Refrigeration Cycle Equipment

Abstract

A refrigeration cycle device (100, 101) is provided with a refrigerant circulation circuit (10) and a liquid medium circulation circuit (20). The refrigerant circulation circuit includes a compressor (11), a four-way valve (12), an air heat exchanger (13), an expansion valve (14), and a water heat exchanger (30). The liquid medium circulation circuit includes a pump (21), a liquid flow direction switching part (22), the water heat exchanger (30), and an intra-chamber heat exchanger (23). The water heat exchanger is provided such that heat exchange is performed between a non‐azeotropic mixed refrigerant and a liquid medium. The four-way valve switches between a first state in which the non-azeotropic mixed refrigerant flows through the compressor, the air heat exchanger, and the water heat exchanger in the stated order and a second state in which the non-azeotropic mixed refrigerant flows through the compressor, the water heat exchanger, and the air heat exchanger in the stated order. The liquid flow direction switching part switches the direction of the liquid medium flowing through the liquid medium circulation circuit. In the first state, the non-azeotropic mixed refrigerant flows through the water heat exchanger upward from below, and the liquid medium flows through the water heat exchanger downward from above. In the second state, the non-azeotropic mixed refrigerant flows through the water heat exchanger downward from above, and the liquid medium flows through the water heat exchanger upward from below. The direction of the liquid medium flowing through the intra-chamber heat exchanger is fixed in each of the first state and the second state.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigeration cycle device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, regulations on refrigerants used in refrigeration cycle devices have been strengthened, and as a permanent solution, the use of non-azeotropic refrigerant mixtures with a large temperature gradient is being considered.

[0003] On the other hand, when the non-azeotropic refrigerant evaporates or condenses in the heat exchanger, the temperature of the non-azeotropic refrigerant changes, and a difference (temperature gradient) occurs between the start temperature and the end temperature. If the flow direction of the non-azeotropic refrigerant in the heat exchanger is the same as the flow direction of the heat medium (parallel flow), the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger decreases.

[0004] Therefore, in a refrigeration cycle device using a non-azeotropic refrigerant, a technology is known in which the flow direction of the non-azeotropic refrigerant in the evaporator is opposite (counterflow) to the flow direction of the heat medium that exchanges heat with the non-azeotropic refrigerant in the evaporator.

[0005] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-281575 discloses a refrigeration system in which a non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture flows in a countercurrent direction to a liquid medium in a water heat exchanger in which the non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture and a liquid medium exchange heat with each other. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-281575 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In general, the direction of air passing through the utilization side heat exchanger (indoor heat exchanger) is constant. In the refrigeration cycle device described in JP-A-10-281575, the direction in which the liquid medium flows through the utilization side heat exchanger (indoor heat exchanger) is reversed between cooling operation and heating operation, so that if the direction of air passing through the indoor heat exchanger is constant, the liquid medium flows parallel to the air in either cooling operation or heating operation. In this case, the heat exchange efficiency in the indoor heat exchanger is reduced and the power consumption of the refrigeration cycle device is increased, compared to when the liquid medium flows countercurrently to the air.

[0008] A primary object of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigeration cycle apparatus capable of suppressing a decrease in heat exchange efficiency in an indoor heat exchanger even when a non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture flows in a countercurrent manner to a liquid medium in a water heat exchanger. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The refrigeration cycle device according to the present disclosure includes a refrigerant circulation circuit including a compressor, a four-way valve, an air heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and a water heat exchanger, in which a non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture circulates, and a liquid medium circulation circuit including a pump, a liquid flow direction switching unit, a water heat exchanger, and an indoor heat exchanger, in which a liquid medium runs. The water heat exchanger is provided so that the non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture exchanges heat with the liquid medium. The four-way valve switches between a first state in which the non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture flows through the compressor, the air heat exchanger, and the water heat exchanger in sequence, and a second state in which the non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture flows through the compressor, the water heat exchanger, and the air heat exchanger in sequence. The liquid flow direction switching unit switches the direction in which the liquid medium flows through the liquid medium circulation circuit. In the first state, the non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture flows from bottom to top in the water heat exchanger, and the liquid medium flows from top to bottom in the water heat exchanger. In the second state, the non-azeotropic refrigerant flows from top to bottom in the water heat exchanger, and the liquid medium flows from bottom to top in the water heat exchanger. The direction in which the liquid medium flows through the indoor heat exchanger is constant between the first state and the second state. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, a refrigeration cycle apparatus can be provided that can suppress a decrease in heat exchange efficiency in an indoor heat exchanger even when a non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture flows in a countercurrent manner to a liquid medium in a water heat exchanger. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a first state of a refrigeration cycle device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a second state of the refrigeration cycle device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a first state of a refrigeration cycle device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a second state of the refrigeration cycle device according to the second embodiment. [Diagram 5] 4 is a diagram for explaining a first flow path and a fourth flow path formed inside the laminated structure of the liquid flow direction switching section in the first state shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 6] 5 is a diagram for explaining a second flow path and a third flow path formed inside the laminated structure of the liquid flow direction switching portion in the second state shown in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 7] 6 is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the laminated structure shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 8] 7 is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the laminated structure shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated. In the following, the direction of gravity relative to a position to be compared is referred to as "downward," and the opposite direction to "downward" relative to a position to be compared is referred to as "upward." In Figs. 1 to 8, the Z direction indicates the direction of gravity.

[0013] Embodiment 1 As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment includes a refrigerant circulation circuit 10 in which a non-azeotropic refrigerant circulates, and a liquid medium circulation circuit 20 in which a liquid medium circulates. The non-azeotropic refrigerant is, for example, an HFC (hydrofluorocarbon) refrigerant or an HC (hydrocarbon) refrigerant. An example of an HFC refrigerant is R407C. The liquid medium may be any heat transport medium whose temperature can change due to heat exchange with the non-azeotropic refrigerant, and is, for example, water.

