Air conditioning system

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning system which can improve initial heating performance while restraining electrical power consumption.SOLUTION: An air conditioning system includes a heat pump cycle having refrigerant piping 20 through which refrigerant can circulate, and a compressor 30 which can compress the refrigerant. A heating part 100 through which the refrigerant can flow and which can heat the refrigerant with electromagnetic induction is connected in the middle of the refrigerant piping 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning system. [Background technology]

[0002] Air conditioning systems capable of cooling and heating using a heat pump cycle are known. Because of their advantages, such as power saving, these systems are also used in vehicles such as battery electric vehicles (BEVs). A heat pump cycle system has a configuration in which components such as a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and an expansion valve are connected in a ring shape by refrigerant piping, and can perform cooling and heating by utilizing the heat of vaporization and condensation of the refrigerant.

[0003] However, because air conditioning systems using a heat pump cycle convert outside air into heat, they have a problem of reduced initial heating performance (slow heating start-up) in cold weather. Specifically, in cold weather, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the heat pump cycle is low, making it difficult for the refrigerant temperature and pressure to rise when heating starts. As a result, heating start-up is slow and it takes a long time to supply warm air. To solve this problem, Patent Document 1 proposes an air conditioning system (vehicle air conditioner) that controls the amount of air sent to the vehicle interior heat exchanger, which acts as a radiator, to decrease when heating starts. Patent Document 2 also proposes an air conditioning system (vehicle air conditioner) that increases the amount of refrigerant heated by the refrigerant heater to speed up the start of heating. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-24371 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-131914 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the air conditioning system of Patent Document 1 reduces the amount of air sent to the radiator (interior heat exchanger) when heating starts, thereby reducing the amount of heat exchanged between the refrigerant discharged from the compressor and the outside air as it flows through the radiator, making it easier to raise the temperature of the refrigerant.However, since the refrigerant is not heated, the initial heating performance cannot be said to be sufficient. Furthermore, the air conditioning system of Patent Document 2 consumes a lot of power because it heats the refrigerant with a refrigerant heater that is made up of a sheath heater (electric heater). For this reason, if this air conditioning system is used in an electric vehicle, for example, there is a problem that the driving range is significantly reduced due to energy loss.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide an air conditioning system that can improve initial heating performance while reducing power consumption. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] As a result of extensive research into air conditioning systems using a heat pump cycle, the inventors have discovered that the above-mentioned problems can be solved by connecting a predetermined heating unit to the refrigerant piping through which the refrigerant flows and heating the refrigerant, and have thus completed the present invention. That is, the present invention is exemplified as follows.

[0008] [1] An air conditioning system equipped with a heat pump cycle having a refrigerant pipe through which a refrigerant can circulate and a compressor capable of compressing the refrigerant, an air conditioning system in which the refrigerant can flow and a heating unit capable of heating the refrigerant by electromagnetic induction is connected midway along the refrigerant piping;

[0009] [2] The air conditioning system described in [1], wherein the heating section has an outer peripheral wall and partition walls arranged inside the outer peripheral wall that define a plurality of cells extending from a first end face to a second end face, and the heating section is provided with a honeycomb structure in which a magnetic body is arranged in at least one of the cells, and coil wiring that spirally wraps around the outer periphery of the honeycomb structure.

[0010] [3] The air conditioning system described in [1], wherein the heating section has an outer peripheral wall and partition walls arranged inside the outer peripheral wall and defining a plurality of cells extending from a first end face to a second end face, and the heating section is provided with a honeycomb structure in which at least the partition walls contain a magnetic material, and coil wiring spirally surrounding the outer periphery of the honeycomb structure.

[0011] [4] The air conditioning system according to [2] or [3], wherein the heating section further includes a metal outer tubular member that houses the honeycomb structure and the coil wiring.

[0012] [5] The air conditioning system according to [4], wherein the heating section further includes an inner cylindrical member between the honeycomb structure and the coil wiring.

[0013] [6] The air conditioning system according to [5], wherein the heating section further includes a holding member between the honeycomb structure and the inner cylindrical member.

[0014] [7] An air conditioning system described in any one of [1] to [6], wherein the heating unit is connected to the refrigerant piping on the upstream side, downstream side, or both sides of the compressor, based on the flow direction of the refrigerant.

[0015] [8] The air conditioning system according to any one of [2] to [7], wherein the magnetic material contains at least one element selected from the group consisting of Fe, Cr, Ni, Mn, Zn, Co, Cu, and Si.

[0016] [9] Further comprising a control unit that controls the heat pump cycle and the heating unit, The air conditioning system according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the control unit controls the heating unit to heat the refrigerant by electromagnetic induction when the heating operation mode of the heat pump cycle starts.

