Heat source unit and refrigeration system

The heat source unit's partitioned design and airflow mechanism dilute and contain leaked refrigerant, addressing safety risks and enhancing efficiency in refrigeration systems using highly flammable refrigerants.

JP2026062328APending Publication Date: 2026-04-09DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-09-30
Publication Date
2026-04-09

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Highly flammable refrigerants, such as R290, pose safety risks when they leak from refrigeration apparatuses due to their high concentration, necessitating rapid dilution to reduce their concentration and prevent hazardous outflows.

Method used

A heat source unit design with a partitioned casing that guides refrigerant leaks into a fan chamber where they are agitated and diluted by airflow, using a heat source fan to suppress the outflow of high-concentration refrigerant, and includes a refrigerant sensor to activate the fan even when the compressor is stopped.

Benefits of technology

Effectively reduces the concentration of leaked highly flammable refrigerant, enhancing safety by preventing its high-concentration outflow and improving heat exchange efficiency.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To improve safety against leaks of highly flammable refrigerants. [Solution] The heat source unit 10 comprises a casing 50, a vertical partition plate 70, a compressor 11, and a heat source fan 14. The casing 50 has a bottom plate 52 and an internal space S. The vertical partition plate 70 partitions the internal space S into a fan room S3 and a machine room S4. The compressor 11 is located in the machine room S4 and compresses the refrigerant R. The heat source fan 14 is located in the fan room S3. The bottom plate 52 has a machine room wall portion 526. The machine room wall portion 526 extends upward from the periphery of the machine room bottom surface portion 522. The vertical partition plate 70 has a partition opening 75. The partition opening 75 connects the fan room S3 and the machine room S4. The height H2 of the lower end 75L of the partition opening 75 is lower than the height H0 of the machine room wall portion 526.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat source unit handling a highly flammable refrigerant and a refrigeration apparatus having the same.

Background Art

[0002] In the refrigeration apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014-055705), R32, which is a flammable refrigerant, is used.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] In recent years, highly flammable refrigerants, which are particularly flammable among flammable refrigerants, may be used in refrigeration apparatuses. Examples of highly flammable refrigerants include R290 (propane). When a high-concentration highly flammable refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration apparatus, it is required to quickly mix the leaked refrigerant with air and stir it to dilute the refrigerant, thereby reducing the concentration of the refrigerant and improving the safety of users.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The heat source unit according to the first aspect includes a casing, a partition plate, a compressor, and a heat source fan. The casing has a bottom plate and an internal space. The partition plate partitions the internal space into a fan chamber and a machine chamber. The compressor is disposed in the machine chamber and compresses the refrigerant. The heat source fan is disposed in the fan chamber. The bottom plate has a machine chamber wall portion. The machine chamber wall portion extends upward from the periphery of the bottom surface of the machine chamber. The partition plate has a partition opening. The partition opening communicates the fan chamber and the machine chamber. The height of the lower end of the partition opening is lower than the height of the machine chamber wall portion.

[0005] In this configuration, the height of the lower end of the partition opening is lower than the height of the machine room wall. Therefore, if refrigerant with a specific gravity greater than air leaks from the refrigerant circuit in the machine room, the refrigerant is guided through the partition opening into the fan room before it can flow over the machine room wall and out of the casing. The refrigerant is then agitated and diluted by the airflow generated by the heat source fan. As a result, the outflow of high-concentration refrigerant to the outside of the heat source unit is suppressed.

[0006] The heat source unit in the second perspective is the heat source unit in the first perspective, wherein the height of the upper end of the partition opening is lower than the height of the machine room wall.

[0007] In this configuration, the height of the upper edge of the partition opening is lower than the height of the machine room wall. Therefore, refrigerant leaking into the machine room is more easily guided into the fan room.

[0008] The heat source unit in the third perspective is the heat source unit in the first or second perspective, and the height of the machine room wall is the average value of the height of the machine room wall in the entire machine room wall.

