Refrigeration Cycle Equipment

Abstract

This refrigeration cycle device comprises a condenser and a water sprinkling device that sprinkles water on the condenser, wherein the water sprinkling amount per unit surface area of the water sprinkling device varies in accordance with the temperature distribution of the condenser.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigeration cycle device that sprays water onto a condenser. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known that in a refrigeration cycle device, when the outside air temperature is high, water is sprayed onto a condenser provided in an outdoor unit, and the condenser is cooled by the heat of vaporization of the water, thereby improving the condensing capacity of the refrigerant and improving the COP. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an auxiliary cooling device for an air-cooled condenser that includes a spray nozzle unit for spraying water onto the condenser and a control unit for controlling the amount of water sprayed by the spray nozzle unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-213361 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The auxiliary cooling device described in Patent Document 1 is configured to spray fine droplets or mist of water almost uniformly onto the heat dissipation fins of the condenser. However, when spraying water uniformly onto the condenser, if the temperature distribution of the refrigerant flowing through the condenser becomes uneven, the cooling effect of the sprayed water on the condenser becomes uneven, and the efficiency of improving COP decreases.

[0005] The present disclosure is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide a refrigeration cycle device that can improve COP by sprinkling water. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The refrigeration cycle device according to the present disclosure includes a condenser and a sprinkler device that sprinkles water on the condenser, and the amount of water sprinkled per unit area of ​​the sprinkler device varies depending on the temperature distribution of the condenser. The condenser includes a first pipe having a plurality of first nozzles and extending in a first direction, a second pipe having a plurality of second nozzles and extending in the first direction, and a third pipe having a plurality of third nozzles and extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the first pipe and the second pipe being disposed opposite each other, one end of the third pipe being connected to the first pipe and the other end being connected to the second pipe, the third nozzles spraying water onto a portion of the condenser where the temperature is relatively high, and the first nozzles and the second nozzles spray water onto a portion of the condenser where the temperature is relatively low, the number of the third nozzles being greater than the number of the first nozzles and greater than the number of the second nozzles. It is something. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the refrigeration cycle device of the present disclosure, the amount of water sprayed per unit area of ​​the sprinkler device can be varied depending on the temperature distribution of the condenser, thereby achieving an improvement in COP through sprinkling. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a refrigeration cycle device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an outdoor heat exchanger according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 5 is a diagram showing the temperature distribution of the outdoor heat exchanger according to the first embodiment when the outdoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a sprinkler device of a refrigeration cycle device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a sprinkler device of a refrigeration cycle device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a sprinkler device of a refrigeration cycle device according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or equivalent parts, and this applies throughout the entire specification. The shapes of the components shown in the entire specification are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. Furthermore, the size relationships between the components in the drawings may differ from those in reality.

[0010] Embodiment 1 (Configuration of refrigeration cycle device) FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 of the first embodiment is a heat pump chiller that performs air conditioning using chilled or hot water. As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 includes a heat source unit 1, an indoor unit 2, and a control device 3. The heat source unit 1 of the present embodiment has four refrigerant circuits. Two refrigerant circuits are grouped together and share one water heat exchanger 60. The heat source unit 1 of the present embodiment has two groups of two refrigerant circuits. The two water heat exchangers 60 are connected by piping in series, and water, which is a heat medium, is cooled or heated in two stages.

[0011] As shown in Fig. 1, the refrigerant circuit of each system of the heat source unit 1 of this embodiment is configured by piping connections of a compressor 11, a four-way valve 12, an outdoor heat exchanger 13, an expansion valve 14, a water heat exchanger 60, and an accumulator 15. Examples of refrigerants that can be used include single refrigerants such as R-22 and R-134a, pseudo-azeotropic refrigerant mixtures such as R-410A and R-404A, and non-azeotropic refrigerant mixtures such as R-407C. Also usable are refrigerants containing a double bond in their chemical formula, such as CFCF=CH, which are considered to have a relatively low global warming potential, or mixtures thereof, or natural refrigerants such as CO or propane.

[0012] The compressor 11 compresses the drawn refrigerant and discharges it. The compressor 11 is driven via a compressor inverter drive device (not shown) or the like. The compressor 11 can change the capacity of the compressor 11, which is the amount of refrigerant delivered per unit time, by arbitrarily changing the drive frequency based on instructions from the control device 3.

