Refrigeration cycle device

Abstract

A refrigeration cycle device (1, 101, 201, 301, 401, 501) comprises a refrigerant circuit (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511) and an adsorbent. The refrigerant circuit has a compressor (31, 131, 231, 331, 431, 531) that compresses a refrigerant, and constitutes a vapor-compression type refrigeration cycle in which the refrigerant circulates. The adsorbent adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant that circulates through the refrigerant circuit. The adsorbent adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant on the basis of a change in the pressure of the refrigerant that circulates through the refrigerant circuit.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a hybrid refrigeration system configured by combining a vapor compression refrigeration cycle and an adsorption refrigeration cycle has been used. Patent Document 1 (International Publication No. 2009 / 145278) discloses a hybrid refrigeration system that alternately cools and heats a pair of adsorbers of an adsorption refrigeration cycle to alternately repeat adsorption and desorption of a refrigerant in order to reduce the mechanical work amount of a compressor of a vapor compression refrigeration cycle.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] A hybrid refrigeration system that controls adsorption and desorption of a refrigerant in an adsorption refrigeration cycle by using a pressure change of a refrigerant circulating in a vapor compression refrigeration cycle has not been conventionally used.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The refrigeration cycle device of the first aspect includes a first unit and an adsorbent. The first unit constitutes a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant circulates. The adsorbent adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant circulating in the first unit. The adsorbent adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant by a change in the pressure of the refrigerant circulating in the first unit.

[0005] The refrigeration cycle device of the first aspect has a lower operating pressure compared to a refrigeration cycle device without an adsorbent, and can utilize the heat of adsorption and desorption of the refrigerant. Therefore, the refrigeration cycle device of the first aspect can suppress costs and improve the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle.

[0006] The refrigeration cycle device from the second perspective includes a first unit and an adsorbent. The first unit has a compressor that compresses a refrigerant and constitutes a vapor compression refrigeration cycle in which the refrigerant circulates. The adsorbent adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant circulating within the first unit. The adsorbent adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant due to changes in the pressure of the refrigerant circulating within the first unit.

[0007] Compared with a refrigeration cycle device that has a vapor compression refrigeration cycle and no adsorbent, the refrigeration cycle device from the second perspective has a lower operating pressure and can utilize the heat of adsorption and desorption of the refrigerant. Therefore, the refrigeration cycle device from the second perspective can suppress costs and improve the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle.

[0008] The refrigeration cycle device from the third perspective is the refrigeration cycle device from the second perspective, and the first unit further has an expansion mechanism that decompresses the refrigerant, a high-pressure region, and a low-pressure region. In the high-pressure region, the refrigerant flows after being compressed by the compressor and before being decompressed by the expansion mechanism. In the low-pressure region, the refrigerant flows after being decompressed by the expansion mechanism and before being compressed by the compressor. The adsorbent adsorbs the refrigerant in the high-pressure region and desorbs the refrigerant in the low-pressure region.

[0009] The refrigeration cycle device from the fourth perspective is the refrigeration cycle device from the third perspective, and further includes a first adsorber having an adsorbent, a second adsorber having an adsorbent, and a switching unit. The switching unit alternately switches between a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the switching unit introduces the refrigerant in the high-pressure region into the first adsorber to adsorb the refrigerant on the adsorbent of the first adsorber, and introduces the refrigerant in the low-pressure region into the second adsorber to desorb the refrigerant on the adsorbent of the second adsorber. In the second mode, the switching unit introduces the refrigerant in the low-pressure region into the first adsorber to desorb the refrigerant on the adsorbent of the first adsorber, and introduces the refrigerant in the high-pressure region into the second adsorber to adsorb the refrigerant on the adsorbent of the second adsorber.

[0010] The refrigeration cycle device from the fifth perspective is the refrigeration cycle device from the third perspective, and the adsorbent circulates within the first unit together with the refrigerant.

[0011] The refrigeration cycle device according to the sixth aspect is the refrigeration cycle device according to the fifth aspect, and further includes a separator that separates the refrigerant circulating in the first unit from the adsorbent. After being separated from the refrigerant by the separator, the adsorbent merges with the refrigerant compressed by the compressor or the refrigerant decompressed by the expansion mechanism.

[0012] The refrigeration cycle device according to the seventh aspect is the refrigeration cycle device according to the sixth aspect, and further includes a booster. The separator separates the refrigerant in the low-pressure region from the adsorbent. The booster boosts the adsorbent separated from the refrigerant by the separator.

[0013] The refrigeration cycle device according to the eighth aspect is the refrigeration cycle device according to the sixth or seventh aspect, and further includes a decompressor. The separator separates the refrigerant in the high-pressure region from the adsorbent. The decompressor decompresses the adsorbent separated from the refrigerant by the separator.

[0014] The refrigeration cycle device according to the ninth aspect is the refrigeration cycle device according to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects, and the separator separates the refrigerant from the adsorbent by centrifugal separation.

[0015] The refrigeration cycle device according to the tenth aspect is the refrigeration cycle device according to the third aspect, and further includes a second unit and a mixer. The second unit has a booster that boosts the adsorbent and a decompressor that decompresses the adsorbent. The second unit constitutes an adsorption refrigeration cycle in which the adsorbent circulates. The mixer mixes the refrigerant flowing in the first unit and the adsorbent flowing in the second unit. The adsorbent adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant in the mixer.

[0016] The refrigeration cycle device according to the eleventh aspect is the refrigeration cycle device according to the tenth aspect, and the mixer has a permeable member. The permeable member is a member through which the refrigerant can pass and the adsorbent cannot pass. The adsorbent adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant that has passed through the permeable member in the mixer.

[0017] The refrigeration cycle device according to the 12th aspect is any one of the refrigeration cycle devices according to the 1st to 11th aspects, and the adsorbent contains a metal-organic framework containing metal ions and organic ligands.

[0018] The refrigeration cycle device according to the 13th aspect is any one of the refrigeration cycle devices according to the 1st to 12th aspects, and the refrigerant is selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide, ammonia, and propane.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

Figure 1

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Figure 4

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Figure 8

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Figure 10

Figure 11

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] (1) Overall Configuration The refrigeration cycle device 1 includes a hybrid cycle in which a vapor compression cycle and an adsorption cycle are combined. The vapor compression cycle is a vapor compression type refrigeration cycle, and is a heat pump cycle that utilizes the transfer of latent heat generated when the refrigerant evaporates and condenses. The adsorption cycle is an adsorption type refrigeration cycle, and is a heat pump cycle that utilizes the transfer of latent heat generated when the refrigerant is adsorbed by the adsorbent and when the refrigerant desorbs from the adsorbent. The refrigeration cycle device 1 is, for example, an air conditioner and a refrigeration device.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigeration cycle device 1 includes a refrigerant circuit 11 and an adsorption circuit 12. The refrigerant circuit 11 constitutes a vapor compression cycle in which the refrigerant circulates. The adsorption circuit 12 constitutes an adsorption cycle in which the adsorbent circulates.

