Cylinder, method for manufacturing a cylinder, and filling method
The cylinder design with controlled pressure conditions addresses the challenge of incorporating adsorbent into refrigeration devices, ensuring efficient and cost-effective integration of adsorbent and refrigerant, preventing refrigerant loss and moisture adsorption.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-09
AI Technical Summary
Existing refrigeration devices with adsorption refrigeration cycles face challenges in efficiently incorporating an adsorbent into the refrigerant flow path, leading to issues such as refrigerant leakage and moisture adsorption by the adsorbent.
A cylinder design that includes a casing filled with both an adsorbent and refrigerant, where the refrigerant pressure is higher than or equal to atmospheric pressure, preventing refrigerant backflow and moisture adsorption, and a manufacturing method that involves filling the adsorbent and refrigerant into the casing under controlled pressure conditions.
The cylinder design effectively introduces the adsorbent into the refrigerant flow path while preventing refrigerant loss and moisture adsorption, facilitating easy handling and cost-effective manufacturing.
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Figure 2026062344000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] It relates to a cylinder, a method for manufacturing a cylinder, and a filling method.
Background Art
[0002] Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2023 / 0417459), a refrigeration device having an adsorption refrigeration cycle that utilizes heat generated when a refrigerant is adsorbed and desorbed by an adsorbent containing a metal-organic framework is used. As such a refrigeration device, a circulation-type refrigeration device having a refrigerant flow path through which a mixture of a refrigerant and an adsorbent circulates is known.
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0003] In such a refrigeration device, it may be necessary to put an adsorbent into the refrigerant flow path.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0004] The cylinder according to the first aspect is a cylinder for putting an adsorbent into the flow path of a refrigeration device. The refrigeration device includes a flow path. In the flow path, a refrigerant and an adsorbent circulate. The adsorbent adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant in response to a change in the pressure of the refrigerant. The cylinder includes a casing, an adsorbent, and a refrigerant. The adsorbent is filled into the casing. The refrigerant is filled into the casing.
[0005] According to the cylinder of the first aspect, since the cylinder contains an adsorbent and a refrigerant that circulate in the flow path, the adsorbent in the casing can be put into the flow path.
[0006] The cylinder according to the second aspect is the cylinder of the first aspect, wherein the pressure of the refrigerant in the casing is higher than the pressure of the refrigerant in the flow path.
[0007] In the second type of cylinder, the refrigerant pressure in the casing is higher than the refrigerant pressure in the flow path, which prevents the refrigerant from flowing back out of the flow path and reducing the amount of refrigerant in the flow path.
[0008] The cylinder in the third perspective is the same as the cylinder in the first perspective, where the pressure of the refrigerant in the casing is the same as or lower than the pressure of the refrigerant in the flow path.
[0009] In a third-party cylinder, the refrigerant pressure in the casing is lower than or equal to the refrigerant pressure in the flow path, making the cylinder easy to handle and allowing for inexpensive manufacturing.
[0010] A cylinder from the fourth perspective is a cylinder from either the first or third perspective, and the pressure of the refrigerant inside the casing is equal to or greater than atmospheric pressure.
[0011] In the fourth type of cylinder, the internal pressure is higher than atmospheric pressure, which suppresses the inflow of air. Therefore, the adsorbent is prevented from adsorbing moisture and other substances from the air.
[0012] The cylinder in the fifth perspective is a cylinder from either the first or fourth perspective, and its casing is made of metal.
[0013] In the fifth aspect, the cylinder contains a refrigerant, which improves the pressure resistance of the casing.
[0014] The cylinder in the sixth aspect is a cylinder according to any of the first or fifth aspects, and the adsorbent includes a metal-organic structure containing a metal ion and an organic ligand.
[0015] As with the cylinder in the sixth aspect, metal-organic structures are suitably used as adsorbents for adsorbing and desorbing refrigerants.
[0016] The cylinder of the seventh aspect is a cylinder of any of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the refrigerant comprises at least one of carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, ammonia, water, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs).
[0017] As in the refrigeration system of the seventh aspect, refrigerants containing at least one of carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, ammonia, water, HFCs, and HFOs are suitably used as refrigerants in adsorption refrigeration cycle systems.
[0018] The eighth aspect describes a method for manufacturing a cylinder in which a casing is filled with a refrigerant and an adsorbent. The adsorbent adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant. The method for manufacturing the cylinder comprises a first step, a second step, and a third step. The first step is to put the adsorbent into the casing. The second step is to reduce the pressure inside the casing after the first step. The third step is to put the refrigerant into the casing after the second step.
[0019] According to the cylinder manufacturing method of the eighth perspective, a cylinder containing an adsorbent and a refrigerant can be manufactured by carrying out the first, second, and third steps in that order. By using this cylinder, the adsorbent inside the cylinder can be easily introduced into the flow path.
[0020] The ninth aspect of the filling method is a method for filling an adsorbent material into a flow path using a cylinder from one of the first to seventh aspects. The filling method includes the step of connecting the cylinder to the components that make up the flow path.
[0021] In the ninth aspect of the filling method, by connecting a cylinder to the components that make up the flow path, the adsorbent inside the cylinder can be introduced into the flow path via the components.
[0022] The tenth aspect of the filling method is the same as the ninth aspect of the filling method, and further includes a step of measuring the weight of the cylinder.
[0023] In the tenth aspect of the filling method, the weight of the adsorbent that has entered the flow path can be confirmed by measuring the weight of the cylinder.
[0024] The filling method of the 11th aspect is to use a cylinder of the 9th or 10th aspect, and in the connection process, connect the cylinder while draining the refrigerant from inside the cylinder.
[0025] In the filling method of the 11th aspect, while allowing the refrigerant in the cylinder to flow out, the cylinder can be connected to the refrigeration device.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0026] [Figure 1] It is a conceptual diagram of a refrigeration device equipped with a refrigeration cycle. [Figure 2] It is a graph showing the relationship between the adsorption amount of the adsorbent and the pressure of the refrigerant. [Figure 3] It is a graph showing the relationship between the adsorption amount of the adsorbent and the enthalpy of the refrigerant. [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration device of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a block diagram of the refrigeration device of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram of the cylinder of the first embodiment, where (A) is a front view and (B) is a cross-sectional view. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing the filling method of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration device of the second embodiment.