[0009] In this configuration, the height of the machine room wall compared to the height position of the partition opening represents the average height of the machine room wall around its entire circumference. Therefore, even if the height of the machine room wall varies depending on the location, the height of the machine room wall can be uniquely determined.

[0010] The heat source unit of the fourth view is one of the heat source units of the first view to the third view, wherein the casing further comprises a first side plate and a second side plate, and a front plate and a rear plate. The first side plate and the second side plate are separated in the horizontal longitudinal direction of the casing. The front plate and the rear plate are separated in the horizontal short direction of the casing. The fan room is located on the side of the first side plate. The machine room is located on the side of the second side plate. The partition plate has a first region and a second region. The first region extends horizontally from the front plate in the short direction. The second region extends non-parallel to the first region from the end of the first region to the rear plate. A partition opening is provided in the second region.

[0011] With this configuration, the partition plate has a second region, which allows the fan chamber on the rear plate side to be expanded compared to the fan chamber on the front plate side. Therefore, the heat exchanger can be extended into the expanded fan chamber, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heat source unit.

[0012] The heat source unit in the fifth perspective is the heat source unit in the fourth perspective, wherein the second region is a plane that is inclined so as to move from the end of the first region toward the second side plate.

[0013] In this configuration, the second area is an inclined plane. Therefore, the size of the fan chamber on the rear plate side can be effectively expanded.

[0014] The heat source unit of the sixth aspect is the heat source unit of the fourth or fifth aspect, wherein the heat source fan has heat source fan blades and a heat source fan motor. The heat source fan blades generate airflow. The heat source fan motor rotates the heat source fan blades. The first separation distance between the partition opening and the rear plate is shorter than the second separation distance between the heat source fan blades and the rear plate. According to this configuration, the partition opening is closer to the rear plate compared to the heat source fan blades. Therefore, the refrigerant guided from the partition opening into the fan chamber is properly drawn in by the heat source fan blades, so that the refrigerant is effectively agitated and diluted.

[0015] The heat source unit of the seventh viewpoint is one of the heat source units of the fourth viewpoint to the sixth viewpoint, wherein the second side plate does not have an opening larger than 5 mm.

[0016] With this configuration, there are no openings of significant size in the second side plate. Therefore, the outflow of high-concentration refrigerant that has leaked into the machine room through the second side plate to the outside of the casing is suppressed.

[0017] The heat source unit of the eighth perspective is one of the heat source units from the first to the seventh perspective, wherein the heat source fan generates an airflow that flows from the machine room through the partition opening into the fan room.

[0018] In this configuration, there is an airflow that flows from the machine room through the partition opening to the fan room. Therefore, any refrigerant that leaks into the machine room is guided to the fan room.

[0019] The heat source unit of the ninth aspect is a heat source unit of any one of the first to eighth aspects, further comprising a refrigerant sensor and a heat source control unit. The heat source control unit drives a heat source fan when the refrigerant sensor detects leaking refrigerant, regardless of whether the compressor is operating or stopped.

[0020] In this configuration, the heat source control unit drives the heat source fan when a refrigerant leak is detected. Therefore, even when the compressor is stopped, an airflow is generated through the partition opening, guiding the leaked refrigerant into the fan chamber.

[0021] The heat source unit of the tenth perspective is one of the heat source units from the first perspective to the ninth perspective, and the refrigerant is a highly flammable refrigerant.

[0022] In this configuration, the refrigerant is a highly flammable refrigerant. Therefore, since the leaked highly flammable refrigerant is stirred and diluted, the concentration of the highly flammable refrigerant flowing out of the casing can be reduced, thereby improving safety at the installation location of the heat source unit.

[0023] The refrigeration system of the 11th aspect comprises a heat source unit and a utilization unit (20). The heat source unit is one of the units of the 1st aspect to the 9th aspect. The utilization unit provides the user with the heat or cold acquired by the heat source unit.

