both the front and back ends due to the Seebeck effect based on this temperature difference. Therefore, as with the air conditioner 10 of the first embodiment, the generated thermoelectromotive force can be stored in the electricity storage unit 16. The thermoelectromotive force generated by the thermoelectric element 15 can be used as a power source for sensors, etc., or as a power source for other electrical products.

[0073] FIG. 7 is an exemplary schematic Mollier diagram showing the state of the refrigerant flowing through the air conditioning device 10A according to the second embodiment. The symbol AI in the Mollier diagram of FIG. 7 corresponds to the symbol AI attached to the inside of the piping of the air conditioning device 10A shown in FIG. 6, and shows the state of the refrigerant in the piping. The relationship between the Mollier diagram of FIG. 7 and the air conditioning device 10A of FIG. 6 is substantially the same as the relationship between the Mollier diagram of FIG. 3 and the air conditioning device 10 of FIG. 1, except for the position of the symbol B due to the difference in the installation position of the thermoelectric element 15. Therefore, the relationship between the Mollier diagram of FIG. 7 and the air conditioning device 10A of FIG. 6 refers to the relationship between the Mollier diagram of FIG. 3 and the air conditioning device 10 of FIG. 1, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0074] In the air-conditioning device 10 shown in Fig. 1, the thermoelectric element 15 is disposed near the compressor 23. In this case, many parts are disposed around the compressor 23, such as electrical wiring for driving the compressor 23 and a fixing structure for firmly fixing the compressor 23 that is constantly driven during operation. For this reason, the structure around the compressor 23 becomes complicated, which may limit the connection position of the thermoelectric element 15 or make the assembly work complicated.

[0075] On the other hand, in the case of the air conditioner 10A, the thermoelectric element 15 is disposed near the ejector 26 and the gas-liquid separator 27. The ejector 26 only includes an ejector solenoid valve 65, and does not require complicated electrical wiring. The gas-liquid separator 27 also does not require electrical wiring. Furthermore, the ejector 26 and the gas-liquid separator 27 do not perform driving involving vibration, as in the compressor 23, and therefore do not require a strong fixing structure as in the compressor 23. Therefore, the peripheral structure of the ejector 26 and the gas-liquid separator 27 is relatively simple, and it is easier to secure the installation space for the thermoelectric element 15 than in the air conditioner 10 of the first embodiment, and the assembly work is also easier. As a result, it is possible to contribute to improving the design freedom of the thermoelectric element 15 (air conditioner 10A).

[0076] Thus, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to provide a user-friendly air conditioner 10A that can temporarily continue to operate even in an emergency (such as a power outage) by generating power using the temperature difference between the refrigerant flowing through the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52. Furthermore, by utilizing the generated and stored electricity, it is possible to contribute to reducing normal operation costs. Furthermore, it is also possible to use the electricity stored in the electricity storage unit 16 as a driving power source that provides electricity to electrical products other than the air conditioner 10, which can contribute to improving the commercial value of the air conditioner 10A.

[0077] When power generation efficiency is a priority, the connection position shown in the first embodiment, where the temperature difference between the front and back of the thermoelectric element 15 is greatest, is preferable; however, the connection position of the thermoelectric element 15 may be at another position as long as a temperature difference can be obtained between the first surface 15a and the second surface 15b, and may be at a position other than that shown in the first and second embodiments, and the same effect can be obtained.

[0078] The air conditioner 10 (10A) according to the embodiment described above includes the compressor 23, a condenser (the outdoor heat exchanger 21 or the indoor heat exchanger 41), an evaporator (the indoor heat exchanger 41 or the outdoor heat exchanger 21), an ejector 26, a gas-liquid separator 27, a first pipe 51, a second pipe 52, and a thermoelectric element 15. The compressor 23 has an intake port 23a for sucking in a refrigerant and an outlet port 23b for discharging the refrigerant. The ejector 26 includes a first inlet 26a and a second inlet 26b into which the refrigerant flows, and an outlet port 26c for mixing the refrigerant flowing in from the first inlet 26a and the refrigerant flowing in from the second inlet 26b and discharging the mixed refrigerant. The gas-liquid separator 27 is provided with a first opening 27a through which the refrigerant can flow in, a second opening 27b through which the liquid refrigerant can flow out, and a third opening 27c through which at least the gaseous refrigerant can flow out. The first piping 51 forms a flow path from the discharge port 23b of the compressor 23 through the condenser (the outdoor heat exchanger 21 or the indoor heat exchanger 41), the first inlet 26a and outlet 26c of the ejector 26, the first opening 27a and the second opening 27b of the gas-liquid separator 27, and the evaporator (the indoor heat exchanger 41 or the outdoor heat exchanger 21) to the second inlet 26b of the ejector 26. The second piping 52 forms a flow path from the third opening 27c of the gas-liquid separator 27 to the suction port 23a of the compressor 23. The thermoelectric element 15 is thermally connected to a first pipe 51 between the discharge port 23b of the compressor 23 and a first inlet 26a of the ejector 26, and a second pipe 52, and converts the temperature difference between the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52 into electric energy. According to this configuration, for example, the thermoelectric element 15 generates electricity using the temperature difference of the refrigerant flowing inside the pipes (the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52), so that the energy of the refrigerant can be effectively utilized for purposes other than heat exchange.