Modes for Carrying Out the Invention
[0027] (1) Outline of the refrigeration cycle The refrigeration device of the present embodiment is equipped with a refrigeration cycle that utilizes the heat generated when the adsorbent adsorbs the refrigerant and when the adsorbent desorbs the refrigerant. The refrigeration device is, for example, an air conditioner. The adsorbent is a powder of an adsorbent material.
[0028] The refrigeration system of this embodiment is a circulating type refrigeration system in which an adsorbent material circulates. As shown in Figure 1, the circulating type refrigeration system 1 comprises a refrigerant circuit 11 through which a refrigerant circulates, and an adsorption circuit 12 through which an adsorbent material circulates. In Figure 1, the refrigerant circuit 11 and the adsorption circuit 12 are described as separate circuits. The refrigeration system 1 may also have a configuration in which the refrigerant circuit 11 and the adsorption circuit 12 merge into a flow path. In this case, the refrigeration system 1 is part of the refrigerant circuit 11 and the adsorption circuit 12 and has a flow path through which a mixture of refrigerant and adsorbent material flows. Alternatively, the refrigeration system 1 may have only one circuit through which a mixture of refrigerant and adsorbent material circulates.
[0029] The refrigeration device 1 has an adsorption section 21 and a desorption section 22. Both the adsorption section 21 and the desorption section 22 include a part of the refrigerant circuit 11 and a part of the adsorption circuit 12. In the adsorption section 21, the refrigerant from the refrigerant circuit 11 is adsorbed onto the adsorbent material flowing through the adsorption circuit 12. In the desorption section 22, the refrigerant adsorbed in the adsorption section 21 is desorbed from the adsorbent material flowing through the adsorption circuit 12.
[0030] The refrigerant circuit 11 includes a compressor 31 and an expansion mechanism 32. The compressor 31 compresses the refrigerant circulating within the refrigerant circuit 11. The expansion mechanism 32 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant circulating within the refrigerant circuit 11. The compressor 31 is, for example, a rotary compressor. The expansion mechanism 32 is, for example, an electronic expansion valve. In the refrigerant circuit 11, the refrigerant is compressed by the compressor 31, passes through the adsorption section 21, reduced in pressure by the expansion mechanism 32, passes through the desorption section 22, and is compressed again by the compressor 31.
[0031] The refrigerant circuit 11 has a high-pressure region and a low-pressure region. In the high-pressure region, the refrigerant flows after being compressed by the compressor 31 and before being depressurized by the expansion mechanism 32. In the low-pressure region, the refrigerant flows after being depressurized by the expansion mechanism 32 and before being compressed by the compressor 31. The high-pressure region is included in the adsorption section 21. The low-pressure region is included in the desorption section 22.
[0032] The refrigerant circulating within the refrigerant circuit 11 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.
[0033] The adsorption circuit 12 includes a booster 41 and a pressure reducer 42. The booster 41 transports the adsorbent material to the adsorption section 21 in the adsorption circuit 12. The pressure reducer 42 transports the adsorbent material to the attachment / detachment section 22 in the adsorption circuit 12. The booster 41 is, for example, a powder pump. The pressure reducer 42 is, for example, a powder valve. In the adsorption circuit 12, the adsorbent material passes through the adsorption section 21 via the booster 41 and through the attachment / detachment section 22 via the pressure reducer 42. The adsorption circuit 12 may further include a heat exchanger 43. The heat exchanger 43 performs heat exchange between the upstream side of the booster 41 and the upstream side of the depressurizer 42. The heat exchanger 43 transfers a portion of the heat from the adsorbent flowing between the adsorption section 21 and the depressurizer 42 to the adsorbent flowing between the desorption section 22 and the booster 41.
[0034] The adsorbent circulating in the adsorption circuit 12 includes a metal-organic framework containing metal ions and organic ligands. A metal-organic framework (MOF) 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 link with the metal ions to obtain a polymeric structure with countless openings inside. The opening diameter and topology of the metal-organic framework can be adjusted by selecting and combining metal ions and organic ligands. By selecting and combining metal ions and organic ligands, the opening diameter of the metal-organic framework can be adjusted, enabling selective adsorption of target substances. For example, metal-organic frameworks are used as porous materials that have the function of selective storage and separation of molecules and ions. In this embodiment, the metal-organic framework is used as an adsorbent for adsorbing and desorbing a refrigerant. Examples of metal-organic frameworks include MOF-5, MOF-200, UiO-66, and MIL-101. The adsorbent is, for example, a powder of a metal-organic structure.
[0035] (2) Operation of refrigeration unit 1 The operation of the circulating refrigeration system 1 will be explained with reference to the drawings. The adsorbent adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 11. The adsorbent adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant in response to changes in the pressure of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 11. Specifically, the adsorbent adsorbs the refrigerant under high pressure and desorbs the refrigerant under low pressure.
[0036] Assume that the high-pressure region of the refrigerant circuit 11 is filled with refrigerant at pressure pH and temperature TH. Assume that the low-pressure region of the refrigerant circuit 11 is filled with refrigerant at pressure pL and temperature TL. Pressure pH is higher than pressure pL. Temperature TH is higher than temperature TL. The adsorbent adsorbs refrigerant in the high-pressure region of the refrigerant circuit 11. The adsorbent desorbs refrigerant in the low-pressure region of the refrigerant circuit 11. In the adsorption section 21, the refrigerant flowing in the high-pressure region of the refrigerant circuit 11 is adsorbed onto the adsorbent of the adsorption circuit 12. In the desorption section 22, the refrigerant is desorbed from the adsorbent flowing through the adsorption circuit 12.
[0037] The operation of the heat pump cycle of refrigeration system 1 will be explained with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figures 1 to 3 show the refrigerant cycle a→b→c→d→a in the refrigerant circuit 11, and the adsorbent cycle a'→b'→c'→d'→a' in the adsorption circuit 12. The graph in Figure 2 shows the adsorption amount, which is the mass of refrigerant adsorbed on the adsorbent per unit mass, and the change in the pressure of the refrigerant adsorbed on the adsorbent, in the heat pump cycle. The graph in Figure 3 shows the adsorption amount of the adsorbent and the change in the enthalpy of the refrigerant adsorbed on the adsorbent, in the heat pump cycle. In refrigeration system 1, it is assumed that heat can flow freely between the refrigerant circuit 11 and the adsorption circuit 12.
