Multi-component refrigeration cycle system, control device for multi-component refrigeration cycle system, and control method for multi-component refrigeration cycle system

Abstract

To provide a multi-component refrigeration cycle system that can supply fluids cooled to different temperatures to different equipment while improving energy efficiency. [Solution] The multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100 comprises a first chiller 110, a second chiller 120, a first supply system 130, and a second supply system 140. The first chiller 110 cools a first fluid F1 by a refrigeration cycle utilizing a thermal fluid WHF generated from waste heat or unused heat. The second chiller 120 cools a second fluid F2, which is at a lower temperature than the first fluid F1, by a refrigeration cycle utilizing the first fluid F1 cooled by the first chiller 110. The first supply system 130 supplies the first fluid F1 cooled by the first chiller 110 to the second chiller 120 and the first equipment E1. The second supply system 140 supplies the second fluid F2 cooled by the second chiller 120 to the second equipment E2.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a multi-stage refrigeration cycle apparatus, a control apparatus for a multi-stage refrigeration cycle apparatus, and a control method for a multi-stage refrigeration cycle apparatus. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, inventions relating to a multi-stage refrigeration cycle apparatus including a low-temperature-side refrigeration cycle and a high-temperature-side refrigeration cycle are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). The multi-stage refrigeration cycle apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is an apparatus for cooling a semiconductor device manufacturing apparatus.

[0003] The multi-stage refrigeration cycle apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes a first refrigeration cycle in which a first refrigerant that exchanges heat with a cooling medium for cooling a semiconductor device manufacturing apparatus circulates, and a second refrigeration cycle in which a second refrigerant that exchanges heat with the first refrigerant circulates. The multi-stage refrigeration cycle apparatus further includes an intermediate medium circulation line for circulating an intermediate medium between the first refrigeration cycle and the second refrigeration cycle.

[0004] The first refrigerant in the first refrigeration cycle and the second refrigerant in the second refrigeration cycle exchange heat via the intermediate medium. The temperature of the intermediate medium (0°C to -80°C) is higher than the temperature of the cooling medium (-30°C to -120°C). The first refrigeration cycle and the second refrigeration cycle are each vapor compression refrigeration cycles including a first compressor and a second compressor, respectively. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-174869 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0006] In the multi-component refrigeration cycle system described in Patent Document 1, the cooling refrigerant is used solely for cooling semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and the intermediate medium is used solely for heat exchange between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant. Furthermore, both the first and second refrigeration cycles include a compressor. Therefore, this conventional multi-component refrigeration cycle system has challenges in utilizing fluids cooled to different temperatures and improving energy efficiency.

[0007] This disclosure provides a multi-component refrigeration cycle system, a control device for the multi-component refrigeration cycle system, and a control method for the multi-component refrigeration cycle system that can supply fluids cooled to different temperatures to different equipment while improving energy efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a multi-component refrigeration cycle apparatus comprising: a first chiller that cools a first fluid by a refrigeration cycle utilizing a thermal fluid generated from waste heat or unused heat; a second chiller that cools a second fluid at a lower temperature than the first fluid by a refrigeration cycle utilizing the first fluid cooled by the first chiller; a first supply system that supplies the first fluid cooled by the first chiller to the second chiller and a first piece of equipment; and a second supply system that supplies the second fluid cooled by the second chiller to a second piece of equipment.

[0009] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a control device for controlling the above-described multi-component refrigeration cycle device, comprising: a load determination unit for determining whether or not a load is generated on the first chiller; a heat exhaust determination unit for determining whether or not the thermal fluid is usable and the heat quantity conditions when the load determination unit determines that a load is generated; a state determination unit for determining the state of the second equipment; and an operation control unit for controlling the operation of the first chiller, the second chiller, the first supply system, and the second supply system based on the determination results of the heat exhaust determination unit and the state determination unit.

[0010] A further embodiment of the present disclosure provides a control method for controlling the above-described multi-component refrigeration cycle apparatus, comprising: a load determination step for determining whether or not a load is generated on the first chiller; a heat exhaust determination step for determining whether or not the thermal fluid is usable and the heat quantity conditions if the load is determined to be generated in the load determination step; a state determination step for determining the state of the second equipment; and an operation control step for controlling the operation of the first chiller, the second chiller, the first supply system, and the second supply system based on the determination results of the heat exhaust determination step and the state determination step. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the embodiments described above in this disclosure, it is possible to provide a multi-component refrigeration cycle system, a control device for a multi-component refrigeration cycle system, and a control method for a multi-component refrigeration cycle system that can supply fluids cooled to different temperatures to different equipment while improving energy efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a circuit diagram showing Embodiment 1 of the multi-component refrigeration cycle device according to this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of the control device that controls the multi-component refrigeration cycle system. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the processing flow by the control device. [Figure 4A] Figure 1 is a graph showing an example of heat input transitions for a multi-component refrigeration cycle system. [Figure 4B] Figure 1 is a graph showing an example of the transition of refrigeration in a multi-component refrigeration cycle system. [Figure 5A] Figure 1 is a graph showing an example of heat input transitions for a multi-component refrigeration cycle system. [Figure 5B] Figure 1 is a graph showing an example of the transition of refrigeration in a multi-component refrigeration cycle system. [Figure 6] This is a circuit diagram showing Embodiment 2 of the multi-component refrigeration cycle device of the present disclosure. [Figure 7]It is a circuit diagram illustrating Embodiment 3 of the multi-element refrigeration cycle apparatus of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] It is a circuit diagram illustrating Embodiment 4 of the multi-element refrigeration cycle apparatus of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] It is a circuit diagram illustrating Embodiment 5 of the multi-element refrigeration cycle apparatus of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] It is a circuit diagram illustrating Embodiment 6 of the multi-element refrigeration cycle apparatus of the present disclosure. Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of a multi-element refrigeration cycle apparatus, a control apparatus for a multi-element refrigeration cycle apparatus, and a control method for a multi-element refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and the drawings, substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations may be omitted.

[0014] [Embodiment 1] Figure 1 is a circuit diagram illustrating Embodiment 1 of the multi-element refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present disclosure. The multi-element refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 of the present embodiment is mainly characterized by including a first refrigerator 110, a second refrigerator 120, a first supply system 130, and a second supply system 140. The multi-element refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 of the present embodiment is a binary refrigeration cycle apparatus including two refrigerators, the first refrigerator 110 and the second refrigerator 120, but may include three or more refrigerators.

[0015] The first refrigerator 110 cools a first fluid F1 by a refrigeration cycle using a thermal fluid WHF generated from waste heat or unused heat. The second refrigerator 120 cools a second fluid F2 having a lower temperature than the first fluid F1 by a refrigeration cycle using the first fluid F1 cooled by the first refrigerator 110. The first supply system 130 supplies the first fluid F1 cooled by the first refrigerator 110 to the second refrigerator 120 and a first facility E1. The second supply system 140 supplies the second fluid F2 cooled by the second refrigerator 120 to a second facility E2. Hereinafter, the configuration of each part of the multi-element refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.

[0016] As described above, the first refrigerator 110 cools the first fluid F1 by a refrigeration cycle using the thermal fluid WHF generated from waste heat or unused heat. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the first refrigerator 110 is an absorption refrigerator. The first refrigerator 110 comprises an evaporator EV, an absorber AB, a regenerator RG and a condenser CA, and cools the first fluid F1 by circulating water serving as a refrigerant and an aqueous lithium bromide (LiBr) solution serving as a working refrigerant. The first refrigerator 110 may also be a vapor compression refrigerator that cools the first fluid F1 by a refrigeration cycle including a compressor driven by using thermal fluid such as steam generated from waste heat or unused heat, for example.