[0022] The refrigeration cycle device 1 may have only one circuit having at least one of the functions of the refrigerant circuit 11 and the adsorption circuit 12. In this case, the refrigeration cycle device 1 may have a circuit in which a mixture of the refrigerant and the adsorbent circulates. Further, the refrigeration cycle device 1 may have a circuit in which only the refrigerant circulates, and the circuit includes a mechanism for the circulating refrigerant to contact the adsorbent. In this case, the adsorbent does not circulate.

[0023] The refrigeration cycle device 1 may have two circuits including a circuit having the function of the refrigerant circuit 11 and a circuit having the function of the adsorption circuit 12. In this case, the refrigeration cycle device 1 includes a mechanism for the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 11 to contact the adsorbent circulating in the adsorption circuit 12. In FIG. 1, for the sake of explanation, the refrigerant circuit 11 and the adsorption circuit 12 are depicted as independent circuits.

[0024] The refrigeration cycle device 1 has an adsorption section 21 and a desorption section 22. Both the adsorption section 21 and the desorption section 22 include a part of the refrigerant circuit 11 and a part of the adsorption circuit 12. The refrigerant can freely flow between the refrigerant circuit 11 and the adsorption circuit 12 in the adsorption section 21 and the desorption section 22. The adsorbent cannot flow between the refrigerant circuit 11 and the adsorption circuit 12. In the adsorption section 21, the refrigerant flowing from the refrigerant circuit 11 into the adsorption circuit 12 is adsorbed by the adsorbent flowing through the adsorption circuit 12. In the desorption section 22, the refrigerant desorbed from the adsorbent flowing through the adsorption circuit 12 flows from the adsorption circuit 12 into the refrigerant circuit 11.

[0025] The refrigerant circuit 11 has a compressor 31 and an expansion mechanism 32. The compressor 31 compresses the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 11. The expansion mechanism 32 decompresses the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 11. The compressor 31 is, for example, a rotary compressor. The expansion mechanism 32 is, for example, an electronic expansion valve. In the refrigerant circuit 11, the refrigerant is compressed by the compressor 31, passes through the adsorption section 21, decompressed by the expansion mechanism 32, passes through the desorption section 22, and is compressed again by the compressor 31.

[0026] The refrigerant circuit 11 has a high-pressure region and a low-pressure region. In the high-pressure region, the refrigerant flows after being compressed by the compressor 31 and before being decompressed by the expansion mechanism 32. In the low-pressure region, the refrigerant flows after being decompressed by the expansion mechanism 32 and before being compressed by the compressor 31. The high-pressure region corresponds to a part of the refrigerant circuit 11 included in the adsorption section 21. The low-pressure region corresponds to a part of the refrigerant circuit 11 included in the desorption section 22.

[0027] The refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 11 is carbon dioxide. The refrigerant may be ammonia or propane.

[0028] The adsorption circuit 12 has a booster 41 and a decompressor 42. The booster 41 boosts the adsorbent circulating in the adsorption circuit 12. The decompressor 42 decompresses the adsorbent circulating in the adsorption circuit 12. The booster 41 is, for example, a powder pump. The decompressor 42 is, for example, a powder valve. In the adsorption circuit 12, the adsorbent is boosted by the booster 41, passes through the adsorption section 21, is decompressed by the decompressor 42, passes through the desorption section 22, and is boosted again by the booster 41. Depending on the configuration of the refrigeration cycle device 1, the adsorption circuit 12 may not have the booster 41 and the decompressor 42.

[0029] The adsorption circuit 12 may further have a heat exchanger 43. The heat exchanger 43 performs heat exchange between the upstream side of the booster 41 and the upstream side of the decompressor 42. The heat exchanger 43 gives a part of the heat of the adsorbent flowing between the adsorption section 21 and the decompressor 42 to the adsorbent flowing between the desorption section 22 and the booster 41.

[0030] The adsorbent circulating in the adsorption circuit 12 contains a metal-organic framework containing metal ions and organic ligands. A metal-organic framework (MOF: Metal-Organic Framework) is a porous material having a very large specific surface area obtained by the reaction of metal ions and organic ligands. In the metal-organic framework, when the organic ligand is linked to the metal ion, a polymer structure having innumerable openings inside is obtained. The metal-organic framework can adjust the aperture diameter and topology by selectively selecting and combining metal ions and organic ligands. The metal-organic framework can adjust the aperture diameter by the selection and combination of metal ions and organic ligands, and can selectively adsorb the target substance. The metal-organic framework is used, for example, as a porous material having a function of selectively storing and separating molecules and ions. In the present embodiment, the metal-organic framework is used as an adsorbent for adsorbing and desorbing the refrigerant. The metal-organic frameworks are, for example, MOF-5 and MOF-200. The adsorbent is, for example, a powder of the metal-organic framework.

[0031] (2) Operation The adsorbent adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 11. The adsorbent adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant according to the change in the pressure of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 11. Specifically, the adsorbent adsorbs the refrigerant under high pressure and desorbs the refrigerant under low pressure.

[0032] Assume that the high-pressure region of the refrigerant circuit 11 is filled with a refrigerant at a pressure pH and a temperature TH. Assume that the low-pressure region of the refrigerant circuit 11 is filled with a refrigerant at a pressure pL and a temperature TL. The pressure pH is higher than the pressure pL. The temperature TH is higher than the temperature TL. The adsorbent adsorbs the refrigerant in the high-pressure region of the refrigerant circuit 11. The adsorbent desorbs the refrigerant in the low-pressure region of the refrigerant circuit 11. In the adsorption section 21, the refrigerant flowing through the high-pressure region of the refrigerant circuit 11 flows into the adsorption circuit 12 and is adsorbed by the adsorbent. In the desorption section 22, the refrigerant desorbed from the adsorbent flowing through the adsorption circuit 12 flows into the low-pressure region of the refrigerant circuit 11.