[0014] The refrigerant circulation circuit 10 includes a compressor 11, a four-way valve 12, an air heat exchanger 13, an expansion valve 14, and a water heat exchanger 30. The liquid medium circulation circuit 20 includes a pump 21, a liquid flow direction switching unit 22, an indoor heat exchanger 23, and the water heat exchanger 30. In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100, the four-way valve 12 and the liquid flow direction switching unit 22 switch between a first state shown in Fig. 1 and a second state shown in Fig. 2.

[0015] 1 and 2, the four-way valve 12 switches the flow direction of the non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture flowing through the refrigerant circulation circuit 10. The four-way valve 12 switches between a first state in which the non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture flows sequentially through the compressor 11, the air heat exchanger 13, the expansion valve 14, and the water heat exchanger 30, and a second state in which the non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture flows sequentially through the compressor 11, the water heat exchanger 30, the expansion valve 14, and the air heat exchanger 13.

[0016] 1 and 2, the liquid flow direction switching unit 22 switches the flow direction of the liquid medium flowing through the liquid medium circulation circuit 20 in response to switching between the first state and the second state by the four-way valve 12. The liquid flow direction switching unit 22 switches the flow direction of the liquid medium through the liquid medium circulation circuit 20 such that the liquid medium flows from top to bottom within the water heat exchanger 30 in the first state and the liquid medium flows from bottom to top through the water heat exchanger 30 in the second state, and the direction in which the liquid medium flows through the indoor heat exchanger 23 is constant in each of the first state and the second state.

[0017] The indoor heat exchanger 23 is, for example, an air heat exchanger in which a liquid medium exchanges heat with indoor air. In this case, the refrigeration cycle device 100 is an air conditioner. The indoor heat exchanger 23 may be, for example, a water heat exchanger in which a liquid medium exchanges heat with another liquid medium. The indoor heat exchanger 23 has an inlet 23B through which the liquid medium flows in and an outlet 23A through which the liquid medium flows out. The flow direction of the indoor air passing through the indoor heat exchanger 23 is constant between the first state and the second state. The fan that sends indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger 23 may be provided so as to rotate only in a certain direction. The rotation direction of the fan that sends indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger 23 may not be reversible.

[0018] The water heat exchanger 30 is provided so that the non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture flowing through the refrigerant circulation circuit 10 exchanges heat with the liquid medium flowing through the liquid medium circulation circuit 20. The water heat exchanger 30 is, for example, a plate-type heat exchanger. A flow path of the non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture and a flow path of the liquid medium are partitioned by a plate. The water heat exchanger 30 has a third inflow / outflow section 30C and a fourth inflow / outflow section 30D through which the non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture flows in and out. The third inflow / outflow section 30C is disposed above the fourth inflow / outflow section 30D. The water heat exchanger 30 further has a first inflow / outflow section 30A and a second inflow / outflow section 30B through which the liquid medium flows in and out. The first inflow / outflow section 30A is disposed above the second inflow / outflow section 30B.

[0019] An outlet 23A of the indoor heat exchanger 23 is connected to each of a first inflow / outflow section 30A and a second inflow / outflow section 30B of the water heat exchanger 30 via a pump 21 and a liquid flow direction switching section 22.

[0020] The pump 21 is connected between the outlet 23A of the indoor heat exchanger 23 and the inlet 22A of the liquid flow direction switching unit 22. The pump 21 is disposed outside the liquid flow direction switching unit 22. The pump is provided to send the liquid medium flowing out from the outlet 23A of the indoor heat exchanger 23 to the inlet 22A of the liquid flow direction switching unit 22. The pump 21 may be provided to send the liquid medium flowing out from the outlet 22B of the liquid flow direction switching unit 22 to the inlet 23B of the indoor heat exchanger 23.

[0021] The inlet 23B of the indoor heat exchanger 23 is connected to each of the first inlet / outlet section 30A and the second inlet / outlet section 30B of the water heat exchanger 30 via the liquid flow direction switching section 22. The outlet 23A is disposed, for example, above the inlet 23B.

[0022] The liquid flow direction switching section 22 has an inflow section 22A into which the liquid medium flows, an outflow section 22B from which the liquid medium flows out, and a fifth inflow / outflow section 22C and a sixth inflow / outflow section 22D through which the liquid medium flows in and out. The inflow section 22A is connected to the discharge port of the pump 21. The inflow section 22A is connected to the outflow port 23A of the indoor heat exchanger 23 via the pump 21. The outflow section 22B is connected to the inflow port 23B of the indoor heat exchanger 23. The fifth inflow / outflow section 22C is connected to the first inflow / outflow section 30A of the water heat exchanger 30. The sixth inflow / outflow section 22D is connected to the second inflow / outflow section 30B of the water heat exchanger 30.

[0023] In the first state, the liquid flow direction switching unit 22 forms a flow path for the liquid medium flowing from the inflow portion 22A to the fifth inflow / outflow portion 22C and a flow path for the liquid medium flowing from the sixth inflow / outflow portion 22D to the outflow portion 22B. In the first state, the liquid flow direction switching unit 22 does not form a flow path for the liquid medium flowing from the inflow portion 22A to the sixth inflow / outflow portion 22D and a flow path for the liquid medium flowing from the fifth inflow / outflow portion 22C to the outflow portion 22B.

[0024] In the second state, liquid flow direction switching unit 22 forms a flow path for the liquid medium flowing from inlet portion 22A to sixth inlet / outlet portion 22D and a flow path for the liquid medium flowing from fifth inlet / outlet portion 22C to outlet portion 22B. In the second state, liquid flow direction switching unit 22 does not form a flow path for the liquid medium flowing from inlet portion 22A to fifth inlet / outlet portion 22C and a flow path for the liquid medium flowing from sixth inlet / outlet portion 22D to outlet portion 22B.