[0013] Furthermore, the four-way valve 12, which serves as a flow path switching device, switches the flow of the refrigerant depending on the operation being performed, based on instructions from the control device 3. For example, during cooling operation, the four-way valve 12 causes the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 to flow into the outdoor heat exchanger 13. During heating operation, the four-way valve 12 causes the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 to flow into the water heat exchanger 60.

[0014] The outdoor heat exchanger 13 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the outside air. In a heating operation (heating operation) for heating water, the outdoor heat exchanger 13 functions as an evaporator, exchanging heat between the low-pressure refrigerant flowing in from the expansion valve 14 side and the air, thereby evaporating and vaporizing the refrigerant. In a cooling operation (cooling operation) for cooling water, the outdoor heat exchanger 13 functions as a condenser, exchanging heat between the high-pressure refrigerant flowing in from the compressor 11 side and the air, thereby condensing and liquefying the refrigerant.

[0015] A sprinkler device 5 is attached to the outdoor heat exchanger 13. When the outdoor heat exchanger 13 functions as a condenser, the sprinkler device 5 sprinkles water onto the outdoor heat exchanger 13. The outdoor heat exchanger 13 and the sprinkler device 5 will be described in detail later.

[0016] Furthermore, the outdoor fan 16 sends air into the outdoor heat exchanger 13 to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air. Here, the outdoor fan 16 is driven via a fan inverter drive device (not shown) or the like. The outdoor fan 16 can change the airflow rate by arbitrarily changing the drive frequency based on instructions from the control device 3. In FIG. 1, the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and the outdoor fan 16 are in one-to-one correspondence, but this is not particularly limited.

[0017] The water heat exchanger 60, which serves as a heat medium heat exchanger, exchanges heat between water, which serves as a heat medium, and the refrigerant. The water heat exchanger 60 serves as a flow path for two refrigerant circuits and a flow path for the heat medium circulation circuit. Therefore, it serves as a component of the refrigerant circuit and a component of the heat medium circulation circuit. For example, during heating operation, the water heat exchanger 60 functions as a condenser, exchanging heat between the refrigerant flowing in from the compressor 11 side and water, condensing the refrigerant to liquefy or convert it into a gas-liquid two-phase system, and heating the water. On the other hand, during cooling operation, it functions as an evaporator, exchanging heat between the refrigerant flowing in from the expansion valve 14 side and water, evaporating the refrigerant to cool the water.

[0018] The expansion valve 14, which serves as a throttling device, adjusts the pressure of the refrigerant passing through the water heat exchanger 60, for example, by changing its opening. In this embodiment, the expansion valve 14 is configured as an electronic expansion valve that changes its opening based on instructions from the control device 3. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the expansion valve 14 may be a temperature-sensitive expansion valve that changes its opening based on the temperature of the refrigerant.

[0019] The accumulators 15 are provided on the suction side of the compressors 11, respectively, and store surplus refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit.

[0020] The pump 80 is one of the devices that make up the heat medium circulation circuit. In the heat medium circulation circuit, the pump 80 sucks water, applies pressure, and sends it out to circulate. A pump inverter drive device (not shown) can change the capacity of the pump 80 by arbitrarily changing the drive frequency based on instructions from the control device 3.

[0021] The indoor units 2 are units that send conditioned air to an indoor space that is the target of air conditioning. As shown in FIG. 1, each indoor unit 2 in this embodiment has an indoor heat exchanger 21, an indoor flow control device 22, and an indoor fan 23. The indoor heat exchanger 21 and the indoor flow control device 22 are devices that make up a heat medium circulation circuit. While FIG. 1 shows a refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 that has two indoor units 2, the number of indoor units 2 may be one, or three or more.

[0022] The indoor flow control device 22 is configured, for example, with a two-way valve capable of controlling the valve opening (opening area). The indoor flow control device 22 controls the flow rate of water flowing into and out of the indoor heat exchanger 21 by adjusting its opening. The indoor flow control device 22 adjusts the amount of water passing through the indoor heat exchanger 21 based on the temperatures of the water flowing into and out of the indoor unit 2, enabling the indoor heat exchanger 21 to exchange heat with an amount of heat appropriate for the indoor heat load. Here, when the indoor heat exchanger 21 does not need to exchange heat with the heat load, such as when the indoor unit 2 is stopped or the thermostat is turned off, the indoor flow control device 22 can fully close the valve to stop the supply of water to and from the indoor heat exchanger 21. In FIG. 1 , the indoor flow control device 22 is installed on the piping on the water outlet side of the indoor heat exchanger 21, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the indoor flow control device 22 may be installed on the water inlet side of the indoor heat exchanger 21.

