Filling method

Abstract

This technology provides a way to fill the refrigerant circuit with odor components at the appropriate concentration. [Solution] The filling method involves filling a refrigeration device with refrigerant and odor components. The filling method comprises three steps: a first step of providing a cylinder 51 containing a mixed liquid in which odor components are dissolved in a refrigerant in a liquid phase; a second step of connecting the cylinder 51 to the refrigeration device's refrigeration circuit 10; and a third step of filling the refrigeration circuit 10 with the mixed liquid from the cylinder 51. In this way, the filling method makes it possible to stably supply odor components by making the refrigerant and odor components into a mixed liquid state, and to fill the refrigeration circuit 10 with odor components at an appropriate concentration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a filling method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a refrigeration device in which a highly flammable refrigerant is enclosed in a refrigerant circuit as a refrigerant having a low Global Warming Potential (GWP) value, which is a global warming coefficient, is known. For this type of refrigeration device, it is important to recognize the leakage of the refrigerant from the refrigerant circuit at an early stage and avoid the combustion of the refrigerant.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a refrigeration cycle device in which, in addition to the refrigerant, an odor component, which is a sulfur-based deodorant, is enclosed in the refrigerant circuit. Along with the leakage of the refrigerant from the refrigerant circuit, the odor component also leaks, enabling people in the vicinity to recognize the abnormality and take necessary measures.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Conventionally, when filling a refrigerant circuit with a refrigerant during installation of a device or the like, the refrigerant may be filled in a gaseous state. For example, in filling a refrigerant circuit, a refrigerant cylinder is connected to a shut-off valve of the refrigerant circuit that has been evacuated in advance via a hose. Then, the operator opens the shut-off valve, and due to the pressure difference between the inside of the refrigerant cylinder and the inside of the refrigerant circuit, the refrigerant inside the refrigerant cylinder flows into the refrigerant circuit. As the refrigerant is filled into the refrigerant circuit, the pressure of the refrigerant inside the refrigerant circuit increases, gradually reducing the pressure difference and decreasing the refrigerant filling rate. Also, in filling, the refrigerant may be supplied while the compressor is operating. This increases the pressure difference with the inside of the refrigerant cylinder and can increase the refrigerant filling rate.

[0006] However, when filling the refrigerant circuit with refrigerant and odor components, there may be problems with filling in the gas phase. For example, the concentration of odor components evaporated into the gas phase of the refrigerant is significantly lower than the concentration of odor components dissolved in the liquid phase of the refrigerant. Furthermore, the dissolved odor components do not evaporate in sync with the refrigerant, which rapidly evaporates from the liquid phase to the gas phase inside the cylinder during the filling process. Therefore, when filling the refrigerant and odor components together, there is a possibility that the refrigerant circuit may not be adequately filled with odor components. As a result, even if the odor components in the refrigerant circuit leak along with the refrigerant, they may not perform as designed (inducing evacuation actions for people in the vicinity).

[0007] This disclosure provides a technology that enables the filling of a refrigerant circuit with odor components at an appropriate concentration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a filling method for filling a refrigeration device with a refrigerant and odor components comprises: a first step of providing a cylinder containing a mixed liquid in which the odor components are dissolved; a second step of connecting the cylinder to the refrigeration device's refrigeration circuit; and a third step of filling the refrigeration circuit with the mixed liquid from the cylinder.

[0009] According to the above, the filling method involves filling the refrigerant circuit with a mixed liquid containing odor components, thereby filling the refrigerant circuit with odor components at the appropriate concentration. As a result, the refrigerant circuit is filled with the designed concentration of odor components, allowing the odor components to perform stably. Furthermore, the mixed liquid filled into the refrigerant circuit expands in volume as it enters the gas phase. Therefore, filling with a mixed liquid allows for filling with the appropriate amount of odor components in a shorter time than filling with gaseous refrigerants, thus improving work efficiency.

[0010] Furthermore, the cylinder has a supply port for supplying the mixed liquid and a cylindrical body communicating with the supply port and mainly containing the refrigerant. In the third step, the supply port is positioned vertically below the bottom of the cylindrical body, thereby filling the refrigerant circuit with the mixed liquid from the cylinder.

[0011] This allows the refrigerant mixture to flow smoothly from the cylinder to the refrigerant circuit during the filling process, thereby filling the refrigerant circuit with the mixed liquid.

[0012] Furthermore, the cylinder contains the mixed liquid and the refrigerant in a gaseous state under high pressure, and has a siphon tube capable of supplying the mixed liquid by the pressure of the refrigerant in a gaseous state. In the third step, the mixed liquid is filled into the refrigerant circuit from the siphon tube.

[0013] Even in this case, the filling method allows for easy supply of the mixed liquid from a cylinder to fill the refrigerant circuit.

[0014] Furthermore, the refrigeration apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit in which a compressor, a heat source side heat exchanger, a pressure reducing device, and a utilization side heat exchanger are connected in this order, and a refrigerant charging section is provided between the pressure reducing device and the utilization side heat exchanger, which is capable of filling the refrigerant circuit with the refrigerant, in the second step the cylinder is connected to the refrigerant charging section, and in the third step the mixed liquid is filled from the cylinder to the refrigerant charging section.

[0015] This allows the filling method to smoothly fill the liquid line of the refrigerant circuit with the mixed liquid via the refrigerant filling section between the depressurizing device and the heat exchanger on the user side.

[0016] Alternatively, the refrigeration apparatus comprises a refrigerant circuit in which a compressor, a heat source side heat exchanger, a pressure reducing device, and a utilization side heat exchanger are connected in this order, a refrigerant charging section is provided between the compressor and the utilization side heat exchanger, a gas-liquid separator is provided between the compressor and the refrigerant charging section, in the second step the cylinder is connected to the refrigerant charging section, and in the third step the mixed liquid is filled from the cylinder to the refrigerant charging section.

[0017] Even in this case, the filling method allows the mixed liquid to be filled into the gas line of the refrigerant circuit via the refrigerant filling section between the compressor and the heat exchanger on the utilization side.

[0018] Furthermore, in the third step, the compressor is driven to move the mixed liquid filled in the refrigerant charging section to the gas-liquid separator, and the gas separated in the gas-liquid separator is drawn into the compressor.

[0019] As a result, the mixed liquid supplied to the gas line of the refrigerant circuit can be smoothly separated into gas and liquid in the gas-liquid separator, allowing the liquid to be transferred to the compressor. This also improves the efficiency of filling, even when filling the gas line with the mixed liquid.

[0020] Furthermore, the refrigerant is a highly flammable refrigerant.

[0021] This allows the refrigeration system to fill its refrigerant circuit with a refrigerant that has a low GWP value, enabling efficient heat exchange by the refrigerant in the condenser and evaporator. Furthermore, during filling, the refrigerant can be filled in the form of a mixed liquid with dissolved odor components, avoiding insufficient filling of odor components and providing an appropriate amount of odor in case of refrigerant leakage from the refrigeration system.

[0022] Furthermore, the refrigerant is propane.

[0023] Propane can be easily stored in a liquid phase in cylinders, and the state of the mixed liquid can be well maintained within the cylinder.

[0024] Further, the refrigerant has a mercury content of 0.1 mg / L or less.

[0025] This can suppress the occurrence of leakage points due to a significant strength reduction caused by the alloying (amalgamation) of mercury with the metal materials in the refrigerant circuit, particularly aluminum, when the refrigerant circuit is filled with the refrigerant. That is, in the filling method, by setting the mercury content to 0.1 mg / L or less, the strength of the metal materials in the refrigerant circuit can be stably maintained, and effects such as suppression of refrigerant leakage and promotion of evacuation behavior due to odor components can be obtained, which serves as a two-fold safety measure.

[0026] Further, the odor component is a substance having a boiling point higher than that of the refrigerant.

[0027] This can maintain the states of the liquid-phase refrigerant and the liquid-phase odor component well in the state where the refrigerant and the odor component are filled in the cylinder as a mixed liquid. <00所00098> Further, the odor component is a sulfur-based odorant.

[0029] This can stably promote evacuation behavior as the odor component filled in the refrigerant circuit leaks.