[0025] Specifically, the liquid flow direction switching unit 22 includes a first flow path F1, a second flow path F2, a third flow path F3, and a fourth flow path F4, and a first on-off valve 41, a second on-off valve 42, a third on-off valve 43, and a fourth on-off valve 44. Each of the first on-off valve 41, the second on-off valve 42, the third on-off valve 43, and the fourth on-off valve 44 is a one-way flow solenoid valve provided to open and close only a flow in one direction. The first on-off valve 41 is a one-way flow solenoid valve that opens and closes only a flow in one direction from the inlet portion 22A to the first through hole 61. The second on-off valve 42 is a one-way flow solenoid valve that opens and closes only a flow in one direction from the inlet portion 22A to the second through hole 62. The third on-off valve 43 is a one-way flow solenoid valve that opens and closes only a flow in one direction from the third through hole 63 to the outlet portion 22B. The fourth on-off valve 44 is a one-way solenoid valve that opens and closes only the flow in one direction from the fourth through-hole 64 to the outflow portion 22B. Each of the first on-off valve 41, the second on-off valve 42, the third on-off valve 43, and the fourth on-off valve 44 is provided to open or close the flow of water along the vertical direction.

[0026] The first flow path F1 connects between the inlet portion 22A and the fifth inlet / outlet portion 22C. The first flow path F1 is connected between the outlet 23A of the indoor heat exchanger 23 and the first inlet / outlet portion 30A of the water heat exchanger 30. The first on-off valve 41 opens and closes the first flow path F1.

[0027] The second flow path F2 connects between the inlet portion 22A and the sixth inlet / outlet portion 22D. The second flow path F2 is connected between the outlet 23A of the indoor heat exchanger 23 and the second inlet / outlet portion 30B of the water heat exchanger 30. The second on-off valve 42 opens and closes the second flow path F2.

[0028] The third flow path F3 connects between the fifth inlet / outlet portion 22C and the outlet portion 22B. The third flow path F3 is connected between the first inlet / outlet portion 30A of the water heat exchanger 30 and the inlet 23B of the indoor heat exchanger 23. The third on-off valve 43 opens and closes the third flow path F3.

[0029] The fourth flow path F4 connects between the sixth inlet / outlet portion 22D and the outlet portion 22B. The fourth flow path F4 is connected between the second inlet / outlet portion 30B of the water heat exchanger 30 and the inlet 23B of the indoor heat exchanger 23. The fourth on-off valve 44 opens and closes the fourth flow path F4.

[0030] The first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2 are connected in parallel to each other with respect to the inlet portion 22A. The third flow path F3 and the fourth flow path F4 are connected in parallel to each other with respect to the outlet portion 22B.

[0031] In the first state, the first on-off valve 41 and the fourth on-off valve 44 are opened, and the second on-off valve 42 and the third on-off valve 43 are closed. As a result, in the first state, the liquid flow direction switching unit 22 forms a flow of liquid medium flowing from the inflow portion 22A to the fifth inflow / outflow portion 22C through the first flow path F1, and a flow of liquid medium flowing from the sixth inflow / outflow portion 22D to the outflow portion 22B through the fourth flow path F4. In the first state, the liquid flow direction switching unit 22 does not form a flow of liquid medium flowing from the inflow portion 22A to the sixth inflow / outflow portion 22D through the second flow path F2, and a flow of liquid medium flowing from the fifth inflow / outflow portion 22C to the outflow portion 22B through the third flow path F3.

[0032] In the second state, the second on-off valve 42 and the third on-off valve 43 are opened, and the first on-off valve 41 and the fourth on-off valve 44 are closed. As a result, in the second state, the liquid flow direction switching unit 22 forms a flow of liquid medium flowing from the inflow portion 22A to the sixth inflow / outflow portion 22D through the second flow path F2, and a flow of liquid medium flowing from the fifth inflow / outflow portion 22C to the outflow portion 22B through the third flow path F3. In the second state, the liquid flow direction switching unit 22 does not form a flow of liquid medium flowing from the inflow portion 22A to the fifth inflow / outflow portion 22C through the first flow path F1, and a flow of liquid medium flowing from the sixth inflow / outflow portion 22D to the outflow portion 22B through the fourth flow path F4.

[0033] More specifically, the liquid flow direction switching unit 22 includes a plurality of pipes. Each of the first flow path F1, the second flow path F2, the third flow path F3, and the fourth flow path F4 is formed by at least one of the plurality of pipes.

[0034] The multiple pipes include a first pipe 31 connected to the first inflow / outflow section 30A, a second pipe 32 connected to the second inflow / outflow section 30B, a third pipe 51 and a fourth pipe 53 connected in parallel to the first pipe 31, and a fifth pipe 52 and a sixth pipe 54 connected in parallel to the second pipe 32. The third pipe 51 and the fifth pipe 52 are connected in parallel to the inflow section 22A. The fourth pipe 53 and the sixth pipe 54 are connected in parallel to the outflow section 22B.

[0035] The first flow path F1 is composed of the first pipe 31 and the third pipe 51 connected in series to each other. The second flow path F2 is composed of the second pipe 32 and the fifth pipe 52 connected in series to each other. The third flow path F3 is composed of the first pipe 31 and the fourth pipe 53 connected in series to each other. The fourth flow path F4 is composed of the second pipe 32 and the sixth pipe 54 connected in series to each other.

[0036] The first on-off valve 41 is connected to a third pipe 51. The second on-off valve is connected to a fifth pipe 52. The third on-off valve 43 is connected to a fourth pipe 53. The fourth on-off valve 44 is connected to a sixth pipe .

