Refrigeration device

Abstract

To improve the degree of freedom of layout of a heat exchange path in a heat exchange element.SOLUTION: A first heat exchange element (H1) includes a first heat exchange path (61) through which a heat medium having passed through a first refrigeration part (20A) or a second refrigeration part (20B) of a first refrigeration unit (U1), and a second heat exchange path (62) through which the heat medium having passed through a first refrigeration part (20A) or a second refrigeration part (20B) of a second refrigeration unit (U2).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to refrigeration devices. [Background technology]

[0002] There are refrigeration systems that use a refrigeration section containing a solid working material to cool or heat a heat medium. The magnetic refrigeration system described in Patent Document 1 has multiple refrigeration units and a heat exchanger through which the heat medium cooled or heated by the magnetic working material in the refrigeration units flows. In this magnetic refrigeration system, the heat mediums that have passed through all of the multiple refrigeration units are joined at a single rotary valve-type switching valve, which serves as a joining section. The joined heat medium flows through a single heat exchanger and is used, for example, to cool or heat air. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-156391 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the solid-state refrigeration device described in Patent Document 1, there is only one heat exchange path in one heat exchange element to which the merged heat medium is sent. Therefore, with one heat exchange element, the degree of freedom in the layout of the heat exchange path is limited. As a result, there is a problem that it is difficult to improve the layout of the heat exchange flow path, and it is not possible to improve the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange element.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to improve the degree of freedom in the layout of heat exchange paths in a heat exchange element. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first aspect relates to a refrigeration apparatus. The refrigeration apparatus includes a plurality of refrigeration units (U), a first heat exchange element (H1), and a second heat exchange element (H2), and includes a heat medium circuit (C) through which a heat medium flows. Each of the plurality of refrigeration units (U) includes a solid working material (22) that exhibits a calorific effect in response to external energy, a first refrigeration section (20A) and a second refrigeration section (20B) that exchange heat between the solid working material (22) and the heat medium, and a modulation section (23) that induces a calorific effect in the solid working material in each of the first refrigeration section (20A) and the second refrigeration section (20B). The heat medium circuit (C) has a switching mechanism (50) that switches the flow path of the heat medium circuit (C) so as to perform a first operation in which the heat medium that has passed through the first freezing section (20A) is sent to the first heat exchange element (H1) and simultaneously the heat medium that has passed through the second freezing section (20B) is sent to the second heat exchange element (H2), and a second operation in which the heat medium that has passed through the first freezing section (20A) is sent to the second heat exchange element (H2) and simultaneously the heat medium that has passed through the second freezing section (20B) is sent to the first heat exchange element (H1), in each of the multiple refrigeration units (U). The multiple refrigeration units (U) include a first refrigeration unit (U1) and a second refrigeration unit (U2). The first heat exchange element (H1) has a first heat exchange path (61) through which a heat medium that has passed through the first freezing section (20A) or the second freezing section (20B) of the first freezing unit (U1) flows, and a second heat exchange path (62) through which a heat medium that has passed through the first freezing section (20A) or the second freezing section (20B) of the second freezing unit (U2) flows.

[0007] It should be noted that the term "refrigeration unit" as used herein refers to a unit made up of a plurality of elements, and these elements may be structurally separated.

[0008] In the first aspect, a first heat exchange path (61) corresponding to the first refrigeration unit (U1) and a second heat exchange path (62) corresponding to the second refrigeration unit (U2) are formed in one first heat exchange element (H1). Therefore, compared to a configuration in which one heat exchange path corresponding to both the first and second refrigeration units is formed in one first heat exchange element, the degree of freedom in the heat exchange paths (61, 62) can be improved. As a result, the layout of the heat exchange paths (61, 62) can be improved, and the heat exchange efficiency of the first heat exchange element (H1) can be improved.

[0009] In the second embodiment, the first heat exchange element (H1) in the first embodiment includes one first heat exchanger (60) having a first heat exchange path (61) and a second heat exchange path (62).

[0010] In the second aspect, a first heat exchange path (61) corresponding to the first refrigeration unit (U1) and a second heat exchange path (62) corresponding to the second refrigeration unit (U2) are formed in one first heat exchanger (60) as the first heat exchange element. This improves the degree of freedom in the layout of the heat exchange paths in the first heat exchanger (60). The number of heat exchangers can be reduced.

[0011] In the third embodiment, in the first embodiment, the first heat exchange element (H1) includes one second heat exchanger (60A) having a first heat exchange path (61) and one third heat exchanger (60B) having a second heat exchange path (62).

[0012] In the third aspect, the first heat exchange path (61) is formed in the second heat exchanger (60A), and the second heat exchange path (62) is formed in the third heat exchanger (60B). In this aspect, different heat exchange paths are formed in the second heat exchanger (60A) and the third heat exchanger (60B), which are separated from each other. This improves the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the second heat exchanger (60A) and the third heat exchanger (60B), and improves the degree of freedom in the layout of the heat exchange paths.

[0013] In a fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the refrigeration device further includes a first casing (11) that houses a first refrigeration unit (U1), a second refrigeration unit (U2), and a first heat exchange element (H1).

[0014] When the first heat exchange path (61) and the second heat exchange path (62) are formed in one first heat exchange element (H1), separate piping is required to connect the first refrigeration unit (U1) to the first heat exchange path (61) and separate piping to connect the second refrigeration unit (U2) to the second heat exchange path (62). Therefore, if the first refrigeration unit (U1) and the first heat exchange path (61) are far apart, or if the second refrigeration unit (U2) and the second heat exchange path (62) are far apart, the piping connecting them becomes long, which makes the piping work difficult and increases the piping costs.

[0015] In contrast, in this embodiment, the first refrigeration unit (U1), the second refrigeration unit (U2), and the first heat exchange element (H1) are accommodated in a single first casing (11), and therefore the piping connecting the first refrigeration unit (U1) to the first heat exchange path (61) and the piping connecting the second refrigeration unit (U2) to the second heat exchange path (62) can be shortened. As a result, it is possible to prevent the piping work from becoming difficult and the piping costs from increasing.

[0016] In a fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect, the second heat exchange element (H2) includes a fourth heat exchanger (7). The refrigeration apparatus further includes a second casing (6) accommodating the fourth heat exchanger (7), a junction (51) that joins the heat medium from the first refrigeration unit (U1) and the heat medium from the second refrigeration unit (U2), a first connection pipe (2) that connects the outlet of the junction (51) with the inlet of the fourth heat exchanger (7), a branch section (52) that branches the heat medium to the first refrigeration unit (U1) and the second refrigeration unit (U2), and a second connection pipe (3) that connects the outlet of the fourth heat exchanger (7) with the inlet of the branch section (52).

[0017] In the fifth aspect, the first refrigeration unit (U1) and the second refrigeration unit (U2) are housed in the first casing (11), and the fourth heat exchanger (7) is housed in the second casing (6). The heat medium flow paths from the first refrigeration unit (U1) and the second refrigeration unit (U2) join at a junction (51) and are connected to the fourth heat exchanger (7) via a single first interconnection pipe (2). The heat medium flow paths from the fourth heat exchanger (7) branch off at a divergence section (52) via a single second interconnection pipe (3) and are connected to the first refrigeration unit (U1) and the second refrigeration unit (U2). This reduces the number of interconnection pipes provided between the first casing (11) and the second casing (6). This prevents the piping work from becoming difficult and the piping costs from increasing, even if the lengths of the first interconnection pipe (2) and the second interconnection pipe (3) are increased.

[0018] The sixth aspect is the fifth aspect, in which the first casing (11) is arranged outside the room and the second casing (6) is arranged inside the room.

[0019] In the sixth aspect, since the relatively large first casing (11) is placed outdoors, restrictions on the placement of the first casing (11) can be reduced. In addition, the second casing (6) placed indoors can be made smaller.

[0020] In a seventh aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the refrigeration apparatus further includes a first flow rate adjuster (53) that adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the first heat exchange path (61), and a second flow rate adjuster (54) that adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the second heat exchange path (62).

[0021] In the seventh aspect, in one heat exchange element, the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the first heat exchange path (61) and the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the second heat exchange path (62) can be adjusted separately. As a result, the heat exchange capacity of the heat medium in the first heat exchange path (61), the heat exchange capacity of the heat medium in the second heat exchange path (62), the heat load of the first refrigeration unit (U1), or the heat load of the second refrigeration unit (U2) can be adjusted separately.

[0022] In an eighth aspect, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the refrigeration apparatus further includes a first bypass flow path (55) that causes the heat medium on the upstream side of the first heat exchange path (61) to bypass to the downstream side of the first heat exchange path (61), a first valve (57) that opens and closes the first bypass flow path (55), a second bypass flow path (56) that causes the heat medium on the upstream side of the second heat exchange path (62) to bypass to the downstream side of the second heat exchange path (62), and a second valve (58) that opens and closes the second bypass flow path (56).