[0038] In the refrigerant circuit 11, the refrigerant is compressed by the compressor 31 (a→b). In the adsorption circuit 12, the adsorbent is circulated using the booster 41 (a'→b'). As a result, the pressure of the refrigerant increases from pL to pH. During this process, some of the heat Q1 generated by the adiabatic compression of the refrigerant is transferred to the adsorbent. In other words, the refrigerant is cooled by transferring heat to the adsorbent while being compressed. As a result, the temperature of the adsorbent rises from TL to TH.
[0039] Next, in the adsorption section 21, the refrigerant is gradually adsorbed onto the adsorbent while releasing heat Q2 (b'→c'). During this process, the amount of adsorption on the adsorbent increases from mL to mH. As a result, in the adsorption section 21, the refrigerant from the refrigerant circuit 11 is adsorbed onto the adsorbent of the adsorption circuit 12. In Figure 1, as indicated by the hatched arrows within the adsorption section 21, the refrigerant from the refrigerant circuit 11 is adsorbed onto the adsorbent circulating in the adsorption circuit 12.
[0040] Next, in the refrigerant circuit 11, the refrigerant is depressurized by the expansion mechanism 32 (c→d). In the adsorption circuit 12, the adsorbent is circulated by the pressure reducer 42. As a result, the refrigerant pressure decreases from pH to pL. During this process, the temperature of the adsorbent decreases from TH to TL due to the isenthalpic expansion of the refrigerant desorbed from the adsorbent. Also, due to the temperature difference between the refrigerant and the adsorbent, the adsorbent in the adsorption circuit 12 is cooled, transferring heat Q3 to the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 11. Furthermore, heat Q5 is transferred from the adsorbent before it passes through the pressure reducer 42 to the adsorbent before it passes through the pressure booster 41 by the heat exchanger 43.
[0041] Next, in the desorption section 22, the refrigerant is gradually desorbed from the adsorbent while absorbing heat Q4 (d'→a'). During this process, the amount of adsorbed material decreases from mH to mL. As a result, the refrigerant adsorbed on the adsorbent in the adsorption circuit 12 is desorbed. In Figure 1, as indicated by the hatched arrows within the desorption section 22, the refrigerant is desorbed from the adsorbent in the adsorption circuit 12 in the desorption section 22.
[0042] As shown in Figure 2, during the adsorption process (b'→c') in which the refrigerant is adsorbed onto the adsorbent, the pressure of the refrigerant is pH, and the amount of adsorbed by the adsorbent increases from mL to mH. During the desorption process (d'→a') in which the refrigerant is desorbed from the adsorbent, the pressure of the refrigerant is pL, and the amount of adsorbed by the adsorbent decreases from mH to mL. As shown in Figure 3, during the adsorption process, the enthalpy decreases by Δh1. During the desorption process, the enthalpy increases by Δh2. During the adsorption process, the heat Q2 released from the adsorption part 21 is proportional to Δh1. During the desorption process, the heat Q4 absorbed by the desorption part 22 is proportional to Δh2.
[0043] In the refrigeration device 1, heat Q2 is released in the adsorption section 21 (first heat recovery section), generating warmth, and heat Q4 is absorbed in the desorption section 22 (second heat recovery section), generating cold energy. When the warmth generated in the adsorption section 21 is recovered by another heat transfer medium, the temperature of that heat transfer medium rises. When the cold energy generated in the desorption section 22 is recovered by another heat transfer medium, the temperature of that heat transfer medium decreases.
[0044] (3) Detailed configuration (3-1) First Embodiment The specific configuration of the circulating refrigeration system 100 will be explained with reference to the drawings.
[0045] (3-1-1) Configuration of the refrigeration system 100 The refrigeration system 100 of the first embodiment includes a flow path 111 through which the refrigerant circulates, as shown in Figure 4. The flow path 111 incorporates the functions of both the refrigerant circuit 11 and the adsorption circuit 12 in Figure 1. The adsorbent circulates within the flow path 111 together with the refrigerant. In other words, in the refrigeration system 100, a mixture of the refrigerant and the adsorbent flows within the flow path 111.
[0046] In Figure 4, the flow path 111 has a first flow path 111a through which the mixture flows, a second flow path 111b through which only the refrigerant flows, and a third flow path 111c through which only the adsorbent flows. The second flow path 111b and the third flow path 111c merge at the confluence 111d.
[0047] Furthermore, the refrigeration device 100 includes a compressor 131, a booster 141, a pressure reducing unit 132, a first heat recovery unit 133, a second heat recovery unit 134, a switching mechanism 135, an accumulator 143, a first shut-off valve 144, and a second shut-off valve 145. The flow path 111 connects the compressor 131, the pressure reducing unit 132, the first heat recovery unit 133, the second heat recovery unit 134, the switching mechanism 135, the separation unit 136, the connection unit 137, the booster 141, the accumulator 143, the first shut-off valve 144, and the second shut-off valve 145.
[0048] Compressor 131 has the same function as compressor 31 in Figure 1. Compressor 131 is a transport mechanism that transports refrigerant within the flow path 111. Here, compressor 131 is located in the second flow path 111b.
[0049] The booster 141 has the same function as the booster 41 in Figure 1. The booster 141 is a transport mechanism that transports the adsorbent material within the flow path 111. Here, the booster 141 is located in the third flow path 111c.
[0050] The pressure reducing section 132 incorporates the functions of both the expansion mechanism 32 and the pressure reducing device 42 shown in Figure 1. The pressure reducing section 132 has the function of creating a pressure difference in the flow path 111. The pressure reducing section 132 can be, for example, a control valve with a variable opening, an expander with a variable rotation speed, or a capillary tube, and in this case, it is an electric valve.
[0051] The switching mechanism 135 switches the flow direction of the mixture circulating in the flow path 111. The switching mechanism 135 is, for example, a four-way switching valve. The switching mechanism 135 is configured to switch the flow path 111 between a first state with a flow direction shown by the solid line in Figure 4 and a second state with a flow direction shown by the dashed line in Figure 4. When the flow path 111 is in the first state, the discharge side of the compressor 131 is connected to the first heat recovery unit 133, and the suction side of the compressor 131 is connected to the second heat recovery unit 134. When the flow path 111 is in the second state, the discharge side of the compressor 131 is connected to the second heat recovery unit 134, and the suction side of the compressor 131 is connected to the first heat recovery unit 133.