[0017] The evaporator EV of the first refrigerator 110 is internally provided with coiled piping for allowing the first fluid F1 to pass therethrough. The evaporator EV cools the first fluid F1 passing through the inside of the piping by evaporating, under vacuum, the refrigerant sprayed onto the piping disposed inside the evaporator EV. The first fluid F1 cooled by the evaporator EV is, for example, a liquid such as water, and is cooled to a temperature of about 7°C by passing through the piping in the evaporator EV.

[0018] The absorber AB of the first refrigerator 110 allows the working refrigerant to absorb refrigerant vapor generated by the heat of the first fluid F1 in the evaporator EV. The absorber AB cools the working refrigerant heated and regenerated in the regenerator RG by allowing cooling water F3 as a third fluid to pass through coiled piping disposed inside the absorber AB.

[0019] The regenerator RG of the first refrigerator 110 regenerates the working refrigerant by heating the working refrigerant that has absorbed water vapor in the absorber AB, thereby desorbing the refrigerant absorbed in the working refrigerant. The regenerator RG heats the working refrigerant by allowing thermal fluid WHF such as warm water heated by waste heat or unused heat to pass through coiled piping disposed inside the regenerator RG. For the waste heat or unused heat that heats the thermal fluid WHF, for example, waste heat from garbage incineration facilities, unused heat from factories, geothermal heat, or the like can be used. The thermal fluid WHF flows into the piping in the regenerator RG in a state heated to a temperature of about 85°C by the waste heat or unused heat.

[0020] The condenser CA of the first chiller 110 condenses the refrigerant vapor that has been desorbed from the working refrigerant in the regenerator RG, returning it to liquid refrigerant, and circulates this refrigerant to the evaporator EV. The condenser CA cools and condenses the refrigerant vapor by passing cooling water F3 through coiled piping located inside it. The cooling water F3 is supplied from the cooling tower CT to the first chiller 110 via piping connecting the cooling tower CT and the first chiller 110, and via a pump P installed in the middle of that piping.

[0021] The second refrigerator 120 is a refrigerator that cools a second fluid F2, which is at a lower temperature than the first fluid F1, by a refrigeration cycle that utilizes the first fluid F1 cooled by the first refrigerator 110. Although not particularly limited, the second refrigerator 120 is an absorption type refrigerator that cools the second fluid F2 by a refrigeration cycle that utilizes a thermal fluid WHF heated by waste heat or unused heat, similar to the first refrigerator 110.

[0022] The second refrigerator 120 cools the second fluid F2 by circulating a refrigerant and a working refrigerant, similar to the first refrigerator 110. In the second refrigerator 120, the refrigerant is a mixture of water and 1-propanol, and the working refrigerant is a mixture of LiBr, water, and 1-propanol. The second fluid F2 is, for example, a brine such as antifreeze, and is cooled to a temperature of about -4°C to -5°C by the second refrigerator 120.

[0023] The evaporator EV of the second chiller 120 cools the second fluid F2 by passing it through a coiled pipe located inside. The absorber AB of the second chiller 120 cools the working refrigerant by passing the first fluid F1, cooled by the first chiller 110, through a coiled pipe located inside. The regenerator RG of the second chiller 120 heats the working refrigerant by passing a thermal fluid WHF, such as hot water heated by waste heat or unused heat, through a coiled pipe located inside. The condenser CA of the second chiller 120 cools and condenses the refrigerant vapor that has been released from the working refrigerant by passing cooling water F3 through a coiled pipe located inside.

[0024] Cooling water F3 is supplied from the cooling tower CT to the first chiller 110 and the second chiller 120 via the cooling water supply system, and is returned from the first chiller 110 and the second chiller 120 to the cooling tower CT via the cooling water supply system. The cooling water supply system includes piping connecting the cooling tower CT to the first chiller 110 and the second chiller 120, and valves V and pumps P provided in these pipes. The cooling tower CT cools the cooling water F3 returned from the first chiller 110 and the second chiller 120 via the cooling water supply system to a temperature of approximately 32°C. The multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100 may include the cooling tower CT and the cooling water supply system.

[0025] The first supply system 130 supplies the first fluid F1 cooled by the first chiller 110 to the second chiller 120 and the first equipment E1. The first supply system 130 also recirculates the first fluid F1, which has provided cooling to the second chiller 120 and the first equipment E1, back to the first chiller 110. The first supply system 130 includes, for example, piping connecting the first chiller 110, the second chiller 120, and the first equipment E1, and valves V and pumps P provided in that piping. In the example shown in Figure 1, the first supply system 130 also includes a diversion header DH and a merging header IH provided between the first chiller 110 and the first equipment E1.

[0026] The diversion header DH diverts the first fluid F1, cooled by the first chiller 110, to its respective supply destinations, such as the second chiller 120 and the first equipment E1. The confluence header IH combines the first fluid F1 returned from its respective supply destinations, such as the second chiller 120 and the first equipment E1, and returns it to the first chiller 110.

[0027] The diversion header DH and the confluence header IH include, for example, a straight main pipe and a plurality of branch pipes branching off from the main pipe. In the diversion header DH, each branch pipe that diverts the first fluid F1 from the main pipe to its respective supply destination is provided with a valve V. In the confluence header IH, each branch pipe that returns the first fluid F1 from its respective supply destination to the main pipe is also provided with a valve V.

[0028] Furthermore, in the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100 of this embodiment, the first equipment E1 to which the first fluid F1 is supplied from the first chiller 110 via the first supply system 130 is the aquaculture equipment AF. The aquaculture equipment AF is equipment for cultivating fish and other aquatic life in a tank WT installed on land. In such land-based aquaculture equipment AF, generally, the higher the water temperature of the aquaculture water in the tank WT, the more the fish and other aquatic life eat and grow, but at the same time, the more active the fish and other aquatic life become, the more the amount of dissolved oxygen in the aquaculture water decreases, which can lead to suffocation or disease and the death of the fish and other aquatic life.

[0029] Therefore, in aquaculture facilities (AF), it is important to manage the water temperature of the aquaculture water to the appropriate temperature for each fish species, along with managing feed volume and water flow. For example, when farming fish in a 1-ton tank (WT) with a fish density of approximately 30 kg to 80 kg, the habitable temperature range for farmed fish is approximately 18°C ​​to 26°C for pufferfish and approximately 18°C ​​to 20°C for flounder.

[0030] The first fluid F1, cooled by the first chiller 110 and supplied to the aquaculture facility AF via the first supply system 130, is supplied to the tank WT and used to cool the aquaculture water in the tank WT. Specifically, the first fluid F1 is passed through a heat exchanger such as piping located in the tank WT, and the aquaculture water in the tank WT is cooled through the heat exchanger. Alternatively, the first fluid F1 may be used as aquaculture water and supplied directly into the tank WT.

[0031] Furthermore, the first fluid F1 supplied to the aquaculture facility AF is also supplied to the air conditioning unit AC installed inside the aquaculture facility AF, where the tank WT is housed. The air conditioning unit AC uses the first fluid F1 to lower the temperature inside the aquaculture facility AF, thereby suppressing the rise in the temperature of the aquaculture water in the tank WT. A water supply valve SV is provided between the first chiller 110 and the aquaculture facility AF. Specifically, the water supply valve SV is provided in the piping connecting the flow distribution header DH and the air conditioning unit AC, and in the piping connecting the flow distribution header DH and the tank WT.

[0032] The first fluid F1, which is supplied to the first equipment E1 and whose temperature rises after being used in the first equipment E1, is returned from the first equipment E1 to the first chiller 110 via the first supply system 130. Specifically, the first fluid F1, which is supplied to the tank WT of the aquaculture equipment AF and whose temperature rises after cooling the aquaculture water, is returned to the confluence header IH via the piping of the first supply system 130.