[0023] In the eighth aspect, the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the first heat exchange path (61) can be reduced by opening the first valve (57), and the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the first heat exchange path (61) can be increased by closing the first valve (57). The flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the second heat exchange path (62) can be reduced by opening the second valve (58), and the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the first heat exchange path (61) can be increased by closing the second valve (58). In this way, the heat exchange capacity of the heat medium in the first heat exchange path (61), the heat exchange capacity of the heat medium in the second heat exchange path (62), the heat load of the first refrigeration unit (U1), or the heat load of the second refrigeration unit (U2) can be individually adjusted.

[0024] A ninth aspect is the second aspect, wherein the first heat exchanger (60) is an air heat exchanger that exchanges heat between a heat medium and air. The first heat exchange path (61) has a plurality of first heat transfer sections (65a) arranged along a first direction. The second heat exchange path (62) has a plurality of second heat transfer sections (66a) arranged along the first direction. In the first heat exchange path (61), the heat medium flows sequentially through the plurality of first heat transfer sections (65a) from one end side to the other end side in the first direction. In the second heat exchange path (62), the heat medium flows sequentially through the plurality of second heat transfer sections (66a) from the other end side to one end side in the first direction.

[0025] In the ninth aspect, the direction in which the heat medium flows through the first heat transfer members (65a) in the first heat exchange path (61) is opposite to the direction in which the heat medium flows through the second heat transfer members (66a) in the first heat exchange path (61). This makes it possible to prevent the temperature of the heat medium from becoming uneven in the first heat exchanger (60). As a result, it is possible to improve the overall heat exchange efficiency of the first heat exchanger (60).

[0026] A tenth aspect is any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the first freezing section (20A) and the second freezing section (20B) have a magnetic working material as a solid working material, and the modulation section (23) of each of the first freezing section (20A) and the second freezing section (20B) is configured to impart magnetic field modulation to the magnetic working material.

[0027] In a tenth aspect, the refrigeration device is a magnetic refrigeration device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a piping diagram showing the overall configuration of a refrigeration device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the main part of the refrigeration unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the controller and the devices controlled by it. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of the outdoor heat exchanger as viewed from the upstream side of the air flow. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the outdoor heat exchanger in a third direction. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a piping diagram for explaining the first operation. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a piping diagram for explaining the second operation. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a piping diagram showing the overall configuration of the refrigeration device of the first modification. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a piping diagram showing the overall configuration of a refrigeration device according to the second modification. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a piping diagram showing the overall configuration of a refrigeration device according to the third modification. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a piping diagram showing the overall configuration of a refrigeration device according to the fourth modification. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a piping diagram showing the overall configuration of a refrigeration device according to the fifth modification. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram of the outdoor heat exchanger of the sixth modification, viewed from the upstream side of the air flow. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the outdoor heat exchanger of the seventh modification taken in the third direction. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic configuration diagram of the outdoor heat exchanger as viewed from the upstream side of the air flow. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram of the outdoor heat exchanger as viewed from the downstream side of the air flow. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure. Since the drawings are intended to conceptually explain the present disclosure, dimensions, ratios, or numbers may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary to facilitate understanding.

[0030] (1) Overall structure The refrigeration device (1) of the present disclosure constitutes a magnetic refrigeration device. The refrigeration device (1) adjusts the temperature of a heat medium by utilizing the magnetocaloric effect. The refrigeration device (1) is applied to, for example, an air conditioner.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigeration system (1) has an outdoor unit (10) placed outdoors, an indoor unit (5) placed indoors, and a first connecting pipe (2) and a second connecting pipe (3) connecting the outdoor unit (10) and the indoor unit (5).

[0032] The refrigeration system (1) is formed with a heat medium circuit (C) through which a heat medium flows. The heat medium is, for example, water. The heat medium circuit (C) has a plurality of refrigeration units (U), a first heat exchange element (H1), and a second heat exchange element (H2). The plurality of refrigeration units (U) include a first refrigeration unit (U1) and a second refrigeration unit (U2). The number of refrigeration units (U) is merely an example, and may be three or more, as will be described in detail later.

[0033] The outdoor unit (10) has an outdoor casing (11). The outdoor casing (11) is a first casing arranged outdoors. The outdoor casing (11) contains a first refrigeration unit (U1), a second refrigeration unit (U2), and a first heat exchange element (H1).

[0034] The indoor unit (5) has an indoor casing (6). The indoor casing (6) is a second casing arranged indoors. A second heat exchange element (H2) is provided inside the indoor casing (6).

[0035] The heat medium circuit (C) includes a pump (45) that is a transfer device for transferring the heat medium, and a switching mechanism (50) that switches the flow path of the heat medium. The switching mechanism (50) of this embodiment includes a plurality of check valves (CV1 to CV4), a first rotary switching valve (51), and a second rotary switching valve (52).

[0036] (2-1) Refrigeration unit The first refrigeration unit (U1) and the second refrigeration unit (U2) have basically the same configuration, and therefore may be simply referred to as the refrigeration unit (U). The configuration of the refrigeration unit (U) will be described in detail below.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 2, the refrigeration unit (U) has a first refrigeration section (20A) and a second refrigeration section (20B). The first refrigeration section (20A) has a first bed (21A), a first magnetic working material (22A) accommodated in the first bed (21A), and a first magnetic field modulation section (23A) that applies magnetic field modulation to the first magnetic working material (22A). The second refrigeration section (20B) has a second bed (21B), a second magnetic working material (22B) accommodated in the second bed (21B), and a second magnetic field modulation section (23B) that applies magnetic field modulation to the second magnetic working material (22B). Hereinafter, the first bed (21A) and the second bed (21B) may be simply referred to as beds (21), the first magnetic working material (22A) and the second magnetic working material (22B) may be simply referred to as magnetic working material (22), and the first magnetic field modulation unit (23A) and the second magnetic field modulation unit (23B) may be simply referred to as magnetic field modulation unit (23).

[0038] (2-2) Bed The bed (21) is a container that contains the magnetic working material (22). The bed (21) is a hollow column. A flow path is formed inside the bed (21) through which the heat medium reciprocates. The bed (21) is formed with a first outlet (O1), a first inlet (I1), a second outlet (O2), and a second inlet (I2). The first outlet (O1) is a port for sending the heat medium in the bed (21) to the first heat exchange element (H1). The first inlet (I1) is a port for sending the heat medium on the first heat exchange element (H1) side into the bed (21). The second outlet (O2) is a port for sending the heat medium in the bed (21) to the second heat exchange element (H2). The second inlet (I2) is a port for sending the heat medium on the second heat exchange element (H2) side into the bed (21).

[0039] (2-3) Magnetic working materials The magnetic working material (22) is a solid working material that exhibits a magnetocaloric effect in response to external energy. The magnetic working material (22) exhibits a magnetocaloric effect in response to modulation of a magnetic field. The magnetic working material (22) is, for example, Gd5 (Ge 0.5 Si 0.5 )4, La(Fe 1-x Si x )13 , La(Fe 1-x Co x Si y ) 13 , La(Fe 1-x Si x ) 13 H y , Mn(As 0.9 Sb 0.1 ) and other materials.

[0040] In this embodiment, the magnetic working material 22 is composed of a plurality of materials having different Curie temperatures. In other words, the first refrigeration section 20A and the second refrigeration section 20B are of a so-called cascade type. The magnetic working material 22 may be composed of only one material having a predetermined Curie temperature. In other words, the first refrigeration section 20A and the second refrigeration section 20B may be of a so-called single-phase type.

[0041] (2-4) Magnetic field modulation section The magnetic field modulation unit (23) is a modulation unit that induces a calorific effect in the magnetic working material (22). It switches between a first state shown by a solid line in FIG. 2 and a second state shown by a dashed line in FIG. 2. In the first state, the magnetic field modulation unit (23) applies a magnetic field to the magnetic working material (22) or strengthens the applied magnetic field. In the second state, the magnetic field modulation unit (23) removes the magnetic field applied to the magnetic working material (22) or weakens the applied magnetic field. The controller (100) controls the first magnetic field modulation unit (23A) and the second magnetic field modulation unit (23B) so that the first state and the second state are in opposite phases to each other between the first magnetic field modulation unit (23A) and the second magnetic field modulation unit (23B). Specifically, the refrigeration unit (U) is configured to alternately perform a first modulation operation (operation shown in FIG. 2(A)) in which the first magnetic field modulation section (23A) is in the first state and the second magnetic field modulation section (23B) is in the second state, and a second modulation operation (operation shown in FIG. 2(B)) in which the first magnetic field modulation section (23A) is in the second state and the second magnetic field modulation section (23B) is in the first state.