[0017]

[10] The heat pump cycle further includes a condenser that performs heat exchange between the air circulating in the air conditioning duct and the refrigerant, [9] The air conditioning system according to [9], wherein the heating operation mode includes compressing the refrigerant with the compressor and introducing the refrigerant discharged from the compressor into the condenser to heat the air.

[0018]

[11] The heat pump cycle an evaporator that performs heat exchange between the air flowing through the air conditioning duct and the refrigerant; an outdoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat between outside air and the refrigerant; The air conditioning system according to

[10] , further comprising:

[0019]

[12] The air conditioning system described in

[11] , wherein the heating unit is connected in the middle of the refrigerant piping between the compressor and the condenser, between the compressor and the evaporator or the outdoor heat exchanger, or between both of them.

[0020]

[13] The air conditioning system according to any one of [1] to

[12] , wherein the air conditioning system is for a vehicle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an air conditioning system that can improve initial heating performance while suppressing power consumption. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1A] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a vehicle air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating an operating state in a heating operation mode. [Figure 1B]1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating an operating state in a cooling operation mode. [Figure 1C] 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing an operating state in another cooling operation mode. FIG. [Figure 2A] 3 is a schematic diagram of a cross section perpendicular to the direction in which cells of a heating unit used in an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention extend. FIG. [Figure 2B] 2B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heating unit taken along line aa' in FIG. 2A. FIG. [Figure 3A] 10 is a schematic diagram of a cross section perpendicular to the direction in which the cells of another heating unit used in the air conditioning system according to the embodiment of the present invention extend. FIG. [Figure 3B] 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heating unit taken along line bb' in FIG. 3A. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The air conditioning system of the present invention includes a heat pump cycle having a refrigerant pipe through which a refrigerant can circulate and a compressor capable of compressing the refrigerant, and a heating unit through which the refrigerant can flow and which can heat the refrigerant by electromagnetic induction is connected midway through the refrigerant pipe. This configuration of the air conditioning system of the present invention allows the refrigerant to be heated quickly in cold weather, thereby improving initial heating performance. Furthermore, the air conditioning system of the present invention can reduce power consumption compared to air conditioning systems that heat the refrigerant with a conventional sheath heater (electric heater), leading to energy savings and, particularly when applied to electric vehicles, extending their driving range.

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and it should be understood that modifications and improvements made to the following embodiments based on the ordinary knowledge of those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0025] The air conditioning system of the present invention can be used in various facilities and products that require air conditioning. For example, the air conditioning system of the present invention can be used in air conditioners used in offices and homes, home appliances such as refrigerators and washer-dryers, and various vehicles such as automobiles. Among these, the air conditioning system of the present invention is suitable for use in various vehicles such as automobiles. Examples of vehicles include, but are not limited to, automobiles and trains. Examples of automobiles include, but are not limited to, gasoline-powered vehicles, diesel-powered vehicles, gas-fueled vehicles using CNG (compressed natural gas) or LNG (liquefied natural gas), fuel cell vehicles, electric vehicles, and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The vehicular air conditioning system according to the embodiment of the present invention is particularly suitable for use in vehicles without internal combustion engines, such as electric vehicles and trains. In the following description, an air conditioning system used in a vehicle will be used as an example, but it goes without saying that the present invention can also be used in various other facilities and products such as those described above.

[0026] 1A to 1C are schematic diagrams of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the operating state in each operation mode. In particular, FIG. 1A shows the heating operation mode, and FIGS. 1B and 1C show the cooling operation modes. FIG. 2A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heating unit used in an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention, perpendicular to the refrigerant flow direction. FIG. 2B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heating unit in FIG. 2A, taken along line a-a'. FIG. 3A is a schematic cross-sectional view of another heating unit used in an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken along line b-b'.

[0027] The air conditioning system according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a heat pump cycle 10 and a heating unit 100. The air conditioning system may also include a control unit 200, an air conditioning duct 300, a ventilator 400, and an air mix door 500. Each of these components will be described in detail below.

[0028] (1. Heat pump cycle 10) The heat pump cycle 10 includes a refrigerant pipe 20 and a compressor 30 . The heat pump cycle 10 is not particularly limited in structure as long as it has these components, and any known structure can be adopted. For example, the heat pump cycle 10 can further include a condenser 40, an evaporator 50, an outdoor heat exchanger 60, expansion valves 70a and 70b, and shut-off valves 80a to 80e. The condenser 40 and the evaporator 50 are provided in an air conditioning duct 300.

