Cooling device and method for operating the same
The cooling device addresses the issue of icing-related performance degradation by using a controlled dehumidification process within the air refrigerant cycle, preventing moisture from freezing and maintaining effective cooling without the need for defrost operations.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2023200703
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-11-28
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-09
AI Technical Summary
Existing cooling devices for refrigerated warehouses and containers face performance degradation and potential damage due to icing, especially during startup, and require defrost operations that can reduce cooling performance and affect stored item quality.
A cooling device with an air refrigerant cycle that includes a dehumidification line, a dehumidification valve, and a dehumidification device, controlled by a device that opens the dehumidification valve until specific temperature thresholds are reached, thereby preventing moisture from freezing without the need for a defrost operation.
The solution effectively suppresses performance degradation and damage from icing without performing a defrost operation, ensuring consistent cooling performance and preserving the quality of stored items.
Smart Images

Figure 2025086611000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cooling device for cooling a cooling chamber of a refrigerated warehouse or a refrigerated container and a method of operating the cooling device.
Background Art
[0002] A cooling device may cool a cooling chamber by using an air refrigerant cycle (a method of cooling air sucked from the cooling chamber and returning the cooled air to the cooling chamber) in order to store various materials, processed products, fresh foodstuffs, and the like. When such a cooling device is started, moisture contained in the air sucked from the cooling chamber may freeze in the cooling device, leading to a decrease in the performance of the cooling device or damage thereto. On the other hand, Patent Document 1 discloses that the cooling device includes an icing device that freezes moisture contained in the air sucked from the cooling chamber, and a defrost operation is performed to melt and drain the snow-like substance adhering to the icing device.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] However, in the cooling device described in Patent Document 1, when the defrost operation is performed, the cooling device itself is warmed, which may lead to a decrease in cooling performance. Furthermore, there is a risk that the quality of the stored items stored in the cooling chamber cannot be preserved.
[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a cooling device capable of suppressing performance degradation and damage due to freezing without performing a defrost operation.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006] To achieve the above object, a cooling device according to the present disclosure is a cooling device for cooling a cooling chamber of a refrigerated warehouse or a refrigerated container, comprising: an air line having an inlet formed at an upstream end for sucking air from the cooling chamber and an outlet formed at a downstream end for discharging the air into the cooling chamber; a compressor provided in the air line for compressing the air; a heat exchanger provided in a portion of the air line between the inlet and the compressor for cooling the air compressed by the compressor using the air flowing through this portion as a refrigerant; a turbine provided on the downstream side of the air line from the heat exchanger for expanding the air cooled by the heat exchanger; a branch line branching from a branch portion between the compressor and the heat exchanger in the air line and merging into a merging portion on the downstream side of the heat exchanger in the air line or a dehumidification line communicating with the cooling chamber; a dehumidification valve provided in the dehumidification line; a dehumidification device provided on the branch portion side of the dehumidification line from the dehumidification valve; and a control device for controlling opening and closing of the dehumidification valve. The control device includes a start-up operation unit that opens the dehumidification valve until the inlet temperature of the turbine drops to a preset inlet-side specified temperature when the cooling device starts up, and closes the dehumidification valve when the inlet temperature of the turbine is lower than the inlet-side specified temperature.
[0007] To achieve the above object, a cooling device according to the present disclosure is a cooling device for cooling a cooling chamber of a refrigerated warehouse or a refrigerated container, comprising: an air line having an inlet formed at an upstream end for sucking air from the cooling chamber and an outlet formed at a downstream end for discharging the air into the cooling chamber; a compressor provided in the air line for compressing the air; a heat exchanger provided in a portion of the air line between the inlet and the compressor for cooling the air compressed by the compressor using the air flowing through this portion as a refrigerant; a turbine provided on the downstream side of the air line relative to the heat exchanger for expanding the air cooled by the heat exchanger; a dehumidification line branched from a branch portion of the air line between the compressor and the heat exchanger and communicating with a confluence portion on the downstream side of the heat exchanger in the air line or the cooling chamber; a dehumidification valve provided in the dehumidification line; a dehumidification device provided on the branch portion side of the dehumidification line relative to the dehumidification valve; and a control device for controlling opening and closing of the dehumidification valve. The control device includes a startup operation unit that, when the cooling device is started up, opens the dehumidification valve until the outlet temperature of the turbine drops to a preset outlet-side specified temperature, and closes the dehumidification valve when the outlet temperature of the turbine is less than the outlet-side specified temperature.
[0008] To achieve the above object, a cooling device according to the present disclosure is a cooling device for cooling a cooling chamber of a refrigerated warehouse or a refrigerated container, comprising: an air line having an inlet formed at an upstream end for sucking air from the cooling chamber and an outlet formed at a downstream end for discharging the air into the cooling chamber; a compressor provided in the air line for compressing the air; a heat exchanger provided in a portion of the air line between the inlet and the compressor for cooling the air compressed by the compressor using the air flowing through this portion as a refrigerant; a turbine provided on the downstream side of the air line relative to the heat exchanger for expanding the air cooled by the heat exchanger; a branch line branching from a branch portion between the compressor and the heat exchanger in the air line and communicating with a confluence portion on the downstream side of the heat exchanger in the air line or a dehumidification line communicating with the cooling chamber; a dehumidification valve provided in the dehumidification line; a dehumidification device provided on the branch portion side of the dehumidification line relative to the dehumidification valve; and a control device for controlling the opening and closing of the dehumidification valve. The control device includes a startup operation unit that, when the cooling device starts up, opens the dehumidification valve and operates the turbine at a first rotational speed until the outlet temperature of the turbine drops to a preset outlet-side specified temperature, operates the turbine at a second rotational speed greater than the first rotational speed when the outlet temperature of the turbine is less than the outlet-side specified temperature, operates the turbine at the second rotational speed until the inlet temperature of the turbine drops to a preset inlet-side specified temperature, and closes the dehumidification valve and operates the turbine at a third rotational speed greater than the second rotational speed when the inlet temperature of the turbine is less than the inlet-side specified temperature.
[0009] In order to achieve the above object, a method for operating a cooling device according to the present disclosure is a method for operating a cooling device for cooling a refrigerated warehouse or a cooling chamber of a refrigerated container, the method including: an air line having an inlet formed at an upstream end for sucking air from the cooling chamber and an outlet formed at a downstream end for discharging the air into the cooling chamber; a compressor provided in the air line for compressing the air; a heat exchanger provided in a portion of the air line between the inlet and the compressor for cooling the air compressed by the compressor using the air flowing through the portion as a refrigerant; a turbine provided on the downstream side of the air line from the heat exchanger for expanding the air cooled by the heat exchanger; a branch portion branched from a portion of the air line between the compressor and the heat exchanger and communicating with a merging portion on the downstream side of the heat exchanger in the air line or a dehumidification line communicating with the cooling chamber; a dehumidification valve provided in the dehumidification line; and a dehumidification device provided on the branch portion side of the dehumidification line from the dehumidification valve. The method for operating the cooling device includes a step of opening the dehumidification valve until the inlet temperature of the turbine drops to a preset inlet-side specified temperature when the cooling device is started, and closing the dehumidification valve when the inlet temperature of the turbine is less than the inlet-side specified temperature.
[0010] To achieve the above object, a method for operating a cooling device according to the present disclosure is a method for operating a cooling device for cooling a cooling chamber of a refrigerated warehouse or a refrigerated container, the method including: an air line having an inlet formed at an upstream end for sucking air from the cooling chamber and an outlet formed at a downstream end for discharging the air into the cooling chamber; a compressor provided in the air line for compressing the air; a heat exchanger provided in a portion of the air line between the inlet and the compressor for cooling the air compressed by the compressor using the air flowing through the portion as a refrigerant; a turbine provided on the downstream side of the air line from the heat exchanger for expanding the air cooled by the heat exchanger; a branch line branching from a branch portion between the compressor and the heat exchanger in the air line and merging into a merging portion on the downstream side of the heat exchanger in the air line or a dehumidification line communicating with the cooling chamber; a dehumidification valve provided in the dehumidification line; and a dehumidification device provided on the branch portion side of the dehumidification line from the dehumidification valve. The method for operating the cooling device includes a step of opening the dehumidification valve until an outlet temperature of the turbine drops to a preset outlet-side specified temperature when the cooling device starts up, and closing the dehumidification valve when the outlet temperature of the turbine is less than the outlet-side specified temperature.
[0011] In order to achieve the above object, a method for operating a cooling device according to the present disclosure is a method for operating a cooling device for cooling a cooling chamber of a refrigerated warehouse or a refrigerated container, the air line having an inlet formed at an upstream end for sucking air from the cooling chamber and an outlet formed at a downstream end for discharging the air into the cooling chamber, a compressor provided in the air line for compressing the air, a heat exchanger provided in a portion of the air line between the inlet and the compressor for cooling the air compressed by the compressor using the air flowing through the portion as a refrigerant, a turbine provided on the downstream side of the air line from the heat exchanger for expanding the air cooled by the heat exchanger, a branch line branched from a branch portion between the compressor and the heat exchanger in the air line and communicating with a merging portion on the downstream side of the heat exchanger in the air line or a dehumidification line communicating with the cooling chamber, a dehumidification valve provided in the dehumidification line, and a dehumidification device provided on the branch portion side of the dehumidification line from the dehumidification valve. The method for operating the cooling device includes, when the cooling device is started, opening the dehumidification valve and operating the turbine at a first rotational speed until the outlet temperature of the turbine drops to a preset outlet-side specified temperature, operating the turbine at a second rotational speed greater than the first rotational speed when the outlet temperature of the turbine is less than the outlet-side specified temperature, operating the turbine at the second rotational speed until the inlet temperature of the turbine drops to a preset inlet-side specified temperature, and closing the dehumidification valve and operating the turbine at a third rotational speed greater than the second rotational speed when the inlet temperature of the turbine is less than the inlet-side specified temperature.
Advantages of the Invention
[0012] According to the cooling device and the method for operating the cooling device of the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress performance degradation and damage due to icing without performing a defrost operation.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0013]
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MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0014] Hereinafter, a cooling device and an operation method of the cooling device according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Such embodiments show one aspect of the present disclosure, do not limit this disclosure, and can be arbitrarily changed within the scope of the technical idea of this disclosure.