[0042] In the refrigeration unit (U) during the first modulation operation, a magnetic field is applied to the first magnetic working material (22A) or the magnetic field becomes stronger, and simultaneously, the magnetic field of the second magnetic working material (22B) is removed or weakened. As a result, the first magnetic working material (22A) radiates heat to the heat medium in the first bed (21A), and simultaneously, the second magnetic working material (22B) absorbs heat from the heat medium in the second bed (21B). In the refrigeration unit (U) during the second modulation operation, a magnetic field is applied to the second magnetic working material (22B) or the magnetic field becomes stronger, and simultaneously, the magnetic field of the first magnetic working material (22A) is removed or weakened. As a result, the second magnetic working material (22B) radiates heat to the heat medium in the second bed (21B), and simultaneously, the first magnetic working material (22A) absorbs heat from the heat medium in the first bed (21A).

[0043] (2-5) Heat transfer medium flow path As shown in Fig. 1, the heat medium circuit (C) has a first outlet passage (31), a first inlet passage (32), a second outlet passage (33), a second inlet passage (34), a third outlet passage (35), a third inlet passage (36), a fourth outlet passage (37), and a fourth inlet passage (38). These passages are provided in each of the refrigeration units (U). The heat medium circuit (C) has a first relay pipe (39), a second relay pipe (40), a first connecting pipe (2), and a second connecting pipe (3).

[0044] The first outlet passage (31), the first inlet passage (32), the second outlet passage (33), the second inlet passage (34), the third outlet passage (35), the third inlet passage (36), the fourth outlet passage (37), the fourth inlet passage (38), the first relay pipe (39), and the second relay pipe (40) are housed in the outdoor casing (11) of the outdoor unit (10). At least a portion of the first connecting pipe (2) and the second connecting pipe (3) is disposed outside the outdoor casing (11) and the indoor casing (6).

[0045] One end of the first outlet passage (31) is connected to the first outlet (O1) of the first freezing section (20A), and the other end of the first outlet passage (31) is connected to the first relay pipe (39). One end of the first inlet passage (32) is connected to the first inlet (I1) of the first freezing section (20A), and the other end of the first inlet passage (32) is connected to the second relay pipe (40). One end of the second outlet passage (33) is connected to the first outlet (O1) of the second freezing section (20B), and the other end of the second outlet passage (33) is connected to the first relay pipe (39). One end of the second inlet passage (34) is connected to the first inlet (I1) of the second freezing section (20B), and the other end of the second inlet passage (34) is connected to the second relay pipe (40).

[0046] One end of the third outlet passage (35) is connected to the second outlet (O2) of the first freezing section (20A), and the other end of the third outlet passage (35) is connected to the first connecting pipe (2) via a first rotary selector valve (51). One end of the third inlet passage (36) is connected to the second inlet (I2) of the first freezing section (20A), and the other end of the third inlet passage (36) is connected to the second connecting pipe (3) via a second rotary selector valve (52). One end of the fourth outlet passage (37) is connected to the second outlet (O2) of the second freezing section (20B), and the other end of the fourth outlet passage (37) is connected to the first connecting pipe (2) via a first rotary selector valve (51). One end of the fourth inlet channel (38) is connected to the second inlet (12) of the second refrigeration section (20B), and the other end of the fourth inlet channel (38) is connected to the second connection pipe (3) via the second rotary switching valve (52).

[0047] (2-6) Pump The pump (45) is housed in the outdoor casing (11) of the outdoor unit (10). The pump (45) is provided in the first interconnecting pipe (2). The pump (45) transports the heat medium so that the heat medium flows in the first interconnecting pipe (2) from the refrigeration unit (U) side toward the second heat exchange element (H2) side. The pump (45) may be provided in the second interconnecting pipe (3).

[0048] (2-7) Switching mechanism The switching mechanism (50) of this embodiment switches the flow path of the heat medium circuit (C) so as to perform a first operation in which the heat medium that has passed through the first freezing section (20A) is sent to the first heat exchange element (H1) and simultaneously the heat medium that has passed through the second freezing section (20B) is sent to the second heat exchange element (H2), and a second operation in which the heat medium that has passed through the first freezing section (20A) is sent to the second heat exchange element (H2) and simultaneously the heat medium that has passed through the second freezing section (20B) is sent to the first heat exchange element (H1). As described above, the switching mechanism (50) includes a plurality of check valves (CV1 to CV4), a first rotary switching valve (51), and a second rotary switching valve (52).

[0049] A plurality of check valves (CV1-CV4) are provided in each of the refrigeration units (U). The first rotary selector valve (51) is shared by the first refrigeration unit (U1) and the second refrigeration unit (U2). The second rotary selector valve (52) is shared by the first refrigeration unit (U1) and the second refrigeration unit (U2). The plurality of check valves (CV1-CV4), the first rotary selector valve (51), and the second rotary selector valve (52) are housed in the outdoor casing (11) of the outdoor unit (10).

[0050] The plurality of check valves include a first check valve (CV1), a second check valve (CV2), a third check valve (CV3), and a fourth check valve (CV4). The check valves allow the heat medium to flow in the direction indicated by the symbol in the figure, and prohibit the heat medium from flowing in the opposite direction. The first check valve (CV1) is provided in the first outlet passage (31), the second check valve (CV2) is provided in the first inlet passage (32), the third check valve (CV3) is provided in the second outlet passage (33), and the fourth check valve (CV4) is provided in the second inlet passage (34).

[0051] The first rotary switching valve (51) is driven to rotate by a motor to switch the communication state of the flow path. The first rotary switching valve (51) of this embodiment forms a junction where the heat medium from the first refrigeration unit (U1) and the heat medium from the second refrigeration unit (U2) join together. The first rotary switching valve (51) has an outlet port (OP), a first port (P1), a second port (P2), a third port (P3), and a fourth port (P4). In the first rotary switching valve (51), the outlet port (OP) is connected to the first connecting pipe (2), the first port (P1) is connected to the third outlet passage (35) of the first refrigeration unit (U1), the second port (P2) is connected to the fourth outlet passage (37) of the first refrigeration unit (U1), the third port (P3) is connected to the third outlet passage (35) of the second refrigeration unit (U2), and the fourth port (P4) is connected to the fourth outlet passage (37) of the second refrigeration unit (U2). The first rotary switching valve (51) is switched between a first state in which the first port (P1) and the third port (P3) are opened and the second port (P2) and the fourth port (P4) are closed, and a second state in which the second port (P2) and the fourth port (P4) are opened and the first port (P1) and the third port (P3) are closed. In the first state of the first rotary switching valve (51), the outlet port (OP) is connected to the first port (P1) and the third port (P3), and in the second state of the first rotary switching valve (51), the outlet port (OP) is connected to the second port (P2) and the fourth port (P4).

[0052] The second rotary switching valve (52) is rotationally driven by a motor to switch the communication state of the flow path. The second rotary switching valve (52) of this embodiment constitutes a flow dividing section that divides the heat medium on the second heat exchange element (H2) side into the first refrigeration unit (U1) and the second refrigeration unit (U2). The second rotary switching valve (52) has an inlet port (IP), a fifth port (P5), a sixth port (P6), a seventh port (P7), and an eighth port (P8). The second rotary selector valve (52) has an inlet port (IP) connected to the second interconnection pipe (3), a fifth port (P5) connected to the third inlet passage (36) of the first refrigeration unit (U1), a sixth port (P6) connected to the fourth inlet passage (38) of the first refrigeration unit (U1), a seventh port (P7) connected to the third inlet passage (36) of the second refrigeration unit (U2), and an eighth port (P8) connected to the fourth inlet passage (38) of the second refrigeration unit (U2). The second rotary selector valve (52) is switched between a first state in which the fifth port (P5) and the seventh port (P7) are opened and the sixth port (P6) and the eighth port (P8) are closed, and a second state in which the sixth port (P6) and the eighth port (P8) are opened and the fifth port (P5) and the seventh port (P7) are closed. In the second rotary switching valve (52) in the first state, the inlet port (IP) is connected to the fifth port (P5) and the seventh port (P7), and in the first rotary switching valve (51) in the second state, the inlet port (IP) is connected to the sixth port (P6) and the eighth port (P8).

[0053] (2-8) Indoor heat exchanger The second heat exchange element (H2) of this embodiment has one indoor heat exchanger (7). The indoor heat exchanger (7) is an example of a fourth heat exchanger. The indoor heat exchanger (7) is housed in the indoor casing (6) of the indoor unit (5). The first connecting pipe (2) is connected to an inlet of the indoor heat exchanger (7), and the second connecting pipe (3) is connected to an outlet of the indoor heat exchanger (7). The indoor heat exchanger (7) of this embodiment is an air heat exchanger. The indoor heat exchanger (7) is a fin-and-tube heat exchanger.