[0030] Further, the odor component is selected from the group consisting of sulfides and thiophenes.

[0031] This can maintain the state of the mixed liquid well with the liquid-phase refrigerant and the liquid-phase odor component in the cylinder by applying an odor component having a boiling point higher than that of the refrigerant.

[0032] Further, the odor component is tetrahydrothiophene.

[0033] This can apply an odor component having a boiling point higher than the ambient temperature around the outside of the cylinder, and can be easily filled into the refrigerant circuit at an appropriate concentration together with the refrigerant, and can make abnormalities recognizable to people when leaking from the refrigerant circuit.

[0034] Furthermore, the odor component is dimethyl sulfide.

[0035] Even in this case, odor components with a boiling point higher than the ambient temperature outside the cylinder can be used, and they can be easily filled into the refrigerant circuit at the appropriate concentration along with the refrigerant, allowing a person to recognize an abnormality in the event of a leak from the refrigerant circuit.

[0036] Furthermore, the odor component is ethyl methyl sulfide.

[0037] Even in this case, odor components with a boiling point higher than the ambient temperature outside the cylinder can be used, and they can be easily filled into the refrigerant circuit at the appropriate concentration along with the refrigerant, allowing a person to recognize an abnormality in the event of a leak from the refrigerant circuit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0038] [Figure 1] This diagram schematically shows the configuration of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the installation status of the service port on the outdoor unit. [Figure 3] This diagram shows a filling system for filling a refrigerant circuit with refrigerant and odor components. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing the pre-filling state of the filling system. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing the filling method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing a modified filling system. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing the filling method according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0039] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are used for identical components, and redundant explanations may be omitted. In addition, dimensions, ratios, or numbers in each drawing may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary to facilitate understanding of the invention.

[0040] <Configuration of the refrigeration system> As shown in Figure 1, the refrigeration system 1 according to the embodiment of this disclosure is an air conditioning system that adjusts the temperature of the air in a living space. Hereinafter, the refrigeration system 1 will also be referred to as the air conditioning system 1. The air conditioning system 1 is used for cooling and heating operations of a living space by operating a vapor compression type refrigeration cycle. In cooling operation, the air conditioning system 1 cools the air in the living space to adjust its temperature. In heating operation, the air conditioning system 1 heats the air in the living space to adjust its temperature.

[0041] The air conditioning system 1 includes a refrigerant circuit 10 containing a refrigerant, an outdoor unit 20 which is a heat source unit installed in the outdoor space, and an indoor unit 30 which is a utilization unit installed in the living space. The refrigerant circuit 10 performs cooling and heating operations by circulating the refrigerant between the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 30. The air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment is a pair type in which one outdoor unit 20 and one indoor unit 30 are connected. However, the air conditioning system 1 may also be configured in which one outdoor unit 20 and multiple indoor units 30 are connected, or in which multiple outdoor units 20 and one indoor unit 30 are connected. Note that when charging the refrigerant, the air conditioning system 1 may have the refrigeration cycle between the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 30 separated. In this case, the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 30 can be connected after charging the refrigerant to enable the refrigeration cycle.

[0042] The refrigerant circuit 10 includes a first connecting pipe 11 and a second connecting pipe 12 that connect the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 30. The first connecting pipe 11 and the second connecting pipe 12 circulate the refrigerant between the living space and the outdoor space. The first connecting pipe 11 is one or more gas pipes that circulate the refrigerant in gaseous form. The second connecting pipe 12 is one or more liquid pipes that circulate the refrigerant in liquid form.

[0043] Furthermore, the refrigerant circuit 10 has an outdoor route 13 inside the outdoor unit 20 that is connected to one end of the first connecting pipe 11 and one end of the second connecting pipe 12, respectively. In addition, the refrigerant circuit 10 has an indoor route 14 inside the indoor unit 30 that is connected to the other end of the first connecting pipe 11 and the other end of the second connecting pipe 12, respectively. The refrigerant circuit 10 forms an endless circulation circuit with the first connecting pipe 11, the second connecting pipe 12, the outdoor route 13, and the indoor route 14.

[0044] <Outdoor unit> The outdoor unit 20 constitutes a part of the refrigerant circuit 10 by having an outdoor passage 13 installed inside the housing 20a. The outdoor unit 20 includes a compressor 21, an outdoor heat exchanger 22, an expansion mechanism 23, a four-way switching valve 24, an outdoor fan 25, and a gas-liquid separator 26. The compressor 21, outdoor heat exchanger 22, expansion mechanism 23, and four-way switching valve 24 are connected to the outdoor passage 13 of the outdoor unit 20.

[0045] In refrigeration cycle operation, the compressor 21 compresses the low-pressure refrigerant drawn in from the suction connection terminal 21i to a high pressure and discharges the high-pressure refrigerant from the discharge connection terminal 21o. As the compressor 21, for example, a rotary type device can be used that rotates a sealed compression element with a compressor motor 21m to pressurize the refrigerant. The suction connection terminal 21i and the discharge connection terminal 21o of the compressor 21 are connected to the four-way switching valve 24 through the outdoor passage 13.

[0046] The outdoor heat exchanger 22 is a heat source-side heat exchanger (condenser) that dissipates heat from the refrigerant by exchanging heat between the refrigerant circulating inside and the outdoor air during refrigeration cycle operation in cooling operation. For example, a fin-and-tube type mechanism can be applied to this outdoor heat exchanger 22. The gas connection terminal 22G of the outdoor heat exchanger 22 is connected to the four-way switching valve 24 through the outdoor passage 13. The liquid connection terminal 22L of the outdoor heat exchanger 22 is connected to the expansion mechanism 23 through the outdoor passage 13.

[0047] The outdoor fan 25 blows outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger 22. For example, the outdoor fan 25 can be a propeller fan having a motor and propeller (not shown).

[0048] The expansion mechanism 23 is a pressure reducing device that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant flowing in through the outdoor passage 13 to lower its temperature. This expansion mechanism 23 is equipped with an electronic expansion valve or a temperature-sensitive expansion valve that adjusts the opening of the internal flow path. The expansion mechanism 23 may also be installed in the indoor unit 30.

[0049] The four-way switching valve 24 reverses the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10 to selectively perform cooling and heating operations. This four-way switching valve 24 can be switched between a first state, shown by the solid line in Figure 1, and a second state, shown by the dashed line in Figure 1.

[0050] The four-way diverter valve 24 is provided with a first port 241, a second port 242, a third port 243, and a fourth port 244 to which multiple pipes constituting the refrigerant circuit 10 can be connected. The discharge connection end 21o of the compressor 21 is connected to the first port 241 of the four-way diverter valve 24 via the piping of the outdoor route 13. The gas connection end 22G of the outdoor heat exchanger 22 is connected to the second port 242 of the four-way diverter valve 24 via the piping of the outdoor route 13. The piping of the outdoor route 13 that connects to the first connecting pipe 11 is connected to the third port 243 of the four-way diverter valve 24. The third port 243 is connected to the gas connection end 31G of the indoor heat exchanger 31 via the first connecting pipe 11. The suction connection end 21i of the compressor 21 is connected to the fourth port 244 of the four-way diverter valve 24 via the piping of the outdoor route 13.

[0051] As shown by the solid line in Figure 1, the four-way diverter valve 24 can form a first state in which the first port 241 and the second port 242 are in communication, and the third port 243 and the fourth port 244 are in communication. In this first state, the four-way diverter valve 24 connects the discharge connection end 21o of the compressor 21 and the gas connection end 22G of the outdoor heat exchanger 22, while connecting the suction connection end 21i of the compressor 21 and the first connecting pipe 11 outside the outdoor unit 20. In this first state, based on the drive of the compressor 21, refrigerant flows from the first connecting pipe 11 into the outdoor path 13 of the outdoor unit 20. The refrigerant is compressed by the compressor 21 to a high pressure and moves to the outdoor heat exchanger 22 through the four-way diverter valve 24. The refrigerant releases heat in the outdoor heat exchanger 22 and is further depressurized in the expansion mechanism 23, becoming a low-pressure, low-temperature liquid, which then moves to the second connecting pipe 12. In other words, the air conditioning unit 1 can perform cooling operation by drawing in high-temperature refrigerant via the first connecting pipe 11 and sending low-temperature refrigerant to the indoor unit 30 via the second connecting pipe 12.