[0015] The cooling device according to the present disclosure cools the cooling chamber of a refrigerated warehouse or a refrigerated container. This cooling device applies a method (air refrigerant cycle) of cooling the air extracted from the cooling chamber and sending the cooled air back to the cooling chamber. In the present disclosure, the case where the cooling device cools the cooling chamber of a refrigerated container will be described as an example.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of a refrigerated container 100. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the refrigerated container 100 includes a main body portion 102 and a cooling device 1 according to the present disclosure.
[0017] The main body portion 102 has a rectangular prism shape and includes an upper wall, a lower wall, a left wall, a right wall, and a rear wall, with an opening at the front. The cooling device 1 is fitted into the front surface of the main body portion 102. The interior of the main body portion 102 is surrounded by the upper wall, the lower wall, the left wall, the right wall, the rear wall, and the cooling device 1 to define a cooling chamber 101. Although not shown, the cooling chamber 101 may be provided with an openable door on at least one of the left wall, the right wall, and the rear wall so that an operator can enter and exit the cooling chamber 101. In some embodiments, the main body portion 102 includes a front wall, and the cooling device 1 is fitted into the front wall.
[0018] The cooling device 1 applies the air refrigerant cycle as described above, cools the air sucked from the cooling chamber 101 (hereinafter referred to as the suction air A2) to generate cooling air A1, and sends this cooling air A1 back to the cooling chamber 101. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the cooling device 1 is configured to be able to keep the temperature of the cooling chamber 101 in the range of -40 degrees or more and less than 20 degrees. That is, the refrigerated container 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a low-temperature container (so-called reef container). In some embodiments, the refrigerated container 100 is an ultra-low temperature container or a cryogenic container capable of keeping the temperature inside the cooling chamber 101 lower than -40 degrees. In some embodiments, the cooling device 1 has a width (the length of the refrigerated container 100 in the left-right direction) of 2.3 m or less and a height of 2.9 m or less.
[0019] <Cooling Device> (Configuration) The configuration of the cooling device 1A(1) according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the cooling device 1A according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the cooling device 1A includes an air line 2, a compressor 4, a heat exchanger 6, a turbine 8, a dehumidification line 10, a dehumidification valve 12, a dehumidification device 14, and a control device 16.
[0020] The air line 2 is constituted by, for example, a pipe or a duct, and a flow path through which the suction air A2 flows is formed inside. The air line 2 has an inlet 7a for sucking the suction air A2 from the cooling chamber 101 formed at the upstream end, and an outlet 7b for discharging the cooling air A1 to the cooling chamber 101 formed at the downstream end. The compressor 4, the heat exchanger 6, and the turbine 8 are provided in the air line 2. The suction air A2 flows through the heat exchanger 6, the compressor 4, the heat exchanger 6, and the turbine 8 in this order from the upstream side in the flow direction in which the suction air A2 flows through the air line 2.
[0021] Hereinafter, the portion between the inlet 7a and the compressor 4 in the air line 2 is referred to as the first portion 2a, the portion between the compressor 4 and the turbine 8 in the air line 2 and through which the suction air A2 flowing into the heat exchanger 6 flows is referred to as the second portion 2b, the portion between the compressor 4 and the turbine 8 in the air line 2 and through which the suction air A2 flowing out of the heat exchanger 6 flows is referred to as the third portion 2c, and the portion between the turbine 8 and the outlet 7b in the air line 2 is referred to as the fourth portion 2d.
[0022] The heat exchanger 6 cools the suction air A2 compressed by the compressor 4 (the suction air A2 that has flowed through the second portion 2b of the air line 2) using the suction air A2 flowing through the first portion 2a of the air line 2 as a refrigerant via a heat transfer wall (not shown). The suction air A2 cooled by the heat exchanger 6 flows through the third portion 2c of the air line 2 and is supplied to the turbine 8. The suction air A2 used as a refrigerant becomes normal temperature (15 degrees to 30 degrees) and is supplied to the compressor 4.
[0023] The compressor 4 compresses the suction air A2 and raises the temperature and pressure of this suction air A2. In the first embodiment, the compressor 4 compresses the suction air A2 that has been brought to room temperature by the heat exchanger 6. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the cooling device 1 further includes a motor 20 provided on a rotating shaft 22 that connects the compressor 4 and the turbine 8. The rotating shaft 22 has a pair of rotating shafts 22a and 22b that extend coaxially from the motor 20. The compressor 4 is connected to the motor 20 by one of the rotating shafts 22a and is driven by the motor 20. Further, the power generated by the turbine 8 is transmitted via the pair of rotating shafts 22a and 22b, and the power of the turbine 8 can be used as auxiliary power for driving.
[0024] The turbine 8 expands the suction air A2 (the suction air A2 that has flowed through the third portion 2c of the air line 2) cooled by the heat exchanger 6 and reduces the temperature and pressure of this suction air A2 (generates the cooling air A1). The turbine 8 is connected to the motor 20 by the other rotating shaft 22b and is driven by the motor 20. The cooling air A1 generated by the turbine 8 flows through the fourth portion 2d of the air line 2 and is sent to the cooling chamber 101. The turbine 8 operates at a rotational speed corresponding to the rotational speed of the motor 20. In the present disclosure, it is described that the rotational speed of the turbine 8 is equal to the rotational speed of the motor 20.
[0025] The dehumidification line 10 branches from a branch portion 3 located in the second portion 2b of the air line 2. This dehumidification line 10 communicates with a confluence portion 5 located in the third portion 2c of the air line 2 (the portion on the downstream side of the air line 2 from the heat exchanger 6 and on the upstream side of the air line 2 from the turbine 8).
[0026] The dehumidification valve 12 is provided in the dehumidification line 10. The dehumidification valve 12 is an electromagnetic valve and is opened or closed according to an instruction transmitted from the control device 16. When the dehumidification valve 12 is opened, the suction air A2 flows through the dehumidification line 10. When the dehumidification valve 12 is closed, the suction air A2 does not flow through the dehumidification line 10.
[0027] The dehumidifying device 14 is provided on the side of the branch portion 3 of the dehumidifying line 10 closer to the dehumidifying valve 12. The dehumidifying device 14 is not particularly limited as long as it is configured to be able to remove moisture from the suction air A2 flowing through the dehumidifying line 10. For example, it is a collision type demister that removes (collects) moisture from the suction air A2 by causing the suction air A2 to collide with a mesh-like member.
[0028] As illustrated in FIG. 2, in the first embodiment, the cooling device 1 further includes a precooling heat exchanger 18 provided between the compressor 4 and the branch portion 3 in the second portion 2b of the air line 2. The precooling heat exchanger 18 cools (precools) the suction air A2 that has been heated to a high temperature and high pressure by the compressor 4. The precooling heat exchanger 18 is, for example, a fin-tube type heat exchanger and includes a cooling water flow path through which cooling water flows. The precooling heat exchanger 18 exchanges heat between the suction air A2 that has been heated to a high temperature and high pressure and the cooling water, and cools this suction air A2 to about room temperature. The suction air A2 cooled to about room temperature by the precooling heat exchanger 18 is supplied to the heat exchanger 6. Note that the precooling heat exchanger 18 may have any configuration as long as it can cool the suction air A2 to about room temperature. For example, the precooling heat exchanger 18 may cool the suction air A2 that has been heated to a high temperature and high pressure to about room temperature by cooling air instead of cooling water.
[0029] As illustrated in FIG. 2, in the first embodiment, the cooling device 1A further includes a flow rate adjusting device 40 capable of adjusting the flow rate of the suction air A2 flowing through the dehumidifying line 10. In the first embodiment, the flow rate adjusting device 40 is a motor 20(40). The motor 20 rotates at the rotation speed included in the instruction transmitted from the control device 16. When the rotation speed of the motor 20 is increased, the flow rate of the suction air A2 flowing through the dehumidifying line 10 can be increased. When the rotation speed of the motor 20 is decreased, the flow rate of the suction air A2 flowing through the dehumidifying line 10 can be decreased.
[0030] As illustrated in FIG. 2, in the first embodiment, the cooling device 1A further includes an air valve 42 provided on the heat exchanger 6 side of the third portion 2c of the air line 2 rather than the confluence portion 5. The air valve 42 is a solenoid valve and is opened or closed at an arbitrary opening degree according to an instruction transmitted from the control device 16. When the air valve 42 is opened, the suction air A2 flows from the heat exchanger 6 toward the turbine 8. When the air valve 42 is closed, the suction air A2 does not flow from the heat exchanger 6 toward the turbine 8. The opening degree of the air valve 42 can be adjusted in the range of 0% or more and 100% or less. When the opening degree of the air valve 42 is 0%, it is in a closed state, and as the opening degree increases, the flow rate of the suction air A2 flowing from the heat exchanger 6 toward the turbine 8 increases.
[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 2, in the first embodiment, the cooling device 1A further includes a motor cooling intake line 44 that connects a portion 13 between the dehumidifying device 14 and the dehumidifying valve 12 in the dehumidifying line 10 and the motor 20. The motor cooling intake line 44 has a flow path formed therein through which the suction air A2 flows, and is configured such that the suction air A2 cooled by the pre-cooling heat exchanger 18 can flow toward the motor 20. The cooling device 1A further includes a motor cooling exhaust line 46 that connects the motor 20 and a portion 15 between the heat exchanger 6 and the compressor 4 in the first portion 2a of the air line 2. The motor cooling exhaust line 46 has a flow path formed therein through which the suction air A2 flows, and is configured such that the suction air A2 that has flowed through the motor 20 can flow toward the first portion 2a of the air line 2. Note that the second portion 2b of the air line 2 is at a higher pressure than the first portion 2a of the air line 2.
