Method for manufacturing a heat source unit and method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device

Abstract

The method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle apparatus (1) is a method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle apparatus including a heat source unit (2), utilization units (3a, 3b), and connecting pipes (4, 5). The connecting pipes (4, 5) connect the heat source unit (2) and the utilization units (3a, 3b). The method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle apparatus (101) includes a generating step (S40) and a charging step (S50). In the generating step (S40), the heat source unit (2) charged with a refrigerant containing R1234yf is connected to the connecting pipes (4, 5) connected to the utilization units (3a, 3b), thereby generating a refrigerant circuit (10). In the charging step (S50), the refrigerant circuit (10) is filled with R32 recovered and recycled from existing equipment, thereby charging a mixed refrigerant containing at least R32 and R1234yf.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a heat source unit and a method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device. [Background technology]

[0002] International Publication No. 2020 / 003509 discloses a recycling system that removes at least oil from recovered refrigerant and recycles the refrigerant. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] However, recycled refrigerants are not well developed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] A method for manufacturing a heat source unit according to a first aspect includes a first step and a second step. The heat source unit constitutes a refrigeration cycle device. In the first step, R32 recovered and recycled from existing equipment is mixed with R1234yf to produce a mixed refrigerant containing at least R32 and R1234yf. In the second step, the mixed refrigerant is filled into the heat source unit.

[0005] In the method for manufacturing a heat source unit according to the first aspect, recycled R32, which has a low global warming potential (GWP), is mixed with R1234yf in the first step, so that a mixed refrigerant with a low GWP can be produced. By carrying out the second step, the mixed refrigerant with a low GWP can be filled into the heat source unit. Therefore, the recycled refrigerant can be used in a heat source unit that contributes to reducing global warming.

[0006] In a method for manufacturing a heat source unit according to a second aspect, in the method for manufacturing a heat source unit according to the first aspect, the first step includes a recycling step and a mixing step. In the recycling step, R32 recovered from existing equipment is recycled. In the mixing step, at least the recycled R32 and R1234yf are mixed. The recycling step includes a step of reducing at least one of water, acid, and oil contained in the recovered R32.

[0007] In the method for manufacturing a heat source unit according to the second aspect, R32 with at least one of water, acid, and oil reduced is recycled, thereby improving the quality of the mixed refrigerant produced by mixing R32 with R1234yf.

[0008] In a method for producing a heat source unit according to a third aspect, the mixing step in the method for producing a heat source unit according to the second aspect further comprises a step of mixing an acid scavenger.

[0009] In the method for producing a heat source unit according to the third aspect, even if R1234yf is decomposed and acid is generated in the mixing step, the acid scavenger can capture the acid, thereby suppressing an increase in the acid concentration.

[0010] In a method for manufacturing a heat source unit according to a fourth aspect, in the method for manufacturing a heat source unit according to the second or third aspect, the first step further includes an inspection step of inspecting the composition of the mixed refrigerant produced in the mixing step.

[0011] In the method for manufacturing a heat source unit according to the fourth aspect, the inspection step can inspect whether the refrigerant is a mixed refrigerant having an appropriate composition, and therefore the heat source unit can be filled with a mixed refrigerant having an appropriate composition.

[0012] A method for producing a heat source unit according to a fifth aspect is the method for producing a heat source unit according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the first step contains 65 mass % or more of R1234yf.

[0013] In the method for producing a heat source unit according to the fifth aspect, a mixed refrigerant with a low GWP can be produced in the first step, and therefore, in the second step, the mixed refrigerant with a low GWP can be filled into the heat source unit, thereby contributing further to the reduction of global warming.

[0014] A method for producing a heat source unit according to a sixth aspect is the method for producing a heat source unit according to the fifth aspect, wherein R454C, R455A or R454B is produced as the mixed refrigerant in the first step.

[0015] In the method for manufacturing a heat source unit according to the sixth aspect, the heat source unit can be filled with a refrigerant mixture with an extremely low GWP, and therefore, by using recycled R32, a heat source unit that contributes to reducing global warming can be realized.

[0016] A method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to a seventh aspect is a method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle apparatus including a heat source unit, a utilization unit, and a connecting pipe, and includes a third step and a fourth step. The heat source unit is manufactured by the method for manufacturing a heat source unit according to any one of the first to sixth aspects. The connecting pipe connects the heat source unit and the utilization unit. The first step includes a recovery step of recovering refrigerant from an existing refrigeration cycle apparatus. In the third step, a first heat source unit constituting the existing refrigeration cycle apparatus is removed from the connecting pipe. In the fourth step, a second heat source unit manufactured by the method for manufacturing a heat source unit according to any one of the first to sixth aspects is connected to the connecting pipe.

[0017] In a method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device according to a seventh aspect, refrigerant is recovered from an existing refrigeration cycle device, and the existing first heat source unit is removed from an existing connecting pipe and replaced with a second heat source unit filled with a mixed refrigerant containing recycled R32. Therefore, by using the recycled refrigerant, it is possible to manufacture a refrigeration cycle device equipped with a heat source unit that contributes to reducing global warming.

[0018] In the method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device according to the eighth aspect, the method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device according to the seventh aspect further includes a fifth step of cleaning at least one of oil and acid adhering to the connecting pipes of the existing refrigeration cycle device, and the fifth step is carried out before the fourth step.

[0019] In the method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the eighth aspect, oil and acid adhering to the connecting pipe can be reduced by step 5. Therefore, when the second heat source unit is connected and the mixed refrigerant is used as the working refrigerant, it is possible to suppress the incorporation of impurities into the mixed refrigerant.

[0020] In a method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device according to a ninth aspect, in the method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device according to the seventh or eighth aspect, in the recovery step, the working refrigerant is recovered from an existing refrigeration cycle device that uses R410A or R32 as the working refrigerant. In a fourth step, a second heat source unit in which R454B is sealed is connected to a connecting pipe.

[0021] In the method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device according to the ninth aspect, a mixed refrigerant having a lower GWP than existing working refrigerants can be used, and therefore a refrigeration cycle device including a heat source unit that contributes to reducing global warming can be manufactured.

[0022] In a method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device according to a tenth aspect, in the method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device according to the eighth aspect, in the recovery step, the working refrigerant is recovered from an existing refrigeration cycle device that uses R22, R404A, or R407C as the working refrigerant. In a fourth step, a second heat source unit in which R454C or R455A is sealed is connected to the connecting pipe.

[0023] In the method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device according to the tenth aspect, a mixed refrigerant having a lower GWP than existing working refrigerants can be used, and therefore a refrigeration cycle device including a heat source unit that contributes to reducing global warming can be manufactured.