[0023] The indoor heat exchanger 21 is a fin-tube heat exchanger that exchanges heat between indoor air in the indoor space supplied from the indoor fan 23 and water. During cooling operation, water that is colder than the air passes through the heat transfer tubes of the indoor heat exchanger 21, cooling the indoor space. On the other hand, during heating operation, water that is warmer than the air passes through the heat transfer tubes of the indoor heat exchanger 21, heating the indoor space. The indoor fan 23 passes the air in the indoor space through the indoor heat exchanger 21, generating a flow of air that returns the air to the indoor space.

[0024] The control device 3 controls the overall operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100. The control device 3 is configured by a computer equipped with a memory for storing data and programs required for control and a CPU for executing the programs, dedicated hardware such as an ASIC or FPGA, or both. The control device 3 controls each part of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 based on detection information from a temperature sensor or a pressure sensor equipped in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 and instructions from a remote control (not shown). Specifically, the control device 3 controls the drive frequency of the compressor 11, the rotation speeds of the outdoor fan 16 and the indoor fan 23, the switching of the four-way valve 12, the opening degree of the expansion valve 14, the drive frequency of the pump 80, the opening degree of the indoor flow control device 22, the sprinkling of the sprinkler device 5, etc.

[0025] 1, the control device 3 is provided separately from the heat source unit 1 and the indoor unit 2, but it may be mounted on the heat source unit 1 or the indoor unit 2. Alternatively, the heat source unit 1 and the indoor unit 2 may each be provided with a control device 3 and may be connected to each other wirelessly or via a wire so as to be able to communicate with each other and send and receive various data, etc.

[0026] (Outdoor heat exchanger configuration) Next, the configuration of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 according to Embodiment 1. The outdoor heat exchanger 13 of this embodiment is a parallel flow heat exchanger (PFC heat exchanger). The outdoor heat exchanger 13 includes a heat exchange section 130 consisting of a plurality of heat transfer tubes 131 and a plurality of fins 132, first headers 133a, 133b, and 133c, second headers 134a and 134b, and connection pipes 135a and 135b. In Fig. 2, to simplify the drawing, only some of the heat transfer tubes 131 and the fins 132 are shown, and the entirety is not shown.

[0027] The heat transfer tubes 131 are flat tubes having a plurality of flow paths formed therein. Each heat transfer tube 131 is arranged to extend between first headers 133a, 133b, and 133c and second headers 134a and 134b. The heat transfer tubes 131 are arranged spaced apart from one another in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction. In the following description, the extension direction of each heat transfer tube 131 may be referred to as a first direction or horizontal direction, and the direction perpendicular to the extension direction of each heat transfer tube 131 may be referred to as a second direction or vertical direction. The direction perpendicular to the horizontal and vertical directions may be referred to as a depth direction.

[0028] The fins 132 are corrugated fins bent in a wave shape. Each fin 132 is arranged to extend between the first headers 133a, 133b, and 133c and the second headers 134a and 134b. Each fin 132 is arranged between two adjacent heat transfer tubes 131 of the plurality of heat transfer tubes 131, and the two adjacent heat transfer tubes 131 are connected by the fin 132.

[0029] The first headers 133a, 133b, and 133c are connected to one end of the heat transfer tubes 131 in the extension direction, and the second headers 134a and 134b are connected to the other end of the heat transfer tubes 131 in the extension direction. The first headers 133a, 133b, and 133c and the second headers 134a and 134b have the function of distributing the refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 13 to the heat transfer tubes 131 and the function of merging the refrigerant that has flowed through the heat transfer tubes 131.

[0030] The connection pipe 135a has one end connected to the first header 133a and the other end connected to the four-way valve 12. The connection pipe 135b has one end connected to the first header 133c and the other end connected to the expansion valve 14.