[0032] The control device 16 controls the opening and closing of the dehumidification valve 12. The control device 16 is electrically connected to the dehumidification valve 12 (p1) and sends an opening / closing instruction to the dehumidification valve 12. The control device 16 is a computer such as an electronic control device, and includes, for example, a processor such as a CPU or GPU (not shown), a memory such as a ROM or RAM, and an I / O interface. The control device 16 realizes each functional unit included in the control device 16 by the processor operating (performing calculations, etc.) according to the instructions of the program loaded in the memory. Referring to FIG. 3, each functional unit of the control device 16 according to the first embodiment will be described. In some embodiments, the control device 16 is a cloud server provided in a cloud environment.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a schematic functional block diagram of the control device 16 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the control device 16 includes a startup operation unit 50A, a flow rate reduction unit 52, and an opening adjustment unit 54.
[0034] In the first embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the cooling device 1A further includes an inlet temperature sensor 24 that measures the inlet temperature T1 of the turbine 8. The control device 16 is electrically connected to the inlet temperature sensor 24 (p2) and acquires the inlet temperature T1. The control device 16 is electrically connected to the motor 20 (p3) and controls the rotation speed of the motor 20. The control device 16 is electrically connected to the air valve 42 (p4) and controls the opening degree of the air valve 42.
[0035] When the cooling device 1A starts up, the startup operation unit 50A opens the dehumidification valve 12 until the inlet temperature T1 drops to a preset inlet-side specified temperature TA. Then, when the inlet temperature T1 is less than the inlet-side specified temperature TA, the startup operation unit 50A closes the dehumidification valve 12. Note that the startup operation unit 50A can detect the startup of the cooling device 1A. For example, it detects that a power supply (not shown) has been turned on.
[0036] When the startup operation unit 50A opens the dehumidification valve 12, the flow rate reduction unit 52 reduces the flow rate of the suction air A2 flowing through the dehumidification line 10 to the motor 20.
[0037] When the startup operation unit 50A causes the dehumidification valve 12 to open, the opening degree of the air valve 42 is decreased.
[0038] The operations of the startup operation unit 50A, the flow rate reduction unit 52, and the opening degree adjustment unit 54 will be specifically described. When the cooling device 1A starts up, the startup operation unit 50A gives an instruction to open the dehumidification valve 12. When the dehumidification valve 12 receives an instruction C1 including "open valve" from the startup operation unit 50A, it opens the valve. Then, the suction air A2 flows through the dehumidification line 10, and the dehumidification device 14 removes moisture from the suction air A2. Incidentally, when the cooling device 1A starts up, the turbine 8 also operates, so the cooling chamber 101 is gradually cooled.
[0039] At the timing when the startup operation unit 50A transmits an instruction C1 including "open valve", the flow rate reduction unit 52 gives an instruction to rotate the motor 20 at a preset rotation speed. When the motor 20 receives an instruction C2 including "set rotation speed" from the flow rate reduction unit 52, it rotates at the set rotation speed. The set rotation speed is set based on the inflow rate of the suction air A2 that allows the dehumidification device 14 to remove moisture from the suction air A2. The set rotation speed is lower than the rated rotation speed of the motor 20. That is, when the startup operation unit 50A causes the dehumidification valve 12 to open, the flow rate reduction unit 52 operates the motor 20 at a set rotation speed lower than the rated rotation speed.
[0040] At the timing when the startup operation unit 50A transmits an instruction C1 including "open valve", the opening degree adjustment unit 54 gives an instruction to decrease the opening degree of the air valve 42. When the air valve 42 receives an instruction C3 including "opening degree" from the opening degree adjustment unit 54, it decreases the opening degree. The opening degree of the air valve 42 may change from 100% to 50%, or from 50% to 0%, or from 70% to 30%.
[0041] When the cooling chamber 101 is gradually cooled and the inlet temperature T1 becomes lower than the inlet-side specified temperature TA, the startup operation unit 50A instructs the dehumidification valve 12 to close. When the dehumidification valve 12 receives an instruction C1 including "close valve" from the startup operation unit 50A, it closes the valve. Then, the suction air A2 stops flowing through the dehumidification line 10. That is, the cooling device 1A performs a dehydration operation to remove moisture from the suction air A2 until the inlet temperature T1 becomes lower than the inlet-side specified temperature TA, and the dehydration operation is cancelled when the inlet temperature T1 becomes lower than the inlet-side specified temperature TA. The inlet-side specified temperature TA is a temperature of -5 degrees or more and 10 degrees or less, for example, 0 degrees.
[0042] In the form illustrated in FIG. 3, the control device 16 further includes a cancellation unit 56 that cancels each of an instruction C2 including "set rotation speed" transmitted by the flow rate reduction unit 52 to the motor 20 and an instruction C3 including "opening degree" transmitted by the opening degree adjustment unit 54 to the air valve 42 at the timing when the startup operation unit 50A transmits an instruction C1 including "close valve". That is, the cooling device 1A is configured to perform a normal cooling operation (rated operation) when the inlet temperature T1 is lower than the inlet-side specified temperature TA.
[0043] (Function and Effect) Before starting the cooling device 1, the air in the cooling chamber 101 contains moisture. Therefore, during the operation of the cooling device 1, if moisture (moisture contained in the suction air A2) freezes in the cooling device 1, it may cause a decrease in the performance or damage of the cooling device 1. Therefore, it is necessary to suppress the freezing of moisture in the cooling device 1. Furthermore, it is desirable that no defrosting operation that degrades the performance of the cooling device 1 is performed to suppress the freezing of moisture in the cooling device 1.
[0044] According to the first embodiment, when the cooling device 1A starts up, the dehumidifying valve 12 opens until the inlet temperature T1 drops to the inlet-side specified temperature TA, and the suction air A2 flows through the dehumidifying line 10. Then, the dehumidifying device 14 removes moisture from the suction air A2. After that, as the cooling of the cooling chamber 101 progresses, when the inlet temperature T1 is less than the inlet-side specified temperature TA, the dehumidifying valve 12 closes, and the suction air A2 stops flowing through the dehumidifying line 10. In other words, when the cooling device 1A starts up, it performs a dehydration operation to remove moisture from the suction air A2 until the inlet temperature T1 drops to the inlet-side specified temperature TA (0 degrees). Then, when the cooling chamber 101 is cooled so that the inlet temperature T1 is less than the inlet-side specified temperature TA, the dehydration operation of the cooling device 1A is released. At this time, the amount of moisture contained in the air (suction air A2) in the cooling chamber 101 has decreased. Therefore, it is possible to remove moisture from the suction air A2 without performing a defrost operation, and suppress a performance degradation and damage of the cooling device 1A due to freezing.
[0045] The dehumidifying device 14 has a predetermined inflow rate of the suction air A2 that can remove moisture from the suction air A2. If the suction air A2 flows in exceeding this determined inflow rate, there is a risk that the moisture cannot be removed. According to the first embodiment, when the cooling device 1A opens the dehumidifying valve 12 to perform the dehydration operation, the motor 20 is rotated at a set rotation speed set based on the above-described inflow rate. Therefore, the dehumidifying device 14 can remove moisture from the suction air A2.
[0046] The pressure difference between the second part 2b and the third part 2c of the air line 2 is small. For this reason, even if the dehumidifying valve 12 is opened for the cooling device 1A to perform the dehydration operation, there is a risk that the suction air A2 does not flow into the dehumidifying line 10 and flows toward the heat exchanger 6. According to the first embodiment, when the cooling device 1A opens the dehumidifying valve 12 to perform the dehydration operation, the opening degree of the air valve 42 becomes small. Therefore, the suction air A2 can be smoothly flowed through the dehumidifying line 10.
[0047] According to the first embodiment, since the branch portion 3 is located on the heat exchanger 6 side rather than the pre-cooling heat exchanger 18 of the second portion 2b of the air line 2, the suction air A2 (suction air A2 at about room temperature) that has been made easier to dehumidify by the pre-cooling heat exchanger 18 can be circulated through the dehumidification line 10. That is, the dehumidifying device 14 can efficiently remove moisture from the suction air A2.
[0048] According to the first embodiment, by providing the motor cooling intake line 44, the motor 20 can be cooled by the suction air A2 cooled by the pre-cooling heat exchanger 18. Further, since the suction air A2 from which moisture has been removed by the dehumidifying device 14 flows into the motor 20, leakage of electricity from the motor 20 can be suppressed.
[0049] According to the cooling device 1A according to the first embodiment, the cooling chamber 101 can be cooled more quickly as compared with the cooling device 1C according to the third embodiment described later.
[0050] <Cooling device> (Configuration) The cooling device 1B(1) according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the cooling device 1B according to the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic functional block diagram of the control device 16 according to the second embodiment. In the cooling device 1B according to the second embodiment, the opening and closing of the dehumidifying valve 12 is controlled based on the outlet temperature T2 of the turbine 8, which is different from the cooling device 1A according to the first embodiment described above. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0051] In the second embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the cooling device 1B includes an outlet temperature sensor 25 that measures the outlet temperature T2 of the turbine 8. The control device 16 is electrically connected to the outlet temperature sensor 25 (p5) and acquires the outlet temperature T2. As shown in FIG. 5, the control device 16 includes a start-up operation unit 50B.
[0052] When the cooling device 1 starts up, the startup operation unit 50B opens the dehumidification valve 12 until the outlet temperature T2 drops to the preset outlet-side specified temperature TB, and closes the dehumidification valve 12 when the outlet temperature T2 is lower than the outlet-side specified temperature Tb. Note that the startup operation unit 50B can detect the startup of the cooling device 1B. For example, it detects that a power supply (not shown) has been turned on.
[0053] The operation of the startup operation unit 50B will be specifically described. When the cooling device 1B starts up, the startup operation unit 50B instructs the dehumidification valve 12 to open. When the dehumidification valve 12 receives an instruction C1 including "open valve" from the startup operation unit 50B, it opens. Then, the suction air A2 starts to flow through the dehumidification line 10, and the dehumidification device 14 removes moisture from the suction air A2. Note that when the cooling device 1A starts up, the turbine 8 also operates, so the cooling chamber 101 is gradually cooled.