[0024] With this configuration, the concentration of refrigerant leaking from the heat source unit within the refrigeration system to the outside is low. Therefore, the safety of the refrigeration system against refrigerant leakage can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0025] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the refrigeration system 100. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the heat source unit 10. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of the state where some parts of the heat source unit 10 are removed. [Figure 4] It is a front view schematically showing the structure of the heat source unit 10. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view of the state where some parts of the heat source unit 10 are removed. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of the heat source unit 10. [Figure 7] It is a side view schematically showing the structure of the heat source unit 10. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view of the heat source unit 10 in a plan view. [Figure 9] It is a plan view schematically showing the structure of the heat source unit 10.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] <Embodiment> (1) Overall Configuration FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the refrigeration device 100 in the present embodiment. The refrigeration device 100 provides cold heat or hot heat obtained from a heat source to a user by circulating a refrigerant R. The refrigeration device 100 provides cold heat to the user in a cold heat utilization operation. The refrigeration device 100 provides hot heat to the user in a hot heat utilization operation. The refrigeration device 100 can be configured in the form of an air conditioner, a refrigerator, a freezer, a water heater, a floor heating device, etc. When the refrigeration device 100 is an air conditioner, the cold heat utilization operation and the hot heat utilization operation correspond to a cooling operation and a heating operation, respectively. The refrigeration device 100 includes a heat source unit 10, a utilization unit 20, and a connection pipe group 30.

[0027] (2) Detailed Configuration (2-1) Refrigerant R Refrigerant R is a highly flammable refrigerant. An example of a highly flammable refrigerant is R290 (propane). The specific gravity of refrigerant R is greater than that of air. High concentrations of refrigerant R leaking from the refrigerant circuit of the refrigeration unit 100 can be diluted by quickly mixing and stirring the refrigerant R with air to reduce its concentration.

[0028] (2-2) Heat source unit 10 The heat source unit 10 obtains cooling or heating from the air, which is the heat source. The heat source unit 10 includes a casing 50, a compressor 11, a four-way switching valve 12, a heat source heat exchanger 13, a heat source fan 14, a heat source expansion valve 15, an accumulator 16, a liquid shut-off valve 17, a gas shut-off valve 18, a refrigerant sensor 41, and a heat source control unit 19.

[0029] (2-2-1) Casing 50 The casing 50 houses the components of the heat source unit 10, including the compressor 11. As shown in Figure 2, the casing 50 has a top plate 51, a bottom plate 52, a first side plate 53, a second side plate 54, a front plate 55, a rear plate 56, and a front grille 57. In this embodiment, the front grille 57 overlaps the front plate 55 to form two layers, but the front grille 57 and the front plate 55 may be provided on the same plane. In either design, the front grille 57 may be considered to constitute a part of the front plate 55.

[0030] The top plate 51 and the bottom plate 52 both extend in the horizontal longitudinal direction x and the horizontal short direction y of the casing 50. The first side plate 53 and the second side plate 54 both extend in the horizontal short direction y and the vertical direction z. The front plate 55 and the rear plate 56 both extend in the horizontal longitudinal direction x and the vertical direction z.

[0031] The first side plate 53 and the second side plate 54 are separated in the horizontal longitudinal direction x of the casing 50. The front plate 55 and the rear plate 56 are separated in the horizontal short direction y of the casing 50. As shown in Figure 3, when the front grille 57 is removed, the front plate 55 is exposed. The second side plate 54 has no openings at all, or if it has an opening, the size of the opening does not exceed 5 mm.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, the casing 50 has an internal space S. The internal space S is provided with a horizontal partition plate 60 and a vertical partition plate 70. The horizontal partition plate 60 is a plate-like member that extends horizontally, although it has irregularities or openings. The horizontal partition plate 60 divides the internal space S into an upper space S1 and a lower space S2. The vertical partition plate 70 divides the lower space S2 into a fan room S3 and a machine room S4. The fan room S3 is located on the side of the first side plate 53. The machine room S4 is located on the side of the second side plate 54.

[0033] (2-2-2) Compressor 11 As shown in Figure 1, the compressor 11 has an intake pipe 11a and a discharge pipe 11b. The compressor 11 draws in refrigerant R in a low-pressure gas state from the intake pipe 11a, compresses the refrigerant R, and discharges the refrigerant R in a high-pressure gas state from the discharge pipe 11b. As shown in Figure 4, the compressor 11 is located in the machine room S4.