[0031] In the outdoor heat exchanger 13 of the present embodiment, the above-described configuration forms multiple flow paths P1, P2, P3, and P4 in the heat exchange section 130. Fig. 2 shows four flow paths P1 to P4 in the heat exchange section 130 when the outdoor heat exchanger 13 functions as a condenser. As shown in Fig. 2, when the outdoor heat exchanger 13 functions as a condenser, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 passes through the four-way valve 12 and flows from the connecting pipe 135a into the first header 133a. The refrigerant that has flowed into the first header 133a then passes through flow path P1 formed by the multiple heat transfer tubes 131 connected to the first header 133a and flows into the second header 134a.

[0032] The refrigerant that flows into the second header 134a flows into the first header 133b through a flow path P2 formed by the plurality of heat transfer tubes 131 connected between the second header 134a and the first header 133b. The refrigerant that flows into the first header 133b flows into the second header 134b through a flow path P3 formed by the plurality of heat transfer tubes 131 connected between the first header 133b and the second header 134b. The refrigerant that flows into the second header 134b flows into the first header 133c through a flow path P4 formed by the plurality of heat transfer tubes 131 connected between the second header 134b and the first header 133c. The refrigerant that flows into the first header 133c flows out to the expansion valve 14 through the connecting pipe 135b.

[0033] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the temperature distribution of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 according to the first embodiment when the outdoor heat exchanger 13 functions as a condenser. As shown in Fig. 3, when the outdoor heat exchanger 13 functions as a condenser, the temperature is higher in a portion closer to the connecting pipe 135a, which is the refrigerant inlet of the heat exchange unit 130, and lower in a portion closer to the connecting pipe 135b, which is the refrigerant outlet. That is, the temperature decreases from upstream to downstream in the flow direction of the refrigerant in the heat exchange unit 130. For example, as shown in Fig. 3, the flow path P1 has a high temperature (e.g., 80°C to 100°C), the flow path P2 has a medium temperature (e.g., 40°C to 50°C), and the flow paths P3 and P4 have a low temperature (e.g., 30°C to 40°C).

[0034] (Configuration of sprinkler system) As shown in Figure 3, the temperature distribution in the heat exchange section 130 of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 is non-uniform. Therefore, if the sprinkler device 5 uniformly sprays water on the heat exchange section 130, the effect of improving the condensation capacity and the sprinkler efficiency will be reduced. Specifically, if water is not sprayed sufficiently on the high-temperature parts of the heat exchange section 130, the refrigerant will not be sufficiently cooled, and the effect of improving the condensation capacity will be reduced. Furthermore, if the same amount of water is sprayed on the low-temperature parts as on the high-temperature parts, the effect of the sprinkler in improving the condensation capacity will be low, the water used will be wasted, and the sprinkler efficiency will be reduced.

[0035] Therefore, the sprinkler device 5 of this embodiment adjusts the amount of water sprinkled per unit area (unit: L / (min m)) according to the temperature distribution of the heat exchange section 130 of the outdoor heat exchanger 13. 2 )) are different. Specifically, the sprinkler device 5 of this embodiment is configured so that the amount of water sprayed per unit area to a portion of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 where the temperature is relatively high is greater than the amount of water sprayed per unit area to a portion of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 where the temperature is relatively low. In other words, the sprinkler device 5 of this embodiment is configured so that the amount of water sprayed per unit area to a portion near the refrigerant inlet when the outdoor heat exchanger 13 functions as a condenser is greater than the amount of water sprayed per unit area to a portion near the refrigerant outlet. The amount of water sprayed per unit area by the sprinkler device 5 may be changed gradually or in stages according to the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 13.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of the sprinkler device 5 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. For the sake of explanation, FIG. 4 also shows the outdoor heat exchanger 13. The sprinkler device 5 is attached to a housing or the like that holds the outdoor heat exchanger 13. To prevent a decrease in the heat exchange efficiency of the outdoor heat exchanger 13, the sprinkler device 5 and the outdoor heat exchanger 13 are disposed with a gap in the depth direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the sprinkler device 5 includes a first pipe 50a, a second pipe 50b, a third pipe 50c, and a connecting pipe 52. The first pipe 50a and the second pipe 50b are disposed opposite each other below the third pipe 50c. One end of the third pipe 50c is connected to the first pipe 50a, and the other end is connected to the second pipe 50b.