[0029] The refrigerant pipe 20 is a component that allows refrigerant to circulate, and connects various components such as a compressor 30 and a condenser 40 . The compressor 30 is a component capable of compressing a refrigerant. Specifically, the compressor 30 is driven by the control unit 200 to compress the refrigerant and discharge the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant into the condenser 40. It should be noted that a known device such as a gas-liquid separator may be provided upstream of the compressor 30.

[0030] Condenser 40 is a component that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the air flowing through air conditioning duct 300. Specifically, when the heating operation mode is performed, condenser 40 is capable of dissipating heat using the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant flowing inside, and heats the air flowing through air conditioning duct 300 around condenser 40. The evaporator 50 is also a component that exchanges heat between the air circulating inside the air conditioning duct 300 and the refrigerant. Specifically, when the cooling operation mode is performed, the evaporator 50 can absorb heat using the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant circulating inside, and cools the air flowing inside the air conditioning duct 300 around the evaporator 50.

[0031] The outdoor heat exchanger 60 is a component that exchanges heat between outside air and a refrigerant. The outdoor heat exchanger 60 can absorb heat from outside air using a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant circulating inside, mainly during a heating operation mode, and vaporizes the refrigerant by absorbing heat from the outside air. Furthermore, the outdoor heat exchanger 60 can release heat to outside air using a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant circulating inside, mainly during a cooling operation mode, and cools the refrigerant by releasing heat to the outside air.

[0032] The expansion valves 70a and 70b are throttle valves whose opening degrees can be adjusted by the control unit 200. In particular, when the heating operation mode is being performed, the expansion valve 70a reduces the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the condenser 40, causes it to expand, and then discharges the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant to the outdoor heat exchanger 60. In addition, when the cooling operation mode is being performed, the expansion valve 70b reduces the pressure of the refrigerant from the outdoor heat exchanger 60, causes it to expand, and then discharges the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant to the evaporator 50.

[0033] The shutoff valves 80a to 80e are provided to control the flow path of the refrigerant. The control unit 200 controls the shutoff valves 80a to 80e to open and close.

[0034] (2.Heating section 100) The heating unit 100 allows a refrigerant to flow through it and heats the refrigerant by electromagnetic induction. The heating unit 100 is connected to the refrigerant pipe 20. The connection position of the heating unit 100 is not particularly limited, and for example, the heating unit 100 can be connected to the refrigerant pipe 20 on the upstream side, downstream side, or both sides of the compressor 30, based on the refrigerant flow direction. Specifically, in the air conditioning system shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, the heating unit 100 can be connected to the refrigerant pipe 20 between the compressor 30 and the condenser 40 (e.g., position P1), between the compressor 30 and the evaporator 50 or the outdoor heat exchanger 60 (e.g., position P2), or both of these (e.g., positions P1 and P2). By locating the heating unit 100 in such a position, the refrigerant can be heated quickly in cold weather, improving initial heating performance.

[0035] The heating unit 100 is not particularly limited as long as it can pass a refrigerant through it and can heat the refrigerant by electromagnetic induction. 2A and 2B, the heating section 100 can include a honeycomb structure 101 having an outer peripheral wall 102 and partition walls 106 disposed inside the outer peripheral wall 102 to define a plurality of cells 105 extending from a first end face 103 to a second end face 104, with a magnetic body 107 disposed in at least one of the cells 105, and coil wiring 110 spirally wound around the outer periphery of the honeycomb structure 101. In the heating section 100 having such a structure, when an alternating current supplied from an alternating current power source (not shown) is applied to the coil wiring 110, a periodically changing magnetic field is generated around the coil wiring 110. At this time, an eddy current flows in the magnetic body 107 disposed in at least one of the cells 105, which generates Joule heat, thereby heating the honeycomb structure 101. Furthermore, by using such a heating unit 100, the heating unit 100 comes into direct contact with the refrigerant, and therefore heating efficiency is high and power consumption can be reduced compared to conventional sheath heaters (electric heaters).