[0034] (2-2-3) Four-way switching valve 12 The four-way switching valve 12 shown in Figure 1 switches between cooling operation and heating operation by switching the direction of travel of the refrigerant R. When operating in cooling operation mode, the four-way switching valve 12 forms the connection shown by the solid line in Figure 1, and the refrigerant R travels in the direction indicated by the arrow CO. When operating in heating operation mode, the four-way switching valve 12 forms the connection shown by the dashed line in Figure 1, and the refrigerant R travels in the direction indicated by the arrow HO. The four-way switching valve 12 is located in the machine room S4.

[0035] (2-2-4) Heat source heat exchanger 13 The heat source heat exchanger 13 shown in Figure 1 performs heat exchange between the heat source air and the refrigerant R, thereby allowing the refrigerant R to acquire cooling or heating energy. When operating for cooling, the heat source heat exchanger 13 functions as a condenser or heat radiator for the refrigerant R, allowing the refrigerant R to acquire cooling energy. When operating for heating, the heat source heat exchanger 13 functions as an evaporator or heat absorber for the refrigerant R, allowing the refrigerant R to acquire heating energy. As shown in Figure 5, the heat source heat exchanger 13 is located in the fan chamber S3.

[0036] (2-2-5) Heat source fan 14 The heat source fan 14 shown in Figure 1 promotes heat exchange between air and refrigerant R by generating an airflow that passes through the heat source heat exchanger 13. The heat source fan 14 has heat source fan blades 141 and a heat source fan motor 142. The heat source fan blades 141 generate an airflow. The heat source fan motor 142 rotates the heat source fan blades 141. As shown in Figure 5, the heat source fan 14 is located in the fan chamber S3.

[0037] (2-2-6) Heat source expansion valve 15 The heat source expansion valve 15 shown in Figure 1 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant R. The heat source expansion valve 15 is composed of an electrically operated valve whose opening degree can be adjusted. When the opening degree of the heat source expansion valve 15 is set to a small value, the amount of refrigerant R that can pass through the heat source expansion valve 15 decreases, and the pressure of the refrigerant R after passing through the heat source expansion valve 15 decreases. The heat source expansion valve 15 is located in the machine room S4.

[0038] (2-2-7) Accumulator 16 The accumulator 16 allows only the gaseous component of the refrigerant R to pass through by storing only the liquid component inside. The accumulator 16 is connected to the suction pipe 11a of the compressor 11 to prevent the liquid component of the refrigerant R from damaging the compressor 11. The accumulator 16 is located in the machine room S4.

[0039] (2-2-8) Liquid shut-off valve 17 and gas shut-off valve 18 The liquid shut-off valve 17 and the gas shut-off valve 18 are for blocking the movement of the refrigerant R during installation work of the refrigeration system 100. The liquid shut-off valve 17 and the gas shut-off valve 18 are opened and closed manually by the installer of the refrigeration system 100.

[0040] (2-2-9) Refrigerant sensor 41 The refrigerant sensor 41 detects the refrigerant R that has leaked from the refrigerant circuit that makes up the heat source unit 10.

[0041] (2-2-10) Heat source control unit 19 The heat source control unit 19 is a computer that performs various calculations. The heat source control unit 19 acquires signals from various sensors, including the refrigerant sensor 41, as well as temperature sensors and pressure sensors. Furthermore, the heat source control unit 19 controls actuators mounted on the compressor 11, the four-way switching valve 12, the heat source fan 14, the heat source expansion valve 15, and other components.

[0042] (2-3) Unit 20 The utilization unit 20 shown in Figure 1 provides the user with the cold or heat acquired by the heat source unit 10 from the heat source. The utilization unit 20 includes a casing 21, a utilization heat exchanger 23, and a utilization fan 24.

[0043] (2-3-1) Casing 21 The casing 21 houses the components of the utilization unit 20, including the utilization heat exchanger 23.