[0054] When the cooling chamber 101 is gradually cooled and the outlet temperature T2 becomes lower than the outlet-side specified temperature TB, the startup operation unit 50B instructs the dehumidification valve 12 to close. When the dehumidification valve 12 receives an instruction C1 including "close valve" from the startup operation unit 50B, it closes. Then, the suction air A2 stops flowing through the dehumidification line 10. That is, the cooling device 1B performs a dehydration operation to remove moisture from the suction air A2 until the outlet temperature T2 becomes lower than the outlet-side specified temperature TB, and the dehydration operation is cancelled when the outlet temperature T2 becomes lower than the outlet-side specified temperature TB. The outlet-side specified temperature TB is a temperature of -5 degrees or more and 10 degrees or less, for example, 0 degree.
[0055] Note that as illustrated in FIG. 5, the control device 16 includes a flow rate reduction unit 52, an opening adjustment unit 54, and a cancellation unit 56. Since these have been described in the first embodiment, detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.
[0056] (Function and Effect) According to the second embodiment, when the cooling device 1B is activated, the dehumidifying valve 12 opens until the outlet temperature T2 drops to the outlet-side specified temperature TB, and the suction air A2 flows through the dehumidifying line 10. Then, the dehumidifying device 14 removes moisture from the suction air A2. After that, as the cooling of the cooling chamber 101 progresses, when the outlet temperature T2 is less than the outlet-side specified temperature TB, the dehumidifying valve 12 closes and the suction air A2 stops flowing through the dehumidifying line 10. In other words, when the cooling device 1B is activated, it performs a dehydration operation to remove moisture from the suction air A2 until the outlet temperature T2 drops to the outlet-side specified temperature TB (0 degrees). Then, when the cooling chamber 101 is cooled so that the outlet temperature T2 is less than the outlet-side specified temperature TB, the dehydration operation is cancelled. At this time, the amount of moisture contained in the air (suction air A2) in the cooling chamber 101 has decreased. Therefore, it is possible to remove moisture from the suction air A2 without performing a defrost operation, and suppress a decrease in performance and damage of the cooling device 1B due to freezing.
[0057] According to the cooling device 1B according to the second embodiment, compared with the cooling device 1C according to the third embodiment described later, the cooling chamber 101 can be cooled promptly.
[0058] <Cooling device> (Configuration) The cooling device 1C(1) according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the cooling device 1C according to the third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic functional block diagram of the control device 16 according to the third embodiment. In the cooling device 1C according to the third embodiment, the opening and closing of the dehumidifying valve 12 is controlled based on each of the inlet temperature T1 of the turbine 8 and the outlet temperature T2 of the turbine 8, which is different from the cooling device 1A according to the first embodiment and the cooling device 1B according to the second embodiment described above. In the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment or the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0059] In the third embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the cooling device 1C includes an inlet temperature sensor 24 and an outlet temperature sensor 25. The control device 16 is electrically connected to each of the inlet temperature sensor 24 and the outlet temperature sensor 25 (p2, p5), and acquires the inlet temperature T1 and the outlet temperature T2. As shown in FIG. 7, the control device 16 includes a startup operation unit 50C.
[0060] When the cooling device 1C starts up, the startup operation unit 50C opens the dehumidification valve 12 and operates the turbine 8 at the first rotational speed X1 until the outlet temperature T2 drops to the outlet-side specified temperature TB. Then, when the outlet temperature T2 is less than the outlet-side specified temperature TB, the turbine 8 is operated at a second rotational speed X2 that is greater than the first rotational speed X1. Then, until the inlet temperature T1 drops to the inlet-side specified temperature TA, the turbine 8 is operated at the second rotational speed X2, and when the inlet temperature T1 is less than the inlet-side specified temperature TA, the dehumidification valve 12 is closed and the turbine 8 is operated at a third rotational speed X3 that is greater than the second rotational speed X2. Note that the startup operation unit 50C can detect the startup of the cooling device 1C. For example, it detects that a power supply (not shown) has been turned on.
[0061] The operation of the startup operation unit 50C will be specifically described. When the cooling device 1C starts up, the startup operation unit 50C instructs the dehumidification valve 12 to open. When the dehumidification valve 12 receives an instruction C1 including "open valve" from the startup operation unit 50C, it opens. Then, the suction air A2 flows through the dehumidification line 10, and the dehumidification device 14 removes moisture from the suction air A2. At the same time, when the cooling device 1C starts up, the startup operation unit 50C instructs the motor 20 to rotate at the first rotational speed X1. When the motor 20 receives an instruction C4 including "the first rotational speed X1" from the startup operation unit 50C, it rotates at the first rotational speed X1. Then, the turbine 8 is also operated at the first rotational speed X1, and the cooling chamber 101 is gradually cooled.
[0062] When the cooling chamber 101 is gradually cooled and the outlet temperature T2 becomes lower than the specified outlet temperature TB, the startup operation unit 50C instructs the motor 20 to rotate at the second rotational speed X2. When the motor 20 receives the instruction C1 including the "second rotational speed X2" from the startup operation unit 50C, it rotates at the second rotational speed X2. Then, the turbine 8 is also operated at the second rotational speed X2, and the cooling chamber 101 is further cooled. The startup operation unit 50C maintains the state of operating the turbine 8 at the second rotational speed X2 until the inlet temperature T1 drops below the specified inlet temperature TA. At this time, since the dehumidification valve 12 remains open, the removal of moisture from the suction air A2 by the dehumidification device 14 continues.
[0063] When the cooling chamber 101 is gradually cooled and the inlet temperature T1 becomes lower than the specified inlet temperature TA, the startup operation unit 50C instructs the dehumidification valve 12 to close. When the dehumidification valve 12 receives the instruction C1 including "valve closing" from the startup operation unit 50C, it closes. Then, the suction air A2 stops flowing through the dehumidification line 10. That is, the cooling device 1C performs the dehydration operation until the inlet temperature T1 becomes lower than the specified inlet temperature TA, and the dehydration operation is released when the inlet temperature T1 becomes lower than the specified inlet temperature TA. When the inlet temperature T1 becomes lower than the specified inlet temperature TA, the startup operation unit 50C instructs the motor 20 to rotate at the third rotational speed X3. When the motor 20 receives the instruction C1 including the "third rotational speed X3" from the startup operation unit 50C, it rotates at the third rotational speed X3. Then, the turbine 8 is also operated at the third rotational speed X3, and the cooling chamber 101 is further cooled.
[0064] In the third embodiment, the third rotational speed X3 is, for example, the rated rotational speed of the turbine 8. The first rotational speed X1 is a low rotational speed such that the moisture contained in the suction air A2 does not freeze. The second rotational speed X2 is a medium rotational speed that is smaller than the third rotational speed X3 and larger than the first rotational speed X1. The specified inlet temperature TA is a temperature of -5 degrees or more and 10 degrees or less, for example, 0 degrees. The specified outlet temperature TB is a temperature of -5 degrees or more and 10 degrees or less, for example, 0 degrees.
[0065] Still, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the control device 16 includes an opening adjustment unit 54 and a cancellation unit 56. Since these have been described in the first embodiment, detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the control device 16 according to the third embodiment does not include a flow rate reduction unit 52. However, when the flow rate adjustment device 40 is a device other than the motor 20 (for example, a flow rate adjustment valve provided in the air line 2), the control device 16 according to the third embodiment may further include a flow rate reduction unit 52 that reduces the flow rate of the suction air A2 flowing through the dehumidification line 10 to the flow rate adjustment device 40 when the startup operation unit 50C opens the dehumidification valve 12.
[0066] (Function and Effect) According to the third embodiment, when the cooling device 1C starts up, the dehumidification valve 12 opens until the outlet temperature T2 drops to the outlet-side specified temperature TB, and the turbine 8 operates at the first rotational speed X1. Thereafter, when the outlet temperature T2 is less than the outlet-side specified temperature TB and the inlet temperature T1 is greater than or equal to the inlet-side specified temperature TA, the dehumidification valve 12 opens and the turbine 8 operates at the second rotational speed X2. Thereafter, when the inlet temperature T1 is less than the inlet-side specified temperature TA, the dehumidification valve 12 closes and the turbine 8 operates at the third rotational speed X3. In other words, when the cooling device 1C starts up, it performs a dehydration operation to remove moisture from the suction air A2 until the inlet temperature T1 drops to the inlet-side specified temperature TA (0 degrees). Then, when the cooling chamber 101 is cooled so that the inlet temperature T1 is less than the inlet-side specified temperature TA, the dehydration operation is cancelled. At this time, the amount of moisture contained in the air (suction air A2) in the cooling chamber 101 has decreased. Therefore, it is possible to remove moisture from the suction air A2 without performing a defrost operation, and to suppress a decrease in performance and damage to the cooling device 1C due to freezing.
[0067] Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, when the outlet temperature T2 is equal to or higher than the outlet-side specified temperature TB during the dehydration operation of the cooling device 1C, the turbine 8 is operated at the first rotational speed X1 (low speed), and when the outlet temperature T2 is lower than the outlet-side specified temperature TB, the turbine 8 is operated at the second rotational speed X2 (medium speed). That is, the dehydration operation of the cooling device 1C operates the turbine 8 in two stages of the first rotational speed X1 and the second rotational speed X2. Then, when the inlet temperature T1 becomes lower than the inlet-side specified temperature TA (when the dehydration operation of the cooling device 1C is released), the turbine 8 is operated at the third rotational speed X3 (high speed). For this reason, compared with each of the cooling device 1A according to the first embodiment and the cooling device 1B according to the second embodiment, the amount of moisture removed by the dehumidifying device 14 from the suction air A2 can be increased. That is, the performance degradation and damage of the cooling device 1C can be further suppressed.
[0068] In the first to third embodiments, the dehumidifying line 10 was communicated with the confluence portion 5 located in the third portion 2c of the air line 2, but the present disclosure is not limited to this form. In some embodiments, the confluence portion 5 is located in the fourth portion 2d of the air line 2 (see FIG. 8). In some embodiments, although not shown, the dehumidifying line 10 branches from the branching portion 3 and is communicated with the cooling chamber 101.
[0069] FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the cooling device 1D(1) according to the fourth embodiment. In the form illustrated in FIG. 8, the confluence portion 5 is located in the fourth portion 2d of the air line 2. And the air valve 42 is not installed. According to such a configuration, since the fourth portion 2d of the air line 2 has a much lower air pressure than the second portion 2b of the air line 2, the suction air A2 can be smoothly circulated to the dehumidifying line 10 only by opening the dehumidifying valve 12.
