Pressure regulator and auxiliary cooling system for condenser

Abstract

In the auxiliary cooling system for the condenser, the amount of water supplied from the supply mechanism to the water retention material is precisely adjusted. [Solution] The pressure regulating device 5 has a storage space formed between the storage container 51 and the flow path forming section 52 where water introduced from the inlet 51h is stored. The flow path forming section 52 has an outlet hole 52h through which the water stored in the storage space flows out into the interior of the flow path forming section 52. After the water introduced from the inlet 51h is stored in the storage space, it is led out through the outlet hole 51h to an opening at one end of the flow path forming section 52.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pressure regulating device and an auxiliary cooling system for a condenser.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as shown in Patent Document 1, water is supplied to a water retention material provided on the upwind side of a condenser of an outdoor unit, and the temperature of the air sucked into the condenser is lowered by the latent heat when the water vaporizes in the water retention material. An auxiliary cooling device for a condenser has been considered.

[0003] In this auxiliary cooling device for a condenser, water is supplied from above the water retention material, and the water flowing out from below the water retention material is circulated by a pump so as to be supplied again from above the water retention material. A valve for adjusting the amount of water supplied to the water retention material and a chamber box for storing water are provided in the flow path from the pump to the water retention material. Since the chamber box stores water temporarily before the water is supplied to the water retention material, the amount of water supplied to the water retention material is adjusted by adjusting the opening degree of the valve based on the water level.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in the above-described auxiliary cooling device for a condenser, the chamber box directly leads the water introduced from the pump to the water retention material, so the water level in the chamber box is likely to fluctuate due to the pressure of the pump. Therefore, it is difficult to accurately adjust the amount of water based on the water level.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention was made to solve the above problems, and its main objective is to accurately adjust the amount of water supplied from the supply mechanism to the water retention material in an auxiliary cooling system for a condenser. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In other words, the pressure regulating device according to the present invention is incorporated into an auxiliary cooling device for a condenser, which has a water-retaining material provided on the windward side of the condenser of an outdoor unit, and a supply mechanism that supplies water to the water-retaining material, and which lowers the temperature of the air drawn into the condenser by the latent heat when water vaporizes in the water-retaining material, and is a pressure regulating device that adjusts the amount of water supplied from the supply mechanism to the water-retaining material, and comprises a bottomed cylindrical storage container with an inlet formed therein for water to be introduced from the supply mechanism, and a cylindrical flow path forming part provided through the storage container, a storage space formed between the storage container and the flow path forming part for storing water introduced from the inlet, and an outlet hole formed in the flow path forming part for water stored in the storage space to flow out into the flow path forming part, and the water introduced from the inlet is stored in the storage space and then led out through the outlet hole to an opening at one end of the flow path forming part.

[0008] With this type of pressure regulating device, water introduced from the inlet is temporarily stored in a storage space before being directed to the water-retaining material, thus reducing the influence of water pressure from the supply mechanism compared to conventional systems. Furthermore, the water stored in the storage space is directed to an opening at one end of the flow path forming section via an outlet hole, thus reliably suppressing fluctuations in the water level of the storage space. Consequently, the amount of water supplied to the water-retaining material can be accurately adjusted based on the water level in the storage space. Furthermore, if the other end of the channel forming section is open, even if the outflow hole is temporarily blocked by dust or debris after adjusting the water flow rate, the water stored in the storage space will flow in through the opening at the other end of the channel forming section and be guided out to the opening at one end. Therefore, even if the outflow hole is blocked, it is possible to prevent water from overflowing from the storage container and to supply water to the water-retaining material.

[0009] The inner diameter of the outflow hole is smaller than the inner diameter of the inlet. With this configuration, the amount of water flowing out from the outlet is less than or equal to the amount of water being drawn out from the inlet. By making the amount of water introduced from the inlet equal to the amount of water flowing out from the outlet, the water level of the water temporarily stored in the storage space can be kept constant. Furthermore, since the amount of water flowing out from the outlet changes according to the head difference between the water level in the storage space and the height of the outlet, the optimal water level in the storage space when the amount of water flowing out from the outlet is the desired amount can be determined in advance, and by adjusting the amount of water so that the water level in the storage space remains constant at the optimal water level, the amount of water supplied to the water retention material can be precisely adjusted.