[0044] (2-3-2) Utilized heat exchanger 23 The utilization heat exchanger 23 provides cooling or heating to the user by exchanging heat with the refrigerant R, such as the air in the user's environment or the water used by the user. When operating for cooling, the utilization heat exchanger 23 functions as an evaporator or absorber for the refrigerant R, providing cooling to the user. When operating for heating, the utilization heat exchanger 23 functions as an evaporator or absorber for the refrigerant R, providing heating to the user.

[0045] (2-3-3) Fan 24 The utilization fan 24 is provided when the user utilizes cooling or heating through the air. The utilization fan 24 promotes heat exchange between the air and the refrigerant R by generating an airflow that passes through the utilization heat exchanger 23.

[0046] (2-3-4) User control unit 29 The utilization control unit 29 is a computer that performs various calculations. The utilization control unit 29 acquires signals from various sensors. Furthermore, the utilization control unit 29 controls the motor mounted on the utilization fan 24. In addition, the utilization control unit 29 exchanges information with the heat source control unit 19 by communicating with it.

[0047] (2-4) Connecting piping group 30 The connecting piping group 30 constitutes a circulation path for the refrigerant R by connecting the heat source unit 10 and the utilization unit 20. The connecting piping group 30 includes a liquid connecting pipe 31 and a gas connecting pipe 32. The liquid connecting pipe 31 mainly allows the refrigerant R to pass through in a liquid state or a gas-liquid two-phase state. The liquid connecting pipe 31 connects the liquid shut-off valve 17 to the utilization heat exchanger 23. The gas connecting pipe 32 mainly allows the refrigerant R to pass through in a high-pressure gas state or a low-pressure gas state. The gas connecting pipe 32 connects the gas shut-off valve 18 to the utilization heat exchanger 23.

[0048] (2-5) Communication line 35 The communication line 35 enables communication between the heat source control unit 19 and the utilization control unit 29.

[0049] (3) Overall operation (3-1)Cold heat utilization operation When operating using refrigeration, the four-way switching valve 12 forms the connection shown by the solid line in Figure 1, and the refrigerant R is directed in the direction indicated by the arrow CO.

[0050] The compressor 11 draws in refrigerant R in a low-pressure gas state from the suction pipe 11a and discharges refrigerant R in a high-pressure gas state from the discharge pipe 11b. The refrigerant R in a high-pressure gas state passes through the four-way switching valve 12 and reaches the heat source heat exchanger 13. In the heat source heat exchanger 13, the coldness of the air condenses the refrigerant R, generating refrigerant R in a high-pressure liquid state. The refrigerant R in a high-pressure liquid state is depressurized in the heat source expansion valve 15, becoming a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant R. Subsequently, the refrigerant R passes through the liquid shut-off valve 17 and the liquid connecting pipe 31 and reaches the utilization heat exchanger 23. The utilization heat exchanger 23 evaporates the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant R, providing the coldness carried by the refrigerant R to the user and generating refrigerant R in a low-pressure gas state. Subsequently, the refrigerant R passes through the gas communication pipe 32, the gas shut-off valve 18, the four-way switching valve 12, and the accumulator 16 in that order, before being drawn into the compressor 11 in the suction pipe 11a.

[0051] (3-2) Operation utilizing thermal energy When operating for thermal energy utilization, the four-way switching valve 12 forms the connection shown by the dashed line in Figure 1, and the refrigerant R is directed in the direction indicated by the arrow HO.

[0052] The compressor 11 draws in refrigerant R in a low-pressure gas state from the intake pipe 11a and discharges refrigerant R in a high-pressure gas state from the discharge pipe 11b. The refrigerant R in the high-pressure gas state passes sequentially through the four-way switching valve 12, the gas shut-off valve 18, and the gas connecting pipe 32 to reach the utilization heat exchanger 23. The utilization heat exchanger 23 condenses the refrigerant R in the high-pressure gas state, providing the heat carried by the refrigerant R to the user and generating refrigerant R in a high-pressure liquid state. Subsequently, the refrigerant R passes through the liquid connecting pipe 31 and the liquid shut-off valve 17 to reach the heat source expansion valve 15. The refrigerant R in the high-pressure liquid state is depressurized in the heat source expansion valve 15 and becomes refrigerant R in a gas-liquid two-phase state. Subsequently, the refrigerant R reaches the heat source heat exchanger 13. In the heat source heat exchanger 13, the heat from the air evaporates the refrigerant R, generating refrigerant R in a low-pressure gas state. Subsequently, the refrigerant R passes through the four-way switching valve 12 and the accumulator 16 in sequence before being drawn into the compressor 11 in the suction pipe 11a.