[0033] The operation of the heat pump cycle of the refrigeration cycle device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1-4. FIGS. 1-4 show the cycle a→b→c→d→a of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 11 and the cycle a´→b´→c´→d´→a´ of the adsorbent in the adsorption circuit 12. The graph in FIG. 2 shows the adsorption amount, which is the mass of the refrigerant adsorbed per unit mass of the adsorbent in the heat pump cycle, and the change in the pressure of the refrigerant adsorbed by the adsorbent. The graph in FIG. 3 shows the adsorption amount of the adsorbent and the change in the enthalpy of the refrigerant adsorbed by the adsorbent in the heat pump cycle. The graph in FIG. 4 shows the change in the pressure and the enthalpy of the refrigerant in the heat pump cycle. In the refrigeration cycle device 1, it is assumed that heat can flow freely between the refrigerant circuit 11 and the adsorption circuit 12.

[0034] In the refrigerant circuit 11, the refrigerant is compressed by the compressor 31 (a→b). In the adsorption circuit 12, the adsorbent is pressurized by the pressure booster 41 (a´→b´). As a result, the pressures of the refrigerant and the adsorbent increase from pL to pH. During this process, a part Q1 of the heat generated by the adiabatic compression of the refrigerant is given to the adsorbent. In other words, the refrigerant is cooled by giving heat to the adsorbent while being compressed. As a result, the temperatures of the refrigerant and the adsorbent increase from TL to TH.

[0035] Next, in the adsorption section 21, the refrigerant gradually adsorbs to the adsorbent while releasing heat Q2 (b´→c´). During this process, the adsorption amount of the adsorbent increases from mL to mH. As a result, in the adsorption section 21, most of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 11 adsorbs to the adsorbent in the adsorption circuit 12. In FIG. 1, as shown by the hatched arrows in the adsorption section 21, in the adsorption section 21, the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 11 moves to the adsorption circuit 12 and adsorbs to the adsorbent.

[0036] Next, in the adsorption circuit 12, the adsorbent is depressurized by the decompressor 42 (c´→d´). As a result, the pressure of the adsorbent decreases from pH to pL. During this process, due to the isenthalpic expansion of the refrigerant desorbed from the adsorbent, the temperature of the adsorbent decreases from TH to TL. Also, due to the temperature difference between the refrigerant and the adsorbent, the depressurized adsorbent in the adsorption circuit 12 is cooled and gives heat Q3 to the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 11. Further, heat Q5 is given from the adsorbent before being depressurized to the adsorbent before being pressurized by the heat exchanger 43.

[0037] Next, in the desorption section 22, the refrigerant gradually desorbs from the adsorbent while absorbing heat Q4 (d´→a´). During this process, the adsorption amount of the adsorbent decreases from mH to mL. As a result, most of the refrigerant adsorbed to the adsorbent in the adsorption circuit 12 desorbs and flows into the refrigerant circuit 11. In FIG. 1, as shown by the hatched arrows in the desorption section 22, in the desorption section 22, the refrigerant desorbed from the adsorbent in the adsorption circuit 12 moves to the refrigerant circuit 11.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 2, in the adsorption process (b´→c´) where the refrigerant is adsorbed by the adsorbent, the pressure is pH, and the adsorption amount of the adsorbent increases from mL to mH. In the desorption process (d´→a´) where the refrigerant is desorbed from the adsorbent, the pressure is pL, and the adsorption amount of the adsorbent decreases from mH to mL. As shown in Fig. 3, in the adsorption process, the enthalpy decreases by Δh1. In the desorption process, the enthalpy increases by Δh2. In the adsorption process, the heat Q2 released from the adsorption part 21 is proportional to Δh1. In the desorption process, the heat Q4 absorbed by the desorption part 22 is proportional to Δh2.

[0039] Let the change in enthalpy due to heat exchange by the heat exchanger 43 be Δh3. In the pressurization process (a´→b´) of the adsorbent, let the change in enthalpy due to heating the adsorbent be Δh4. In the depressurization process (c´→d´) of the adsorbent, let the change in enthalpy due to cooling the adsorbent be Δh5. As shown in Fig. 4, the total change in enthalpy in the compression process (a→b) of the refrigerant is represented by Δh4 - Δh3. The total change in enthalpy in the depressurization process (c´→d´) of the adsorbent is represented by Δh5 - Δh3. In Fig. 4, the state change of the refrigerant during adiabatic compression is shown by a dashed arrow, and the state change of the refrigerant during isenthalpic expansion is shown by a dotted-dashed arrow.

[0040] Fig. 5 shows the isotherms during adsorption and desorption of the refrigerant, which are suitable for the heat pump cycle of the refrigeration cycle device 1. In Fig. 5, the isotherm at temperature TH is shown by a solid line, and the isotherm at temperature TL is shown by a dotted-dashed line. In the adsorption process (b´→c´), when the refrigerant is adsorbed by the adsorbent at pressure pH and temperature TH, it is preferable that the isotherm at temperature TH has the adsorption amount of the adsorbent increasing from mL to mH at a pressure between pL and pH. In the desorption process (d´→a´), when the refrigerant is desorbed from the adsorbent at pressure pL and temperature TL, it is preferable that the isotherm at temperature TL has the adsorption amount of the adsorbent decreasing from mH to mL at a pressure between pL and pH.

[0041] (3) Detailed Configuration The first to fifth embodiments, which are the specific configurations of the refrigeration cycle device 1 shown in FIG. 1, will be described with reference to FIGS. 6-10.

[0042] (3-1) First Embodiment As shown in FIG. 6, the refrigeration cycle device 101 of this embodiment has a first refrigerant circuit 111 through which a primary refrigerant circulates and a second refrigerant circuit 112 through which a secondary refrigerant circulates. In FIG. 6, the first refrigerant circuit 111 is drawn with a thick line. The first refrigerant circuit 111 corresponds to the refrigerant circuit 11 in FIG. 1. The refrigeration cycle device 101 does not have a circuit through which an adsorbent circulates, which corresponds to the adsorption circuit 12 in FIG. 1. In the refrigeration cycle device 101, the adsorbent is provided in the first refrigerant circuit 111. The secondary refrigerant is, for example, water.

[0043] The first refrigerant circuit 111 has a compressor 131, an expansion mechanism 132, a first adsorber 133, a second adsorber 134, and a switching unit 135. The compressor 131 corresponds to the compressor 31 in FIG. 1. The expansion mechanism 132 corresponds to the expansion mechanism 32 in FIG. 1.

[0044] The first adsorber 133 has a first adsorbent 133a inside. The primary refrigerant passing through the first adsorber 133 comes into contact with the first adsorbent 133a. The first adsorbent 133a is, for example, housed in a container formed of a metal mesh and fixed inside the first adsorber 133.