[0024] A method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to an eleventh aspect is a method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle apparatus, and includes a generating step (generating step) and an injecting step (injecting step). The refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a heat source unit, a utilization unit, and a connecting pipe connecting the heat source unit and the utilization unit. In the generating step, a refrigerant circuit is generated by connecting the heat source unit, in which a refrigerant containing R1234yf is injecting, to the connecting pipe connected to the utilization unit. In the injecting step, a mixed refrigerant containing at least R32 and R1234yf is injecting by filling the refrigerant circuit with R32 recovered and recycled from existing equipment.

[0025] In the method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device according to the eleventh aspect, the refrigerant circuit can mix the refrigerant containing R1234yf sealed in the heat source unit with recycled R32 to generate a mixed refrigerant with a low GWP. Therefore, the recycled refrigerant can be used in a refrigeration cycle device that contributes to reducing global warming.

[0026] A method for producing a refrigeration cycle device according to a twelfth aspect is the method for producing a refrigeration cycle device according to the eleventh aspect, wherein a heat source unit in which a single refrigerant, R1234yf, is sealed is used in the production step.

[0027] In the method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device according to the twelfth aspect, by mixing R1234yf of the third heat source unit with recycled R32, a refrigeration cycle device can be manufactured that includes a refrigerant circuit that contains a mixed refrigerant with a low GWP, such as R454C or R454B.

[0028] A method for producing a refrigeration cycle device according to a thirteenth aspect is the method for producing a refrigeration cycle device according to the twelfth aspect, wherein a heat source unit in which a refrigerant consisting of R1234yf and carbon dioxide is sealed is used in the production step.

[0029] In the method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device according to the thirteenth aspect, by mixing the R1234yf and carbon dioxide of the third heat source unit with recycled R32, it is possible to manufacture a refrigeration cycle device equipped with a refrigerant circuit containing a mixed refrigerant with a low GWP, such as R455A. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a refrigeration cycle device according to a first embodiment and a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 3 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an existing refrigeration cycle device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a block diagram of a recycling device according to a first embodiment and a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing a heat source unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] 6 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] A method for manufacturing a heat source device and a method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present disclosure are described below. In this specification, the term "refrigerant" refers to a substance having a refrigerant component. Specifically, the term "refrigerant" includes at least compounds having a refrigerant number (ASHRAE number) beginning with the letter R, which indicates the type of refrigerant defined by ISO817 (International Organization for Standardization), and further includes substances that have the properties of equivalent refrigerants even if they have not yet been assigned a refrigerant number.

[0032] In this specification, "consisting of" may or may not contain impurities. Specifically, "consisting of" may contain 1% by mass or less of impurities.

[0033] (1) First embodiment (1-1) Refrigeration cycle equipment A refrigeration cycle device 1 manufactured by the method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The refrigeration cycle device 1 shown in Fig. 1 is an air conditioner that uses a vapor compression refrigeration cycle to condition the air in a building or the like. Note that the type of the refrigeration cycle device 1 is not limited to an air conditioner, and in some embodiments, it can also be a water heater, a floor heating device, a refrigerator, or the like.

[0034] The refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 mainly comprises a heat source unit 2, a plurality of (here, two) utilization units 3a, 3b connected in parallel, a liquid connection pipe 4 connecting the heat source unit 2 and the utilization units 3a, 3b, and a gas connection pipe 5. The vapor compression refrigerant circuit 10 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is configured to connect the heat source unit 2 and the plurality of utilization units 3a, 3b via the liquid connection pipe 4 and the gas connection pipe 5.

[0035] A refrigerant containing at least recycled R32 and R1234yf is enclosed in the refrigerant circuit 10. A refrigerant consisting of recycled R32 and R1234yf is enclosed in the refrigerant circuit 10 of the present embodiment.

[0036] In some cases, at least a refrigerant is sealed in the refrigerant circuit 10, and refrigerating machine oil is further sealed in the refrigerant circuit 10. The refrigerating machine oil contains an additive.

[0037] (1-1-2) Heat source unit The heat source unit 2 is installed outside a building, etc. As described above, the heat source unit 2 is connected to the utilization units 3a and 3b via the liquid connecting pipe 4 and the gas connecting pipe 5, and constitutes a part of the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0038] The heat source unit 2 mainly includes a compressor 21, a four-way switching valve 22, an outdoor heat exchanger 23, and an expansion valve 24.

[0039] The compressor 21 is a device that compresses a low-pressure refrigerant to a high pressure in the refrigeration cycle.

[0040] The four-way selector valve 22 switches the direction of refrigerant flow when switching between cooling operation and heating operation. During cooling operation, the four-way selector valve 22 connects the discharge side of the compressor 21 to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 23, and connects the gas sides of each indoor heat exchanger 31a, 31b (described later) to the suction side of the compressor 21 via gas connecting pipes 5 (see the solid lines of the four-way selector valve 22 in FIG. 1). During heating operation, the four-way selector valve 22 connects the discharge side of the compressor 21 to the gas sides of each indoor heat exchanger 31a, 31b via the gas connecting pipes 5, and connects the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 to the suction side of the compressor 21 (see the dashed lines of the four-way selector valve 22 in FIG. 1).

[0041] The outdoor heat exchanger 23 is a heat exchanger that functions as a refrigerant radiator during cooling operation and as a refrigerant evaporator during heating operation. The liquid side of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is connected to the expansion valve 24, and the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is connected to the four-way selector valve 22.

[0042] The expansion valve 24 is an expansion mechanism that can reduce the pressure of the high-pressure liquid refrigerant that has dissipated heat in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 before sending the high-pressure liquid refrigerant to the indoor heat exchangers 31a, 31b during cooling operation, and can reduce the pressure of the high-pressure liquid refrigerant that has dissipated heat in the indoor heat exchangers 31a, 31b before sending the high-pressure liquid refrigerant to the outdoor heat exchanger 23 during heating operation.

[0043] The liquid shutoff valve 25 is disposed at the connection between the heat source unit 2 and the liquid connecting pipe 4. The gas shutoff valve 26 is disposed at the connection between the heat source unit 2 and the gas connecting pipe 5. The liquid shutoff valve 25 and the gas shutoff valve 26 are valves that are opened and closed manually.

[0044] (1-1-3) Units The utilization units 3a and 3b are installed in a building, etc. As described above, the utilization units 3a and 3b are connected to the heat source unit 2 via the liquid connecting pipe 4 and the gas connecting pipe 5, and form part of the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0045] Since the configurations of the usage unit 3a and the usage unit 3b are similar, only the configuration of the usage unit 3a will be described here. The description of the configuration of the usage unit 3b will be omitted, and the subscript "b" will be added instead of the subscript "a" indicating each part of the usage unit 3a.

[0046] The utilization unit 3a mainly has an indoor heat exchanger 31a. The indoor heat exchanger 31a is a heat exchanger that functions as a refrigerant evaporator during cooling operation and as a refrigerant radiator during heating operation. The liquid side of the indoor heat exchanger 31a is connected to the liquid connecting pipe 4, and the gas side of the indoor heat exchanger 31a is connected to the gas connecting pipe 5.

