Refrigeration cycle device

Abstract

To provide a refrigeration cycle device that can reduce cost, and can improve the efficiency of a refrigeration cycle.SOLUTION: A refrigeration cycle device 1 comprises a refrigerant circuit 11, and an adsorbent. The refrigerant circuit comprises a compressor 31 for compressing a refrigerant, and constitutes a vapor compression type refrigeration cycle in which the refrigerant circulates. The adsorbent adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit. The adsorbent adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant on the basis of a change in the pressure of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigeration cycle device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a hybrid refrigeration system that combines a vapor compression refrigeration cycle and an adsorption refrigeration cycle has been used. Patent Document 1 (WO 2009 / 145278) discloses a hybrid refrigeration system that alternately cools and heats a pair of adsorbers in an adsorption refrigeration cycle to alternately adsorb and desorb a refrigerant in order to reduce the mechanical workload of the compressor in the vapor compression refrigeration cycle. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] A hybrid refrigeration system that controls adsorption and desorption of a refrigerant in an adsorption refrigeration cycle by utilizing pressure changes of a refrigerant circulating in a vapor compression refrigeration cycle has not been used conventionally. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] A refrigeration cycle device according to a first aspect includes a first unit and an adsorbent. The first unit constitutes a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant circulates. The adsorbent adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant circulating within the first unit. The adsorbent adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant in response to a change in pressure of the refrigerant circulating within the first unit.

[0005] The refrigeration cycle device of the first aspect has a lower operating pressure than a refrigeration cycle device that does not have an adsorbent, and can utilize the heat of adsorption and desorption of the refrigerant. Therefore, the refrigeration cycle device of the first aspect can reduce costs and improve the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle.

[0006] A refrigeration cycle device according to a second aspect includes a first unit and an adsorbent. The first unit has a compressor that compresses a refrigerant, and constitutes a vapor compression refrigeration cycle in which the refrigerant circulates. The adsorbent adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant circulating within the first unit. The adsorbent adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant in response to changes in the pressure of the refrigerant circulating within the first unit.

[0007] The refrigeration cycle apparatus of the second aspect has a lower operating pressure than a refrigeration cycle apparatus that has a vapor compression refrigeration cycle and does not have an adsorbent, and can utilize the heat of adsorption and desorption of the refrigerant. Therefore, the refrigeration cycle apparatus of the second aspect can reduce costs and improve the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle.

[0008] A refrigeration cycle apparatus according to a third aspect is the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the first unit further includes an expansion mechanism that decompresses the refrigerant, a high-pressure region, and a low-pressure region. In the high-pressure region, refrigerant flows that has been compressed by the compressor but not yet decompressed by the expansion mechanism. In the low-pressure region, refrigerant flows that has been decompressed by the expansion mechanism but not yet compressed by the compressor. The adsorbent adsorbs the refrigerant in the high-pressure region and desorbs the refrigerant in the low-pressure region.

[0009] A refrigeration cycle apparatus according to a fourth aspect is the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the third aspect, further comprising a first adsorber having an adsorbent, a second adsorber having an adsorbent, and a switching unit. The switching unit alternately switches between a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the switching unit introduces a refrigerant in a high-pressure range into the first adsorber to cause the refrigerant to be adsorbed by the adsorbent of the first adsorber, and introduces a refrigerant in a low-pressure range into the second adsorber to cause the refrigerant to be desorbed by the adsorbent of the second adsorber. In the second mode, the switching unit introduces a refrigerant in a low-pressure range into the first adsorber to cause the refrigerant to be desorbed by the adsorbent of the first adsorber, and introduces a refrigerant in a high-pressure range into the second adsorber to cause the refrigerant to be adsorbed by the adsorbent of the second adsorber.

[0010] A refrigeration cycle apparatus according to a fifth aspect is the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the third aspect, wherein the adsorbent circulates within the first unit together with the refrigerant.

[0011] A refrigeration cycle apparatus according to a sixth aspect is the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the fifth aspect, further comprising a separator for separating the refrigerant circulating in the first unit from the adsorbent. After being separated from the refrigerant by the separator, the adsorbent merges with the refrigerant compressed by the compressor or the refrigerant decompressed by the expansion mechanism.

[0012] A refrigeration cycle apparatus according to a seventh aspect is the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the sixth aspect, further comprising a pressure booster. The separator separates the refrigerant in a low pressure range from the adsorbent. The pressure booster boosts the adsorbent separated from the refrigerant by the separator.

[0013] A refrigeration cycle apparatus according to an eighth aspect is the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the sixth or seventh aspect, further comprising a pressure reducer. The separator separates the refrigerant in a high-pressure region from the adsorbent. The pressure reducer reduces the pressure of the adsorbent separated from the refrigerant by the separator.

[0014] A refrigeration cycle apparatus according to a ninth aspect is the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects, wherein the separator separates the refrigerant and the adsorbent by centrifugal separation.

[0015] A refrigeration cycle apparatus according to a tenth aspect is the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the third aspect, further comprising a second unit and a mixer. The second unit has a pressure booster that increases the pressure of the adsorbent and a pressure reducer that reduces the pressure of the adsorbent. The second unit constitutes an adsorption-type refrigeration cycle in which the adsorbent circulates. The mixer mixes the refrigerant flowing through the first unit with the adsorbent flowing through the second unit. The adsorbent adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant in the mixer.

[0016] A refrigeration cycle apparatus according to an eleventh aspect is the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the tenth aspect, wherein the mixer has a permeable member. The permeable member is a member through which the refrigerant can pass but which the adsorbent cannot pass. The adsorbent adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant that has passed through the permeable member in the mixer.

[0017] A refrigeration cycle device according to a twelfth aspect is the refrigeration cycle device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the adsorbent includes a metal organic framework including metal ions and organic ligands.