[0070] <turbine> (Configuration) An example of the specific configuration of the turbine 8 will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the turbine 8 according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the turbine 8 according to one embodiment, and is a view seen from the tip side in the axial direction D1 described later.
[0071] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the turbine 8 includes a turbine rotor 82, a scroll flow path forming portion 84 that forms a scroll flow path 83 on the outer peripheral side of the turbine rotor 82, a nozzle flow path forming portion 86 that forms a nozzle flow path 85 for guiding the suction air A2 from the scroll flow path 83 to the turbine rotor 82, and a plurality of nozzle vanes 88 disposed in the nozzle flow path 85. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the plurality of nozzle vanes 88 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction D3 of the turbine rotor 82 around the axis O of the turbine rotor 82.
[0072] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the turbine 8 includes a casing 81 that rotatably houses the turbine rotor 82. This casing 81 has a scroll flow path forming portion 84, a nozzle flow path forming portion 86, and a discharge flow path forming portion 90. The turbine rotor 82 includes a plurality of moving blades 92 that rotate in response to the flow of the suction air A2. The turbine rotor 82 is connected to the other rotating shaft 22b.
[0073] Hereinafter, the direction in which the axis O of the turbine rotor 82 extends is defined as the axial direction D1, the side of the other rotating shaft 22b in the axial direction D1 is defined as the rear end side of the axial direction D1, and the side opposite to the rear end side is defined as the front end side of the axial direction D1. Further, the direction orthogonal to the axis O is defined as the radial direction D2, the direction approaching the axis O in the radial direction D2 is defined as the inner side of the radial direction D2, and the direction away from the axis O is defined as the outer side of the radial direction D2.
[0074] The scroll flow path 83 is a spiral flow path for guiding the suction air A2 flowing into the turbine 8 to the turbine rotor 82. The scroll flow path 83 extends along the circumferential direction D3 on the outer side in the radial direction D2 (the outer peripheral side of the turbine rotor 82) than the turbine rotor 82.
[0075] The nozzle flow path 85 is a flow path for guiding the suction air A2 from the scroll flow path 83 to the turbine rotor 82 disposed inside in the radial direction D2 than the scroll flow path 83. The nozzle flow path 85 is formed between the scroll flow path 83 and the turbine rotor 82 so as to surround the turbine rotor 82 from the outside in the radial direction D2. The suction air A2 flowing into the turbine 8 is guided to the turbine rotor 82 from the outside in the radial direction D2 of the turbine rotor 82 after flowing through the scroll flow path 83 and the nozzle flow path 85 in this order.
[0076] The discharge flow path forming portion 90 has an outlet 94 formed at the end on the tip side in the axial direction D1 for discharging the cooling air A1 from the turbine 8. The discharge flow path forming portion 90 has a discharge flow path 91 formed inside for sending the suction air A2 (cooling air A1) that has rotationally driven the turbine rotor 82 to the outlet 94.
[0077] As illustrated in FIG. 10, in one embodiment, the plurality of nozzle vanes 88 have movable vanes 96(88) capable of adjusting the amount of the suction air A2 guided to the turbine rotor 82. In one embodiment, the plurality of nozzle vanes 88 have fixed vanes 97(88) fixed to the nozzle flow path 85.
[0078] As illustrated in FIG. 10, in one embodiment, the plurality of nozzle vanes 88 include a first vane group 98A and a second vane group 98B. The first vane group 98A includes a pair of fixed vanes 97, 97 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction D3 and a movable vane 96 disposed between the pair of fixed vanes 97, 97. The second vane group 98B includes a pair of fixed vanes 97, 97 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction D3, but no movable vane 96 is disposed between the pair of fixed vanes 97, 97.
[0079] (Function and Effect) According to the turbine 8 according to one embodiment, since the movable vane 96 is provided, the amount of the suction air A2 flowing through the dehumidification line 10 can be adjusted when the dehumidification valve 12 is opened. That is, the movable vane 96 can have the effect of smoothly flowing the suction air A2 through the dehumidification line 10, similar to the air valve 42 described above. In some embodiments, the cooling device 1 does not have the air valve 42, and the turbine 8 has the movable vane 96.
[0080] According to the turbine 8 according to one embodiment, since the fixed vane 97 is also provided, the number of installed movable vanes 96 can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced. In particular, compared with the case where the air valve 42 is installed in the cooling device 1, cost reduction and compactification can be realized. According to the turbine 8 according to one embodiment, by configuring the plurality of nozzle vanes 88 to include the first vane group 98A and the second vane group 98B, the number of installed movable vanes 96 can be further reduced, and further cost reduction can be achieved.
[0081] <Operating method of the cooling device> FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operating method of the cooling device 1 according to one embodiment. The cooling device 1 includes an air line 2, a compressor 4, a heat exchanger 6, a turbine 8, a dehumidification line 10, a dehumidification valve 12, and a dehumidification device 14. As shown in FIG. 11, the operating method of the cooling device 1 according to one embodiment includes a first startup operation step SA of opening the dehumidification valve 12 until the inlet temperature T1 of the turbine 8 drops to a preset inlet-side specified temperature TA when the cooling device 1 starts up, and closing the dehumidification valve 12 when the inlet temperature T1 of the turbine 8 is less than the inlet-side specified temperature TA. The operating method of the cooling device 1 according to this one embodiment starts when the cooling device 1 starts up and ends when the dehumidification valve 12 is closed.
[0082] The first startup operation step SA includes a valve opening step SA1, an inlet temperature determination step SA2, and a valve closing step SA3. In the valve opening step SA1, the dehumidification valve 12 is opened. When the cooling device 1 is started, the valve opening step SA1 is executed. In the inlet temperature determination step SA2, after the execution of the valve opening step SA1, it is determined whether the inlet temperature T1 of the turbine 8 is less than the inlet-side specified temperature TA. When the inlet temperature T1 of the turbine 8 is less than the inlet-side specified temperature TA (SA2: Yes), the process proceeds to the valve closing step SA3. When the inlet temperature T1 of the turbine 8 is greater than or equal to the inlet-side specified temperature TA (SA2: No), the process returns to the valve opening step SA1. In the valve closing step SA3, the dehumidification valve 12 is closed. When the valve closing step SA3 is executed, the operation method of the cooling device 1 according to one embodiment ends.
[0083] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation method of the cooling device 1 according to another embodiment. The cooling device 1 includes an air line 2, a compressor 4, a heat exchanger 6, a turbine 8, a dehumidification line 10, a dehumidification valve 12, and a dehumidification device 14. As shown in FIG. 12, the operation method of the cooling device 1 according to another embodiment includes a second startup operation step SB in which, when the cooling device 1 is started, the dehumidification valve 12 is opened until the outlet temperature T2 of the turbine 8 drops to a preset outlet-side specified temperature TB, and the dehumidification valve 12 is closed when the outlet temperature T2 of the turbine 8 is less than the outlet-side specified temperature TB. The operation method of the cooling device 1 according to this another embodiment starts when the cooling device 1 is started and ends when the dehumidification valve 12 is closed.
[0084] The second startup operation step SB includes an opening valve step SB1, an outlet temperature determination step SB2, and a closing valve step SB3. In the opening valve step SB1, the dehumidification valve 12 is opened. When the cooling device 1 starts up, the opening valve step SB1 is executed. In the outlet temperature determination step SB2, after the execution of the opening valve step SB1, it is determined whether the outlet temperature T2 of the turbine 8 is less than the outlet-side specified temperature TB. If the outlet temperature T2 of the turbine 8 is less than the outlet-side specified temperature TB (SB2: Yes), the process proceeds to the closing valve step SB3. If the outlet temperature T2 of the turbine 8 is greater than or equal to the outlet-side specified temperature TB (SB2: No), the process returns to the opening valve step SB1. In the closing valve step SB3, the dehumidification valve 12 is closed. When the closing valve step SB3 is executed, the operation method of the cooling device 1 according to another embodiment ends.
[0085] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an operation method of a cooling device 1 according to still another embodiment. The cooling device 1 includes an air line 2, a compressor 4, a heat exchanger 6, a turbine 8, a dehumidification line 10, a dehumidification valve 12, and a dehumidification device 14. As shown in Figure 13, the operation method of the cooling device 1 according to still another embodiment is such that when the cooling device 1 starts up, the dehumidification valve 12 is opened and the turbine 8 is operated at a first rotational speed X1 until the outlet temperature T2 of the turbine 8 drops to a preset outlet-side specified temperature TB. When the outlet temperature T2 of the turbine 8 is less than the outlet-side specified temperature TB, the turbine 8 is operated at a second rotational speed X2 greater than the first rotational speed X1. The turbine 8 is operated at the second rotational speed X2 until the inlet temperature T1 of the turbine 8 drops to a preset inlet-side specified temperature TA. When the inlet temperature T1 of the turbine 8 is less than the inlet-side specified temperature TA, the dehumidification valve 12 is closed and the turbine 8 is operated at a third rotational speed X3 greater than the second rotational speed X2. The third startup operation step SC is provided. The operation method of the cooling device 1 according to this still another embodiment starts when the cooling device 1 starts up and ends when the dehumidification valve 12 is closed.
[0086] The third startup operation step SC includes a valve opening step SC1, an outlet temperature determination step SC2, a medium-speed operation step SC3, an inlet temperature determination step SC4, and a valve closing step SC5. In the valve opening step SC1, the dehumidifying valve 12 is opened and the turbine 8 is operated at the first rotational speed X1. When the cooling device 1 is started, the valve opening step SC1 is executed. In the outlet temperature determination step SC2, after the execution of the valve opening step SC1, it is determined whether the outlet temperature T2 of the turbine 8 is less than the outlet-side specified temperature TB. When the outlet temperature T2 of the turbine 8 is less than the outlet-side specified temperature TB (SC2: Yes), the process proceeds to the medium-speed operation step SC3. When the outlet temperature T2 of the turbine 8 is greater than or equal to the outlet-side specified temperature TB (SC2: No), the process returns to the valve opening step SC1. In the medium-speed operation step SC3, the turbine 8 is operated at the second rotational speed X2. The inlet temperature determination step SC4 determines whether the inlet temperature T1 of the turbine 8 is less than the inlet-side specified temperature TA after the execution of the medium-speed operation step SC3. When the inlet temperature T1 of the turbine 8 is less than the inlet-side specified temperature TA (SC4: Yes), the process proceeds to the valve closing step SC5. When the inlet temperature T1 of the turbine 8 is greater than or equal to the inlet-side specified temperature TA (SC4: No), the process returns to the medium-speed operation step SC3. In the valve closing step SC5, the dehumidifying valve 12 is closed and the turbine 8 is operated at the third rotational speed X3. When the valve closing step SC5 is executed, the operation method of the cooling device 1 according to one embodiment ends.