[0047] (1-2) Method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device A method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, which is equipped with the heat source unit 2, utilization units 3a and 3b, and connecting pipes 4 and 5, will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0048] The method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device 1 according to this embodiment is carried out, for example, when updating an existing refrigeration cycle device to a refrigeration cycle device that uses a mixed refrigerant containing recycled R32 and R1234yf.

[0049] First, as shown in Fig. 2, a refrigerant is recovered from a refrigeration cycle apparatus 101 as an existing facility shown in Fig. 3 (step S10). The configuration of the existing refrigeration cycle apparatus 101 shown in Fig. 3 is basically the same as the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 manufactured in Fig. 1, but differs from the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 of Fig. 1 in that R32 is sealed as a refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 110 of the existing refrigeration cycle apparatus 101 shown in Fig. 3. In other words, the existing refrigeration cycle apparatus 101 uses only R32 as a working refrigerant. Therefore, in step S10, R32 is recovered from the existing refrigeration cycle apparatus 101 as a working refrigerant.

[0050] Although the method for recovering the refrigerant is not limited, a refrigerant recovery machine including a compressor that sucks the refrigerant is used here. The refrigerant recovery machine operates while connected to a liquid shutoff valve 25 and a gas shutoff valve 26 to suck the refrigerant from the refrigerant circuit 110 of the existing refrigeration cycle device 101 and recover the refrigerant in a recovery cylinder 131 connected to the refrigerant recovery machine.

[0051] Although the recovery step (S10) can be performed in a factory, in this embodiment, the recovery step is performed on-site.

[0052] Next, the heat source unit 102 constituting the existing refrigeration cycle apparatus 101 is removed from the connecting pipes 4, 5 (step S20). In the removing step (S20), the heat source unit 102 from which the refrigerant has been recovered is separated from the utilization units 3a, 3b and the connecting pipes 4, 5.

[0053] Next, at least one of oil and acid adhering to the connecting pipes 4 and 5 of the existing refrigeration cycle device 101 is cleaned (step S30). The cleaning step (S30) makes it possible to remove the refrigeration oil and acid adhering to the existing connecting pipes 4 and 5. There are no limitations on the cleaning method, and commonly used techniques can be adopted.

[0054] Next, the heat source unit in which the refrigerant containing R1234yf is sealed is connected to the connection pipes 4, 5 connected to the utilization units 3a, 3b to generate a refrigerant circuit (step S40). Specifically, the generation step (S40) is performed as follows.

[0055] A new heat source unit filled with a refrigerant containing R1234yf is prepared (step S41). The new heat source unit replaces the heat source unit 102 of the existing refrigeration cycle apparatus 101, and becomes the heat source unit 2 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 to be manufactured. The new heat source unit can use at least some of the parts of the existing heat source unit 102, or new parts.

[0056] In some embodiments, the refrigerant containing R1234yf can be a single refrigerant or a mixture of R1234yf and other refrigerants. The R1234yf can be a newly produced refrigerant or a recycled refrigerant.

[0057] Only the refrigerant containing R1234yf can be sealed in the new heat source unit, or the refrigerant containing R1234yf and components other than the refrigerant can be sealed in the new heat source unit. The components other than the refrigerant can be, for example, a refrigerating machine oil containing an additive. The refrigerating machine oil is not limited, but examples include oxygen-containing synthetic oils (ester refrigerating machine oils, ether refrigerating machine oils, etc.) and hydrocarbon refrigerating machine oils. The additive can be, for example, an acid scavenger.

[0058] In this embodiment, a new heat source unit containing a newly manufactured single refrigerant, R1234yf, is used.

[0059] Thereafter, the new heat source unit filled with a refrigerant containing R1234yf is connected to the connecting pipes 4 and 5 of the existing refrigeration cycle apparatus 101 (step S42). As a result, a refrigerant circuit 10 is formed by the heat source unit 2 shown in FIG. 1, which is a new heat source unit filled with a single refrigerant, R1234yf, the utilization units 3a and 3b, and the connecting pipes 4 and 5.

[0060] Next, the refrigerant circuit is filled with R32 recovered and recycled from existing equipment, and a mixed refrigerant containing at least R32 and R1234yf is enclosed (step S50). Specifically, the enclosing step (S50) is performed as follows.

[0061] R32 recovered from an existing facility is recycled (step S51). The existing facility is not limited, but in this embodiment, a refrigeration cycle apparatus 101 shown in FIG. 3 is used. Therefore, here, R32 recovered from the refrigeration cycle apparatus 101 is recycled. The recycling step (S51) includes steps (steps S51a to S51c) of reducing at least one of water, acid, and oil contained in the recovered R32.

[0062] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, a recovery cylinder 131 and a recycle cylinder 132 filled with R32 recovered from a refrigeration cycle apparatus 101 are connected to a recycle device 120. The R32 filled in the recovery cylinder 131 is then transferred to the recycle device 120. As shown in FIG. 5, the recycle device 120 removes oil from the recovered R32 mainly using a compressor 121 and an electrostatic separator 122 (step S51a). Water and acid are removed from the recovered R32 using a filter dryer 123 (steps S51b and S51c). As a result, the water, acid, and oil contained in the recovered R32 can be reduced, and recycled R32 can be produced. The recycled R32 is then transferred to the recycle cylinder 132, which is filled with R32.

[0063] Thereafter, the recycled R32 is filled into the refrigerant circuit 10 formed by connecting the heat source unit 2 (step S52). Here, the recycled R32 is filled into the refrigerant pipes that form the refrigerant circuit 10. As a result, a mixed refrigerant containing R1234yf and the recycled R32 that will be filled into the heat source unit 2, which will become a new heat source unit, is sealed in the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0064] The mixed refrigerant of this embodiment contains 65 mass% or more of R1234yf. Specifically, in the refrigerant made of the mixed refrigerant, R1234yf is 65 mass% or more. As described above, the mixed refrigerant containing 65 mass% or more of R1234yf is sealed in the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0065] Furthermore, refrigerating machine oil containing an additive is filled (step S53). Steps S52 and S53 do not have to be performed simultaneously, but are performed simultaneously in this embodiment. Specifically, the refrigerant circuit 10 is configured by connecting a new heat source unit containing a single refrigerant, with the mixed refrigerant of recycled R32 and refrigerating machine oil containing an additive, to the new heat source unit. The recycled R32 and refrigerating machine oil can be filled from the same location or different locations in the refrigerant piping that constitutes the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0066] Examples of additives include acid scavengers, extreme pressure agents, antioxidants, antifoaming agents, oiliness agents, metal deactivators such as copper deactivators, antiwear agents, compatibilizers, and the like.