[0018] A refrigeration cycle device according to a thirteenth aspect is the refrigeration cycle device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein the refrigerant is selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide, ammonia, and propane. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a hybrid cycle provided in the refrigeration cycle device. [Figure 2] 4 is a graph showing the relationship between the adsorption amount of the adsorbent and the pressure of the refrigerant. [Figure 3] 1 is a graph showing the relationship between the adsorption amount of an adsorbent and the enthalpy of a refrigerant. [Figure 4] 4 is a graph showing the relationship between the pressure of a refrigerant and the enthalpy of the refrigerant. [Figure 5] 1 is a graph showing an isotherm of a refrigerant adsorbed on an adsorbent. [Figure 6] 1 is a configuration diagram of a refrigeration cycle device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a refrigeration cycle device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a refrigeration cycle device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a refrigeration cycle device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a refrigeration cycle device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a refrigeration cycle device according to a modified example A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] (1) Overall structure The refrigeration cycle device 1 is equipped with a hybrid cycle that combines a vapor compression cycle and an adsorption cycle. The vapor compression cycle is a vapor compression type refrigeration cycle and is a heat pump cycle that utilizes the transfer of latent heat that occurs when a refrigerant evaporates and condenses. The adsorption cycle is an adsorption type refrigeration cycle and is a heat pump cycle that utilizes the transfer of latent heat that occurs when a refrigerant is adsorbed onto an adsorbent and when the refrigerant is desorbed from the adsorbent. The refrigeration cycle device 1 is, for example, an air conditioner or a freezer.

[0021] 1, the refrigeration cycle device 1 includes a refrigerant circuit 11 and an adsorption circuit 12. The refrigerant circuit 11 constitutes a vapor compression cycle in which a refrigerant circulates. The adsorption circuit 12 constitutes an adsorption cycle in which an adsorbent circulates.

[0022] The refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 may have only one circuit that has the function of at least one of the refrigerant circuit 11 and the adsorption circuit 12. In this case, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 may have a circuit in which a mixture of a refrigerant and an adsorbent circulates. Alternatively, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 may have a circuit in which only the refrigerant circulates, the circuit having a mechanism for bringing the circulating refrigerant into contact with the adsorbent. In this case, the adsorbent is not circulated.

[0023] The refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 may have two circuits, one having the function of the refrigerant circuit 11 and the other having the function of the adsorption circuit 12. In this case, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is provided with a mechanism for bringing the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 11 into contact with the adsorbent circulating in the adsorption circuit 12. For the sake of explanation, the refrigerant circuit 11 and the adsorption circuit 12 are depicted in FIG. 1 as independent circuits.

[0024] The refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 has an adsorption unit 21 and a desorption unit 22. The adsorption unit 21 and the desorption unit 22 each include a part of the refrigerant circuit 11 and a part of the adsorption circuit 12. In the adsorption unit 21 and the desorption unit 22, the refrigerant can move freely between the refrigerant circuit 11 and the adsorption circuit 12. The adsorbent cannot move between the refrigerant circuit 11 and the adsorption circuit 12. In the adsorption unit 21, the refrigerant that flows from the refrigerant circuit 11 into the adsorption circuit 12 is adsorbed by the adsorbent flowing in the adsorption circuit 12. In the desorption unit 22, the refrigerant desorbed from the adsorbent flowing in the adsorption circuit 12 flows from the adsorption circuit 12 into the refrigerant circuit 11.

[0025] The refrigerant circuit 11 has a compressor 31 and an expansion mechanism 32. The compressor 31 compresses the refrigerant circulating within the refrigerant circuit 11. The expansion mechanism 32 decompresses the refrigerant circulating within the refrigerant circuit 11. The compressor 31 is, for example, a rotary compressor. The expansion mechanism 32 is, for example, an electronic expansion valve. In the refrigerant circuit 11, the refrigerant is compressed by the compressor 31, passes through the adsorption section 21, is decompressed by the expansion mechanism 32, passes through the desorption section 22, and is compressed again by the compressor 31.

[0026] The refrigerant circuit 11 has a high-pressure region and a low-pressure region. In the high-pressure region, refrigerant flows that has been compressed by the compressor 31 but not yet decompressed by the expansion mechanism 32. In the low-pressure region, refrigerant flows that has been decompressed by the expansion mechanism 32 but not yet compressed by the compressor 31. The high-pressure region corresponds to the part of the refrigerant circuit 11 included in the adsorption unit 21. The low-pressure region corresponds to the part of the refrigerant circuit 11 included in the desorption unit 22.

[0027] The refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 11 is carbon dioxide. The refrigerant may also be ammonia or propane.

[0028] The adsorption circuit 12 has a booster 41 and a pressure reducer 42. The booster 41 boosts the pressure of the adsorbent circulating through the adsorption circuit 12. The pressure reducer 42 reduces the pressure of the adsorbent circulating through the adsorption circuit 12. The booster 41 is, for example, a powder pump. The pressure reducer 42 is, for example, a powder valve. In the adsorption circuit 12, the adsorbent is boosted by the booster 41, passes through the adsorption section 21, is depressurized by the pressure reducer 42, passes through the desorption section 22, and is again boosted by the booster 41. Depending on the configuration of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1, the adsorption circuit 12 may not have the booster 41 and the pressure reducer 42.

[0029] The adsorption circuit 12 may further include a heat exchanger 43. The heat exchanger 43 exchanges heat between the upstream side of the pressure booster 41 and the upstream side of the pressure reducer 42. The heat exchanger 43 transfers part of the heat of the adsorbent flowing between the adsorption unit 21 and the pressure reducer 42 to the adsorbent flowing between the desorption unit 22 and the pressure booster 41.

[0030] The adsorbent circulating through the adsorption circuit 12 includes a metal-organic framework (MOF) containing metal ions and organic ligands. A metal-organic framework (MOF) is a porous material with a very large specific surface area obtained by the reaction of metal ions with organic ligands. In the MOF, organic ligands are linked to metal ions to form a polymer structure with numerous internal openings. The opening size and topology of the MOF can be adjusted by selecting and combining metal ions and organic ligands. The opening size of the MOF can be adjusted by selecting and combining metal ions and organic ligands, enabling selective adsorption of target substances. The MOF can be used, for example, as a porous material capable of selectively storing and separating molecules and ions. In this embodiment, the MOF is used as an adsorbent for adsorbing and desorbing a refrigerant. Examples of the MOF include MOF-5 and MOF-200. The adsorbent is, for example, a powder of the MOF.

[0031] (2) Operation The adsorbent adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 11. The adsorbent adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant in response to changes in the pressure of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 11. Specifically, the adsorbent adsorbs the refrigerant under high pressure and desorbs the refrigerant under low pressure.