[0052] In the first heat recovery unit 133, the refrigerant is adsorbed onto the adsorbent while the flow path 111 is in the first state, and the refrigerant is desorbed from the adsorbent while the flow path 111 is in the second state. In the second heat recovery unit 134, the refrigerant is desorbed from the adsorbent while the flow path 111 is in the first state, and the refrigerant is adsorbed onto the adsorbent while the flow path 111 is in the second state.
[0053] While the flow path 111 is in the first state, adsorption heat (warmth) is generated in the first heat recovery unit 133, and desorption heat (coldness) is generated in the second heat recovery unit 134. While the flow path 111 is in the second state, desorption heat is generated in the first heat recovery unit 133, and adsorption heat is generated in the second heat recovery unit 134. Adsorption heat is the warmth generated when the adsorbent adsorbs the refrigerant. Desorption heat is the coldness generated when the adsorbent desorbs the refrigerant.
[0054] The heat of adsorption or desorption generated in the first heat recovery unit 133 and the second heat recovery unit 134 is recovered into the air surrounding the first heat recovery unit 133 and the second heat recovery unit 134. Therefore, the air surrounding the first heat recovery unit 133 and the second heat recovery unit 134 is heated by the heat of adsorption or cooled by the heat of desorption.
[0055] In the refrigeration system 100, as the mixture circulates through the flow path 111, air heated by adsorption heat or cooled by desorption heat is sent to a predetermined location. If the refrigeration system 100 is an air conditioning system, for example, the first heat recovery unit 133 corresponds to an outdoor heat exchanger, and the second heat recovery unit 134 corresponds to an indoor heat exchanger. In this case, by switching the flow path 111 to the first state, the refrigerant is desorbed from the adsorbent in the second heat recovery unit 134, generating desorption heat. The air cooled by the desorption heat is sent to a predetermined location by a fan or the like. Also, by switching the flow path 111 to the second state, the refrigerant is adsorbed by the adsorbent in the second heat recovery unit 134, generating adsorption heat. The air heated by the adsorption heat is sent to a predetermined location by a fan or the like.
[0056] The separation unit 136 is a container or device that separates the mixture, which has been depressurized after passing through the depressurization unit 132, into a refrigerant and an adsorbent. The separation unit 136 is, for example, a container having a mechanism for centrifuging the adsorbent by swirling the mixture inside. The adsorbent separated in the separation unit 136 falls due to gravity and accumulates below the separation unit 136. The refrigerant separated in the separation unit 136 remains above the separation unit 136.
[0057] The separation unit 136 has an inlet 136a, a first outlet 136b, and a second outlet 136c. The inlet 136a is into which the mixture flows and is connected to the first flow path 111a. The first outlet 136b is into which the refrigerant flows and is connected to the second flow path 111b. The second outlet 136c is into which the adsorbent flows and is connected to the third flow path 111c.
[0058] The connection section 137 is connected to the flow path 111 in order to supply the adsorbent material filled in the cylinder 150 (described later) to the flow path 111. In this embodiment, the connection section 137 is connected to the separation section 136. The connection section 137 includes a connecting pipe 138 and a connecting valve 139.
[0059] The connecting pipe 138 is connected above the separation section 136 and communicates with the separation section 136. The connecting pipe 138 extends vertically.
[0060] The connecting valve 139 is provided at the upper end of the connecting pipe 138. The connecting valve 139 is a two-way valve having a port 139a. The port 139a is an inlet for filling the flow path 111 with adsorbent material. The port 139a communicates with the space outside the flow path 111. The port 139a is positioned so as to be upward rather than horizontal.
[0061] The connector 137 is used to introduce the adsorbent into the flow path 111 via the separator 136. The location and structure of the connector 137 are not particularly limited, as long as they are suitable for this purpose. The adsorbent is filled in through port 139a and introduced into the flow path 111 through the connecting valve 139, connecting pipe 138, and separator 136. The connecting valve 139 is closed except when introducing the adsorbent into the flow path 111.
[0062] The accumulator 143 temporarily stores the refrigerant that is drawn into the compressor 131. The accumulator 143 is located on the suction side of the compressor 131.
[0063] The first shut-off valve 144 and the second shut-off valve 145 are manually operated valves. The first shut-off valve 144 and the second shut-off valve are used when discharging refrigerant from the flow path 111. The first shut-off valve 144 is attached to the piping connecting the pressure reducing unit 132 and the second heat recovery unit 134. The second shut-off valve 145 is attached to the piping connecting the second heat recovery unit 134 and the switching mechanism 135.
[0064] The first shut-off valve 144 is a three-way valve having a first service port 144a. The second shut-off valve 145 is a three-way valve having a second service port 145a. Filters may be attached to the first service port 144a and the second service port 145a to suppress the passage of adsorbent material.
[0065] The first service port 144a and the second service port 145a are used to introduce refrigerant into the flow path 111 or to recover refrigerant from the flow path 111. The first service port 144a and the second service port 145a are also used to evacuate or introduce gas (e.g., an inert gas such as nitrogen) into at least a portion of the flow path 111. The position and structure of the first shut-off valve 144 and the second shut-off valve 145 are not particularly limited as long as they are available for these applications. Furthermore, the refrigeration system 100 may be equipped with only one shut-off valve having the same function as the first shut-off valve 144 and the second shut-off valve 145.
[0066] The refrigeration system 100 further includes a control unit 105 as shown in Figure 5. The control unit 105 controls the operation of each component of the refrigeration system 100. 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), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and a 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 the memory and executes them, and by controlling each component through the execution of the programs, it realizes functions that match a predetermined purpose.
[0067] As shown in Figure 5, the control unit 105 controls the compressor 131, the pressure reducing unit 132, and the switching mechanism 135. 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 degree of the pressure reducing unit 132. The control unit 105 controls the switching mechanism 135 to switch the flow path 111 between a first state and a second state.
[0068] The control unit 105 executes either a trial run mode or a normal operation mode. After executing the trial run mode, the control unit 105 executes the normal operation mode.