[0087] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the operation method of the cooling device 1 according to one embodiment. The cooling device 1 further includes a flow rate adjustment device 40 and an air valve 42. As shown in FIG. 14, the modified example of the operation method of the cooling device 1 according to one embodiment further includes a flow rate reduction step S1 of reducing the flow rate of the suction air A2 flowing through the dehumidifying line 10 to the flow rate adjustment device 40 when the valve opening step SA1 is executed. The modified example of the operation method of the cooling device 1 according to one embodiment further includes an opening degree adjustment step S2 of reducing the opening degree of the air valve 42 when the valve opening step SA1 is executed. Note that the opening degree adjustment step S2 may be executed simultaneously with the flow rate reduction step S1 or may be executed before the flow rate reduction step S1.
[0088] The content described in each of the above embodiments is understood as follows, for example.
[0089] [1] The cooling device (1A) according to the present disclosure is a cooling device for cooling a cooling chamber (101) of a refrigerated warehouse or a refrigerated container (100), an air line (2) having an inlet (7a) formed at an upstream end for sucking air from the cooling chamber and an outlet (7b) formed at a downstream end for discharging the air into the cooling chamber; a compressor (4) provided in the air line for compressing the air; a heat exchanger (6) for cooling the air compressed by the compressor using the air flowing through a portion (2a) between the inlet and the compressor in the air line as a refrigerant; a turbine (8) provided on the downstream side of the air line from the heat exchanger for expanding the air cooled by the heat exchanger; a branch portion (3) between the compressor and the heat exchanger in the air line, a merging portion (5) on the downstream side of the heat exchanger in the air line, or a dehumidification line (10) communicating with the cooling chamber; a dehumidification valve (12) provided in the dehumidification line; a dehumidifying device (14) provided on the branch portion side of the dehumidification line from the dehumidification valve; and a control device (16) for controlling the opening and closing of the dehumidification valve, and includes the control device a startup operation unit (50A) that opens the dehumidification valve until the inlet temperature (T1) of the turbine drops to a preset inlet-side specified temperature (TA) when the cooling device starts up, and closes the dehumidification valve when the inlet temperature of the turbine is less than the inlet-side specified temperature.
[0090] According to the configuration described in [1] above, when the cooling device is activated, the dehumidification valve opens until the inlet temperature of the turbine drops to the specified temperature on the inlet side, and the air sucked from the cooling chamber (hereinafter referred to as the suction air) flows through the dehumidification line. Then, the dehumidification device removes moisture from the suction air. After that, when the inlet temperature of the turbine is less than the specified temperature on the inlet side, the dehumidification valve closes and the suction air stops flowing through the dehumidification line. In other words, when the cooling device is activated, it performs a dehydration operation to remove moisture from the suction air until the inlet temperature drops to the specified temperature on the inlet side. And when the cooling chamber is cooled so that the inlet temperature is less than the specified temperature on the inlet side, the dehydration operation of the cooling device is released. At this time, the amount of moisture contained in the air (suction air) in the cooling chamber has decreased. Therefore, it is possible to remove moisture from the suction air without performing a defrost operation, and suppress a decrease in performance and damage of the cooling device due to icing.
[0091] [2] The cooling device (1B) according to the present disclosure is a cooling device for cooling a cooling chamber (101) of a refrigerated warehouse or a refrigerated container (100), an air line (2) having an inlet (7a) formed at an upstream end for sucking air from the cooling chamber and an outlet (7b) formed at a downstream end for discharging the air to the cooling chamber, a compressor (4) provided in the air line for compressing the air, a heat exchanger (6) for cooling the air compressed by the compressor using the air flowing through a portion (2a) between the inlet and the compressor in the air line as a refrigerant, a turbine (8) provided on the downstream side of the air line from the heat exchanger for expanding the air cooled by the heat exchanger, a branch portion (3) between the compressor and the heat exchanger in the air line branches off to a merging portion (5) on the downstream side of the heat exchanger in the air line, or a dehumidification line (10) communicating with the cooling chamber, a dehumidification valve (12) provided in the dehumidification line, a dehumidification device (14) provided on the branch portion side of the dehumidification line from the dehumidification valve a control device (16) for controlling the opening and closing of the dehumidification valve, The control device is configured to: when the cooling device is started, open the dehumidification valve until the outlet temperature (T2) of the turbine drops to a preset outlet-side specified temperature (TB), and close the dehumidification valve when the outlet temperature of the turbine is less than the outlet-side specified temperature, including a startup operation unit (50B).
[0092] According to the configuration described in [2] above, when the cooling device is started, the dehumidification valve is opened until the outlet temperature of the turbine drops to the outlet-side specified temperature, and the air in the cooling chamber flows through the dehumidification line. Then, the dehumidification device removes moisture from the air in the cooling chamber. After that, when the outlet temperature of the turbine is less than the outlet-side specified temperature, the dehumidification valve is closed, and the air in the cooling chamber stops flowing through the dehumidification line. In other words, when the cooling device is started, it performs a dehydration operation to remove moisture from the suction air until the outlet temperature drops to the outlet-side specified temperature. And when the cooling chamber is cooled so that the outlet temperature is less than the outlet-side specified temperature, the dehydration operation is cancelled. At this time, the amount of moisture contained in the air (suction air) in the cooling chamber is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to remove moisture from the suction air without performing a defrost operation, and suppress a decrease in performance and damage of the cooling device due to icing.
[0093] [3] In some embodiments, in the configuration described in [1] or [2] above, further includes a flow rate adjustment device (40) capable of adjusting the flow rate of the air flowing through the dehumidification line, The control device further includes a flow rate reduction unit (52) that reduces the flow rate of the air flowing through the dehumidification line to the flow rate adjustment device when the startup operation unit opens the dehumidification valve.
[0094] The dehumidifying device has a predetermined inflow rate of the suction air capable of removing moisture. If the suction air flows in exceeding this determined inflow rate, there is a risk that the moisture cannot be removed. According to the configuration described in [3] above, when the dehumidifying valve is opened, the flow rate of the air (suction air) flowing through the dehumidifying line decreases, so that the dehumidifying device can remove moisture from the suction air.
[0095] [4] The cooling device (1C) according to the present disclosure is a cooling device for cooling the cooling chamber (101) of a refrigerated warehouse or a refrigerated container (100), an air line (2) having an inlet (7a) formed at the upstream end for sucking air from the cooling chamber and an outlet (7b) formed at the downstream end for discharging the air to the cooling chamber, a compressor (4) provided in the air line for compressing the air, a heat exchanger (6) for cooling the air compressed by the compressor using the air flowing through a portion (2a) between the inlet and the compressor in the air line as a refrigerant, a turbine (8) provided on the downstream side of the air line from the heat exchanger for expanding the air cooled by the heat exchanger, a branch portion (3) between the compressor and the heat exchanger in the air line branches to a merging portion (5) on the downstream side of the heat exchanger in the air line or a dehumidifying line (10) communicating with the cooling chamber, a dehumidifying valve (12) provided in the dehumidifying line, a dehumidifying device (14) provided on the branch portion side of the dehumidifying line from the dehumidifying valve, and a control device (16) for controlling the opening and closing of the dehumidifying valve, The control device is When the cooling device starts up, the dehumidifying valve is opened and the turbine is operated at a first rotational speed (X1) until the outlet temperature (T2) of the turbine drops to a preset outlet-side specified temperature (TB). When the outlet temperature of the turbine is less than the outlet-side specified temperature, the turbine is operated at a second rotational speed (X2) greater than the first rotational speed. The turbine is operated at the second rotational speed until the inlet temperature (T1) of the turbine drops to a preset inlet-side specified temperature (TA). When the inlet temperature of the turbine is less than the inlet-side specified temperature, the dehumidifying valve is closed and the turbine is operated at a third rotational speed (X3) greater than the second rotational speed. The starting operation unit (50C) is included.
[0096] According to the configuration described in [4] above, when the cooling device starts up, the dehumidifying valve is opened until the outlet temperature drops to the outlet-side specified temperature, and the turbine is operated at the first rotational speed. Thereafter, when the outlet temperature is less than the outlet-side specified temperature and the inlet temperature is greater than or equal to the inlet-side specified temperature, the dehumidifying valve is opened and the turbine is operated at the second rotational speed X2. Thereafter, when the inlet temperature is less than the inlet-side specified temperature, the dehumidifying valve is closed and the turbine is operated at the third rotational speed. In other words, when the cooling device starts up, a dehydration operation for removing moisture from the suction air is performed until the inlet temperature drops to the inlet-side specified temperature. Then, when the cooling chamber is cooled so that the inlet temperature is less than the inlet-side specified temperature, the dehydration operation is released. At this time, the amount of moisture contained in the air (suction air) in the cooling chamber is reduced. Therefore, moisture can be removed from the suction air without performing a defrost operation, and a decrease in the performance and damage of the cooling device due to icing can be suppressed.
[0097] Furthermore, according to the configuration described in [4] above, when the outlet temperature is equal to or higher than the specified outlet temperature during the dehydration operation of the cooling device, the turbine is operated at the first rotational speed (low speed), and when the outlet temperature is lower than the specified outlet temperature, the turbine is operated at the second rotational speed (medium speed). That is, the dehydration operation of the cooling device operates the turbine in two stages, the first rotational speed and the second rotational speed. Then, when the inlet temperature becomes lower than the specified inlet temperature (when the dehydration operation of the cooling device is released), the turbine is operated at the third rotational speed (high speed). Therefore, compared with each of [1] and [2] above, the amount of moisture removed by the dehumidifying device from the suction air can be increased.