[0032] The high-pressure region of the refrigerant circuit 11 is assumed to be filled with refrigerant at a pressure pH and a temperature TH. The low-pressure region of the refrigerant circuit 11 is assumed to be filled with refrigerant at a pressure pL and a temperature TL. The pressure pH is higher than the pressure pL. The temperature TH is higher than the temperature TL. The adsorbent adsorbs the refrigerant in the high-pressure region of the refrigerant circuit 11. The adsorbent desorbs the refrigerant in the low-pressure region of the refrigerant circuit 11. In the adsorption section 21, the refrigerant flowing through the high-pressure region of the refrigerant circuit 11 flows into the adsorption circuit 12 and is adsorbed by the adsorbent. In the desorption section 22, the refrigerant desorbed from the adsorbent flowing through the adsorption circuit 12 flows into the low-pressure region of the refrigerant circuit 11.

[0033] The operation of the heat pump cycle of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1-4. Figure 1-4 shows the refrigerant cycle a→b→c→d→a in the refrigerant circuit 11 and the adsorbent cycle a'→b'→c'→d'→a' in the adsorption circuit 12. The graph in Figure 2 shows the adsorption amount, which is the mass of refrigerant adsorbed on the adsorbent per unit mass, and the change in pressure of the refrigerant adsorbed on the adsorbent in the heat pump cycle. The graph in Figure 3 shows the adsorption amount of the adsorbent and the change in enthalpy of the refrigerant adsorbed on the adsorbent in the heat pump cycle. The graph in Figure 4 shows the change in refrigerant pressure and enthalpy in the heat pump cycle. In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1, heat is allowed to flow freely between the refrigerant circuit 11 and the adsorption circuit 12.

[0034] In the refrigerant circuit 11, the refrigerant is compressed by the compressor 31 (a → b). In the adsorption circuit 12, the adsorbent is pressurized by the booster 41 (a' → b'). As a result, the pressure of the refrigerant and the adsorbent increases from pL to pH. During this process, a portion of the heat Q1 generated by the adiabatic compression of the refrigerant is transferred to the adsorbent. In other words, the refrigerant is cooled by transferring heat to the adsorbent while being compressed. As a result, the temperatures of the refrigerant and the adsorbent increase from TL to TH.

[0035] Next, in the adsorption unit 21, the refrigerant is gradually adsorbed onto the adsorbent while releasing heat Q2 (b' → c'). During this process, the adsorption amount of the adsorbent increases from mL to mH. As a result, in the adsorption unit 21, most of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 11 is adsorbed onto the adsorbent in the adsorption circuit 12. As shown by the hatched arrows in the adsorption unit 21 in FIG. 1, in the adsorption unit 21, the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 11 moves to the adsorption circuit 12 and is adsorbed onto the adsorbent.

[0036] Next, in the adsorption circuit 12, the adsorbent is depressurized by the pressure reducer 42 (c' → d'). As a result, the pressure of the adsorbent decreases from pH to pL. During this process, the temperature of the adsorbent decreases from TH to TL due to isenthalpic expansion of the refrigerant desorbed from the adsorbent. Furthermore, due to the temperature difference between the refrigerant and the adsorbent, the depressurized adsorbent in the adsorption circuit 12 is cooled and provides heat Q3 to the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 11. Furthermore, heat Q5 is provided by the heat exchanger 43 from the adsorbent before being depressurized to the adsorbent before being pressurized.

[0037] Next, in the desorbing section 22, the refrigerant is gradually desorbed from the adsorbent while absorbing heat Q4 (d' → a'). During this process, the adsorption amount of the adsorbent decreases from mH to mL. As a result, most of the refrigerant adsorbed on the adsorbent in the adsorption circuit 12 is desorbed and flows into the refrigerant circuit 11. As shown by the hatched arrows in the desorbing section 22 in FIG. 1, in the desorbing section 22, the refrigerant desorbed from the adsorbent in the adsorption circuit 12 moves to the refrigerant circuit 11.

[0038] As shown in Figure 2, during the adsorption process (b' → c') in which the refrigerant is adsorbed onto the adsorbent, the pressure is pH, and the adsorption amount of the adsorbent increases from mL to mH. During the desorption process (d' → a') in which the refrigerant is desorbed from the adsorbent, the pressure is pL, and the adsorption amount of the adsorbent decreases from mH to mL. As shown in Figure 3, during the adsorption process, the enthalpy decreases by Δh1. During the desorption process, the enthalpy increases by Δh2. During the adsorption process, the heat Q2 released from the adsorption section 21 is proportional to Δh1. During the desorption process, the heat Q4 absorbed by the desorption section 22 is proportional to Δh2.

[0039] The amount of change in enthalpy due to heat exchange by the heat exchanger 43 is defined as Δh3. The amount of change in enthalpy due to heating of the adsorbent during the adsorbent pressurization process (a' → b') is defined as Δh4. The amount of change in enthalpy due to cooling of the adsorbent during the adsorbent depressurization process (c' → d') is defined as Δh5. As shown in Figure 4, the amount of change in total enthalpy during the refrigerant compression process (a → b) is expressed as Δh4 - Δh3. The amount of change in total enthalpy during the adsorbent depressurization process (c' → d') is expressed as Δh5 - Δh3. In Figure 4, the change in state of the refrigerant during adiabatic compression is indicated by dashed arrows, and the change in state of the refrigerant during isenthalpic expansion is indicated by dashed arrows.

[0040] FIG. 5 shows isotherms during refrigerant adsorption and desorption suitable for the heat pump cycle of the refrigeration cycle device 1. In FIG. 5, the isotherm at temperature TH is shown by a solid line, and the isotherm at temperature TL is shown by a dashed line. In the adsorption process (b'→c'), when a refrigerant is adsorbed onto the adsorbent at pressure pH and temperature TH, the isotherm at temperature TH preferably indicates that the adsorption amount of the adsorbent increases from mL to mH at a pressure between pL and pH. In the desorption process (d'→a'), when a refrigerant is desorbed from the adsorbent at pressure pL and temperature TL, the isotherm at temperature TL preferably indicates that the adsorption amount of the adsorbent decreases from mH to mL at a pressure between pL and pH.

[0041] (3) Detailed configuration First to fifth embodiments, which are specific configurations of the refrigeration cycle device 1 shown in FIG. 1, will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 10.