[0053] (4) Detailed structure of the heat source unit 10 Figure 5 shows the heat source unit 10 with some parts removed. Figure 5 shows the bottom plate 52, vertical partition plate 70, heat source heat exchanger 13, and heat source fan 14. The fan room S3 is located to the left of the vertical partition plate 70, and the machine room S4 is located to the right of the vertical partition plate 70.

[0054] The bottom plate 52 has a bottom surface portion 521 and a wall portion 525. The bottom surface portion 521 has irregularities but generally forms a horizontal plane. The wall portion 525 extends upward from the periphery of the bottom surface portion 521. The vertical partition plate 70 divides the bottom surface portion 521 into the fan room bottom surface portion 523 and the machine room bottom surface portion 522. Furthermore, the vertical partition plate 70 divides the wall portion 525 into the fan room wall portion 527 and the machine room wall portion 526. The fan room wall portion 527 extends upward from the periphery of the fan room bottom surface portion 523. The machine room wall portion 526 extends upward from the periphery of the machine room bottom surface portion 522.

[0055] A partition opening 75 is provided in the vertical partition plate 70. The partition opening 75 connects the fan room S3 and the machine room S4. The heat source fan 14 generates an airflow that flows from the machine room S4 through the partition opening 75 to the fan room S3. The partition opening 75 is intended to move the refrigerant R that has leaked into the machine room S4 to the fan room S3 through the action of the heat source fan 14. The partition opening 75 is located at a low position and is close to the bottom surface 521.

[0056] As schematically shown in Figure 6, the vertical partition plate 70 has a first region 71, a second region 72, and a third region 73. The first region 71 extends from the front plate 55 in the horizontal short direction y of the casing 50, from end Q1 to end Q2. The second region 72 extends non-parallel to the first region 71, from end Q2 of the first region 71 toward end Q3 toward the rear plate 56. The second region 72 is a plane that is inclined to approach the second side plate 54 from end Q2 of the first region. The third region 73 extends non-parallel to the second region 72, from end Q3 of the second region 72 toward end Q4 toward the rear plate 56, for a short distance. The third region 73 is provided with an opening for passing piping that connects the heat source heat exchanger 13 of the fan room S3 and the refrigerant circuit components of the machine room S4. Alternatively, if the area of ​​the third region 73 is sufficiently small to allow such piping to pass through, it is possible to omit the installation of the third region 73. A partition opening 75 connecting the fan room S3 and the machine room S4 is provided in the second region 72.

[0057] The machine room wall 526 has an upper end 526H and a lower end 526L. The height of the upper end 526H is the height H0 of the machine room wall 526. The partition opening 75 has an upper end 75H and a lower end 75L. The height H2 of the lower end 75L of the partition opening 75 is the distance between the lower end 75L and the bottom surface 521. The height H2 of the lower end 75L of the partition opening 75 is lower than the height H0 of the machine room wall 526. The height H0 of the machine room wall 526 referred to here may be the average value of the heights of the machine room wall 526 over the entire machine room wall 526.

[0058] As shown in Figures 7, 8, and 9, in the horizontal short direction y of the casing 50, the rear plate 56 is positioned at position Y0, the end of the partition opening 75 closest to the rear plate 56 is positioned at position Y1, and the end of the heat source fan 14 closest to the rear plate 56 is positioned at position Y2. The first separation distance P1 between the partition opening 75 and the rear plate 56 is the distance between position Y0 and position Y2. The second separation distance P2 between the heat source fan blade 141 of the heat source fan 14 and the rear plate 56 is the distance between position Y0 and position Y2. The first separation distance P1 is shorter than the second separation distance P2.