[0069] The trial run mode is a mode for performing a trial run of the refrigeration system 100. Specifically, in trial run mode, the control unit 105 drives the compressor 131 for a predetermined period of time to diffuse the adsorbent material within the flow path 111. "Diffusion" means the process of distributing the adsorbent material throughout the entire flow path 111.
[0070] The normal operation mode is the mode in which the refrigeration unit 100 is performed in its normal operation. Specifically, in the normal operation mode, the control unit 105 controls the switching mechanism 135 to switch the flow path 111 to the first state or the second state, drives the compressor 131, and recovers heat and cold in the first heat recovery unit 133 and the second heat recovery unit 134.
[0071] (3-1-2) Operation of the refrigeration unit 100 The operation of the refrigeration unit 100 in normal operation mode will now be explained. In normal operation mode, the connecting valve 139 is in the closed state.
[0072] (3-1-2-1) First state When the flow path 111 is in the first state, as shown by the solid arrows in Figure 4, the discharge side of the compressor 131 is connected to the first heat recovery unit 133 to create a high-pressure state inside the first heat recovery unit 133, and the suction side of the compressor 131 is connected to the second heat recovery unit 134 to create a low-pressure state inside the second heat recovery unit 134. Therefore, the adsorbent flowing through the flow path 111 adsorbs the refrigerant in the first heat recovery unit 133 and desorbs the refrigerant in the second heat recovery unit 134.
[0073] When the flow path 111 is in the first state, the mixture that has passed through the second heat recovery unit 134 passes through the second shut-off valve 145 and the switching mechanism 135 and flows into the separation unit 136, where it is separated into refrigerant and adsorbent. The refrigerant separated in the separation unit 136 flows from the first outlet unit 136b into the second flow path 111b and is drawn into the compressor 131 through the accumulator 143. The refrigerant compressed in the compressor 131 flows into the confluence unit 111d through the switching mechanism 135. Meanwhile, the adsorbent separated in the separation unit 136 flows from the second outlet unit 136c into the third flow path 111c and is drawn into the booster 141. The adsorbent pressurized in the booster 141 flows into the confluence unit 111d.
[0074] At the confluence section 111d, the refrigerant and adsorbent are mixed to form a mixture, which flows into the first heat recovery section 133 through the first flow path 111a. The mixture, which has exchanged heat with air in the first heat recovery section 133, flows into the second heat recovery section 134 through the pressure reduction section 132 and the first shut-off valve 144. Since heat exchange with air takes place in the second heat recovery section 134, the refrigeration system 100 operates in cooling mode in the first state.
[0075] (3-1-2-2) Second state When the flow path 111 is in the second state, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 4, the discharge side of the compressor 131 is connected to the second heat recovery unit 134 to create a high-pressure state inside the second heat recovery unit 134, and the suction side of the compressor 131 is connected to the first heat recovery unit 133 to create a low-pressure state inside the first heat recovery unit 133. Therefore, the adsorbent flowing through the flow path 111 adsorbs the refrigerant in the second heat recovery unit 134 and desorbs the refrigerant in the first heat recovery unit 133.
[0076] When the flow path 111 is in the second state, the mixture that has passed through the first heat recovery unit 133 passes through the switching mechanism 135 and flows into the separation unit 136, where it is separated into refrigerant and adsorbent. The refrigerant separated in the separation unit 136 flows from the first outlet unit 136b into the second flow path 111b and is drawn into the compressor 131 via the accumulator 143. The refrigerant compressed in the compressor 131 flows into the confluence unit 111d. Meanwhile, the adsorbent separated in the separation unit 136 flows from the second outlet unit 136c into the third flow path 111c and is drawn into the booster 141. The adsorbent pressurized in the booster 141 flows into the confluence unit 111d.
[0077] At the confluence section 111d, the refrigerant and adsorbent are mixed to form a mixture, which flows into the second heat recovery section 134 through the first flow path 111a, the switching mechanism 135, and the second shut-off valve 145. In the second heat recovery section 134, heat exchange takes place with air, so when the flow path 111 is in the second state, the refrigeration system 100 operates in heating mode. The mixture that has exchanged heat with air in the second heat recovery section 134 flows into the first heat recovery section 133 through the first shut-off valve 144 and the pressure reducing section 132. In the first heat recovery section 133, heat exchange takes place with air.
[0078] (3-1-3) Cylinder (3-1-3-1) Cylinder configuration As shown in Figure 4, the cylinder 150 is an adsorbent container for placing adsorbent material into the flow path 111 of the refrigeration device 100 described above. The cylinder 150 can be attached to and detached from the flow path 111. When attaching the cylinder 150 to the flow path 111, the cylinder 150 is connected to the flow path 111 via a hose or the like. In this embodiment, the cylinder 150 can be connected to the flow path 111 by connecting the cylinder 150 to the connection part 137 with a hose or the like.
[0079] Figure 6(A) is a front view of the cylinder 150. Figure 6(B) is a cross-sectional view of the cylinder 150 in Figure 6(A), but with the top and bottom reversed. As shown in Figures 6(A) and (B), the cylinder 150 comprises a casing 151, an adsorbent 152, a refrigerant 153, an inlet 154, and a valve 155.
[0080] The casing 151 is filled with an adsorbent 152 and a refrigerant 153. The casing 151 may be made of resin, but here it is made of metal. The casing 151 has a roughly cylindrical shape.
[0081] The casing 151 may have a display section for visually confirming the amount of adsorbent material 152 inside. The display section may be, for example, a transparent window with a scale.
[0082] Furthermore, the casing 151 may have handles or other attachments to which a spring scale or the like can be attached.
[0083] The adsorbent 152 and the refrigerant 153 are mixed inside the casing 151. Here, the casing 151 is filled only with the adsorbent 152 and the refrigerant 153, and does not contain air. In other words, the casing 151 contains the adsorbent 152 and the refrigerant 153, with the remainder consisting of unavoidable impurities. When the cylinder 150 is placed, the adsorbent 152 accumulates at the bottom of the casing 151 due to gravity, and the refrigerant 153 accumulates at the top.
[0084] The adsorbent 152 and refrigerant 153 filled in the casing 151 circulate through the flow path 111 in normal operation mode.