[0052] Furthermore, the four-way switching valve 24 can form a second state in which the first port 241 and the third port 243 are in communication, and the second port 242 and the fourth port 244 are in communication, as shown by the dotted line in Figure 1. In this second state, the four-way switching valve 24 connects the discharge connection end 21o of the compressor 21 to the first connecting pipe 11 outside the outdoor unit 20, while connecting the suction connection end 21i of the compressor 21 to the gas connection end 22G of the outdoor heat exchanger 22. In this second state, refrigerant flows from the second connecting pipe 12 into the outdoor path 13 of the outdoor unit 20 based on the drive of the compressor 21. The refrigerant moves to the outdoor heat exchanger 22 through the expansion mechanism 23, and then moves from the outdoor heat exchanger 22 to the compressor 21. The refrigerant is compressed in the compressor 21 to become a high-pressure, high-temperature gas, which then moves to the first connecting pipe 11 through the four-way switching valve 24. In other words, the air conditioning system 1 can perform heating operation by drawing in low-temperature refrigerant through the second connecting pipe 12 and sending high-temperature refrigerant to the indoor unit 30 through the first connecting pipe 11.

[0053] Furthermore, the outdoor path 13 of the outdoor unit 20 can be divided into a gas line 13G that mainly circulates the refrigerant in gaseous form, and a liquid line 13L that mainly circulates the refrigerant in liquid form. The gas line 13G is the path connecting from the connection point with the first connecting pipe 11 to the compressor 21 and the gas connection terminal 22G of the outdoor heat exchanger 22. The liquid line 13L is the path connecting from the connection point with the second connecting pipe 12 to the expansion mechanism 23 and the liquid connection terminal 22L of the outdoor heat exchanger 22.

[0054] A first shut-off valve 41 is provided at the connection point between the gas line 13G and the first connecting pipe 11. The first shut-off valve 41 opens and closes the flow path of the gas line 13G based on the operator's operation. A second shut-off valve 42 is provided at the connection point between the liquid line 13L and the second connecting pipe 12. The second shut-off valve 42 opens and closes the flow path of the liquid line 13L based on the operator's operation.

[0055] Furthermore, the first shut-off valve 41 has a gas service port 44. The second shut-off valve 42 has a liquid service port 45. The first shut-off valve 41 is larger than the second shut-off valve 42. The gas service port 44 and the liquid service port 45 are used as a refrigerant charging section for filling the refrigerant circuit 10 of the air conditioner 1 with refrigerant. In addition, the gas service port 44 and the liquid service port 45 are also used when discharging refrigerant from the outdoor unit 20, when vacuuming the refrigerant circuit 10, or when measuring the refrigerant pressure.

[0056] As shown in Figure 2, the housing 20a of the outdoor unit 20 has a space for locating shut-off valves inside. The first shut-off valve 41 and the second shut-off valve 42 are installed in the shut-off valve space of the housing 20a. The first connecting pipe 11 is connected to the first shut-off valve 41, which is exposed from the housing 20a. The second connecting pipe 12 is connected to the second shut-off valve 42, which is also exposed from the housing 20a.

[0057] The first shut-off valve 41 has a base 411 at its center and includes an outdoor connector 412, a connecting pipe connector 413, a valve operating section 414, and a gas service port 44 that protrude from the base 411 in mutually different directions.

[0058] The outdoor connector 412 is connected to the piping of the gas line 13G of the outdoor route 13, which is located inside the housing 20a. In addition, a fixing mechanism 412a for fixing the first shut-off valve 41 to the housing 20a of the outdoor unit 20 is provided on the outer surface of the outdoor connector 412.

[0059] The second shut-off valve 42, like the first shut-off valve 41, has a base 421 at its center and includes an outdoor connector 422, a connecting pipe connector 423, a valve operating section 424, and a liquid service port 45 (refrigerant charging section) that protrude from the base 421 in mutually different directions.

[0060] The outdoor connector 422 is connected to the piping of the liquid line 13L of the outdoor route 13 located in the housing 20a. In addition, a fixing mechanism 422a for fixing the second shut-off valve 42 to the housing 20a of the outdoor unit 20 is provided on the outer surface of the outdoor connector 422.

[0061] Returning to Figure 1, the gas-liquid separator 26 is an accumulator installed between the compressor 21 and the first shut-off valve 41 (gas service port 44) that separates gas and liquid. The gas-liquid separator 26 suppresses the inflow of liquid into the compressor 21 by separating the liquid from the gas in the gas line 13G. The installation location of the gas-liquid separator 26 is not particularly limited as long as it is between the compressor 21 and the gas service port 44. For example, the gas-liquid separator 26 may be installed adjacent to the compressor 21. In addition, multiple gas-liquid separators 26 may be installed, such as being installed adjacent to the compressor 21 and also installed at other locations in the gas line 13G.

[0062] <Indoor unit> The indoor unit 30 is installed in a living space. The indoor unit 30 constitutes a part of the refrigerant circuit 10 by having an indoor path 14 inside the housing 30a. The indoor unit 30 includes an indoor heat exchanger 31 and an indoor fan 32. The indoor heat exchanger 31 is connected to the indoor path 14 of the indoor unit 30.

[0063] The indoor heat exchanger 31 is a user-side heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the refrigerant circulating inside and the indoor air during the operation of the air conditioning system 1. As a result, the indoor heat exchanger 31 can cool the indoor air by absorbing heat when the refrigerant is at a lower temperature than the indoor air, and can warm the indoor air by releasing heat when the refrigerant is at a higher temperature than the indoor air. For example, a fin-and-tube type mechanism can be applied to this indoor heat exchanger 31. The gas connection terminal 31G of the indoor heat exchanger 31 is connected to the first connecting pipe 11 through the indoor passage 14. The liquid connection terminal 31L of the indoor heat exchanger 31 is connected to the second connecting pipe 12 through the indoor passage 14.

[0064] The indoor fan 32 blows indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger 31. The indoor fan 32 is, for example, a cross-flow fan having a motor and a cylindrical impeller (not shown). The indoor air carried by the indoor fan 32 passes through the indoor heat exchanger 31 and is then blown from the indoor heat exchanger 31 into the living space.

[0065] Furthermore, the indoor unit 30 has a power circuit connected to the commercial power supply. The air conditioning system 1 operates the indoor unit 30 based on the power supply from the commercial power supply, and also operates the outdoor unit 20 via power lines (not shown).

[0066] <Control unit for air conditioning system> The air conditioning system 1 has a control unit 90 that controls the operation of each component. The control unit 90 is composed of a first control device 91, a second control device 92, and a remote controller 93. The remote controller 93 is a device that allows a person (user) to operate various instructions to the air conditioning system 1, and may be a dedicated controller or a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet.

[0067] Each of the first control unit 91, the second control unit 92, and the remote controller 93 is a computer (specifically, an MCU: Micro Control Unit) having a processor, memory, input / output interface, and communication interface. The processor is a combination of one or more of the following: CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a circuit consisting of multiple discrete semiconductors. The memory includes non-volatile memory and volatile memory. Programs that control various processes are stored in the memory, and the processor controls various operations by reading and executing the programs stored in the memory.

[0068] The first control device 91 is installed in the outdoor unit 20 and controls the various components of the outdoor unit 20. The second control device 92 is installed in the indoor unit 30 and controls the various components of the indoor unit 30. The first control device 91 and the second control device 92 can send and receive information from each other via wired or wireless communication. The second control device 92 and the remote controller 93 can send and receive information from each other via wired or wireless communication. The control unit 90 selectively performs cooling operation and heating operation in response to operation commands from a person (user) to the remote controller 93.

[0069] <Refrigerant> The refrigerant sealed in the refrigerant circuit 10 should be selected to have the lowest possible GWP value and low environmental impact. Examples of materials for this type of refrigerant include hydrocarbons (hydrocarbons) with 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as R290 (propane), R1270 (propylene), and R600a (isobutane). These refrigerant materials are highly flammable refrigerants with higher flammability than hydrofluorocarbons. In this embodiment, the case where propane is used as the refrigerant will be described. Note that the refrigerant may also be methane (R50), ethane (R170), butane (R600), ammonia (R717), etc.