[0033] Furthermore, the first fluid F1, which is supplied to the air conditioning unit AC of the aquaculture facility AF and whose temperature rises as the room temperature of the aquaculture facility AF decreases, is returned to the confluence header IH via the piping of the first supply system 130. The first fluid F1 that has merged in the confluence header IH is returned to the first chiller 110 via the piping of the first supply system 130 that connects the confluence header IH and the first chiller 110.

[0034] The second supply system 140 supplies the second fluid F2, cooled by the second chiller 120, to the second equipment E2. As mentioned above, the second fluid F2 is brine such as antifreeze, and is cooled to a temperature of approximately -4°C to -5°C by the second chiller 120. In the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100 of this embodiment, the second equipment E2 is a static ice thermal storage tank IT.

[0035] A static ice thermal storage tank IT comprises, for example, an ice storage tank, a coiled ice-making pipe placed inside the ice storage tank, and an ice storage amount sensor IQ. The second supply system 140 includes a supply pipe connected to the inlet of the ice-making pipe of the ice thermal storage tank IT, a return pipe connected to the outlet of the ice-making pipe of the ice thermal storage tank IT, and valves V, a pump P, and a temperature sensor TS provided in these supply and return pipes.

[0036] Furthermore, the first supply system 130 includes an ice thermal storage system 130i. The ice thermal storage system 130i supplies the first fluid F1 recirculated from the first equipment E1 to the ice thermal storage tank IT, and also supplies the first fluid F1 from the ice thermal storage tank IT to the first equipment E1. Specifically, the ice thermal storage system 130i includes, for example, a supply pipe connecting the junction header IH and the ice storage tank of the ice thermal storage tank IT, a recirculation pipe connecting the ice storage tank of the ice thermal storage tank IT and the diversion header DH, and a valve V and a pump P provided in the recirculation pipe. The ice storage tank of the ice thermal storage tank IT stores the first fluid F1 supplied via the junction header IH and the supply pipe of the ice thermal storage system 130i.

[0037] When the second chiller 120 is operated and the pump P of the second supply system 140 is driven, the second fluid F2, such as brine, cooled to a temperature of approximately -4°C to -5°C by the second chiller 120, is supplied to the ice thermal storage tank IT and passes through the ice-making tube. As a result, the first fluid F1, such as water, stored in the ice storage tank of the ice thermal storage tank IT is cooled and frozen on the surface of the ice-making tube, causing ice to accumulate around the ice-making tube. The ice storage amount sensor IQ detects the amount of ice stored in the ice thermal storage tank IT and outputs it to the control device 150 (see Figure 2), which will be described later.

[0038] Furthermore, when the pumps P of the second chiller 120 and the second supply system 140 are shut down and the second fluid F2 no longer passes through the ice-making pipe of the ice thermal storage tank IT, ice production ceases, the ice stored around the ice-making pipe melts, and returns to the first fluid F1, such as low-temperature water, in the ice storage tank of the ice thermal storage tank IT. In addition, when the pumps P of the ice thermal storage system 130i are driven, the low-temperature first fluid F1 is supplied from the ice storage tank of the ice thermal storage tank IT to the supply destinations such as the second chiller 120 and the first equipment E1 via the return piping of the ice thermal storage system 130i and the diversion header DH of the first supply system 130.

[0039] Next, with reference to Figures 2 to 5B, the control device 150 and the control method of the multi-component refrigeration cycle system 100 of this embodiment will be described.

[0040] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the control device 150 of the multi-component refrigeration cycle system 100 according to this embodiment. The control device 150 controls the multi-component refrigeration cycle system 100 shown in Figure 1. Note that the multi-component refrigeration cycle system 100 may include the control device 150. Specifically, the control device 150 is connected to various parts of the multi-component refrigeration cycle system 100, including the first chiller 110, the second chiller 120, the ice thermal storage tank IT, the pump P, the water supply valve SV, and the temperature sensor TS shown in Figure 1, and controls the multi-component refrigeration cycle system 100.

[0041] The control device 150 is composed of electronic circuits such as a central processing unit (CPU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The control device 150 realizes various functions by executing a program stored in memory or by circuit design for a specific application.

[0042] As shown in Figure 2, the control device 150 includes a load determination unit 151, a heat dissipation determination unit 152, a state determination unit 153, and an operation control unit 154. The control device 150 may also include, for example, a display control unit 155. Each of these parts of the control device 150 represents a function of the control device 150, which is realized by the control device 150 executing a program stored in memory or by circuit design for special applications.

[0043] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the processing flow by the control device 150 in Figure 2. Figures 4A and 5A are graphs showing examples of heat input transitions for the multi-channel refrigeration cycle device 100 in Figure 1, respectively. Figures 4B and 5B are graphs showing examples of refrigeration transitions in the multi-channel refrigeration cycle device 100 in Figure 1, respectively. Note that the refrigeration transition example in Figure 4B corresponds to the heat input transition example in Figure 4A, and the refrigeration transition example in Figure 5B corresponds to the heat input transition example in Figure 5A.

[0044] In the following, in the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100 shown in Figure 1, the heat input of the thermal fluid WHF to the regenerator RG of the first refrigerator 110 is defined as Q_H1 [kW], and the heat input of the thermal fluid WHF to the regenerator RG of the second refrigerator 120 is defined as Q_H2 [kW]. Furthermore, the cooling capacity of the evaporator EV of the first refrigerator 110, which outputs the first fluid F1 at 7°C, is defined as Q_C1 [kW], and the cooling capacity of the evaporator EV of the second refrigerator 120, which outputs the second fluid F2 at -5°C, is defined as Q_C2 [kW].

[0045] Furthermore, let Q_AB1 [kW] be the heat absorption by cooling water F3 in absorber AB of the first chiller 110, and let Q_AB2 [kW] be the heat absorption by the first fluid F1 in absorber AB of the second chiller 120. Also, let Q_CON1 [kW] be the heat absorption by cooling water F3 in condenser CA of the first chiller 110, and let Q_CON2 [kW] be the heat absorption by cooling water F3 in condenser CA of the second chiller 120.

[0046] The control method for the multi-component refrigeration cycle system 100 of this embodiment can be implemented, for example, by executing the processing flow shown in Figure 3 using the control device 150 shown in Figure 2. The control device 150 and the control method for the multi-component refrigeration cycle system 100 of this embodiment will be described below.

[0047] When the control device 150 starts the processing flow shown in Figure 3, it first performs a load determination step S1 to determine whether or not a load is generated on the first chiller 110. The load determination step S1 includes, for example, a step S11 to determine whether or not the air conditioning water supply valve is open or closed, a step S12 to determine whether or not the aquaculture water supply valve is open or closed, and a step S13 to determine whether or not a load is generated on the first chiller 110.

[0048] In step S11, the load determination unit 151, shown in Figure 2, receives a signal indicating the open / closed state from the air conditioning water supply valve SV that supplies the first fluid F1 to the air conditioning unit AC of the aquaculture facility AF shown in Figure 1, and determines the open / closed state of the air conditioning water supply valve SV based on that signal.

[0049] In step S11, if the load determination unit 151 determines that the water supply valve SV for air conditioning is closed (NO), it proceeds to the next step S12. In step S12, the load determination unit 151 receives a signal indicating the open / closed state from the water supply valve SV for aquaculture water, which supplies the first fluid F1 to the tank WT of the aquaculture facility AF shown in Figure 1, and determines whether the water supply valve SV for aquaculture water is open or closed based on that signal.

[0050] In step S12, if the load determination unit 151 determines that the water supply valve SV for aquaculture water is closed (NO), the control device 150 terminates the processing flow shown in Figure 3. Subsequently, if the conditions for starting the processing flow shown in Figure 3 are met, the control device 150 restarts that processing flow.