[0010] The outer surface of the flow path forming portion facing the inlet is one example of a portion of the inlet facing the inlet. With this configuration, water introduced from the inlet is stored in the storage space via the outer surface of the flow path forming section, thus further suppressing fluctuations in the water level of the storage space.

[0011] One example is a device further equipped with a viewing section that allows the water level in the storage space to be visually inspected. With this configuration, the water level in the storage space can be checked using the visual inspection unit.

[0012] If the entire storage container is made transparent for visibility, sunlight will easily cause algae to grow inside the container outdoors, making it difficult to visually check the water level in the storage space. Therefore, the storage container is made of a light-shielding material, the viewing portion is made of a light-transmitting material, and is provided on the outside of the storage container, further comprising a communication channel that connects the portion of the viewing portion below the outflow hole with the portion of the storage container below the outflow hole. With this configuration, since the storage container is made of a light-shielding material, it is possible to suppress the growth of algae inside the storage container. In addition, since the connecting channel connects the portion below the outlet hole in the visible section with the portion below the outlet hole in the storage container, the water level in the storage space can be confirmed by checking the water level in the visible section before water flows out from the outlet hole.

[0013] The flow path forming section includes a cylindrical body in which the outflow hole is formed, and an insertion section provided through the storage container into which the cylindrical body is inserted, wherein the cylindrical body is configured to be removable from the insertion section. With this configuration, the cylindrical body with the outlet is detachable from the insertion part, allowing the cylindrical body to be fixed to the storage container and replaced with a simple structure. Furthermore, by preparing cylindrical bodies with different sizes of outlet holes and replacing the cylindrical bodies, the amount of water flowing out of the outlet holes can be adjusted to the desired amount.

[0014] The storage container has a cylindrical side wall portion with open ends and a bottom wall portion that covers the opening at one end of the side wall portion and through which the flow path forming portion passes, and the bottom wall portion is configured to be separable from the side wall portion. This configuration makes it easier to manufacture the storage container compared to a case where the side walls and bottom walls are integrated. Furthermore, if the flow path forming section and the storage container are separate components, the side wall section can be attached to the bottom wall section after the flow path forming section has been passed through the bottom wall section. This eliminates the need to insert the flow path forming section from the side wall section, making the assembly of the pressure regulating device easier.

[0015] One example is a device that further includes a surrounding portion that surrounds the outer surface of the side wall portion while the side wall portion is connected to the bottom wall portion. With this configuration, if the side wall and bottom wall are separable, the side wall can be fixed to the bottom wall with a simple mechanism.

[0016] In a state where the water stored in the storage space is being discharged through the outflow hole, a discharge port for discharging the water stored in the storage space to the outside of the storage container is formed in the storage container at a position below the optimum water level at which the water level of the storage space becomes constant. With this configuration, since the discharge port for discharging the water stored in the storage space to the outside of the storage container is provided in the storage container at a position below the optimum water level, it becomes easier to maintain the state of the optimum water level. Further, by checking the amount or water potential of the water discharged from the discharge port, it is possible to determine whether the water level of the water stored in the storage space is at the optimum water level.

[0017] An auxiliary cooling system for a condenser that supplies water to a water retention material provided on the windward side of the condenser of an outdoor unit, and reduces the temperature of the air sucked into the condenser by the latent heat when the water vaporizes in the water retention material. The auxiliary cooling system includes a supply mechanism for supplying water to the water retention material, and a pressure adjustment device for adjusting the pressure of the water supplied from the supply mechanism. The pressure adjustment device has a bottomed cylindrical shape and includes a storage container formed with an inlet through which water from the supply mechanism is introduced, and a cylindrical flow path forming portion provided through the storage container. A storage space for storing the water introduced from the inlet is formed between the storage container and the flow path forming portion. An outflow hole through which the water stored in the storage space flows into the inside of the flow path forming portion is formed in the flow path forming portion. The water introduced from the inlet is stored in the storage space and then is discharged through the outflow hole to the opening at one end of the flow path forming portion. With this configuration, the same operational effects as those of the above-described pressure adjustment device can be obtained.