[0098] [5] In some embodiments, in the configuration described in any one of [1] to [4] above, when the confluence portion is provided in a portion (2c) on the downstream side of the air line from the heat exchanger and on the upstream side of the air line from the turbine, further includes an air valve (42) provided on the upstream side of the portion of the air line from the confluence portion, the control device further includes an opening adjustment unit (54) that reduces the opening of the air valve when the startup operation unit opens the dehumidification valve.
[0099] According to the configuration described in [5] above, the suction air can be smoothly circulated through the dehumidification line.
[0100] [6] In some embodiments, in the configuration described in any one of [1] to [4] above, the confluence portion is located on the downstream side of the air line from the turbine, an air valve is not provided in a portion of the air line that is downstream of the heat exchanger and upstream of the turbine.
[0101] According to the configuration described in [6] above, even if an air valve is not provided as in [5] above, since the air pressure in the confluence part is much lower than that in the branch part, by simply opening the dehumidification valve, the suction air can be smoothly circulated through the dehumidification line.
[0102] [7] In some embodiments, in the configuration described in [6] above, the turbine includes a turbine rotor (82), a scroll flow path forming portion (84) that forms a scroll flow path (83) on the outer peripheral side of the turbine rotor, a nozzle flow path forming portion (86) that forms a nozzle flow path (85) for guiding the air from the scroll flow path to the turbine rotor, and a plurality of nozzle vanes (88) arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction (D3) of the turbine rotor in the nozzle flow path. The plurality of nozzle vanes have movable vanes (96) capable of adjusting the amount of the air guided to the turbine rotor.
[0103] According to the configuration described in [7] above, when the dehumidification valve is opened, the amount of the suction air flowing through the dehumidification line can be adjusted by the movable vanes.
[0104] [8] In some embodiments, in the configuration described in [7] above, the plurality of nozzle vanes have fixed vanes (97) fixed to the nozzle flow path.
[0105] According to the configuration described in [8] above, by reducing the number of installed movable vanes, cost reduction can be achieved. In particular, compared with the case of providing an air valve as in [5] above, cost reduction and compactification can be realized.
[0106] [9] In some embodiments, in the configuration described in [8] above, the plurality of nozzle vanes A pair of the fixed vanes adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the turbine rotor, and a first vane group (98A) in which the movable vane is disposed between the pair of the fixed vanes, A pair of the fixed vanes adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the turbine rotor, and a second vane group (98B) in which the movable vane is not disposed between the pair of the fixed vanes, are included.
[0107] According to the configuration described in the above [9], the number of installed movable vanes can be further reduced, and further cost reduction can be achieved.
[0108]
[10] In some embodiments, in the configuration described in any one of the above [1] to [9], A pre-cooling heat exchanger (18) provided between the compressor and the branch portion of the air line, for cooling the air compressed by the compressor, is further provided.
[0109] According to the configuration described in the above
[10] , the suction air in a state where dehydration is easy can be circulated through the dehumidification line.
[0110]
[11] In some embodiments, in the configuration described in the above
[10] , A motor (20) provided on a rotating shaft (22) connecting the compressor and the turbine, A motor cooling intake line (44) that connects a portion between the dehumidifying device and the dehumidifying valve in the dehumidification line and the motor, and is configured such that the air cooled by the pre-cooling heat exchanger can flow toward the motor, is further provided.
[0111] According to the configuration described in the above
[11] , the motor can be cooled by the suction air cooled by the pre-cooling heat exchanger. Further, since the suction air from which moisture has been removed by the dehumidifying device flows into the motor, leakage of electricity of the motor can be suppressed.
[0112]
[12] In some embodiments, in the configuration described in any one of the above [1] to
[11] , Cool the cooling chamber of the refrigerated container, The width is within 2.3 m and the height is within 2.9 m.
[0113] According to the configuration described in
[12] above, a cooling device for cooling the cooling chamber of a refrigerated container can be provided.
[0114]
[13] The operation method of the cooling device according to the present disclosure is An operation method of a cooling device for cooling a cooling chamber of a refrigerated warehouse or a refrigerated container, An air line having an inlet for sucking air from the cooling chamber formed at an upstream end and an outlet for discharging the air to the cooling chamber formed at a downstream end, A compressor provided in the air line for compressing the air, A heat exchanger that cools the air compressed by the compressor using the air flowing through a portion between the inlet and the compressor in the air line as a refrigerant, A turbine provided on the downstream side of the air line from the heat exchanger for expanding the air cooled by the heat exchanger, A branch portion that branches from a branch portion between the compressor and the heat exchanger in the air line, a merging portion on the downstream side of the heat exchanger in the air line, or a dehumidification line communicating with the cooling chamber, A dehumidification valve provided in the dehumidification line, A dehumidification device provided on the branch portion side of the dehumidification line from the dehumidification valve. The operation method of the cooling device including these components is When the cooling device is started, a step (SA) of opening the dehumidification valve until the inlet temperature of the turbine drops to a preset inlet-side specified temperature, and closing the dehumidification valve when the inlet temperature of the turbine is less than the inlet-side specified temperature is provided.
[0115] According to the method described in
[13] above, the same effect as [1] is achieved.
[0116]
[14] The operation method of the cooling device according to the present disclosure is A method for operating a cooling device for cooling a cooling chamber of a refrigerated warehouse or a refrigerated container, comprising: An air line having an inlet formed at an upstream end for sucking air from the cooling chamber and an outlet formed at a downstream end for discharging the air into the cooling chamber; A compressor provided in the air line for compressing the air; A heat exchanger that cools the air compressed by the compressor using the air flowing through a portion of the air line between the inlet and the compressor as a refrigerant; A turbine provided on the downstream side of the air line from the heat exchanger for expanding the air cooled by the heat exchanger; A branch portion that branches from a branch portion between the compressor and the heat exchanger of the air line, a merging portion on the downstream side of the heat exchanger in the air line, or a dehumidification line communicating with the cooling chamber; A dehumidification valve provided in the dehumidification line; A dehumidification device provided on the branch portion side of the dehumidification line from the dehumidification valve. The method for operating a cooling device includes: When the cooling device is started, opening the dehumidification valve until the outlet temperature of the turbine drops to a preset outlet-side specified temperature, and closing the dehumidification valve when the outlet temperature of the turbine is less than the outlet-side specified temperature (step (SB)).
[0117] According to the method described in
[14] above, the same effect as that of [2] above is achieved.
[0118]
[15] The method for operating a cooling device according to the present disclosure is: A method for operating a cooling device for cooling a cooling chamber of a refrigerated warehouse or a refrigerated container, comprising: An air line having an inlet formed at an upstream end for sucking air from the cooling chamber and an outlet formed at a downstream end for discharging the air into the cooling chamber; A compressor provided in the air line for compressing the air; A heat exchanger that cools the air compressed by the compressor using, as a refrigerant, the air flowing through a portion of the air line between the inlet and the compressor; A turbine provided on the downstream side of the air line from the heat exchanger, for expanding the air cooled by the heat exchanger; A branch portion that branches from a branch portion between the compressor and the heat exchanger in the air line, and a merging portion on the downstream side of the heat exchanger in the air line, or a dehumidification line communicating with the cooling chamber; A dehumidification valve provided in the dehumidification line; A dehumidification device provided on the branch portion side of the dehumidification line from the dehumidification valve. The operation method of the cooling device comprising the above components includes: When the cooling device starts up, the dehumidification valve is opened and the turbine is operated at a first rotational speed until the outlet temperature of the turbine drops to a preset outlet-side specified temperature. When the outlet temperature of the turbine is less than the outlet-side specified temperature, the turbine is operated at a second rotational speed greater than the first rotational speed. The turbine is operated at the second rotational speed until the inlet temperature of the turbine drops to a preset inlet-side specified temperature. When the inlet temperature of the turbine is less than the inlet-side specified temperature, the dehumidification valve is closed and the turbine is operated at a third rotational speed greater than the second rotational speed (step (SC)).
[0119] According to the method described in the above
[15] , the same effect as that of the above [4] is achieved.
Explanation of symbols
[0120] 1 Cooling device 1A Cooling device (first embodiment) 1B Cooling device (second embodiment) 1C Cooling device (third embodiment) 2 Air line 2a First portion 2b Second portion 2c Third portion 2d Fourth portion 3 Branch portion 4 Compressor 5 Confluence section 6 Heat exchanger 7a Inlet of air line 7b Outlet of air line 8 Turbine 10 Dehumidification line 12 Dehumidification valve 14 Dehumidification device 16 Control device 18 Pre-cooling heat exchanger 20 Motor 22 Rotating shaft 24 Inlet temperature sensor 25 Outlet temperature sensor 40 Flow rate adjustment device 42 Air valve 44 Motor cooling intake air line 46 Motor cooling exhaust air line 50A Startup operation section (First embodiment) 50B Startup operation section (Second embodiment) 50C Startup operation section (Third embodiment) 52 Flow rate reduction section 54 Opening degree adjustment section 56 Canceling section 81 Casing 82 Turbine rotor 83 Scroll flow path 84 Scroll flow path forming section 85 Nozzle flow path 86 Nozzle flow path forming section 88 Nozzle vane 90 Discharge flow path forming section 91 Discharge flow path 92 Moving blade 96 Movable vane 97 Fixed vane 98A First vane group 98B Second vane group 100 Refrigerated container 101 Cooling chamber 102 Main body section A1 Cooling air A2 Suction air D1 Axial direction D2 Radial direction D3 Circumferential direction O axis S1 Flow reduction step S2 Opening adjustment step SA First startup operation step SA1 Valve opening step SA2 Inlet temperature determination step SA3 Valve closing step SB Second startup operation step SB1 Valve opening step SB2 Outlet temperature determination step SB3 Valve closing step SC Third startup operation step SC1 Valve opening step SC2 Outlet temperature determination step SC3 Medium-speed operation step SC4 Inlet temperature determination step SC5 Valve closing step T1 Inlet temperature T2 Outlet temperature TA Specified temperature on the inlet side Tb Specified temperature on the outlet side X1 First rotational speed X2 Second rotational speed X3 Third rotational speed
Claims
1. A cooling device for cooling a cooling chamber of a refrigerated warehouse or a refrigerated container, comprising: an air line having an inlet formed at an upstream end for sucking air from the cooling chamber and an outlet formed at a downstream end for discharging the air into the cooling chamber; a compressor provided in the air line for compressing the air; a heat exchanger for cooling the air compressed by the compressor using the air flowing through a portion of the air line between the inlet and the compressor as a refrigerant; a turbine provided downstream of the heat exchanger in the air line for expanding the air cooled by the heat exchanger; a branch line branching from a branch portion between the compressor and the heat exchanger in the air line and merging into a portion of the air line downstream of the heat exchanger or communicating with a dehumidification line communicating with the cooling chamber; a dehumidification valve provided in the dehumidification line; a dehumidification device provided on the branch portion side of the dehumidification line with respect to the dehumidification valve; a control device for controlling opening and closing of the dehumidification valve, wherein the control device includes a start-up operation unit that opens the dehumidification valve until the inlet temperature of the turbine drops to a preset inlet-side specified temperature when the cooling device starts up, and closes the dehumidification valve when the inlet temperature of the turbine is less than the inlet-side specified temperature. Cooling device.