[0070] Furthermore, the refrigerant sealed in the refrigerant circuit 10 is adjusted so that its mercury content is 0.1 mg / L or less. This mercury is a component that remains as a raw material during the manufacturing process of the refrigerant (propane) and is contained in the refrigerant in cylinder 51. The mercury is filled together with the refrigerant when cylinder 51 is filled with liquid-phase refrigerant. When mercury mixed with the refrigerant is filled into the refrigerant circuit 10, a significant decrease in strength occurs due to alloying (amalgamation) between the mercury and the metal materials in the refrigerant circuit, particularly aluminum, causing leaks. Therefore, in this embodiment, the effect of mercury is suppressed by setting the mercury content to 0.1 mg / L or less. As a result, the metal materials in the refrigerant circuit 10 can maintain their strength stably, and refrigerant leakage can be suppressed. The mercury mixed with the refrigerant can be removed, for example, by introducing an adsorbent into cylinder 51 or by using an adsorbent in the refrigerant before filling cylinder 51.

[0071] <Odor components> As previously described, the air conditioning system 1 seals in an odor component along with the refrigerant in order to make a person aware of the leak of highly flammable refrigerant from the refrigerant circuit 10. Examples of this odor component include sulfur-based compounds such as sulfur-based odorants. It is more preferable that this sulfur-based odorant be selected from the sulfide-based and thiophene-based groups. For example, the odor component may be a thiophene-based odorant such as tetrahydrothiophene (THT), a sulfide-based odorant such as dimethyl sulfide (DMS) or ethyl methyl sulfide, or a mixture of a sulfide-based odorant with thiols or thioethers.

[0072] The amount of sulfur-based odor component to be filled into the refrigerant circuit 10 is preferably designed to be, for example, 50 ppm by weight to 2000 ppm by weight relative to the amount of refrigerant filled. This allows people in the vicinity to recognize the abnormality due to the odor component if refrigerant or odor component leaks from the refrigerant circuit 10. Furthermore, if the amount of odor component filled is up to 2000 ppm by weight, the decrease in viscosity of the refrigerant oil and the decrease in cooling and heating capacity will be at an acceptable level.

[0073] Furthermore, it is preferable to use an odor component that has a higher boiling point than the refrigerant. This allows the refrigerant and odor component to maintain their liquid phase state well when filled into the cylinder 51 described below as a mixed liquid.

[0074] <Refrigerating machine oil> Furthermore, the air conditioning system 1 has refrigerant oil sealed in the refrigerant circuit 10 along with the refrigerant and odor components. The refrigerant oil is mainly stored at the bottom of the compressor 21 within the refrigerant circuit 10 and circulated to the compression elements within the compressor 21 to maintain the lubrication of the sliding parts. In addition, a portion of the refrigerant oil circulates within the refrigerant circuit 10 together with the refrigerant and odor components. In other words, the refrigerant oil is mixed with the refrigerant and odor components and used as the working fluid for the refrigeration system. The ratio of refrigerant oil to the total amount of working fluid for the refrigeration system is preferably 10% by weight or more and 70% by weight or less, and more preferably 20% by weight or more and 60% by weight or less.

[0075] Examples of refrigeration oils include oxygen-containing synthetic oils (ester-based refrigeration oils, ether-based refrigeration oils, polyalkylene glycol oils, etc.) and hydrocarbon-based refrigeration oils. Among these, polyalkylene glycol oil (PAG oil) is preferred for hydrocarbon refrigerants from the viewpoint of compatibility. Refrigeration oils may be used individually or in combination of two or more types.

[0076] <Regarding the filling of odor components> The air conditioning system 1, configured as described above, performs cooling or heating operations by circulating the refrigerant and odor components within the refrigerant circuit 10. The amount of refrigerant charged into the refrigerant circuit 10 affects the cooling or heating capacity of the air conditioning system 1. For this reason, the refrigerant is charged in an appropriate amount according to the shape (length, volume, etc.) of the formed refrigerant circuit 10 when the system is installed after being shipped from the manufacturing plant.

[0077] Odor components can also be filled into the refrigerant circuit 10 together with the refrigerant. However, as previously described, if the refrigerant and odor components are to be filled into the refrigerant circuit 10 in a gaseous state, the difference in their respective vapor pressure characteristics may result in the refrigerant and odor components being filled into the refrigerant circuit 10 with a composition ratio different from that designed. Furthermore, the concentration of odor components mixed throughout the cylinder increases with each repeated filling of the refrigerant circuit, and when the cylinder is nearly empty, most of the odor components will remain in the cylinder. Moreover, since some of the odor components dissolve in the refrigerant oil in the refrigerant circuit 10, the concentration circulating within the refrigerant circuit 10 tends to be low. In other words, the concentration of odor components may be lower than designed, and the performance of the odor components may not be fully realized. Therefore, in the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment, the refrigerant and odor components are configured to be filled into the refrigerant circuit 10 in a liquid state. The reason for filling the refrigerant and odor components into the refrigerant circuit 10 in a liquid state will now be explained. Odor components, when filled into a cylinder along with the refrigerant, are distributed between the liquid and gas phases of the refrigerant. However, if the boiling point of the odor substances is lower than the ambient temperature outside the cylinder (room temperature or outside temperature) due to high pressure, the mixing concentration due to evaporation into the gas phase will be more than an order of magnitude smaller than the dissolution concentration due to condensation into the liquid phase. In other words, the odor components in the cylinder are generally present in the liquid phase. Therefore, it can be said that the liquid phase is the only phase in which odor components of an appropriate concentration can be filled into the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0078] Specifically, during the installation of the device, the filling system 50 is formed by the worker as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The filling system 50 is formed as a system that fills the refrigerant circuit 10 with a mixed liquid L, which is a mixture of liquid-phase refrigerant and liquid-phase odor components, through the liquid service port 45 of the outdoor unit 20. Note that in Figures 3 and 4, for ease of understanding, the second shut-off valve 42, which has the liquid service port 45, is shown in an exaggerated form protruding from the housing 20a of the outdoor unit 20.

[0079] The outdoor connector 422 of the second shut-off valve 42 is pre-connected to the piping of the liquid line 13L (see Figure 2) of the outdoor route 13. The second connecting pipe 12 is connected to the connecting pipe connector 423 of the second shut-off valve 42 during the installation of the device by the worker. Although not shown in the diagram, the outdoor connector 412 of the first shut-off valve 41 is pre-connected to the piping of the gas line 13G of the outdoor route 13. The first connecting pipe 11 is connected to the connecting pipe connector 413 of the second shut-off valve 42 during the installation of the device by the worker. As a result, the air conditioning unit 1 has a refrigerant circuit 10 formed. Note that during refrigerant charging, the outdoor unit 20 may be in a state without connecting the first connecting pipe 11 and the second connecting pipe 12. After refrigerant charging, the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 30 can be connected to enable the refrigeration cycle.

[0080] The filling system 50 includes a cylinder 51 containing the mixed liquid L, a trolley 52, and one or more hoses 53 (see Figure 3). The filling system 50 is also configured in a pre-filling state before filling with the mixed liquid L (see Figure 4). The pre-filling state of the filling system 50 includes a vacuum pump 58 for creating a vacuum in the refrigerant circuit 10 and one or more hoses 59. After creating a vacuum in the refrigerant circuit 10 using the pre-filling state, the operator places the cylinder 51 and trolley 52 near the outdoor unit 20 and connects the liquid service port 45 of the second shut-off valve 42 to the cylinder 51 with the hose 53. This makes the filling system 50 ready to fill the refrigerant circuit 10 with the mixed liquid L.