[0079] The air conditioner 10 (10A) may further include a power storage unit 16 capable of storing the electric energy generated by the thermoelectric element 15. With this configuration, for example, the electric power generated by the thermoelectric element 15 can be stored and used as a temporary power source for driving the air conditioner 10 (10A) in an emergency such as a power outage. It can also be used as a power source for electrical products other than the air conditioner 10 (10A).

[0080] Furthermore, the thermoelectric element 15 of the air conditioner 10 may be disposed between the first pipe 51 between the discharge port 23b of the compressor 23 and the condenser (the outdoor heat exchanger 21 or the indoor heat exchanger 41) and the second pipe 52. According to this configuration, the thermoelectric element 15 can efficiently generate power using the temperature difference at the position in the air conditioner 10 where the temperature difference is greatest, for example.

[0081] Furthermore, the thermoelectric element 15 of the air conditioning device 10A may be disposed between the first pipe 51 between the condenser (the outdoor heat exchanger 21 or the indoor heat exchanger 41) and the first inlet 26a of the ejector 26, and the second pipe 52. With this configuration, the thermoelectric element 15 can be brought into contact with the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52, for example, at a structurally relatively simple position, and electricity can be generated by the temperature difference obtained at that position.

[0082] 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]

[0083] 10, 10A...air conditioner, 11...outdoor unit, 12...indoor unit, 13...refrigerant piping, 14...control device, 14a...outdoor control device, 14b...indoor control device, 15...thermoelectric element, 16...power storage unit, 21...outdoor heat exchanger (condenser or evaporator), 23...compressor, 23a...suction port, 23b...discharge port, 24...first four-way valve, 25...second four-way valve, 26...ejector, 26a...first inlet, 26b...second inlet, 26c...outlet, 27...gas-liquid separator, 27a...first opening, 27b...second opening, 27c...third opening, 28...expansion valve, 41...indoor heat exchanger (evaporator or condenser), 51...first piping, 52...second piping, 97...power storage unit control unit.

Claims

1. A compressor having a suction port for sucking in a refrigerant and a discharge port for discharging the refrigerant; A condenser; An evaporator; an ejector including a first inlet and a second inlet into which the refrigerant flows, and an outlet through which the refrigerant flowing in from the first inlet and the refrigerant flowing in from the second inlet are mixed and then discharged; a gas-liquid separator provided with a first opening through which the refrigerant can flow, a second opening through which the liquid refrigerant can flow out, and a third opening through which at least the gaseous refrigerant can flow out; a first pipe forming a flow path extending from the discharge port of the compressor through the condenser, the first inlet and outlet of the ejector, the first opening and the second opening of the gas-liquid separator, and the evaporator to the second inlet of the ejector; a second pipe forming a flow path from the third opening of the gas-liquid separator to a suction port of the compressor; a thermoelectric element that is thermally connected to the first pipe between the discharge port of the compressor and the first inlet of the ejector and the second pipe, and converts a temperature difference between the first pipe and the second pipe into electric energy; An air conditioning device comprising:

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1 , further comprising an electricity storage unit capable of storing the electric energy generated by the thermoelectric element.

3. 3. The air-conditioning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric element is disposed between the first pipe between the discharge port of the compressor and the condenser and the second pipe.

4. 3. The air-conditioning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric element is disposed between the first pipe between the condenser and the first inlet of the ejector and the second pipe.

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