[0067] Examples of acid scavengers that can be used include phenyl glycidyl ether, alkyl glycidyl ether, alkylene glycol glycidyl ether, cyclohexene oxide, α-olefin oxide, epoxidized soybean oil, and carbodiimide. Among these, phenyl glycidyl ether, alkyl glycidyl ether, alkylene glycol glycidyl ether, cyclohexene oxide, and α-olefin oxide are preferred from the viewpoint of compatibility. The alkyl group of the alkyl glycidyl ether and the alkylene group of the alkylene glycol glycidyl ether may have a side chain. The number of carbon atoms may be 3 to 30, more preferably 4 to 24, and even more preferably 6 to 16. The total number of carbon atoms in the α-olefin oxide may be 4 to 50, more preferably 4 to 24, and even more preferably 6 to 16. Acid scavengers can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0068] As the extreme pressure agent, for example, a phosphate ester can be used. As the phosphate ester, a phosphate ester, an acid phosphate ester, an acid phosphate ester, etc. can be used, and those containing an amine salt of a phosphate ester, a phosphate ester, an acid phosphate ester, an acid phosphate ester, etc. can also be used.

[0069] As the antioxidant, for example, a phenol-based antioxidant or an amine-based antioxidant can be used. Examples of the phenol-based antioxidant include 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol (DBPC), 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-ethylphenol, 2,2'-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol), 2,4-dimethyl-6-tert-butylphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol, di-tert-butyl-p-cresol, bisphenol A, etc. Examples of the amine-based antioxidant include N,N ’ -Diisopropyl-p-phenylenediamine, N,N ’-Disecbutyl-p-phenylenediamine, phenyl-α-naphthylamine, N,N ’ -diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine, N,N-di(2-naphthyl)-p-phenylenediamine, etc. As the antioxidant, an oxygen scavenger that captures oxygen can also be used.

[0070] As an antifoaming agent, for example, a silicon compound can be used.

[0071] As the oily agent, for example, higher alcohols, fatty acids, etc. can be used.

[0072] As the metal deactivator, copper deactivator, benzotriazole, its derivatives, etc. can be used.

[0073] As the anti-wear agent, zinc dialkyldithiophosphate or the like can be used.

[0074] The compatibilizer is not limited and can be appropriately selected from commonly used compatibilizers. One type of compatibilizer can be used alone, or two or more types can be used. Examples of compatibilizers include polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers, amides, nitriles, ketones, chlorocarbons, esters, lactones, aryl ethers, fluoroethers, 1,1,1-trifluoroalkanes, etc. Polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers are particularly preferred as the compatibilizer.

[0075] The mixing is carried out so that the mixing ratio of the additive in the total fluid (here, the refrigerant and refrigerating machine oil) sealed in the refrigerant circuit 10 is preferably 5 mass % or less, more preferably 3 mass % or less.

[0076] The charging step (S50) is performed on-site. Specifically, in the generation step (S40), a new heat source unit charged with a refrigerant containing R1234yf is shipped, and the refrigerant circuit 10 is generated on-site. In the charging step (S50), recovered and recycled R32 and refrigeration oil are charged. If the recycled R32 charged exceeds the appropriate amount, an error can be displayed.

[0077] Next, the composition of the mixed refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10 is inspected (step S54). In the inspection step (S54), the composition of the mixed refrigerant is inspected using a composition analyzer or the like. If the composition of the mixed refrigerant is found to be appropriate in the inspection step (S54), it is determined that the mixed refrigerant can be used as the refrigeration cycle device 1. On the other hand, if the composition of the mixed refrigerant is found to be inappropriate in the inspection step (S54), the composition is adjusted.

[0078] The refrigeration cycle device 1 in FIG. 1 can be manufactured by carrying out the above steps (S10 to S50).

[0079] (1-3) Features (1-3-1) The method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is a method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle apparatus including a heat source unit 2, utilization units 3a, 3b, and connecting pipes 4, 5. The connecting pipes 4, 5 connect the heat source unit and the utilization units. The method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle apparatus 101 includes a generation step (S40) and a charging step (S50). In the generation step (S40), a heat source unit in which a refrigerant containing R1234yf is charged is connected to the connecting pipes 4, 5 which are connected to the utilization units 3a, 3b, to generate a refrigerant circuit 10. In the charging step (S50), the refrigerant circuit 10 is filled with R32 recovered and recycled from existing equipment, and a mixed refrigerant containing at least R32 and R1234yf is charged.

[0080] By the method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device 1 according to this embodiment, the refrigerant circuit 10 mixes the refrigerant containing R1234yf sealed in the heat source unit 2 with recycled R32 to generate a mixed refrigerant with a low GWP. Therefore, the recycled refrigerant can be used in the refrigeration cycle device 1, which contributes to reducing (preventing) global warming.

[0081] The GWP of the mixed refrigerant sealed in the refrigerant circuit 10 of the manufactured refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 can be made higher than R32, but in this embodiment it is made lower than R32. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture a refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 that can contribute more to reducing global warming than the existing refrigeration cycle apparatus 101 in Fig. 3.

[0082] In this embodiment, the step (S10) of recovering refrigerant from an existing refrigeration cycle apparatus 101 and the step (S51) of recycling R32 recovered from the existing facility are performed on-site. Therefore, compared to recovering refrigerant from multiple devices and performing recycling processing at a factory, the risk of different types of refrigerant being mixed and making recycling processing difficult can be reduced.

[0083] (1-3-2) In the method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device 1 according to this embodiment, a heat source unit in which a single refrigerant, R1234yf, is sealed can also be used in the generating step (S40).

[0084] In this case, by mixing the R1234yf filled in the new heat source unit with the recycled R32, it is possible to manufacture a refrigeration cycle device 1 equipped with a refrigerant circuit 10 containing a mixed refrigerant such as R454C or R454B, which has a low GWP.

[0085] In particular, it is preferable to produce R454C or R454B as a mixed refrigerant.

[0086] (1-3-3) In the method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device 1 according to the present embodiment, preferably, a mixed refrigerant containing 65 mass % or more of R1234yf is sealed into the refrigerant circuit 10 in the sealing step (S50).

[0087] In this case, it is possible to manufacture a refrigeration cycle device 1 including a refrigerant circuit 10 in which a mixed refrigerant with a low GWP is sealed.

[0088] (1-3-4) In this embodiment, in the charging step (S50), the refrigerant circuit 10 is filled with R32 recovered and recycled from an existing refrigeration cycle device 101, and a mixed refrigerant containing at least R32 and R1234yf is charged.

[0089] As a result, the refrigerant containing R32 is recovered from the existing facility, the refrigeration cycle device 101. Since the R32 is reused in the charging step (S50), it is possible to reduce the release of R32 into the atmosphere.

[0090] (1-3-5) In the method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device 1 according to this embodiment, the recycling step (S51) preferably includes steps (S51a to S51c) of reducing at least one of water, acid, and oil contained in the recovered R32.