[0081] The cylinder 51 of the filling system 50 is a high-pressure container that contains liquid-phase refrigerant and liquid-phase odor components by applying cooling and pressure to the refrigerant and odor components. For example, when propane (R290) is used as the refrigerant, the propane is sealed in cylinder 51 at a saturation pressure of approximately 0.8 MPa at room temperature. As a result, the propane is maintained in a mostly liquid state within cylinder 51. However, some of the propane is sealed in a gaseous state. Also, for example, when tetrahydrothiophene (THT) is used as the odor component, its boiling point (121°C) is sufficiently higher than the boiling point of propane (-42°C). Dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and ethyl methyl sulfide also have boiling points of 37°C and 66°C, respectively, which are sufficiently higher than propane. Note that the boiling points mentioned above are at atmospheric pressure, and the boiling point will rise under high pressure conditions such as those in a cylinder. Generally, high-pressure gas containers must be kept below 40°C by law, and even dimethyl sulfide, which has the lowest boiling point among the odor components mentioned above, will be above 40°C. Therefore, the odor components dissolve more readily in the liquid phase refrigerant within the cylinder 51.

[0082] The cylinder 51 stores a mixed liquid L in which liquid-phase odor components are dissolved in a refrigerant that is generally in a liquid phase. The filling system 50 can fill the refrigerant circuit 10 with the mixed liquid L without reducing the concentration of odor components relative to the refrigerant as designed. The concentration of odor components to be filled into the refrigerant circuit 10 can be designed by the ratio of refrigerant to odor components in the mixed liquid L in the cylinder 51. For example, by pre-determining the concentration of gas-phase odor components relative to the amount of gas-phase refrigerant filled, and converting this concentration to the amount of liquid-phase refrigerant and the amount of liquid-phase odor components stored in the cylinder 51, the refrigerant and odor components can be stored at the designed mixing ratio.

[0083] The cylinder 51 includes a cylindrical body 511 capable of containing the mixed liquid L, and a supply port 512 provided at one end of the cylindrical body 511 for supplying the mixed liquid L. The cylinder 51 integrally connects the cylindrical body 511 and the supply port 512 and has appropriate pressure resistance capable of sealing the mixed liquid L. The cylindrical body 511 has a cylindrical side circumference and a bottom portion connected to the other end of the side circumference, and an internal space 51s capable of storing the mixed liquid L is formed inside the side circumference and the bottom. The size and volume of the cylinder 51 are appropriately selected according to the amount of refrigerant to be filled into the refrigerant circuit 10. There are no particular restrictions on the size of the cylinder 51, and it may also be called a tank.

[0084] The supply port 512 is formed as a connector to which a hose 53 can be connected. The supply port 512 has a passage (not shown) that communicates with the internal space 51s of the cylindrical body 511, and a supply port 512o provided at the protruding end that communicates with the passage. The supply port 512 supplies the mixed liquid L from the supply port 512o that communicates with the internal space 51s.

[0085] The supply port 512 is equipped with an on / off valve 55 that opens and closes the passage of the supply port 512. The on / off valve 55 can be operated by an operator to open the passage, thereby enabling the supply of the mixed liquid L from the supply port 512o. Conversely, the on / off valve 55 can also be operated by an operator to open the passage, thereby blocking the supply of the mixed liquid L from the supply port 512o.

[0086] The trolley 52 has a support 56 for supporting the cylinder 51, a base body 521 on which an electronic scale 54 is mounted, a push handle 522 that rises from one side of the base body 521, and a plurality of wheels 523 that are rotatably mounted on the lower part of the base body 521. The support 56 is fixed to the upper surface of the base body 521. The operator can confirm whether or not the specified amount of refrigerant has been supplied based on the detection result of the electronic scale 54.

[0087] The support 56 holds the cylinder 51 in a configuration where the supply port 512 of the cylinder 51 is positioned vertically downward. As a result, the supply port 512o of the cylinder 51 is pre-positioned vertically downward from the bottom of the cylindrical body 511. An electronic scale 54 for measuring the weight of the mounted cylinder 51 is installed at the bottom of the support 56. The filling system 50 is not limited to a configuration in which the cylinder 51 is pre-supported and fixed on the trolley 52 and support 56; the cylinder 51 may also be loaded onto the support 56 by workers at the installation site where the device is set up. Furthermore, the trolley 52 may be omitted.

[0088] The hose 53 of the filling system 50 is flexible and has connectors at each end that correspond to the supply port 512 of the cylinder 51 and to the control valve 57 that is connected to the liquid service port 45 of the outdoor unit 20. The connectors at each end of the hose 53 may be of a common standard, or they may be formed in a special shape to connect to individual connection targets. Also, the hose 53 is an example and does not need to be flexible.

[0089] The control valve 57 is connected to the liquid service port 45 and is a component that allows the hose 53 to be attached and detached while maintaining the airtightness of the refrigerant circuit 10. For example, the control valve 57 is formed in a T shape, and a screw-rotating shaft (not shown) integrally provided inside the valve operating part, which is rotated by an operator, moves back and forth relative to the liquid service port 45, pushing in or separating the valve core (not shown) of the liquid service port 45. In other words, the operator can open and close the flow path in the second shut-off valve 42 having the liquid service port 45 by moving the valve core in conjunction with the operation of the valve operating part.

[0090] The filling system 50 may also be equipped with a valve at an intermediate position in the hose 53 to open and close the flow path within the hose 53. Furthermore, the filling system 50 may be equipped with a flow regulator to adjust the flow rate of the mixed liquid L flowing through the flow path in the hose 53 (in other words, the amount of mixed liquid L filled into the refrigerant circuit 10). In addition, the filling system 50 may be equipped with a flow integrator at an intermediate position in the hose 53 to detect the cumulative amount of mixed liquid L that has flowed through the flow path.

[0091] On the other hand, the pre-filling configuration of the filling system 50 is formed by connecting a vacuum pump 58 to the liquid service port 45 via a hose 59, as shown in Figure 4. The vacuum pump 58 generates suction pressure in the connected hose 59 and sucks in air and water present in the refrigerant circuit 10, thereby suppressing the mixing of air and water with the refrigerant and odor components being filled. The type of vacuum pump 58 is not particularly limited, and an electric or manual type can be used. For example, if an electric vacuum pump 58 is used, the rotation of a drive motor (not shown) applies the target suction pressure to the flow path of the filling system 50.

[0092] <Filling method according to the first embodiment> The filling system 50 according to this embodiment is basically configured as described above, and its operation (filling method according to the first embodiment) will be explained below with reference to the flowchart in Figure 5. In the filling method, the operator sequentially performs steps S101 to S109 shown in Figure 5, for example, to fill the refrigerant circuit 10 with refrigerant and odor components as a whole.

[0093] Specifically, the worker first installs the outdoor unit 20 and indoor unit 30 of the air conditioning system 1 at the installation site, and connects the first connecting pipe 11 and the second connecting pipe 12 to the outdoor unit 20 and indoor unit 30 to form the refrigerant circuit 10 (step S101). In step S101, the outdoor unit 20 and indoor unit 30 may be left separated without being connected. In this case, the outdoor unit 20 and indoor unit 30 can be connected after the refrigerant has been charged to enable the refrigeration cycle.

[0094] Next, in the filling method, the equipment of the filling system 50, such as the cylinder 51, trolley 52, hoses 53, 59, and vacuum pump 58, is provided to the site of the air conditioning unit 1 (Step S102: First step). For example, the various pieces of equipment for the filling system 50 are prepared by workers bringing them to the site. The site where the filling method is carried out may include a manufacturing plant. In other words, the filling method according to the embodiment may be carried out in a manufacturing plant.

[0095] Furthermore, the worker connects the control valve 57 to the liquid service port 45 of the outdoor unit 20 (step S103). This makes it possible to fill the refrigerant circuit 10 with the mixed liquid L via the control valve 57. However, when connected, the control valve 57 closes the valve core in the liquid service port 45, blocking the outflow of gas from the liquid service port 45.

[0096] In the filling method, before filling with refrigerant and odor components, a vacuum pump 58 is connected to the refrigerant circuit 10 to create a pre-fill configuration for evacuating the refrigerant circuit 10 as shown in Figure 4 (step S104). Specifically, by connecting the hose 59 to which the vacuum pump 58 is connected to the control valve 57, the pre-fill configuration is formed in a continuous sequence consisting of the liquid service port 45, the control valve 57, the hose 59, and the vacuum pump 58.