Effects of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention configured as described above, in the auxiliary cooling system of the condenser, the amount of water supplied from the supply mechanism to the water retention material can be accurately adjusted.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1]It is a schematic configuration diagram of an auxiliary cooling device for a condenser according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of a pressure adjustment device in the same embodiment. [Figure 3] It is an exploded perspective view of a pressure adjustment device in the same embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 2 in the same embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a sectional view of a pressure adjustment device in another same embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a sectional view of a pressure adjustment device in another same embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a pressure adjustment device incorporated in an auxiliary cooling device for a condenser according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that, for any of the figures shown below, for the sake of clarity, they may be schematically drawn with appropriate omissions or exaggerations. The same reference numerals are given to the same components, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0021] <Basic Configuration of Auxiliary Cooling System for Condenser> The pressure adjustment device of the present embodiment has a water retention material provided on the upwind side of a condenser (not shown) of an outdoor unit, and a supply mechanism for supplying water to the water retention material, and is incorporated in an auxiliary cooling system 100 for a condenser that lowers the temperature of the air sucked into the condenser by the latent heat when water vaporizes in the water retention material.

[0022]

[0023] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the auxiliary cooling system 100 includes a water retention material 2 provided close to the upwind side of the outdoor unit, a storage tank 3 for storing water, a circulation mechanism 4 for circulating water between the storage tank 3 and the water retention material 2, and a pressure adjustment device 5 for adjusting the pressure of the water supplied from the supply mechanism to the water retention material 2. Note that the auxiliary cooling system 100 for a condenser is configured to be integrated with the outdoor unit or detachable from the outdoor unit.The water-retaining material 2 is provided opposite the intake side of the outdoor unit and has a roughly rectangular shape when viewed from the front. The water-retaining material 2 is held in a retaining frame (not shown). As shown in Figure 1, the auxiliary cooling system 100 of this embodiment has three water-retaining materials 2, but there may be one or more water-retaining materials 2.

[0024] The storage tank 3 is a tank that stores water supplied to the water-retaining material 2 and water recovered from the water-retaining material 2. A replenishment water supply mechanism (not shown) is connected to the storage tank 3, and when a water volume sensor (not shown) installed in the storage tank 3 detects that the amount of replenishment water is below a predetermined amount, replenishment water is supplied to the storage tank 3.

[0025] The circulation mechanism 4 includes a supply channel 41 that supplies water from the storage tank 3 from above the water-retaining material 2, a pump 42 provided in the supply channel 41, a valve 43 for adjusting the amount of water from the pump 42, and a return channel 44 that returns the water that has flowed out from below the water-retaining material 2 back to the storage tank 3.

[0026] The supply channel 41 is provided above the water-retaining material 2 and includes a water-spraying section 41a that sprays water from above the water-retaining material 2, a supply main pipe 41b connected to the pump 42, and a supply branch pipe 41c that branches off from the supply main pipe 41b and is connected to the water-spraying section 41a. The water-spraying section 41a is provided over the entire upper surface of the water-retaining material 2 and has, for example, multiple discharge ports. As shown in Figure 1, the supply branch pipes 41c are provided in proportion to the number of water-retaining materials 2.

[0027] Furthermore, the supply branch pipe 41c is equipped with a valve 43 that adjusts the amount of water flowing from the pump 42. By adjusting the opening of the valve 43, the amount of water flowing through the supply branch pipe 41c is adjusted.