[0091] Therefore, since R32 with at least one of water, acid, and oil reduced is recycled, the quality of the mixed refrigerant produced by mixing R32 with R1234yf sealed in the heat source unit 2 can be improved.

[0092] In particular, when the recycling step (S51) includes a step (S51a) of reducing the water contained in the recovered R32, the R32 from which the water has been removed is recycled, and therefore, oxidation and decomposition of the mixed R1234yf can be suppressed in the step (S52) of charging the recycled refrigerant.

[0093] R32, R1234yf, and their mixed gases are flammable. When the recycling process (S51) is carried out on-site, it is expected that the refrigerant recycling process will be carried out on a smaller scale than when the recycling process is carried out at a factory. In this case, explosion prevention measures for the recycling equipment used on-site can be simplified.

[0094] (1-3-6) In the method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device 1 according to the present embodiment, the sealing step (S50) preferably includes a step (S53) of further filling an acid scavenger.

[0095] Therefore, even if R1234yf is decomposed to generate acid during the process of mixing R1234yf with recycled R32, the acid scavenger can capture the acid, thereby suppressing an increase in the acid concentration.

[0096] (1-3-7) In the method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device 1 according to the present embodiment, the sealing step (S55) preferably further includes a step (S54) of inspecting the composition of the produced mixed refrigerant.

[0097] The inspection step (S54) can inspect whether the mixed refrigerant has an appropriate composition, and therefore the refrigerant circuit 10 of the refrigeration cycle device 1 can be filled with a mixed refrigerant having an appropriate composition.

[0098] (1-3-8) In the method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device 1 according to this embodiment, preferably, before the generation step (S40), a step of cleaning at least one of oil or acid adhering to the connecting pipes 4, 5 of the existing refrigeration cycle device 101 (S30) is carried out.

[0099] The cleaning step (S30) can reduce oil and acid adhering to the connecting pipes 4 and 5. Therefore, when the producing step (S40) and the sealing step (S50) are performed and a mixed refrigerant is used as the working refrigerant, it is possible to suppress the incorporation of impurities into the mixed refrigerant.

[0100] (1-4) Modification of the First Embodiment (1-4-1) Variation 1 In the above embodiment, a new heat source unit containing a single refrigerant, R1234yf, was used in the production step (S40), but the new heat source unit is not limited to this as long as it contains R1234yf. In this modified example, a new heat source unit containing a refrigerant consisting of R1234yf and carbon dioxide is used in the production step (S40).

[0101] In this case, by mixing the recycled R32 with R1234yf and carbon dioxide filled in a new heat source unit, it is possible to manufacture a refrigeration cycle device 1 equipped with a refrigerant circuit containing a mixed refrigerant with a low GWP, such as R455A.

[0102] (1-4-2) Variation 2 In the above embodiment and variant 1, R32 is recovered from a refrigeration cycle device 101, which is an existing facility equipped with a refrigerant circuit 110 containing a single R32 refrigerant, the heat source unit is replaced with a new heat source unit containing a refrigerant containing R1234yf, and the recovered R32 is recycled and additionally charged, thereby converting the existing refrigeration cycle device 101 into a refrigeration cycle device 1 that uses a mixed refrigerant containing R1234yf and R32 as the working refrigerant.

[0103] Note that the existing equipment is not limited to refrigeration cycle equipment containing only R32 refrigerant. In the case of existing equipment containing a mixed refrigerant containing R32, the mixed refrigerant can be recovered and the R32 can be recycled. If the existing refrigeration cycle equipment does not contain R32, R32 can be recovered separately from existing equipment that does not use part of the refrigeration cycle equipment 1 to be manufactured (different from the refrigeration cycle equipment 101 in FIG. 3), and the existing refrigeration cycle equipment that does not contain R32 can be converted to a refrigeration cycle equipment 1 that uses a mixed refrigerant containing R1234yf and R32 as the working refrigerant.

[0104] The refrigeration cycle apparatus is converted into a refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 that uses the connecting pipes 4 and 5 and utilization units 3a and 3b of an existing refrigeration cycle apparatus 101, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. In the generation step (S40), at least one of a utilization unit or a connecting pipe that connects a new heat source unit filled with a refrigerant containing R1234yf can be newly installed.

[0105] (1-4-3) Variation 3 In the above-described embodiment, Modification 1, and Modification 2, newly produced R1234yf refrigerant is used, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In this modification, recycled R1234yf refrigerant is used.

[0106] (1-4-4) Variation 4 In the above embodiment, the charging step (S50) involves mixing at least the refrigerant containing R1234yf charged into the new heat source unit, recycled R32, and refrigeration oil containing additives, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. In this modified example, the generating step (S40) involves connecting the new heat source unit charged with the refrigerant containing R1234yf and refrigeration oil containing additives to the connecting pipes 4 and 5 connected to the utilization units 3a and 3b, thereby generating the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0107] Specifically, a new heat source unit filled with a refrigerant containing R1234yf and refrigeration oil is prepared (step S41). Next, the new heat source unit filled with the refrigerant containing R1234yf and refrigeration oil is connected to the connecting pipes 4 and 5 of the existing refrigeration cycle device 101 (step S42).

[0108] (1-4-5) Variation 5 In the above embodiment, the step (S30) of cleaning at least one of oil and acid adhering to the connecting pipes 4 and 5 is performed after the step (S20) of removing the heat source unit, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The cleaning step (S30) is performed before the step (S41) of connecting a new heat source unit to the connecting pipes 4 and 5. In this modified example, the cleaning step (S30) is performed in the step (S10) of recovering a refrigerant. In other words, the step (S10) of recovering a refrigerant from an existing device further includes the step (S30) of cleaning at least one of oil and acid adhering to the connecting pipes of an existing refrigeration cycle apparatus.

[0109] (1-4-6) Variation 6 In the above embodiment, the refrigerant circuit 10 in which the refrigerant and the refrigerating machine oil are sealed has been described as an example, but the refrigerating machine oil may be omitted. In this case, only the components of the refrigerating machine oil may be omitted, and at least some of the additives described above may be sealed in the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0110] (1-4-7) Variation 7 In the above embodiment, a method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 including a plurality of utilization units 3a, 3b has been described. Note that the number of utilization units may be one or three or more.

[0111] (1-4-8) Variation 8 In the above embodiment, a method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device 1 capable of both cooling and heating has been described, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device 1 of the present disclosure can also be applied to a method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device dedicated to cooling.

[0112] (1-4-9) Variation 9 In the above embodiment, the refrigeration cycle apparatus has been described as an example of an existing facility for recovering R32, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. R32 can be recovered from any existing facility that contains R32.

[0113] (2) Second embodiment (2-1) Heat source unit and refrigeration cycle device A heat source unit manufactured by the method for manufacturing a heat source unit according to the second embodiment is similar to the heat source unit 2 according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1. Furthermore, a refrigeration cycle device manufactured by the method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device according to the second embodiment is similar to the refrigeration cycle device 1 according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1.