[0097] Subsequently, the operator opens the valve core in the liquid service port 45 and operates the connected vacuum pump 58 to evacuate the refrigerant circuit 10, thereby adjusting the pressure within the refrigerant circuit 10 to the target pressure (step S105). During this evacuating process, the vacuum pump 58 sucks air and moisture from the refrigerant circuit 10 through the liquid service port 45 and hose 59, creating a vacuum in the refrigerant circuit 10. After the vacuum state is established, the operator operates the control valve 57 to close the valve core in the liquid service port 45, and then disconnects the hose 59 from the control valve 57 to release the pre-fill configuration.

[0098] Next, the worker places the cylinder 51 on the support 56 with the supply port 512 of the cylinder 51 positioned vertically downwards, connects the other end of the hose 53 to the control valve 57, and connects the cylinder 51 to one end of the hose 53, thereby connecting the cylinder 51 to the refrigerant circuit 10 (step S106: second step, see also Figure 3). The control valve 57 maintains the airtightness of the liquid service port 45 even when the hose 53 and hose 59 are swapped, by keeping the valve core closed. Before connecting the hose 53, the air flow path inside the hose 53 is purged to prevent air from entering the refrigerant circuit 10. This suppresses the mixing of air and water when filling with the mixed liquid L.

[0099] The cylinder 51 connected to the refrigerant circuit 10 is supported by a support 56, and as described above, the supply port 512o is located vertically below the bottom of the cylindrical body 511. As a result, the mixed liquid L is located vertically below the cylindrical body 511 inside the cylinder 51, and only the mixed liquid L is present near the supply port 512o.

[0100] Subsequently, the operator opens the valve core and the on / off valve 55 in the liquid service port 45, causing the mixed liquid L to flow out from the supply port 512o of the cylinder 51 and fill the refrigerant circuit 10 with the mixed liquid L via the hose 53 (step S107: third step). At this time, the gaseous refrigerant inside the cylinder 51 pressurizes the mixed liquid L, allowing it to be pumped towards the supply port 512o. The mixed liquid L in the cylinder 51 flows from the cylinder 51 through the hose 53 into the refrigerant circuit 10 according to the pressure difference between the inside of the cylinder 51 and the vacuum-sealed refrigerant circuit 10. The mixed liquid L that has filled the refrigerant circuit 10 easily vaporizes into a gaseous state, increasing the pressure in the refrigerant circuit 10. The operator may also operate the compressor 21 when filling with the mixed liquid L. This causes the mixed liquid L to move towards the compressor 21, and the pressure is reduced in the expansion mechanism 23, promoting vaporization.

[0101] The mixed liquid L is filled into the refrigerant circuit 10 by the operator until the target amount to be filled is reached based on the detection result of the electronic scale 54. When filling the refrigerant circuit 10 with the mixed liquid L from the cylinder 51, the operator monitors the weight measured by the electronic scale 54 to check whether the filling of the mixed liquid L is complete (step S108). If the filling of the mixed liquid L is not complete (step S108: NO), the operator continues filling the mixed liquid L from the cylinder 51. On the other hand, if the filling of the mixed liquid L is complete (step S108: YES), the target amount of refrigerant and odor components has been filled into the refrigerant circuit 10, and the operator proceeds to step S109. Note that the determination of the completion of the filling of the mixed liquid L may also be made by monitoring the cumulative amount of mixed liquid L filled using a flow integrator.

[0102] In step S109, after the refrigerant has been filled, the operator closes the on / off valve 55 of the filling system 50 and operates the control valve 57 to close the valve core in the liquid service port 45, and then removes the filling system 50.

[0103] For example, during the removal process, the worker first disconnects the control valve 57, to which the hose 53 is connected, from the liquid service port 45. This ensures that the valve core inside the liquid service port 45 is already closed by the second shut-off valve 42, thus preventing the refrigerant and odor components that have vaporized after filling, or the liquid phase refrigerant and liquid phase odor components, from leaking from the refrigerant circuit 10. The worker then separates the control valve 57, hose 53, cylinder 51, etc. This ensures that the air conditioning system 1 is properly sealed with refrigerant and odor components in the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0104] As described above, the filling method involves integrally filling the refrigerant circuit 10 with a mixed liquid L, which is a mixture of liquid-phase refrigerant and liquid-phase odor components. As a result, the concentration of odor components within the refrigerant circuit 10 will sufficiently approximate or match the concentration designed in advance. In the event of leakage from the refrigerant circuit 10, the odor components will be able to fully perform their function (evacuation action for people in the vicinity).

[0105] It should be noted that the filling method according to this disclosure is not limited to the first embodiment described above, and various modifications are possible. For example, the filling method was described in a form in which the connection state between the vacuum pump 58 and the cylinder 51 is switched between the pre-filling state and the time of filling with the mixed liquid L. However, the filling system 50 may be configured in a form in which both the vacuum pump 58 and the cylinder 51 are connected by applying a compound gauge or a three-way switching valve (not shown). In this case, the filling method is to first connect the vacuum pump 58 to the compound gauge or three-way switching valve to perform vacuuming, and then connect the cylinder 51 to the compound gauge or three-way switching valve to fill the refrigerant circuit 10 with the mixed liquid L from the cylinder 51. Furthermore, the above description described an example in which the mixed liquid L is filled in a refrigeration cycle configuration in which the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 30 are connected and the shut-off valves (first shut-off valve 41, second shut-off valve 42) are open. However, the mixed liquid L may be filled when the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 30 are not connected, or when the shut-off valves (first shut-off valve 41, second shut-off valve 42) are closed and the refrigeration cycle is separated. Therefore, the mixed liquid L may be pre-filled into the outdoor unit 20 at a factory or the like.

[0106] <Variation> The modified filling system 50 shown in Figure 6 differs from the cylinder 51 in the above embodiment in that the cylinder 51A for storing the mixed liquid L is equipped with a siphon tube 513 inside the cylindrical body 511. In the following description, components having the same function as those in the air conditioning device 1 and filling system 50 in the embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0107] Cylinder 51A stores the mixed liquid L in its internal space 51s, but as described above, some of the refrigerant evaporates in the internal space 51s and is sealed in the gaseous phase. As a result, the internal space 51s is under high pressure. One end of the siphon tube 513 is connected to the supply port 512, and it extends linearly from the supply port 512 along the central axis of the cylindrical body 511, with the other end located near the bottom. The flow path inside the siphon tube 513 communicates with the internal space 51s and also with the supply port 512o.

[0108] In this configuration, the cylinder 51A pressurizes the mixed liquid L in the internal space 51s by the pressure of the gaseous refrigerant. Therefore, when the supply port 512o is located vertically above the bottom of the cylindrical body 511, and the on / off valve 55 of the supply port 512o is opened, the mixed liquid L, which is pressed by the gaseous refrigerant, automatically rises through the flow path in the siphon tube 513. As a result, the cylinder 51A can supply the mixed liquid from the supply port 512o via the siphon tube 513.

[0109] Therefore, in the filling method, the worker can ensure that the supply port 512o of the cylinder 51A is positioned vertically upward without tilting or inverting the cylinder 51. The worker connects one end of the hose 53 to the supply port 512 of the cylinder 51A and the other end of the hose 53 to the liquid service port 45 (control valve 57) to form the filling system 50. Then, in the step of filling the refrigerant circuit 10 with the mixed liquid L (step S107 in Figure 5), the worker opens the on / off valve 55, thereby automatically circulating the mixed liquid L through the siphon tube 513, the supply port 512, and the hose 53 in that order. As a result, the refrigerant circuit 10 is filled with the mixed liquid L from the cylinder 51A.

[0110] <Filling method according to the second embodiment> Next, the filling method according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in Figure 7. The filling method according to the second embodiment differs from the filling method according to the first embodiment in that a cylinder 51 is connected to the gas service port 44 and the mixed liquid L is filled into the refrigerant circuit 10. In this filling method, the operator sequentially performs steps S201 to S209 shown in Figure 7, for example, to fill the refrigerant circuit 10 with refrigerant and odor components as a whole.

[0111] In the filling method according to the second embodiment, steps S201 and S202 are the same as steps S101 and S102 described above. In step S203, the operator connects the control valve 57 to the gas service port 44 of the outdoor unit 20. This makes it possible to fill the refrigerant circuit 10 with the mixed liquid L via the control valve 57.

