Refrigeration equipment

Abstract

In an adsorption refrigeration cycle, immediately after switching the flow path of the refrigerant and the heat transfer medium that exchanges heat, a low-temperature heat transfer medium is supplied to a heat exchanger that is supplied with a high-temperature heat transfer medium, and a high-temperature heat transfer medium is supplied to a heat exchanger that is supplied with a low-temperature heat transfer medium. [Solution] The refrigeration device 100 comprises a heat source side circuit 101, a utilization side circuit 102, a first adsorbent 121, and a second adsorbent 122. The heat source side circuit 101 has a compressor 131 and a refrigerant flow path 111. The utilization side circuit 102 has a first heat exchanger 142, a second heat exchanger 152, a heat transfer medium flow path 112, and a switching mechanism. The first heat exchanger 142 and the second heat exchanger 152 are supplied with a heat transfer medium from which heat or cold has been recovered. The heat transfer medium flow path 112 has a first state, a second state, and a third state. In the third state, the first adsorbent 121 and the second adsorbent 122 are connected. The control unit 105 controls the switching mechanism so that it repeatedly transitions through the first state, the third state, the second state, and the third state in that order.

Description

Technical Field

[0004]

[0001] It relates to a refrigeration device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a refrigeration device having an adsorption refrigeration cycle has been used. As such a refrigeration device, Patent Document 1 (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2023 / 0417459) discloses a refrigeration device including a heat source side circuit having a pair of adsorbers in which adsorption and desorption of a refrigerant are alternately repeated, and a utilization side circuit in which a heat medium for recovering the adsorption heat or desorption heat of the refrigerant circulates. In the heat source side circuit, a mode in which the refrigerant is adsorbed in one adsorber and desorbed in the other adsorber, and a mode in which the refrigerant is desorbed in the one adsorber and adsorbed in the other adsorber are alternately switched. Thereby, in the utilization side circuit, heat is continuously recovered from the heat source side circuit by the heat medium.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] Suppose that the utilization side circuit has a first heat exchanger to which a high-temperature heat medium that has recovered the adsorption heat of the refrigerant is supplied, and a second heat exchanger to which a low-temperature heat medium that has recovered the desorption heat of the refrigerant is supplied. In this case, immediately after switching the mode of the heat source side circuit, a low-temperature heat medium is supplied to the first heat exchanger and a high-temperature heat medium is supplied to the second heat exchanger, so there is a possibility that the capacity of the refrigeration device will temporarily decrease.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The refrigeration system of the first aspect comprises a heat source side circuit, a utilization side circuit, a first adsorbent, a second adsorbent, and a control unit. The heat source side circuit has a compressor and a refrigerant flow path through which the refrigerant flows. The utilization side circuit has a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a heat transfer medium flow path through which the heat transfer medium flows, and a switching mechanism for switching the heat transfer medium flow path. The first and second adsorbents have adsorbents that adsorb and desorb the refrigerant in response to changes in the refrigerant pressure. The first and second adsorbents recover the heat generated when the adsorbents adsorb the refrigerant and the cold generated when the adsorbents desorb the refrigerant. The first and second adsorbents are connected to the refrigerant flow path and the heat transfer medium flow path. The compressor draws in low-pressure refrigerant, compresses it, and discharges it as high-pressure refrigerant. The first and second heat exchangers are supplied with the heat transfer medium from which the heat or cold has been recovered in the first and second adsorbents. The heat transfer medium flow path has a first state, a second state, and a third state. In the first state, the first adsorbent and the first heat exchanger are connected, and the second adsorbent and the second heat exchanger are connected. In the second state, the first adsorbent and the second heat exchanger are connected, and the second adsorbent and the first heat exchanger are connected. In the third state, the first adsorbent and the second adsorbent are connected. The control unit controls the switching mechanism so that the heat transfer medium flow path repeatedly transitions in the order of the first state, the third state, the second state, and the third state.

[0005] The refrigeration system described in the first aspect can suppress the temporary decrease in capacity that occurs immediately after switching the flow path through which the refrigerant adsorbs and desorbs onto the adsorbent is transferred.

[0006] The refrigeration apparatus of the second aspect is the refrigeration apparatus of the first aspect, wherein the switching mechanism includes a first valve, a second valve, a third valve, a fourth valve, and a fifth valve. The first valve is located on a heat transfer medium flow path connecting a first heat exchanger and a first adsorbent. The second valve is located on a heat transfer medium flow path connecting a second heat exchanger and a second adsorbent. The third valve is located on a heat transfer medium flow path connecting a first heat exchanger and a second adsorbent. The fourth valve is located on a heat transfer medium flow path connecting a second heat exchanger and a first adsorbent. The fifth valve is located on a heat transfer medium flow path connecting a first adsorbent and a second adsorbent.

[0007] The refrigeration system in the second aspect can switch the state of the heat transfer medium flow path by controlling the opening and closing of the first to fifth valves.

[0008] The refrigeration apparatus of the third aspect is the refrigeration apparatus of the second aspect, wherein the control unit opens the first and second valves and closes the third, fourth, and fifth valves when the heat transfer medium flow path is in the first state. The control unit opens the third and fourth valves and closes the first, second, and fifth valves when the heat transfer medium flow path is in the second state. The control unit opens the fifth valve and closes the first, second, third, and fourth valves when the heat transfer medium flow path is in the third state.

[0009] The third type of refrigeration system can switch the state of the heat transfer medium flow path by controlling the opening and closing of the first to fifth valves.

[0010] The refrigeration system of the fourth aspect is a refrigeration system of any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the heat source side circuit further includes a bypass channel and a bypass valve. The bypass channel connects the first adsorbent and the second adsorbent without passing through the compressor. The bypass valve is provided in the bypass channel. The control unit closes the bypass valve when the heat transfer medium channel is in the first or second state. The control unit opens the bypass valve for part of the period when the heat transfer medium channel is in the third state.

[0011] The refrigeration system from the fourth perspective can increase its capacity per unit time by controlling the opening and closing of a bypass valve, thereby shortening the time it takes for the pressure in the first and second adsorbents to reach the adsorption pressure or desorption pressure.

[0012] The refrigeration system of the fifth aspect is a refrigeration system of any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the control unit drives the compressor when the heat transfer medium flow path is in the first or second state, and stops the compressor when the heat transfer medium flow path is in the third state.

[0013] The refrigeration apparatus of the sixth aspect is a refrigeration apparatus of any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the user-side circuit further comprises at least two pumps arranged in the heat transfer medium flow path and supplying the heat transfer medium to a first adsorbent and a second adsorbent.

[0014] The refrigeration apparatus of the seventh aspect is the refrigeration apparatus of the sixth aspect, wherein at least two pumps include a first pump, a second pump, and a third pump. The first and second pumps supply the heat transfer medium to the first and second adsorbents when the heat transfer medium flow path is in a first or second state. The third pump supplies the heat transfer medium to the first and second adsorbents when the heat transfer medium flow path is in a third state.

[0015] The refrigeration apparatus of the eighth aspect is the refrigeration apparatus of the sixth aspect, wherein at least two pumps include a first pump and a second pump. The first pump and the second pump deliver the heat transfer medium to the first and second adsorbents when the heat transfer medium flow path is in a first or second state. The first pump or the second pump delivers the heat transfer medium to the first and second adsorbents when the heat transfer medium flow path is in a third state.

[0016] The refrigeration system of the ninth aspect comprises a heat source side circuit, a utilization side circuit, a first adsorbent, a second adsorbent, a third adsorbent, a fourth adsorbent, and a control unit. The heat source side circuit has a compressor and a refrigerant flow path through which the refrigerant flows. The utilization side circuit has a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a heat transfer medium flow path through which the heat transfer medium flows, and a switching mechanism for switching the heat transfer medium flow path. The first and second adsorbents have adsorbents that adsorb and desorb the refrigerant in response to changes in the refrigerant pressure. The first and second adsorbents recover the heat generated when the adsorbents adsorb the refrigerant and the cold generated when the adsorbents desorb the refrigerant. The first and second adsorbents are connected to the refrigerant flow path and the heat transfer medium flow path. The compressor draws in low-pressure refrigerant, compresses it, and discharges it as high-pressure refrigerant. The first and second heat exchangers are supplied with a heat transfer medium from which heat or cold has been recovered by the first, second, third, and fourth adsorbents. The heat transfer medium flow path has a first state, a second state, a third state, and a fourth state. In the first state, the first adsorbent and the second heat exchanger are connected, the second adsorbent and the first heat exchanger are connected, and the third adsorbent and the fourth adsorbent are connected. In the second state, the third adsorbent and the second heat exchanger are connected, the fourth adsorbent and the first heat exchanger are connected, and the first adsorbent and the second adsorbent are connected. In the third state, the first adsorbent and the first heat exchanger are connected, the second adsorbent and the second heat exchanger are connected, and the third adsorbent and the fourth adsorbent are connected. In the fourth state, the third adsorbent is connected to the first heat exchanger, the fourth adsorbent is connected to the second heat exchanger, and the first adsorbent is connected to the second adsorbent. The control unit controls the switching mechanism so that the heat transfer medium flow path repeatedly transitions through the first, second, third, and fourth states in that order.

[0017] The refrigeration system described in the ninth aspect can suppress the temporary decrease in capacity that occurs immediately after switching the flow path through which the refrigerant adsorbs and desorbs onto the adsorbent is transferred.

[0018] The refrigeration apparatus of the tenth aspect is the refrigeration apparatus of the ninth aspect, wherein the control unit continuously drives the compressor while the heat transfer medium flow path is in the first to fourth states.

[0019] Since the refrigeration device according to the tenth aspect does not require the compressor to be stopped during operation, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the reliability of the compressor.

[0020] The refrigeration device according to the eleventh aspect is any one of the refrigeration devices according to the first to tenth aspects, and the adsorbent includes a metal-organic framework containing metal ions and organic ligands.

[0021] The refrigeration device according to the twelfth aspect is any one of the refrigeration devices according to the first to eleventh aspects, and the refrigerant includes at least one of carbon dioxide, hydrocarbon, ammonia, water, HFC, and HFO.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration device 100 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram of the refrigeration device 100 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration device 100 according to the first embodiment in the first state. [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration device 100 according to the first embodiment in the second state. [[ID=2...]] [Figure 5] It is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration device 100 according to the first embodiment in the third state. [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram of the first adsorber 121 and the second adsorber 122 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a diagram for explaining the first to third states of the refrigeration device 100 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart of the control of the refrigeration device 100 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration device 200 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a block diagram of the refrigeration device 200 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration device 200 according to the second embodiment in the first state. [Figure 12]This is a schematic diagram of the second state of the refrigeration device 200 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram of the third state of the refrigeration device 200 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration device 200 of the second embodiment in its fourth state. [Figure 15] This diagram illustrates the first to fourth states of the refrigeration device 200 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] This diagram illustrates the first to fourth states of the refrigeration device 200 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] This is a flowchart of the control of the refrigeration system 200 in the second embodiment. [Figure 18] This is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration device 100 of modified example A. [Figure 19] This is a schematic diagram of the first state of the refrigeration device 100 in modified example A. [Figure 20] This is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration device 100 in its second state according to modified example A. [Figure 21] This is a schematic diagram of the third state of the refrigeration device 100 in modified example A. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] —First Embodiment— (1) Overall configuration of the refrigeration unit 100 The refrigeration system 100 of the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, comprises a heat source side circuit 101, a utilization side circuit 102, a first fan 143, and a second fan 153. The heat source side circuit 101 has a refrigerant flow path 111 through which the refrigerant flows. The utilization side circuit 102 has a heat medium flow path 112 through which the heat medium flows. In Figure 1, the refrigerant flow path 111 is drawn with a dotted line, and the heat medium flow path 112 is drawn with a solid line. The refrigeration system 100 is, for example, an air conditioning system. When the refrigeration system 100 is an air conditioning system, one of the first fan 143 and the second fan 153 is provided in the indoor unit, and the other is provided in the outdoor unit.

[0024] The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant channel 111 includes at least one of carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, ammonia, water, HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons), and HFOs (hydrofluoroolefins). The hydrocarbons are selected from the group consisting of, for example, propane, butane, and isobutane.

[0025] The heat transfer medium flowing through the heat transfer medium channel 112 is selected from the group consisting of, for example, water, brine, and air. Brine is a liquid with a freezing point of 0°C or lower.

[0026] The refrigeration system 100 further includes a control unit 105. As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 105 controls the operation of each element constituting the heat source side circuit 101 and the utilization side circuit 102. Here, a processor is given as an example of the control unit 105. The processor consists of various computing devices such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processor reads various programs of the device into memory and executes them. The processor loads the programs stored in memory into the working area of ​​memory and executes them, and by controlling each component through the execution of the programs, it realizes functions that match a predetermined purpose.

[0027] (1-1) Heat source side circuit 101 The heat source circuit 101 constitutes a refrigeration cycle that functions as a heat pump utilizing the heat (warmth or cold) generated when the refrigerant is adsorbed or desorbed from the adsorbent. The adsorbent is a powder of an adsorbent material.

[0028] The heat source circuit 101 includes a compressor 131, a first adsorbent 121, a second adsorbent 122, and a refrigerant flow path 111. The heat source circuit 101 further includes refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R2-1, and R2-2. The refrigerant flow path 111 connects the compressor 131, the first adsorbent 121, and the second adsorbent 122. The refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R2-1, and R2-2 are located on the refrigerant flow path 111.

[0029] The compressor 131 compresses the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant passage 111. The compressor 131 is, for example, a rotary compressor. The compressor 131 draws in low-pressure refrigerant from the refrigerant passage 111, compresses it, and discharges it back into the refrigerant passage 111 as high-pressure refrigerant. Low-pressure refrigerant is the refrigerant in the refrigerant passage 111 before it is compressed by the compressor 131. High-pressure refrigerant is the refrigerant in the refrigerant passage 111 after it has been compressed by the compressor 131. During operation of the compressor 131, lubricating oil sealed in the refrigerant passage 111 is supplied to the sliding parts of the compressor 131. A portion of the lubricating oil is stored at the bottom of the compressor 131's casing.

[0030] The first adsorbent 121 and the second adsorbent 122 have adsorbents that adsorb and desorb refrigerants. In the first adsorbent 121 and the second adsorbent 122, the heat of adsorption or the heat of desorption is recovered in the heat medium flowing through the heat medium channel 112. The heat of adsorption is the warmth generated when the adsorbent adsorbs the refrigerant. The heat of desorption is the coldness generated when the adsorbent desorbs the refrigerant. The generation of warmth means that the temperature of the heat medium rises as the heat medium absorbs heat. The generation of coldness means that the temperature of the heat medium decreases as it absorbs heat from the heat medium.

[0031] The refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R2-1, and R2-2 are solenoid valves. The refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R2-1, and R2-2 change the direction of refrigerant flow through the refrigerant passage 111. The refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R2-1, and R2-2 are arranged to allow the refrigerant passage 111 to switch between a first mode and a second mode.

[0032] On the discharge side of the compressor 131, the refrigerant flow path 111 branches into a flow path where refrigerant valve R1-1 is located and a flow path where refrigerant valve R2-1 is located. On the suction side of the compressor 131, the refrigerant flow path 111 branches into a flow path where refrigerant valve R1-2 is located and a flow path where refrigerant valve R2-2 is located. The flow path where refrigerant valve R1-1 is located and the flow path where refrigerant valve R1-2 is located merge and are connected to the second adsorbent 122. The flow path where refrigerant valve R2-1 is located and the flow path where refrigerant valve R2-2 is located merge and are connected to the first adsorbent 121.

[0033] In Figure 1, the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant channel 111 when the refrigerant channel 111 is in the first mode is indicated by a solid arrow. In Figure 1, the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant channel 111 when the refrigerant channel 111 is in the second mode is indicated by a dashed arrow.