[0114] (2-2) Method for manufacturing a heat source unit A method for manufacturing the heat source unit 2 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIGS.

[0115] First, as shown in Fig. 6, a first step (S1) is carried out in which R1234yf is mixed with R32 recovered and recycled from existing facilities to produce a mixed refrigerant containing at least R32 and R1234yf. Specifically, the first step (S1) is carried out as follows.

[0116] First, R32 is recovered from a refrigeration cycle device as an existing facility (step S10). As in the first embodiment, in the recovery step (S10), R32 is recovered as a working refrigerant from an existing refrigeration cycle device 101 shown in FIG.

[0117] Thereafter, at least one of water, acid, and oil contained in the recovered R32 is reduced (step S51). In step (S51), similarly to the first embodiment, the recycling device 120 of FIG. 4 is used to perform a step (S51a) of removing oil from the recovered R32, a step (S51b) of removing water from the recovered R32, and a step (S51c) of removing acid from the recovered R32.

[0118] By carrying out the recovery step (S10) and the recycling step (S51), R32 recovered from existing facilities and recycled can be produced.

[0119] Next, at least the recycled R32 and R1234yf are mixed (step S60). In the mixing step (S60), only the recycled R32 and R1234yf can be mixed as refrigerants, or recycled R32, R1234yf, and other refrigerant components can be mixed. Furthermore, R1234yf can be a newly produced refrigerant or a recycled refrigerant.

[0120] In the mixing step (S60), recycled R32 and R1234yf are mixed as refrigerant components (step S61).

[0121] In the mixing step (S60), refrigerating machine oil may be further mixed. In this embodiment, refrigerating machine oil containing additives is further mixed (step S62). The refrigerating machine oil and the additives are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0122] Although the step (S61) of mixing recycled R32 with R1234yf and the step (S62) of mixing refrigerating machine oil can be performed separately, they are performed simultaneously in this embodiment. Specifically, in the mixing step (S60), at least recycled R32, R1234yf, and refrigerating machine oil containing an additive are mixed. Here, since the additive contains an acid scavenger, the mixing step (S60) further includes a step of mixing the acid scavenger.

[0123] A mixed refrigerant is produced by performing the mixing step (S60). The mixed refrigerant of this embodiment contains 65 mass% or more of R1234yf. Specifically, the R1234yf content in the refrigerant containing refrigerant components is 65 mass% or more. Specifically, R454C, R455A, or R454B is produced as the mixed refrigerant.

[0124] Although the mixing step (S60) can be performed in a factory, in this embodiment it is performed on-site.

[0125] Thereafter, the composition of the produced mixed refrigerant is inspected (S63). The inspection step (S63) is the same as the inspection step (S54) of the first embodiment. If the composition of the mixed refrigerant is appropriate in the inspection step (S63), it is determined that the mixed refrigerant can be filled into the heat source unit 2. On the other hand, if the composition of the mixed refrigerant is not appropriate in the inspection step (S63), the composition is adjusted.

[0126] Next, a second step (S2) is carried out in which the mixed refrigerant is filled into the heat source unit. Specifically, the second step (S2) is carried out as follows.

[0127] A heat source unit containing no refrigerant is prepared. In this embodiment, a heat source unit 102 in which a refrigerant is recovered from an existing refrigeration cycle device shown in FIG. 3 is used. The mixed refrigerant produced in the first step (S1) is then filled into the heat source unit 102. As a result, it is possible to manufacture the heat source unit 2 shown in FIG. 1 filled with a mixed refrigerant containing at least R32 and R1234yf.

[0128] (2-3) Method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device A method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 shown in Fig. 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 to Fig. 7. The method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is a method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 including the heat source unit 2 manufactured by the method for manufacturing the heat source unit 2 according to (2-2) above, utilization units 3a, 3b, and connection pipes 4, 5 that connect the heat source unit 2 and the utilization units 3a, 3b.

[0129] First, as shown in FIG. 7, the refrigerant is recovered from the existing refrigeration cycle device 101 shown in FIG. 3 (step S10).

[0130] Next, a third step (S3) is performed to remove the first heat source unit 102 constituting the existing refrigeration cycle apparatus 101 from the connecting pipes 4 and 5. In the third step (S3), the heat source unit 102 from which the refrigerant has been recovered is separated from the utilization units 3a and 3b and the connecting pipes 4 and 5.

[0131] Next, a fifth step (S5) of cleaning at least one of oil and acid adhering to the connecting pipes 4 and 5 of the existing refrigeration cycle apparatus 101 is performed before the fourth step (S4). The fifth step (S5) is the same as the step (S30) of cleaning the connecting pipes 4 and 5 according to the first embodiment.

[0132] Next, the recycling step (S51), the mixing step (S60), and the second step (S2) are carried out. As a result, the second heat source unit 2 can be manufactured by the method for manufacturing the heat source unit 2 in (2-2).

[0133] Next, a fourth step (S4) is performed to connect the manufactured second heat source unit 2 to the connecting pipes 4, 5. The fourth step (S4) is the same as the step (S42) of connecting the heat source unit according to the first embodiment to the connecting pipes 4, 5.

[0134] The refrigeration cycle device 1 shown in FIG. 1 can be manufactured by carrying out the above steps (S1 to S5).

[0135] (2-4) Features (2-4-1) The method for manufacturing the heat source unit 2 according to this embodiment includes a first step (S1) and a second step (S2). The heat source unit constitutes a refrigeration cycle device. In the first step (S1), R32 recovered and recycled from existing equipment is mixed with R1234yf to produce a mixed refrigerant containing at least R32 and R1234yf. In the second step (S2), the mixed refrigerant is filled into the heat source unit 2.

[0136] In the method for manufacturing the heat source unit 2 according to this embodiment, recycled R32 and R1234yf, which has a low GWP, are mixed in the first step (S1), so that a mixed refrigerant with a low GWP can be produced. As a result, by performing the second step (S2), the mixed refrigerant with a low GWP can be filled into the heat source unit 2. Therefore, the recycled refrigerant can be used in the heat source unit 2, which contributes to reducing (preventing) global warming.

[0137] The GWP of the refrigerant mixture filled in the manufactured heat source unit 2 can be made higher than that of R32, but in this embodiment it is set lower than that of R32. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture a heat source unit 2 that can contribute to reducing global warming.

[0138] In this embodiment, R32 is reused in the first step (S1), so that the release of R32 into the atmosphere can be reduced.

[0139] (2-4-2) In the method for manufacturing the heat source unit 2 according to this embodiment, the first step (S1) preferably includes a recycling step (S51) and a mixing step (S60). In the recycling step (S51), R32 recovered from an existing facility is recycled. In the mixing step (S60), at least the recycled R32 and R1234yf are mixed.