[0112] Furthermore, step S204 of the filling method is the same as step S104 described above. In step S205, the operator opens the valve core in the gas service port 44 and operates the connected vacuum pump 58 to evacuate the refrigerant circuit 10, thereby adjusting the pressure inside the refrigerant circuit 10 to the target pressure. During this evacuating process, the vacuum pump 58 sucks air and moisture from inside the refrigerant circuit 10 through the gas service port 44 and the hose 59, creating a vacuum in the refrigerant circuit 10. After creating a vacuum, the operator operates the control valve 57 to close the valve core in the gas service port 44, and then disconnects the hose 59 from the control valve 57 to release the pre-filling configuration.

[0113] Next, the worker connects the cylinder 51 to the refrigerant circuit 10 by connecting the other end of the hose 53 to the control valve 57 and connecting the cylinder 51 to one end of the hose 53, with the supply port 512 of the cylinder 51 located vertically downward (Step 206: Second step, see also Figure 3). Note that the cylinder connected to the gas service port 44 may be a modified cylinder 51A having a siphon tube 513.

[0114] The cylinder 51 connected to the refrigerant circuit 10 has its supply port 512o located vertically below the bottom of the cylindrical body 511, and only the mixed liquid L is present near the supply port 512o of the cylinder 51. The operator opens the valve core and the on / off valve 55 in the gas service port 44, causing the mixed liquid L to flow out from the supply port 512o of the cylinder 51 and filling the refrigerant circuit 10 with the mixed liquid L via the gas service port 44 (Step 2107: Third step). At this time, the gaseous refrigerant inside the cylinder 51 pressurizes the mixed liquid L, allowing it to be pumped towards the supply port 512o. The mixed liquid L in the cylinder 51 flows from the cylinder 51 through the hose 53 into the refrigerant circuit 10 according to the pressure difference between the inside of the cylinder 51 and the vacuum-sealed inside the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0115] The mixed liquid L supplied to the refrigerant circuit 10 from the gas service port 44 flows into the gas-liquid separator 26 through the gas line 13G. The gas-liquid separator 26 separates the mixed liquid into gas (gas phase) and liquid (liquid phase), and moves only the gas to the compressor 21. The filling speed for filling the mixed liquid from the cylinder 51 via the gas service port 44 should be set to a slower speed than the filling speed for filling the mixed liquid via the liquid service port 45. This allows the gas-liquid separator 26 to stably separate the mixed liquid into gas and liquid. In addition, when filling the mixed liquid L, the operator should operate the compressor 21. By operating the compressor 21, the mixed liquid L filled from the gas service port 44 moves smoothly to the gas-liquid separator 26, where it is separated into gas and liquid, and the separated gas flows easily into the compressor 21. As a result, the pressure difference between cylinder 51 and gas line 13G increases, which helps to suppress malfunctions caused by liquid compression.

[0116] The mixed liquid L is filled into the refrigerant circuit 10 by the operator until the target amount to be filled is reached based on the detection result of the electronic scale 54. When filling the refrigerant circuit 10 with the mixed liquid L from the cylinder 51, the operator monitors the weight measured by the electronic scale 54 to check whether the filling of the mixed liquid L is complete (step S208). If the filling of the mixed liquid L is not complete (step S208: NO), the operator continues filling the mixed liquid L from the cylinder 51. On the other hand, if the filling of the mixed liquid L is complete (step S208: YES), the target amount of refrigerant and odor components has been filled into the refrigerant circuit 10, and the operator proceeds to step S209. Note that the determination of the completion of the filling of the mixed liquid L may also be made by monitoring the cumulative amount of the mixed liquid L filled using a flow integrator.

[0117] In step S209, after the refrigerant charging is complete, the operator closes the on / off valve 55 of the charging system 50 and operates the control valve 57 to close the valve core in the gas service port 44, and then removes the charging system 50. For example, during the removal process, the operator first disconnects the control valve 57, to which the hose 53 is connected, from the gas service port 44. As a result, the valve core in the gas service port 44 is already closed by the first shut-off valve 41, so it is reliably prevented from leaking vaporized refrigerant and odor components, or liquid-phase refrigerant and liquid-phase odor components, from the refrigerant circuit 10 after charging. The operator then separates the control valve 57, hose 53, cylinder 51, etc. This ensures that the air conditioning unit 1 is properly sealed with refrigerant and odor components in the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0118] As described above, even with the filling method according to the second embodiment, the mixed liquid L, which is a mixture of liquid-phase refrigerant and liquid-phase odor components, can be integrally filled into the refrigerant circuit 10 via the gas service port 44. Within the refrigerant circuit 10, the concentration of the odor components will sufficiently approximate or match the concentration designed in advance, and the odor components will be able to fully perform their function in the event of leakage from the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0119] <Regarding the nature and effects of this disclosure> The embodiments disclosed above have, for example, the following aspects and effects.

[0120] [Note 1] A filling method for filling a refrigeration system with refrigerant and odor components, The first step is to provide a cylinder containing a mixed liquid in which the odor components have been dissolved, A second step involves connecting the cylinder to the refrigerant circuit of the refrigeration device, The third step is to fill the refrigerant circuit with the mixed liquid from the cylinder, Filling method.

[0121] [Effects of Appendix 1] According to the above, the filling method involves filling the refrigerant circuit with a mixed liquid containing odor components, thereby filling the refrigerant circuit with odor components at the appropriate concentration. As a result, the refrigerant circuit is filled with the designed concentration of odor components, allowing the odor components to perform stably. Furthermore, the mixed liquid filled into the refrigerant circuit expands in volume as it enters the gas phase. Therefore, filling with a mixed liquid allows for filling with the appropriate amount of odor components in a shorter time than filling with gaseous refrigerants, thus improving work efficiency.

[0122] [Note 2] The cylinder has a supply port for supplying the mixed liquid, It has a cylindrical body that communicates with the supply port and mainly contains the refrigerant, In the third step, the supply port is positioned vertically below the bottom of the cylindrical body, thereby filling the refrigerant circuit with the mixed liquid from the cylinder. The filling method described in Appendix 1.

[0123] [Effects of Appendix 2] This allows the refrigerant mixture to flow smoothly from the cylinder to the refrigerant circuit during the filling process, thereby filling the refrigerant circuit with the mixed liquid.

[0124] [Note 3] The cylinder contains the mixed liquid and the refrigerant in a gaseous state under high pressure, and has a siphon tube capable of supplying the mixed liquid by the pressure of the refrigerant in a gaseous state. In the third step, the mixed liquid is filled into the refrigerant circuit through the siphon tube. The filling method described in Appendix 1.

[0125] [Effects of Appendix 3] Even in this case, the filling method allows for easy supply of the mixed liquid from the cylinder, and the refrigerant circuit can be filled with the mixed liquid.

[0126] [Note 4] The refrigeration system comprises a refrigerant circuit in which a compressor, a heat source side heat exchanger, a pressure reducing device, and a utilization side heat exchanger are connected in this order. Between the pressure reducing device and the heat exchanger on the utilization side, a refrigerant charging section is provided that can charge the refrigerant into the refrigerant circuit. In the second step, the cylinder is connected to the refrigerant filling section, and in the third step, the mixed liquid is filled from the cylinder into the refrigerant filling section. The filling method described in any one of the items 1 to 3 of the appendix.

[0127] [Effects of Appendix 4] This allows the filling method to smoothly fill the liquid line of the refrigerant circuit with the mixed liquid via the refrigerant filling section between the depressurizing device and the heat exchanger on the user side.

[0128] [Note 5] The refrigeration system comprises a refrigerant circuit in which a compressor, a heat source side heat exchanger, a pressure reducing device, and a utilization side heat exchanger are connected in this order. Between the compressor and the heat exchanger on the utilization side, a refrigerant charging section is provided that can charge the refrigerant into the refrigerant circuit, A gas-liquid separator is provided between the compressor and the refrigerant charging section. In the second step, the cylinder is connected to the refrigerant charging section. In the third step, the mixed liquid is filled from the cylinder into the refrigerant filling section. The filling method described in any one of the items 1 to 4 of the appendix.