[0042] (3-1) First Example As shown in Fig. 6, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 101 of this embodiment has a first refrigerant circuit 111 through which a primary refrigerant circulates, and a second refrigerant circuit 112 through which a secondary refrigerant circulates. In Fig. 6, the first refrigerant circuit 111 is depicted by a bold line. The first refrigerant circuit 111 corresponds to the refrigerant circuit 11 in Fig. 1. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 101 does not have a circuit through which an adsorbent circulates, which corresponds to the adsorption circuit 12 in Fig. 1. In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 101, the adsorbent is provided in the first refrigerant circuit 111. The secondary refrigerant is, for example, water.

[0043] The first refrigerant circuit 111 has a compressor 131, an expansion mechanism 132, a first adsorption device 133, a second adsorption device 134, and a switching unit 135. The compressor 131 corresponds to the compressor 31 in Fig. 1. The expansion mechanism 132 corresponds to the expansion mechanism 32 in Fig. 1.

[0044] The first adsorber 133 has a first adsorbent 133a therein. The primary refrigerant passing through the first adsorber 133 comes into contact with the first adsorbent 133a. The first adsorbent 133a is housed in a container formed of, for example, a metal mesh and fixed inside the first adsorber 133.

[0045] The second adsorbent 134 has a second adsorbent 134a therein. The primary refrigerant passing through the second adsorbent 134 comes into contact with the second adsorbent 134a. The second adsorbent 134a is housed in a container formed of, for example, a metal mesh and is fixed inside the second adsorbent 134.

[0046] The switching unit 135 switches the flow direction of the primary refrigerant circulating in the first refrigerant circuit 111. The switching unit 135 is, for example, a four-way switching valve. The switching unit 135 switches between a first mode in which the flow direction is indicated by the solid line in FIG. 6 and a second mode in which the flow direction is indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 6. In the first mode, the discharge side of the compressor 131 is connected to the first adsorber 133, and the suction side of the compressor 131 is connected to the second adsorber 134. In the second mode, the discharge side of the compressor 131 is connected to the second adsorber 134, and the suction side of the compressor 131 is connected to the first adsorber 133.

[0047] The second refrigerant circuit 112 has a first fluid pump 141, a first heat exchanger 142, a first fan 143, a first tank 144, a second fluid pump 151, a second heat exchanger 152, a second fan 153, a second tank 154, and four flow path change units 161-164.

[0048] The first fluid pump 141 sends the secondary refrigerant to the first heat exchanger 142. The first heat exchanger 142 exchanges heat between the secondary refrigerant and air. The first fan 143 sends the air that has undergone heat exchange in the first heat exchanger 142 to a predetermined location. The first tank 144 has the first adsorber 133 therein and exchanges heat between the primary refrigerant and the secondary refrigerant.

[0049] The second fluid pump 151 sends the secondary refrigerant to the second heat exchanger 152. The second heat exchanger 152 exchanges heat between the secondary refrigerant and air. The second fan 153 sends the air that has undergone heat exchange in the second heat exchanger 152 to a predetermined location. The second tank 154 has the second adsorber 134 therein and exchanges heat between the primary refrigerant and the secondary refrigerant.

[0050] The flow path changing units 161-164 change the connection state of the second refrigerant circuit 112 to change the flow path through which the secondary refrigerant flows. The flow path changing units 161-164 are, for example, three-way switching valves. The flow path changing units 161-164 switch between a third mode connection state indicated by the solid line in Fig. 6 and a fourth mode connection state indicated by the dashed line in Fig. 6.

[0051] The second refrigerant circuit 112 has two independent circuits in each of the third and fourth modes. The two circuits of the second refrigerant circuit 112 are referred to as the first and second circulation circuits. In Fig. 6, the flow direction of the secondary refrigerant in the third mode is indicated by a solid line, and the flow direction of the secondary refrigerant in the fourth mode is indicated by a dashed line.

[0052] In the third mode, the first circulation circuit is a circuit in which the first fluid pump 141, the first heat exchanger 142, the flow path changing unit 161, the first tank 144, and the flow path changing unit 162 are connected. In the third mode, the second circulation circuit is a circuit in which the second fluid pump 151, the second heat exchanger 152, the flow path changing unit 163, the second tank 154, and the flow path changing unit 164 are connected.

[0053] In the fourth mode, the first circulation circuit is a circuit in which the first fluid pump 141, the first heat exchanger 142, the flow path changing unit 161, the second tank 154, and the flow path changing unit 162 are connected. In the fourth mode, the second circulation circuit is a circuit in which the second fluid pump 151, the second heat exchanger 152, the flow path changing unit 163, the first tank 144, and the flow path changing unit 164 are connected.

[0054] A case will be described in which the refrigeration cycle apparatus 101 is an air conditioner. The first heat exchanger 142 is an indoor heat exchanger, and the second heat exchanger 152 is an outdoor heat exchanger. When this refrigeration cycle apparatus 101 performs heating operation, the secondary refrigerant heated by heat exchange with the primary refrigerant passes through the first heat exchanger 142. Therefore, the secondary refrigerant circulating in the first circulation circuit having the first heat exchanger 142 needs to come into contact with the adsorber having the adsorbent to which the primary refrigerant is adsorbed, out of the first adsorber 133 and the second adsorber 134. The air heated by heat exchange with the secondary refrigerant in the first heat exchanger 142 is sent to a predetermined location by the first fan 143.

[0055] In the first mode, a high-pressure primary refrigerant is introduced into the first adsorber 133, and the primary refrigerant is adsorbed by the first adsorbent 133a. In the first mode, a low-pressure primary refrigerant is introduced into the second adsorber 134, and the primary refrigerant is desorbed from the second adsorbent 134a.

[0056] In the second mode, high-pressure primary refrigerant is introduced into the second adsorption device 134, and the primary refrigerant is adsorbed by the second adsorbent 134a. In the second mode, low-pressure primary refrigerant is introduced into the first adsorption device 133, and the primary refrigerant is desorbed from the first adsorbent 133a.

[0057] Therefore, in the first mode, it is necessary to switch to a third mode in which the secondary refrigerant passes through the first tank 144 having the first adsorption device 133 and the first heat exchanger 142. In addition, in the second mode, it is necessary to switch to a fourth mode in which the secondary refrigerant passes through the second tank 154 having the second adsorption device 134 and the first heat exchanger 142.