[0045] The second adsorber 134 has a second adsorbent 134a inside. The primary refrigerant passing through the second adsorber 134 comes into contact with the second adsorbent 134a. The second adsorbent 134a is, for example, housed in a container formed of a metal mesh and fixed inside the second adsorber 134.

[0046] The switching unit 135 switches the flow direction of the primary refrigerant circulating in the first refrigerant circuit 111. The switching unit 135 is, for example, a four-way switching valve. The switching unit 135 switches between a first mode of the flow direction indicated by the solid line in FIG. 6 and a second mode of the flow direction indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 6. In the first mode, the discharge side of the compressor 131 is connected to the first adsorber 133, and the suction side of the compressor 131 is connected to the second adsorber 134. In the second mode, the discharge side of the compressor 131 is connected to the second adsorber 134, and the suction side of the compressor 131 is connected to the first adsorber 133.

[0047] The second refrigerant circuit 112 includes a first fluid pump 141, a first heat exchanger 142, a first fan 143, a first tank 144, a second fluid pump 151, a second heat exchanger 152, a second fan 153, a second tank 154, and four flow path changing units 161-164.

[0048] The first fluid pump 141 sends the secondary refrigerant to the first heat exchanger 142. The first heat exchanger 142 performs heat exchange between the secondary refrigerant and air. The first fan 143 sends the air heat-exchanged in the first heat exchanger 142 to a predetermined location. The first tank 144 has the first adsorber 133 inside and performs heat exchange between the primary refrigerant and the secondary refrigerant.

[0049] The second fluid pump 151 sends the secondary refrigerant to the second heat exchanger 152. The second heat exchanger 152 performs heat exchange between the secondary refrigerant and air. The second fan 153 sends the air heat-exchanged in the second heat exchanger 152 to a predetermined location. The second tank 154 has the second adsorber 134 inside and performs heat exchange between the primary refrigerant and the secondary refrigerant.

[0050] The flow path changing units 161-164 switch the connection state of the second refrigerant circuit 112 to change the flow path through which the secondary refrigerant flows. The flow path changing units 161-164 are, for example, three-way switching valves. The flow path changing units 161-164 switch between a third mode of the connection state indicated by the solid line in FIG. 6 and a fourth mode of the connection state indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 6.

[0051] The second refrigerant circuit 112 has two independent circuits in each of the third mode and the fourth mode. The two circuits of the second refrigerant circuit 112 are referred to as the first circulation circuit and the second circulation circuit. In FIG. 6, the flow direction of the secondary refrigerant in the third mode is indicated by a solid line, and the flow direction of the secondary refrigerant in the fourth mode is indicated by a broken line.

[0052] In the third mode, the first circulation circuit is a circuit in which the first fluid pump 141, the first heat exchanger 142, the flow path changing section 161, the first tank 144, and the flow path changing section 162 are connected. In the third mode, the second circulation circuit is a circuit in which the second fluid pump 151, the second heat exchanger 152, the flow path changing section 163, the second tank 154, and the flow path changing section 164 are connected.

[0053] In the fourth mode, the first circulation circuit is a circuit in which the first fluid pump 141, the first heat exchanger 142, the flow path changing section 161, the second tank 154, and the flow path changing section 162 are connected. In the fourth mode, the second circulation circuit is a circuit in which the second fluid pump 151, the second heat exchanger 152, the flow path changing section 163, the first tank 144, and the flow path changing section 164 are connected.

[0054] The case where the refrigeration cycle device 101 is an air conditioner will be described. Assume that the first heat exchanger 142 is an indoor heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger 152 is an outdoor heat exchanger. When this refrigeration cycle device 101 performs a heating operation, the secondary refrigerant heated by exchanging heat with the primary refrigerant passes through the first heat exchanger 142. Therefore, the secondary refrigerant circulating in the first circulation circuit having the first heat exchanger 142 needs to contact the adsorber having the adsorbent to which the primary refrigerant adsorbs among the first adsorber 133 and the second adsorber 134. The air heated by exchanging heat with the secondary refrigerant in the first heat exchanger 142 is sent to a predetermined location by the first fan 143.

[0055] In the case of the first mode, the high-pressure primary refrigerant is introduced into the first adsorber 133, and the primary refrigerant adsorbs to the first adsorbent 133a. In the case of the first mode, the low-pressure primary refrigerant is introduced into the second adsorber 134, and the primary refrigerant desorbs from the second adsorbent 134a.

[0056] In the case of the second mode, the high-pressure primary refrigerant is introduced into the second adsorber 134, and the primary refrigerant is adsorbed by the second adsorbent 134a. In the case of the second mode, the low-pressure primary refrigerant is introduced into the first adsorber 133, and the primary refrigerant desorbs from the first adsorbent 133a.

[0057] Therefore, in the case of the first mode, it is necessary to switch to the third mode in which the secondary refrigerant passes through the first tank 144 having the first adsorber 133 and the first heat exchanger 142. Also, in the case of the second mode, it is necessary to switch to the fourth mode in which the secondary refrigerant passes through the second tank 154 having the second adsorber 134 and the first heat exchanger 142.

[0058] When the refrigeration cycle apparatus 101 is operated in the first mode and the third mode, the adsorption amount of the first adsorbent 133a of the first adsorber 133 reaches the maximum value mH, and it becomes difficult for the first adsorbent 133a to adsorb the primary refrigerant. After that, when switching from the first mode to the second mode, the primary refrigerant is adsorbed by the second adsorbent 134a of the second adsorber 134, and the primary refrigerant desorbs from the first adsorbent 133a of the first adsorber 133. Therefore, after switching to the second mode, it is necessary to switch from the third mode to the fourth mode in which the secondary refrigerant passes through the second tank 154 having the second adsorber 134 and the first heat exchanger 142.

[0059] When the refrigeration cycle apparatus 101 is operated in the second mode and the fourth mode, the adsorption amount of the second adsorbent 134a of the second adsorber 134 reaches the maximum value mH, and it becomes difficult for the second adsorbent 134a to adsorb the primary refrigerant. After that, when switching from the second mode to the first mode, the primary refrigerant is adsorbed by the first adsorbent 133a of the first adsorber 133, and the primary refrigerant desorbs from the second adsorbent 134a of the second adsorber 134. Therefore, after switching to the first mode, it is necessary to switch from the fourth mode to the third mode in which the secondary refrigerant passes through the first tank 144 having the first adsorber 133 and the first heat exchanger 142.