[0037] The first pipe 31 constitutes a part of the first flow path F1 located on the fifth inlet / outlet section 22C side, and constitutes a part of the third flow path F3 located on the fifth inlet / outlet section 22C side. The second pipe 32 constitutes a part of the second flow path F2 located on the sixth inlet / outlet section 22D side, and constitutes a part of the fourth flow path F4 located on the sixth inlet / outlet section 22D side. In other words, the part of the first flow path F1 located on the fifth inlet / outlet section 22C side also serves as a part of the third flow path F3 located on the fifth inlet / outlet section 22C side. The part of the second flow path F2 located on the sixth inlet / outlet section 22D side also serves as a part of the fourth flow path F4 located on the sixth inlet / outlet section 22D side.

[0038] Next, the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 will be described. 1, in the first state, the non-azeotropic refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 is condensed by heat exchange with air in the air heat exchanger 13. The condensed non-azeotropic refrigerant is reduced in pressure in the expansion valve 14, and then evaporated by heat exchange with a liquid medium in the water heat exchanger 30. The evaporated non-azeotropic refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 11.

[0039] In the first state, the liquid medium flowing out of the pump 21 flows into the liquid flow direction switching section 22 from the inflow section 22A. The liquid medium flowing into the liquid flow direction switching section 22 flows through the first flow path F1 and flows out of the liquid flow direction switching section 22 from the fifth inflow / outflow section 22C. The liquid medium flowing out of the liquid flow direction switching section 22 flows into the water heat exchanger 30 from the first inflow / outflow section 30A. The liquid medium flowing into the water heat exchanger 30 is cooled by heat exchange with a non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture. The cooled liquid medium flows out of the water heat exchanger 30 from the second inflow / outflow section 30B and flows into the liquid flow direction switching section 22 from the sixth inflow / outflow section 22D. The liquid medium flowing into the liquid flow direction switching section 22 flows through the fourth flow path F4 and flows out of the liquid flow direction switching section 22 from the outflow section 22B. The liquid medium flowing out from the liquid flow direction switching unit 22 flows into the indoor heat exchanger 23 from the inlet 23B, and exchanges heat with the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger 23, thereby cooling the indoor air. The liquid medium heated by the heat exchange flows into the pump 21.

[0040] In the first state, the non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture flows into the water heat exchanger 30 from the fourth inlet / outlet portion 30D and flows out of the water heat exchanger 30 from the third inlet / outlet portion 30C. The liquid medium flows into the water heat exchanger 30 from the first inlet / outlet portion 30A and flows out of the water heat exchanger 30 from the second inlet / outlet portion 30B. In the first state, the non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture flowing from bottom to top inside the water heat exchanger 30 exchanges heat with the liquid medium flowing from top to bottom inside the water heat exchanger 30.

[0041] 2, in the second state, the non-azeotropic refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 is condensed by heat exchange with a liquid medium in the water heat exchanger 30, reduced in pressure in the expansion valve 14, and then evaporated by heat exchange with air in the air heat exchanger 13. The evaporated non-azeotropic refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 11.

[0042] In the second state, the liquid medium flowing out of the pump 21 flows into the liquid flow direction switching section 22 from the inflow section 22A. The liquid medium flowing into the liquid flow direction switching section 22 flows through the second flow path F2 and flows out of the liquid flow direction switching section 22 from the sixth inflow / outflow section 22D. The liquid medium flowing out of the liquid flow direction switching section 22 flows into the water heat exchanger 30 from the second inflow / outflow section 30B. The liquid medium flowing into the water heat exchanger 30 is heated by heat exchange with the non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture. The heated liquid medium flows out of the water heat exchanger 30 from the first inflow / outflow section 30A and flows into the liquid flow direction switching section 22 from the fifth inflow / outflow section 22C. The liquid medium flowing into the liquid flow direction switching section 22 flows through the third flow path F3 and flows out of the liquid flow direction switching section 22 from the outflow section 22B. The liquid medium flowing out from the liquid flow direction switching unit 22 flows into the indoor heat exchanger 23 from the inlet 23B, and heats the indoor air by exchanging heat with the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger 23. The liquid medium cooled by the heat exchange flows into the pump 21.

[0043] In the second state, the non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture flows into the water heat exchanger 30 from the third inlet / outlet portion 30C and flows out of the water heat exchanger 30 from the fourth inlet / outlet portion 30D. The liquid medium flows into the water heat exchanger 30 from the second inlet / outlet portion 30B and flows out of the water heat exchanger 30 from the first inlet / outlet portion 30A. In the second state, the non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture flowing from top to bottom inside the water heat exchanger 30 exchanges heat with the liquid medium flowing from bottom to top inside the water heat exchanger 30.

[0044] Thus, in both the first state and the second state, the direction in which the liquid medium flows through the water heat exchanger 30 is opposite to the direction in which the non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture flows through the water heat exchanger 30. In other words, in the water heat exchanger 30, the flow of the liquid medium is countercurrent to the flow of the non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture in both the first state and the second state.

[0045] Furthermore, the direction in which the liquid medium flows through the indoor heat exchanger 23 is constant between the first state and the second state. That is, the flow directions of the liquid medium and the indoor air exchanging heat in the indoor heat exchanger 23 are constant between the first state and the second state. The direction in which the indoor air flows through the indoor heat exchanger 23 can be set to be the opposite direction to the direction in which the liquid medium flows through the indoor heat exchanger 23 in each of the first state and the second state. In the indoor heat exchanger 23, the flow of the liquid medium can be a counterflow to the flow of the indoor air in both the first state and the second state.

[0046] Therefore, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100, while the non-azeotropic refrigerant flows countercurrently to the liquid medium in the water heat exchanger 30, the liquid medium can flow countercurrently to the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger 23, so that a decrease in heat exchange efficiency in each of the water heat exchanger 30 and the indoor heat exchanger 23 can be simultaneously suppressed.