[0085] In this embodiment, the pressure of the refrigerant 153 in the casing 151 is higher than the pressure of the refrigerant in the flow path 111. The "pressure of the refrigerant in the flow path 111" is the pressure at the point where the cylinder 150 is connected when the adsorbent 152 from the cylinder 150 is supplied to the flow path 111. In this embodiment, the "pressure of the refrigerant in the flow path 111" is the pressure of the refrigerant in the separation section 136.
[0086] The pressure of the refrigerant 153 inside the casing 151 is greater than or equal to atmospheric pressure. From the viewpoint of further suppressing the inflow of air, it is preferable that the pressure of the refrigerant 153 inside the casing 151 exceeds atmospheric pressure.
[0087] Furthermore, it is preferable that the upper limit of the pressure of the refrigerant 153 inside the casing 151 be a pressure such that the adsorption of the adsorbent 152 by the adsorbent 153 within the casing 151 is suppressed.
[0088] The inlet 154 is both an outlet through which the adsorbent 152 flows out of the casing 151 and an inlet through which the adsorbent 152 flows into the casing 151. The inlet 154 can also be used for the inflow and outflow of refrigerant.
[0089] The inlet 154 is connected to the port 139a of the connection part 137 via a hose or the like. This allows the cylinder 150 to be connected to the flow path 111. The inlet 154 is positioned so as to be angled upward rather than horizontally.
[0090] Valve 155 opens or closes the inside of the casing 151 to the outside. Valve 155 causes the adsorbent material 152 inside the casing to flow out through the inlet 154, or causes the adsorbent material 152 from the inlet 154 to flow into the casing 151.
[0091] Cylinder 150 is smaller than a refrigerant cylinder filled with only regular refrigerant. Here, cylinder 150 is small enough for a worker to hold.
[0092] (3-1-3-2) Manufacturing method of cylinder 150 Next, the method for manufacturing cylinder 150 will be explained. The manufacturing method for cylinder 150 is a method in which the refrigerant 153 shown in Figure 6 and the adsorbent material 152 for adsorbing and desorbing the refrigerant 153 are filled into a casing 151.
[0093] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, first, a first step (S10) is performed in which an adsorbent 152 that circulates through the flow path 111 is placed in the casing 151. In this first step (S10), the valve 155 is opened and the adsorbent 152 is filled into the casing 151 from the inlet 154. Here, since the inlet 154 is facing upward, gravity is used to drop the adsorbent 152 into the casing 151, thereby supplying the adsorbent to the casing 151.
[0094] After the first step (S10), a second step (S20) is performed to reduce the pressure inside the casing 151. The reduction is not particularly limited as long as it lowers the pressure inside the casing 151, but it is preferable to create a vacuum. For this reason, in the second step (S20), the casing 151 filled with adsorbent material 152 is evacuated. In the second step (S20), for example, a vacuum pump and a pressure gauge are connected to the inlet 154, and the vacuum pump is driven until the pressure inside the casing 151 falls below a predetermined value. At this time, a filter or the like may be placed at the inlet 154 to prevent the adsorbent material 152 from flowing out of the casing 151. This filter for suppressing the passage of the adsorbent material 152 is removed at the end of the second step (S20).
[0095] After the second step (S20), the third step (S30) is performed, in which refrigerant is introduced into the casing 151. In this third step (S30), refrigerant 153, which circulates through the flow path 111, is filled into the casing 151 from the inlet 154. Here, refrigerant is filled until the pressure of the refrigerant inside the casing 151 is equal to or greater than atmospheric pressure. In the third step (S30), it is preferable to introduce refrigerant into the casing 151 such that the pressure of the refrigerant 153 inside the casing 151 is higher than the pressure of the refrigerant inside the flow path 111.
[0096] By carrying out the above steps (S10 to S30), the cylinder 150 shown in Figure 6 can be manufactured.
[0097] (3-1-3-3) Method of filling with adsorbent Next, a method for filling the flow path 111 of the refrigeration device 100 with adsorbent material 152 using the cylinder 150 described above will be explained. Here, we will describe a method of filling the flow path 111, which is currently filled only with refrigerant, with the adsorbent material from the cylinder 150.
[0098] As shown in Figure 7, a fourth step (S40) is performed in which the cylinder 150 is connected to the components constituting the flow path 111. In the fourth step (S40) of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the cylinder 150 is connected to the separation unit 136. In this fourth step (S40), the cylinder 150 is connected while the refrigerant 153 inside the cylinder 150 is discharged.
[0099] Specifically, with the connection valve 139 of the connection part 137 closed, the inlet 154 of the cylinder 150 and the port 139a of the connection part 137 are connected with a hose or the like. At this time, the valve 155 is opened to allow the refrigerant 153 inside the cylinder 150 to flow out while the cylinder 150 is connected to the connection part 137. Once the connection is complete, the valve 155 is closed. This allows the cylinder 150 to be connected to the separation part 136.
[0100] Next, a fifth step (S50) is performed in which the adsorbent is filled into the flow path 111. In the fifth step (S50) of this embodiment, the adsorbent in the cylinder 150 is filled into the flow path 111 via the separation unit 136.
[0101] Specifically, the valve 155 of the cylinder 150 and the connecting valve 139 of the connecting part 137 are opened. Then, the cylinder 150 is lifted and its vertical direction is reversed as shown in Figure 6(B). As a result, the adsorbent material 152 inside the cylinder 150 falls due to gravity, passes through the inlet 154, and is introduced into the port 139a of the connecting part 137 via a hose or the like. Since port 139a is located above the connecting pipe 138, the adsorbent material introduced into port 139a falls due to gravity and reaches the connecting pipe 138. Since the connecting pipe 138 extends downward, the adsorbent material falls through the connecting pipe 138 due to gravity and reaches the separation part 136. The adsorbent material that has reached the separation part 136 is then introduced into the flow path 111 from the separation part 136 by driving the booster 141.
[0102] In the fifth step (S50) of this embodiment, the refrigerant does not move from the cylinder 150 to the flow path 111, nor does it move from the flow path 111 to the cylinder 150.
[0103] In step 5 (S50), the adsorbent 152 may be filled into the flow path 111 in multiple batches. In this case, the weight of the cylinder 150 is measured as appropriate. Specifically, the weight of the manufactured cylinder 150 is measured and set as the initial weight. Then, as described above, the adsorbent in the cylinder 150 is supplied into the flow path 111, and the weight of the cylinder 150 is measured again. The difference between this measured value and the initial weight can be determined as the weight of the adsorbent filled into the flow path 111. The measurement method is not particularly limited, but for example, a stationary weighing scale or a spring balance can be used.