[0060] Therefore, by alternately switching between the first mode and the second mode, the primary refrigerant can be adsorbed onto the adsorbent in either the first adsorber 133 or the second adsorber 134, and the primary refrigerant can always be heated. Further, by alternately switching between the third mode and the fourth mode in accordance with the switching between the first mode and the second mode, the secondary refrigerant heated by heat exchange with the primary refrigerant can always be supplied to the first heat exchanger 142.

[0061] (3-2) Second Embodiment As shown in FIG. 7, the refrigeration cycle device 201 of the present embodiment has a refrigerant circuit 211 through which the refrigerant circulates. The refrigerant circuit 211 has the functions of both the refrigerant circuit 11 and the adsorption circuit 12 in FIG. 1. The adsorbent circulates in the refrigerant circuit 211 together with the refrigerant. In other words, in the refrigeration cycle device 201, a mixture of the refrigerant and the adsorbent circulates in the refrigerant circuit 211.

[0062] The refrigerant circuit 211 includes a compressor 231, an expansion mechanism 232, a first heat exchanger 233, a second heat exchanger 234, a switching unit 235, a first fan 236, and a second fan 237. The compressor 231 has the functions of both the compressor 31 and the booster 41 in FIG. 1. The expansion mechanism 232 has the functions of both the expansion mechanism 32 and the pressure reducer 42 in FIG. 1.

[0063] The switching unit 235 switches the flow direction of the mixture of the refrigerant and the adsorbent circulating in the refrigerant circuit 211. The switching unit 235 is, for example, a four-way switching valve. The switching unit 235 switches between a first mode in the flow direction shown by the solid line in FIG. 7 and a second mode in the flow direction shown by the broken line in FIG. 7. In the first mode, the discharge side of the compressor 231 is connected to the first heat exchanger 233, and the suction side of the compressor 231 is connected to the second heat exchanger 234. In the second mode, the discharge side of the compressor 231 is connected to the second heat exchanger 234, and the suction side of the compressor 231 is connected to the first heat exchanger 233.

[0064] In the first heat exchanger 233, high-pressure refrigerant is adsorbed by the adsorbent in the first mode, and low-pressure refrigerant is desorbed from the adsorbent in the second mode. In the second heat exchanger 234, low-pressure refrigerant is desorbed from the adsorbent in the first mode, and high-pressure refrigerant is adsorbed by the adsorbent in the second mode. In the first heat exchanger 233 and the second heat exchanger 234, the refrigerant is heated when it is adsorbed by the adsorbent, or the refrigerant is cooled when it is desorbed from the adsorbent. As a result, heat exchange is performed between the heated or cooled refrigerant and air in the first heat exchanger 233 and the second heat exchanger 234. The first fan 236 sends the air heat-exchanged in the first heat exchanger 233 to a predetermined location. The second fan 237 sends the air heat-exchanged in the second heat exchanger 234 to a predetermined location.

[0065] In this way, in the refrigeration cycle device 201, in the process of the mixture of the refrigerant and the adsorbent circulating in the refrigerant circuit 211, the refrigerant is heated or cooled, and the air heat-exchanged with the refrigerant is sent to a predetermined location. The case where the refrigeration cycle device 201 is an air conditioner will be described. Assume that the first heat exchanger 233 is an indoor heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger 234 is an outdoor heat exchanger. When this refrigeration cycle device 201 performs a heating operation, by switching to the first mode, the refrigerant is adsorbed by the adsorbent in the first heat exchanger 233 and the refrigerant is heated. The air heated by heat exchange with the refrigerant is sent to a predetermined location by the first fan 236.

[0066] (3-3) Third Embodiment As shown in FIG. 8, the refrigeration cycle device 301 of this embodiment has a refrigerant circuit 311 through which the refrigerant circulates. The refrigerant circuit 311 has the functions of both the refrigerant circuit 11 and the adsorption circuit 12 in FIG. 1. The adsorbent flows through a part of the refrigerant circuit 311 together with the refrigerant. In other words, in the refrigeration cycle device 301, a mixture of the refrigerant and the adsorbent circulates in the refrigerant circuit 311.

[0067] The refrigerant circuit 311 includes a compressor 331, an expansion mechanism 332, a first heat exchanger 333, a second heat exchanger 334, a switching section 335, a first fan 336, a second fan 337, a booster 341, and a separator 351. The compressor 331 corresponds to the compressor 31 in FIG. 1. The booster 341 corresponds to the booster 41 in FIG. 1. The expansion mechanism 332 has the functions of both the expansion mechanism 32 and the pressure reducer 42 in FIG. 1.

[0068] The switching section 335 switches the flow direction of the mixture of the refrigerant and the adsorbent circulating in the refrigerant circuit 311. The switching section 335 is, for example, a four-way switching valve. The switching section 335 switches between a first mode of the flow direction indicated by the solid line in FIG. 8 and a second mode of the flow direction indicated by the broken line in FIG. 8. In the first mode, the discharge sides of the compressor 331 and the booster 341 are connected to the first heat exchanger 333, and the suction sides of the compressor 331 and the booster 341 are connected to the second heat exchanger 334. In the second mode, the discharge sides of the compressor 331 and the booster 341 are connected to the second heat exchanger 334, and the suction sides of the compressor 331 and the booster 341 are connected to the first heat exchanger 333.

[0069] The separator 351 is provided between the suction sides of the compressor 331 and the booster 341 and the switching section 335.

[0070] The separator 351 separates the mixture of the low-pressure refrigerant and the adsorbent circulating in the refrigerant circuit 311 into the refrigerant and the adsorbent. The separator 351 separates the refrigerant and the adsorbent by, for example, centrifugal separation. The refrigerant separated by the separator 351 is compressed in the compressor 331. The adsorbent separated by the separator 351 is boosted by the booster 341. As shown in FIG. 8, the adsorbent boosted by the booster 341 merges with the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 331. After merging, the refrigerant and the adsorbent are sent to the switching section 335. Thus, the refrigerant circuit 311 branches at the separator 351 and merges between the compressor 331 / booster 341 and the switching section 335.

[0071] In the first heat exchanger 333, high-pressure refrigerant adsorbs onto the adsorbent in the first mode, and low-pressure refrigerant desorbs from the adsorbent in the second mode. In the second heat exchanger 334, low-pressure refrigerant desorbs from the adsorbent in the first mode, and high-pressure refrigerant adsorbs onto the adsorbent in the second mode. In the first heat exchanger 333 and the second heat exchanger 334, the refrigerant is heated when it adsorbs onto the adsorbent, or the refrigerant is cooled when it desorbs from the adsorbent. As a result, heat exchange occurs between the heated or cooled refrigerant and air in the first heat exchanger 333 and the second heat exchanger 334. The first fan 336 sends the air heat-exchanged in the first heat exchanger 333 to a predetermined location. The second fan 337 sends the air heat-exchanged in the second heat exchanger 334 to a predetermined location.