[0034] In the first mode, the discharge side of the compressor 131 and the first adsorbent 121 are connected via the refrigerant valve R2-1. In the first mode, the suction side of the compressor 131 and the second adsorbent 122 are connected via the refrigerant valve R1-2. In the first mode, the refrigerant valves R2-1 and R1-2 are open, and the refrigerant valves R1-1 and R2-2 are closed.

[0035] In the second mode, the discharge side of the compressor 131 and the second adsorbent 122 are connected via the refrigerant valve R1-1. In the second mode, the suction side of the compressor 131 and the first adsorbent 121 are connected via the refrigerant valve R2-2. In the second mode, the refrigerant valves R2-1 and R1-2 are closed, and the refrigerant valves R1-1 and R2-2 are open.

[0036] The heat source circuit 101 further includes a bypass flow path 210. The bypass flow path 210 connects the first adsorbent 121 and the second adsorbent 122 without passing through the compressor 131. The bypass flow path 210 also connects the first adsorbent 121 and the second adsorbent 122 in the refrigerant flow path 111.

[0037] The heat source circuit 101 further includes a bypass valve R3, which is an opening and closing mechanism for the bypass flow path 210. The bypass valve R3 is, for example, a solenoid valve. The bypass valve R3 is attached to the piping through which the refrigerant flows in the bypass flow path 210.

[0038] The control unit 105 controls the compressor 131, refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R2-1, R2-2, and bypass valve R3. The control unit 105 controls the rotational speed of the compressor 131. The control unit 105 controls the timing for starting the compressor 131 and the timing for stopping the compressor 131. The control unit 105 controls the opening and closing of the refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R2-1, R2-2 to switch the refrigerant flow path 111 between the first mode and the second mode. The control unit 105 controls the opening and closing of the bypass valve R3 to allow or block the flow of refrigerant in the bypass flow path 210.

[0039] (1-2) User side circuit 102 The utilization-side circuit 102 functions as a heat transfer means for utilizing the heat generated in the heat source-side circuit 101 via a heat transfer medium. The heat transfer medium flowing through the heat transfer medium channel 112 transfers the heat of adsorption or desorption recovered by the first adsorbent 121 or the second adsorbent 122 to a predetermined location.

[0040] The user-side circuit 102 includes a first adsorbent 121, a second adsorbent 122, a first heat exchanger 142, a second heat exchanger 152, and a heat transfer medium flow path 112. The user-side circuit 102 further includes a first fluid pump 141, a second fluid pump 151, a third fluid pump 155, a heat transfer medium valve H1-1, a heat transfer medium valve H1-2, a heat transfer medium valve H1-3, a heat transfer medium valve H1-4, a heat transfer medium valve H2-1, a heat transfer medium valve H2-2, a heat transfer medium valve H2-3, a heat transfer medium valve H2-4, a heat transfer medium valve H3-1, and a heat transfer medium valve H3-2. The heat transfer fluid channel 112 connects the first adsorbent 121, the second adsorbent 122, the first fluid pump 141, the first heat exchanger 142, the second fluid pump 151, the second heat exchanger 152, and the third fluid pump 155. The heat transfer fluid valves H1-1, H1-2, H1-3, H1-4, H2-1, H2-2, H2-3, H2-4, H3-1, and H3-2 are installed on the heat transfer fluid channel 112.

[0041] The first fluid pump 141 sends the heat transfer medium to the first heat exchanger 142. The first heat exchanger 142 performs heat exchange between the heat transfer medium and air. The first fan 143 generates an airflow that passes through the first heat exchanger 142 so that heat exchange can take place in the first heat exchanger 142.

[0042] The second fluid pump 151 sends the heat transfer medium to the second heat exchanger 152. The second heat exchanger 152 performs heat exchange between the heat transfer medium and air. The second fan 153 generates an airflow that passes through the second heat exchanger 152 so that heat exchange can take place in the second heat exchanger 152.

[0043] The third fluid pump 155 circulates the heat transfer medium between the first adsorbent 121 and the second adsorbent 122.

[0044] The heat transfer valves H1-1, H1-2, H1-3, H1-4, H2-1, H2-2, H2-3, H2-4, H3-1, and H3-2 are solenoid valves. The heat transfer valves H1-1, H1-2, H1-3, H1-4, H2-1, H2-2, H2-3, H2-4, H3-1, and H3-2 change the flow direction of the heat transfer fluid flowing through the heat transfer fluid passage 112. The heat transfer valves H1-1, H1-2, H1-3, H1-4, H2-1, H2-2, H2-3, H2-4, H3-1, and H3-2 are arranged so that the heat transfer fluid passage 112 can be switched between a first state, a second state, and a third state. When the heat transfer fluid passage 112 is in the first state, the refrigerant passage 111 is in the first mode. When the heat transfer fluid channel 112 is in the second state, the refrigerant channel 111 is in the second mode. When the heat transfer fluid channel 112 is in the third state, the refrigerant channel 111 is in either the first or second mode.

[0045] On the discharge side of the first fluid pump 141, the heat transfer medium flow path 112 branches into a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H2-1 is located and a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H2-2 is located. On the suction side of the first fluid pump 141, the heat transfer medium flow path 112 branches into a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H2-3 is located and a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H2-4 is located. The first heat exchanger 142 is located between the suction side of the first fluid pump 141 and the heat transfer medium valves H2-3 and H2-4.

[0046] On the discharge side of the second fluid pump 151, the heat transfer medium flow path 112 branches into a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H1-1 is located and a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H1-2 is located. On the suction side of the second fluid pump 151, the heat transfer medium flow path 112 branches into a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H1-3 is located and a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H1-4 is located. The second heat exchanger 152 is located between the suction side of the second fluid pump 151 and the heat transfer medium valves H1-3 and H1-4.

[0047] The third fluid pump 155 is installed in the flow path where the heat transfer valve H3-1 is located.

[0048] The flow path where heat transfer valve H1-1 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H2-2 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H3-1 is located, and the flow path where the second adsorbent 122 is located are all connected to each other. By opening and closing the heat transfer valves H1-1, H2-2, and H3-1, the heat transfer medium can flow from any one of the flow paths where heat transfer valve H1-1 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H2-2 is located, and the flow path where heat transfer valve H3-1 is located to the flow path where the second adsorbent 122 is located.

[0049] The flow path where heat transfer valve H1-2 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H2-1 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H3-2 is located, and the flow path where the first adsorbent 121 is located are all connected to each other. By opening and closing the heat transfer valves H1-2, H2-1, and H3-2, the heat transfer medium can flow from any one of the flow paths where heat transfer valve H1-2 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H2-1 is located, and the flow path where heat transfer valve H3-2 is located to the flow path where the first adsorbent 121 is located.

[0050] The flow path where heat transfer valve H1-3 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H2-4 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H3-2 is located, and the flow path where the second adsorbent 122 is located are connected to each other. By opening and closing the heat transfer valves H1-3, H2-4, and H3-2, the heat transfer medium can flow from the flow path where the second adsorbent 122 is located to one of the flow paths where heat transfer valve H1-3 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H2-4 is located, and the flow path where heat transfer valve H3-2 is located.

[0051] The flow path where heat transfer valve H1-4 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H2-3 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H3-1 is located, and the flow path where the first adsorbent 121 is located are all connected to each other. By opening and closing the heat transfer valves H1-4, H2-3, and H3-1, the heat transfer medium can flow from the flow path where the first adsorbent 121 is located to one of the flow paths where heat transfer valve H1-4 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H2-3 is located, and the flow path where heat transfer valve H3-1 is located.

[0052] In Figure 3, when the heat transfer medium channel 112 is in the first state, the flow path of the refrigerant through the refrigerant channel 111 is shown by a thick dashed line, and the flow path of the heat transfer medium through the heat transfer medium channel 112 is shown by a thick solid line. In Figure 4, when the heat transfer medium channel 112 is in the second state, the flow path of the refrigerant through the refrigerant channel 111 is shown by a thick dashed line, and the flow path of the heat transfer medium through the heat transfer medium channel 112 is shown by a thick solid line. In Figure 5, when the heat transfer medium channel 112 is in the third state, the flow path of the heat transfer medium through the heat transfer medium channel 112 is shown by a thick solid line. In Figures 3 to 5, among the refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R2-1, and R2-2, the valves that are open to allow the refrigerant to pass through are shown as filled in black. In Figures 3 to 5, among the heat transfer valves H1-1, H1-2, H1-3, H1-4, H2-1, H2-2, H2-3, H2-4, H3-1, and H3-2, the valves that are open to allow the heat transfer fluid to pass through are shown as filled in black.

[0053] When the heat transfer medium channel 112 is in the first state, as shown in Figure 3, the heat transfer medium channel 112 has two independent channels, a first circulation channel C1 and a second circulation channel C2. The heat transfer medium circulates through both the first circulation channel C1 and the second circulation channel C2.

[0054] In the first state, the heat transfer medium circulating in the first circulation channel C1 passes through the first fluid pump 141, the heat transfer valve H2-1, the first adsorber 121, the heat transfer valve H2-3, and the first heat exchanger 142 in that order. In the first state, the heat transfer medium circulating in the second circulation channel C2 passes through the second fluid pump 151, the heat transfer valve H1-1, the second adsorber 122, the heat transfer valve H1-3, and the second heat exchanger 152 in that order. In the first state, the first fluid pump 141 circulates the heat transfer medium in the first circulation channel C1. In the first state, the second fluid pump 151 circulates the heat transfer medium in the second circulation channel C2.

[0055] When the heat transfer medium channel 112 is in the second state, as shown in Figure 4, the heat transfer medium channel 112 has two independent channels, a third circulation channel C3 and a fourth circulation channel C4. The heat transfer medium circulates through the third circulation channel C3 and the fourth circulation channel C4, respectively.

[0056] In the second state, the heat transfer medium circulating in the third circulation channel C3 passes through the first fluid pump 141, the heat transfer valve H2-2, the second adsorber 122, the heat transfer valve H2-4, and the first heat exchanger 142 in that order. In the second state, the heat transfer medium circulating in the fourth circulation channel C4 passes through the second fluid pump 151, the heat transfer valve H1-2, the first adsorber 121, the heat transfer valve H1-4, and the second heat exchanger 152 in that order. In the second state, the first fluid pump 141 circulates the heat transfer medium in the third circulation channel C3. In the second state, the second fluid pump 151 circulates the heat transfer medium in the fourth circulation channel C4.

[0057] When the heat transfer medium channel 112 is in the third state, as shown in Figure 5, the heat transfer medium channel 112 has a fifth circulation channel C5. The heat transfer medium circulates through the fifth circulation channel C5.

[0058] In the third state, the heat transfer medium circulating in the fifth circulation channel C5 passes through the third fluid pump 155, the heat transfer medium valve H3-1, the second adsorbent 122, the heat transfer medium valve H3-2, and the first adsorbent 121 in this order. In the third state, the third fluid pump 155 circulates the heat transfer medium in the fifth circulation channel C5.

[0059] The control unit 105 controls the first fluid pump 141, the first fan 143, the second fluid pump 151, the second fan 153, the third fluid pump 155, and the heat transfer valves H1-1, H1-2, H1-3, H1-4, H2-1, H2-2, H2-3, H2-4, H3-1, and H3-2. The control unit 105 controls the capacity of the first fluid pump 141, the second fluid pump 151, and the third fluid pump 155. The control unit 105 controls the rotational speed of the first fan 143 and the second fan 153. The control unit 105 controls the opening and closing of the heat transfer fluid valves H1-1, H1-2, H1-3, H1-4, H2-1, H2-2, H2-3, H2-4, H3-1, and H3-2 to switch the heat transfer fluid flow path 112 between the first state, the second state, and the third state.

[0060] (1-3) First adsorbent 121 and second adsorbent 122 The first adsorbent 121 and the second adsorbent 122 each comprise a heat recovery member, an adsorbent, and a casing. The first adsorbent 121 and the second adsorbent 122 each have a first space through which a refrigerant flows and a second space through which a heat transfer medium flows. The first space is part of the refrigerant flow path 111. The second space is part of the heat transfer medium flow path 112. The first space and the second space do not communicate with each other.

[0061] The heat recovery component separates the first space from the second space. The adsorbent is provided in the first space. The adsorbent adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant in the first space in response to changes in the refrigerant pressure in the first space. The adsorbent is supported on the first surface, which is the surface of the heat recovery component.

[0062] The adsorbent supported on the first surface includes a metal-organic framework (MOF) containing metal ions and organic ligands. A metal-organic framework is a porous material with a very large specific surface area obtained by the reaction of metal ions and organic ligands. In a metal-organic framework, the organic ligands bind to the metal ions, resulting in a polymeric structure with countless openings inside. The opening diameter and topology of a metal-organic framework can be adjusted by selectively combining metal ions and organic ligands. Therefore, by selecting and combining metal ions and organic ligands, the opening diameter of a metal-organic framework can be adjusted, and it can selectively adsorb target substances. Metal-organic frameworks are used, for example, as porous materials that have the function of selective storage and separation of molecules and ions.

[0063] In the refrigeration system 100, a metal-organic structure is used as an adsorbent for adsorbing and desorbing the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant channel 111. Examples of metal-organic structures include MOF-5, MOF-200, UiO-66, and MIL-101. The adsorbent used in the refrigeration system 100 is, for example, a powder of the metal-organic structure or a molded article of the metal-organic structure. In this case, the adsorbent is supported on the first surface by adhering a mixture of the adsorbent and a binder to the first surface. Examples of binders include acrylic resins, polyester resins, polyolefin resins, and polyurethane resins.

[0064] The heat recovery member is of the cross-fin type. As shown in Figure 6, the heat recovery member includes a plurality of fins 161 and a heat transfer tube 162. The heat transfer tube 162 has a plurality of straight sections 162a extending in a straight line and a folded section 162b connecting two straight sections 162a. In Figure 6, the thickness of the heat transfer tube 162 is omitted. The plurality of fins 161 have through holes in their thickness direction through which the straight sections 162a of the heat transfer tube 162 pass. The plurality of fins 161 are arranged around the straight sections 162a of the heat transfer tube 162 so as to be stacked at predetermined intervals along the direction in which the straight sections 162a extend. The first end 162c and the second end 162d of the heat transfer tube 162 are connected to the heat transfer medium flow path 112. The plurality of fins 161 and the heat transfer tube 162 are housed in a casing 163. The casing 163 has a first opening 163a connected to the refrigerant flow path 111 and a second opening 163b connected to the bypass flow path 210.

[0065] The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant channel 111 flows into the casing 163 through the first opening 163a and flows out of the casing 163 through the first opening 163a. ​​The heat transfer medium flowing through the heat transfer medium channel 112 flows into the heat transfer tube 162 through the first end 162c and flows out of the heat transfer tube 162 through the second end 162d.

[0066] The bypass channel 210 connects the second opening 163b of the first adsorbent 121 and the second opening 163b of the second adsorbent 122. The bypass channel 210 also connects the first space 164a of the first adsorbent 121 and the first space 164a of the second adsorbent 122.

[0067] As shown in Figure 6, the first space 164a through which the refrigerant flows is the space inside the casing 163 and outside the heat transfer tubes 162. The second space 164b through which the heat transfer medium flows is the space inside the casing 163 and inside the heat transfer tubes 162. The first surface 182 on which the adsorbent 181, which adsorbs and desorbs, is supported includes at least a portion of the outer surfaces of the multiple fins 161 and the heat transfer tubes 162. The first surface 182 is, for example, the surfaces of the multiple fins 161 and the outer surfaces of the heat transfer tubes 162. The first surface 182 is in contact with the first space 164a. Therefore, the refrigerant in the first space 164a is in contact with the adsorbent 181 supported on the first surface 182.