[0051] On the other hand, in step S12, if the load determination unit 151 determines that the water supply valve SV for aquaculture water is open (YES), it performs step S13 to determine that a load has been generated on the first chiller 110. Also, if the load determination unit 151 determines in the previous step S11 that the water supply valve SV for air conditioning is open (YES), it performs step S13 to determine that a load has been generated on the first chiller 110.

[0052] As described above, when the load determination unit 151 determines that a load has been generated in the first chiller 110 during the load determination process S1 from process S11 to process S13, the control device 150 performs the heat exhaust determination process S2 and the state determination process S3. The heat exhaust determination process S2 is a process to determine whether the thermal fluid WHF can be used and the heat quantity conditions, and the state determination process S3 is a process to determine the state of the second equipment E2.

[0053] Here, the heat dissipation determination step S2 includes steps S21 to determine whether the thermal fluid WHF can be used, and steps S22 and S23 to compare the heat quantity of the thermal fluid WHF with a threshold. The state determination step S3 also includes steps S31 and S32 to compare the remaining amount of ice in the ice thermal storage tank IT, which is the second equipment E2, with a threshold.

[0054] Furthermore, the control device 150 performs an operation control process S4 to control the operation of the first chiller 110, the second chiller 120, the first supply system 130, and the second supply system 140 based on the determination results of the heat dissipation determination process S2 and the state determination process S3. This operation control process S4 includes a process S41 to operate the first chiller 110 and the second chiller 120, a process S42 to operate only the first chiller 110, and a process S43 to operate the cooling heat pump.

[0055] Specifically, in step S13, when the load determination unit 151 determines that a load has been generated on the first chiller 110, the control device 150 performs step S21, in which the heat exhaust determination unit 152, shown in Figure 2, determines whether or not the thermal fluid WHF can be used. The heat exhaust determination unit 152 determines whether or not the thermal fluid WHF can be used based, for example, on the detection results of temperature sensors and flow rate sensors that detect the temperature and flow rate of the thermal fluid WHF supplied to the first chiller 110 and the second chiller 120.

[0056] In the example shown in Figure 4A, the heat source for the waste heat is, for example, a small waste incineration facility that operates from 8:00 to 18:00. Therefore, the thermal fluid WHF, which is hot water generated from the waste heat of the waste incineration facility, is available from 8:00 to 18:00. In the bar graph in Figure 4A, the black-filled portion Q_H1 represents the heat input from the thermal fluid WHF to the regenerator RG of the first chiller 110, and the white-out portion Q_H2 represents the heat input from the thermal fluid WHF to the regenerator RG of the second chiller 120.

[0057] In this case, the heat dissipation determination unit 152 determines in step S21 that the thermal fluid WHF is available (YES) between 8:00 and 18:00, and that the thermal fluid WHF is unavailable (NO) between 18:00 and 8:00.

[0058] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 5A, the waste incineration facility, which is the heat source for the waste heat, is temporarily shut down between 12:00 and 13:00. In the bar graph in Figure 5A, the black-filled portion Q_H1 represents the heat input from the thermal fluid WHF to the regenerator RG of the first chiller 110, and the white-out portion Q_H2 represents the heat input from the thermal fluid WHF to the regenerator RG of the second chiller 120.

[0059] In this case, the heat dissipation determination unit 152 determines in process S21 that the thermal fluid WHF is available (YES) between 8:00 and 12:00 and between 13:00 and 20:00. Also, the heat dissipation determination unit 152 determines in process S21 that the thermal fluid WHF is unavailable (NO) between 12:00 and 13:00 and between 20:00 and 8:00.

[0060] In step S21, if the heat dissipation determination unit 152 determines that the thermal fluid WHF is available (YES), it performs step S22, which compares the heat quantity of the thermal fluid WHF with a first threshold. In step S22, the heat dissipation determination unit 152 calculates the heat quantity of the thermal fluid WHF based on, for example, the detection results of a temperature sensor or a flow rate sensor. Furthermore, the heat dissipation determination unit 152 determines whether the calculated heat quantity is equal to or greater than Q_H1 + Q_H2, which is the sum of the heat inputs required in the regenerator RG of the first refrigerator 110 and the second refrigerator 120.

[0061] If the heat dissipation determination unit 152 determines that the result of the determination in step S22 is positive (YES), the control device 150 performs step S31 to determine whether the remaining amount of ice in the ice thermal storage tank IT, which is the second equipment E2, is less than the full amount of ice. In step S31, the state determination unit 153 shown in Figure 2 receives a signal indicating the remaining amount of ice in the ice thermal storage tank IT from the ice storage amount sensor IQ shown in Figure 1, and determines whether the remaining amount of ice in the ice thermal storage tank IT is less than the full amount of ice based on the received signal.

[0062] In step S31, if the state determination unit 153 determines that the remaining amount of ice in the ice thermal storage tank IT is less than the full amount of ice (YES), the control device 150 performs step S41 to operate the first chiller 110 and the second chiller 120. In step S41, the operation control unit 154 shown in Figure 2 operates the first chiller 110 and the second chiller 120 by driving the pump P of the first supply system 130, the second supply system 140, and the cooling water supply system shown in Figure 1.

[0063] As a result, in the first chiller 110 and the second chiller 120, during the time period when the heat input Q_H1 and Q_H2 shown in Figures 4A and 5A are supplied by the thermal fluid WHF, the cold energy shown by the black bar graphs in Figures 4B and 5B is produced. Consequently, during that time period, the first fluid F1 necessary for temperature control of the aquaculture water is supplied to the aquaculture facility AF, which is the first facility E1, and the amount of ice stored in the ice thermal storage tank IT, which is the second facility E2, increases, thereby increasing the amount of cold energy stored, as shown by the line graphs in Figures 4B and 5B.

[0064] After the completion of process S41, the control device 150 terminates the processing flow shown in Figure 3, and if the conditions for starting that processing flow are met, it restarts the processing flow. Therefore, in the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100, process S41 is repeatedly performed by the control device 150 unless the aforementioned conditions change.

[0065] Furthermore, in the aforementioned step S31, if the state determination unit 153 determines that the remaining amount of ice in the ice thermal storage tank IT is equal to the full amount of ice (NO), the control device 150 performs step S42, which operates only the first chiller 110. In this step S42, the operation control unit 154 shown in Figure 2 stops the supply of thermal fluid WHF to the second chiller 120 shown in Figure 1, and also stops the pump P of the second supply system 140. This reduces the energy consumption in the multi-channel refrigeration cycle device 100.

[0066] Furthermore, in step S42, the operation control unit 154 operates the first chiller 110 by driving the pumps P of the first supply system 130 and the cooling water supply system. As a result, the first fluid F1 is cooled in the evaporator EV of the first chiller 110, and the first fluid F1 necessary for temperature control of the aquaculture water is supplied to the aquaculture facility AF, which is the first equipment E1. After the completion of step S42, the control device 150 terminates the processing flow shown in Figure 3, and if the conditions for starting the processing flow are met, it restarts the processing flow. Therefore, in the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100, as long as the aforementioned conditions do not change, the control device 150 repeatedly performs step S42.

[0067] On the other hand, in the aforementioned step S22, if the heat dissipation determination unit 152 determines that the calculated heat quantity of the thermal fluid WHF is less than the first threshold Q_H1 + Q_H2 (NO), it performs step S23, which compares the heat quantity of the thermal fluid WHF with a second threshold. In this step S23, the heat dissipation determination unit 152 determines whether the heat quantity of the thermal fluid WHF calculated in the previous step S22 is equal to or greater than Q_H1, which is the heat input required for the regenerator RG of the first refrigerator 110.