[0072] In this way, in the refrigeration cycle device 301, in the process of the mixture of the refrigerant and the adsorbent circulating in the refrigerant circuit 311, the refrigerant is heated or cooled, and the air heat-exchanged with the refrigerant is sent to a predetermined location. The case where the refrigeration cycle device 301 is an air conditioner will be described. Assume that the first heat exchanger 333 is an indoor heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger 334 is an outdoor heat exchanger. When this refrigeration cycle device 301 performs heating operation, by switching to the first mode, the refrigerant adsorbs onto the adsorbent in the first heat exchanger 333 and the refrigerant is heated. The air heated by heat exchange with the refrigerant is sent to a predetermined location by the first fan 336.

[0073] (3-4) Fourth Embodiment As shown in FIG. 9, the refrigeration cycle device 401 of this embodiment has a refrigerant circuit 411 through which the refrigerant circulates. The refrigerant circuit 411 has the functions of both the refrigerant circuit 11 and the adsorption circuit 12 in FIG. 1. The adsorbent flows through a part of the refrigerant circuit 411 together with the refrigerant. In other words, in the refrigeration cycle device 401, a mixture of the refrigerant and the adsorbent circulates in the refrigerant circuit 411.

[0074] The refrigerant circuit 411 includes a compressor 431, an expansion mechanism 432, a first heat exchanger 433, a second heat exchanger 434, a switching unit 435, a first fan 436, a second fan 437, a booster 441, a decompressor 442, a first separator 451, and a second separator 452. The compressor 431 corresponds to the compressor 31 in FIG. 1. The booster 441 corresponds to the booster 41 in FIG. 1. The expansion mechanism 432 corresponds to the expansion mechanism 32 in FIG. 1. The decompressor 442 corresponds to the decompressor 42 in FIG. 1.

[0075] The switching unit 435 switches the flow direction of the mixture of the refrigerant and the adsorbent circulating in the refrigerant circuit 411. The switching unit 435 is, for example, a four-way switching valve. The switching unit 435 switches between a first mode with the flow direction indicated by the solid line in FIG. 9 and a second mode with the flow direction indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 9. In the first mode, the discharge sides of the compressor 431 and the booster 441 are connected to the first heat exchanger 433, and the suction sides of the compressor 431 and the booster 441 are connected to the second heat exchanger 434. In the first mode, the suction sides of the expansion mechanism 432 and the decompressor 442 are connected to the first heat exchanger 433, and the discharge sides of the expansion mechanism 432 and the decompressor 442 are connected to the second heat exchanger 434. In the second mode, the discharge sides of the compressor 431 and the booster 441 are connected to the second heat exchanger 434, and the suction sides of the compressor 431 and the booster 441 are connected to the first heat exchanger 433. In the second mode, the suction sides of the expansion mechanism 432 and the decompressor 442 are connected to the second heat exchanger 434, and the discharge sides of the expansion mechanism 432 and the decompressor 442 are connected to the first heat exchanger 433.

[0076] The first separator 451 is provided between the suction sides of the compressor 431 and the booster 441 and the switching unit 435. The second separator 452 is provided between the suction side of the expansion mechanism 432 and the decompressor 442 in the first mode and the first heat exchanger 433.

[0077] The first separator 451 separates a mixture of a refrigerant in the low-pressure region and an adsorbent that circulates in the refrigerant circuit 411 into the refrigerant and the adsorbent. The first separator 451 separates the refrigerant and the adsorbent by, for example, centrifugal separation. The refrigerant separated by the first separator 451 is compressed in the compressor 431. The adsorbent separated by the first separator 451 is pressurized by the pressure booster 441. As shown in FIG. 9, the adsorbent pressurized by the pressure booster 441 merges with the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 431. After merging, the refrigerant and the adsorbent are sent to the switching unit 435. In this way, the refrigerant circuit 411 branches at the first separator 451 and merges between the compressor 431 / pressure booster 441 and the switching unit 435.

[0078] The second separator 452 separates a mixture of a refrigerant in the high-pressure region and an adsorbent that circulates in the refrigerant circuit 411 into the refrigerant and the adsorbent in the first mode. The second separator 452 separates the refrigerant and the adsorbent by, for example, centrifugal separation. The refrigerant separated by the second separator 452 is depressurized in the expansion mechanism 432. The adsorbent separated by the second separator 452 is depressurized by the pressure reducer 442. As shown in FIG. 9, the adsorbent depressurized by the pressure reducer 442 merges with the refrigerant depressurized in the expansion mechanism 432. After merging, the refrigerant and the adsorbent are sent to the second heat exchanger 434. In this way, the refrigerant circuit 411 branches at the second separator 452 and merges between the expansion mechanism 432 / pressure reducer 442 and the second heat exchanger 434 in the first mode. In the second mode, the pressure reducer 442 is closed, and the mixture of the refrigerant and the adsorbent is depressurized in the expansion mechanism 432 and then sent to the first heat exchanger 433 through the second separator 452.

[0079] In the first heat exchanger 433, high-pressure refrigerant adsorbs onto the adsorbent in the first mode, and low-pressure refrigerant desorbs from the adsorbent in the second mode. In the second heat exchanger 434, low-pressure refrigerant desorbs from the adsorbent in the first mode, and high-pressure refrigerant adsorbs onto the adsorbent in the second mode. In the first heat exchanger 433 and the second heat exchanger 434, the refrigerant is heated when it adsorbs onto the adsorbent, or the refrigerant is cooled when it desorbs from the adsorbent. As a result, heat exchange occurs between the heated or cooled refrigerant and air in the first heat exchanger 433 and the second heat exchanger 434. The first fan 436 sends the air heat-exchanged in the first heat exchanger 433 to a predetermined location. The second fan 437 sends the air heat-exchanged in the second heat exchanger 434 to a predetermined location.

[0080] In this way, in the refrigeration cycle device 401, in the process of the mixture of the refrigerant and the adsorbent circulating in the refrigerant circuit 411, the refrigerant is heated or cooled, and the air heat-exchanged with the refrigerant is sent to a predetermined location. The case where the refrigeration cycle device 401 is an air conditioner will be described. Assume that the first heat exchanger 433 is an indoor heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger 434 is an outdoor heat exchanger. When this refrigeration cycle device 401 performs heating operation, by switching to the first mode, the refrigerant adsorbs onto the adsorbent in the first heat exchanger 433 and the refrigerant is heated. The air heated by heat exchange with the refrigerant is sent to a predetermined location by the first fan 436.