[0047] In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100, the flow direction of the liquid medium flowing from the outflow portion 22B to the inflow portion 22A of the liquid flow direction switching unit 22 is constant regardless of the first state or the second state, so the pump 21 is disposed in a flow path located downstream of the outflow portion 22B and upstream of the inflow portion 22A of the liquid flow direction switching unit 22 in the liquid medium circulation circuit 20. Therefore, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 differs from the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 in that the liquid medium circulation circuit 20 does not include the liquid flow direction switching unit 22, and compared to an existing refrigeration cycle apparatus in which the liquid medium flows in parallel with the non-azeotropic refrigerant in the water heat exchanger 30 because the liquid flow direction switching unit 22 is not included, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 can be easily realized by replacing the refrigerant flow path between the pump 21 and the water heat exchanger 30 and the refrigerant flow path between the indoor heat exchanger 23 and the water heat exchanger 30 with the liquid flow direction switching unit 22.

[0048] Each of the first on-off valve 41, the second on-off valve 42, the third on-off valve 43, and the fourth on-off valve 44 is a one-way solenoid valve that is provided to open and close only the flow in one direction. Each of the first on-off valve 41, the second on-off valve 42, the third on-off valve 43, and the fourth on-off valve 44 is less expensive than a two-way solenoid valve that is provided to open and close the flow in both directions.

[0049] At least one of the first on-off valve 41, the second on-off valve 42, the third on-off valve 43, and the fourth on-off valve 44 may be a solenoid valve for one-way flow.

[0050] Each of the first on-off valve 41, the second on-off valve 42, the third on-off valve 43, and the fourth on-off valve 44 is provided to open or close the flow of water along the vertical direction. In this way, the area of ​​each on-off valve projected onto a cross section perpendicular to the vertical direction is smaller than when each of the first on-off valve 41, the second on-off valve 42, the third on-off valve 43, and the fourth on-off valve 44 is provided to open or close the flow of water along the horizontal direction, and the installation space can be narrowed.

[0051] At least one of the first on-off valve 41, the second on-off valve 42, the third on-off valve 43, and the fourth on-off valve 44 may be provided so as to open or close the flow of water in the vertical direction.

[0052] Embodiment 2 3 to 6, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment has a basically similar configuration to the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, but differs from the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 in that the liquid flow direction switching unit 22 includes a laminated structure 60 instead of the third pipe 51, the fourth pipe 53, the fifth pipe 52, and the sixth pipe 54. The following mainly describes the differences between the refrigeration cycle apparatus 101 and the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100.

[0053] 5 and 6, the laminated structure 60 includes a plurality of plates stacked on one another. The plurality of plates includes a first plate P1, a second plate P2, a third plate P3, and a fourth plate P4.

[0054] The first plate P1 and the second plate P2 are disposed at both ends of the multiple plates in the direction in which the multiple plates are stacked (hereinafter simply referred to as the stacking direction). The third plate P3 and the fourth plate P4 are disposed between the first plate P1 and the second plate P2 in the stacking direction. The first plate P1, the third plate P3, the fourth plate P4, and the second plate P2 are stacked in this order.

[0055] The first plate P1 is formed with a first through hole 61, a second through hole 62, a third through hole 63, and a fourth through hole 64. The first through hole 61 is connected to the first on-off valve 41. The second through hole 62 is connected to the second on-off valve 42. The third through hole 63 is connected to the third on-off valve 43. The fourth through hole 64 is connected to the fourth on-off valve 44.

[0056] The second plate P2 is formed with a fifth through hole 65 and a sixth through hole 66. The fifth through hole 65 is connected to the first inflow / outflow portion 30A of the water heat exchanger 30. The sixth through hole 66 of the water heat exchanger 30 is connected to the second inflow / outflow portion 30B.

[0057] The third plate P3 is formed with a seventh through hole 67, an eighth through hole 68, a ninth through hole 69, and a tenth through hole 70. The seventh through hole 67 is arranged between the first through hole 61 and the fifth through hole 65 in the stacking direction so as to overlap them. The eighth through hole 68 is arranged between the second through hole 62 and the second plate P2 in the stacking direction so as to overlap them. The ninth through hole 69 is arranged between the third through hole 63 and the second plate P2 in the stacking direction so as to overlap them. The tenth through hole 70 is arranged between the fourth through hole 64 and the sixth through hole 66 in the stacking direction so as to overlap them.

[0058] The fourth plate P4 is formed with an eleventh through hole 71, a twelfth through hole 72, a thirteenth through hole 73, and a fourteenth through hole 74. The eleventh through hole 71 is disposed between the seventh through hole 67 and the fifth through hole 65 in the stacking direction so as to overlap with them. The twelfth through hole 72 is disposed between the eighth through hole 68 and the second plate P2 in the stacking direction so as to overlap with them. The thirteenth through hole 73 is disposed between the ninth through hole 69 and the second plate P2 in the stacking direction so as to overlap with them. The fourteenth through hole 74 is disposed between the tenth through hole 70 and the sixth through hole 66 in the stacking direction so as to overlap with them.

[0059] The twelfth through-hole 72 and the thirteenth through-hole 73 of the fourth plate P4 are each closed by, for example, the second plate P2.

[0060] The third plate and the fourth plate P4 each have a higher thermal insulation property than the first plate and the second plate P2. The third plate and the fourth plate P4 each have a lower thermal conductivity than the first plate and the second plate P2.

[0061] The laminated structure 60 includes a first seal member 75 connecting the first through hole 61 and the seventh through hole 67, a second seal member 76 connecting the third through hole 63 and the ninth through hole 69, a seal member 77 connecting the sixth through hole 66 and the fourteenth through hole 74, a seal member 78 connecting the fourteenth through hole 74 and the tenth through hole 70, and a seal member 79 connecting the eighth through hole 68 and the twelfth through hole 72. The seal member 77, the fourteenth through hole 74, and the seal member 78 are connected in this order in the stacking direction. The seal member 77, the fourteenth through hole 74, and the seal member 78 constitute a third seal member connecting the sixth through hole 66 and the tenth through hole 70.