[0028] The pump 42 functions as a supply mechanism that supplies water from the storage tank 3 to the water-retaining material 2. In this embodiment, the pump 42 is installed in the supply main pipe 41b located inside the storage tank 3. The pump 42 in this embodiment is started or stopped by a control unit (not shown).

[0029] The return channel 44 is located below the water-retaining material 2 and includes a recovery section 44a for recovering water that has flowed out of the water-retaining material 2, and a return pipe 44b, one end of which is connected to the recovery section 44a and the other end of which is connected to the storage tank 3. The recovery section 44a extends along the entire lower edge of the water-retaining material 2 and, for example, has a trough shape.

[0030] <Configuration of pressure regulating device> The pressure regulating device 5 temporarily stores the water supplied from the pump 42 at a pressure lower than the pressure of the pump 42, and then leads the stored water to the water-retaining material 2. As shown in Figure 1, the pressure regulating device 5 is provided in each of the supply branch pipes 41c, and more specifically, in the supply branch pipe 41c between the valve 43 and the water spraying section 41a.

[0031] Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, the pressure regulating device 5 comprises a bottomed cylindrical storage container 51 with an inlet 51h formed therein for introducing water from the pump 42, a cylindrical flow path forming section 52 provided through the storage container 51, and a viewing section 53 that allows the water level of the water stored in the storage container 51 to be visually checked. The configuration of each part of the pressure regulating device 5 will be described below.

[0032] The storage container 51 constitutes part of the storage space where water supplied from the pump 42 is temporarily stored before being led to the water-retaining material 2. Specifically, the storage container 51 has a cylindrical side wall portion 511 with open ends and a bottom wall portion 512 that covers the opening at one end of the side wall portion 511. In this embodiment, the storage container 51 is, for example, a glass tube, a polycarbonate tube, a PET resin tube, etc., and is colored with a light-shielding color.

[0033] The side wall portion 511 is, for example, cylindrical in shape, and its upper end opening communicates with the atmosphere, so the interior is open to the atmosphere. In this embodiment, the vertical direction is along the direction of gravity. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, an inlet 51h is formed that penetrates from the outer surface to the inner surface of the side wall portion 511, into which water from the pump 42 is introduced. In this embodiment, a part of the supply branch pipe 41c connected to the inlet 51h is formed integrally with the side wall portion 511, but the supply branch pipe 41c may be a separate part from the side wall portion 511.

[0034] The bottom wall portion 512 covers the opening at the lower end of the side wall portion 511, and in this embodiment, it is, for example, disc-shaped. In this embodiment, the bottom wall portion 512 is configured to be separable from the side wall portion 511. In particular, as shown in Figure 4, with the side wall portion 511 attached to the bottom wall portion 512, the lower end face of the side wall portion 511 rests on one surface of the bottom wall portion 512.

[0035] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, the storage container 51 has a surrounding portion 513 that surrounds the outer surface of the side wall portion 511 while the side wall portion 511 is connected to the bottom wall portion 512. The surrounding portion 513 is formed along the side periphery of the bottom wall portion 512 and rises upward from the side periphery of the bottom wall portion 512. When assembling the storage container 51, the side wall portion 511 is inserted into the surrounding portion 513, and the side wall portion 511 is connected to the bottom wall portion 512.

[0036] The flow channel forming section 52 forms a storage space for storing water between itself and the storage container 51, and has an outlet hole 52h through which the water stored in the storage space flows out into the interior of the flow channel forming section 52. In this embodiment, the storage space is the space formed by the inner surface of the side wall section 511, the surface of the bottom wall section 512 facing the side wall section 511, and the outer surface of the flow channel forming section 52.

[0037] Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, the flow path forming section 52 has a cylindrical body 521 in which an outflow hole 52h is formed, and an insertion section 522 which is provided penetrating the bottom wall section 512 and into which the cylindrical body 521 is inserted.