[0104] In cases where the entire amount of adsorbent material 152 in cylinder 150 is to be filled into the flow path 111, it may be filled all at once.
[0105] Once the predetermined amount of adsorbent is filled into the flow path 111 in step 5 (S50), step 6 (S60) is performed to remove the cylinder 150 from the refrigeration device 100. After step 6, a trial run is performed.
[0106] (3-1-3-4) Features (3-1-3-4-1) The cylinder 150 in this embodiment is a cylinder for placing adsorbent material into the flow path 111 of the refrigeration device 100. The refrigeration device 100 is equipped with a flow path 111. The flow path 111 is through which refrigerant and adsorbent material circulate. The adsorbent material adsorbs and desorbs refrigerant in response to changes in the pressure of the refrigerant. The cylinder 150 is equipped with a casing 151, adsorbent material 152, and refrigerant 153. The adsorbent material 152 is filled into the casing 151. The refrigerant 153 is filled into the casing 151.
[0107] According to the cylinder 150 of this embodiment, the casing 151 contains an adsorbent 152 and a refrigerant 153 that circulate through the flow path 111, so the adsorbent 152 inside the casing 151 can be introduced into the flow path 111.
[0108] Furthermore, since the refrigerant 153 is filled inside the casing 151, the adsorbent 152 is prevented from coming into contact with the air, thus preventing the adsorbent 152 from adsorbing moisture and other substances from the air.
[0109] Such a cylinder 150 is preferably used when filling a flow path 111, which is filled only with refrigerant, with an adsorbent 152.
[0110] (3-1-3-4-2) In the cylinder 150 of this embodiment, preferably, the pressure of the refrigerant 153 in the casing 151 is higher than the pressure of the refrigerant in the flow path 111.
[0111] Here, since the pressure of the refrigerant 153 in the casing 151 is higher than the pressure of the refrigerant in the flow path 111, it is possible to suppress the backflow of refrigerant from the flow path 111 and the reduction of refrigerant in the flow path 111, and at the same time, the adsorbent 152 can be efficiently introduced into the flow path 111.
[0112] (3-1-3-4-3) In the cylinder 150 of this embodiment, preferably, the pressure of the refrigerant 153 inside the casing 151 is equal to or greater than atmospheric pressure.
[0113] Here, since the internal pressure of cylinder 150 is greater than atmospheric pressure, it is possible to suppress the inflow of air into casing 151. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the adsorbent material 152 from adsorbing moisture and other substances from the air.
[0114] (3-1-3-4-4) In the cylinder 150 of this embodiment, the casing 151 is preferably made of metal. Here, since the refrigerant 153 is contained, the pressure resistance of the casing 151 can be improved.
[0115] (3-1-3-4-5) In the cylinder 150 of this embodiment, preferably, the adsorbent 152 includes a metal-organic structure containing a metal ion and an organic ligand.
[0116] Thus, the metal-organic structure is suitably used as an adsorbent 152 for adsorbing and desorbing the refrigerant 153.
[0117] (3-1-3-4-6) In the cylinder 150 of this embodiment, preferably, the refrigerant 153 contains at least one of carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, ammonia, water, HFCs, and HFOs.
[0118] Thus, refrigerants containing at least one of carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, ammonia, water, HFCs, and HFOs are suitably used as refrigerants in adsorption-type refrigeration cycle systems.
[0119] (3-1-3-4-7) The manufacturing method for the cylinder 150 of this embodiment is a method for manufacturing a cylinder 150 in which refrigerant 153 and adsorbent material 152 are filled inside a casing 151. The adsorbent material 152 adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant 153. The manufacturing method for the cylinder 150 comprises a first step (S10), a second step (S20), and a third step (S30). The first step (S10) is to put the adsorbent material 152 into the casing 151. The second step (S20) is to reduce the pressure inside the casing 151 after the first step (S10). The third step (S30) is to put the refrigerant 153 into the casing 151 after the second step (S20).
[0120] According to the manufacturing method of the cylinder 150 of this embodiment, a cylinder 150 containing an adsorbent 152 and a refrigerant 153 can be manufactured by carrying out the first step (S10), the second step (S20), and the third step (S30) in that order. By using this cylinder 150, the adsorbent 152 in the casing 151 can be easily filled into the flow path 111.
[0121] (3-1-3-4-8) The filling method of this embodiment is a method for filling the flow path 111 with adsorbent material 152 using a cylinder 150. The filling method includes a step (S40) of connecting the cylinder 150 to a component constituting the flow path 111 (a separation unit 136 in this embodiment).
[0122] Here, by connecting the cylinder 150 to the components that make up the flow path 111, the adsorbent material 152 inside the cylinder 150 can be filled into the flow path 111 via the components.
[0123] (3-1-3-4-9) Preferably, the filling method of this embodiment further includes a step of measuring the weight of the cylinder 150.
[0124] Here, by measuring the weight of cylinder 150, the weight of the adsorbent 152 filled in the flow path 111 can be confirmed.
[0125] (3-1-3-4-10) In the filling method of this embodiment, preferably, in the connection step (S40), the cylinder 150 is connected while the refrigerant 153 inside the cylinder 150 is discharged.
[0126] Here, the refrigerant in cylinder 150 can be released while the cylinder 150 is connected to the components of the refrigeration unit 100.
[0127] (3-2) Second Embodiment The basic configuration and operation of the refrigeration system 200 of the second embodiment shown in Figure 8 are the same as those of the refrigeration system 100 of the first embodiment, so the differences between the refrigeration system 100 and the refrigeration system 200 will be explained in detail. Note that the cylinder 150 of the second embodiment is the same as the cylinder 150 of the first embodiment.
[0128] (3-2-1) Configuration of the refrigeration unit 200 In this embodiment, the refrigerant and adsorbent are passed through the compressor 131. For this reason, the refrigeration system 200 does not include a separation unit 136 and a booster 141.
[0129] In the refrigeration system 200 of this embodiment, the connection part 137 is attached to the piping that connects the first heat recovery unit 133 and the switching mechanism 135.