[0036] 3A and 3B, the heating unit 100 may include a honeycomb structure 101 having an outer peripheral wall 102 and partition walls 106 disposed inside the outer peripheral wall 102 and defining a plurality of cells 105 extending from a first end face 103 to a second end face 104, in which at least the partition walls 106 contain magnetic material 107, and coil wiring 110 spirally wound around the outer periphery of the honeycomb structure 101. Note that the magnetic material 107 contained in the partition walls 106 is not shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. That is, in the heating unit 100 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, at least the partition walls 106 are formed using a material containing the magnetic material 107, instead of disposing the magnetic material 107 in at least one cell 105. Even in the heating section 100 having such a structure, when an alternating current is passed through the coil wiring 110, an eddy current flows at least in the magnetic material 107 included in the partition walls 106, which generates Joule heat and heats the honeycomb structure 101. Furthermore, by using such a heating section 100, the heating section 100 comes into direct contact with the refrigerant compared to conventional sheathed heaters (electric heaters), so heating efficiency is higher and power consumption can be reduced. Furthermore, since this heating section 100 does not have magnetic material 107 disposed in the cells 105, the number of cells 105 that serve as refrigerant flow paths is increased, which can suppress an increase in pressure loss.

[0037] The shape of the honeycomb structure 101 is not particularly limited. For example, the outer shape of a cross section perpendicular to the extension direction of the cells 105 of the honeycomb structure 101 can be a polygon such as a quadrangle (rectangle, square), pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, or octagon, a circle, or an oval shape (egg, ellipse, oval, rounded rectangle, etc.). The end faces (first end face 103 and second end face 104) have the same shape as the cross section. Furthermore, when the cross section and the end faces are polygonal, the corners may be chamfered.

[0038] The shape of the cells 105 is not particularly limited, but may be a polygon such as a square, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, or octagon, a circle, or an oval in a cross section perpendicular to the extension direction of the cells 105 of the honeycomb structure 101. These shapes may be a single shape or a combination of two or more shapes. Among these shapes, a square or a hexagon is preferable.

[0039] The honeycomb structure 101 may be a honeycomb bonded body having a plurality of honeycomb segments and a bonding layer bonding the outer peripheral side surfaces of the plurality of honeycomb segments together. By using the honeycomb bonded body, it is possible to increase the total cross-sectional area of ​​the cells 105, which is important for ensuring the air flow rate, while suppressing the occurrence of cracks. The bonding layer can be formed using a bonding material. The bonding material is not particularly limited, but a ceramic material with a solvent such as water added to form a paste can be used. The bonding material may contain the same material as the outer peripheral wall 102 and the partition walls 106. In addition to the role of bonding the honeycomb segments together, the bonding material can also be used as an outer peripheral coating material after bonding the honeycomb segments.

[0040] The thickness of the outer peripheral wall 102 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.2 to 0.8 mm. By making the thickness of the outer peripheral wall 102 0.2 mm or more, the strength of the honeycomb structure 101 can be ensured. Furthermore, by making the thickness of the outer peripheral wall 102 0.8 mm or less, weight reduction can be ensured. Here, in this specification, the thickness of the peripheral wall 102 refers to the normal length from the boundary between the peripheral wall 102 and the outermost cell 105 or partition wall 106 to the outer surface of the honeycomb structure 101 in a cross section perpendicular to the extension direction of the cells 105.

[0041] The thickness of the partition walls 106 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.01 to 0.3 mm, more preferably 0.02 to 0.2 mm, and even more preferably 0.03 to 0.1 mm. By controlling the thickness of the partition walls 106 within such a range, the strength of the honeycomb structure 101 can be ensured. Here, in this specification, the thickness of the partition walls 106 refers to the length of a line segment that connects the centers of gravity of adjacent cells 105 in a cross section perpendicular to the extension direction of the cells 105, and that line segment crosses the partition walls 106. The thickness of the partition walls 106 refers to the average value of the thicknesses of all the partition walls 106.

[0042] The cell density is not particularly limited, but is preferably 30 to 100 cells / cm. 2 , more preferably 35 to 70 cells / cm 2 , and more preferably 40 to 65 cells / cm 2 By controlling the cell density within such a range, the strength of the honeycomb structure 101 can be ensured. Here, in this specification, cell density is a value obtained by dividing the number of cells by the area of ​​one end face (first end face 103 or second end face 104) of the honeycomb structure 101 (the total area of ​​the partition walls 106 and cells 105 excluding the outer wall 102).

[0043] The cell pitch is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1.0 to 2.0 mm, more preferably 1.2 to 1.8 mm, and even more preferably 1.3 to 1.6 mm or more. By controlling the cell pitch within such a range, the strength of the honeycomb structure 101 can be ensured. Here, in this specification, the cell pitch refers to a value calculated by the following calculation: First, the area per cell is calculated by dividing the area of ​​one end face (first end face 103 or second end face 104) of the honeycomb structure 101 (the total area of ​​the partition walls 106 and cells 105 excluding the outer peripheral wall 102) by the number of cells. Next, the square root of the area per cell is calculated, and this is defined as the cell pitch.