[0038] The cylindrical body 521 is cylindrical with both ends open. In this embodiment, as shown particularly in Figure 4, when the cylindrical body 521 is inserted into the insertion portion 522, the outer surface of the cylindrical body 521 facing the inlet 51h is facing at least a part of the inlet 51h. In this embodiment, the upper end of the outer surface of the cylindrical body 521 facing the inlet 51h is located above the inlet 51h. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the upper end of the outer surface of the cylindrical body 521 opposite to the inlet 51h is located below the upper end of the outer surface of the cylindrical body 521 facing the inlet 51h, but they may be at the same height or located above.

[0039] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, an outflow hole 52h is formed inside the storage container 51, penetrating from the outer surface to the inner surface of the cylindrical body 521. In particular, as shown in Figure 4, when the cylindrical body 521 is inserted into the insertion portion 522, the outflow hole 52h is located below the inlet 51h and above the bottom wall portion 512.

[0040] The inner diameter of the outlet hole 52h is preferably smaller than the inner diameter of the inlet 51h, and more specifically, smaller than the inner diameter of the supply branch pipe 41c downstream of the valve 43. In this embodiment, the inner diameters of the respective outlet holes 52h in each pressure regulating device 5 are equal in size to ensure that water is supplied evenly to each water-retaining material 2, and are sized to allow an amount of water to flow out that is sufficient to thoroughly wet each water-retaining material 2.

[0041] In particular, as shown in Figure 4, the outflow hole 52h opens facing the inlet 51h, but the direction in which the outflow hole 52h opens is not particularly limited. Also, although there is one outflow hole 52h formed in the cylindrical body 521, multiple outflow holes 52h may be formed.

[0042] The amount of water flowing out from the outlet 52h changes depending on the head difference between the water level in the storage space and the height of the outlet 52h. Therefore, when the water level in the storage space rises, the amount of water flowing out from the outlet 52h increases, and when the water level in the storage space falls, the amount of water flowing out from the outlet 52h decreases.

[0043] In this embodiment, the optimal water level in the storage space, which is the water level at which the amount of water flowing out from the outlet 52h becomes the amount desired by the worker, is set lower than the inlet 51h. Furthermore, the outlet 52h is located below the optimal water level.

[0044] As a result, when the water level in the storage space is constant at the optimal level, a predetermined head difference is maintained between the outlet 52h and the optimal water level, allowing for a stable flow rate with the effects of water pressure fluctuations suppressed. Furthermore, by adjusting the head difference between the optimal water level and the outlet 52h, the desired water volume can be obtained.

[0045] The insertion portion 522 is cylindrical with open ends. In this embodiment, the cylindrical body 521 is inserted through the opening at the upper end of the insertion portion 522, and water from the outflow hole 52h is supplied to the water-retaining material 2 through the opening at the lower end of the insertion portion 522. In this embodiment, the lower end face of the insertion portion 522 is located below the bottom wall portion 512, but it may be at the same height as the outer surface of the bottom wall portion 512. Although not shown in the figures, a supply branch pipe 41c connected to the watering portion 41a is connected to the opening at the lower end of the insertion portion 522.

[0046] In this embodiment, as shown in particular in Figure 4, a stepped portion 522a is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the insertion portion 522. When the cylindrical body 521 is inserted into the insertion portion 522, the cylindrical body 521 is positioned by the stepped portion 522a and the inner circumferential surface of the insertion portion 522 above the stepped portion 522a. In particular, as shown in Figure 4, the inner diameter of the inner circumferential surface of the insertion portion 522 above the stepped portion 522a is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the cylindrical body 521, and the inner diameter of the inner circumferential surface of the insertion portion 522 below the stepped portion 522a is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the cylindrical body 521.

[0047] In this embodiment, the cylindrical body 521 is configured to be removable from the insertion part 522, making the cylindrical body 521 replaceable. As a result, if the inner diameter of the outflow hole 52h in each of the multiple cylindrical bodies 521 is made different from each other according to the amount of water supplied to the water-retaining material 2, the amount of water supplied to the water-retaining material 2 can be adjusted by replacing the cylindrical body 521.