[0068] The adsorbent 181 adsorbs the refrigerant in the first space 164a when the pressure of the refrigerant in the first space 164a is equal to or greater than the adsorption pressure. The adsorbent 181 desorbs the refrigerant in the first space 164a when the pressure of the refrigerant in the first space 164a is equal to or less than the desorption pressure. The adsorption pressure is the minimum pressure range in which the adsorbent 181 can adsorb the refrigerant at the temperature of the first space 164a. The desorption pressure is the maximum pressure range in which the adsorbent 181 can desorb the refrigerant at the temperature of the first space 164a. The adsorption pressure and desorption pressure vary depending on the type of adsorbent 181 and the refrigerant.

[0069] (2) Operation of the refrigeration unit 100 The operation of the refrigeration system 100 will be described in the case where the refrigeration system 100 is an air conditioning system. In this case, the first heat exchanger 142 is an indoor heat exchanger, and the second heat exchanger 152 is an outdoor heat exchanger.

[0070] The adsorbents 181 of the first adsorbent 121 and the second adsorbent 122 adsorb and desorb the refrigerant in the refrigerant flow path 111. The adsorbent 181 adsorbs refrigerant when it is in contact with refrigerant in the first space 164a whose pressure is equal to or greater than the adsorption pressure. The adsorbent 181 desorbs refrigerant when it is in contact with refrigerant in the first space 164a whose pressure is equal to or less than the desorption pressure.

[0071] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the first state, it is possible to connect the discharge side of the compressor 131 to the first adsorbent 121 to create a high-pressure state inside the first adsorbent 121, and to connect the suction side of the compressor 131 to the second adsorbent 122 to create a low-pressure state inside the second adsorbent 122. When the first adsorbent 121 is in a high-pressure state, the adsorbent material 181 of the first adsorbent 121 is in contact with the high-pressure refrigerant in the first space 164a. When the second adsorbent 122 is in a low-pressure state, the adsorbent material 181 of the second adsorbent 122 is in contact with the low-pressure refrigerant in the first space 164a.

[0072] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the second state, it is possible to connect the suction side of the compressor 131 to the first adsorbent 121 to create a low-pressure state inside the first adsorbent 121, and to connect the discharge side of the compressor 131 to the second adsorbent 122 to create a high-pressure state inside the second adsorbent 122. When the inside of the first adsorbent 121 is in a low-pressure state, the adsorbent material 181 of the first adsorbent 121 is in contact with the low-pressure refrigerant in the first space 164a. When the inside of the second adsorbent 122 is in a high-pressure state, the adsorbent material 181 of the second adsorbent 122 is in contact with the high-pressure refrigerant in the first space 164a.

[0073] This section describes the change in the adsorption amount, which is the amount of refrigerant adsorbed on the adsorbent material 181, when the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the first state. At the point when the first state begins after the second state has ended, the adsorption amount of the adsorbent material 181 in the first adsorber 121 is the first adsorption amount, and the adsorption amount of the adsorbent material 181 in the second adsorber 122 is the second adsorption amount. The second adsorption amount is greater than the first adsorption amount. The second adsorption amount is the maximum amount of refrigerant that the adsorbent material 181 can adsorb. The second adsorption amount includes not only the theoretical maximum amount, but also an amount that can change depending on the high pressure or the time the high pressure state is maintained. The pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant is greater than or equal to the adsorption pressure, and the pressure of the low-pressure refrigerant is less than or equal to the desorption pressure.

[0074] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the first state, the adsorbent 181 of the first adsorbent 121 is in contact with the high-pressure refrigerant, and the adsorbent 181 of the second adsorbent 122 is in contact with the low-pressure refrigerant. In the first adsorbent 121, the adsorbent 181 gradually adsorbs the refrigerant, and in the process, the adsorbent 181 releases heat. In the second adsorbent 122, the adsorbent 181 gradually desorbs the refrigerant, and in the process, the adsorbent 181 absorbs heat. Therefore, the amount of adsorbent 181 in the first adsorbent 121 increases from the first adsorption amount to the second adsorption amount, and the amount of adsorbent 181 in the second adsorbent 122 decreases from the second adsorption amount to the first adsorption amount.

[0075] The change in the amount of refrigerant adsorbed on the adsorbent material 181 when the heat transfer fluid channel 112 is in the second state will be explained. Assume that when the second state starts after the first state has ended, the amount of adsorbed material 181 in the first adsorber 121 is the second adsorbent amount, and the amount of adsorbed material 181 in the second adsorber 122 is the first adsorbent amount.

[0076] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the second state, the adsorbent 181 of the first adsorbent 121 is in contact with the low-pressure refrigerant, and the adsorbent 181 of the second adsorbent 122 is in contact with the high-pressure refrigerant. In the first adsorbent 121, the adsorbent 181 gradually desorbs the refrigerant, and in the process, the adsorbent 181 absorbs heat. In the second adsorbent 122, the adsorbent 181 gradually adsorbs the refrigerant, and in the process, the adsorbent 181 releases heat. Therefore, the amount of adsorbent 181 in the first adsorbent 121 decreases from the second adsorption amount to the first adsorption amount, and the amount of adsorbent 181 in the second adsorbent 122 increases from the first adsorption amount to the second adsorption amount.

[0077] When the heat transfer medium channel 112 is in the first state, the heat generated in the first adsorbent 121 during the process of the adsorbent 181 adsorbing the refrigerant in the first space 164a is recovered into the heat transfer medium in the second space 164b. On the other hand, in the second adsorbent 122, the cold energy generated in the process of the adsorbent 181 desorbing the refrigerant adsorbed on it is recovered into the heat transfer medium in the second space 164b. Therefore, in the first adsorbent 121, heat is recovered into the heat transfer medium flowing through the first circulation channel C1, and in the second adsorbent 122, cold energy is recovered into the heat transfer medium flowing through the second circulation channel C2.

[0078] Subsequently, when the amount of adsorption by the adsorbent material 181 of the first adsorbent 121 reaches the second adsorption amount, the adsorbent material 181 of the first adsorbent 121 becomes less adsorbent. Also, when the amount of adsorption by the adsorbent material 181 of the second adsorbent 122 reaches the first adsorption amount, the adsorbent material 181 of the second adsorbent 122 becomes less adsorbent.

[0079] When the heat transfer medium channel 112 is in the second state, the heat generated in the second adsorbent 122 during the process of the adsorbent 181 adsorbing the refrigerant in the first space 164a is recovered into the heat transfer medium in the second space 164b. On the other hand, in the first adsorbent 121, the cold energy generated in the process of the adsorbent 181 desorbing the refrigerant adsorbed on it is recovered into the heat transfer medium in the second space 164b. Therefore, in the first adsorbent 121, cold energy is recovered into the heat transfer medium flowing through the fourth circulation channel C4, and in the second adsorbent 122, heat energy is recovered into the heat transfer medium flowing through the third circulation channel C3.

[0080] Subsequently, when the amount of adsorption by the adsorbent material 181 of the second adsorbent 122 reaches the second adsorption amount, the adsorbent material 181 of the second adsorbent 122 becomes less adsorbent. Also, when the amount of adsorption by the adsorbent material 181 of the first adsorbent 121 reaches the first adsorption amount, the adsorbent material 181 of the first adsorbent 121 becomes less adsorbent.

[0081] As described above, by alternately repeating the first and second states in the heat transfer medium flow path 112, the refrigerant can be continuously adsorbed or desorbed onto the adsorbent 181 in either the first adsorbent 121 or the second adsorbent 122. The refrigeration system 100 can continuously recover the heat generated when the adsorbent 181 adsorbs the refrigerant using the heat transfer medium flowing through the first circulation flow path C1 and the third circulation flow path C3. The refrigeration system 100 can continuously recover the cold generated when the adsorbent 181 desorbs the refrigerant using the heat transfer medium flowing through the second circulation flow path C2 and the fourth circulation flow path C4.

[0082] Therefore, the refrigeration system 100 can continue to supply the heat transfer medium heated by the recovered thermal energy to the first heat exchanger 142, and can continue to supply the heat transfer medium cooled by the recovered refrigerant energy to the second heat exchanger 152. The air heated by heat exchange with the heat transfer medium in the first heat exchanger 142 is sent to a predetermined location by the first fan 143. The air cooled by heat exchange with the heat transfer medium in the second heat exchanger 152 is sent to a predetermined location by the second fan 153.

[0083] (3) Control of the refrigeration unit 100 The control unit 105 controls the compressor 131, refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R2-1, R2-2, bypass valve R3, first fluid pump 141, second fluid pump 151, third fluid pump 155, and heat transfer valves H1-1, H1-2, H1-3, H1-4, H2-1, H2-2, H2-3, H2-4, H3-1, H3-2 so that the heat transfer fluid flow path 112 repeatedly transitions through the first state, third state, second state, and third state in that order when the refrigeration system 100 is in operation.

[0084] In the first state, as shown in Figure 3, the first adsorbent 121 is connected to the first heat exchanger 142, and the second adsorbent 122 is connected to the second heat exchanger 152. In the second state, as shown in Figure 4, the first adsorbent 121 is connected to the second heat exchanger 152, and the second adsorbent 122 is connected to the first heat exchanger 142. In the third state, as shown in Figure 5, the first adsorbent 121 is connected to the second adsorbent 122.

[0085] Figure 7 is a table showing the state of each control target of the control unit 105 in the first state, second state, and third state. In Figure 7, the compressor 131, first fluid pump 141, second fluid pump 151, and third fluid pump 155 operate when "ON" and stop when "OFF". In Figure 7, the refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R2-1, R2-2, bypass valve R3, and heat transfer valves H1-1, H1-2, H1-3, H1-4, H2-1, H2-2, H2-3, H2-4, H3-1, H3-2 are open when "ON" and closed when "OFF".

[0086] The control unit 105 performs the following control as shown in Figure 7. The control unit 105 operates the compressor 131 in the first and second states and stops the compressor 131 in the third state. The control unit 105 opens refrigerant valves R1-1 and R2-2 in the second state and closes refrigerant valves R1-1 and R2-2 in the first and third states. The control unit 105 opens refrigerant valves R1-2 and R2-1 in the first state and closes refrigerant valves R1-2 and R2-1 in the second and third states. The control unit 105 opens the bypass valve R3 for a predetermined period of time in the third state and closes the bypass valve R3 in the first and second states. The control unit 105 operates the first fluid pump 141 and the second fluid pump 151 in the first and second states and stops the first fluid pump 141 and the second fluid pump 151 in the third state. The control unit 105 operates the third fluid pump 155 for a predetermined period of time when in the third state, and stops the third fluid pump 155 when in the first and second states. The control unit 105 opens heat transfer valves H1-1, H1-3, H2-1, and H2-3 when in the first state, and closes heat transfer valves H1-1, H1-3, H2-1, and H2-3 when in the second and third states. The control unit 105 opens heat transfer valves H1-2, H1-4, H2-2, and H2-4 when in the second state, and closes heat transfer valves H1-2, H1-4, H2-2, and H2-4 when in the first and third states. The control unit 105 opens heat transfer valves H3-1 and H3-2 when in the third state, and closes heat transfer valves H3-1 and H3-2 when in the first and second states.

[0087] As shown in Figure 7, the third state consists of a heat recovery state and a pressure equalization state. In the heat recovery state, the control unit 105 operates the third fluid pump 155 and closes the bypass valve R3. In the pressure equalization state, the control unit 105 stops the third fluid pump 155 and opens the bypass valve R3. In the pressure equalization state, the control unit 105 may also close the heat transfer valves H3-1 and H3-2.

[0088] When the refrigeration system 100 is in operation, the control unit 105 controls each of its controlled objects so that the heat transfer medium flow path 112 repeatedly transitions through the following states in order, as shown in Figure 8: first state (step S11), third state (steps S12-S13), second state (step S14), and third state (steps S15-S16). In the third state, it first transitions to a heat recovery state (steps S12, S15), and then to a pressure equalization state (steps S13, S16).

[0089] (3-1) Heat recovery state In the third state, the heat recovery state, the first adsorbent 121 and the second adsorbent 122 are disconnected from the first heat exchanger 142 and the second heat exchanger 152. In other words, in the heat recovery state, the first adsorbent 121 and the second adsorbent 122 are not in communication with the first heat exchanger 142 and the second heat exchanger 152. In the heat recovery state, the first adsorbent 121 and the second adsorbent 122 are connected to each other to form the fifth circulation channel C5. In the heat recovery state, heat exchange takes place between the high-temperature heat transfer medium and the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the heat transfer medium channel 112.

[0090] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the first state, a high-temperature heat transfer medium heated by the heat of adsorption flows through the second space 164b of the first adsorber 121, and a low-temperature heat transfer medium cooled by the heat of desorption flows through the second space 164b of the second adsorber 122. Therefore, in the first state shown in Figure 3, a high-temperature heat transfer medium is present in the flow path between heat transfer medium valves H2-1 and H2-3 of the first circulation flow path C1, and a low-temperature heat transfer medium is present in the flow path between heat transfer medium valves H1-1 and H1-3 of the second circulation flow path C2. In the heat recovery state of the third state shown in Figure 5, which follows the first state, the heat transfer medium is circulated in the fifth circulation flow path C5 by operating the third fluid pump 155, thereby performing heat exchange between the high-temperature heat transfer medium in the first adsorber 121 and the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the second adsorber 122. As a result, the heat transfer medium in the first adsorbent 121 is cooled, and the heat transfer medium in the second adsorbent 122 is heated. Consequently, in the heat recovery state, the temperature of the high-temperature heat transfer medium in the first adsorbent 121 decreases, and the temperature of the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the second adsorbent 122 increases, thereby reducing the temperature difference between the heat transfer medium in the first adsorbent 121 and the heat transfer medium in the second adsorbent 122. In the heat recovery state, it is more preferable that the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the fifth circulation channel C5 becomes approximately uniform.

[0091] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the second state, a low-temperature heat transfer medium cooled by the heat of desorption flows through the second space 164b of the first adsorber 121, and a high-temperature heat transfer medium heated by the heat of adsorption flows through the second space 164b of the second adsorber 122. Therefore, in the second state shown in Figure 4, a high-temperature heat transfer medium is present in the flow path between heat transfer medium valves H2-2 and H2-4 of the third circulation flow path C3, and a low-temperature heat transfer medium is present in the flow path between heat transfer medium valves H1-2 and H1-4 of the fourth circulation flow path C4. In the heat recovery state of the third state shown in Figure 5, which is the transition after the second state, the third fluid pump 155 is operated to circulate the heat transfer medium in the fifth circulation flow path C5, thereby performing heat exchange between the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the first adsorber 121 and the high-temperature heat transfer medium in the second adsorber 122. As a result, the heat transfer medium in the first adsorbent 121 is heated, and the heat transfer medium in the second adsorbent 122 is cooled. Consequently, in the heat recovery state, the temperature of the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the first adsorbent 121 rises, and the temperature of the high-temperature heat transfer medium in the second adsorbent 122 falls, thereby reducing the temperature difference between the heat transfer medium in the first adsorbent 121 and the heat transfer medium in the second adsorbent 122. In the heat recovery state, it is more preferable that the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the fifth circulation channel C5 becomes approximately uniform.

[0092] (3-2) Equal pressure state In the third state, the equalized pressure state, with the compressor 131 stopped, the first space 164a of the first adsorber 121 and the first space 164a of the second adsorber 122 are connected. As a result, in the equalized pressure state, the difference between the refrigerant pressure in the first adsorber 121 and the refrigerant pressure in the second adsorber 122 decreases.

[0093] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the first state, the first space 164a of the first adsorbent 121 is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 131, and the first space 164a of the second adsorbent 122 is connected to the suction side of the compressor 131. Therefore, in the first state, the pressure of the refrigerant in the first adsorbent 121 is higher than the pressure of the refrigerant in the second adsorbent 122. In the third state, the equalized pressure state which follows the first state, the bypass valve R3 is opened, and the first space 164a of the first adsorbent 121 and the first space 164a of the second adsorbent 122 communicate with each other. As a result, the pressure in the first space 164a of the first adsorbent 121 decreases, and the pressure in the first space 164a of the second adsorbent 122 increases.