[0037] The second pipe 50b and the third pipe 50c are connected to a connecting pipe 52. The connecting pipe 52 is connected to a water pipe or the like, and water flowing in from the connecting pipe 52 is supplied to the second pipe 50b, the third pipe 50c, and the first pipe 50a. The connecting pipe 52 is provided with a valve for adjusting the water flow rate, and the control device 3 controls the start and stop of water sprinkling by the sprinkler device 5 and the amount of water sprinkled.

[0038] The first pipe 50a is arranged to extend in the vertical direction outside one horizontal end of the heat exchanger 130. The second pipe 50b is arranged to extend in the vertical direction outside the other horizontal end of the heat exchanger 130. In the following description, the one horizontal end of the heat exchanger 130 is referred to as the "first header side," and the other horizontal end of the heat exchanger 130 is referred to as the "second header side."

[0039] The first pipe 50a is provided with a plurality of first nozzles 51a. In the example of FIG. 4, the first pipe 50a is provided with three first nozzles 51a. Each of the first nozzles 51a is a hollow cone nozzle that sprays mist water at a spray angle of 60°, for example. The first nozzles 51a are arranged spaced apart from one another in the vertical direction. Each of the first nozzles 51a sprays water into the flow paths P2 to P4 of the heat exchanger 130 from the first header side toward the second header side. In other words, each of the first nozzles 51a sprays water from one end side of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 in the horizontal direction toward the center of the outdoor heat exchanger 13. As an example, the spray rate of each of the first nozzles 51a is 0.24 L / min, and the droplet diameter is 110 μm.

[0040] The second pipe 50b is provided with a plurality of second nozzles 51b. In the example of FIG. 4, the second pipe 50b is provided with three second nozzles 51b. Each second nozzle 51b is a hollow cone nozzle that sprays mist water at a spray angle of 60°, for example. The second nozzles 51b are arranged spaced apart from one another in the vertical direction. Each second nozzle 51b is arranged opposite a corresponding first nozzle 51a, and the vertical position of each second nozzle 51b is the same as the vertical position of each first nozzle 51a. Each second nozzle 51b sprays water into the flow paths P2 to P4 of the heat exchange unit 130 from the second header side toward the first header side. In other words, each second nozzle 51b sprays water from the other horizontal end side of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 toward the center of the outdoor heat exchanger 13. As an example, the amount of water sprayed from each second nozzle 51b is 0.24 L / min, and the droplet diameter is 110 μm.

[0041] The third pipe 50c is arranged to extend horizontally along the lower end of the flow path P1 of the heat exchanger 130. The third pipe 50c is provided with multiple third nozzles 51c. In the example of FIG. 4, the third pipe 50c is provided with four third nozzles 51c. Each third nozzle 51c is a hollow cone nozzle that sprays mist water at a spray angle of 60°, for example. The third nozzles 51c are arranged horizontally at intervals from one another. Each third nozzle 51c sprays water upward, spraying water from below to above the flow path P1 of the heat exchanger 130. That is, the four third nozzles 51c of the third pipe 50c spray water onto the flow path P1 of the heat exchanger 130. As an example, the spray rate of each third nozzle 51c is 0.13 L / min, and the droplet diameter is 110 μm.

[0042] As described above, in the sprinkler device 5 of this embodiment, the number of nozzles of the third pipe 50c that sprinkles water onto the flow path P1, which becomes relatively hot in the heat exchange section 130, is greater than the number of nozzles of the first pipe 50a, and is greater than the number of nozzles of the second pipe 50b. This makes it possible to make the amount of water sprayed per unit area onto the flow path P1, which becomes relatively hot in the heat exchange section 130, greater than the amount of water sprayed per unit area onto the flow paths P2 to P4, which become relatively cold.