[0062] The first seal member 75 and the second seal member 76 are configured as separate members from, for example, the first plate P1 and the third plate P3. The seal member 77 is configured as separate members from, for example, the second plate P2 and the fourth plate P4. The seal member 78 and the seal member 79 are configured as separate members from, for example, the third plate P3 and the fourth plate P4.

[0063] Each of the first seal member 75, the second seal member 76, the seal member 77, the seal member 78, and the seal member 79 includes a heat insulating material made of a material having heat insulating properties. The material having heat insulating properties means a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the material making up each of the first plate P1 and the second plate P2. The material making up each of the first plate P1 and the second plate P2 includes, for example, aluminum (Al). The material making up each of the first seal member 75, the second seal member 76, the seal member 77, the seal member 78, and the seal member 79 includes, for example, any one of polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene, or a mixed material of at least two of polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene.

[0064] A first space is formed between the first plate P1 and the third plate P3, outside the first seal member 75 and the second seal member 76. The first space is connected to each of the second through hole 62, the fourth through hole 64, the eighth through hole 68, and the tenth through hole 70.

[0065] A third space is formed between the third plate P3 and the fourth plate P4, outside the seal member 78 and the seal member 79. The third space is connected to each of the seventh through hole 67, the ninth through hole 69, and the eleventh through hole 71.

[0066] Between the second plate P2 and the fourth plate P4, a fourth space is formed outside the seal member 77. The fourth space is connected to each of the fifth through hole 65, the eleventh through hole 71, and the twelfth through hole 72.

[0067] 5, in the first state, the first flow path F1 is formed as a flow path that is configured by connecting, in the order described, the first through hole 61, the first seal member 75, the seventh through hole 67, the third space, the eleventh through hole 71, the fourth space, and the fifth through hole 65. A part of the first flow path F1 is formed inside the first seal member 75.

[0068] 5, in the first state, the fourth flow path F4 is formed as a flow path formed by connecting, in the order described, the sixth through hole 66, the seal member 77, the fourteenth through hole 74, the seal member 78, the tenth through hole 70, the first space, and the fourth through hole 64. A portion of the fourth flow path F4 is formed inside each of the seal member 77, the fourteenth through hole 74, and the seal member 78.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 5, in the first state, the liquid medium that has passed through the first through hole 61 does not flow through the first space due to the first seal member 75, but flows only through the seventh through hole 67. The liquid medium that has flowed into the third space from the seventh through hole 67 flows only through the eleventh through hole 71. The liquid medium that has flowed into the third space from the seventh through hole 67 does not flow into the ninth through hole 69 because the third opening / closing valve 43 is closed, and does not flow into the eighth through hole 68 and the tenth through hole 70 because of the seal members 78 and 79. The liquid medium that has flowed into the fourth space from the eleventh through hole 71 flows only through the fifth through hole 65. The liquid medium that has flowed into the fourth space from the eleventh through hole 71 does not flow into the twelfth through hole 72 and the thirteenth through hole 73 because the second opening / closing valve 42 and the third opening / closing valve 43 are closed.

[0070] 5, in the first state, the liquid medium that has passed through the sixth through hole 66 does not flow through the fourth space, but flows only through the fourteenth through hole 74, due to the sealing member 77. The liquid medium that has passed through the fourteenth through hole 74 does not flow through the third space, but flows only through the tenth through hole 70, due to the sealing member 78. The liquid medium that has flowed from the tenth through hole 70 into the first space flows only through the fourth through hole 64. The liquid medium that has flowed from the tenth through hole 70 into the first space does not flow into the second through hole 62 and the third through hole 63, because the second on-off valve 42 and the third on-off valve 43 are closed.

[0071] 6, in the second state, the second flow path F2 is formed as a flow path formed by connecting, in the order listed, the second through hole 62, the first space, the tenth through hole 70, the seal member 78, the fourteenth through hole 74, the seal member 77, and the sixth through hole 66. A portion of the second flow path F2 is formed inside each of the seal member 77, the fourteenth through hole 74, and the seal member 78.

[0072] 6, in the second state, the third flow path F3 is formed as a flow path in which the fifth through hole 65, the eleventh through hole 71, the third space, the ninth through hole 69, the second seal member 76, and the third through hole 63 are connected in this order. A part of the third flow path F3 is formed inside the second seal member 76.

[0073] 6, in the second state, the liquid medium that has passed through the second through hole 62 flows through the first space to the tenth through hole 70. The liquid medium that has passed through the second through hole 62 does not flow to either the seventh through hole 67 or the ninth through hole 69 due to the first seal member 75 and the second seal member 76. The liquid medium that has passed through the tenth through hole 70 does not flow to the third space but flows only to the fourteenth through hole 74 due to the seal member 78. The liquid medium that has passed through the fourteenth through hole 74 does not flow through the fourth space but flows only to the sixth through hole 66 due to the seal member 77.

[0074] 6, in the second state, a portion of the liquid medium that has passed through the fifth through hole 65 flows through the eleventh through hole 71 and the third space to the ninth through hole 69. The remainder of the liquid medium that has passed through the fifth through hole 65 flows through the fourth space and the thirteenth through hole 73 to the ninth through hole 69. The liquid medium that has passed through the fifth through hole 65 does not flow to the seventh through hole 67 because the first on-off valve 41 is closed. The liquid medium that has passed through the ninth through hole 69 flows only to the third through hole 63 due to the second seal member 76.