[0094] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the second state, the first space 164a of the first adsorbent 121 is connected to the suction side of the compressor 131, and the first space 164a of the second adsorbent 122 is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 131. Therefore, in the second state, the refrigerant pressure in the first adsorbent 121 is lower than the refrigerant pressure in the second adsorbent 122. In the third state, the equalized pressure state which follows the second state, the bypass valve R3 is opened, and the first space 164a of the first adsorbent 121 and the first space 164a of the second adsorbent 122 communicate with each other. As a result, the pressure in the first space 164a of the first adsorbent 121 increases, and the pressure in the first space 164a of the second adsorbent 122 decreases.

[0095] Therefore, in the equalized pressure state, the difference between the pressure in the first adsorbent 121 and the pressure in the second adsorbent 122 after opening the bypass valve R3 is smaller than the difference between the pressure in the first adsorbent 121 and the pressure in the second adsorbent 122 before opening the bypass valve R3. As a result, in the equalized pressure state, the refrigerant pressure in the first adsorbent 121 eventually becomes the same as the refrigerant pressure in the second adsorbent 122.

[0096] (4) Features (4-1) The heat transfer medium flow path 112 has a first state in which thermal energy is recovered in the first adsorbent 121 and cold energy is recovered in the second adsorbent 122, and a second state in which cold energy is recovered in the first adsorbent 121 and thermal energy is recovered in the second adsorbent 122. The first heat exchanger 142 is supplied with a high-temperature heat transfer medium from which thermal energy has been recovered. The second heat exchanger 152 is supplied with a low-temperature heat transfer medium from which cold energy has been recovered.

[0097] The heat transfer medium flow path 112 further has a third state in which the heat transfer medium is circulated between the first adsorbent 121 and the second adsorbent 122. The control unit 105 of the refrigeration device 100 transitions to the third state by temporarily disconnecting the first adsorbent 121 and the second adsorbent 122 from the first heat exchanger 142 and the second heat exchanger 152. When transitioning from the first state to the second state via the third state, in the third state, the high-temperature heat transfer medium in the first adsorbent 121 is cooled and the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the second adsorbent 122 is heated. When transitioning from the second state to the first state via the third state, in the third state, the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the first adsorbent 121 is heated and the high-temperature heat transfer medium in the second adsorbent 122 is cooled. This prevents the temporary supply of a low-temperature heat transfer medium to the first heat exchanger 142 and the temporary supply of a high-temperature heat transfer medium to the second heat exchanger 152 immediately after switching to the first or second state.

[0098] If a low-temperature heat transfer medium is temporarily supplied to the first heat exchanger 142, which is supplied with a high-temperature heat transfer medium from which heat has been recovered, the time required for the first heat exchanger 142 to heat up to a predetermined temperature will be extended. If a high-temperature heat transfer medium is temporarily supplied to the second heat exchanger 152, which is supplied with a low-temperature heat transfer medium from which cold energy has been recovered, the time required for the second heat exchanger 152 to cool down to a predetermined temperature will be extended. Therefore, by having a third state in the heat transfer medium flow path 112, the refrigeration system 100 can suppress a temporary decrease in capacity immediately after switching the heat transfer medium flow path 112 to the first or second state.

[0099] Therefore, the refrigeration system 100 can increase its capacity per unit time compared to the case where it does not have a fifth circulation channel C5 that circulates the heat transfer medium between the first adsorbent 121 and the second adsorbent 122.

[0100] (4-2) In the third state, the control unit 105 of the refrigeration device 100 temporarily opens the bypass valve R3 to equalize the pressure, thereby reducing the pressure difference between the refrigerant pressure in the first adsorbent 121 and the refrigerant pressure in the second adsorbent 122.

[0101] When pressure equalization occurs in the third state during the transition from the first state to the second state, the pressure in the first space 164a of the first adsorbent 121 decreases, and the pressure in the first space 164a of the second adsorbent 122 increases. As a result, after switching to the second state, the time it takes for the pressure in the first space 164a of the first adsorbent 121 to decrease and reach the desorption pressure, and the time it takes for the pressure in the first space 164a of the second adsorbent 122 to increase and reach the adsorption pressure are shortened.

[0102] When pressure equalization occurs in the third state during the transition from the second state to the first state, the pressure in the first space 164a of the first adsorbent 121 increases, and the pressure in the first space 164a of the second adsorbent 122 decreases. As a result, after switching to the first state, the time it takes for the pressure in the first space 164a of the first adsorbent 121 to rise and reach the adsorption pressure, and the time it takes for the pressure in the first space 164a of the second adsorbent 122 to fall and reach the desorption pressure are shortened.

[0103] Until the pressure inside the first adsorbent 121 or the second adsorbent 122 rises to reach the adsorption pressure, no heat is generated in the first adsorbent 121 or the second adsorbent 122. Until the pressure inside the first adsorbent 121 or the second adsorbent 122 falls to reach the desorption pressure, no cold is generated in the first adsorbent 121 or the second adsorbent 122. By equalizing the pressure, the refrigeration device 100 can shorten the time it takes for the pressure inside the first adsorbent 121 and the second adsorbent 122 to reach the adsorption pressure or desorption pressure.

[0104] Therefore, the refrigeration system 100 can increase its capacity per unit time compared to the case where the heat source side circuit 101 does not have a bypass flow path 210 and a bypass valve R3.

[0105] —Second Embodiment— (1) Overall configuration of the refrigeration unit 200 The refrigeration system 200 of the second embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, comprises a heat source side circuit 101, a utilization side circuit 102, a first fan 143, and a second fan 153. The heat source side circuit 101 has a refrigerant flow path 111 through which the refrigerant flows. The utilization side circuit 102 has a heat medium flow path 112 through which the heat medium flows. In Figure 9, the refrigerant flow path 111 is drawn with a dotted line, and the heat medium flow path 112 is drawn with a solid line. The refrigeration system 200 is, for example, an air conditioning system. When the refrigeration system 200 is an air conditioning system, one of the first fan 143 and the second fan 153 is provided in the indoor unit, and the other is provided in the outdoor unit.

[0106] The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant channel 111 includes at least one of carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, ammonia, water, HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons), and HFOs (hydrofluoroolefins). The hydrocarbons are selected from the group consisting of, for example, propane, butane, and isobutane.

[0107] The heat transfer medium flowing through the heat transfer medium channel 112 is selected from the group consisting of, for example, water, brine, and air. Brine is a liquid with a freezing point of 0°C or lower.

[0108] The refrigeration system 200 further includes a control unit 105. As shown in Figure 10, the control unit 105 controls the operation of each element constituting the heat source side circuit 101 and the utilization side circuit 102. Here, a processor is given as an example of the control unit 105. The processor consists of various computing devices such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processor reads various programs of the device into memory and executes them. The processor loads the programs stored in memory into the working area of ​​memory and executes them, and by controlling each component through the execution of the programs, it realizes functions that match a predetermined purpose.

[0109] (1-1) Heat source side circuit 101 The heat source circuit 101 constitutes a refrigeration cycle that functions as a heat pump utilizing the heat (warmth or coldness) generated when the refrigerant is adsorbed or desorbed from the adsorbent.

[0110] The heat source circuit 101 includes a compressor 131, a first adsorbent 121, a second adsorbent 122, a third adsorbent 123, a fourth adsorbent 124, and a refrigerant flow path 111. The heat source circuit 101 further includes a four-way switching valve 135, refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R1-3, and R1-4. The refrigerant flow path 111 connects the compressor 131, the four-way switching valve 135, the first adsorbent 121, the second adsorbent 122, the third adsorbent 123, and the fourth adsorbent 124. Refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R1-3, and R1-4 are provided on the refrigerant flow path 111.

[0111] The compressor 131 compresses the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant passage 111. The compressor 131 is, for example, a rotary compressor. The compressor 131 draws in low-pressure refrigerant from the refrigerant passage 111, compresses it, and discharges it back into the refrigerant passage 111 as high-pressure refrigerant. Low-pressure refrigerant is the refrigerant in the refrigerant passage 111 before it is compressed by the compressor 131. High-pressure refrigerant is the refrigerant in the refrigerant passage 111 after it has been compressed by the compressor 131. During operation of the compressor 131, lubricating oil sealed in the refrigerant passage 111 is supplied to the sliding parts of the compressor 131. A portion of the lubricating oil is stored at the bottom of the compressor 131's casing.

[0112] The first adsorbent 121, the second adsorbent 122, the third adsorbent 123, and the fourth adsorbent 124 each have an adsorbent material that adsorbs and desorbs refrigerant. In the first adsorbent 121, the second adsorbent 122, the third adsorbent 123, and the fourth adsorbent 124, the heat of adsorption or the heat of desorption is recovered in the heat medium flowing through the heat medium channel 112. The heat of adsorption is the warmth generated when the adsorbent material adsorbs the refrigerant. The heat of desorption is the coldness generated when the adsorbent material desorbs the refrigerant. The generation of warmth means that the temperature of the heat medium rises as the heat medium absorbs heat. The generation of coldness means that the temperature of the heat medium decreases as it absorbs heat from the heat medium.

[0113] The four-way switching valve 135 switches the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant passage 111. The four-way switching valve 135 is configured to switch the refrigerant passage 111 between a first mode of flow direction shown by the solid line in Figure 9 and a second mode of flow direction shown by the dashed line in Figure 9. In the first mode, the discharge side of the compressor 131 is connected to the second adsorbent 122 or the fourth adsorbent 124, and the suction side of the compressor 131 is connected to the first adsorbent 121 or the third adsorbent 123. In the second mode, the discharge side of the compressor 131 is connected to the first adsorbent 121 or the third adsorbent 123, and the suction side of the compressor 131 is connected to the second adsorbent 122 or the fourth adsorbent 124.

[0114] Refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R1-3, and R1-4 are solenoid valves. In the first mode, the refrigerant flow path 111 on the discharge side of the compressor 131 branches into a flow path where refrigerant valve R1-2 is located and a flow path where refrigerant valve R1-4 is located. In the first mode, the refrigerant flow path 111 on the suction side of the compressor 131 branches into a flow path where refrigerant valve R1-1 is located and a flow path where refrigerant valve R1-3 is located. In the second mode, the refrigerant flow path 111 on the discharge side of the compressor 131 branches into a flow path where refrigerant valve R1-1 is located and a flow path where refrigerant valve R1-3 is located. In the second mode, the refrigerant flow path 111 on the suction side of the compressor 131 branches into a flow path where refrigerant valve R1-2 is located and a flow path where refrigerant valve R1-4 is located. The flow path where refrigerant valve R1-1 is located is connected to the first adsorbent 121. The flow path where refrigerant valve R1-2 is located is connected to the second adsorbent 122. The flow path where refrigerant valve R1-3 is located is connected to the third adsorbent 123. The flow path where refrigerant valve R1-4 is located is connected to the fourth adsorbent 124.

[0115] In Figure 9, the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant channel 111 when the refrigerant channel 111 is in the first mode is indicated by a solid arrow. In Figure 9, the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant channel 111 when the refrigerant channel 111 is in the second mode is indicated by a dashed arrow.

[0116] In the first mode, the discharge side of the compressor 131 and the second adsorbent 122 are connected via refrigerant valve R1-2. In the first mode, the discharge side of the compressor 131 and the fourth adsorbent 124 are connected via refrigerant valve R1-4. In the first mode, the suction side of the compressor 131 and the first adsorbent 121 are connected via refrigerant valve R1-1. In the first mode, the suction side of the compressor 131 and the third adsorbent 123 are connected via refrigerant valve R1-3.

[0117] In the second mode, the discharge side of the compressor 131 and the first adsorbent 121 are connected via refrigerant valve R1-1. In the second mode, the discharge side of the compressor 131 and the third adsorbent 123 are connected via refrigerant valve R1-3. In the second mode, the suction side of the compressor 131 and the second adsorbent 122 are connected via refrigerant valve R1-2. In the second mode, the suction side of the compressor 131 and the fourth adsorbent 124 are connected via refrigerant valve R1-4.

[0118] The heat source circuit 101 further includes a first bypass flow path 211 and a second bypass flow path 212. The first bypass flow path 211 connects the first adsorbent 121 and the second adsorbent 122 without passing through the compressor 131. The first bypass flow path 211 connects the first adsorbent 121 and the second adsorbent 122 in the refrigerant flow path 111. The second bypass flow path 212 connects the third adsorbent 123 and the fourth adsorbent 124 without passing through the compressor 131. The second bypass flow path 212 connects the third adsorbent 123 and the fourth adsorbent 124 in the refrigerant flow path 111.

[0119] The heat source side circuit 101 further includes a bypass valve R3-1, which is an opening and closing mechanism for the first bypass passage 211, and a bypass valve R3-2, which is an opening and closing mechanism for the second bypass passage 212. The bypass valves R3-1 and R3-2 are, for example, solenoid valves. Bypass valve R3-1 is installed in the piping through which the refrigerant flows in the first bypass passage 211. Bypass valve R3-2 is installed in the piping through which the refrigerant flows in the second bypass passage 212.

[0120] The control unit 105 controls the compressor 131, the four-way switching valve 135, the refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R1-3, R1-4, the bypass valve R3-1, and the bypass valve R3-2. The control unit 105 controls the rotational speed of the compressor 131. The control unit 105 controls the timing for starting the compressor 131 and the timing for stopping the compressor 131. The control unit 105 controls the four-way switching valve 135 to switch between the first mode and the second mode of the refrigerant flow path 111. The control unit 105 controls the opening and closing of the refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R1-3, and R1-4 to allow or block the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant flow path 111. The control unit 105 controls the opening and closing of the bypass valve R3-1 to allow or block the flow of refrigerant in the first bypass flow path 211. The control unit 105 controls the bypass valve R3-2 to open or close, thereby allowing or blocking the flow of refrigerant in the second bypass passage 212.

[0121] (1-2) User side circuit 102 The utilization-side circuit 102 functions as a heat transfer means for utilizing the heat generated in the heat source-side circuit 101 via a heat transfer medium. The heat transfer medium flowing through the heat transfer medium channel 112 transfers the heat of adsorption or desorption recovered by the first adsorbent 121, second adsorbent 122, third adsorbent 123, or fourth adsorbent 124 to a predetermined location.

[0122] The user-side circuit 102 includes a first adsorbent 121, a second adsorbent 122, a third adsorbent 123, a fourth adsorbent 124, a first heat exchanger 142, a second heat exchanger 152, and a heat transfer medium flow path 112. The user-side circuit 102 further includes a first fluid pump 141, a second fluid pump 151, a third fluid pump 155, a heat transfer valve H1-1, a heat transfer valve H1-2, a heat transfer valve H1-3, a heat transfer valve H1-4, a heat transfer valve H2-1, a heat transfer valve H2-2, a heat transfer valve H2-3, a heat transfer valve H2-4, a heat transfer valve H3-1, a heat transfer valve H3-2, a heat transfer valve H3-3, a heat transfer valve H3-4, a heat transfer valve H4-1, a heat transfer valve H4-2, a heat transfer valve H4-3, a heat transfer valve H4-4, a heat transfer valve H5-1, a heat transfer valve H5-2, a heat transfer valve H5-3, a heat transfer valve H6-1, a heat transfer valve H6-2, and a heat transfer valve H6-3. Hereafter, these 22 heat transfer valves will be collectively referred to as "heat transfer valves H1-1 to H6-3" as needed. The heat transfer flow path 112 connects the first adsorbent 121, the second adsorbent 122, the third adsorbent 123, the fourth adsorbent 124, the first fluid pump 141, the first heat exchanger 142, the second fluid pump 151, the second heat exchanger 152, and the third fluid pump 155. The heat transfer valves H1-1 to H6-3 are installed on the heat transfer flow path 112.