[0059] (5) Control of the heat source unit 10 Regardless of whether the compressor 11 is operating or stopped, the heat source control unit 19 drives the heat source fan 14 when the refrigerant sensor 41 detects refrigerant R leaking from the refrigerant circuit. At this time, the refrigerant R that has leaked into the machine room S4 passes through the partition opening 75 due to the action of the heat source fan 14 and moves to the fan room S3. Subsequently, the refrigerant R is agitated by the airflow generated by the heat source fan 14, thereby diluting the refrigerant R.

[0060] (6) Characteristics (6-1) The heat source fan 14 generates an airflow that flows from the machine room S4 through the partition opening 75 to the fan room S3. The height H2 of the lower end 75L of the partition opening 75 is lower than the height H0 of the machine room wall 526. Therefore, if refrigerant R, which has a higher specific gravity than air, leaks from the refrigerant circuit in the machine room S4, the refrigerant R is guided through the partition opening 75 to the fan room S3 before it can flow over the machine room wall 526 and out of the casing 50. The refrigerant R is then stirred and diluted by the airflow generated by the heat source fan 14. As a result, the outflow of high-concentration refrigerant R to the outside of the heat source unit 10 is suppressed.

[0061] (6-2) The height H0 of the machine room wall 526, which is compared with the height position of the partition opening 75, can be the average of the heights of the entire machine room wall 526. In this case, the height H0 of the machine room wall 526 can be uniquely determined even if the machine room wall 526 varies from place to place.

[0062] (6-3) The vertical partition plate 70 has a second region 72, which allows the fan chamber S3 on the rear plate 56 side to be expanded compared to the fan chamber S3 on the front plate 55 side. Therefore, the heat source heat exchanger 13 can be extended into the expanded fan chamber S3, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heat source unit 10.

[0063] (6-4) The second region 72 is an inclined plane. Therefore, the size of the fan chamber S3 can be effectively expanded on the side of the rear plate 56.

[0064] (6-5) The partition opening 75 is closer to the rear plate 56 than to the heat source fan blades 141 of the heat source fan 14. Therefore, the refrigerant R guided from the partition opening 75 into the fan chamber S3 is properly drawn in by the heat source fan blades 141, so that the refrigerant R is effectively agitated and diluted.

[0065] (6-6) The second side plate 54, located on the side of the machine room S4, does not have any openings of significant size. Therefore, the outflow of high-concentration refrigerant R that has leaked into the machine room S4 through the second side plate 54 to the outside of the casing 50 is suppressed.

[0066] (6-7) The heat source control unit 19 drives the heat source fan 14 when a leak of refrigerant R is detected. Therefore, even when the compressor 11 is stopped, an airflow is generated through the partition opening 75, and the leaked refrigerant R is guided into the fan chamber S3.

[0067] (6-8) Refrigerant R is a highly flammable refrigerant. Therefore, since the leaked highly flammable refrigerant is stirred and diluted, the concentration of the highly flammable refrigerant flowing out of the casing 50 can be reduced, thereby improving safety at the installation location of the heat source unit 10.

[0068] (7) Variant Modifications of the embodiments described so far will be explained below.

[0069] (7-1) First variation In the above embodiment, the height H2 of the lower end 75L of the partition opening 75 is lower than the height H0 of the machine room wall 526. In addition, the height H1 of the upper end 75H of the partition opening 75 may also be lower than the height H0 of the machine room wall 526. In this case, the refrigerant R leaked into the machine room S4 is more easily guided to the fan room S3.

[0070] (7-2) Second variation In the embodiment described above, the second region 72 is a plane that slopes toward the second side plate 54 from the end Q2 of the first region 71. Alternatively, the second region 72 may be a curved surface having, for example, a gentle elliptical arc or an S-shaped cross-section.

[0071] (7-3) Third Variation The refrigeration system 100 according to the above embodiment has one heat source unit 10 and one utilization unit 20. Alternatively, the refrigeration system 100 may have one heat source unit 10 and multiple utilization units 20. Furthermore, the refrigeration system 100 may have multiple heat source units 10.