[0048] The visibility section 53 is made of a translucent material and allows the water level in the storage space to be visually observed. The height of the visibility section 53 is at least higher than the position of the outflow hole 52h, and more preferably higher than the position of the inlet 51h. In this embodiment, the visibility section 53 is, for example, cylindrical with both ends open, but the shape is not particularly limited as long as it can store water. The visibility section 53 may be provided with markings indicating the optimal water level, such as lines or scales.

[0049] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the viewing section 53 is located on the outside of the storage container 51. Specifically, a bottomed cylindrical fitting section 54 is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the surrounding section 513, and the viewing section 53 is fitted into the fitting section 54 by being inserted into the fitting section 54 from the upper opening of the fitting section 54.

[0050] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, the viewing section 53 and the storage container 51 are in communication via a communication channel 55. Specifically, the communication channel 55 connects the viewing section 53 below the outlet hole 52h and the storage container 51 below the outlet hole 52h.

[0051] More specifically, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, through holes are formed in the visible portion 53, the fitting portion 54, the side wall portion 511 of the storage container 51, and the surrounding portion 513, below the outflow hole 52h. When the visible portion 53 is inserted into the fitting portion 54 and the side wall portion 511 is inserted into the surrounding portion 513, these through holes communicate with each other, forming a communication channel 55.

[0052] <Water amount adjustment method> Next, a method for adjusting the water volume using the pressure adjustment device 5 of this embodiment will be described.

[0053] As a prerequisite, the optimal water level at which the amount of water flowing out of the outlet 52h becomes the amount desired by the worker has been determined in advance, and the optimal water level is marked on the visibility section 53.

[0054] First, the pump 42 is driven to supply water from the storage tank 3 from the supply main pipe 41b to the supply branch pipe 41c, and water is supplied into the storage space through the inlet 51h. Since the storage space is open to the atmosphere, fluctuations in the water level are suppressed, and the water level in the storage space rises.

[0055] When the water level in the storage space reaches the height of the connecting channel 55, a portion of the water in the storage space is supplied to the viewing section 53 via the connecting channel 55. Since the viewing section 53 and the storage container 51 are connected via the connecting channel 55, the water level in the viewing section 53 and the water level in the storage space become equal.

[0056] Furthermore, when the water level in the storage space rises to the height of the outflow hole 52h, the water in the storage space flows out through the outflow hole 52h and is supplied to the water-retaining material 2 through the opening at the lower end of the insertion part 522.

[0057] With the water in the storage space flowing out from the outlet hole 52h, the worker adjusts the amount of water supplied to the water-retaining material 2 by adjusting the opening of the valve 43. Specifically, the worker adjusts the opening of the valve 43 so that the water level in the storage space remains constant at the optimal level. Here, the worker determines whether the water level in the storage space is constant at the optimal level based on the water level in the visual inspection section 53. When the water level in the storage space is constant at the optimal level, the amount of water supplied to the water-retaining material 2 is the amount desired by the worker and is equal to the amount of water flowing out from the outlet hole 52h.

[0058] The operator adjusts the opening of each valve 43 so that the water level in the storage space of each pressure regulating device 5 remains constant at the optimal water level. In this embodiment, since the inner diameter of the outlet holes 52h of each pressure regulating device 5 is the same, when the water level in the storage space of each pressure regulating device 5 is constant at the optimal water level, water is supplied evenly to each water-retaining material 2.

[0059] <Effects of this embodiment> With the pressure regulating device 5 of this embodiment configured in this way, the water introduced from the inlet 51h is temporarily stored in the storage space before being led to the water-retaining material 2, thus reducing the influence of water pressure from the pump 42 compared to the conventional method. Furthermore, the water stored in the storage space is led out through the outlet hole 52h to the opening at one end of the flow path forming section 52, so fluctuations in the water level in the storage space can be reliably suppressed. Consequently, the amount of water can be accurately adjusted based on the water level in the storage space. Furthermore, since the other end of the flow channel forming section 52 is open, even if the outflow hole 52h is temporarily blocked by dust or debris after adjusting the water volume, the water stored in the storage space will be guided out from the opening at the other end of the flow channel forming section 52 to the opening at the one end. Therefore, even if the outflow hole 52h is blocked, water can be supplied to the water-retaining material while preventing it from overflowing from the storage container 51.