[0081] (3-5) Fifth Embodiment As shown in FIG. 10, the refrigeration cycle device 501 of this embodiment includes a refrigerant circuit 511 through which the refrigerant circulates, an adsorption circuit 512 through which the adsorbent circulates, a pair of first mixing units 513, a pair of second mixing units 514, a first fan 515, and a second fan 516. The refrigerant circuit 511 corresponds to the refrigerant circuit 11 in FIG. 1. The adsorption circuit 512 corresponds to the adsorption circuit 12 in FIG. 1. In FIG. 10, the adsorption circuit 512 is drawn with a thick line.

[0082] The refrigerant circuit 511 includes a compressor 531, an expansion mechanism 532, a first heat exchanger 533, a second heat exchanger 534, and a first switching unit 535. The compressor 531 corresponds to the compressor 31 in FIG. 1. The expansion mechanism 532 corresponds to the expansion mechanism 32 in FIG. 1.

[0083] The first switching unit 535 switches the flow direction of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 511. The first switching unit 535 is, for example, a four-way switching valve. The first switching unit 535 switches between a first mode of the flow direction indicated by the solid line in FIG. 10 and a second mode of the flow direction indicated by the broken line in FIG. 10. In the first mode, the discharge side of the compressor 531 is connected to the first heat exchanger 533, and the suction side of the compressor 531 is connected to the second heat exchanger 534. In the second mode, the discharge side of the compressor 531 is connected to the second heat exchanger 534, and the suction side of the compressor 531 is connected to the first heat exchanger 533.

[0084] The adsorption circuit 512 includes a booster 541, a decompressor 542, a third heat exchanger 543, a fourth heat exchanger 544, and a second switching unit 545. The booster 541 corresponds to the booster 41 in FIG. 1. The decompressor 542 corresponds to the decompressor 42 in FIG. 1.

[0085] The second switching unit 545 switches the flow direction of the adsorbent circulating in the adsorption circuit 512. The second switching unit 545 is, for example, a four-way switching valve. The second switching unit 545 switches between a first mode of the flow direction indicated by the solid line in FIG. 10 and a second mode of the flow direction indicated by the broken line in FIG. 10. In the first mode, the discharge side of the booster 541 is connected to the third heat exchanger 543, and the suction side of the booster 541 is connected to the fourth heat exchanger 544. In the second mode, the discharge side of the booster 541 is connected to the fourth heat exchanger 544, and the suction side of the booster 541 is connected to the third heat exchanger 543. The second switching unit 545 switches between the first mode and the second mode in conjunction with the first switching unit 535.

[0086] The first mixing section 513 and the second mixing section 514 mix the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit 511 and the adsorbent flowing in the adsorption circuit 512. A pair of first mixing sections 513 are provided on the upstream side and the downstream side of the first heat exchanger 533 and the third heat exchanger 543. A pair of second mixing sections 514 are provided on the upstream side and the downstream side of the second heat exchanger 534 and the fourth heat exchanger 544.

[0087] The first mixing section 513 and the second mixing section 514 have, for example, a permeable member through which the refrigerant can pass and the adsorbent cannot pass. The permeable member is, for example, a gas permeable membrane. In this case, inside the first mixing section 513 and the second mixing section 514, a space that is part of the refrigerant circuit 511 and a space that is part of the adsorption circuit 512 are partitioned by the permeable member. In the first mixing section 513 and the second mixing section 514, the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 511 passes through the permeable member and contacts the adsorbent flowing through the adsorption circuit 512. On the other hand, in the first mixing section 513 and the second mixing section 514, the adsorbent flowing through the adsorption circuit 512 cannot pass through the permeable member. Thereby, in the first mixing section 513 and the second mixing section 514, the adsorbent adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant that has passed through the permeable member.

[0088] In the first mixing section 513, high-pressure refrigerant is adsorbed by the adsorbent in the first mode, and low-pressure refrigerant is desorbed from the adsorbent in the second mode. In the second mixing section 514, low-pressure refrigerant is desorbed from the adsorbent in the first mode, and high-pressure refrigerant is adsorbed by the adsorbent in the second mode. In the first mixing section 513 and the second mixing section 514, when the refrigerant is adsorbed by the adsorbent, the refrigerant and the adsorbent are heated, or when the refrigerant is desorbed from the adsorbent, the refrigerant and the adsorbent are cooled. As a result, in the first heat exchanger 533, the second heat exchanger 534, the third heat exchanger 543, and the fourth heat exchanger 544, heat exchange is performed between the heated or cooled refrigerant and adsorbent and the air.

[0089] In the first mode, in the first heat exchanger 533, heat exchange between the heated refrigerant and air is performed, and in the third heat exchanger 543, heat exchange between the heated adsorbent and air is performed. In the first mode, in the second heat exchanger 534, heat exchange between the cooled refrigerant and air is performed, and in the fourth heat exchanger 544, heat exchange between the cooled adsorbent and air is performed.

[0090] In the second mode, in the first heat exchanger 533, heat exchange between the cooled refrigerant and air is performed, and in the third heat exchanger 543, heat exchange between the cooled adsorbent and air is performed. In the second mode, in the second heat exchanger 534, heat exchange between the heated refrigerant and air is performed, and in the fourth heat exchanger 544, heat exchange between the heated adsorbent and air is performed.

[0091] The first fan 515 sends the air heat-exchanged in the first heat exchanger 533 and the third heat exchanger 543 to a predetermined location. The second fan 516 sends the air heat-exchanged in the second heat exchanger 534 and the fourth heat exchanger 544 to a predetermined location.

[0092] The pair of first mixing units 513, the first fan 515, the first heat exchanger 533, and the third heat exchanger 543 correspond to the adsorption unit 21 in FIG. 1 in the first mode and correspond to the desorption unit 22 in FIG. 1 in the second mode. The pair of second mixing units 514, the second fan 516, the second heat exchanger 534, and the fourth heat exchanger 544 correspond to the desorption unit 22 in FIG. 1 in the first mode and correspond to the adsorption unit 21 in FIG. 1 in the second mode.