[0054] An indoor fan (8) is provided near the indoor heat exchanger (7). The indoor fan (8) transports indoor air from the indoor space and passes the air through the indoor heat exchanger (7). In the indoor heat exchanger (7), heat is exchanged between the air and a heat medium. The air heated or cooled in the indoor heat exchanger (7) is supplied to the indoor space by the indoor fan (8).

[0055] (2-9) Outdoor heat exchanger As shown in FIG. 1, the first heat exchange element (H1) of this embodiment has one outdoor heat exchanger (60). The outdoor heat exchanger (60) is an example of a first heat exchanger. The outdoor heat exchanger (60) is housed in the outdoor casing (11) of the outdoor unit (10). The outdoor heat exchanger (60) of this embodiment is an air heat exchanger. The outdoor heat exchanger (60) is a fin-and-tube heat exchanger.

[0056] The outdoor heat exchanger (60) has a plurality of heat exchange paths, including a first heat exchange path (61) and a second heat exchange path (62). The first heat exchange path (61) and the second heat exchange path (62) are flow paths through which a heat medium flows inside the outdoor heat exchanger (60).

[0057] The first heat exchange path (61) corresponds to the first refrigeration unit (U1). One end of the first heat exchange path (61) is connected to the first outlet path (31) of the first refrigeration unit (U1) and the second outlet path (33) of the first refrigeration unit (U1). The other end of the first heat exchange path (61) is connected to the first inlet path (32) of the first refrigeration unit (U1) and the second inlet path (34) of the first refrigeration unit (U1). A heat medium that has passed through the first refrigeration section (20A) or the second refrigeration section (20B) of the first refrigeration unit (U1) flows through the first heat exchange path (61). Strictly speaking, refrigerant from refrigeration units other than the first refrigeration unit (U1) does not flow through the first heat exchange path (61).

[0058] The second heat exchange path (62) corresponds to the second refrigeration unit (U2). One end of the second heat exchange path (62) is connected to the first outlet path (31) of the second refrigeration unit (U2) and the second outlet path (33) of the second refrigeration unit (U2). The other end of the second heat exchange path (62) is connected to the first inlet path (32) of the second refrigeration unit (U2) and the second inlet path (34) of the second refrigeration unit (U2). The heat medium that has passed through the first refrigeration section (20A) or the second refrigeration section (20B) of the second refrigeration unit (U2) flows through the second heat exchange path (62). Strictly speaking, refrigerant from refrigeration units other than the second refrigeration unit (U2) does not flow through the second heat exchange path (62).

[0059] An outdoor fan (63) is provided near the outdoor heat exchanger (60). The outdoor fan (63) transports outdoor air and causes the air to pass through the outdoor heat exchanger (60). In the outdoor heat exchanger (60), heat is exchanged between the air and a heat medium.

[0060] (2-10) Controller The controller (100) shown in Fig. 3 includes a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) and a micro processing unit (MPU), an electric circuit, and an electronic circuit. The controller (100) includes an outdoor control unit (101) provided in the outdoor unit (10) and an indoor control unit (102) provided in the indoor unit (5). The outdoor control unit (101) and the indoor control unit (102) can communicate with each other wirelessly or via a wire. The controller (100) controls each device in response to an operation command.

[0061] Specifically, the outdoor control unit (101) controls the switching of the magnetic field modulation unit (23) between the first state and the second state, the switching of the pump (45) between ON and OFF, the flow rate of the pump (45), the switching of the first rotary switching valve (51) between the first state and the second state, the switching of the second rotary switching valve (52) between the first state and the second state, the switching of the outdoor fan (63) between ON and OFF, and the rotation speed of the outdoor fan (63). The indoor control unit (102) controls the switching of the indoor fan (8) between ON and OFF, and the rotation speed of the indoor fan (8).

[0062] (3) Details of the outdoor heat exchanger As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the outdoor heat exchanger includes a plurality of fins (F), a first heat transfer pipe (65), and a second heat transfer pipe (66).

[0063] (3-1) Finn The fins (F) are formed in the shape of rectangular plates. As shown in FIG. 5, when viewed from the thickness direction of the fins (F), the fins (F) are formed in a rectangular shape having short sides along the air flow direction and long sides perpendicular to the short sides. The multiple fins (F) are arranged in their thickness direction. Hereinafter, the direction along the long sides may be referred to as the first direction, the direction along the short sides as the second direction, and the direction along the thickness of the fins (F) as the third direction. In this embodiment, the first direction corresponds to the vertical direction.

[0064] (3-2) First heat transfer tube The first heat transfer pipe (65) is a pipe that forms a first heat exchange path (61) therein. The first heat transfer pipe (65) has a plurality of first heat transfer portions (65a) and a plurality of first U-shaped portions (65b) connecting adjacent first heat transfer portions (65a).

[0065] The first heat transfer portion (65a) constitutes a first straight pipe portion extending linearly in the third direction. The first heat transfer portion (65a) penetrates the plurality of fins (F). The plurality of first heat transfer portions (65a) (the white-colored pipes in FIG. 5) are arranged in the first direction.

[0066] The first U-shaped portions (65b) are provided at both side ends in the third direction of the outdoor heat exchanger (60). The first U-shaped portions (65b) are formed in a U-shape when viewed from the second direction.

[0067] A first inlet end (65c) is formed at one end (upper end in FIG. 4) in the first direction of the first heat transfer pipe (65). The first inlet end (65c) forms an opening for allowing the heat medium to flow into the first heat exchange path (61). A first outlet end (65d) is formed at the other end (lower end in FIG. 4) in the first direction of the first heat transfer pipe (65). The first outlet end (65d) forms an opening for allowing the heat medium to flow out of the first heat exchange path (61).

[0068] (3-3) Second heat transfer tube The second heat transfer pipe (66) is a pipe that forms a second heat exchange path (62) therein. The second heat transfer pipe (66) has a plurality of second heat transfer portions (66a) and a plurality of second U-shaped portions (66b) connecting adjacent second heat transfer portions (66a).

[0069] The second heat transfer portion (66a) constitutes a second straight pipe portion extending linearly in the third direction. The second heat transfer portion (66a) penetrates the plurality of fins (F). The plurality of second heat transfer portions (66a) (the dotted pipes in FIG. 5) are arranged in the first direction.

[0070] More specifically, in the outdoor heat exchanger (60) of this embodiment, the first heat transfer portions (65a) and the second heat transfer portions (66a) are arranged in a line so as to overlap each other in the first direction. The first heat transfer portions (65a) and the second heat transfer portions (66a) are arranged alternately one by one in the first direction.

[0071] The second U-shaped portions (66b) are provided at both side ends in the third direction of the first heat exchanger (60). The second U-shaped portions (66b) are formed in a U-shape when viewed from the second direction.

[0072] A second outlet end (66d) is formed at one end (upper end in FIG. 4) in the first direction of the second heat transfer pipe (66). The second inlet end (66c) forms an opening through which the heat medium flows out of the second heat exchange path (62). A second inlet end (66c) is formed at the other end (lower end in FIG. 4) in the first direction of the second heat transfer pipe (66). The second inlet end (66c) forms an opening through which the heat medium flows into the second heat exchange path (62).

[0073] (3-4) Relationship between the flow of heat transfer medium in the first and second heat exchange paths In the first heat transfer pipe (65), the heat medium flows from one end to the other end in the first direction. In contrast, in the second heat transfer pipe (66), the heat medium flows from the other end to one end in the first direction. Specifically, in the first heat exchange path (61), the heat medium flows sequentially through the plurality of first heat transfer sections (65a) from one end to the other end in the first direction. In the second heat exchange path (62), the heat medium flows sequentially through the plurality of second heat transfer sections (66a) from the other end to one end in the first direction.

[0074] In the first heat exchange path (61) and the second heat exchange path (62), the heat medium on the inlet side has a larger temperature difference from the air, and therefore the amount of heat exchanged on the inlet side is larger. Therefore, if the direction of the heat medium flowing through the plurality of first heat transfer portions (65a) and the direction of the heat medium flowing through the plurality of second heat transfer portions (66a) are the same in the first direction, the first heat exchanger (60) will have unevenly distributed portions where the amount of heat exchanged is large. As a result, the heat exchange efficiency of the first heat exchanger (60) will decrease.

[0075] In contrast, in this embodiment, the direction of the heat medium flowing through the first heat transfer portions (65a) is opposite to the direction of the heat medium flowing through the second heat transfer portions (66a) in the first direction, so that the locations where the temperature difference between the heat medium and the air becomes large can be dispersed between one end and the other end in the first direction, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the first heat exchanger (60).