[0130] (3-2-2) Operation of the refrigeration unit 200 (3-2-2-1) First state When the flow path 111 is in the first state, as shown by the solid arrows in Figure 8, the mixture that has passed through the second heat recovery unit 134 is drawn into the compressor 131 through the second shut-off valve 145, the switching mechanism 135, and the accumulator 143. The mixture compressed in the compressor 131 flows into the first heat recovery unit 133 through the switching mechanism 135. The mixture that has exchanged heat with air in the first heat recovery unit 133 flows into the second heat recovery unit 134 through the pressure reduction unit 132 and the first shut-off valve 144. Heat exchange with air takes place in the second heat recovery unit 134.
[0131] (3-2-2-2) Second state When the flow path 111 is in the second state, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 8, the mixture that has passed through the first heat recovery unit 133 is drawn into the compressor 131 through the switching mechanism 135 and the accumulator 143. The mixture compressed in the compressor 131 flows into the second heat recovery unit 134 through the switching mechanism 135 and the second shut-off valve 145. The mixture that has exchanged heat with air in the second heat recovery unit 134 flows into the first heat recovery unit 133 through the first shut-off valve 144 and the pressure reducing unit 132. Heat exchange with air takes place in the first heat recovery unit 133.
[0132] (3-2-3) Method of filling with adsorbent The method for filling the flow path 111 of the refrigeration device 200 in this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that, in the fourth step (S40), a connection part 137 is connected to the piping that connects the first heat recovery unit 133 and the switching mechanism 135.
[0133] (4) Variations Modifications of the first and second embodiments will be described below.
[0134] (4-1) Experimental variation 1 In the above embodiment, the pressure of the refrigerant in the cylinder 150 is higher than the pressure of the refrigerant in the flow path 111, but this is not limited to this. In this modified cylinder, the pressure of the refrigerant in the casing 151 is the same as or lower than the pressure of the refrigerant in the flow path 111. In this case, the cylinder 150 is easy to handle and can be manufactured at low cost.
[0135] (4-2) Modification 2 In the first embodiment described above, an example was given in which the cylinder 150 is connected to the separation unit 136, but the invention is not limited to this. The cylinder 150 may also be connected to another component provided in the flow path 111.
[0136] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, an example was given in which the cylinder 150 is connected to the flow path 111 between the switching mechanism 135 and the first heat recovery unit 133, but the invention is not limited to this. The connection part 137 may be connected to any point in the flow path 111, and the cylinder 150 may be connected to that point.
[0137] (4-3) Modification example 3 In the above embodiment, a method of filling a flow path 111 filled with refrigerant with an adsorbent has been described, but the invention is not limited thereto. In this modified example, a flow path 111 that is not filled with refrigerant and an adsorbent is filled with refrigerant and an adsorbent. In this case, after evacuating the flow path 111, the step of filling the flow path 111 with an adsorbent (S50) is performed. After step (S50), the flow path 111 is filled with refrigerant.
[0138] (4-4) Modification 4 In the above embodiment, step (S50) describes an example in which the adsorbent is filled into the flow path 111 by lifting the cylinder 150 and turning it inverted, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, with the inlet 154 of the cylinder 150 connected to the port 139a, the internal pressure of the cylinder 150 may be increased to push the adsorbent inside the cylinder 150 toward the connection part 137. In this case, the cylinder 150 has, for example, a pressurizing port used to increase the internal pressure. For example, a cylinder filled with refrigerant may be connected to the pressurizing port.
[0139] (4-5) Modification 5 In the above embodiment, the cylinder 150 is removed during normal operation of the refrigeration units 100 and 200, but is not limited to this. The steps of connecting the cylinder 150 to the flow path 111 to fill the flow path 111 with adsorbent material (S40), filling the flow path with adsorbent material (S50), and then removing the cylinder 150 (S60) may be omitted.
[0140] (4-6) Modification 6 The adsorbent used in the refrigeration devices 100 and 200 of the above embodiment 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.
[0141] (4-7) Modification 7 In the above embodiment, an air conditioning system was used as an example of a refrigeration system, but the invention is not limited to this. The heat exchange medium that exchanges heat with the heat generated in the first heat recovery unit 133 and the second heat recovery unit 134 may be water, brine, or the like.
[0142] 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]
[0143] 100,200: Refrigeration equipment 111,111a,111b,111c: Flow channel 150: Cylinder 151: Casing 152: Adsorbent 153: Refrigerant [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]
[0144] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2023 / 0417459
Claims
1. A cylinder for introducing the adsorbent into a flow path (111) of a refrigeration device (100), which is equipped with a flow path (111) through which the refrigerant and the adsorbent that adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant in response to changes in the pressure of the refrigerant circulate, Casing (151), The adsorbent material (152) filled inside the casing, The refrigerant (153) filled inside the casing, A cylinder (150) equipped with this.
2. The pressure of the refrigerant in the casing is higher than the pressure of the refrigerant in the flow path. The cylinder according to claim 1.
3. The pressure of the refrigerant in the casing is the same as or lower than the pressure of the refrigerant in the flow path. The cylinder according to claim 1.
4. The pressure of the refrigerant inside the casing is greater than or equal to atmospheric pressure. A cylinder according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
5. The casing is made of metal. A cylinder according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
6. The adsorbent includes a metal-organic structure containing metal ions and an organic ligand. A cylinder according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
7. The refrigerant comprises at least one of carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, ammonia, water, HFCs, and HFOs. A cylinder according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
8. A method for manufacturing a cylinder in which a refrigerant and an adsorbent for adsorbing and desorbing the refrigerant are filled inside the container, The first step (S10) is to put the adsorbent into the casing, After the first step, a second step (S20) is performed to reduce the pressure inside the casing, After the second step, a third step (S30) is performed in which the refrigerant is put into the casing, A method for manufacturing a cylinder (150) that includes the following.
9. A method for filling an adsorbent into a flow path using a cylinder according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A filling method comprising the step (S40) of connecting the cylinder to the components constituting the flow path.
10. The process further includes measuring the weight of the cylinder. The filling method according to claim 9.
11. In the connection step (S40), the refrigerant in the cylinder is discharged while the cylinder is connected. The filling method according to claim 9.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Refrigeration cycle apparatus
US20230417459A1