[0060] <Other Embodiments> However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0061] For example, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, an outlet 56h may be formed in the storage container 51 at a position below the optimal water level at which the water level in the storage space becomes constant while the water stored in the storage space is being discharged through the outlet hole 52h, thereby discharging the water stored in the storage space to the outside of the storage container 51.

[0062] As shown in Figure 5, the outlet 56h is formed in the side wall 511 of the storage container 51 above the outflow hole 52h and below the inlet 51h. Here, the height of the lower end of the outlet 56h coincides with the optimal water level.

[0063] In Figure 5, when the water level in the storage space reaches the height of the outlet 56h, the water in the storage space flows out from the outlet hole 52h and is also discharged from the outlet 56h. Therefore, the worker confirms that water has been discharged from the outlet 56h and adjusts the water flow so that the water level in the storage space matches the optimal water level. Specifically, when the lower end of the outlet 56h matches the optimal water level and the water level in the storage space remains constant at the optimal water level, the discharge of water from the outlet 56h stops, so the worker can adjust the water level in the storage space based on the water flow from the outlet 56h. Note that when the water level in the storage space is at the optimal water level, the worker may plug the outlet 56h.

[0064] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 6, an overflow pipe 56 may be provided inside the storage space, with its upper end positioned at a height below the optimal water level. The overflow pipe 56 has its upper end positioned at a height below the optimal water level, and its lower end penetrates the storage container 51. In Figure 6, the opening at the upper end of the overflow pipe 56 is the outlet 56h, and the height of the upper end of the overflow pipe 56 coincides with the optimal water level. In Figure 6, the lower end of the overflow pipe 56 penetrates the side wall 511 of the storage container 51, but it may also penetrate the bottom wall 512 of the storage container 51. Furthermore, the height at which the overflow pipe 56 penetrates the storage container 51 does not need to be above the optimal water level.

[0065] In Figure 5, when the water level in the storage space reaches the height of the upper end of the overflow pipe 56, the water in the storage space flows out from the outflow hole 52h and is also discharged from the outlet 56h. Therefore, the worker confirms that water has been discharged from the outlet 56h and adjusts the water flow so that the water level in the storage space remains constant at the optimal level.

[0066] With the configuration shown in Figures 5 and 6, the outlet 56h for discharging the water stored in the storage space to the outside of the storage container 51 is located at a position below the optimal water level in the storage container 51, making it easier to maintain the optimal water level. Furthermore, by checking the amount or force of water discharged from outlet 56h, it is possible to determine whether the water level in the storage space is at the optimal level.

[0067] In the above embodiment, a lid may be provided to close the opening at the upper end of the storage container 51. In this case, a hole may be formed through the lid to allow the storage space to be opened to the atmosphere.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the storage container 51 was separable into a side wall portion 511 and a bottom wall portion 512, but the side wall portion 511 and the bottom wall portion 512 may be integrated.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the flow path forming section 52 was separable into a cylindrical body 521 and an insertion section 522, but the cylindrical body 521 and the insertion section 522 may be integrated.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the flow path forming portion 52 penetrated the bottom wall portion 512 of the storage container 51, but it may also penetrate the side wall portion 511 of the storage container 51.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the storage container 51 was made of a light-shielding material, but the storage container 51 may also be made of a light-transmitting material. In this case, since the storage container 51 functions as a viewing section 53, the cylindrical viewing section 53 provided on the outside of the storage container 51 may be unnecessary.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the pressure regulating device 5 was provided in the auxiliary cooling system 100 of the condenser, but the pressure regulating device 5 may also be retrofitted to an existing auxiliary cooling system 100 of the condenser.