[0076] (4) Driving behavior The operation of the refrigeration system will be described in detail. The refrigeration system (1) switches between a cooling operation and a heating operation. The cooling operation is an operation in which the indoor space is cooled by the indoor heat exchanger (7). The heating operation is an operation in which the indoor space is heated by the indoor heat exchanger (7).

[0077] (4-1) Cooling operation In the cooling operation, the controller (100) operates the pump (45), the outdoor fan (63), and the indoor fan (8). In the cooling operation, the first operation shown in Fig. 6 and the second operation shown in Fig. 7 are alternately repeated.

[0078] (4-1-1) First operation of cooling operation In the first operation of the cooling operation, the controller (100) sets the first rotary switching valve (51) to the second state and the second rotary switching valve (52) to the first state. As a result, the heat medium that has passed through the first freezing section (20A) of each refrigeration unit (U) is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger (60), and the heat medium that has passed through the second freezing section (20B) of each refrigeration unit (U) is sent to the indoor heat exchanger (7). The controller (100) causes each refrigeration unit (U) to perform a first modulation operation. As a result, in each refrigeration unit (U), heat is released from the first magnetic working material (22A) of the first freezing section (20A) to the heat medium, and simultaneously the heat medium is cooled by the second magnetic working material (22B) of the second freezing section (20B).

[0079] Specifically, in the first refrigeration unit (U1), the heat of the first magnetic working material (22A) of the first refrigeration section (20A) is released to the heat medium. The heat medium of the first refrigeration section (20A) passes through the first outlet passage (31) and the first relay pipe (39) and flows into the first heat exchange path (61) of the outdoor heat exchanger (60). The heat of the heat medium flowing through the first heat exchange path (61) is released to the outdoor air. The heat medium that has flowed out of the first heat exchange path (61) passes through the second relay pipe (40) and the second inlet passage (34) and flows into the second refrigeration section (20B) of the first refrigeration unit (U1). In the second refrigeration section (20B) of the first refrigeration unit (U1), the heat medium is cooled by the second magnetic working material (22B).

[0080] Similarly, in the second refrigeration unit (U2), the heat of the first magnetic working material (22A) of the first refrigeration section (20A) is released to the heat medium. The heat medium in the first refrigeration section (20A) passes through the first outlet passage (31) and the first relay pipe (39) and flows into the second heat exchange path (62) of the outdoor heat exchanger (60). The heat of the heat medium flowing through the second heat exchange path (62) is released to the outdoor air. The heat medium that has flowed out of the second heat exchange path (62) passes through the second relay pipe (40) and the second inlet passage (34) and flows into the second refrigeration section (20B) of the second refrigeration unit (U2). In the second refrigeration section (20B) of the second refrigeration unit (U2), the heat medium is cooled by the second magnetic working material (22B).

[0081] The heat medium flowing into the fourth outlet passage (37) of the first refrigeration unit (U1) and the heat medium flowing into the fourth outlet passage (37) of the second refrigeration unit (U2) join together at the first rotary selector valve (51), pass through the first connecting pipe (2), and then flow into the indoor heat exchanger (7). In the indoor heat exchanger (7), the heat medium cools the indoor air. The heat medium flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger (7) passes through the second connecting pipe (3) and is split by the second rotary selector valve (52) into the third inlet passage (36) of the first refrigeration unit (U1) and the third inlet passage (36) of the second refrigeration unit (U2). The heat medium from the first refrigeration unit (U1) is sent again to the first refrigeration section (20A). The heat medium from the second refrigeration unit (U2) is sent again to the first refrigeration section (20A).

[0082] (4-1-2) Second operation of cooling operation In the second operation of the cooling operation, the controller (100) sets the first rotary switching valve (51) to the first state and the second rotary switching valve (52) to the second state. As a result, the heat medium that has passed through the second freezing section (20B) of each refrigeration unit (U) is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger (60), and the heat medium that has passed through the first freezing section (20A) of each refrigeration unit (U) is sent to the indoor heat exchanger (7). The controller (100) causes each refrigeration unit (U) to perform a second modulation operation. As a result, in each refrigeration unit (U), heat is released from the second magnetic working material (22B) of the second freezing section (20B) to the heat medium, and simultaneously the heat medium is cooled by the first magnetic working material (22A) of the first freezing section (20A).

[0083] Specifically, in the first refrigeration unit (U1), the heat of the second magnetic working material (22B) of the second refrigeration section (20B) is released to the heat medium. The heat medium of the second refrigeration section (20B) passes through the second outlet passage (33) and the first relay pipe (39) and flows into the first heat exchange path (61) of the outdoor heat exchanger (60). The heat of the heat medium flowing through the first heat exchange path (61) is released to the outdoor air. The heat medium that has flowed out of the first heat exchange path (61) passes through the second relay pipe (40) and the first inlet passage (32) and flows into the first refrigeration section (20A) of the first refrigeration unit (U1). In the first refrigeration section (20A) of the first refrigeration unit (U1), the heat medium is cooled by the first magnetic working material (22A).

[0084] Similarly, in the second refrigeration unit (U2), the heat of the second magnetic working material (22B) of the second refrigeration section (20B) is released to the heat medium. The heat medium in the second refrigeration section (20B) passes through the second outlet passage (33) and the first relay pipe (39) and flows into the second heat exchange path (62) of the outdoor heat exchanger (60). The heat of the heat medium flowing through the second heat exchange path (62) is released to the outdoor air. The heat medium that has flowed out of the second heat exchange path (62) passes through the second relay pipe (40) and the first inlet passage (32) and flows into the first refrigeration section (20A) of the second refrigeration unit (U2). In the first refrigeration section (20A) of the second refrigeration unit (U2), the heat medium is cooled by the first magnetic working material (22A).

[0085] The heat medium flowing into the third outlet passage (35) of the first refrigeration unit (U1) and the heat medium flowing into the third outlet passage (35) of the second refrigeration unit (U2) join together at the first rotary selector valve (51), pass through the first connecting pipe (2), and then flow into the indoor heat exchanger (7). In the indoor heat exchanger (7), the heat medium cools the indoor air. The heat medium flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger (7) passes through the second connecting pipe (3) and is diverted by the second rotary selector valve (52) into the fourth inlet passage (38) of the first refrigeration unit (U1) and the fourth inlet passage (38) of the second refrigeration unit (U2). The heat medium from the first refrigeration unit (U1) is sent again to the second refrigeration section (20B). The heat medium from the second refrigeration unit (U2) is sent again to the second refrigeration section (20B).

[0086] (4-2) Heating operation In the heating operation, the controller (100) operates the pump (45), the outdoor fan (63), and the indoor fan (8). In the heating operation, the first operation shown in Fig. 6 and the second operation shown in Fig. 7 are alternately repeated.

[0087] (4-2-1) First operation of heating operation In the first operation of the heating operation, the controller (100) sets the first rotary switching valve (51) to the second state and the second rotary switching valve (52) to the first state. As a result, the heat medium that has passed through the first freezing section (20A) of each refrigeration unit (U) is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger (60), and the heat medium that has passed through the second freezing section (20B) of each refrigeration unit (U) is sent to the indoor heat exchanger (7). The controller (100) causes each refrigeration unit (U) to perform a second modulation operation. As a result, in each refrigeration unit (U), heat from the heat medium is absorbed by the first magnetic working material (22A) of the first freezing section (20A), and simultaneously, the heat medium is heated by the second magnetic working material (22B) of the second freezing section (20B).

[0088] As shown in Fig. 6, the basic flow of the heat medium in the first operation of the heating operation is the same as that in the first operation of the cooling operation. In the outdoor heat exchanger (60), the heat medium flowing through the first heat exchange path (61) absorbs heat from the outdoor air. At the same time, the heat medium flowing through the second heat exchange path (62) absorbs heat from the outdoor air. In the indoor heat exchanger (7), the heat medium heats the indoor air.

[0089] (4-2-2) Second operation of heating operation In the second operation of the heating operation, the controller (100) sets the first rotary switching valve (51) to the first state and the second rotary switching valve (52) to the second state. As a result, the heat medium that has passed through the second freezing section (20B) of each refrigeration unit (U) is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger (60), and the heat medium that has passed through the first freezing section (20A) of each refrigeration unit (U) is sent to the indoor heat exchanger (7). The controller (100) causes each refrigeration unit (U) to perform a first modulation operation. As a result, in each refrigeration unit (U), heat from the heat medium is absorbed by the second magnetic working material (22B) of the second freezing section (20B), and simultaneously, the heat medium is heated by the first magnetic working material (22A) of the first freezing section (20A).