[0129] [Effects of Appendix 5] Even in this case, the filling method allows the mixed liquid to be filled into the gas line of the refrigerant circuit via the refrigerant filling section between the compressor and the heat exchanger on the utilization side.

[0130] [Note 6] In the third step, the compressor (21) is driven to move the mixed liquid filled in the refrigerant charging section (44) to the gas-liquid separator (26), and the gas separated in the gas-liquid separator (26) is drawn into the compressor (21). The filling method described in Appendix 5.

[0131] [Effects of Appendix 6] As a result, the mixed liquid supplied to the gas line of the refrigerant circuit can be smoothly separated into gas and liquid in the gas-liquid separator, allowing the liquid to be transferred to the compressor. This also improves the efficiency of filling, even when filling the gas line with the mixed liquid.

[0132] [Note 7] The aforementioned refrigerant is a highly flammable refrigerant. The filling method described in any one of the items 1 to 6 of the appendix.

[0133] [Effects of Appendix 7] This allows the refrigeration system to fill its refrigerant circuit with a refrigerant that has a low GWP value, enabling efficient heat exchange by the refrigerant in the condenser and evaporator. Furthermore, during filling, the refrigerant can be filled in the form of a mixed liquid with dissolved odor components, avoiding insufficient filling of odor components and providing an appropriate amount of odor in case of refrigerant leakage from the refrigeration system.

[0134] [Note 8] The refrigerant is propane. The refrigeration equipment described in Appendix 7.

[0135] [Effects of Appendix 8] Propane can be easily stored in a liquid phase in cylinders, and the state of the mixed liquid can be well maintained within the cylinder.

[0136] [Note 9] The refrigerant has a mercury content of 0.1 mg / L or less. A refrigeration device as described in any one of the items 1 to 8 of the appendix.

[0137] [Effects of Appendix 9] This prevents leaks from occurring due to a significant decrease in strength caused by alloying (amalgamation) between mercury and metal materials in the refrigerant circuit, particularly aluminum, when the circuit is filled with refrigerant. In other words, by keeping the mercury content below 0.1 mg / L in the filling method, the strength of the metal materials in the refrigerant circuit can be stably maintained, resulting in both the suppression of refrigerant leakage and the effect of prompting evacuation actions due to odor components, thus providing a double safety measure.

[0138] [Note 10] The odor component is a substance with a higher boiling point than the refrigerant. The filling method described in any one of the appendices 1 to 9.

[0139] [Effects of Appendix 10] As a result, the refrigerant and odor components can be stored in a mixed liquid state in the cylinder, maintaining the state of the liquid phase refrigerant and liquid phase odor components in good condition.

[0140] [Note 11] The aforementioned odor component is a sulfur-based odorant. A refrigeration device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 10.

[0141] [Effects of Appendix 11] This allows odor components packed into the refrigerant circuit to reliably prompt evacuation actions in response to leaks in the refrigerant circuit.

[0142] [Note 12] The odor component is selected from the group consisting of sulfide-based and thiophene-based components. The refrigeration equipment described in Appendix 11.

[0143] [Effects of Appendix 12] This allows for the application of odor components with a boiling point higher than that of the refrigerant, and enables the maintenance of a good mixed liquid state within the cylinder by the combination of liquid-phase refrigerant and liquid-phase odor components.

[0144] [Note 13] The odor component is tetrahydrothiophene. The refrigeration equipment described in Appendix 12.

[0145] [Effects of Appendix 13] This allows odor components with boiling points higher than the ambient temperature outside the cylinder to be applied, easily filling the refrigerant circuit with the appropriate concentration along with the refrigerant, and enabling people to recognize abnormalities in the event of a leak from the refrigerant circuit.

[0146] [Note 14] The odor component is dimethyl sulfide. The refrigeration equipment described in Appendix 12.

[0147] [Effects of Appendix 14] Even in this case, odor components with a boiling point higher than the ambient temperature outside the cylinder can be used, and they can be easily filled into the refrigerant circuit at the appropriate concentration along with the refrigerant, allowing a person to recognize an abnormality in the event of a leak from the refrigerant circuit.

[0148] [Note 15] The odor component is ethyl methyl sulfide, which is a sulfur-based odorant. The refrigeration equipment described in Appendix 12.

[0149] [Effects of Appendix 15] Even in this case, odor components with a boiling point higher than the ambient temperature outside the cylinder can be used, and they can be easily filled into the refrigerant circuit at the appropriate concentration along with the refrigerant, allowing a person to recognize an abnormality in the event of a leak from the refrigerant circuit.

[0150] The filling methods according to the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The embodiments can be modified and improved in various ways without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims. The matters described in the above embodiments can be otherwise configured and combined in a non-consistent manner. [Explanation of symbols]

[0151] 1. Air conditioning system (refrigeration system) 10 Refrigerant Circuit 51 cylinders 511 Cylinder 512o supply port 513 Siphon tube L Mixed liquid

Claims

1. A filling method for filling a refrigeration device (1) with refrigerant and odor components, The first step is to provide a cylinder (51, 51A) containing a mixed liquid (L) in which the odor components have been dissolved, The second step is to connect the cylinders (51, 51A) to the refrigerant circuit (10) of the refrigeration device (1), The third step involves filling the refrigerant circuit (10) with the mixed liquid from the cylinders (51, 51A), Filling method.

2. The cylinder (51) has a supply port (512o) for supplying the mixed liquid, It has a cylindrical body (511) that communicates with the supply port (512o) and mainly contains the refrigerant, In the third step, the supply port (512o) is positioned vertically below the bottom of the cylindrical body (511) to fill the refrigerant circuit (10) with the mixed liquid from the cylinder (51). The filling method according to claim 1.

3. The cylinder (51A) contains the mixed liquid and the refrigerant in a gaseous state under high pressure, and has a siphon tube (513) that can supply the mixed liquid by the pressure of the refrigerant in a gaseous state. In the third step, the mixed liquid is filled into the refrigerant circuit (10) from the siphon tube (513). The filling method according to claim 1.

4. The refrigeration device (1) includes a refrigerant circuit (10) in which a compressor (21), a heat source side heat exchanger (22), a pressure reducing device (23), and a utilization side heat exchanger (31) are connected in this order. Between the pressure reducing device (23) and the utilization-side heat exchanger (31), a refrigerant charging section (45) is provided that can charge the refrigerant into the refrigerant circuit (10). In the second step, the cylinders (51, 51A) are connected to the refrigerant charging unit (45). In the third step, the mixed liquid is filled from the cylinders (51, 51A) into the refrigerant filling section (45). The filling method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The refrigeration device (1) includes a refrigerant circuit (10) in which a compressor (21), a heat source side heat exchanger (22), a pressure reducing device (23), and a utilization side heat exchanger (31) are connected in this order. Between the compressor (21) and the heat exchanger on the utilization side (31), a refrigerant charging section (44) is provided that can charge the refrigerant into the refrigerant circuit (10), A gas-liquid separator (26) is provided between the compressor (21) and the refrigerant charging section (44). In the second step, the cylinders (51, 51A) are connected to the refrigerant charging unit (44). In the third step, the mixed liquid is filled from the cylinders (51, 51A) into the refrigerant filling section (44). The filling method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. In the third step, the compressor (21) is driven to move the mixed liquid filled in the refrigerant charging section (44) to the gas-liquid separator (26), and the gas separated in the gas-liquid separator (26) is drawn into the compressor (21). The filling method according to claim 5.

7. The aforementioned refrigerant is a highly flammable refrigerant. The filling method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The refrigerant is propane. The filling method according to claim 4.

9. The refrigerant has a mercury content of 0.1 mg / L or less. The filling method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

10. The odor component is a substance with a higher boiling point than the refrigerant. The filling method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

11. The aforementioned odor component is a sulfur-based odorant. The filling method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

12. The odor component is selected from the group consisting of sulfide-based and thiophene-based components. The filling method according to claim 11.

13. The odor component is tetrahydrothiophene. The filling method according to claim 12.

14. The odor component is dimethyl sulfide. The filling method according to claim 12.

15. The odor component is ethyl methyl sulfide, which is a sulfur-based odorant. The filling method according to claim 12.

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