[0044] The length of the honeycomb structure 101 in the direction in which the cells 105 extend and the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the flow path direction are not particularly limited and may be adjusted according to the required size of the heating unit 100. For example, when the honeycomb structure 101 is used in a compact heating unit 100 while ensuring a predetermined function, the length of the honeycomb structure 101 in the direction in which the cells 105 extend is 2 to 20 mm, and the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the direction is 10 cm. 2The upper limit of the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the extending direction of the cells 105 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 300 cm 2 is.

[0045] 2A and 2B, the outer peripheral wall 102 and the partition walls 106 constituting the honeycomb structure 101 are made of a ceramic material. Examples of ceramic materials include, but are not limited to, silica (SiO), alumina (AlO), magnesia (MgO), zirconia (ZrO), titania (TiO), cordierite (2MgO·2SiO·5SiO), silicon carbide (SiC), aluminum titanate (AlO·TiO), silicon nitride (SiN), mullite (3AlO·2SiO), silicon-silicon carbide composite materials, and silicon carbide-cordierite composite materials. These materials may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0046] The outer peripheral wall 102 and the partition walls 106 constituting the honeycomb structure 101 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B further contain a magnetic substance 107 in addition to the ceramic material. As the ceramic material, the same materials as those mentioned above can be used. The magnetic body 107 is not particularly limited as long as an eddy current flows in the magnetic body 107 when an alternating current is passed through the coil wiring 110, and Joule heat is generated in response to this. An example of the magnetic body 107 preferably contains at least one element selected from the group consisting of Fe, Cr, Ni, Mn, Zn, Co, Cu, and Si. That is, the magnetic body 107 can be a metal composed of these elements or an alloy thereof. Specific examples of the magnetic material 107 include balance Co-20% by mass Fe, balance Co-25% by mass Ni-4% by mass Fe, balance Fe-15 to 35% by mass Co, balance Fe-17% by mass Co-2% by mass Cr-1% by mass Mo, balance Fe-49% by mass Co-2% by mass V, balance Fe-18% by mass Co-10% by mass Cr-2% by mass Mo-1% by mass Al, balance Fe-27% by mass Co-1% by mass Nb, balance Fe-20% by mass Co-1% by mass Cr-2% by mass V, balance Fe-35% by mass Co-1% by mass Cr, balance Fe-17% by mass Cr, pure cobalt, pure iron, soft magnetic iron, balance Fe-0.1 to 0.5% by mass Mn, balance Fe-3% by mass Si, etc. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The content of the magnetic material 107 is not particularly limited as long as it is within a range that does not impair the properties of the honeycomb structure 101, such as its strength.

[0047] The method for manufacturing the honeycomb structure 101 constituting the heating part 100 is not particularly limited, and can be carried out in accordance with a known method. A typical example of manufacturing the honeycomb structure 101 will be described below. The method for manufacturing the honeycomb structure 101 includes a molding step and a firing step. In the molding step, a clay containing a ceramic material (when at least the partition walls 106 contain the magnetic material 107, the clay further contains the magnetic material 107) is prepared. The clay can be obtained by adding known components such as a dispersion medium, a binder, a plasticizer, a dispersant, and a pore-forming agent to the ceramic material and kneading them.

[0048] Examples of the dispersion medium include water and a mixed solvent of water and an organic solvent such as alcohol, with water being particularly preferred.

[0049] Examples of binders include organic binders such as methyl cellulose, hydroxypropoxyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and polyvinyl alcohol. It is particularly preferable to use a combination of methyl cellulose and hydroxypropoxyl cellulose. While one binder may be used alone or two or more binders may be used in combination, it is preferable that the binder does not contain an alkali metal element.

[0050] Examples of the plasticizer include polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether, polycarboxylic acid polymer, and alkyl phosphate ester.

[0051] The dispersant may be a surfactant such as polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether, ethylene glycol, dextrin, fatty acid soap, polyalcohol, etc. The dispersant may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0052] The honeycomb formed body can be produced by extrusion molding of a clay. During extrusion molding, a die having a desired overall shape, cell shape, thickness of each portion, cell density, etc. can be used.

[0053] The honeycomb molded body can be dried before the firing step. The drying method is not particularly limited, and for example, a conventionally known drying method such as hot air drying, microwave drying, dielectric drying, reduced pressure drying, vacuum drying, freeze drying, etc. Among these, a drying method that combines hot air drying with microwave drying or dielectric drying is preferred because it can dry the entire molded body quickly and uniformly.