[0090] As shown in Fig. 7, the basic flow of the heat medium in the second operation of the heating operation is the same as that in the second operation of the cooling operation. In the outdoor heat exchanger (60), the heat medium flowing through the first heat exchange path (61) absorbs heat from the outdoor air. At the same time, the heat medium flowing through the second heat exchange path (62) absorbs heat from the outdoor air. In the indoor heat exchanger (7), the heat medium heats the indoor air.

[0091] (5) Features (5-1) The outdoor heat exchanger (60), which is the first heat exchange element (H1), has a first heat exchange path (61) through which a heat medium that has passed through the first freezing section (20A) or the second freezing section (20B) of the first freezing unit (U1) flows, and a second heat exchange path (62) through which a heat medium that has passed through the first freezing section (20A) or the second freezing section (20B) of the second freezing unit (U2) flows.

[0092] In this configuration, unlike conventional heat exchangers in which heat exchange paths corresponding to a plurality of refrigeration units are combined into one, a plurality of heat exchange paths (61, 62) are formed in the outdoor heat exchanger (60). This improves the degree of freedom in the layout of the heat exchange paths (61, 62) in the outdoor heat exchanger (60).

[0093] Specifically, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, in the first heat exchange path (61), the heat medium flows sequentially through the plurality of first heat transfer sections (65a) from one end to the other end in the first direction. In the second heat exchange path (62), the heat medium flows sequentially through the plurality of second heat transfer sections (66a) from the other end to one end in the first direction. This configuration can prevent the outdoor heat exchanger (60) from being biased toward a portion where the temperature difference between the air and the heat medium is large. Therefore, by increasing the degree of freedom in the layout of the heat exchange paths (61, 62), the heat exchange efficiency of the outdoor heat exchanger (60) can be improved.

[0094] In the outdoor heat exchanger (60), the first heat exchange path (61) and the second heat exchange path (62) are formed, whereby the flow resistance of the heat medium can be reduced, and furthermore, the power of the pump (45) can be reduced.

[0095] Since there is only one outdoor heat exchanger (60), the number of parts of the outdoor unit (10) can be reduced, and the outdoor unit (10) can be made compact.

[0096] (5-2) The refrigeration system (1) includes an outdoor casing (11) that houses a first refrigeration unit (U1), a second refrigeration unit (U2), and an outdoor heat exchanger (60) that is a first heat exchange element (H1).

[0097] In this configuration, the distance between the first refrigeration unit (U1) and the outdoor heat exchanger (60) is reduced. Therefore, the first relay pipe (39) and the second relay pipe (40) corresponding to the first heat exchange path (61) can be shortened. In addition, the distance between the second refrigeration unit (U2) and the outdoor heat exchanger (60) is reduced. Therefore, the first relay pipe (39) and the second relay pipe (40) corresponding to the second heat exchange path (62) can be shortened. As a result, even if the number of pipes corresponding to the multiple heat exchange paths (61, 62) increases, the piping work can be prevented from becoming difficult and the piping costs can be prevented from increasing.

[0098] (5-3) The refrigeration system (1) includes an indoor casing (6) that houses an indoor heat exchanger (7) that is a fourth heat exchanger, a first rotary switching valve (51) that constitutes a junction where the heat medium from the first refrigeration unit (U1) and the heat medium from the second refrigeration unit (U2) are joined, a first communication pipe (2) that connects the outlet of the first rotary switching valve (51) to the inlet of the indoor heat exchanger (7), a second rotary switching valve (52) that constitutes a branching part that branches the heat medium to the first refrigeration unit (U1) and the second refrigeration unit (U2), and a second communication pipe (3) that connects the outlet of the indoor heat exchanger (7) to the inlet of the second rotary switching valve (52).

[0099] This configuration minimizes the number of interconnecting pipes (2, 3) connecting the indoor casing (6) and the outdoor casing (11). Therefore, even if the indoor casing (6) and the outdoor casing (11) are spaced apart, the piping work is not difficult and the piping costs are not increased.

[0100] In this manner, in the present embodiment, the first relay pipes (39) and the second relay pipes (40), the number of which increases depending on the number of refrigeration units (U), are accommodated in the outdoor casing (11), and the number of relatively long connecting pipes (2, 3) is limited to two, which effectively prevents the piping work from becoming difficult and the piping costs from increasing.

[0101] The outdoor casing (11) accommodates the first refrigeration unit (U1), the second refrigeration unit (U2), the outdoor heat exchanger (60), the first relay pipe (39), and the second relay pipe (40), and therefore its size is relatively large. However, since the outdoor casing (11) is installed outdoors, it is not subject to significant restrictions in terms of installation space. In addition, the indoor casing (6) installed indoors can be made compact.

[0102] (6) Variations A modified example of the embodiment will be described below. In principle, the following description will focus on the differences from the above embodiment.

[0103] (6-1) Variation 1 As shown in Fig. 8, the refrigeration system (1) of the first modification includes a first flow rate control valve (53) and a second flow rate control valve (54). The first flow rate control valve (53) constitutes a first flow rate control unit that controls the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the first heat exchange path (61). The second flow rate control valve (54) constitutes a second flow rate control unit that controls the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the second heat exchange path (62). The first flow rate control valve (53) is provided in the second relay pipe (40) of the first refrigeration unit (U1). The second flow rate control valve (54) is provided in the second relay pipe (40) of the second refrigeration unit (U2).

[0104] In the heating operation and the cooling operation, the controller (100) adjusts the opening of the first flow control valve (53) and the opening of the second flow control valve (54). This allows the outdoor heat exchanger (60) to adjust the amount of heat exchange between the heat medium and the air in the first heat exchange path (61) and the amount of heat exchange between the heat medium and the air in the second heat exchange path (62) depending on the operating conditions. As a result, the heat exchange capacity of the first heat exchanger (60), the heat load of the first refrigeration unit (U1), and the heat load of the second refrigeration unit (U2) can be adjusted individually.

[0105] The first flow rate control valve (53) and the second flow rate control valve (54) may be provided in the first relay pipe (39).

[0106] The first flow rate adjusting unit and the second flow rate adjusting unit may be pumps with variable operating capacity.

[0107] (6-2) Variation 2 As shown in FIG. 9, the refrigeration system (1) of the second modification has a first bypass flow path (55), a second bypass flow path (56), a first bypass control valve (57) which is a first valve, and a second bypass control valve (58) which is a second valve.

[0108] The first bypass flow path (55) allows the heat medium on the upstream side of the first heat exchange path (61) to bypass to the downstream side of the first heat exchange path (61). Specifically, one end of the first bypass flow path (55) is connected to the first relay pipe (39) of the first refrigeration unit (U1), and the other end of the first bypass flow path (55) is connected to the second relay pipe (40) of the first refrigeration unit (U1).

[0109] The first bypass control valve (57) is provided in the first bypass flow path (55). The first bypass control valve (57) opens and closes the first bypass flow path (55). The first bypass control valve (57) adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the first bypass flow path (55).

[0110] The second bypass flow path (56) allows the heat medium on the upstream side of the second heat exchange path (62) to bypass to the downstream side of the second heat exchange path (62). Specifically, one end of the second bypass flow path (56) is connected to the first relay pipe (39) of the second refrigeration unit (U2), and the other end of the second bypass flow path (56) is connected to the second relay pipe (40) of the second refrigeration unit (U2).

[0111] The second bypass control valve (58) is provided in the second bypass flow path (56). The second bypass control valve (58) opens and closes the second bypass flow path (56). The second bypass control valve (58) adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the first bypass flow path (55).

[0112] In the heating operation and the cooling operation, the controller (100) adjusts the opening degree of the first flow rate control valve (53) and the opening degree of the second flow rate control valve (54).

[0113] By opening the first bypass control valve (57), the heat medium from the first refrigeration unit (U1) can be bypassed to the downstream side of the first heat exchange path (61). As a result, the heat exchange capacity of the first heat exchanger (60) and the heat load of the first refrigeration unit (U1) can be adjusted according to the opening degree of the first bypass control valve (57).

[0114] When starting the heating or cooling operation, the controller (100) opens the first bypass control valve (57) to bypass the heat medium. As a result, the thermal load of the first refrigeration unit (U1) is reduced, and the magnetic working material (22) of the first refrigeration unit (U1) can be quickly brought close to the Curie temperature. As a result, the heating capacity or cooling capacity can be quickly increased.

[0115] Similarly, by opening the second bypass control valve (58), the heat medium from the second refrigeration unit (U2) can be bypassed to the downstream side of the second heat exchange path (62).As a result, the heat exchange capacity of the first heat exchanger (60) and the heat load of the second refrigeration unit (U2) can be adjusted according to the opening degree of the second bypass control valve (58).