[0093] In this way, in the refrigeration cycle device 501, as the refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant circuit 511 and the adsorbent circulates in the adsorption circuit 512, the refrigerant and the adsorbent are heated or cooled, and the air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant and the adsorbent is sent to a predetermined location. A case where the refrigeration cycle device 501 is an air conditioner will be described. It is assumed that the first heat exchanger 533 and the third heat exchanger 543 are indoor heat exchangers, and the second heat exchanger 534 and the fourth heat exchanger 544 are outdoor heat exchangers. When this refrigeration cycle device 501 performs heating operation, by switching to the first mode, the refrigerant is adsorbed by the adsorbent in the first mixing unit 513, and the refrigerant and the adsorbent are heated. The air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant and the adsorbent and has been heated is sent to a predetermined location by the first fan 515.

[0094] (4) Features Compared with a conventional refrigeration cycle device that has a vapor compression refrigeration cycle and no adsorbent, the refrigeration cycle device 1 has a lower operating pressure. For example, when the refrigerant is carbon dioxide, the operating pressure of the conventional refrigeration cycle device is about 10 MPa, and the operating pressure of the refrigeration cycle device 1 is about 1.5 MPa. The operating pressure is the pressure of the compressed refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle. The higher the operating pressure, the greater the mechanical work of the compressor, and the higher the pressure resistance (design pressure) required for the members constituting the refrigerant circuit such as the casing of the compressor. Therefore, the higher the operating pressure, the higher the cost of the electric power for driving the compressor and the cost of the members constituting the system tend to be. Therefore, since the refrigeration cycle device 1 can operate at a lower operating pressure than the conventional refrigeration cycle device, the manufacturing cost and the operation cost can be reduced. In addition, by reducing the design pressure, the refrigeration cycle device 1 can make the members such as the casing of the compressor compact and improve the reliability of the system.

[0095] In addition, when the refrigeration cycle device 1 is an air conditioner, the refrigeration cycle device 1 can increase the heating and cooling capacity by utilizing the adsorption heat and desorption heat of the refrigerant for heating and cooling. Therefore, the refrigeration cycle device 1 can improve the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle and reduce the operation cost by controlling the adsorption heat and desorption heat of the refrigerant, as compared with the conventional refrigeration cycle device.

[0096] (5) Modification (5-1) Modification A In the refrigeration cycle device 401 of the fourth embodiment, the refrigerant circuit 411 has the first separator 451. However, the refrigerant circuit 411 may not have the first separator 451. In this case, as shown in FIG. 11, the refrigerant circuit 411 has the compressor 431 and does not have the booster 441. Similar to the compressor 231 of the second modification, the compressor 431 of this modification has the functions of both the compressor 31 and the booster 41 in FIG. 1.

[0097] (5-2) Modification B The adsorbent used in the refrigeration cycle devices 1, 101, 201, 301, 401, 501 is a metal-organic framework. However, materials other than the metal-organic framework may be used as the adsorbent.

[0098] As described above, the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described. It will be understood that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure described in the claims.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0099] 1, 101, 201, 301, 401, 501: Refrigeration cycle device 11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511: Refrigerant circuit (first unit) 12, 512: Adsorption circuit (second unit) 513, 514: Mixer 31, 131, 231, 331, 431, 531: Compressor 32, 132, 232, 332, 432, 532: Expansion mechanism 133: First adsorber 134: Second adsorber 135: Switching unit 41, 341, 441, 541: Step-up transformer 42, 442, 542: Step-down transformer 351, 451, 452: Separator

Prior art documents

Patent documents

[0100]

Patent Document 1

Claims

1. A first unit (11, 211, 311, 411) having a compressor (31, 231, 331, 431) for compressing a refrigerant and constituting a vapor compression refrigeration cycle in which the refrigerant circulates, An adsorbent for adsorbing and desorbing the refrigerant circulating in the first unit, Comprising, The adsorbent adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant according to a change in the pressure of the refrigerant circulating in the first unit, The first unit, An expansion mechanism (32, 232, 332, 432) for decompressing the refrigerant, A high-pressure region through which the refrigerant flows before being decompressed by the expansion mechanism after being compressed by the compressor, A low-pressure region through which the refrigerant flows before being compressed by the compressor after being decompressed by the expansion mechanism, Further comprising, The adsorbent adsorbs the refrigerant in the high-pressure region and desorbs the refrigerant in the low-pressure region, The adsorbent circulates in the first unit together with the refrigerant, A refrigeration cycle device (1, 201, 301, 401).

2. Further comprising a separator (351, 451, 452) for separating the refrigerant circulating in the first unit from the adsorbent, After being separated from the refrigerant by the separator, the adsorbent merges with the refrigerant compressed by the compressor or the refrigerant decompressed by the expansion mechanism, The refrigeration cycle device according to Claim 1.

3. The separator separates the refrigerant in the low-pressure region from the adsorbent, Further comprising a booster (41, 341, 441) for boosting the pressure of the adsorbent separated from the refrigerant by the separator, The refrigeration cycle device according to Claim 2.

4. The separator separates the refrigerant in the high-pressure region from the adsorbent, Further comprising a pressure reducer (42, 442) for reducing the pressure of the adsorbent separated from the refrigerant by the separator, The refrigeration cycle device according to Claim 2 or 3.

5. The separator separates the refrigerant from the adsorbent by centrifugal separation, The refrigeration cycle device according to any one of Claims 2 to 4.

6. A first unit (11, 511) having a compressor (31, 531) for compressing a refrigerant and constituting a vapor compression refrigeration cycle in which the refrigerant circulates, An adsorbent for adsorbing and desorbing the refrigerant circulating in the first unit, Comprising, The adsorbent adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant according to a change in the pressure of the refrigerant circulating in the first unit, The first unit, An expansion mechanism (32, 532) for decompressing the refrigerant; A high-pressure region through which the refrigerant flows after being compressed by the compressor and before being decompressed by the expansion mechanism; A low-pressure region through which the refrigerant flows after being decompressed by the expansion mechanism and before being compressed by the compressor; further comprising; The adsorbent adsorbs the refrigerant in the high-pressure region and desorbs the refrigerant in the low-pressure region; A booster (541) for boosting the pressure of the adsorbent and a decompressor (542) for decompressing the adsorbent, and a second unit (12, 512) constituting an adsorption refrigeration cycle in which the adsorbent circulates; A mixer (513, 514) for mixing the refrigerant flowing in the first unit and the adsorbent flowing in the second unit; further comprising; The adsorbent adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant in the mixer; A refrigeration cycle device (1, 501).

7. The mixer has a permeable member through which the refrigerant can pass but the adsorbent cannot pass; The adsorbent adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant that has passed through the permeable member in the mixer; The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 6.

8. The adsorbent includes a metal-organic framework containing a metal ion and an organic ligand; The refrigeration cycle device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The refrigerant is selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide, ammonia, and propane; The refrigeration cycle device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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