[0058] When the refrigeration cycle apparatus 101 is operated in both the first mode and the third mode, the adsorption amount of the first adsorbent 133a of the first adsorption device 133 reaches a maximum value mH, and the first adsorbent 133a becomes less likely to adsorb the primary refrigerant. When the first mode is subsequently switched to the second mode, the primary refrigerant is adsorbed by the second adsorbent 134a of the second adsorption device 134, and the primary refrigerant is desorbed from the first adsorbent 133a of the first adsorption device 133. Therefore, after switching to the second mode, it is necessary to switch from the third mode to the fourth mode in which the secondary refrigerant passes through the second tank 154 having the second adsorption device 134 and the first heat exchanger 142.

[0059] When the refrigeration cycle apparatus 101 is operated in both the second mode and the fourth mode, the adsorption amount of the second adsorbent 134a of the second adsorbent 134 reaches a maximum value mH, and the second adsorbent 134a becomes less likely to adsorb the primary refrigerant. When the second mode is then switched to the first mode, the primary refrigerant is adsorbed by the first adsorbent 133a of the first adsorbent 133, and the primary refrigerant is desorbed from the second adsorbent 134a of the second adsorbent 134. Therefore, after switching to the first mode, it is necessary to switch from the fourth mode to the third mode in which the secondary refrigerant passes through the first tank 144 having the first adsorbent 133 and the first heat exchanger 142.

[0060] Therefore, by alternately switching between the first mode and the second mode, the primary refrigerant can be constantly heated by being adsorbed by the adsorbent in either the first adsorption device 133 or the second adsorption device 134. Furthermore, by alternately switching between the third mode and the fourth mode in accordance with the switching between the first mode and the second mode, the secondary refrigerant heated through heat exchange with the primary refrigerant can constantly be supplied to the first heat exchanger 142.

[0061] (3-2) Second Example As shown in Fig. 7, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 201 of this embodiment has a refrigerant circuit 211 through which a refrigerant circulates. The refrigerant circuit 211 has the functions of both the refrigerant circuit 11 and the adsorption circuit 12 of Fig. 1. The adsorbent circulates within the refrigerant circuit 211 together with the refrigerant. In other words, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 201, a mixture of the refrigerant and the adsorbent circulates within the refrigerant circuit 211.

[0062] The refrigerant circuit 211 has a compressor 231, an expansion mechanism 232, a first heat exchanger 233, a second heat exchanger 234, a switching unit 235, a first fan 236, and a second fan 237. The compressor 231 has the functions of both the compressor 31 and the booster 41 in Fig. 1. The expansion mechanism 232 has the functions of both the expansion mechanism 32 and the decompressor 42 in Fig. 1.

[0063] The switching unit 235 switches the flow direction of the mixture of refrigerant and adsorbent circulating within the refrigerant circuit 211. The switching unit 235 is, for example, a four-way switching valve. The switching unit 235 switches between a first mode in which the flow direction is indicated by the solid line in FIG. 7 and a second mode in which the flow direction is indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 7. In the first mode, the discharge side of the compressor 231 is connected to the first heat exchanger 233, and the suction side of the compressor 231 is connected to the second heat exchanger 234. In the second mode, the discharge side of the compressor 231 is connected to the second heat exchanger 234, and the suction side of the compressor 231 is connected to the first heat exchanger 233.

[0064] In the first heat exchanger 233, high-pressure refrigerant is adsorbed onto the adsorbent in the first mode, and low-pressure refrigerant is desorbed from the adsorbent in the second mode. In the second heat exchanger 234, low-pressure refrigerant is desorbed from the adsorbent in the first mode, and high-pressure refrigerant is adsorbed onto the adsorbent in the second mode. In the first heat exchanger 233 and the second heat exchanger 234, the refrigerant is heated by adsorption onto the adsorbent, or cooled by desorption from the adsorbent. As a result, heat exchange occurs between the heated or cooled refrigerant and the air in the first heat exchanger 233 and the second heat exchanger 234. The first fan 236 sends the air that has undergone heat exchange in the first heat exchanger 233 to a predetermined location. The second fan 237 sends the air that has undergone heat exchange in the second heat exchanger 234 to a predetermined location.

[0065] As described above, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 201, the refrigerant is heated or cooled as the mixture of the refrigerant and the adsorbent circulates through the refrigerant circuit 211, and the air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant is sent to a predetermined location. A case will be described in which the refrigeration cycle apparatus 201 is an air conditioning apparatus. The first heat exchanger 233 is an indoor heat exchanger, and the second heat exchanger 234 is an outdoor heat exchanger. When the refrigeration cycle apparatus 201 performs heating operation, by switching to the first mode, the refrigerant is adsorbed by the adsorbent in the first heat exchanger 233, and the refrigerant is heated. The air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant and been heated is sent to a predetermined location by the first fan 236.

[0066] (3-3) Third Example As shown in Fig. 8, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 301 of this embodiment has a refrigerant circuit 311 in which a refrigerant circulates. The refrigerant circuit 311 has the functions of both the refrigerant circuit 11 and the adsorption circuit 12 of Fig. 1. The adsorbent flows together with the refrigerant through a portion of the refrigerant circuit 311. In other words, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 301, a mixture of the refrigerant and the adsorbent circulates within the refrigerant circuit 311.

[0067] The refrigerant circuit 311 has a compressor 331, an expansion mechanism 332, a first heat exchanger 333, a second heat exchanger 334, a switching unit 335, a first fan 336, a second fan 337, a booster 341, and a separator 351. The compressor 331 corresponds to the compressor 31 in FIG. 1. The booster 341 corresponds to the booster 41 in FIG. 1. The expansion mechanism 332 has the functions of both the expansion mechanism 32 and the decompressor 42 in FIG. 1.

[0068] The switching unit 335 switches the flow direction of the refrigerant and adsorbent mixture circulating within the refrigerant circuit 311. The switching unit 335 is, for example, a four-way switching valve. The switching unit 335 switches between a first mode, in which the flow direction is indicated by the solid line in FIG. 8, and a second mode, in which the flow direction is indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 8. In the first mode, the discharge sides of the compressor 331 and the booster 341 are connected to the first heat exchanger 333, and the suction sides of the compressor 331 and the booster 341 are connected to the second heat exchanger 334. In the second mode, the discharge sides of the compressor 331 and the booster 341 are connected to the second heat exchanger 334, and the suction sides of the compressor 331 and the booster 341 are connected to the first heat exchanger 333.