[0116] When starting the heating or cooling operation, the controller (100) opens the second bypass control valve (58) to bypass the heat medium. As a result, the thermal load of the second refrigeration unit (U2) is reduced, and the magnetic working material (22) of the second refrigeration unit (U2) can be quickly brought close to the Curie temperature. As a result, the heating capacity or cooling capacity can be quickly increased.

[0117] The first valve for bypassing the heat medium to the first bypass flow path (55) may be an on-off valve provided in the first bypass flow path (55). The first valve may be one three-way valve or two on-off valves that selectively connect the first relay pipe (39) to the first bypass flow path (55) and the first heat exchange path (61).

[0118] The second valve for bypassing the heat medium to the second bypass flow path (56) may be an on-off valve provided in the second bypass flow path (56). The second valve may be one three-way valve or two on-off valves that selectively connect the first relay pipe (39) to the second bypass flow path (56) and the second heat exchange path (62).

[0119] Such a bypass flow path may be provided in the flow path on the indoor heat exchanger side. Specifically, in the first operation of Fig. 6, a third bypass flow path may be provided to bypass the heat medium in the fourth outlet flow path (37) to the third inlet flow path (36), and a third valve may be provided to open and close the third bypass flow path. In the second operation of Fig. 7, a fourth bypass flow path may be provided to bypass the heat medium in the third outlet flow path (35) to the fourth inlet flow path (38), and a fourth valve may be provided to open and close the fourth bypass flow path. These bypass flow paths and valves are provided in each refrigeration unit (U). These valves include a flow control valve, an on-off valve, a three-way valve, etc.

[0120] (6-3) Variation 3 As shown in FIG. 10 , the first heat exchange element (H1) of the third modification includes a first outdoor heat exchanger (60A) and a second outdoor heat exchanger (60B). The first outdoor heat exchanger (60A) and the second outdoor heat exchanger (60B) are heat exchangers separated from each other. The first outdoor heat exchanger (60A) constitutes a second heat exchanger having a first heat exchange path (61). The second outdoor heat exchanger (60B) constitutes a third heat exchanger having a second heat exchange path (62). The first heat exchange element (H1) may include three or more heat exchangers, each having a heat exchange path. In this example, a first outdoor fan (63A) is provided near the first outdoor heat exchanger (60A), and a second outdoor fan (63B) is provided near the second outdoor heat exchanger (60B).

[0121] In the third modification, the first outdoor heat exchanger (60A) and the second outdoor heat exchanger (60B) can be arranged separately, which increases the degree of freedom in the layout of the heat exchange paths (61, 62). As a result, the heat exchange efficiency of the first heat exchange element (H1) can be improved by improving the layout of the heat exchange paths (61, 62).

[0122] (6-4) Variation 4 The refrigeration system (1) of the fourth modification shown in FIG. 11 has at least three refrigeration units (U). The three refrigeration units (U) are a first refrigeration unit (U1), a second refrigeration unit (U2), and a third refrigeration unit (U3). The outdoor heat exchanger (60) has a first heat exchange path (61), a second heat exchange path (62), and a third heat exchange path (67). The third heat exchange path (67) connects the first relay pipe (39) of the third refrigeration unit (U3) to the second relay pipe (40) of the third refrigeration unit (U3). The third outlet passage (35) and the fourth outlet passage (37) of the third refrigeration unit (U3) connect to the first rotary selector valve (51). The third inlet passage (36) and the fourth inlet passage (38) of the third refrigeration unit (U3) connect to the second rotary selector valve (52).

[0123] In the refrigeration system (1) of the fourth modification, the heat medium cooled or heated in one of the first freezing section (20A) and the second freezing section (20B) of the third freezing unit (U3) flows through the third heat exchange path (67). At the same time, the heat medium cooled or heated in the other of the first freezing section (20A) and the second freezing section (20B) of the third freezing unit (U3) merges with the heat medium from the other freezing unit (U) at the first rotary selector valve (51). The heat medium diverted by the second rotary selector valve (52) returns to one of the first freezing section (20A) and the second freezing section (20B) of the third freezing unit (U3).

[0124] (6-5) Variation 5 The refrigeration system (1) of Modification 5 shown in FIG. 12 is a combination of Modifications 3 and 4. The refrigeration system (1) has a first outdoor heat exchanger (60A) and a second outdoor heat exchanger (60B). The first outdoor heat exchanger (60A) has a first heat exchange path (61) and a second heat exchange path (62). The second outdoor heat exchanger (60B) has one first heat exchange path (61). In Modification 5, the first outdoor heat exchanger (60A) may have three or more heat exchange paths. The number of the first outdoor heat exchangers (60A) and the second outdoor heat exchangers (60B) may be two or more.

[0125] (6-6) Variation 6 In the first heat exchange element (H1) of Modification 6 shown in Fig. 13, the first heat exchange path (61) has a plurality of flow paths parallel to one another. The second heat exchange path (62) has a plurality of flow paths parallel to one another. Specifically, the first heat exchange path (61) has a first flow path (71) and a second flow path (72), and the second heat exchange path (62) has a third flow path (73) and a fourth flow path (74). As in the embodiment, the first flow path (71) and the second flow path (72) have a first heat transfer section (65a) that is a first heat transfer section, and the third flow path (73) and the fourth flow path (74) have a second heat transfer section (66a) that is a second heat transfer section, as in the embodiment.

[0126] The first flow path (71) is formed near one end of the outdoor heat exchanger (60) in the first direction, and the second flow path (72) is formed near the other end of the outdoor heat exchanger (60) in the first direction. The inflow end of the first flow path (71) is located at one end of the outdoor heat exchanger (60) in the first direction. The outflow end of the first flow path (71) is located at a middle portion of the outdoor heat exchanger (60) in the first direction. The inflow end of the second flow path (72) is located at a middle portion of the outdoor heat exchanger (60) in the first direction. The outflow end of the second flow path (72) is located at the other end of the outdoor heat exchanger (60) in the first direction.

[0127] The third flow path (73) is formed closer to the other end of the outdoor heat exchanger (60) in the first direction, and the fourth flow path (74) is formed closer to one end of the outdoor heat exchanger (60) in the first direction. The inflow end of the third flow path (73) is located at the other end of the outdoor heat exchanger (60) in the first direction. The outflow end of the third flow path (73) is located at a middle portion of the outdoor heat exchanger (60) in the first direction. The inflow end of the fourth flow path (74) is located at a middle portion of the outdoor heat exchanger (60) in the first direction. The outflow end of the fourth flow path (74) is located at one end of the outdoor heat exchanger (60) in the first direction.

[0128] In an upper portion of the outdoor heat exchanger (60), the first heat transfer sections (65a) of the first flow path (71) and the second heat transfer sections (66a) of the fourth flow path (74) are arranged alternately in the first direction. In a lower portion of the outdoor heat exchanger (60), the first heat transfer sections (65a) of the second flow path (72) and the second heat transfer sections (66a) of the third flow path (73) are arranged alternately in the first direction.

[0129] In the first flow path (71) and the second flow path (72), the heat medium flows sequentially through the plurality of first heat transfer sections (65a) from one end to the other end in the first direction. In the third flow path (73) and the fourth flow path (74), the heat medium flows sequentially through the plurality of second heat transfer sections (66a) from the other end to one end in the first direction. This configuration also prevents the outdoor heat exchanger (60) from being biased toward a portion where the temperature difference between the air and the heat medium is large. This improves the heat exchange efficiency of the outdoor heat exchanger (60).

[0130] (6-7) Variation 7 In the first heat exchange element (H1) of the seventh modification shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, a first heat exchange path (61) and a second heat exchange path (62) are arranged side by side in the air flow direction. Specifically, in the outdoor heat exchanger (60), the first heat exchange path (61) is formed on the upstream side of the air flow, and the second heat exchange path (62) is formed on the downstream side of the air flow. The configurations of the first heat exchange path (61) and the second heat exchange path (62) are the same as those in the above-described embodiment. In the seventh modification, by arranging the first heat exchange path (61) and the second heat exchange path (62) in the air flow direction, it is possible to prevent the heat medium of the first heat exchange path (61) and the heat medium of the second heat exchange path (62) from exchanging heat with each other.

[0131] In the seventh modification, the fins (F) corresponding to the first heat exchange path (61) and the fins (F) corresponding to the second heat exchange path (62) may be separated. In this case, the first heat exchange element (H1) is formed by the first outdoor heat exchanger (60A) and the second outdoor heat exchanger (60B) that are separated from each other, as in the third modification.

[0132] The first heat exchange path (61) of Modification 7 may have parallel flow paths (first flow path (71) and second flow path (72)) as in Modification 6. The second heat exchange path (62) of Modification 7 may have parallel flow paths (third flow path (73) and fourth flow path (74)) as in Modification 6.