[0123] The first fluid pump 141 sends the heat transfer medium to the first heat exchanger 142. The first heat exchanger 142 performs heat exchange between the heat transfer medium and air. The first fan 143 generates an airflow that passes through the first heat exchanger 142 so that heat exchange can take place in the first heat exchanger 142.

[0124] The second fluid pump 151 sends the heat transfer medium to the second heat exchanger 152. The second heat exchanger 152 performs heat exchange between the heat transfer medium and air. The second fan 153 generates an airflow that passes through the second heat exchanger 152 so that heat exchange can take place in the second heat exchanger 152.

[0125] The third fluid pump 155 circulates the heat transfer medium between the first adsorbent 121 and the second adsorbent 122, or between the third adsorbent 123 and the fourth adsorbent 124.

[0126] The heat transfer valves H1-1 to H6-3 are solenoid valves. The heat transfer valves H1-1 to H6-3 change the flow direction of the heat transfer medium flowing through the heat transfer medium passage 112. The heat transfer valves H1-1 to H6-3 are arranged so that the heat transfer medium passage 112 can be switched between a first state, a second state, a third state, and a fourth state. When the heat transfer medium passage 112 is in the first and second states, the refrigerant passage 111 is in the first mode. When the heat transfer medium passage 112 is in the third and fourth states, the refrigerant passage 111 is in the second mode.

[0127] On the discharge side of the first fluid pump 141, the heat transfer medium flow path 112 branches into a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H3-1 is located, a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H3-2 is located, a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H3-3 is located, and a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H3-4 is located. On the suction side of the first fluid pump 141, the heat transfer medium flow path 112 branches into a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H4-1 is located, a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H4-2 is located, a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H4-3 is located, and a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H4-4 is located. The first heat exchanger 142 is located between the suction side of the first fluid pump 141 and the heat transfer medium valves H4-1, H4-2, H4-3, and H4-4.

[0128] On the discharge side of the second fluid pump 151, the heat transfer medium passage 112 branches into a passage where heat transfer medium valve H1-1 is located, a passage where heat transfer medium valve H1-2 is located, a passage where heat transfer medium valve H1-3 is located, and a passage where heat transfer medium valve H1-4 is located. On the suction side of the second fluid pump 151, the heat transfer medium passage 112 branches into a passage where heat transfer medium valve H2-1 is located, a passage where heat transfer medium valve H2-2 is located, a passage where heat transfer medium valve H2-3 is located, and a passage where heat transfer medium valve H2-4 is located. The second heat exchanger 152 is located between the suction side of the second fluid pump 151 and the heat transfer medium valves H2-1, H2-2, H2-3, and H2-4.

[0129] On the discharge side of the third fluid pump 155, the heat transfer medium passage 112 branches into a passage where heat transfer medium valve H5-1 is located and a passage where heat transfer medium valve H6-1 is located. On the suction side of the third fluid pump 155, the heat transfer medium passage 112 branches into a passage where heat transfer medium valve H5-3 is located and a passage where heat transfer medium valve H6-3 is located.

[0130] The flow path where heat transfer valve H1-1 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H3-1 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H5-1 is located, and the flow path where the first adsorbent 121 is located are connected to each other. By opening and closing the heat transfer valves H1-1, H3-1, and H5-1, the heat transfer medium can flow from any one of the flow paths where heat transfer valve H1-1 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H3-1 is located, and the flow path where heat transfer valve H5-1 is located to the flow path where the first adsorbent 121 is located.

[0131] The flow path where heat transfer valve H1-2 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H3-2 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H5-2 is located, and the flow path where the second adsorbent 122 is located are connected to each other. By opening and closing the heat transfer valves H1-2, H3-2, and H5-2, the heat transfer medium can flow from any one of the flow paths where heat transfer valve H1-2 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H3-2 is located, and the flow path where heat transfer valve H5-2 is located to the flow path where the second adsorbent 122 is located.

[0132] The flow path where heat transfer valve H1-3 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H3-3 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H6-1 is located, and the flow path where the third adsorbent 123 is located are all connected to each other. By opening and closing the heat transfer valves H1-3, H3-3, and H6-1, the heat transfer medium can flow from any one of the flow paths where heat transfer valve H1-3 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H3-3 is located, and the flow path where heat transfer valve H6-1 is located to the flow path where the third adsorbent 123 is located.

[0133] The flow path where heat transfer valve H1-4 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H3-4 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H6-2 is located, and the flow path where the fourth adsorbent 124 is located are all connected to each other. By opening and closing the heat transfer valves H1-4, H3-4, and H6-2, the heat transfer medium can flow from any one of the flow paths where heat transfer valve H1-4 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H3-4 is located, and the flow path where heat transfer valve H6-2 is located to the flow path where the fourth adsorbent 124 is located.

[0134] The flow path where heat transfer valve H2-1 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H4-1 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H5-2 is located, and the flow path where the first adsorbent 121 is located are connected to each other. By opening and closing the heat transfer valves H2-1, H4-1, and H5-2, the heat transfer medium can flow from the flow path where the first adsorbent 121 is located to one of the flow paths where heat transfer valve H2-1 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H4-1 is located, and the flow path where heat transfer valve H5-2 is located.

[0135] The flow path where heat transfer valve H2-2 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H4-2 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H5-3 is located, and the flow path where the second adsorbent 122 is located are connected to each other. By opening and closing the heat transfer valves H2-2, H4-2, and H5-3, the heat transfer medium can flow from the flow path where the second adsorbent 122 is located to one of the flow paths where heat transfer valve H2-2 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H4-2 is located, and the flow path where heat transfer valve H5-3 is located.

[0136] The flow path where heat transfer valve H2-3 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H4-3 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H6-2 is located, and the flow path where the third adsorbent 123 is located are connected to each other. By opening and closing the heat transfer valves H2-3, H4-3, and H6-2, the heat transfer medium can flow from the flow path where the third adsorbent 123 is located to one of the flow paths where heat transfer valve H2-3 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H4-3 is located, and the flow path where heat transfer valve H6-2 is located.

[0137] The flow path where heat transfer valve H2-4 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H4-4 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H6-3 is located, and the flow path where the fourth adsorber 124 is located are connected to each other. By opening and closing the heat transfer valves H2-4, H4-4, and H6-3, the heat transfer medium can flow from the flow path where the fourth adsorber 124 is located to one of the flow paths where heat transfer valve H2-4 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H4-4 is located, and the flow path where heat transfer valve H6-3 is located.

[0138] In Figure 11, when the heat transfer medium channel 112 is in the first state, the flow path of the refrigerant through the refrigerant channel 111 is shown by a thick dashed line, and the flow path of the heat transfer medium through the heat transfer medium channel 112 is shown by a thick solid line. In Figure 12, when the heat transfer medium channel 112 is in the second state, the flow path of the refrigerant through the refrigerant channel 111 is shown by a thick dashed line, and the flow path of the heat transfer medium through the heat transfer medium channel 112 is shown by a thick solid line. In Figure 13, when the heat transfer medium channel 112 is in the third state, the flow path of the refrigerant through the refrigerant channel 111 is shown by a thick dashed line, and the flow path of the heat transfer medium through the heat transfer medium channel 112 is shown by a thick solid line. In Figure 14, when the heat transfer medium channel 112 is in the fourth state, the flow path of the refrigerant through the refrigerant channel 111 is shown by a thick dashed line, and the flow path of the heat transfer medium through the heat transfer medium channel 112 is shown by a thick solid line. In Figures 11 to 14, among the refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R1-3, and R1-4, those that are open to allow the refrigerant to pass through are shown as filled in black. In Figures 11 to 14, among the heat transfer fluid valves H1-1 to H6-3, those that are open to allow the heat transfer fluid to pass through are shown as filled in black.

[0139] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the first state, as shown in Figure 11, the heat transfer medium flow path 112 has three independent flow paths: a first circulation flow path C1, a second circulation flow path C2, and a ninth circulation flow path C9. The heat transfer medium circulates through each of the first circulation flow path C1, the second circulation flow path C2, and the ninth circulation flow path C9.

[0140] In the first state, the heat transfer medium circulating in the first circulation channel C1 passes through the first fluid pump 141, the heat transfer valve H3-2, the second adsorber 122, the heat transfer valve H4-2, and the first heat exchanger 142 in this order. In the first state, the heat transfer medium circulating in the second circulation channel C2 passes through the second fluid pump 151, the heat transfer valve H1-1, the first adsorber 121, the heat transfer valve H2-1, and the second heat exchanger 152 in this order. In the first state, the heat transfer medium circulating in the ninth circulation channel C9 passes through the third fluid pump 155, the heat transfer valve H6-1, the third adsorber 123, the heat transfer valve H6-2, the fourth adsorber 124, and the heat transfer valve H6-3 in this order. In the first state, the first fluid pump 141 circulates the heat transfer medium in the first circulation channel C1. In the first state, the second fluid pump 151 circulates the heat transfer medium in the second circulation channel C2. In the first state, the third fluid pump 155 circulates the heat transfer medium in the ninth circulation channel C9.

[0141] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the second state, as shown in Figure 12, the heat transfer medium flow path 112 has three independent flow paths: a third circulation flow path C3, a fourth circulation flow path C4, and a tenth circulation flow path C10. The heat transfer medium circulates through each of the third circulation flow path C3, the fourth circulation flow path C4, and the tenth circulation flow path C10.

[0142] In the second state, the heat transfer medium circulating in the third circulation channel C3 passes through the first fluid pump 141, the heat transfer valve H3-4, the fourth adsorber 124, the heat transfer valve H4-4, and the first heat exchanger 142 in this order. In the second state, the heat transfer medium circulating in the fourth circulation channel C4 passes through the second fluid pump 151, the heat transfer valve H1-3, the third adsorber 123, the heat transfer valve H2-3, and the second heat exchanger 152 in this order. In the second state, the heat transfer medium circulating in the tenth circulation channel C10 passes through the third fluid pump 155, the heat transfer valve H5-1, the first adsorber 121, the heat transfer valve H5-2, the second adsorber 122, and the heat transfer valve H5-3 in this order. In the second state, the first fluid pump 141 circulates the heat transfer medium in the third circulation channel C3. In the second state, the second fluid pump 151 circulates the heat transfer medium in the fourth circulation channel C4. In the second state, the third fluid pump 155 circulates the heat transfer medium in the tenth circulation channel C10.

[0143] When the heat transfer medium channel 112 is in the third state, as shown in Figure 13, the heat transfer medium channel 112 has three independent channels: a fifth circulation channel C5, a sixth circulation channel C6, and a ninth circulation channel C9. The heat transfer medium circulates through each of the fifth circulation channel C5, the sixth circulation channel C6, and the ninth circulation channel C9.

[0144] In the third state, the heat transfer medium circulating in the fifth circulation channel C5 passes through the first fluid pump 141, the heat transfer valve H3-1, the first adsorber 121, the heat transfer valve H4-1, and the first heat exchanger 142 in that order. In the third state, the heat transfer medium circulating in the sixth circulation channel C6 passes through the second fluid pump 151, the heat transfer valve H1-2, the second adsorber 122, the heat transfer valve H2-2, and the second heat exchanger 152 in that order. In the third state, the first fluid pump 141 circulates the heat transfer medium in the fifth circulation channel C5. In the third state, the second fluid pump 151 circulates the heat transfer medium in the sixth circulation channel C6. In the third state, the third fluid pump 155 circulates the heat transfer medium in the ninth circulation channel C9.

[0145] When the heat transfer medium channel 112 is in the fourth state, as shown in Figure 14, the heat transfer medium channel 112 has three independent channels: the seventh circulation channel C7, the eighth circulation channel C8, and the tenth circulation channel C10. The heat transfer medium circulates through each of the seventh circulation channel C7, the eighth circulation channel C8, and the tenth circulation channel C10.

[0146] In the fourth state, the heat transfer medium circulating in the seventh circulation channel C7 passes through the first fluid pump 141, the heat transfer valve H3-3, the third adsorber 123, the heat transfer valve H4-3, and the first heat exchanger 142 in that order. In the fourth state, the heat transfer medium circulating in the eighth circulation channel C8 passes through the second fluid pump 151, the heat transfer valve H1-4, the fourth adsorber 124, the heat transfer valve H2-4, and the second heat exchanger 152 in that order. In the fourth state, the first fluid pump 141 circulates the heat transfer medium in the seventh circulation channel C7. In the fourth state, the second fluid pump 151 circulates the heat transfer medium in the eighth circulation channel C8. In the fourth state, the third fluid pump 155 circulates the heat transfer medium in the tenth circulation channel C10.

[0147] The control unit 105 controls the first fluid pump 141, the first fan 143, the second fluid pump 151, the second fan 153, the third fluid pump 155, and the heat transfer valves H1-1 to H6-3. The control unit 105 controls the capacity of the first fluid pump 141, the second fluid pump 151, and the third fluid pump 155. The control unit 105 controls the rotation speed of the first fan 143 and the second fan 153. The control unit 105 controls the opening and closing of the heat transfer valves H1-1 to H6-3 to switch the heat transfer flow path 112 between the first state, the second state, the third state, and the fourth state. The control unit 105 controls the heat transfer valves H1-1 to H6-3 so that the heat transfer flow path 112 repeatedly transitions in the order of the first state, the second state, the third state, and the fourth state.

[0148] (1-3) First adsorbent 121, second adsorbent 122, third adsorbent 123, and fourth adsorbent 124 The first adsorbent 121, the second adsorbent 122, the third adsorbent 123, and the fourth adsorbent 124 each have the same structure as the first adsorbent 121 and the second adsorbent 122 of the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 6.

[0149] The first bypass channel 211 of the heat source side circuit 101 connects the second opening 163b of the first adsorbent 121 and the second opening 163b of the second adsorbent 122. The first bypass channel 211 also connects the first space 164a of the first adsorbent 121 and the first space 164a of the second adsorbent 122.

[0150] The second bypass channel 212 of the heat source side circuit 101 connects the second opening 163b of the third adsorbent 123 and the second opening 163b of the fourth adsorbent 124. The second bypass channel 212 also connects the first space 164a of the third adsorbent 123 and the first space 164a of the fourth adsorbent 124.

[0151] (2) Operation of the refrigeration unit 200 The operation of the refrigeration system 200 will be described in the case where the refrigeration system 200 is an air conditioning system. In this case, the first heat exchanger 142 is an indoor heat exchanger, and the second heat exchanger 152 is an outdoor heat exchanger.

[0152] The adsorbents 181 of the first adsorbent 121, the second adsorbent 122, the third adsorbent 123, and the fourth adsorbent 124 adsorb and desorb the refrigerant in the refrigerant flow path 111. The adsorbent 181 adsorbs refrigerant when it is in contact with refrigerant in the first space 164a whose pressure is equal to or greater than the adsorption pressure. The adsorbent 181 desorbs refrigerant when it is in contact with refrigerant in the first space 164a whose pressure is equal to or less than the desorption pressure.

[0153] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the first state, it is possible to connect the suction side of the compressor 131 to the first adsorbent 121 to create a low-pressure state inside the first adsorbent 121, and to connect the discharge side of the compressor 131 to the second adsorbent 122 to create a high-pressure state inside the second adsorbent 122. When the inside of the first adsorbent 121 is in a low-pressure state, the adsorbent material 181 of the first adsorbent 121 is in contact with the low-pressure refrigerant in the first space 164a. When the inside of the second adsorbent 122 is in a high-pressure state, the adsorbent material 181 of the second adsorbent 122 is in contact with the high-pressure refrigerant in the first space 164a.