[0140] In this embodiment, the mixing step (S60) is performed on-site. R32, R1234yf, and their mixed gas are flammable. The recycling step (S51) includes one or more steps (S51a, S51b, S51c, or any combination thereof) for reducing at least one of water, acid, and oil contained in the recovered R32.

[0141] Here, by carrying out at least one of a water reduction step (S51a), an acid reduction step (S51b), and an oil reduction step (S51c), R32 in which at least one of water, acid, and oil has been reduced is recycled, and the quality of the mixed refrigerant produced by mixing R32 with R1234yf can be improved.

[0142] In particular, the recycling step (S51) preferably includes a water reduction step (S51a), which recycles the R32 from which water has been removed, thereby suppressing oxidation and decomposition of the R1234yf mixed in the mixing step (S60).

[0143] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the mixed refrigerant is produced on a small scale in order to perform the mixing step (S60) on-site, and therefore explosion prevention measures for the production equipment used when the mixed refrigerant is produced on-site can be simplified.

[0144] (2-4-3) In the method for manufacturing the heat source unit 2 according to this embodiment, the mixing step (S60) preferably includes a step (S53) of further mixing in an acid scavenger.

[0145] Here, even if R1234yf is decomposed and an acid is generated in the mixing step (S60), the acid scavenger can capture the acid, thereby suppressing an increase in the acid concentration.

[0146] (2-4-4) In the method for manufacturing the heat source unit 2 according to this embodiment, the first step (S1) further includes an inspection step (S54) for inspecting the composition of the mixed refrigerant produced in the mixing step (S60).

[0147] Here, the inspection step (S54) can inspect whether the mixed refrigerant has an appropriate composition, and therefore the heat source unit 2 can be filled with a mixed refrigerant having an appropriate composition.

[0148] (2-4-5) In the method for manufacturing the heat source unit 2 according to this embodiment, 65 mass % or more of R1234yf is contained in the first step (S1).

[0149] Here, a mixed refrigerant with a lower GWP can be produced in the first step (S1), and therefore, in the second step (S2), the mixed refrigerant with a lower GWP can be filled into the heat source unit, thereby contributing to the reduction of global warming.

[0150] (2-4-6) In the method for manufacturing the heat source unit 2 according to this embodiment, preferably, R454C, R455A, or R454B is produced as the mixed refrigerant in the first step (S1).

[0151] Here, a mixed refrigerant with an extremely low GWP can be filled into the heat source unit 2. Therefore, a heat source unit 2 that contributes to reducing global warming can be realized using recycled R32.

[0152] (2-4-7) The method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a third step (S3) and a fourth step (S4), and the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 includes a heat source unit 2, utilization units 3a and 3b, and connecting pipes 4 and 5. The heat source unit 2 is manufactured by the method for manufacturing the heat source unit 2. The connecting pipes 4 and 5 connect the heat source unit 2 and the utilization units 3a and 3b. The first step (S1) includes a recovery step (S10) for recovering refrigerant from an existing refrigeration cycle apparatus 101. In the third step (S3), the first heat source unit 102 constituting the existing refrigeration cycle apparatus 101 is removed from the connecting pipes 4 and 5. In the fourth step (S4), the second heat source unit 2 manufactured by the method for manufacturing the heat source unit 2 is connected to the connecting pipes 4 and 5.

[0153] Here, refrigerant is recovered from an existing refrigeration cycle device 101, and the existing first heat source unit 102 is removed from the existing connecting pipes 4 and 5 and replaced with a second heat source unit 2 filled with a mixed refrigerant containing recycled R32. Therefore, by using the recycled refrigerant, it is possible to manufacture a refrigeration cycle device 1 equipped with a heat source unit 2 that contributes to reducing global warming.

[0154] In this embodiment, it is possible to use the connecting pipes 4 and 5 of the existing refrigeration cycle apparatus 101. As described above, the installation method of connecting the heat source unit 2 manufactured by the method for manufacturing the heat source unit 2 to the existing connecting pipes 4 and 5 can contribute to suppressing carbon dioxide emissions.

[0155] (2-4-8) The method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device 1 of this embodiment preferably further includes a fifth step (S5) performed before the fourth step (S4) of cleaning at least one of oil or acid adhering to the connecting pipes 4, 5 of the existing refrigeration cycle device 101.

[0156] Here, the fifth step (S5) can reduce oil and acid adhering to the connecting pipes 4 and 5. Therefore, when the second heat source unit 2 is connected and the mixed refrigerant is used as the working refrigerant, it is possible to suppress the incorporation of impurities into the mixed refrigerant.

[0157] (2-5) Modification of the second embodiment (2-5-1) Variation 1 In the above embodiment, R32 is recovered from a refrigeration cycle device 101, which is an existing facility including a refrigerant circuit 110 filled with a single R32 refrigerant, and a heat source unit 2 filled with a mixed refrigerant R454C, R455A, or R454B is manufactured, and the refrigeration cycle device is converted into a refrigeration cycle device 1 that uses the mixed refrigerant as a working refrigerant.

[0158] The existing equipment is not limited to refrigeration cycle equipment containing only R32 refrigerant. In the case of existing equipment containing a mixed refrigerant containing R32, the mixed refrigerant can be recovered and the R32 can be recycled. If the existing refrigeration cycle equipment does not contain R32, R32 can be recovered separately from existing equipment other than the refrigeration cycle equipment 1 to be manufactured, or an existing refrigeration cycle equipment not containing R32 can be converted to a refrigeration cycle equipment 1 that uses a mixed refrigerant containing recycled R32 as the working refrigerant.

[0159] Specifically, in the method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 according to this modification, in the recovery step (S10) of the first step (S1), a working refrigerant is recovered from an existing refrigeration cycle apparatus 101 that uses R410A as the working refrigerant. In the mixing step (S60) of the first step (S1), R454B composed of R32 and R1234yf is produced. In the second step (S2), R454B is charged into the heat source unit 2. In the fourth step (S4), the second heat source unit 2 in which R454B is sealed is connected to the connecting pipes 4 and 5. As a result, a refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 including a refrigerant circuit 10 in which R454B is sealed can be manufactured.

[0160] As described above, in this modification, a mixed refrigerant having a lower GWP than existing working refrigerants can be used, making it possible to manufacture a refrigeration cycle apparatus including a heat source unit that contributes to reducing global warming.

[0161] (2-5-2) Variation 2 In the above embodiment, an existing refrigeration cycle device 101 using a single refrigerant R32 has been described as an example, and in variant example 1, an existing refrigeration cycle device 101 using a single refrigerant R410A has been described as an example, but the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0162] In the method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 according to this modification, in the recovery step (S10), the working refrigerant is recovered from an existing refrigeration cycle apparatus 101 that uses R22, R404A, or R407C as the working refrigerant. In the mixing step (S60) of the first step (S1), R454C made of R32 and R1234yf, or R455A made of R32, R1234yf, and carbon dioxide, is produced. In the second step (S2), R454C or R455A is charged into the heat source unit 2. In the fourth step (S4), the second heat source unit 2 containing R454C or R455A is connected to the connecting pipes 4 and 5. As a result, a refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 including a refrigerant circuit 10 containing R454C or R455A can be manufactured.