[0133] (7) Other embodiments The above embodiment and each of the modifications may be configured as follows.

[0134] The first heat exchange element (H1) may be an indoor heat exchanger, and the second heat exchange element (H2) may be an outdoor heat exchanger.

[0135] The first heat exchange element (H1) may exchange heat between the heat medium of the heat medium circuit (C) and another fluid (e.g., water or brine). The second heat exchange element (H2) may exchange heat between the heat medium of the heat medium circuit (C) and another fluid (e.g., water or brine).

[0136] The refrigeration system (1) may be applied to devices other than air conditioners, such as coolers for cooling the interior of a storage unit, heat pump chilling units, hot water supply systems, and the like.

[0137] The refrigeration device (1) may be a solid-state refrigeration device of a type other than a magnetic refrigeration device that induces a magnetocaloric effect in the magnetic working material (22). The refrigeration device (1) has a solid refrigerant material that exhibits a caloric effect in response to external energy and an inducing unit that induces a caloric effect in the solid refrigerant material. The solid refrigerant material here includes materials with properties intermediate between a liquid and a solid, such as flexible crystals. Other types of solid-state refrigeration devices include 1) a type that induces an electrocaloric effect in a solid refrigerant material, 2) a type that induces a barocaloric effect in a solid refrigerant material, and 3) a type that induces an elastic caloric effect in a solid refrigerant material.

[0138] In the solid-state refrigeration device of type 1), the inducer applies an electric field fluctuation to the solid refrigerant material, which causes the solid refrigerant material to undergo a phase transition from ferroelectric to paraelectric, causing the solid refrigerant material to generate or absorb heat.

[0139] In the solid-state refrigeration device of type 2), the inducer applies pressure fluctuations to the solid refrigerant material, causing the solid refrigerant material to undergo a phase transition, generating or absorbing heat.

[0140] In the solid-state refrigeration device of type 3), the inducer applies stress fluctuations to the solid refrigerant material, causing the solid refrigerant material to undergo a phase transition, generating or absorbing heat.

[0141] The magnetic field modulation unit (23) may be any of a linear drive type using a permanent magnet, a rotary drive type using a permanent magnet, a static type using an electromagnet, and a static type using an electromagnet and a permanent magnet.

[0142] The switching mechanism (50) does not have to be a rotary switching valve, and may be configured by combining valves such as an on-off valve, a three-way valve, a four-way switching valve, and a flow control valve.

[0143] The confluence part does not have to be provided in the first rotary selector valve (51) and may be a piping structure or a header structure for confluence of the heat medium. The branch part does not have to be provided in the second rotary selector valve (52) and may be a piping structure or a header structure for the heat medium.

[0144] Both the first casing (11) and the second casing (6) may be disposed outdoors or indoors.

[0145] Although the embodiments and modifications have been described above, it will be understood that various modifications in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Furthermore, the above embodiments, modifications, and other embodiments may be combined or substituted as appropriate as long as the functionality of the subject matter of the present disclosure is not impaired.

[0146] The terms "first," "second," "third," etc. mentioned above are used to distinguish the terms to which these terms are attached, and do not limit the number or order of the terms. [Industrial Applicability]

[0147] As described above, the present disclosure is useful for refrigeration devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0148] 1 Refrigeration equipment 2. First connecting pipe 3 Second connecting pipe 6 Indoor casing (second casing) 7 Indoor heat exchanger (4th heat exchanger) 11 Outdoor casing (first casing) 20A 1st Refrigeration Section 20B 2nd refrigeration section 22 Magnetic working materials (solid working materials) 23 Magnetic field modulation section (modulation section) 50 Switching mechanism 51 First rotary switching valve (junction) 52 Second rotary switching valve (diverter section) 53 First flow control valve (first flow control section) 54 Second flow control valve (second flow control section) 55 First bypass flow path 56 Second bypass flow path 57 First bypass control valve (first valve) 58 Second bypass control valve (second valve) 60 Outdoor heat exchanger (1st heat exchanger) 60A 1st outdoor heat exchanger (2nd heat exchanger) 60B 2nd outdoor heat exchanger (3rd heat exchanger) 61 First heat exchange path 62 Second heat exchange path 65a First heat transfer section 66a Second heat transfer section C Heat carrier circuit H1 First heat exchange element H2 Second heat exchange element U Refrigeration Unit U1 First refrigeration unit U2 Second refrigeration unit

Claims

1. The refrigeration system includes a plurality of refrigeration units (U), a first heat exchange element (H1), and a second heat exchange element (H2), and is provided with a heat medium circuit (C) through which a heat medium flows; Each of the plurality of refrigeration units (U) a first refrigeration section (20A) and a second refrigeration section (20B) having a solid working material (22) that exhibits a calorific effect in response to external energy and exchanging heat between the solid working material (22) and a heat medium, respectively; a modulation section (23) for inducing a calorific effect in each solid working material (22) of the first freezing section (20A) and the second freezing section (20B), The heat medium circuit (C) a switching mechanism (50) for switching a flow path of the heat medium circuit (C) so as to perform a first operation in which the heat medium having passed through the first freezing section (20A) is sent to the first heat exchange element (H1) and simultaneously the heat medium having passed through the second freezing section (20B) is sent to the second heat exchange element (H2), and a second operation in which the heat medium having passed through the first freezing section (20A) is sent to the second heat exchange element (H2) and simultaneously the heat medium having passed through the second freezing section (20A) is sent to the first heat exchange element (H1), The plurality of refrigeration units (U) include a first refrigeration unit (U1) and a second refrigeration unit (U2), The first heat exchange element (H1) is a first heat exchange path (61) through which a heat medium flows that has passed through the first freezing section (20A) or the second freezing section (20B) of the first freezing unit (U1); a second heat exchange path (62) through which the heat medium flows after passing through the first freezing section (20A) or the second freezing section (20B) of the second freezing unit (U2). Refrigeration equipment.

2. The first heat exchange element (H1) includes a first heat exchanger (60) having the first heat exchange path (61) and the second heat exchange path (62). The refrigeration system of claim 1.

3. The first heat exchange element (H1) is one second heat exchanger (60A) having the first heat exchange path (61); and one third heat exchanger (60B) having the second heat exchange path (62). The refrigeration system of claim 1.

4. The refrigeration system further includes a first casing (11) that houses the first refrigeration unit (U1), the second refrigeration unit (U2), and the first heat exchange element (H1). The refrigeration device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the second heat exchange element (H2) includes a fourth heat exchanger (7); a second casing (6) that houses the fourth heat exchanger (7); a junction (51) at which the heat medium from the first refrigeration unit (U1) and the heat medium from the second refrigeration unit (U2) are joined together; a first communication pipe (2) that connects an outlet of the junction (51) with an inlet of the fourth heat exchanger (7); a flow dividing section (52) for dividing the heat medium into the first refrigeration unit (U1) and the second refrigeration unit (U2); a second communication pipe (3) that connects the outlet of the fourth heat exchanger (7) with the inlet of the flow dividing section (52).

5. The refrigeration system of claim 4.

6. The first casing (11) is disposed outside the room, The second casing (6) is disposed in the room.

6. The refrigeration system of claim 5.

7. a first flow rate adjuster (53) that adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the first heat exchange path (61); a second flow rate adjuster (54) that adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the second heat exchange path (62); Further equipped The refrigeration device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. a first bypass flow path (55) for bypassing the heat medium on the upstream side of the first heat exchange path (61) to the downstream side of the first heat exchange path (61); a first valve (57) that opens and closes the first bypass flow path (55); a second bypass flow path (56) for bypassing the heat medium on the upstream side of the second heat exchange path (62) to the downstream side of the second heat exchange path (62); a second valve (58) for opening and closing the second bypass flow path (56); Further equipped The refrigeration device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. the first heat exchanger (60) is an air heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the heat medium and air, the first heat exchange path (61) has a plurality of first heat transfer portions (65a) arranged along a first direction, the second heat exchange path (62) has a plurality of second heat transfer portions (66a) arranged along the first direction, In the first heat exchange path (61), the heat medium flows through a plurality of first heat transfer sections (65a) in order from one end side to the other end side in the first direction, In the second heat exchange path (62), the heat medium flows sequentially through a plurality of second heat transfer portions (66a) from the other end side to the one end side in the first direction.

3. The refrigeration system of claim 2.

10. the first freezing section (20A) and the second freezing section (20B) have a magnetic working material as the solid working material, The modulation section (23) of each of the first refrigeration section (20A) and the second refrigeration section (20B) is configured to apply a magnetic field modulation to the magnetic working material. The refrigeration device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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