[0075] The refrigeration cycle apparatus 101 has a configuration basically similar to that of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100, and therefore can achieve the same effects as the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100. In other words, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 101, as in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100, the first on-off valve 41, the second on-off valve 42, the third on-off valve 43, and the fourth on-off valve 44 are each opened and closed in response to switching between the first state and the second state by the four-way valve 12, so that a decrease in the heat exchange efficiency in the indoor heat exchanger 23 can be suppressed even while the non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture flows countercurrently to the liquid medium in the water heat exchanger 30. The laminated structure 60 may be prepared as a plate-type heat exchanger.

[0076] Furthermore, the installation space of the laminated structure 60 can be reduced compared to the total installation space of the third pipe 51, the fourth pipe 53, the fifth pipe 52, and the sixth pipe 54 shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. This is because the third pipe 51 and the fourth pipe 53 are connected in parallel to each other, and the fifth pipe 52 and the sixth pipe 54 are connected in parallel to each other, and therefore the installation space becomes relatively large, particularly in a plane perpendicular to the extension direction of each pipe.

[0077] In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 101, since the liquid flow direction switching unit 22 includes the laminated structure 60, the installation space can be reduced compared to the liquid flow direction switching unit 22 including the plurality of pipes 51-54.

[0078] In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 101, each of the first seal member 75, the second seal member 76, the seal member 77, the seal member 78, and the seal member 79 includes a heat insulating material made of a material having heat insulating properties.

[0079] In this way, the liquid medium flowing inside each seal member can be prevented from exchanging heat with the heat medium flowing outside each seal member. In the second state, the second seal member 76 prevents a part of the second flow path F2 formed in the first space from exchanging heat with a part of the third flow path F3 formed inside the second seal member 76. In the second state, the seal member 78 prevents another part of the second flow path F2 formed inside the seal member 78 from exchanging heat with another part of the third flow path F3 formed in the fourth space. As a result, in the second state, the liquid medium after being heated in the water heat exchanger 30 can reach the indoor heat exchanger 23 without being cooled by heat exchange with the liquid medium before being heated in the water heat exchanger 30.

[0080] As described above, in the second state, a part of the second flow path F2 and a part of the third flow path F3 are disposed with the third plate P3 sandwiched therebetween. Therefore, when the thermal insulation property of the third plate P3 is equal to or lower than that of the first plate P1, the liquid medium after being heated in the water heat exchanger 30 is cooled by heat exchange with the liquid medium before being heated in the water heat exchanger 30.

[0081] In contrast, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 101, the thermal insulation property of the third plate P3 is higher than that of the first plate P1. Therefore, in the second state, the liquid medium after being heated in the water heat exchanger 30 can reach the indoor heat exchanger 23 without being cooled by heat exchange with the liquid medium before being heated in the water heat exchanger 30.

[0082] Although the laminate structure 60 shown in Figures 5 and 6 includes four plates, the number of plates may be three, or may be five or more.

[0083] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the laminated structure 60 does not need to include the fourth plate P4. The following mainly describes the differences between the laminated structure 60 shown in Figures 7 and 8 and the laminated structure 60 shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0084] The eighth through-hole 68 and the ninth through-hole 69 of the third plate P3 are each closed by, for example, the second plate P2.

[0085] The seal member 77 connects between the sixth through hole 66 and the tenth through hole 70. The seal member 77 constitutes a third seal member that connects between the sixth through hole 66 and the tenth through hole 70.

[0086] Between the second plate P2 and the third plate P3, a second space is formed outside the seal member 77. The second space is connected to each of the fifth through hole 65 and the seventh through hole 67.

[0087] 7, in the first state, the first flow path F1 is formed as a flow path in which the first through hole 61, the first seal member 75, the seventh through hole 67, the second space, and the fifth through hole 65 are connected in this order. A part of the first flow path F1 is formed inside the first seal member 75.

[0088] 7, in the first state, the fourth flow path F4 is formed as a flow path in which the sixth through hole 66, the seal member 77, the tenth through hole 70, the first space, and the fourth through hole 64 are connected in this order. A part of the fourth flow path F4 is formed inside the seal member 77.

[0089] 8, in the second state, the second flow path F2 is formed as a flow path in which the second through hole 62, the first space, the tenth through hole 70, the seal member 77, and the sixth through hole 66 are connected in this order. A part of the second flow path F2 is formed inside the seal member 77.

[0090] 8, in the second state, the third flow path F3 is formed as a flow path in which the fifth through hole 65, the second space, the ninth through hole 69, the second seal member 76, and the third through hole 63 are connected in this order. A part of the third flow path F3 is formed inside the second seal member 76.

[0091] In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment, the third plate P3 may not have the eighth through hole 68. The fourth plate P4 may not have the twelfth through hole 72. In this case, the stacked structure 60 may not include the seal member 79.

[0092] In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment, the laminated structure 60 may be provided integrally with the water heat exchanger 30. The water heat exchanger 30 may be configured as a part of one plate heat exchanger, and the laminated structure 60 may be configured as the remaining part of the one plate heat exchanger. In this way, piping connecting the water heat exchanger 30 and the laminated structure 60 is not required, and the installation space of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 101 can be further reduced.

[0093] Although the embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the above-mentioned embodiment can be modified in various ways. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 10 refrigerant circulation circuit, 11 compressor, 12 four-way valve, 13 air heat exchanger, 14 expansion valve, 20 liquid medium circulation circuit, 21 pump, 22 liquid flow direction switching section, 22A inlet section, 22B outlet section, 22C fifth inlet / outlet section, 22D sixth inlet / outlet section, 23 indoor heat exchanger, 23A outlet, 23B inlet, 30 water heat exchanger, 30A first inlet / outlet section, 30B second inlet / outlet section, 30C third inlet / outlet section, 30D fourth inlet / outlet section, 31 first pipe, 32 second pipe, 41 first opening / closing valve, 42 second opening / closing valve, 43 third opening / closing valve, 44 fourth opening / closing valve, 51 third pipe, 52 fifth pipe, 53 fourth pipe, 54 sixth pipe, 60 laminated structure, 61 first through hole, 62 second through hole, 63 Third through hole, 64, fourth through hole, 65, fifth through hole, 66, sixth through hole, 67, seventh through hole, 68, eighth through hole, 69, ninth through hole, 70, tenth through hole, 71, eleventh through hole, 72, twelfth through hole, 73, thirteenth through hole, 74, fourteenth through hole, 75, first seal member, 76, second seal member, 77, 78, 79, seal members, 100, 101, refrigeration cycle device.