[0154] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the second state, it is possible to connect the suction side of the compressor 131 to the third adsorbent 123 to create a low-pressure state inside the third adsorbent 123, and to connect the discharge side of the compressor 131 to the fourth adsorbent 124 to create a high-pressure state inside the fourth adsorbent 124. When the third adsorbent 123 is in a low-pressure state, the adsorbent material 181 of the third adsorbent 123 is in contact with the low-pressure refrigerant in the first space 164a. When the fourth adsorbent 124 is in a high-pressure state, the adsorbent material 181 of the fourth adsorbent 124 is in contact with the high-pressure refrigerant in the first space 164a.

[0155] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the third state, it is possible to connect the suction side of the compressor 131 to the second adsorbent 122 to create a low-pressure state inside the second adsorbent 122, and to connect the discharge side of the compressor 131 to the first adsorbent 121 to create a high-pressure state inside the first adsorbent 121. When the inside of the second adsorbent 122 is in a low-pressure state, the adsorbent material 181 of the second adsorbent 122 is in contact with the low-pressure refrigerant in the first space 164a. When the inside of the first adsorbent 121 is in a high-pressure state, the adsorbent material 181 of the first adsorbent 121 is in contact with the high-pressure refrigerant in the first space 164a.

[0156] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the fourth state, it is possible to connect the suction side of the compressor 131 to the fourth adsorbent 124 to create a low-pressure state inside the fourth adsorbent 124, and to connect the discharge side of the compressor 131 to the third adsorbent 123 to create a high-pressure state inside the third adsorbent 123. When the inside of the fourth adsorbent 124 is in a low-pressure state, the adsorbent material 181 of the fourth adsorbent 124 is in contact with the low-pressure refrigerant in the first space 164a. When the inside of the third adsorbent 123 is in a high-pressure state, the adsorbent material 181 of the third adsorbent 123 is in contact with the high-pressure refrigerant in the first space 164a.

[0157] The change in the adsorption amount, which is the amount of refrigerant adsorbed on the adsorbent 181, when the heat transfer fluid channel 112 is in the first state will be explained. In the state when switched from the fourth state to the first state, the adsorption amount of the adsorbent 181 of the second adsorber 122 is the first adsorption amount, and the adsorption amount of the adsorbent 181 of the first adsorber 121 is the second adsorption amount. The second adsorption amount is greater than the first adsorption amount. The second adsorption amount is the maximum amount of refrigerant that the adsorbent 181 can adsorb. The second adsorption amount includes not only the theoretical maximum amount, but also an amount that can change depending on the high pressure or the time the high pressure state is maintained. The pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant is greater than or equal to the adsorption pressure, and the pressure of the low-pressure refrigerant is less than or equal to the desorption pressure.

[0158] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the first state, the adsorbent 181 of the second adsorbent 122 is in contact with the high-pressure refrigerant, and the adsorbent 181 of the first adsorbent 121 is in contact with the low-pressure refrigerant. In the second adsorbent 122, the adsorbent 181 gradually adsorbs the refrigerant, and in the process, the adsorbent 181 releases heat. In the first adsorbent 121, the adsorbent 181 gradually desorbs the refrigerant, and in the process, the adsorbent 181 absorbs heat. Therefore, the amount of adsorbent 181 in the second adsorbent 122 increases from the first adsorption amount to the second adsorption amount, and the amount of adsorbent 181 in the first adsorbent 121 decreases from the second adsorption amount to the first adsorption amount.

[0159] The change in the amount of refrigerant adsorbed on the adsorbent material 181 when the heat transfer fluid channel 112 is in the second state will be explained. In the state when switching from the first state to the second state, the amount of adsorption on the adsorbent material 181 of the third adsorbent 123 is the second adsorption amount, and the amount of adsorption on the adsorbent material 181 of the fourth adsorbent 124 is the first adsorption amount.

[0160] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the second state, the adsorbent 181 of the third adsorbent 123 is in contact with the low-pressure refrigerant, and the adsorbent 181 of the fourth adsorbent 124 is in contact with the high-pressure refrigerant. In the third adsorbent 123, the adsorbent 181 gradually desorbs the refrigerant, and in the process, the adsorbent 181 absorbs heat. In the fourth adsorbent 124, the adsorbent 181 gradually adsorbs the refrigerant, and in the process, the adsorbent 181 releases heat. Therefore, the amount of adsorbent 181 in the third adsorbent 123 decreases from the second adsorption amount to the first adsorption amount, and the amount of adsorbent 181 in the fourth adsorbent 124 increases from the first adsorption amount to the second adsorption amount.

[0161] This section describes the change in the amount of refrigerant adsorbed on the adsorbent material 181 when the heat transfer fluid channel 112 is in the third state. In the state when switching from the second state to the third state, the amount of adsorption on the adsorbent material 181 of the second adsorbent 122 is the second adsorption amount, and the amount of adsorption on the adsorbent material 181 of the first adsorbent 121 is the first adsorption amount.

[0162] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the third state, the adsorbent 181 of the second adsorbent 122 is in contact with the low-pressure refrigerant, and the adsorbent 181 of the first adsorbent 121 is in contact with the high-pressure refrigerant. In the second adsorbent 122, the adsorbent 181 gradually desorbs the refrigerant, and in the process, the adsorbent 181 absorbs heat. In the first adsorbent 121, the adsorbent 181 gradually adsorbs the refrigerant, and in the process, the adsorbent 181 releases heat. Therefore, the amount of adsorbent 181 in the second adsorbent 122 decreases from the second adsorption amount to the first adsorption amount, and the amount of adsorbent 181 in the first adsorbent 121 increases from the first adsorption amount to the second adsorption amount.

[0163] The change in the amount of refrigerant adsorbed on the adsorbent material 181 when the heat transfer fluid channel 112 is in the fourth state will be explained. In the state when switching from the third state to the fourth state, the amount of adsorption on the adsorbent material 181 of the fourth adsorbent 124 is the second adsorption amount, and the amount of adsorption on the adsorbent material 181 of the third adsorbent 123 is the first adsorption amount.

[0164] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the fourth state, the adsorbent 181 of the fourth adsorbent 124 comes into contact with the low-pressure refrigerant, and the adsorbent 181 of the third adsorbent 123 comes into contact with the high-pressure refrigerant. In the fourth adsorbent 124, the adsorbent 181 gradually desorbs the refrigerant, and in the process, the adsorbent 181 absorbs heat. In the third adsorbent 123, the adsorbent 181 gradually adsorbs the refrigerant, and in the process, the adsorbent 181 releases heat. Therefore, the amount of adsorbent 181 in the fourth adsorbent 124 decreases from the second adsorption amount to the first adsorption amount, and the amount of adsorbent 181 in the third adsorbent 123 increases from the first adsorption amount to the second adsorption amount.

[0165] When the heat transfer medium channel 112 is in the first state, in the second adsorbent 122, the heat generated during the process in which the adsorbent 181 adsorbs the refrigerant in the first space 164a is recovered into the heat transfer medium in the second space 164b. On the other hand, in the first adsorbent 121, the cold energy generated during the process in which the adsorbent 181 desorbs the refrigerant adsorbed on it is recovered into the heat transfer medium in the second space 164b. Therefore, in the second adsorbent 122, heat is recovered into the heat transfer medium flowing through the first circulation channel C1, and in the first adsorbent 121, cold energy is recovered into the heat transfer medium flowing through the second circulation channel C2.

[0166] Subsequently, when the amount of adsorption by the adsorbent material 181 of the second adsorbent 122 reaches the second adsorption amount, the adsorbent material 181 of the second adsorbent 122 becomes less adsorbent. Also, when the amount of adsorption by the adsorbent material 181 of the first adsorbent 121 reaches the first adsorption amount, the adsorbent material 181 of the first adsorbent 121 becomes less adsorbent.

[0167] When the heat transfer medium channel 112 is in the second state, in the fourth adsorbent 124, the heat generated during the process of the adsorbent 181 adsorbing the refrigerant in the first space 164a is recovered into the heat transfer medium in the second space 164b. On the other hand, in the third adsorbent 123, the cold energy generated during the process of the adsorbent 181 desorbing the refrigerant adsorbed on it is recovered into the heat transfer medium in the second space 164b. Therefore, in the fourth adsorbent 124, heat is recovered into the heat transfer medium flowing through the third circulation channel C3, and in the third adsorbent 123, cold energy is recovered into the heat transfer medium flowing through the fourth circulation channel C4.

[0168] Subsequently, when the adsorption amount of the adsorbent material 181 of the fourth adsorbent 124 reaches the second adsorption amount, the adsorbent material 181 of the fourth adsorbent 124 becomes less adsorbent. Also, when the adsorption amount of the adsorbent material 181 of the third adsorbent 123 reaches the first adsorption amount, the adsorbent material 181 of the third adsorbent 123 becomes less adsorbent.

[0169] When the heat transfer medium channel 112 is in the third state, in the first adsorbent 121, the heat generated during the process in which the adsorbent 181 adsorbs the refrigerant in the first space 164a is recovered into the heat transfer medium in the second space 164b. On the other hand, in the second adsorbent 122, the cold energy generated during the process in which the adsorbent 181 desorbs the refrigerant adsorbed on it is recovered into the heat transfer medium in the second space 164b. Therefore, in the first adsorbent 121, heat is recovered into the heat transfer medium flowing through the fifth circulation channel C5, and in the second adsorbent 122, cold energy is recovered into the heat transfer medium flowing through the sixth circulation channel C6.

[0170] Subsequently, when the amount of adsorption by the adsorbent material 181 of the first adsorbent 121 reaches the second adsorption amount, the adsorbent material 181 of the first adsorbent 121 becomes less adsorbent. Also, when the amount of adsorption by the adsorbent material 181 of the second adsorbent 122 reaches the first adsorption amount, the adsorbent material 181 of the second adsorbent 122 becomes less adsorbent.

[0171] When the heat transfer medium channel 112 is in the fourth state, in the third adsorbent 123, the heat generated during the process of the adsorbent 181 adsorbing the refrigerant in the first space 164a is recovered into the heat transfer medium in the second space 164b. On the other hand, in the fourth adsorbent 124, the cold energy generated during the process of the adsorbent 181 desorbing the refrigerant adsorbed on it is recovered into the heat transfer medium in the second space 164b. Therefore, in the third adsorbent 123, heat is recovered into the heat transfer medium flowing through the seventh circulation channel C7, and in the fourth adsorbent 124, cold energy is recovered into the heat transfer medium flowing through the eighth circulation channel C8.

[0172] Subsequently, when the amount of adsorption by the adsorbent material 181 of the third adsorbent 123 reaches the second adsorption amount, the adsorbent material 181 of the third adsorbent 123 becomes less adsorbent. Also, when the amount of adsorption by the adsorbent material 181 of the fourth adsorbent 124 reaches the first adsorption amount, the adsorbent material 181 of the fourth adsorbent 124 becomes less adsorbent.

[0173] As described above, by repeatedly transitioning the heat transfer medium flow path 112 through the first, second, third, and fourth states in that order, the refrigerant can be continuously adsorbed or desorbed onto the adsorbent material 181 in any one of the first adsorbent material 121, second adsorbent material 122, third adsorbent material 123, and fourth adsorbent material 124. The refrigeration system 200 can continuously recover the heat generated when the adsorbent material 181 adsorbs the refrigerant using the heat transfer medium flowing through the first circulation flow path C1, third circulation flow path C3, fifth circulation flow path C5, and seventh circulation flow path C7. The refrigeration system 200 can continuously recover the cold generated when the adsorbent material 181 desorbs the refrigerant using the heat transfer medium flowing through the second circulation flow path C2, fourth circulation flow path C4, sixth circulation flow path C6, and eighth circulation flow path C8.

[0174] Therefore, the refrigeration system 200 can continue to supply the heat transfer medium heated by the recovered thermal energy to the first heat exchanger 142, and can continue to supply the heat transfer medium cooled by the recovered refrigeration energy to the second heat exchanger 152. The air heated by heat exchange with the heat transfer medium in the first heat exchanger 142 is sent to a predetermined location by the first fan 143. The air cooled by heat exchange with the heat transfer medium in the second heat exchanger 152 is sent to a predetermined location by the second fan 153.

[0175] (3) Control of the refrigeration unit 200 The control unit 105 controls the compressor 131, four-way switching valve 135, refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R1-3, R1-4, bypass valves R3-1, R3-2, first fluid pump 141, second fluid pump 151, third fluid pump 155, and heat transfer valves H1-1 to H6-3 so that the heat transfer fluid flow path 112 repeatedly transitions through the first, second, third, and fourth states in that order when the refrigeration system 200 is in operation.

[0176] In the first state, as shown in Figure 11, the second adsorbent 122 is connected to the first heat exchanger 142, the first adsorbent 121 is connected to the second heat exchanger 152, and the third adsorbent 123 is connected to the fourth adsorbent 124.

[0177] In the second state, as shown in Figure 12, the fourth adsorbent 124 is connected to the first heat exchanger 142, the third adsorbent 123 is connected to the second heat exchanger 152, and the first adsorbent 121 is connected to the second adsorbent 122.

[0178] In the third state, as shown in Figure 13, the first adsorbent 121 is connected to the first heat exchanger 142, the second adsorbent 122 is connected to the second heat exchanger 152, and the third adsorbent 123 is connected to the fourth adsorbent 124.

[0179] In the fourth state, as shown in Figure 14, the third adsorbent 123 is connected to the first heat exchanger 142, the fourth adsorbent 124 is connected to the second heat exchanger 152, and the first adsorbent 121 is connected to the second adsorbent 122.

[0180] Figures 15 and 16 are tables showing the states of each controlled object of the control unit 105 in the first, second, third, and fourth states. In Figure 15, the compressor 131, first fluid pump 141, second fluid pump 151, and third fluid pump 155 operate when "ON" and stop when "OFF". In Figure 15, the four-way switching valve 135 has the refrigerant flow path 111 in first mode when "first mode" is activated, and the refrigerant flow path 111 in second mode when "second mode" is activated. In "first mode", the discharge side of the compressor 131 is connected to refrigerant valves R1-2 and R1-4, and the suction side of the compressor 131 is connected to refrigerant valves R1-1 and R1-3. In "second mode", the discharge side of the compressor 131 is connected to refrigerant valves R1-1 and R1-3, and the suction side of the compressor 131 is connected to refrigerant valves R1-2 and R1-4. In Figure 15, the refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R1-3, R1-4, and the bypass valves R3-1, R3-2 are open when "ON" and closed when "OFF". For bypass valves R3-1, R3-2, "OFF→ON" means that they are "OFF" at the start of each state and switch to "ON" before the end of each state. In Figure 16, the heat transfer valves H1-1 to H6-3 are open when "ON" and closed when "OFF".

[0181] The control unit 105 performs the following control as shown in Figure 15. The control unit 105 continuously drives the compressor 131 while the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the first to fourth states. The control unit 105 controls the four-way switching valve 135 so that the refrigerant flow path 111 is in the first mode when it is in the first and second states, and in the second mode when it is in the third and fourth states. The control unit 105 opens refrigerant valves R1-1 and R1-2 when it is in the first and third states, and closes refrigerant valves R1-1 and R1-2 when it is in the second and fourth states. The control unit 105 closes refrigerant valves R1-3 and R1-4 when it is in the first and third states, and opens refrigerant valves R1-3 and R1-4 when it is in the second and fourth states. The control unit 105 closes bypass valve R3-1 when it is in the first and third states. The control unit 105 closes the bypass valve R3-1 at the start of the second and fourth states, and opens the bypass valve R3-1 after a predetermined period has elapsed from the start of the second and fourth states. The control unit 105 closes the bypass valve R3-2 when in the second and fourth states. The control unit 105 closes the bypass valve R3-2 at the start of the first and third states, and opens the bypass valve R3-2 after a predetermined period has elapsed from the start of the first and third states. The control unit 105 continuously drives the first fluid pump 141, the second fluid pump 151, and the third fluid pump 155 while the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the first to fourth states.