[0069] The separator 351 is provided between the suction sides of the compressor 331 and the booster 341 and the switching unit 335 .

[0070] The separator 351 separates a mixture of a low-pressure refrigerant and an adsorbent circulating within the refrigerant circuit 311 into the refrigerant and the adsorbent. The separator 351 separates the refrigerant and the adsorbent, for example, by centrifugal separation. The refrigerant separated by the separator 351 is compressed in the compressor 331. The adsorbent separated by the separator 351 is pressurized by the booster 341. As shown in FIG. 8 , the adsorbent pressurized by the booster 341 merges with the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 331. After merging, the refrigerant and the adsorbent are sent to the switching unit 335. In this way, the refrigerant circuit 311 branches at the separator 351 and merges between the compressor 331 / booster 341 and the switching unit 335.

[0071] In the first heat exchanger 333, high-pressure refrigerant is adsorbed onto the adsorbent in the first mode, and low-pressure refrigerant is desorbed from the adsorbent in the second mode. In the second heat exchanger 334, low-pressure refrigerant is desorbed from the adsorbent in the first mode, and high-pressure refrigerant is adsorbed onto the adsorbent in the second mode. In the first heat exchanger 333 and the second heat exchanger 334, the refrigerant is heated by adsorption onto the adsorbent, or cooled by desorption from the adsorbent. As a result, heat exchange occurs between the heated or cooled refrigerant and the air in the first heat exchanger 333 and the second heat exchanger 334. The first fan 336 sends the air that has undergone heat exchange in the first heat exchanger 333 to a predetermined location. The second fan 337 sends the air that has undergone heat exchange in the second heat exchanger 334 to a predetermined location.

[0072] As described above, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 301, the refrigerant is heated or cooled as the mixture of refrigerant and adsorbent circulates through the refrigerant circuit 311, and the air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant is sent to a predetermined location. A case will be described in which the refrigeration cycle apparatus 301 is an air conditioning apparatus. The first heat exchanger 333 is an indoor heat exchanger, and the second heat exchanger 334 is an outdoor heat exchanger. When the refrigeration cycle apparatus 301 performs heating operation, the operation mode is switched to the first mode, and the refrigerant is adsorbed by the adsorbent in the first heat exchanger 333, causing the refrigerant to be heated. The air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant and been heated is sent to a predetermined location by the first fan 336.

[0073] (3-4) Fourth Example As shown in Fig. 9, a refrigeration cycle apparatus 401 of this embodiment has a refrigerant circuit 411 in which a refrigerant circulates. The refrigerant circuit 411 has the functions of both the refrigerant circuit 11 and the adsorption circuit 12 of Fig. 1. The adsorbent flows together with the refrigerant through a portion of the refrigerant circuit 411. In other words, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 401, a mixture of the refrigerant and the adsorbent circulates within the refrigerant circuit 411.

[0074] The refrigerant circuit 411 has a compressor 431, an expansion mechanism 432, a first heat exchanger 433, a second heat exchanger 434, a switching unit 435, a first fan 436, a second fan 437, a booster 441, a decompressor 442, a first separator 451, and a second separator 452. The compressor 431 corresponds to the compressor 31 in FIG. 1. The booster 441 corresponds to the booster 41 in FIG. 1. The expansion mechanism 432 corresponds to the expansion mechanism 32 in FIG. 1. The decompressor 442 corresponds to the decompressor 42 in FIG. 1.

[0075] The switching unit 435 switches the flow direction of the refrigerant and adsorbent mixture circulating within the refrigerant circuit 411. The switching unit 435 is, for example, a four-way switching valve. The switching unit 435 switches between a first mode in which the flow direction is indicated by the solid line in FIG. 9 and a second mode in which the flow direction is indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 9. In the first mode, the discharge sides of the compressor 431 and the booster 441 are connected to the first heat exchanger 433, and the suction sides of the compressor 431 and the booster 441 are connected to the second heat exchanger 434. In the first mode, the suction sides of the expansion mechanism 432 and the decompressor 442 are connected to the first heat exchanger 433, and the discharge sides of the expansion mechanism 432 and the decompressor 442 are connected to the second heat exchanger 434. In the second mode, the discharge sides of the compressor 431 and the booster 441 are connected to the second heat exchanger 434, and the suction sides of the compressor 431 and the booster 441 are connected to the first heat exchanger 433. In the second mode, the suction sides of the expansion mechanism 432 and the decompressor 442 are connected to the second heat exchanger 434, and the discharge sides of the expansion mechanism 432 and the decompressor 442 are connected to the first heat exchanger 433.

[0076] The first separator 451 is provided between the suction sides of the compressor 431 and the booster 441 and the switching unit 435. The second separator 452 is provided between the suction sides of the expansion mechanism 432 and the decompressor 442 in the first mode and the first heat exchanger 433.

[0077] The first separator 451 separates a mixture of a low-pressure refrigerant and an adsorbent circulating within the refrigerant circuit 411 into the refrigerant and the adsorbent. The first separator 451 separates the refrigerant and the adsorbent, for example, by centrifugal separation. The refrigerant separated by the first separator 451 is compressed in the compressor 431. The adsorbent separated by the first separator 451 is pressurized by the booster 441. As shown in FIG. 9 , the adsorbent pressurized by the booster 441 merges with the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 431. After merging, the refrigerant and the adsorbent are sent to the switching unit 435. In this way, the refrigerant circuit 411 branches at the first separator 451 and merges between the compressor 431 / booster 441 and the switching unit 435.

[0078] In the first mode, the second separator 452 separates a mixture of a high-pressure refrigerant and an adsorbent circulating within the refrigerant circuit 411 into the refrigerant and the adsorbent. The second separator 452 separates the refrigerant and the adsorbent by, for example, centrifugation. The refrigerant separated by the second separator 452 is decompressed in the expansion mechanism 432. The adsorbent separated by the second separator 452 is decompressed in the pressure reducer 442. As shown in FIG. 9 , the adsorbent decompressed by the pressure reducer 442 merges with the refrigerant decompressed in the expansion mechanism 432. After merging, the refrigerant and the adsorbent are sent to the second heat exchanger 434. Thus, in the first mode, the refrigerant circuit 411 branches at the second separator 452 and merges between the expansion mechanism 432 / the pressure reducer 442 and the second heat exchanger 434. In the second mode, the pressure reducer 442 is closed, and the mixture of refrigerant and adsorbent is depressurized in the expansion mechanism 432 and then passed through the second separator 452 to the first heat exchanger 433.