[0068] In step S23, if the heat dissipation determination unit 152 determines that the heat quantity of the thermal fluid WHF is Q_H1 or greater (YES), the operation control unit 154 performs step S42, which operates only the first chiller 110, as described above. On the other hand, in step S23, if the heat dissipation determination unit 152 determines that the heat quantity of the thermal fluid WHF is less than Q_H1 (NO), the control device 150 terminates the processing flow shown in Figure 3. Furthermore, if the conditions for starting that processing flow are met, the control device 150 restarts that processing flow.

[0069] Furthermore, if the heat dissipation determination unit 152 determines in step S21 that the thermal fluid WHF is unavailable (NO), the control device 150 performs step S32 to determine whether the remaining amount of ice in the ice thermal storage tank IT, which is the second equipment E2, is greater than zero. In step S32, the state determination unit 153 receives a signal indicating the remaining amount of ice in the ice thermal storage tank IT from the ice storage amount sensor IQ of the ice thermal storage tank IT shown in Figure 1, and determines whether the remaining amount of ice in the ice thermal storage tank IT is greater than zero based on the received signal.

[0070] In step S32, if the state determination unit 153 determines that the amount of ice remaining in the ice thermal storage tank IT is greater than zero (YES), the control device 150 performs step S41 to operate the cooling heat pump. Here, the cooling heat pump is a pump P provided in the ice thermal storage system 130i that supplies the first fluid F1 from the ice thermal storage tank IT shown in Figure 1 to the second chiller 120 and the aquaculture equipment AF, which is the first equipment E1.

[0071] As a result, the supply of the thermal fluid WHF is stopped, and during the period when there is no heat input Q_H1, QH_2 to the first chiller 110 and the second chiller 120 as shown in Figures 4A and 5A, the ice thermal storage tank IT, which is the second equipment E2, releases cold energy as shown by the white bar graphs in Figures 4B and 5B. Consequently, during that period, the first fluid F1 necessary for temperature control of the aquaculture water is supplied from the ice thermal storage tank IT to the aquaculture equipment AF, which is the first equipment E1, and the amount of stored ice in the ice thermal storage tank IT decreases, causing the amount of stored cold energy, as shown by the line graphs in Figures 4B and 5B, to decrease.

[0072] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5A, if the supply of the thermal fluid WHF is temporarily stopped between 12:00 and 13:00, resulting in no heat input Q_H1 and Q_H2 to the first chiller 110 and the second chiller 120, it may be necessary to extend the operation of the waste incineration facility beyond 18:00. This is because the demand for the first fluid F1 for temperature control of the aquaculture water in the aquaculture facility AF exists 24 hours a day, day and night, and the demand for the first fluid F1 during the night and early morning hours, from the time the thermal fluid WHF supply is stopped until it is restarted, must be covered by the stored heat in the ice thermal storage tank IT shown in Figure 5B.

[0073] After the completion of step S43 shown in Figure 3, the control device 150 terminates the processing flow shown in Figure 3, and if the conditions for starting that processing flow are met, it restarts the processing flow. Therefore, in the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100, unless the aforementioned conditions change, the control device 150 repeatedly performs step S43.

[0074] On the other hand, in step S32 described above, if the state determination unit 153 determines that the remaining amount of ice in the ice thermal storage tank IT is zero (NO), the control device 150 terminates the processing flow shown in Figure 3. Also, if the conditions for starting the processing flow are met, the control device 150 restarts the processing flow. In this case, the operation control unit 154 maintains a state in which it does not operate any part of the multi-channel refrigeration cycle device 100 unless the heat dissipation determination unit 152 determines in step S21 described above that the thermal fluid WHF is available (YES).

[0075] In this embodiment, the control device 150 includes a display control unit 155, as shown in Figure 2. Alternatively, the multi-channel refrigeration cycle device 100 or the control device 150 may include a display device 160, such as a liquid crystal display device or an organic electroluminescent (EL) display device. In this case, the display control unit 155 may perform a display control step in each step shown in Figure 3, causing the control parameters of the multi-channel refrigeration cycle device 100 to be displayed on the display device 160.

[0076] Specifically, in the load determination process S1 shown in Figure 3, the display control unit 155 displays on the display device 160 the open / closed status of the water supply valve SV for air conditioning and the water supply valve SV for aquaculture water, the determination result of load generation in the first chiller 110, and so on. In addition, in the heat exhaust determination process S2, the display control unit 155 displays on the display device 160 the determination result of whether the thermal fluid WHF can be used, the amount of heat in the thermal fluid WHF, the heat input Q_H1 of the first chiller 110, the heat input Q_H2 of the second chiller 120, and the determination results of processes S22 and S23.

[0077] Furthermore, in the aforementioned state determination step S3, the display control unit 155 displays the remaining amount of ice in the ice thermal storage tank IT, the determination results of steps S31 and S32, etc., on the display device 160. Also, in the aforementioned operation control step S4, the display control unit 155 displays the operating status of the first chiller 110, the operating status of the second chiller 120, and the operating status of the cooling heat pump, which is the pump P of the ice thermal storage system 130i, on the display device 160.

[0078] The following describes the operation of the multi-component refrigeration cycle system 100, the control device 150 for the multi-component refrigeration cycle system, and the control method for the multi-component refrigeration cycle system according to this embodiment.

[0079] As described above, the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100 of this embodiment comprises a first chiller 110, a second chiller 120, a first supply system 130, and a second supply system 140. The first chiller 110 cools a first fluid F1 by a refrigeration cycle utilizing a thermal fluid WHF generated from waste heat or unused heat. The second chiller 120 cools a second fluid F2, which is at a lower temperature than the first fluid F1, by a refrigeration cycle utilizing the first fluid F1 cooled by the first chiller 110. The first supply system 130 supplies the first fluid F1 cooled by the first chiller 110 to the second chiller 120 and the first equipment E1. The second supply system 140 supplies the second fluid F2 cooled by the second chiller 120 to the second equipment E2.

[0080] With this configuration, the first fluid F1 can be cooled by a refrigeration cycle using the thermal fluid WHF generated from waste heat or unused heat in the first refrigerator 110, and the second fluid F2 can be cooled by a refrigeration cycle using the first fluid F1 in the second refrigerator 120. Therefore, the energy efficiency of the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100 can be improved compared to when the thermal fluid WHF is not used. In addition, the first fluid F1 cooled in the first refrigerator 110 can be supplied to and used by a first facility E1 which is provided separately from the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100. Also, the second fluid F2 which is at a lower temperature than the first fluid F1 cooled in the second refrigerator 120 can be supplied to a second facility E2 which is provided separately from the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100. Therefore, according to the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100 of this embodiment, the first fluid F1 and the second fluid F2 cooled to different temperatures can be supplied to a first facility E1 and a second facility E2, which are different facilities, while improving energy efficiency.

[0081] Furthermore, in the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100 of this embodiment, the first refrigerator 110 is an absorption-type refrigerator.

[0082] With this configuration, for example, the first chiller 110 can be operated using hot water at about 85°C as the thermal fluid WHF. Therefore, the energy efficiency of the multi-component refrigeration cycle system 100 can be further improved, and the operation of the multi-component refrigeration cycle system 100 can be brought closer to carbon neutrality.

[0083] Furthermore, in the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100 of this embodiment, the second refrigerator 120 is an absorption-type refrigerator.

[0084] With this configuration, for example, the second chiller 120 can be operated using hot water at about 85°C as the thermal fluid WHF. Therefore, the energy efficiency of the multi-component refrigeration cycle system 100 can be further improved, and the operation of the multi-component refrigeration cycle system 100 can be brought closer to carbon neutrality.