[0182] The control unit 105 performs the following control as shown in Figure 16. The control unit 105 opens heat transfer valves H1-1, H2-1, H3-2, and H4-2 when in the first state, and closes heat transfer valves H1-1, H2-1, H3-2, and H4-2 when in the second, third, and fourth states. The control unit 105 opens heat transfer valves H1-2, H2-2, H3-1, and H4-1 when in the third state, and closes heat transfer valves H1-2, H2-2, H3-1, and H4-1 when in the first, second, and fourth states. The control unit 105 opens heat transfer valves H1-3, H2-3, H3-4, and H4-4 when in the second state, and closes heat transfer valves H1-3, H2-3, H3-4, and H4-4 when in the first, third, and fourth states. The control unit 105 opens heat transfer valves H1-4, H2-4, H3-3, and H4-3 when in the fourth state, and closes heat transfer valves H1-4, H2-4, H3-3, and H4-3 when in the first, second, and third states. The control unit 105 opens heat transfer valves H5-1, H5-2, and H5-3 in the second and fourth states, and closes heat transfer valves H5-1, H5-2, and H5-3 in the first and third states. The control unit 105 opens heat transfer valves H6-1, H6-2, and H6-3 in the first and third states, and closes heat transfer valves H6-1, H6-2, and H6-3 in the second and fourth states.

[0183] When the refrigeration system 200 is in operation, the control unit 105 controls each of its controlled objects so that the heat transfer medium flow path 112 repeatedly transitions through the following states in order: first state (steps S21-S22), second state (steps S23-S24), third state (steps S25-S26), and fourth state (steps S27-S28), as shown in Figure 17.

[0184] (3-1) Heat recovery state In steps S21 to S28 of Figure 17, the first to fourth states become the heat recovery states described below.

[0185] In the first and third states, the third adsorbent 123 and the fourth adsorbent 124 are disconnected from the first heat exchanger 142 and the second heat exchanger 152. In other words, in the first and third states, the third adsorbent 123 and the fourth adsorbent 124 are not in communication with the first heat exchanger 142 and the second heat exchanger 152. In the first and third states, the third adsorbent 123 and the fourth adsorbent 124 are connected to each other to form a ninth circulation channel C9. In the first and third states, heat exchange takes place in the ninth circulation channel C9 between the high-temperature heat transfer medium and the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the heat transfer medium channel 112.

[0186] In the second and fourth states, the first adsorbent 121 and the second adsorbent 122 are disconnected from the first heat exchanger 142 and the second heat exchanger 152. In other words, in the second and fourth states, the first adsorbent 121 and the second adsorbent 122 are not in communication with the first heat exchanger 142 and the second heat exchanger 152. In the second and fourth states, the first adsorbent 121 and the second adsorbent 122 are connected to each other to form the tenth circulation channel C10. In the second and fourth states, heat exchange takes place in the tenth circulation channel C10 between the high-temperature heat transfer medium and the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the heat transfer medium channel 112.

[0187] When the heat transfer medium channel 112 is in the first state, a high-temperature heat transfer medium heated by the heat of adsorption flows through the second space 164b of the second adsorbent 122, and a low-temperature heat transfer medium cooled by the heat of desorption flows through the second space 164b of the first adsorbent 121. Therefore, in the first state shown in Figure 11, a high-temperature heat transfer medium is present in the channel between heat transfer medium valves H3-2 and H4-2 of the first circulation channel C1, and a low-temperature heat transfer medium is present in the channel between heat transfer medium valves H1-1 and H2-1 of the second circulation channel C2. In the second state shown in Figure 12, which follows the first state, heat exchange occurs between the high-temperature heat transfer medium in the second adsorbent 122 and the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the first adsorbent 121 by circulating the heat transfer medium in the tenth circulation channel C10. As a result, the heat transfer medium in the second adsorbent 122 is cooled and the heat transfer medium in the first adsorbent 121 is heated. As a result, in the second state, the temperature of the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the first adsorbent 121 rises and the temperature of the high-temperature heat transfer medium in the second adsorbent 122 falls, thereby reducing the temperature difference between the heat transfer medium in the first adsorbent 121 and the heat transfer medium in the second adsorbent 122. In the second state, it is more preferable that the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the tenth circulation channel C10 becomes approximately uniform.

[0188] When the heat transfer medium channel 112 is in the second state, a high-temperature heat transfer medium heated by the heat of adsorption flows through the second space 164b of the fourth adsorbent 124, and a low-temperature heat transfer medium cooled by the heat of desorption flows through the second space 164b of the third adsorbent 123. Therefore, in the second state shown in Figure 12, a high-temperature heat transfer medium is present in the channel between heat transfer medium valves H3-4 and H4-4 of the third circulation channel C3, and a low-temperature heat transfer medium is present in the channel between heat transfer medium valves H1-3 and H2-3 of the fourth circulation channel C4. In the third state shown in Figure 13, which follows the second state, heat exchange occurs between the high-temperature heat transfer medium in the fourth adsorbent 124 and the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the third adsorbent 123 by circulating the heat transfer medium in the ninth circulation channel C9. As a result, the heat transfer medium in the fourth adsorbent 124 is cooled and the heat transfer medium in the third adsorbent 123 is heated. As a result, in the third state, the temperature of the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the third adsorbent 123 rises and the temperature of the high-temperature heat transfer medium in the fourth adsorbent 124 decreases, thereby reducing the temperature difference between the heat transfer medium in the third adsorbent 123 and the heat transfer medium in the fourth adsorbent 124. In the third state, it is more preferable that the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the ninth circulation channel C9 becomes approximately uniform.

[0189] When the heat transfer medium channel 112 is in the third state, a high-temperature heat transfer medium heated by the heat of adsorption flows through the second space 164b of the first adsorber 121, and a low-temperature heat transfer medium cooled by the heat of desorption flows through the second space 164b of the second adsorber 122. Therefore, in the third state shown in Figure 13, a high-temperature heat transfer medium is present in the channel between heat transfer medium valves H3-1 and H4-1 of the fifth circulation channel C5, and a low-temperature heat transfer medium is present in the channel between heat transfer medium valves H1-2 and H2-2 of the sixth circulation channel C6. In the fourth state shown in Figure 14, which follows the third state, heat exchange occurs between the high-temperature heat transfer medium in the first adsorber 121 and the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the second adsorber 122 by circulating the heat transfer medium in the tenth circulation channel C10. As a result, the heat transfer medium in the first adsorber 121 is cooled and the heat transfer medium in the second adsorber 122 is heated. As a result, in the fourth state, the temperature of the high-temperature heat transfer medium in the first adsorbent 121 decreases, and the temperature of the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the second adsorbent 122 increases, thereby reducing the temperature difference between the heat transfer medium in the first adsorbent 121 and the heat transfer medium in the second adsorbent 122. In the fourth state, it is more preferable that the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the tenth circulation channel C10 becomes approximately uniform.

[0190] When the heat transfer medium channel 112 is in the fourth state, a high-temperature heat transfer medium heated by the heat of adsorption flows through the second space 164b of the third adsorbent 123, and a low-temperature heat transfer medium cooled by the heat of desorption flows through the second space 164b of the fourth adsorbent 124. Therefore, in the fourth state shown in Figure 14, a high-temperature heat transfer medium is present in the channel between heat transfer medium valves H3-3 and H4-3 of the seventh circulation channel C7, and a low-temperature heat transfer medium is present in the channel between heat transfer medium valves H1-4 and H2-4 of the eighth circulation channel C8. In the first state shown in Figure 11, which follows the fourth state, heat exchange occurs between the high-temperature heat transfer medium in the third adsorbent 123 and the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the fourth adsorbent 124 by circulating the heat transfer medium in the ninth circulation channel C9. As a result, the heat transfer medium in the third adsorbent 123 is cooled and the heat transfer medium in the fourth adsorbent 124 is heated. As a result, in the first state, the temperature of the high-temperature heat transfer medium in the third adsorbent 123 decreases, and the temperature of the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the fourth adsorbent 124 increases, thereby reducing the temperature difference between the heat transfer medium in the third adsorbent 123 and the heat transfer medium in the fourth adsorbent 124. In the first state, it is more preferable that the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the ninth circulation channel C9 becomes approximately uniform.

[0191] (3-2) Equal pressure state After opening the bypass valves R3-1 and R3-2 in steps S22, S24, S26, and S28 of Figure 17, the first to fourth states become the equalized pressure states described below.

[0192] In the first and third states, the third adsorbent 123 and the fourth adsorbent 124 are disconnected from the first heat exchanger 142 and the second heat exchanger 152. In the first and third states, when the bypass valve R3-2 is opened, the first space 164a of the third adsorbent 123 and the first space 164a of the fourth adsorbent 124 are connected. This reduces the pressure difference between the refrigerant in the third adsorbent 123 and the refrigerant in the fourth adsorbent 124.

[0193] In the second and fourth states, the first adsorbent 121 and the second adsorbent 122 are disconnected from the first heat exchanger 142 and the second heat exchanger 152. In the second and fourth states, when the bypass valve R3-1 is opened, the first space 164a of the first adsorbent 121 and the first space 164a of the second adsorbent 122 are connected. This reduces the difference between the refrigerant pressure in the first adsorbent 121 and the refrigerant pressure in the second adsorbent 122.

[0194] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the first state, the first space 164a of the second adsorbent 122 is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 131, and the first space 164a of the first adsorbent 121 is connected to the suction side of the compressor 131. Therefore, in the first state, the pressure of the refrigerant in the second adsorbent 122 is higher than the pressure of the refrigerant in the first adsorbent 121. In the second state, which follows the first state, when the bypass valve R3-1 is opened, the first space 164a of the second adsorbent 122 and the first space 164a of the first adsorbent 121 communicate with each other. As a result, the pressure in the first space 164a of the second adsorbent 122 decreases, and the pressure in the first space 164a of the first adsorbent 121 increases. Therefore, the difference between the pressure in the first adsorbent 121 and the pressure in the second adsorbent 122 after opening the bypass valve R3-1 is smaller than the difference between the pressure in the first adsorbent 121 and the pressure in the second adsorbent 122 before opening the bypass valve R3-1. As a result, in the second state, the refrigerant pressure in the first adsorbent 121 eventually becomes the same as the refrigerant pressure in the second adsorbent 122.

[0195] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the second state, the first space 164a of the fourth adsorbent 124 is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 131, and the first space 164a of the third adsorbent 123 is connected to the suction side of the compressor 131. Therefore, in the second state, the pressure of the refrigerant in the fourth adsorbent 124 is higher than the pressure of the refrigerant in the third adsorbent 123. In the third state, which follows the second state, when the bypass valve R3-2 is opened, the first space 164a of the fourth adsorbent 124 and the first space 164a of the third adsorbent 123 communicate with each other. As a result, the pressure in the first space 164a of the fourth adsorbent 124 decreases, and the pressure in the first space 164a of the third adsorbent 123 increases. Therefore, the difference between the pressure in the third adsorbent 123 and the pressure in the fourth adsorbent 124 after opening the bypass valve R3-2 is smaller than the difference between the pressure in the third adsorbent 123 and the pressure in the fourth adsorbent 124 before opening the bypass valve R3-2. As a result, in the third state, the refrigerant pressure in the third adsorbent 123 eventually becomes the same as the refrigerant pressure in the fourth adsorbent 124.

[0196] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the third state, the first space 164a of the first adsorbent 121 is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 131, and the first space 164a of the second adsorbent 122 is connected to the suction side of the compressor 131. Therefore, in the third state, the pressure of the refrigerant in the first adsorbent 121 is higher than the pressure of the refrigerant in the second adsorbent 122. In the fourth state, which follows the third state, when the bypass valve R3-1 is opened, the first space 164a of the first adsorbent 121 and the first space 164a of the second adsorbent 122 communicate with each other. As a result, the pressure in the first space 164a of the first adsorbent 121 decreases, and the pressure in the first space 164a of the second adsorbent 122 increases. Therefore, the difference between the pressure in the first adsorbent 121 and the pressure in the second adsorbent 122 after opening the bypass valve R3-1 is smaller than the difference between the pressure in the first adsorbent 121 and the pressure in the second adsorbent 122 before opening the bypass valve R3-1. As a result, in the third state, the refrigerant pressure in the first adsorbent 121 eventually becomes the same as the refrigerant pressure in the second adsorbent 122.

[0197] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the fourth state, the first space 164a of the third adsorbent 123 is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 131, and the first space 164a of the fourth adsorbent 124 is connected to the suction side of the compressor 131. Therefore, in the fourth state, the pressure of the refrigerant in the third adsorbent 123 is higher than the pressure of the refrigerant in the fourth adsorbent 124. In the first state, which follows the fourth state, when the bypass valve R3-2 is opened, the first space 164a of the third adsorbent 123 and the first space 164a of the fourth adsorbent 124 communicate with each other. As a result, the pressure in the first space 164a of the third adsorbent 123 decreases, and the pressure in the first space 164a of the fourth adsorbent 124 increases. Therefore, the difference between the pressure in the third adsorbent 123 and the pressure in the fourth adsorbent 124 after opening the bypass valve R3-2 is smaller than the difference between the pressure in the third adsorbent 123 and the pressure in the fourth adsorbent 124 before opening the bypass valve R3-2. As a result, in the first state, the refrigerant pressure in the third adsorbent 123 eventually becomes the same as the refrigerant pressure in the fourth adsorbent 124.

[0198] (4) Features (4-1) The heat transfer medium flow path 112 has a first state in which thermal energy is recovered in the second adsorbent 122 and cold energy is recovered in the first adsorbent 121; a second state in which thermal energy is recovered in the fourth adsorbent 124 and cold energy is recovered in the third adsorbent 123; a third state in which thermal energy is recovered in the first adsorbent 121 and cold energy is recovered in the second adsorbent 122; and a fourth state in which thermal energy is recovered in the third adsorbent 123 and cold energy is recovered in the fourth adsorbent 124. The first heat exchanger 142 is supplied with a high-temperature heat transfer medium from which thermal energy has been recovered. The second heat exchanger 152 is supplied with a low-temperature heat transfer medium from which cold energy has been recovered.

[0199] In the first state, the heat transfer medium channel 112 circulates the heat transfer medium in the ninth circulation channel C9, which includes the third adsorbent 123 and the fourth adsorbent 124. As a result, in the first state, the high-temperature heat transfer medium in the third adsorbent 123 is cooled and the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the fourth adsorbent 124 is heated. Therefore, immediately after switching from the first state to the second state, the supply of low-temperature heat transfer medium to the first heat exchanger 142 and the temporary supply of high-temperature heat transfer medium to the second heat exchanger 152 are suppressed.

[0200] In the second state, the heat transfer medium channel 112 circulates the heat transfer medium in the tenth circulation channel C10, which includes the first adsorbent 121 and the second adsorbent 122. As a result, in the second state, the high-temperature heat transfer medium in the second adsorbent 122 is cooled, and the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the first adsorbent 121 is heated. Therefore, immediately after switching from the second state to the third state, the supply of low-temperature heat transfer medium to the first heat exchanger 142 and the temporary supply of high-temperature heat transfer medium to the second heat exchanger 152 are suppressed.

[0201] In the third state, the heat transfer medium channel 112 circulates the heat transfer medium in the ninth circulation channel C9, which includes the third adsorbent 123 and the fourth adsorbent 124. As a result, in the third state, the high-temperature heat transfer medium in the fourth adsorbent 124 is cooled and the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the third adsorbent 123 is heated. Therefore, immediately after switching from the third state to the fourth state, the supply of low-temperature heat transfer medium to the first heat exchanger 142 and the temporary supply of high-temperature heat transfer medium to the second heat exchanger 152 are suppressed.