[0079] In the first heat exchanger 433, high-pressure refrigerant is adsorbed onto the adsorbent in the first mode, and low-pressure refrigerant is desorbed from the adsorbent in the second mode. In the second heat exchanger 434, low-pressure refrigerant is desorbed from the adsorbent in the first mode, and high-pressure refrigerant is adsorbed onto the adsorbent in the second mode. In the first heat exchanger 433 and the second heat exchanger 434, the refrigerant is heated by adsorption onto the adsorbent, or cooled by desorption from the adsorbent. As a result, heat exchange occurs between the heated or cooled refrigerant and the air in the first heat exchanger 433 and the second heat exchanger 434. The first fan 436 sends the air that has undergone heat exchange in the first heat exchanger 433 to a predetermined location. The second fan 437 sends the air that has undergone heat exchange in the second heat exchanger 434 to a predetermined location.

[0080] As described above, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 401, the refrigerant is heated or cooled as the mixture of the refrigerant and the adsorbent circulates through the refrigerant circuit 411, and the air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant is sent to a predetermined location. A case will be described in which the refrigeration cycle apparatus 401 is an air conditioning apparatus. The first heat exchanger 433 is an indoor heat exchanger, and the second heat exchanger 434 is an outdoor heat exchanger. When the refrigeration cycle apparatus 401 performs heating operation, the operation mode is switched to the first mode, and the refrigerant is adsorbed by the adsorbent in the first heat exchanger 433, causing the refrigerant to be heated. The air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant and been heated is sent to a predetermined location by the first fan 436.

[0081] (3-5) Fifth Example As shown in Fig. 10, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 501 of this embodiment has a refrigerant circuit 511 through which a refrigerant circulates, an adsorption circuit 512 through which an adsorbent circulates, a pair of first mixers 513, a pair of second mixers 514, a first fan 515, and a second fan 516. The refrigerant circuit 511 corresponds to the refrigerant circuit 11 in Fig. 1. The adsorption circuit 512 corresponds to the adsorption circuit 12 in Fig. 1. In Fig. 10, the adsorption circuit 512 is depicted by a bold line.

[0082] The refrigerant circuit 511 has a compressor 531, an expansion mechanism 532, a first heat exchanger 533, a second heat exchanger 534, and a first switching unit 535. The compressor 531 corresponds to the compressor 31 in FIG. 1. The expansion mechanism 532 corresponds to the expansion mechanism 32 in FIG. 1.

[0083] The first switching unit 535 switches the flow direction of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 511. The first switching unit 535 is, for example, a four-way switching valve. The first switching unit 535 switches between a first mode in which the flow direction is indicated by the solid line in FIG. 10 and a second mode in which the flow direction is indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 10. In the first mode, the discharge side of the compressor 531 is connected to the first heat exchanger 533, and the suction side of the compressor 531 is connected to the second heat exchanger 534. In the second mode, the discharge side of the compressor 531 is connected to the second heat exchanger 534, and the suction side of the compressor 531 is connected to the first heat exchanger 533.

[0084] The adsorption circuit 512 has a booster 541, a pressure reducer 542, a third heat exchanger 543, a fourth heat exchanger 544, and a second switching unit 545. The booster 541 corresponds to the booster 41 in Fig. 1. The pressure reducer 542 corresponds to the pressure reducer 42 in Fig. 1.

[0085] The second switching unit 545 switches the flow direction of the adsorbent circulating in the adsorption circuit 512. The second switching unit 545 is, for example, a four-way switching valve. The second switching unit 545 switches between a first mode, in which the flow direction is indicated by the solid line in FIG. 10, and a second mode, in which the flow direction is indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 10. In the first mode, the discharge side of the booster 541 is connected to the third heat exchanger 543, and the suction side of the booster 541 is connected to the fourth heat exchanger 544. In the second mode, the discharge side of the booster 541 is connected to the fourth heat exchanger 544, and the suction side of the booster 541 is connected to the third heat exchanger 543. The second switching unit 545 switches between the first mode and the second mode in conjunction with the first switching unit 535.

[0086] The first mixing section 513 and the second mixing section 514 mix the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit 511 with the adsorbent flowing in the adsorption circuit 512. The pair of first mixing sections 513 are provided upstream and downstream of the first heat exchanger 533 and the third heat exchanger 543. The pair of second mixing sections 514 are provided upstream and downstream of the second heat exchanger 534 and the fourth heat exchanger 544.

[0087] The first mixing section 513 and the second mixing section 514 have, for example, a permeable member that allows the refrigerant to pass through but not the adsorbent. The permeable member is, for example, a gas-permeable membrane. In this case, the interior of the first mixing section 513 and the second mixing section 514 is partitioned by the permeable member into a space that is part of the refrigerant circuit 511 and a space that is part of the adsorption circuit 512. In the first mixing section 513 and the second mixing section 514, the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 511 passes through the permeable member and comes into contact with the adsorbent flowing through the adsorption circuit 512. On the other hand, in the first mixing section 513 and the second mixing section 514, the adsorbent flowing through the adsorption circuit 512 cannot pass through the permeable member. As a result, in the first mixing section 513 and the second mixing section 514, the adsorbent adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant that has passed through the permeable member.

[0088] In the first mixing section 513, high-pressure refrigerant is adsorbed onto the adsorbent in the first mode, and low-pressure refrigerant is desorbed from the adsorbent in the second mode. In the second mixing section 514, low-pressure refrigerant is desorbed from the adsorbent in the first mode, and high-pressure refrigerant is adsorbed onto the adsorbent in the second mode. In the first mixing section 513 and the second mixing section 514, the refrigerant and the adsorbent are heated as the refrigerant is adsorbed onto the adsorbent, or the refrigerant and the adsorbent are cooled as the refrigerant is desorbed from the adsorbent. As a result, in the first heat exchanger 533, the second heat exchanger 534, the third heat exchanger 543, and the fourth heat exchanger 544, heat exchange occurs between the heated or cooled refrigerant and the adsorbent and the air.