[0054] The firing step is carried out at an appropriate temperature and time depending on the type of ceramic material used. A degreasing step for removing the binder may be carried out before the firing step, and the atmosphere for the degreasing step is preferably air in order to completely decompose the organic components. Furthermore, the firing step is preferably carried out in an air atmosphere from the viewpoint of controlling electrical properties and reducing manufacturing costs. The firing furnace used in the firing step and degreasing step is not particularly limited, but an electric furnace, a gas furnace, or the like can be used.

[0055] 2A and 2B, a magnetic body 107 is disposed in at least one cell 105. As the magnetic body 107, the above-mentioned materials can be used. The magnetic material 107 may be filled into the cells 105, or may be coated on the surfaces of the partition walls 106 and outer peripheral wall 102 that constitute the cells 105. When the magnetic material 107 is filled in the cells 105, it is preferable to form plugging portions 108 in the cells 105 on the first end face 103 side and the second end face 104 side in order to prevent the magnetic material 107 from falling out of the cells 105. The plugging portions 108 are not particularly limited, but are preferably formed from a ceramic material. As the ceramic material, the above-mentioned materials can be used. The plugging portions 108 can be formed by a known method. When the surfaces of the partition walls 106 and outer peripheral wall 102 that constitute the cells 105 are coated with the magnetic material 107, a slurry containing the magnetic material 107 may be applied to the surfaces and dried.

[0056] The coil wiring 110 spirally wraps around the outer periphery of the honeycomb structure 101. That is, the coil wiring 110 is wound spirally around the outer periphery of the honeycomb structure 101. There may be one coil wiring 110 or multiple coil wirings. The coil wiring 110 is connected to an AC power supply and generates a magnetic field by an AC current supplied from the AC power supply.

[0057] 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B may further include a metal outer tubular member 120 that houses the honeycomb structure 101 and the coil wiring 110. By providing the outer tubular member 120, it is possible to suppress the influence of the magnetic field generated when an alternating current is passed through the coil wiring 110 on other components, that is, to ensure a magnetic shielding effect.

[0058] The material for the outer tube member 120 is not particularly limited as long as it has a magnetic shielding effect, but metal is preferable from the viewpoint of manufacturability. Examples of metal that can be used include stainless steel, titanium alloy, copper alloy, aluminum alloy, brass, etc. Among these, stainless steel is preferable because of its high durability, reliability, and low cost. The thickness of the outer tubular member 120 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.1 mm or more, more preferably 0.3 mm or more, and even more preferably 0.5 mm or more. By making the thickness of the outer tubular member 120 0.1 mm or more, durability and reliability can be ensured. Furthermore, the thickness of the outer tubular member 120 is preferably 10 mm or less, more preferably 5 mm or less, and even more preferably 3 mm or less. By making the thickness of the outer tubular member 120 10 mm or less, weight reduction can be achieved.

[0059] 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B may further include an inner cylindrical member 130 between the honeycomb structure 101 and the coil wiring 110. By providing the inner cylindrical member 130, the honeycomb structure 101 can be held in place while ensuring a stable flow of the refrigerant. The material for the inner cylindrical member 130 is not particularly limited as long as it can provide the above-mentioned functions, but metal is preferable from the viewpoint of manufacturability. Examples of metals include those similar to those mentioned above, but stainless steel is preferable because of its high durability, reliability, and low cost. The thickness of the inner cylindrical member 130 is not particularly limited, but can be the same as the thickness of the outer cylindrical member 120.

[0060] 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B may further include a holding member 140 between the honeycomb structure 101 and the inner cylindrical member 130. By providing the holding member 140, it is possible to prevent the honeycomb structure 101 from being damaged by vibration or the like. The material constituting the holding member 140 is not particularly limited as long as it has cushioning properties, and a compressible elastic material can be used. An example of a compressible elastic material is a ceramic fiber mat. Ceramic fiber mats are particularly preferred because they are easy to obtain and process, have sufficient heat resistance and cushioning properties, and are less likely to generate dust. Examples of ceramic fiber mats include those whose main component is ceramic fiber made of alumina, mullite, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, zirconia, titania, or a composite of these.

[0061] 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B may further include a connecting member composed of a flange 150 and a cone portion 160. By providing such a connecting member, connection to the refrigerant pipe 20 becomes easier. The material for the flange 150 and the cone portion 160 is not particularly limited as long as it can function as a connecting member, but metal is preferable from the viewpoint of manufacturability. Examples of metal include the same as those mentioned above, but stainless steel is preferable because of its high durability, reliability, and low cost.