Claims

1. a refrigerant circulation circuit including a compressor, a four-way valve, an air heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and a water heat exchanger, in which a non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture circulates; a liquid medium circulation circuit including a pump, a liquid flow direction switching unit, the water heat exchanger, and an indoor heat exchanger, through which the liquid medium circulates; the water heat exchanger is provided so as to exchange heat between the non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture and the liquid medium, The four-way valve switches between a first state in which the non-azeotropic refrigerant flows through the compressor, the air heat exchanger, and the water heat exchanger in sequence, and a second state in which the non-azeotropic refrigerant flows through the compressor, the water heat exchanger, and the air heat exchanger in sequence, the liquid flow direction switching unit switches the direction in which the liquid medium flows through the liquid medium circulation circuit, In the first state, the non-azeotropic refrigerant flows from bottom to top in the water heat exchanger, and the liquid medium flows from top to bottom in the water heat exchanger, In the second state, the non-azeotropic refrigerant flows from top to bottom in the water heat exchanger, and the liquid medium flows from bottom to top in the water heat exchanger, A direction in which the liquid medium flows through the indoor heat exchanger is constant between the first state and the second state, The indoor heat exchanger includes an inlet through which the liquid medium flows in and an outlet through which the liquid medium flows out, the liquid flow direction switching portion includes an inflow portion into which the liquid medium flowing out from the outflow port flows, and an outflow portion through which the liquid medium flows out toward the inflow port, The pump is provided to send the liquid medium flowing out from the outlet of the indoor heat exchanger to the inlet of the liquid flow direction switching unit, or to send the liquid medium flowing out from the outlet of the liquid flow direction switching unit to the inlet of the indoor heat exchanger, The water heat exchanger includes a first inflow / outflow section and a second inflow / outflow section through which the liquid medium flows in and out, The first inlet / outlet portion is disposed above the second inlet / outlet portion, The liquid flow direction switching unit is A first flow path connected between the inlet portion and the first inlet / outlet portion; A second flow path connected between the inlet portion and the second inlet / outlet portion; A third flow path connected between the outlet portion and the first inlet / outlet portion; A fourth flow path connected between the outlet portion and the second inlet / outlet portion; a first on-off valve that opens and closes the first flow path; a second on-off valve that opens and closes the second flow path; a third on-off valve that opens and closes the third flow path; a fourth on-off valve that opens and closes the fourth flow path, In the first state, the first on-off valve and the fourth on-off valve are opened, and the second on-off valve and the third on-off valve are closed, In the second state, the second on-off valve and the third on-off valve are opened, and the first on-off valve and the fourth on-off valve are closed, The liquid flow direction switching unit includes a laminated structure including a plurality of plates stacked on each other, The plurality of plates include: a first plate in which a first through hole connected to the first on-off valve, a second through hole connected to the second on-off valve, a third through hole connected to the third on-off valve, and a fourth through hole connected to the fourth on-off valve are formed; a second plate having a fifth through hole connected to the first inlet / outlet portion and a sixth through hole connected to the second inlet / outlet portion; a third plate disposed between the first plate and the second plate; A refrigeration cycle device, wherein the multiple plates are arranged such that in the first state, the first flow path is formed between the first through hole and the fifth through hole, and the fourth flow path is formed between the fourth through hole and the sixth through hole, and in the second state, the second flow path is formed between the second through hole and the sixth through hole, and the third flow path is formed between the third through hole and the fifth through hole.

2. the fifth through hole is arranged to overlap with the first through hole in a stacking direction of the plurality of plates, the sixth through hole is arranged to overlap with the fourth through hole in the stacking direction, the third plate is formed with a seventh through hole overlapping with the first through hole and the fifth through hole in the stacking direction, a ninth through hole overlapping with the third through hole in the stacking direction, and a tenth through hole overlapping with the fourth through hole and the sixth through hole in the stacking direction; the laminated structure includes a first seal member connecting the first through hole and the seventh through hole, a second seal member connecting the third through hole and the ninth through hole, and a third seal member connecting the sixth through hole and the tenth through hole, a first space communicating with each of the second through hole, the fourth through hole, and the tenth through hole is formed between the first plate and the third plate and outside the first seal member and the second seal member; a second space communicating with each of the fifth through hole, the seventh through hole, and the ninth through hole is formed between the second plate and the third plate and outside the third seal member; In the first state, a portion of the first flow path is formed inside the first seal member, and a portion of the fourth flow path is formed inside the third seal member, The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein in the second state, a portion of the second flow path is formed in the first space, and a portion of the third flow path is formed inside the second space and the second seal member.

3. The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein each of the first seal member, the second seal member, and the third seal member includes a heat insulating material made of a material having heat insulating properties.

4. The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the third plate has a higher thermal insulation property than the first plate.

5. At least one of the first on-off valve, the second on-off valve, the third on-off valve, and the fourth on-off valve is a one-way flow solenoid valve provided to open and close only a flow in one direction. The refrigeration cycle device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. 6. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first on-off valve, the second on-off valve, the third on-off valve, and the fourth on-off valve is provided to open or close a flow of the liquid medium along a vertical direction.

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