[0043] As described above, in this embodiment, the condensation capacity is improved by increasing the amount of water sprayed per unit area of ​​the high-temperature portion of the outdoor heat exchanger 13, which functions as a condenser, and the COP of the entire refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 is improved. Furthermore, by reducing the amount of water sprayed on the low-temperature portion of the outdoor heat exchanger 13, it is possible to reduce the amount of water used and improve the sprinkling efficiency. When the heat exchange section 130 has a height of 1.22 m and a width of 1.47 m, the total amount of water sprayed by the sprinkler device 5 of embodiment 1 is 1.96 L / min, which is a reduction in the amount of water sprayed compared to the prior art. Furthermore, in this case, the amount of water sprayed per unit area of ​​the sprinkler device 5 is 1.09 L / (min·m 2 )

[0044] Furthermore, when the heat transfer tubes 131 and the fins 132 are made up of flat tubes and corrugated fins, as in the outdoor heat exchanger 13 of this embodiment, water adhering to the outdoor heat exchanger 13 accumulates in the corrugated valleys of the corrugated fins, making it easier for water to be retained in the outdoor heat exchanger 13. As a result, if the amount of water sprayed is increased, the amount of water retained increases, which creates air resistance and may deteriorate the performance of the outdoor heat exchanger 13. In response to this, as described in the example above, by setting the diameter of the droplets of water sprayed from each nozzle of the sprinkler device 5 to 110 μm, it is possible to suppress an increase in the amount of water retained in the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and suppress a deterioration in the performance of the outdoor heat exchanger 13. Note that the droplet diameter is not limited to 110 μm and may be 160 μm or less.

[0045] Embodiment 2 Fig. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of a sprinkler device 5A of a refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to embodiment 2. As shown in Fig. 5, the sprinkler device 5A of embodiment 2 differs from embodiment 1 in the configuration of the third pipe 50c. The other configurations of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 are the same as those of embodiment 1.

[0046] For the sake of explanation, Fig. 5 also shows the outdoor heat exchanger 13. As in the first embodiment, the sprinkler system 5A is attached to a housing or the like that holds the outdoor heat exchanger 13. As shown in Fig. 5, the sprinkler system 5A includes a first pipe 50a, a second pipe 50b, a third pipe 50c, and a connection pipe 52. The first pipe 50a and the second pipe 50b are disposed opposite each other below the third pipe 50c. One end of the third pipe 50c is connected to the first pipe 50a, and the other end is connected to the second pipe 50b.

[0047] The second pipe 50b and the third pipe 50c are connected to a connecting pipe 52. The connecting pipe 52 is connected to a water pipe or the like, and water flowing in from the connecting pipe 52 is supplied to the second pipe 50b, the third pipe 50c, and the first pipe 50a. The connecting pipe 52 is provided with a valve for adjusting the water flow rate, and the control device 3 controls the start and stop of water sprinkling by the sprinkler device 5 and the amount of water sprinkled.

[0048] The configurations of the first pipe 50a and the first nozzle 51a, and the second pipe 50b and the second nozzle 51b in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0049] The third pipe 50c is disposed outside the upper end of the heat exchanger 130 and extends horizontally above the upper end of the heat exchanger 130. Four third nozzles 51c are provided on the third pipe 50c. Each third nozzle 51c is a hollow cone nozzle that sprays mist water at a spray angle of 60°, for example. The third nozzles 51c are disposed horizontally at intervals from one another. Each third nozzle 51c sprays water downward, spraying water from above to below into the flow path P1 of the heat exchanger 130. That is, the four third nozzles 51c of the third pipe 50c spray water into the flow path P1 of the heat exchanger 130. As an example, the spray rate of each third nozzle 51c is 0.13 L / min, and the droplet diameter is 110 μm.

[0050] In the sprinkler device 5A of this embodiment, the number of nozzles of the third pipe 50c that sprinkles water onto the flow path P1, which becomes relatively hot in the heat exchange section 130, is also greater than the number of nozzles of the first pipe 50a, and is also greater than the number of nozzles of the second pipe 50b. This makes it possible to make the amount of water sprayed per unit area onto the flow path P1, which becomes relatively hot in the heat exchange section 130, greater than the amount of water sprayed per unit area onto the flow paths P2 to P4, which become relatively cold.

[0051] As described above, the present embodiment can also achieve the same effects as those of Embodiment 1. Furthermore, by arranging the third pipe 50c outside the heat exchanger 130, it is possible to prevent the air from flowing into the heat exchanger 130 from being obstructed, and to suppress a decrease in the performance of the outdoor heat exchanger 13.

[0052] Embodiment 3 Fig. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of a sprinkler device 5B of a refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to embodiment 3. As shown in Fig. 6, embodiment 3 differs from embodiment 1 in that the sprinkler device 5B does not include a third pipe 50c. The other configurations of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 are the same as those of embodiment 1.