[0062] (3. Control Unit 200) The control unit 200 controls the heat pump cycle 10 and the heating unit 100 according to the operation mode. The control unit 200 is electrically connected to the heat pump cycle 10 and the heating unit 100. Specifically, the control unit 200 is electrically connected to the shutoff valves 80a to 80e of the heat pump cycle 10 and can control the refrigerant flow path by opening and closing the shutoff valves 80a to 80e. The control unit 200 is also electrically connected to the expansion valves 70a and 70b of the heat pump cycle 10 and can control the degree of decompression of the refrigerant by adjusting the opening degrees of the expansion valves 70a and 70b. Furthermore, the control unit 200 is connected to an AC power source for supplying AC current to the coil wiring 110 of the heating unit 100 and can adjust the heating state of the honeycomb structure 101 by controlling the AC current supplied to the coil wiring 110. The AC power source is not particularly limited, and a battery or the like can be used.

[0063] The control unit 200 is electrically connected to the ventilator 400, the air mix door 500, and the like in addition to the heat pump cycle 10 and the heating unit 100, and can control these as well.

[0064] The control unit 200 is not particularly limited, but is generally an ECU (Engine (electronic) Control Unit). The ECU includes a CPU that executes various arithmetic processes, a ROM that stores programs and data required for the control, a RAM that temporarily stores the results of the CPU calculations, and an input / output port for inputting and outputting signals to and from the outside.

[0065] (4. Ventilator 400) The ventilator 400 is provided to circulate air through the air conditioning duct 300. There are no particular limitations on the ventilator 400, and any known ventilator can be used. The position of the ventilator 400 is not particularly limited, and for example, it can be provided upstream of the condenser 40 or the evaporator 50. However, the ventilator 400 may also be provided downstream of the condenser 40 or the evaporator 50.

[0066] (5. Air Mix Door 500) Air mix door 500 is configured to rotate between a heating position in air conditioning duct 300, which opens a heating path leading to condenser 40, and a cooling position, which opens a cooling path that bypasses condenser 40. By rotating air mix door 500 between the heating position and the cooling position, it is possible to adjust the ratio of air passing through condenser 40 and air bypassing condenser 40, thereby adjusting the temperature of the air flowing into the vehicle cabin.

[0067] In the air conditioning system according to the embodiment of the present invention, the operation modes of the heat pump cycle 10 can include a heating operation mode and a cooling operation mode. The operation mode of the heat pump cycle 10 can be selected in response to a switch operation by the driver or temperature changes detected by various detectors.

[0068] (A) Heating operation mode 1A, in the heating operation mode, shutoff valves 80a to 80c are opened and shutoff valves 80d and 80e are closed, thereby forming a flow path in which the refrigerant flows sequentially through compressor 30, condenser 40, expansion valve 70a, and outdoor heat exchanger 60. In FIG. 1A, the flow path through which the refrigerant flows in this heating operation mode is indicated by a thick line. This heating operation mode involves compressing a refrigerant by compressor 30 and introducing the refrigerant discharged from compressor 30 into condenser 40 to heat the air. That is, the refrigerant compressed by compressor 30 enters condenser 40 as a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant, and releases heat through heat exchange with the air circulating within air conditioning duct 300 (heating the air). The refrigerant leaving condenser 40 is decompressed and expanded by expansion valve 70a to become a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant, and then exchanges heat with outside air in outdoor heat exchanger 60, absorbing heat, and then returns to compressor 30. When this heating operation mode is performed, the air circulating in the air conditioning duct 300 is heated by the condenser 40, and the heated air flows into the vehicle compartment. The temperature of the air flowing into the vehicle compartment can be adjusted by controlling the opening degree of the air mix door 500.

[0069] Furthermore, at the start of the heating operation mode, the control unit 200 controls the heating unit 100 to heat the refrigerant by electromagnetic induction. By controlling in this manner, even if the temperature of the refrigerant in the heat pump cycle 10 is low in cold weather, the refrigerant is quickly heated, thereby improving the initial heating performance.

[0070] (B) First cooling operation mode 1B, in the first cooling operation mode, shutoff valves 80a, 80d, and 80e are opened and shutoff valves 80b and 80c are closed, thereby forming a flow path through which the refrigerant flows sequentially through the compressor 30, the outdoor heat exchanger 60, the expansion valve 70b, and the evaporator 50. In FIG. 1B, the flow path through which the refrigerant flows in this cooling operation mode is indicated by a thick line. This cooling operation mode involves introducing refrigerant that has been decompressed and expanded by expansion valve 70b into evaporator 50 to cool the air. That is, the refrigerant that has been compressed by compressor 30 to a high temperature and pressure is cooled by exchanging heat with outside air in outdoor heat exchanger 60 and releasing heat. The refrigerant that has left outdoor heat exchanger 60 is decompressed and expanded by expansion valve 70b, becoming a low temperature and low pressure refrigerant that enters evaporator 50 and exchanges heat with the air circulating inside air conditioning duct 300 to absorb heat (cool the air). The refrigerant that has left evaporator 50 returns to compressor 30. When this cooling operation mode is performed, the air circulating in the air conditioning duct 300 is cooled by the evaporator 50, and the cooled air flows into the vehicle compartment. This cooling operation mode is particularly useful when it is desired to rapidly cool the vehicle compartment (strong cooling operation mode).