[0089] In the first mode, heat exchange occurs between the heated refrigerant and air in the first heat exchanger 533, and heat exchange occurs between the heated adsorbent and air in the third heat exchanger 543. In the first mode, heat exchange occurs between the cooled refrigerant and air in the second heat exchanger 534, and heat exchange occurs between the cooled adsorbent and air in the fourth heat exchanger 544.

[0090] In the second mode, heat exchange occurs between the cooled refrigerant and air in the first heat exchanger 533, and heat exchange occurs between the cooled adsorbent and air in the third heat exchanger 543. In the second mode, heat exchange occurs between the heated refrigerant and air in the second heat exchanger 534, and heat exchange occurs between the heated adsorbent and air in the fourth heat exchanger 544.

[0091] The first fan 515 sends the air that has undergone heat exchange in the first heat exchanger 533 and the third heat exchanger 543 to a predetermined location. The second fan 516 sends the air that has undergone heat exchange in the second heat exchanger 534 and the fourth heat exchanger 544 to a predetermined location.

[0092] The pair of first mixers 513, first fans 515, first heat exchangers 533, and third heat exchangers 543 correspond to the adsorption section 21 in Fig. 1 in the first mode, and correspond to the desorption section 22 in Fig. 1 in the second mode. The pair of second mixers 514, second fans 516, second heat exchangers 534, and fourth heat exchangers 544 correspond to the desorption section 22 in Fig. 1 in the first mode, and correspond to the adsorption section 21 in Fig. 1 in the second mode.

[0093] As described above, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 501, the refrigerant and the adsorbent are heated or cooled as the refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuit 511 and the adsorbent circulates through the adsorption circuit 512, and the air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant and the adsorbent is sent to a predetermined location. A case will be described in which the refrigeration cycle apparatus 501 is an air conditioning apparatus. The first heat exchanger 533 and the third heat exchanger 543 are indoor heat exchangers, and the second heat exchanger 534 and the fourth heat exchanger 544 are outdoor heat exchangers. When the refrigeration cycle apparatus 501 performs heating operation, the refrigerant is adsorbed by the adsorbent in the first mixer 513, and the refrigerant and the adsorbent are heated. The air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant and the adsorbent is sent to a predetermined location by the first fan 515.

[0094] (4) Features The refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 has a lower operating pressure than conventional refrigeration cycle apparatuses that have a vapor compression refrigeration cycle and no adsorbent. For example, when the refrigerant is carbon dioxide, the operating pressure of conventional refrigeration cycle apparatuses is approximately 10 MPa, while the operating pressure of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is approximately 1.5 MPa. The operating pressure refers to the pressure of the compressed refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle. The higher the operating pressure, the greater the mechanical workload of the compressor and the higher the pressure resistance (design pressure) required for components constituting the refrigerant circuit, such as the compressor casing. Therefore, the higher the operating pressure, the higher the cost of electricity to drive the compressor and the costs of components constituting the system tend to be. Therefore, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 can be operated at a lower operating pressure than conventional refrigeration cycle apparatuses, thereby reducing manufacturing and operating costs. Furthermore, by reducing the design pressure, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 can make components such as the compressor casing more compact and improve system reliability.

[0095] Furthermore, when the refrigeration cycle device 1 is an air conditioner, the refrigeration cycle device 1 can increase the heating and cooling capacity by utilizing the heat of adsorption and desorption of the refrigerant for heating and cooling. Therefore, by controlling the heat of adsorption and desorption of the refrigerant, the refrigeration cycle device 1 can improve the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle compared to conventional refrigeration cycle devices and reduce operating costs.

[0096] (5) Variations (5-1) Variation A In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 401 of the fourth embodiment, the refrigerant circuit 411 has a first separator 451. However, the refrigerant circuit 411 does not have to have the first separator 451. In this case, as shown in Fig. 11 , the refrigerant circuit 411 has a compressor 431 but does not have a booster 441. Like the compressor 231 of the second modified example, the compressor 431 of this modified example has the functions of both the compressor 31 and the booster 41 of Fig. 1.

[0097] (5-2) Variation B The adsorbent used in the refrigeration cycle devices 1, 101, 201, 301, 401, and 501 is a metal organic framework. However, a material other than a metal organic framework may be used as the adsorbent.

[0098] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1,101,201,301,401,501: Refrigeration cycle equipment 11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511: Refrigerant circuit (first unit) 12,512: Adsorption circuit (second unit) 513,514: Mixer 31,131,231,331,431,531: ​​Compressor 32,132,232,332,432,532: Expansion mechanism 133: 1st adsorber 134:Second adsorption device 135: Switching section 41,341,441,541: Booster 42,442,542: Pressure reducer 351,451,452 :Separator [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0100] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2009 / 145278

Claims

1. A refrigeration cycle device (1, 201, 301, 401, 501) in which a mixture of a refrigerant and an adsorbent that adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant is circulated together, The system comprises a first unit (11, 211, 311, 411, 511) having a compressor (31, 231, 331, 431, 531) for compressing the refrigerant, an expansion mechanism (32, 232, 332, 432, 532) for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant, a first heat exchanger (233, 333, 433, 533), and a second heat exchanger (234, 334, 434, 534), The first unit has a third heat exchanger (43) to which heat is transferred from the mixture before it is depressurized by the expansion mechanism to the mixture before it is pressurized by the compressor. Refrigeration cycle device.

2. The first unit has separators (351, 451, 452) that separate the mixture into the refrigerant and the adsorbent, The adsorbent, after being separated from the refrigerant by the separator, merges with the refrigerant compressed by the compressor or the refrigerant reduced in pressure by the expansion mechanism. The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The separator separates the mixture before it is compressed by the compressor into the refrigerant and the adsorbent. The first unit further includes a booster (41, 341, 441) for pressurizing the adsorbent separated from the refrigerant by the separator. The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The separator separates the mixture into the refrigerant and the adsorbent before it is depressurized by the expansion mechanism. The first unit further includes a pressure reducer (42, 442) for reducing the pressure of the adsorbent separated from the refrigerant by the separator. The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The adsorbent comprises a metal-organic structure containing metal ions and an organic ligand. The aforementioned refrigerant is carbon dioxide. A refrigeration cycle apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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