2. A cooling device for cooling a cooling chamber of a refrigerated warehouse or a refrigerated container, comprising: an air line having an inlet formed at an upstream end for sucking air from the cooling chamber and an outlet formed at a downstream end for discharging the air into the cooling chamber; a compressor provided in the air line for compressing the air; a heat exchanger for cooling the air compressed by the compressor using the air flowing through a portion of the air line between the inlet and the compressor as a refrigerant; a turbine provided downstream of the heat exchanger in the air line for expanding the air cooled by the heat exchanger; a branch line branching from a branch portion between the compressor and the heat exchanger in the air line and merging into a portion of the air line downstream of the heat exchanger or communicating with a dehumidification line communicating with the cooling chamber; a dehumidification valve provided in the dehumidification line; a dehumidification device provided on the branch portion side of the dehumidification line with respect to the dehumidification valve; a control device for controlling opening and closing of the dehumidification valve, wherein the control device When the cooling device is activated, a startup operation unit is included that opens the dehumidification valve until the outlet temperature of the turbine drops to a preset outlet-side specified temperature, and closes the dehumidification valve when the outlet temperature of the turbine is less than the outlet-side specified temperature. Cooling device. **Claim 3** The cooling device further includes a flow rate adjustment device capable of adjusting the flow rate of the air flowing through the dehumidification line. When the startup operation unit opens the dehumidification valve, the control device further includes a flow rate reduction unit that reduces the flow rate of the air flowing through the dehumidification line to the flow rate adjustment device. The cooling device according to claim 1 or 2. **Claim 4** A cooling device for cooling a cooling chamber of a refrigerated warehouse or a refrigerated container, comprising: An air line having an inlet formed at an upstream end for sucking air from the cooling chamber and an outlet formed at a downstream end for discharging the air to the cooling chamber; A compressor provided in the air line for compressing the air; A heat exchanger that cools the air compressed by the compressor using the air flowing through a portion of the air line between the inlet and the compressor as a refrigerant; A turbine provided downstream of the heat exchanger in the air line for expanding the air cooled by the heat exchanger; A dehumidification line that branches from a branch portion between the compressor and the heat exchanger in the air line and communicates with a merging portion downstream of the heat exchanger in the air line or the cooling chamber; A dehumidification valve provided in the dehumidification line; A dehumidification device provided on the branch portion side of the dehumidification line with respect to the dehumidification valve; A control device for controlling the opening and closing of the dehumidification valve, The control device: When the cooling device is activated, the dehumidification valve is opened and the turbine is operated at a first rotational speed until the outlet temperature of the turbine drops to a preset outlet-side specified temperature. When the outlet temperature of the turbine is less than the outlet-side specified temperature, the turbine is operated at a second rotational speed greater than the first rotational speed. The turbine is operated at the second rotational speed until the inlet temperature of the turbine drops to a preset inlet-side specified temperature. When the inlet temperature of the turbine is less than the inlet-side specified temperature, the dehumidification valve is closed and the turbine is operated at a third rotational speed greater than the second rotational speed. The control device includes a startup operation unit. Cooling device. **Claim 5** When the confluence part is provided in a part on the downstream side of the air line from the heat exchanger and on the upstream side of the turbine in the air line, further comprising an air valve provided on the upstream side of the part of the air line from the confluence part, the control device further includes an opening degree adjustment part that reduces the opening degree of the air valve when the startup operation part opens the dehumidification valve, The cooling device according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 4.
6. The confluence part is located on the downstream side of the air line from the turbine, An air valve is not installed in a part of the air line that is downstream of the heat exchanger and upstream of the turbine. The cooling device according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 4.
7. The turbine, a turbine rotor, a scroll flow path forming part that forms a scroll flow path on the outer peripheral side of the turbine rotor, a nozzle flow path forming part that forms a nozzle flow path for guiding the air from the scroll flow path to the turbine rotor, including a plurality of nozzle vanes arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the turbine rotor in the nozzle flow path, The plurality of nozzle vanes have movable vanes capable of adjusting the amount of air guided to the turbine rotor. The cooling device according to claim 6.
8. The plurality of nozzle vanes have fixed vanes fixed to the nozzle flow path. The cooling device according to claim 7.
9. The plurality of nozzle vanes, a pair of the fixed vanes adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the turbine rotor, and a first vane group in which the movable vanes are arranged between the pair of fixed vanes, a pair of the fixed vanes adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the turbine rotor, and a second vane group in which the movable vanes are not arranged between the pair of fixed vanes, The cooling device according to claim 8.
10. further comprising a pre-cooling heat exchanger provided between the compressor and the branch part in the air line and cooling the air compressed by the compressor, The cooling device according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 4.
11. a motor provided on a rotating shaft connecting the compressor and the turbine, A motor cooling intake line that connects a portion between the dehumidifying device and the dehumidifying valve among the dehumidifying lines and the motor, and is configured such that the air cooled by the precooling heat exchanger can flow toward the motor. The cooling device according to claim 10.
12. Cooling the cooling chamber of the refrigerated container. The width is within 2.3 m and the height is within 2.9 m. The cooling device according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 4.
13. An operation method of a cooling device for cooling a cooling chamber of a refrigerated warehouse or a refrigerated container, An air line having an inlet formed at an upstream end for sucking air from the cooling chamber and an outlet formed at a downstream end for discharging the air to the cooling chamber, A compressor provided in the air line for compressing the air, A heat exchanger that cools the air compressed by the compressor using the air flowing through a portion between the inlet and the compressor in the air line as a refrigerant, A turbine provided on the downstream side of the air line from the heat exchanger for expanding the air cooled by the heat exchanger, A branch from a branch portion between the compressor and the heat exchanger in the air line to a merging portion on the downstream side of the heat exchanger in the air line or a dehumidifying line communicating with the cooling chamber, A dehumidifying valve provided in the dehumidifying line, An operation method of a cooling device including a dehumidifying device provided on the branch portion side of the dehumidifying line from the dehumidifying valve, When the cooling device starts up, the method includes a step of opening the dehumidifying valve until the inlet temperature of the turbine drops to a preset inlet-side specified temperature, and closing the dehumidifying valve when the inlet temperature of the turbine is less than the inlet-side specified temperature. An operation method of a cooling device.
14. An operation method of a cooling device for cooling a cooling chamber of a refrigerated warehouse or a refrigerated container, An air line having an inlet formed at an upstream end for sucking air from the cooling chamber and an outlet formed at a downstream end for discharging the air to the cooling chamber, A compressor provided in the air line for compressing the air, A heat exchanger that cools the air compressed by the compressor using the air flowing through a portion between the inlet and the compressor in the air line as a refrigerant, A turbine provided on the downstream side of the air line from the heat exchanger for expanding the air cooled by the heat exchanger, A branch portion that branches from the air line between the compressor and the heat exchanger, a confluence portion on the downstream side of the heat exchanger in the air line, or a dehumidification line communicating with the cooling chamber, A dehumidification valve provided in the dehumidification line, A method for operating a cooling device including a dehumidification device provided on the branch portion side of the dehumidification line with respect to the dehumidification valve, When the cooling device is started, the dehumidification valve is opened until the outlet temperature of the turbine drops to a preset outlet-side specified temperature, and the dehumidification valve is closed when the outlet temperature of the turbine is less than the outlet-side specified temperature. A method for operating a cooling device.
15. A method for operating a cooling device for cooling a cooling chamber of a refrigerated warehouse or a refrigerated container, An air line having an inlet for sucking air from the cooling chamber formed at an upstream end and an outlet for discharging the air to the cooling chamber formed at a downstream end, A compressor provided in the air line for compressing the air, A heat exchanger that cools the air compressed by the compressor using the air flowing through a portion between the inlet and the compressor in the air line as a refrigerant, A turbine provided on the downstream side of the air line with respect to the heat exchanger for expanding the air cooled by the heat exchanger, A branch portion that branches from the air line between the compressor and the heat exchanger, a confluence portion on the downstream side of the heat exchanger in the air line, or a dehumidification line communicating with the cooling chamber, A dehumidification valve provided in the dehumidification line, A method for operating a cooling device including a dehumidification device provided on the branch portion side of the dehumidification line with respect to the dehumidification valve, When the cooling device is started, the dehumidification valve is opened and the turbine is operated at a first rotational speed until the outlet temperature of the turbine drops to a preset outlet-side specified temperature. When the outlet temperature of the turbine is less than the outlet-side specified temperature, the turbine is operated at a second rotational speed greater than the first rotational speed. The turbine is operated at the second rotational speed until the inlet temperature of the turbine drops to a preset inlet-side specified temperature. When the inlet temperature of the turbine is less than the inlet-side specified temperature, the dehumidification valve is closed and the turbine is operated at a third rotational speed greater than the second rotational speed. A method for operating a cooling device.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Air refrigerant type refrigeration system
JP3824757B2