[0202] In the fourth state, the heat transfer medium channel 112 circulates the heat transfer medium in the tenth circulation channel C10, which includes the first adsorbent 121 and the second adsorbent 122. As a result, in the fourth state, the high-temperature heat transfer medium in the first adsorbent 121 is cooled and the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the second adsorbent 122 is heated. Therefore, immediately after switching from the fourth state to the first state, the supply of low-temperature heat transfer medium to the first heat exchanger 142 and the temporary supply of high-temperature heat transfer medium to the second heat exchanger 152 are suppressed.

[0203] If a low-temperature heat transfer medium is temporarily supplied to the first heat exchanger 142, which is supplied with a high-temperature heat transfer medium from which heat has been recovered, the time required for the first heat exchanger 142 to heat up to a predetermined temperature will be longer. If a high-temperature heat transfer medium is temporarily supplied to the second heat exchanger 152, which is supplied with a low-temperature heat transfer medium from which cold energy has been recovered, the time required for the second heat exchanger 152 to cool down to a predetermined temperature will be longer. Therefore, by circulating the heat transfer medium in the ninth circulation channel C9 or the tenth circulation channel C10, the refrigeration system 200 can suppress a temporary decrease in capacity immediately after switching the state of the heat transfer medium channel 112.

[0204] Therefore, the refrigeration system 200 can increase its capacity per unit time compared to the case where it does not have the ninth circulation channel C9 and the tenth circulation channel C10.

[0205] (4-2) The control unit 105 of the refrigeration system 200 temporarily opens the bypass valve R3-2 in the first and third states to equalize the pressure, thereby reducing the difference between the refrigerant pressure in the third adsorbent 123 and the refrigerant pressure in the fourth adsorbent 124. The control unit 105 temporarily opens the bypass valve R3-1 in the second and fourth states to equalize the pressure, thereby reducing the difference between the refrigerant pressure in the first adsorbent 121 and the refrigerant pressure in the second adsorbent 122.

[0206] If pressure equalization occurs before transitioning from the first state to the second state, the pressure in the first space 164a of the third adsorbent 123 decreases, and the pressure in the first space 164a of the fourth adsorbent 124 increases. Therefore, after transitioning to the second state, the time it takes for the pressure in the first space 164a of the third adsorbent 123 to decrease and reach the desorption pressure, and the time it takes for the pressure in the first space 164a of the fourth adsorbent 124 to increase and reach the adsorption pressure are shortened.

[0207] If pressure equalization occurs before transitioning from the second state to the third state, the pressure in the first space 164a of the second adsorbent 122 decreases, and the pressure in the first space 164a of the first adsorbent 121 increases. Therefore, after transitioning to the third state, the time it takes for the pressure in the first space 164a of the second adsorbent 122 to decrease and reach the desorption pressure, and the time it takes for the pressure in the first space 164a of the first adsorbent 121 to increase and reach the adsorption pressure are shortened.

[0208] If pressure equalization occurs before transitioning from the third state to the fourth state, the pressure in the first space 164a of the fourth adsorbent 124 decreases, and the pressure in the first space 164a of the third adsorbent 123 increases. Therefore, after transitioning to the fourth state, the time it takes for the pressure in the first space 164a of the fourth adsorbent 124 to decrease and reach the desorption pressure, and the time it takes for the pressure in the first space 164a of the third adsorbent 123 to increase and reach the adsorption pressure are shortened.

[0209] If pressure equalization occurs before transitioning from the fourth state to the first state, the pressure in the first space 164a of the first adsorbent 121 decreases, and the pressure in the first space 164a of the second adsorbent 122 increases. Therefore, after transitioning to the first state, the time it takes for the pressure in the first space 164a of the first adsorbent 121 to decrease and reach the desorption pressure, and the time it takes for the pressure in the first space 164a of the second adsorbent 122 to increase and reach the adsorption pressure are shortened.

[0210] Until the pressure inside the first adsorbent 121, second adsorbent 122, third adsorbent 123, or fourth adsorbent 124 rises to reach the adsorption pressure, no heat is generated in the first adsorbent 121, second adsorbent 122, third adsorbent 123, or fourth adsorbent 124. Until the pressure inside the first adsorbent 121, second adsorbent 122, third adsorbent 123, or fourth adsorbent 124 falls to reach the desorption pressure, no cold is generated in the first adsorbent 121, second adsorbent 122, third adsorbent 123, or fourth adsorbent 124. By equalizing the pressure, the refrigeration device 200 can shorten the time it takes for the pressure inside the first adsorbent 121, second adsorbent 122, third adsorbent 123, and fourth adsorbent 124 to reach the adsorption or desorption pressure.

[0211] Therefore, the refrigeration system 200 can increase its capacity per unit time compared to the case where the heat source side circuit 101 does not have the first bypass flow path 211, the second bypass flow path 212, and the bypass valves R3-1 and R3-2.

[0212] (4-3) The control unit 105 of the refrigeration system 200 continuously drives the compressor 131 while the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the first to fourth states. Since the refrigeration system 200 does not need to stop the compressor 131 during operation, a decrease in the reliability of the compressor 131 can be suppressed.

[0213] —Revised Version— (1) Variation A The basic configuration and operation of the refrigeration device 100 in this modified example are the same as those of the refrigeration device 100 in the first embodiment. The main difference between the refrigeration device 100 in this modified example and the refrigeration device 100 in the first embodiment is the user-side circuit 102.

[0214] In this modified example, as shown in Figure 18, the user-side circuit 102 does not have the third fluid pump 155 of the first embodiment. In the user-side circuit 102, a heat transfer valve H3-3 is provided between the first fluid pump 141 and the outlet side of the first heat exchanger 142. In the first embodiment, the flow path where the heat transfer valve H3-2 is located is connected to the flow path where the heat transfer valve H1-2 is located, the flow path where the heat transfer valve H2-1 is located, and the flow path where the first adsorbent 121 is located. In this modified example, the flow path where the heat transfer valve H3-2 is located is not connected to the flow path where the heat transfer valve H1-2 is located, the flow path where the heat transfer valve H2-1 is located, and the flow path where the first adsorbent 121 is located. The flow path where the heat transfer valve H3-2 is located is connected to the flow path between the first fluid pump 141 and the heat transfer valve H3-3. The control unit 105 further controls the opening and closing of the heat transfer valve H3-3 to switch the heat transfer flow path 112 between the first state, the second state, and the third state.

[0215] In this modified example, as shown in Figures 19 and 20, the flow path of the heat transfer medium when the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the first and second states is substantially the same as in the first embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4. The control unit 105 controls the opening of the heat transfer medium valve H3-3 in the first and second states.

[0216] In this modified example, as shown in Figure 21, the flow path of the heat transfer medium when the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the third state differs from that of the first embodiment shown in Figure 5. In this modified example, in the third state, the first fluid pump 141 functions as the third fluid pump 155 of the first embodiment. Specifically, in the third state, the heat transfer medium circulating in the fifth circulation flow path C5 passes through the first fluid pump 141, the heat transfer medium valve H2-1, the first adsorber 121, the heat transfer medium valve H3-1, the second adsorber 122, and the heat transfer medium valve H3-2 in this order. In the third state, the first fluid pump 141 circulates the heat transfer medium in the fifth circulation flow path C5. In the third state, the control unit 105 controls the closing of the heat transfer medium valve H3-3.

[0217] The refrigeration device 100 of this modified example has the same effect as the refrigeration device 100 of the first embodiment. In this modified example, the user-side circuit 102 may be configured such that, in the third state, the second fluid pump 151 functions as the third fluid pump 155 of the first embodiment.

[0218] (2) Modification B In the first embodiment, the bypass channel 210 connects the first adsorbent 121 and the second adsorbent 122 in the refrigerant channel 111. In other words, the bypass channel 210 directly connects the first space 164a of the first adsorbent 121 and the first space 164a of the second adsorbent 122.

[0219] However, the location of the bypass passage 210 is not limited as long as the bypass passage 210 connects the first adsorbent 121 and the second adsorbent 122 without passing through the compressor 131. For example, the bypass passage 210 does not have to directly connect the first space 164a of the first adsorbent 121 and the first space 164a of the second adsorbent 122. For example, the bypass passage 210 may connect the passage between the first adsorbent 121 and the refrigerant valves R2-1, R2-2 and the passage between the second adsorbent 122 and the refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2 in the refrigerant passage 111. In this case, the casings 163 of the first adsorbent 121 and the second adsorbent 122 do not have a second opening 163b.

[0220] This modification can also be applied to the first bypass channel 211 and the second bypass channel 212 of the second embodiment.

[0221] (3) Variation C The adsorbent used in refrigeration units 100 and 200 is a metal-organic structure. However, materials other than metal-organic structures may be used as the adsorbent. Examples of materials other than metal-organic structures include activated carbon, zeolite-based materials, silica-based materials, and alumina-based materials.

[0222] 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]

[0223] 100: Refrigeration equipment 101: Heat source side circuit 102:Using circuit 105: Control Unit 111: Refrigerant flow path 112: Heat transfer fluid channel 121: 1st adsorption device 122:Second adsorption device 123:Third adsorber 124: 4th adsorption device 131: Compressor 141: First fluid pump (first pump) 142: 1st heat exchanger 151: Second fluid pump (second pump) 152:Second heat exchanger 155: Third fluid pump (third pump) 181: Adsorbent 200: Refrigeration equipment 210: Bypass channel H1-1: Heat transfer valve (second valve) H1-2: Heat transfer valve (4th valve) H1-3: Heat transfer valve (second valve) H1-4: Heat transfer valve (4th valve) H2-1: Heat transfer valve (first valve) H2-2: Heat transfer valve (3rd valve) H2-3: Heat transfer valve (1st valve) H2-4: Heat transfer valve (3rd valve) H3-1: Heat transfer valve (5th valve) H3-2: Heat transfer valve (5th valve) R3: Bypass valve [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0224] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2023 / 0417459

Claims

1. A heat source side circuit (101) having a compressor (131) and a refrigerant flow path (111) through which the refrigerant flows, A user-side circuit (102) having a first heat exchanger (142), a second heat exchanger (152), a heat transfer medium flow path (112) through which the heat transfer medium flows, and a switching mechanism for switching the heat transfer medium flow path, A first adsorbent (121) and a second adsorbent (122) are provided, each having an adsorbent (181) that adsorbs and desorbs refrigerant in response to changes in refrigerant pressure, and the heat generated when the adsorbent adsorbs refrigerant and the cold generated when the adsorbent desorbs refrigerant are recovered and connected to the refrigerant flow path and the heat transfer medium flow path. Control unit (105) and Equipped with, The compressor draws in low-pressure refrigerant, compresses it, and discharges it as high-pressure refrigerant. The first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are supplied with the heat transfer medium from which the heat or cold energy has been recovered in the first adsorber and the second adsorber. The aforementioned heat transfer medium channel is A first state in which the first adsorbent and the first heat exchanger are connected, and the second adsorbent and the second heat exchanger are connected, A second state in which the first adsorbent and the second heat exchanger are connected, and the second adsorbent and the first heat exchanger are connected, A third state in which the first adsorbent and the second adsorbent are connected, It has, The control unit controls the switching mechanism so that the heat transfer fluid flow path repeatedly transitions in the order of the first state, the third state, the second state, and the third state. Refrigeration device (100).

2. The aforementioned switching mechanism is A first valve (H2-1, H2-3) is arranged on the heat transfer medium flow path connecting the first heat exchanger and the first adsorbent, A second valve (H1-1, H1-3) is positioned on the heat transfer medium flow path connecting the second heat exchanger and the second adsorbent, A third valve (H2-2, H2-4) is positioned on the heat transfer medium flow path connecting the first heat exchanger and the second adsorbent, A fourth valve (H1-2, H1-4) is positioned on the heat transfer medium flow path connecting the second heat exchanger and the first adsorbent, A fifth valve (H3-1, H3-2) is positioned on the heat transfer medium flow path connecting the first adsorbent and the second adsorbent, including, The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The control unit, When the heat transfer medium flow path is in the first state, the first valve and the second valve are opened, and the third valve, the fourth valve and the fifth valve are closed. When the heat transfer medium flow path is in the second state, the third valve and the fourth valve are opened, and the first valve, the second valve and the fifth valve are closed. When the heat transfer medium flow path is in the third state, the fifth valve is opened and the first valve, second valve, third valve and fourth valve are closed. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned heat source side circuit is A bypass channel (210) connecting the first adsorbent and the second adsorbent without passing through the compressor, A bypass valve (R3) is provided in the bypass passage, It further possesses, The control unit, When the heat transfer fluid flow path is in the first state or the second state, the bypass valve is closed. During a portion of the period in which the heat transfer fluid flow path is in the third state, the bypass valve is opened. A refrigeration apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The control unit, When the heat transfer medium flow path is in the first state or the second state, the compressor is driven. When the heat transfer fluid flow path is in the third state, the compressor is stopped. A refrigeration apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The user-side circuit further comprises at least two pumps arranged in the heat transfer fluid flow path and supplying the heat transfer fluid to the first adsorbent and the second adsorbent. A refrigeration apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The aforementioned two pumps are When the heat transfer medium flow path is in the first state or the second state, a first pump (141) and a second pump (151) supply the heat transfer medium to the first adsorbent and the second adsorbent, When the heat transfer medium flow path is in the third state, a third pump (155) supplies the heat transfer medium to the first adsorber and the second adsorber, including, The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The at least two pumps include a first pump (141) and a second pump (151) that supply the heat transfer medium to the first adsorbent and the second adsorbent when the heat transfer medium flow path is in the first state or the second state. The first pump or the second pump delivers the heat transfer medium to the first adsorber and the second adsorber when the heat transfer medium flow path is in the third state. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 6.

9. A heat source side circuit (101) having a compressor (131) and a refrigerant flow path (111) through which the refrigerant flows, A user-side circuit (102) having a first heat exchanger (142), a second heat exchanger (152), a heat transfer medium flow path (112) through which the heat transfer medium flows, and a switching mechanism for switching the heat transfer medium flow path, The system includes an adsorbent (181) that adsorbs and desorbs refrigerant in response to changes in refrigerant pressure, and a first adsorbent (121), a second adsorbent (122), a third adsorbent (123), and a fourth adsorbent (124) that recover the heat generated when the adsorbent adsorbs the refrigerant and the cold generated when the adsorbent desorbs the refrigerant, and are connected to the refrigerant flow path and the heat transfer medium flow path, Control unit (105) and Equipped with, The compressor draws in low-pressure refrigerant, compresses it, and discharges it as high-pressure refrigerant. The first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are supplied with the heat transfer medium from which the heat or cold energy has been recovered by the first adsorbent, the second adsorbent, the third adsorbent, and the fourth adsorbent. The aforementioned heat transfer medium channel is A first state in which the first adsorbent and the second heat exchanger are connected, the second adsorbent and the first heat exchanger are connected, and the third adsorbent and the fourth adsorbent are connected, A second state in which the third adsorbent and the second heat exchanger are connected, the fourth adsorbent and the first heat exchanger are connected, and the first adsorbent and the second adsorbent are connected. A third state in which the first adsorbent and the first heat exchanger are connected, the second adsorbent and the second heat exchanger are connected, and the third adsorbent and the fourth adsorbent are connected. A fourth state in which the third adsorbent and the first heat exchanger are connected, the fourth adsorbent and the second heat exchanger are connected, and the first adsorbent and the second adsorbent are connected, It has, The control unit controls the switching mechanism so that the heat transfer fluid flow path repeatedly transitions in the order of the first state, the second state, the third state, and the fourth state. Refrigeration device (200).

10. The control unit drives the compressor continuously while the heat transfer fluid flow path is in the first to fourth states. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 9.

11. The adsorbent includes a metal-organic structure containing metal ions and an organic ligand. A refrigeration apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 9, and 10.

12. The refrigerant comprises at least one of carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, ammonia, water, HFCs, and HFOs. A refrigeration apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 9, and 10.

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