[0163] As described above, in this modification, a mixed refrigerant having a lower GWP than existing working refrigerants can be used, making it possible to manufacture a refrigeration cycle apparatus including a heat source unit that contributes to reducing global warming.

[0164] (2-5-3) Variation 3 In the above embodiment, the refrigeration cycle apparatus is converted into the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 that uses the connecting pipes 4 and 5 of the existing refrigeration cycle apparatus 101, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. A newly installed utilization unit can be connected to the connecting pipes 4 and 5 of the existing refrigeration cycle apparatus 101, and the manufactured second heat source unit 2 can be connected to the connecting pipes 4 and 5.

[0165] (2-5-4) Variation 4 In the above-described embodiment, Modification 1, and Modification 2, newly produced R1234yf refrigerant is used, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In this modification, recycled R1234yf refrigerant is used.

[0166] (2-5-5) Variation 5 In the above embodiment, in the first step (S1), at least recycled R32, R1234yf, and refrigerating machine oil containing additives are mixed, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. In this modification, in the first step (S1), recycled R32 and R1234yf are mixed to generate a mixed refrigerant, and in the second step (S2), the mixed refrigerant and refrigerating machine oil containing additives are filled into the heat source unit.

[0167] (2-5-6) Variation 6 In the above embodiment, the fifth step (S5) of cleaning at least one of the oil and acid adhering to the connecting pipes 4 and 5 is performed after the third step (S3) of removing the heat source unit 2, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The fifth step (S5) is performed before the fourth step (S4) of connecting the manufactured heat source unit 2 to the connecting pipes 4 and 5. In this modified example, the fifth step (S5) is performed in the step (S10) of recovering the refrigerant. In other words, the step (S10) of recovering the refrigerant from an existing device further includes a step (S30) of cleaning at least one of the oil and acid adhering to the connecting pipes of an existing refrigeration cycle apparatus.

[0168] (2-5-7) Variation 7 In the above embodiment, the refrigerant circuit 10 in which the refrigerant and the refrigerating machine oil are sealed has been described as an example, but the refrigerating machine oil may be omitted. In this case, only the components of the refrigerating machine oil may be omitted, and at least some of the additives described above may be sealed in the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0169] (2-5-8) Variation 8 In the above embodiment, a method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 including a plurality of utilization units 3a, 3b has been described. Note that the number of utilization units may be one or three or more.

[0170] (2-5-9) Variation 9 In the above embodiment, a method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device 1 capable of both cooling and heating has been described, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device 1 of the present disclosure can also be applied to a method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device dedicated to cooling.

[0171] (2-5-10) Variation 10 In the above embodiment, the refrigeration cycle apparatus has been described as an example of an existing facility from which R32 is recovered, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. R32 may be recovered from any existing facility that contains R32.

[0172] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0173] 1: Refrigeration cycle device 2: Heat source unit 3a, 3b: User unit 4,5: Liquid connection pipe 10: Refrigerant circuit 31: Indoor heat exchanger 31a: Indoor heat exchanger 31b: Indoor heat exchanger 34: Outdoor heat exchanger 101: Refrigeration cycle device [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0174] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 003509

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a heat source unit (2) constituting a refrigeration cycle device (1), comprising: A first step (S1) of mixing R32 recovered and recycled from an existing facility (101) with R1234yf to produce a mixed refrigerant containing at least R32 and R1234yf; A second step (S2) of filling the heat source unit with the mixed refrigerant; Including, A method for manufacturing a heat source unit.

2. The first step comprises: A recycling step (S51) of recycling R32 recovered from the existing equipment; A mixing step (S60) of mixing at least R32 to be recycled and R1234yf; Including, The recycling step includes steps (S51a, S51b, S51c) of reducing at least one of water, acid, and oil contained in the recovered R32. A method for manufacturing the heat source unit according to claim 1.

3. The mixing step includes a step (S62) of further mixing an acid scavenger. A method for manufacturing the heat source unit according to claim 2.

4. The first step further includes an inspection step (S63) of inspecting the composition of the mixed refrigerant produced in the mixing step. A method for manufacturing the heat source unit according to claim 2 or 3.

5. In the first step, the mixed refrigerant containing 65 mass% or more of R1234yf is produced. A method for manufacturing the heat source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. In the first step, R454C, R455A, or R454B is produced as the mixed refrigerant. A method for manufacturing the heat source unit according to claim 5.

7. A method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device, comprising: The refrigeration cycle device includes a heat source unit manufactured by the method for manufacturing a heat source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, a utilization unit (3a), and connecting pipes (4, 5) connecting the heat source unit and the utilization unit, The first step includes a recovery step (S10) of recovering a refrigerant from an existing refrigeration cycle device, The method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device includes: a third step (S3) of removing a first heat source unit constituting the existing refrigeration cycle apparatus from the connecting pipe; A fourth step (S4) of connecting a second heat source unit manufactured by the method for manufacturing a heat source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6 to the connecting pipe; Including, A method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device.

8. A fifth step (S5) of cleaning at least one of oil and acid adhering to the connecting pipe of the existing refrigeration cycle device, The fifth step is performed before the fourth step. A method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device according to claim 7.

9. In the recovery step, the working refrigerant is recovered from the existing refrigeration cycle device that uses R410A or R32 as the working refrigerant, In the fourth step, the second heat source unit in which R454B is sealed is connected to the connecting pipe. A method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device according to claim 7 or 8.

10. In the recovery step, the working refrigerant is recovered from the existing refrigeration cycle device that uses R22, R404A, or R407C as the working refrigerant, In the fourth step, the second heat source unit in which R454C or R455A is sealed is connected to the connecting pipe. A method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device according to claim 8.

11. A method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device (1) including a heat source unit (2), a utilization unit (3a), and connecting pipes (4, 5) connecting the heat source unit and the utilization unit, comprising: a step (S40) of generating a refrigerant circuit (10) by connecting the heat source unit in which a refrigerant containing R1234yf is sealed to the connecting pipe connected to the utilization unit; A step (S50) of charging the refrigerant circuit with R32 recovered and recycled from existing equipment to seal a mixed refrigerant containing at least R32 and R1234yf; Including, A method for manufacturing a refrigeration cycle device.

12. In the production step, the heat source unit in which R1234yf single refrigerant is sealed is used. A method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device according to claim 11.

13. In the production step, the heat source unit in which a refrigerant consisting of R1234yf and carbon dioxide is sealed is used. A method for manufacturing the refrigeration cycle device according to claim 12.

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