[0073] Furthermore, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from its spirit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0074] 100 ···Auxiliary cooling system for condensers 2 ···Water-retaining material 3. Storage tank 4...Circulation mechanism 41 ···Supply channel 42...pump 43 ···Return channel 5. Pressure Regulator 51 ···Storage container 511...Side wall section 51h ···Inlet 512 ···Bottom wall section 513 ···Enclosing section 52 ···Flow channel forming section 521 ···Cylindrical body 522 ···Insertion part 522a...Stepped section 52h...Outflow hole 53 ···Visibility section 54 ···Matching part 55 ···Connecting channel 56... Overflow pipe 56h...Discharge port

Claims

1. This device is incorporated into an auxiliary cooling system for a condenser, which includes a water-retaining material provided on the windward side of the condenser of an outdoor unit, and a supply mechanism that supplies water to the water-retaining material, thereby lowering the temperature of the air drawn into the condenser by the latent heat of vaporization of water in the water-retaining material, and is a pressure regulating device that adjusts the pressure of the water supplied from the supply mechanism, A storage container having a bottomed cylindrical shape and having an inlet formed for introducing water from the supply mechanism, The storage container is provided with a cylindrical flow path forming section that penetrates it, A storage space is formed between the storage container and the flow path forming section, in which water introduced from the inlet is stored. The channel forming section has an outlet hole through which the water stored in the storage space flows out into the interior of the channel forming section. A pressure regulating device in which water introduced from the inlet is stored in the storage space and then led out through the outlet to an opening at one end of the flow path forming section.

2. The pressure regulating device according to claim 1, wherein the inner diameter of the outlet hole is smaller than the inner diameter of the inlet.

3. The pressure regulating device according to claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the flow path forming portion facing the inlet is opposite at least a part of the inlet.

4. The pressure regulating device according to claim 1, further comprising a viewing section capable of visually confirming the water level in the storage space.

5. The aforementioned storage container is made of a light-shielding material. The aforementioned viewing section is made of a translucent material and is provided on the outside of the storage container. The pressure adjustment device according to claim 4, further comprising a communication channel that connects the portion of the visible section below the outlet hole with the portion of the storage container below the outlet hole.

6. The aforementioned flow channel forming section is A cylindrical body having the aforementioned outflow hole formed therein, It has an insertion portion that penetrates the storage container and into which the cylindrical body is inserted, The pressure adjustment device according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical body is configured to be removable from the insertion portion.

7. The aforementioned storage container is A cylindrical side wall portion with both ends open, It has a bottom wall portion that covers the opening at one end of the side wall portion and through which the flow path forming portion passes, The pressure regulating device according to claim 1, wherein the bottom wall portion is configured to be separable from the side wall portion.

8. The pressure adjustment device according to claim 7, further comprising a surrounding portion that surrounds the outer surface of the side wall portion when the side wall portion is connected to the bottom wall portion.

9. A pressure regulating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a discharge port is formed in the storage container at a position below an optimal water level at which the water level in the storage space becomes constant while the water stored in the storage space is being discharged through the outlet hole, for discharging the water stored in the storage space to the outside of the storage container.

10. An auxiliary cooling system for a condenser, which supplies water to a water-retaining material provided on the windward side of the condenser of an outdoor unit, and lowers the temperature of the air drawn into the condenser by the latent heat of vaporization of the water in the water-retaining material, A supply mechanism for supplying water to the water-retaining material, The system includes a pressure regulating device that adjusts the pressure of the water supplied from the aforementioned supply mechanism, The pressure regulating device is, A storage container having a bottomed cylindrical shape and having an inlet formed for introducing water from the supply mechanism, The storage container is provided with a cylindrical flow path forming section that penetrates it, A storage space is formed between the storage container and the flow path forming section, in which water introduced from the inlet is stored. The channel forming section has an outlet hole through which the water stored in the storage space flows out into the interior of the channel forming section. An auxiliary cooling system for a condenser, wherein water introduced from the inlet is stored in the storage space and then led out through the outlet to an opening at one end of the flow path forming section.

Images