[0071] (C) Second cooling operation mode 1C, in the second cooling operation mode, shutoff valves 80a, 80c, and 80e are opened and shutoff valves 80b and 80d are closed, thereby forming a flow path in which the refrigerant flows sequentially through compressor 30, condenser 40, expansion valve 70a, outdoor heat exchanger 60, expansion valve 70b, and evaporator 50. In FIG. 1C, the flow path through which the refrigerant flows in this cooling operation mode is indicated by a thick line. In the cooling operation mode, the refrigerant flow path further includes a condenser 40 and an expansion valve 70a downstream of the compressor 30. In the cooling operation mode, the cooling of the air by the evaporator 50 and the heating of the air by the condenser 40 can be adjusted by controlling the opening degree of the air mix door 500, so that the air temperature can be controlled to an optimum temperature. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 10 Heat pump cycle 20 Refrigerant piping 30 Compressor 40 capacitor 50 Evaporator 60 Outdoor heat exchanger 70a, 70b Expansion valve 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e Shut-off valves 100 Heating section 101 Honeycomb structure 102 Outer wall 103 First end surface 104 Second end face 105 cells 106 Bulkhead 107 Magnetic material 108 Plugging part 110 Coil wiring 120 outer cylinder member 130 Inner cylinder member 140 Retaining member 150 flange 160 Cone section 200 control section 300 Air conditioning duct 400 Ventilator 500 Air Mix Door

Claims

1. An air conditioning system including a heat pump cycle having a refrigerant pipe through which a refrigerant can circulate and a compressor capable of compressing the refrigerant, an air conditioning system in which the refrigerant can flow and a heating unit capable of heating the refrigerant by electromagnetic induction is connected midway along the refrigerant piping;

2. 2. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the heating section has an outer peripheral wall, and partition walls arranged inside the outer peripheral wall that define a plurality of cells extending from a first end face to a second end face, and the heating section is provided with a honeycomb structure in which a magnetic body is arranged in at least one of the cells, and coil wiring that spirally wraps around the outer periphery of the honeycomb structure.

3. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the heating section comprises a honeycomb structure having an outer peripheral wall and partition walls arranged inside the outer peripheral wall and defining a plurality of cells extending from a first end face to a second end face, at least the partition walls containing a magnetic material, and coil wiring spirally surrounding the outer periphery of the honeycomb structure.

4. The air conditioning system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the heating section further comprises a metallic outer tubular member that houses the honeycomb structure and the coil wiring.

5. The air conditioning system according to claim 4 , wherein the heating section further comprises an inner cylindrical member between the honeycomb structure and the coil wiring.

6. The air conditioning system according to claim 5 , wherein the heating section further comprises a holding member between the honeycomb structure and the inner cylindrical member.

7. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heating unit is connected to the refrigerant piping on the upstream side, downstream side, or both of the upstream and downstream sides of the compressor, based on the flow direction of the refrigerant.

8. 4. The air conditioning system according to claim 2, wherein the magnetic material contains at least one element selected from the group consisting of Fe, Cr, Ni, Mn, Zn, Co, Cu, and Si.

9. a control unit that controls the heat pump cycle and the heating unit; The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit controls the heating unit to heat the refrigerant by electromagnetic induction when a heating operation mode of the heat pump cycle starts.

10. The heat pump cycle further includes a condenser that performs heat exchange between the air circulating in the air conditioning duct and the refrigerant, The air conditioning system according to claim 9 , wherein the heating operation mode includes compressing the refrigerant with the compressor and introducing the refrigerant discharged from the compressor into the condenser to heat the air.

11. The heat pump cycle includes: an evaporator that performs heat exchange between the air flowing through the air conditioning duct and the refrigerant; an outdoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat between outside air and the refrigerant; The air conditioning system of claim 10 further comprising:

12. The air conditioning system according to claim 11, wherein the heating unit is connected in the refrigerant piping between the compressor and the condenser, between the compressor and the evaporator or the outdoor heat exchanger, or in the middle of the refrigerant piping between the compressor and the evaporator or the outdoor heat exchanger.

13. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the air conditioning system is for a vehicle.

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