[0072] <Conclusion> While embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that various modifications to the form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 10: Heat source unit 11: Compressor 13:Heat source heat exchanger 14: Heat source fan 19: Heat source control unit 20: Usage Unit 30: Connecting piping group 41: Refrigerant sensor 50: Casing 51: Tabletop 52: Bottom plate 53: 1st side plate 54:Second side plate 55: Front board 56: Rear plate 57: Front Grille 60: Horizontal partition plate 70: Vertical partition plate (partition plate) 71: 1st area 72:Second area 73:Third area 75: Partition opening 75H: Upper edge of partition opening 75L: Lower end of partition opening 100: Refrigeration equipment 141: Heat source fan blade 142: Heat source fan motor 521: Bottom part 522: Bottom of machine room (bottom) 523: Bottom of the fan chamber 525: Wall 526: Machine room wall 526H: Upper end of the machine room wall 526L: Lower end of the machine room wall 527: Fan room wall section H0: Height of the machine room wall H1: Height of the top edge of the partition opening H2: Height of the lower edge of the partition opening P1: 1st separation distance P2: 2nd separation distance Q1: Edge of the first region Q2: The end of the first region and the end of the second region Q3: The end of the second region and the end of the third region Q4: Edge of the third region R: Refrigerant S:Internal space S3: Fan Room S4: Machine Room x: horizontal longitudinal direction y: horizontal short direction z: vertical direction [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0074] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-055705

Claims

1. A casing (50) having a bottom plate (52) and an internal space (S), A partition plate (70) divides the aforementioned internal space into a fan room (S3) and a machine room (S4), A compressor (11) is located in the aforementioned machine room and compresses the refrigerant (R), A heat source fan (14) is arranged in the aforementioned fan chamber, Equipped with, The bottom plate has a machine room wall portion (526) that extends upward from the periphery of the bottom surface (522) of the machine room, The partition plate has a partition opening (75) that connects the fan room and the machine room. The height (H2) of the lower end (75L) of the partition opening is lower than the height (H0) of the machine room wall. Heat source unit (10).

2. The height (H1) of the upper end (75H) of the partition opening is lower than the height (H0) of the machine room wall. The heat source unit according to claim 1.

3. The height of the machine room wall is the average value of the height of the machine room wall over the entire machine room wall. The heat source unit according to claim 1.

4. The casing further comprises a first side plate (53) and a second side plate (54) separated in the horizontal longitudinal direction (x) of the casing, and a front plate (55) and a rear plate (56) separated in the horizontal short direction (y) of the casing. The fan chamber is located on the side of the first side plate. The machine room is located on the side of the second side plate, The partition plate has a first region (71) extending from the front plate in the horizontal short direction, and a second region (72) extending from the end of the first region to the rear plate, non-parallel to the first region. The partition opening is provided in the second region. A heat source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The second region is a plane that is inclined to approach the second side plate from the end (Q2) of the first region. The heat source unit according to claim 4.

6. The heat source fan has a heat source fan blade (141) that generates airflow and a heat source fan motor (142) that rotates the heat source fan blade. The first separation distance (P1) between the partition opening and the rear plate is shorter than the second separation distance (P2) between the heat source fan blade and the rear plate.

7. The second side plate does not have an opening larger than 5 mm. The heat source unit according to claim 4.

8. The heat source fan generates an airflow that flows from the machine room through the partition opening into the fan room. A heat source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. Refrigerant sensor (41), Heat source control unit (19) and Furthermore, Regardless of whether the compressor is operating or stopped, the heat source control unit drives the heat source fan when the refrigerant sensor detects a leaking refrigerant. A heat source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

10. The aforementioned refrigerant is a highly flammable refrigerant. A heat source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

11. A heat source unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A utilization unit (20) that provides the user with the heat or cold acquired by the heat source unit, A refrigeration device (100) equipped with the following.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Refrigeration cycle device

    JP2014055705A