[0085] Furthermore, in the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100 of this embodiment, the second equipment E2 is a static type ice thermal storage tank IT. The first supply system 130 also includes an ice thermal storage system 130i that supplies the first fluid F1 recirculated from the first equipment E1 to the ice thermal storage tank IT, and also supplies the first fluid F1 from the ice thermal storage tank IT to the first equipment E1.

[0086] With this configuration, the second fluid F2, cooled to below freezing point by the second chiller 120, is supplied to the ice thermal storage tank IT, and the first fluid F1, such as water recirculated from the first equipment E1, is supplied to the ice thermal storage tank IT and frozen, thereby allowing ice to be stored in the ice thermal storage tank IT. Furthermore, in cases where the demand for the first fluid F1 in the first equipment E1 is high, or when the supply of the thermal fluid WHF is stopped, the ice stored in the ice thermal storage tank IT can be melted and low-temperature first fluid F1 can be supplied from the ice thermal storage tank IT to the first equipment E1. Therefore, when operating the first chiller 110 etc. using the fluctuating demand for the first fluid F1 in the first equipment E1 or the time-varying thermal fluid WHF, using a static type ice thermal storage tank IT allows for a stable supply of the first fluid F1 to the first equipment E1.

[0087] Furthermore, in the multi-component refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 of this embodiment, the first equipment E1 is the aquaculture equipment AF.

[0088] This configuration allows for the operation of the first chiller 110 and the second chiller 120 using waste heat and unused heat, thereby reducing energy consumption and improving the profitability of land-based aquaculture. In particular, during the summer months when temperatures rise, significant energy savings can be achieved in water temperature control, water circulation, and oxygen supply in the closed circulation system of the aquaculture facility AF, which previously consumed a lot of energy.

[0089] Furthermore, by using the first fluid F1 cooled by the first chiller 110 to manage the water temperature of the aquaculture facility AF to an appropriate temperature, the movement and activity of fish can be suppressed, and the amount of dissolved oxygen in the aquaculture water can be increased, thereby reducing factors that inhibit the growth of fish. In other words, by changing management points such as the amount of feed and the water flow of the aquaculture facility AF, it is possible to expect aquaculture that increases the production weight of fish. In addition, by maintaining the aquaculture water at a low temperature using the first fluid F1, the proliferation of microorganisms that cause diseases in fish can be suppressed, thereby suppressing the occurrence of diseases in fish.

[0090] Furthermore, the first fluid F1 cooled by the first chiller 110 is used not only for cooling the aquaculture facility AF by the air conditioning system AC and for cooling the aquaculture water in the tank WT, but also for heat dissipation related to the production of cold energy in the second chiller 120. For this reason, the capacity of the first chiller 110 is usually larger than the capacity of the second chiller 120. The ratio of the capacity of the first chiller 110 to the capacity of the second chiller 120 is a design condition that depends on the size of the aquaculture facility AF, the equipment capacity, the type of fish, etc. Therefore, by separating the first chiller 110 and the second chiller 120 instead of integrating them, it is possible to flexibly accommodate variations in the capacity ratio of the first chiller 110 and the second chiller 120.

[0091] Furthermore, in the aquaculture facility AF, the cooling demand for the aquaculture water in the tank WT is less compared to the cooling demand in the air conditioning system AC, and the proportion of the second equipment E2, such as the ice thermal storage tank IT, to the heat source equipment configuration is small. Therefore, by separating the first chiller 110 and the second chiller 120 instead of integrating them, it is possible to improve the efficiency and economics of the multi-channel refrigeration cycle system 100.

[0092] Furthermore, in the multi-channel refrigeration cycle device 100 of this embodiment, the first supply system 130 includes a diversion header DH and a confluence header IH. The diversion header DH diverts the first fluid F1 cooled by the first chiller 110 to the second chiller 120 and the first equipment E1. The confluence header IH combines the first fluid F1 returned from the second chiller 120 and the first equipment E1 and returns it to the first chiller 110.

[0093] With this configuration, the first fluid F1 cooled by the first chiller 110 can be introduced into the diversion header DH, and then divided from the diversion header DH to the second chiller 120 and the first equipment E1. Furthermore, the first fluid F1 returning from the second chiller 120 and the first equipment E1 can be merged in the confluence header IH before being returned to the first chiller 110. Therefore, it becomes possible to flexibly respond to fluctuations in the demand for the first fluid F1 in the first equipment E1 and the second chiller 120. In addition, by separating the first chiller 110 and the second chiller 120, it becomes possible to flexibly respond to changes in capacity even if the ratio of the capacities of the first chiller 110 and the second chiller 120 is changed, contributing to the high efficiency of the multi-channel refrigeration cycle system 100. Note that high-efficiency operation of the multi-channel refrigeration cycle system 100 can be achieved, for example, by operating only the first chiller 110, as shown in Figure 3.

[0094] Furthermore, the control device 150 of this embodiment controls the multi-channel refrigeration cycle device 100 of this embodiment described above. The control device 150 includes a load determination unit 151, a heat exhaust determination unit 152, a state determination unit 153, and an operation control unit 154. The load determination unit 151 determines whether or not a load is generated on the first chiller 110. The heat exhaust determination unit 152 determines whether or not the thermal fluid WHF can be used and the heat quantity conditions when the load determination unit 151 determines that a load has been generated on the first chiller 110. The state determination unit 153 determines the state of the second equipment E2. The operation control unit 154 controls the operation of the first chiller 110, the second chiller 120, the first supply system 130, and the second supply system 140 based on the determination results of the heat exhaust determination unit 152 and the state determination unit 153.

[0095] With this configuration, when a load is generated on the first chiller 110 and the thermal fluid WHF is available, it becomes possible to operate both the first chiller 110 and the second chiller 120, or operate only the first chiller 110, according to the amount of heat in the thermal fluid WHF. Therefore, the aforementioned multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100 can be operated efficiently, improving energy efficiency, while supplying the first fluid F1 and the second fluid F2, cooled to different temperatures, to two different pieces of equipment, the first piece of equipment E1 and the second piece of equipment E2.

[0096] Furthermore, the control device 150 of this embodiment further includes a display control unit 155 that displays the control parameters of the multi-channel refrigeration cycle device 100 on the display device 160.

[0097] With this configuration, the administrator managing the multi-component refrigeration cycle system 100 can check the control parameters of the multi-component refrigeration cycle system 100 displayed on the display device 160 and recognize the status of the multi-component refrigeration cycle system 100 controlled by the control device 150.

[0098] Furthermore, the control method of this embodiment is a method for controlling the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100 described above. The control method of the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100 of this embodiment includes a load determination step S1, a heat exhaust determination step S2, a state determination step S3, and an operation control step S4. The load determination step S1 is a step of determining whether or not a load is generated on the first chiller 110. The heat exhaust determination step S2 is a step of determining whether or not the thermal fluid WHF can be used and the heat quantity conditions when the load determination step S1 determines that a load has been generated on the first chiller 110. The state determination step S3 is a step of determining the state of the second equipment E2. The operation control step S4 is a step of controlling the operation of the first chiller 110, the second chiller 120, the first supply system 130, and the second supply system 140 based on the determination results of the heat exhaust determination step S2 and the state determination step S3.

[0099] With this configuration, when a load is generated on the first chiller 110 and the thermal fluid WHF is available, it becomes possible to operate both the first chiller 110 and the second chiller 120, or operate only the first chiller 110, according to the amount of heat in the thermal fluid WHF. Therefore, the aforementioned multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100 can be operated efficiently, improving energy efficiency, while supplying the first fluid F1 and the second fluid F2, cooled to different temperatures, to two different pieces of equipment, the first piece of equipment E1 and the second piece of equipment E2.

[0100] Furthermore, the control method for the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100 of this embodiment further includes a display control step of displaying the control parameters of the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100 on the display device 160.

[0101] With this configuration, the administrator managing the multi-component refrigeration cycle system 100 can check the control parameters of the multi-component refrigeration cycle system 100 displayed on the display device 160 and recognize the status of the multi-component refrigeration cycle system 100 controlled by the control device 150.

[0102] As described above, this embodiment provides a multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100, a control device 150 for the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100, and a control method that can supply fluids cooled to different temperatures to different equipment while improving energy efficiency.

[0103] [Embodiment 2] Next, with reference to Figure 6, Embodiment 2 of the multi-component refrigeration cycle device according to this disclosure will be described. Figure 6 is a circuit diagram showing the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100A of this embodiment.

[0104] The multi-component refrigeration cycle apparatus 100A of this embodiment differs from the multi-component refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 of Embodiment 1 described above in that the second equipment E2 is a scraping-type sherbet ice maker IM1. The other components of the multi-component refrigeration cycle apparatus 100A according to this embodiment are the same as those of the multi-component refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 described above, so the same reference numerals are used for the same parts and their description is omitted.

[0105] In the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100A of this embodiment, the second fluid F2, such as brine, cooled to approximately -4°C to -5°C in the second refrigerator 120, is supplied to the scraping-type sherbet ice maker IM1.

[0106] The slush ice maker IM1 is connected to the ice storage tank IST via a first pipe on the lower side and a second pipe on the upper side. The first pipe is equipped with a pump P, a temperature sensor TS, and a valve V, etc. The first pipe drives the pump P, causing a fourth fluid F4, such as 2.5% seawater, to flow from the bottom of the ice storage tank IST into the slush ice maker IM1.

[0107] The slush ice maker IM1 is equipped with a cylindrical heat exchanger through which a second fluid F2 passes. It freezes the fourth fluid F4 introduced via the first piping on the inner surface of the heat exchanger, and produces slush ice SI by scraping off the ice on the inner surface of the heat exchanger with a scraping blade. The second piping carries the slush ice SI produced by the slush ice maker IM1, along with the fourth fluid F4, into the ice storage tank IST.

[0108] The ice storage tank IST is equipped with an ice outlet for supplying the slush ice SI stored inside to the outside. A valve V and a pump P are provided at the ice outlet of the ice storage tank IST, and hoses, ducts, pipes, etc., are connected to them. The slush ice SI delivered from the ice outlet of the ice storage tank IST via hoses, etc., is loaded together with the aquatic products AP, such as fish farmed in the aquaculture facility AF, onto a transport vehicle TV, which transports the aquatic products AP, and maintains the freshness of the aquatic products AP farmed in the aquaculture facility AF.

[0109] In the aquaculture facility AF, the demand for sherbet ice SI is small compared to the demand for the first fluid F1 used for cooling the aquaculture water in the air conditioning unit AC and tank WT. Therefore, the capacity of the second chiller 120 is significantly smaller than that of the first chiller 110, and the overall efficiency of the multi-component refrigeration cycle system 100 is dominated by the first chiller 110. Thus, in a multi-component refrigeration cycle system 100A where the first chiller 110 and the second chiller 120 are separated, efficiency can be improved by operating the first chiller 110 and the second chiller 120 individually.

[0110] As described above, in the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100A of this embodiment, the second equipment E2 is a scraping-type sherbet ice maker IM1. Therefore, efficiency can be improved in the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100A in which the first refrigerator 110 and the second refrigerator 120 are separated.

[0111] [Embodiment 3] Next, with reference to Figure 7, Embodiment 3 of the multi-component refrigeration cycle device according to this disclosure will be described. Figure 7 is a circuit diagram showing the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100B of this embodiment.

[0112] The multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100B of this embodiment differs from the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100A of Embodiment 2 described above in that the second equipment E2 is a supercooling type sherbet ice maker IM2. The other components of the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100B according to this embodiment are the same as those of the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100A of Embodiment 2 described above, so the same reference numerals are used for the same parts and their description is omitted.

[0113] In the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100B of this embodiment, the second fluid F2, such as brine, cooled to approximately -4°C to -5°C in the second refrigerator 120, is supplied to the supercooled sherbet ice maker IM2.

[0114] The slush ice maker IM2 is connected to the ice storage tank IST via a first and second pipe. The first pipe is equipped with a pump P, a temperature sensor TS, and a valve V, as well as a preheating heater HT and a filter FL. The first pipe drives the pump P to supply a fourth fluid F4, such as 2.5% seawater, from the bottom of the ice storage tank IST to the slush ice maker IM2. The preheating heater HT heats the fourth fluid F4, which is introduced from the ice storage tank IST to the first pipe at approximately -1.5°C, raising its temperature to approximately -1.0°C. The filter FL removes solid matter from the fourth fluid F4.

[0115] The slush ice maker IM2 is a supercooler (heat exchanger) that cools the fourth fluid F4, supplied via the first pipe, to a supercooled state by exchanging heat with the second fluid F2, which is at approximately -4.5°C. The slush ice maker IM2 cools the fourth fluid F4, supplied via the first pipe, to a supercooled state of approximately -3.5°C by exchanging heat with the second fluid F2. As a result, the temperature of the second fluid F2 rises to approximately -1.5°C.

[0116] A supercooling release device (SCR) is installed in the second piping between the sherbet ice maker (IM2) and the ice storage tank (IST). The SCR generates sherbet ice (SI) by applying ultrasonic shock to a fourth fluid (F4) in a supercooled state of approximately -3.5°C. The sherbet ice (SI) generated by the SCR flows into the ice storage tank (IST) via the second piping along with the fourth fluid (F4) and is stored in the ice storage tank (IST).

[0117] In the aquaculture facility AF, the demand for sherbet ice SI is small compared to the demand for the first fluid F1 used for cooling the aquaculture water in the air conditioning unit AC and tank WT. Therefore, the capacity of the second chiller 120 is significantly smaller than that of the first chiller 110, and the overall efficiency of the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100 is dominated by the first chiller 110.

[0118] Furthermore, if the second equipment E2 is a supercooling type sherbet ice maker IM2, it can produce finer sherbet ice SI than if the second equipment E2 is a scraping type sherbet ice maker IM2, making it suitable for maintaining the freshness of seafood AP. As a result, the demand for sherbet ice SI decreases, and the capacity of the second refrigerator 120 becomes smaller compared to the capacity of the first refrigerator 110.

[0119] Therefore, in a multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100A in which the first chiller 110 and the second chiller 120 are separated, efficiency can be improved by operating the first chiller 110 and the second chiller 120 individually. In other words, in the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100B of this embodiment, there is little advantage in integrating the first chiller 110 and the second chiller 120.

[0120] As described above, in the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100B of this embodiment, the second equipment E2 is a supercooling type sherbet ice maker IM2. Therefore, in the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100B in which the first refrigerator 110 and the second refrigerator 120 are separated, efficiency can be further improved.

[0121] [Embodiment 4] Next, with reference to Figure 8, Embodiment 4 of the multi-component refrigeration cycle device according to this disclosure will be described. Figure 8 is a circuit diagram showing the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100C of this embodiment.

[0122] The multi-component refrigeration cycle system 100C of this embodiment differs from the multi-component refrigeration cycle system 100 of Embodiment 1 described above in the following respects. In the multi-component refrigeration cycle system 100C of this embodiment, the first equipment E1 is an air conditioning unit AC installed in the anteroom FC of the cold storage warehouse CWH, and the second equipment E2 is a refrigeration unit cooler UC installed in the cold storage room RC of the cold storage warehouse CWH. The other components of the multi-component refrigeration cycle system 100C according to this embodiment are the same as those of the multi-component refrigeration cycle system 100 according to Embodiment 1 described above, so the same reference numerals are used for the same parts and their description is omitted.

[0123] In a cold storage warehouse (CWH), the room temperature of the cold storage room (RC) may be kept below freezing, while the room temperature of the anteroom (FC) may be kept above 0°C. In this case, the first fluid F1 cooled by the first chiller 110 can be supplied to the air conditioning unit AC of the anteroom FC, which is the first piece of equipment E1, and the second fluid F2, which is colder than the first fluid F1 cooled by the second chiller 120, can be supplied to the unit cooler UC of the cold storage room (RC).

[0124] Therefore, in this embodiment as well, a multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100C can be provided that can supply fluids cooled to different temperatures to different equipment while improving energy efficiency. In this embodiment, the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100C has a demand for the second fluid F2 in the unit cooler UC of the freezing chamber RC, which is greater than the demand for the first fluid F1 in the air conditioning unit AC of the anteroom FC. In such a case, the first chiller 110 and the second chiller 120 may be integrated.

[0125] [Embodiment 5] Next, with reference to Figure 9, Embodiment 5 of the multi-component refrigeration cycle apparatus according to this disclosure will be described. Figure 9 is a circuit diagram showing the multi-component refrigeration cycle apparatus 100D of this embodiment.

[0126] The multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100D of this embodiment differs from the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100 of Embodiment 1 described above in that the second chiller 120A is a vapor compression type chiller. The other components of the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100D according to this embodiment are the same as those of the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100 of Embodiment 1 described above, so the same reference numerals are used for the same parts and their description is omitted.

[0127] The second refrigerator 120A, a vapor compression type, includes an evaporator EV' that evaporates the refrigerant to cool the second fluid F2, a compressor CM that compresses the refrigerant, a condenser CA' that condenses the refrigerant compressed by the compressor CM, and an expansion valve EX that expands the refrigerant condensed in the condenser CA'. In the second refrigerator 120A, the condenser CA' cools and condenses the refrigerant with the first fluid F1 cooled by the first refrigerator 110.

[0128] By making the second chiller 120A a vapor compression type chiller, the temperature difference between the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant in the evaporator EV' and the condensation temperature of the refrigerant in the condenser CA' can be reduced, enabling high-efficiency operation at a low compression ratio. Furthermore, if the compressor CM is electrically powered, energy consumption will increase compared to when the second chiller 120 is a waste heat-driven absorption chiller. However, this allows for a smaller size for the second chiller 120A and shortens the startup time for the second chiller 120A. Additionally, energy consumption can be reduced by driving the compressor CM with steam generated from waste heat or unused heat.

[0129] Furthermore, in the multi-component refrigeration cycle devices 100A, 100B, and 100C shown in Figures 6 to 8, the absorption-type second chiller 120 can be replaced with a vapor compression-type second chiller 120A, similar to the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100D in this embodiment.

[0130] [Embodiment 6] Finally, with reference to Figure 10, Embodiment 6 of the multi-component refrigeration cycle device according to this disclosure will be described. Figure 10 is a circuit diagram showing the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100E of this embodiment.

[0131] The multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100E of this embodiment differs from the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100D of Embodiment 5 described above in that the second fluid F2 is the refrigerant for the second refrigerator 120B of the vapor compression type, and the evaporator EV' is the ice thermal storage tank IT, which is the second equipment E2. The other components of the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100E according to this embodiment are the same as those of the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100D of Embodiment 5 described above, so the same reference numerals are used for the same parts and their description is omitted.

[0132] According to the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100E of this embodiment, the pump P and other components of the second supply system 140 can be omitted, thereby simplifying the configuration. Furthermore, in the multi-component refrigeration cycle devices 100A, 100B, and 100C shown in Figures 6 to 8, the absorption-type second chiller 120 can be replaced with a vapor compression-type second chiller 120B, similar to the multi-component refrigeration cycle device 100E of this embodiment.

[0133] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications, substitutions, etc., can be applied to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, each of the features described with reference to the embodiments described above may be combined as appropriate, as long as they do not contradict the technical invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0134] 100 Multi-component refrigeration cycle system 100A Multi-component Refrigeration Cycle System 100B Multi-component Refrigeration Cycle System 100C Multi-component Refrigeration Cycle System 100D Multi-component Refrigeration Cycle System 100E Multi-component Refrigeration Cycle System 110 No. 1 Refrigeration Unit 120 Second Refrigeration Unit 120A Second Refrigeration Unit 120B 2nd refrigerator 130 1st supply system 130i Ice Thermal Storage System 140 2nd supply system 150 Control device 151 Load judgment section 152 Heat Dissipation Judgment Unit 153 State determination unit 154 Operation Control Unit 155 Display Control Unit 160 Display device AC air conditioner AF Aquaculture Facilities CWH (Cold Water Warehouse) DH flow diverter header E1 1st equipment E2 2nd equipment F1 1st fluid F2 2nd fluid F3 cooling water FC front room IH Junction Header IM1 Sherbet Ice Maker IM2 Sherbet Ice Maker IT ice thermal storage tank RC Freezer UC Unit Cooler WHF thermal fluid

Claims

1. A first refrigerator cools a first fluid using a refrigeration cycle that utilizes a thermal fluid generated from waste heat or unused heat, A second refrigerator cools a second fluid, which is at a lower temperature than the first fluid, by a refrigeration cycle using the first fluid cooled by the first refrigerator, A first supply system that supplies the first fluid cooled by the first refrigerator to the second refrigerator and the first equipment, A second supply system that supplies the second fluid cooled by the second refrigerator to the second equipment, A multi-component refrigeration cycle system equipped with the following features.

2. The first refrigerator is an absorption type refrigerator. The multi-component refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The second refrigerator is an absorption type or a vapor compression type refrigerator. The multi-component refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The second facility is a static ice thermal storage tank, The first supply system includes an ice thermal storage system that supplies the first fluid recirculated from the first equipment to the ice thermal storage tank and supplies the first fluid from the ice thermal storage tank to the first equipment. The multi-component refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The second piece of equipment is a sherbet ice maker. The multi-component refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The first facility is an aquaculture facility. The multi-component refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The first piece of equipment is an air conditioning system installed in the anteroom of a cold storage warehouse. The second piece of equipment is a refrigeration unit cooler installed in the freezer room of the cold storage warehouse. The multi-component refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The first supply system includes a diversion header that diverts the first fluid cooled by the first chiller to the second chiller and the first equipment, and a confluence header that combines the first fluid returned from the second chiller and the first equipment and returns it to the first chiller. The multi-component refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 1.

9. A control device for controlling a multi-component refrigeration cycle system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, A load determination unit that determines whether or not a load is generated on the first refrigerator, When the load determination unit determines that the load has occurred, a heat dissipation determination unit determines whether the thermal fluid can be used and the heat quantity conditions, A state determination unit for determining the state of the second equipment, The system includes an operation control unit that controls the operation of the first refrigerator, the second refrigerator, the first supply system, and the second supply system based on the determination results of the heat dissipation determination unit and the state determination unit. Control device.

10. The control device according to claim 9, further comprising a display control unit that displays the control parameters of the multi-component refrigeration cycle device on a display device.

11. A control method for controlling a multi-component refrigeration cycle apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, A load determination step for determining whether or not a load is generated on the first refrigerator, If the load determination step determines that the load has occurred, a heat dissipation determination step determines whether the thermal fluid can be used and the heat quantity conditions, A state determination step for determining the state of the second equipment, The operation control step includes controlling the operation of the first refrigerator, the second refrigerator, the first supply system, and the second supply system based on the determination results of the heat dissipation determination step and the state determination step. A control method for a multi-component refrigeration cycle system.

12. The process further includes a display control step for displaying the control parameters of the multi-component refrigeration cycle system on a display device. A control method for a multi-component refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 11.

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