[0053] For the sake of explanation, FIG. 6 also shows the outdoor heat exchanger 13. As in the first embodiment, the sprinkler device 5B is attached to a housing or the like that holds the outdoor heat exchanger 13. As shown in FIG. 6, the sprinkler device 5B includes a first pipe 50a, a second pipe 50b, and a connection pipe 52 that is connected to each of the first pipe 50a and the second pipe 50b. The first pipe 50a and the second pipe 50b are independent of each other, and one end of the first pipe 50a and one end of the second pipe 50b are connected to the connection pipe 52. The connection pipe 52 is connected to a water pipe or the like, and water flowing in from the connection pipe 52 is supplied to the first pipe 50a and the second pipe 50b, respectively. The connection pipe 52 is provided with a valve that adjusts the water flow rate, and the start and stop of sprinkling by the sprinkler device 5 and the amount of water sprinkled are controlled by the control device 3 controlling the valve.

[0054] The first pipe 50a is disposed so as to extend in the vertical direction outside one horizontal end of the heat exchanger 130. The second pipe 50b is disposed so as to extend in the vertical direction outside the other horizontal end of the heat exchanger 130.

[0055] The first pipe 50a is provided with five first nozzles 51a1, 51a2, 51a3, 51a4, and 51a5. Each of the first nozzles 51a1 to 51a5 is a hollow cone nozzle that sprays mist water at a spray angle of, for example, 60°. The first nozzles 51a1 to 51a5 are arranged at equal intervals (for example, approximately 0.2 m) in the vertical direction, and spray water onto the flow paths P1 to P4 of the heat exchanger 130 from the first header side toward the second header side.

[0056] The water spray rate of each of the first nozzles 51a1-51a5 is set to vary depending on the temperature distribution of the outdoor heat exchanger 13. Specifically, the water spray rate of the nozzles arranged in relatively high-temperature portions of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 is set to be greater than the water spray rate of the nozzles arranged in relatively low-temperature portions. In the configuration of FIG. 6, the water spray rate of the first nozzles 51a1 and 51a2 arranged at the top is greater than the water spray rate of the first nozzles 51a3-51a5 arranged at the bottom. As an example, the water spray rate of the first nozzles 51a1 and 51a2 is 0.27 L / min. The water spray rate of the first nozzle 51a3 is 0.21 L / min. The water spray rate of the first nozzle 51a4 is 0.17 L / min. The water spray rate of the first nozzle 51a5 is 0.09 L / min. The diameter of the droplets of water sprayed from each of the first nozzles 51a1 to 51a5 is 160 μm or less, and is set according to the amount of water sprayed.

[0057] The second pipe 50b is provided with five second nozzles 51b1, 51b2, 51b3, 51b4, and 51b5. Each of the second nozzles 51b1-51b5 is a hollow cone nozzle that sprays mist water at a spray angle of, for example, 60°. The second nozzles 51b1-51b5 are arranged at equal intervals (for example, approximately 0.2 m) in the vertical direction and spray water into the flow paths P1-P4 of the heat exchanger 130 from the second header side toward the first header side. The second nozzles 51b1-51b5 are arranged opposite the first nozzles 51a1-51a5, and the vertical position of each of the second nozzles 51b1-51b5 is the same as the vertical position of each of the first nozzles 51a1-51a5.

[0058] Similarly to the first nozzles 51a1-51a5 of the first pipe 50a, the water spray rates of the second nozzles 51b1-51b5 of the second pipe 50b are set to vary depending on the temperature distribution of the outdoor heat exchanger 13. Specifically, the water spray rates of the nozzles arranged in relatively high-temperature portions of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 are set to be greater than the water spray rates of the nozzles arranged in relatively low-temperature portions. In the configuration of FIG. 6, the water spray rates of the second nozzles 51b1 and 51b2 arranged at the top are greater than the water spray rates of the second nozzles 51b3-51b5 arranged at the bottom. As an example, the water spray rates of the second nozzles 51b1 and 51b2 are 0.27 L / min. The water spray rate of the second nozzle 51b3 is 0.21 L / min. The water spray rate of the second nozzle 51b4 is 0.17 L / min. The water spray rate of the second nozzle 51b5 is 0.09 L / min. The diameter of the droplets of water sprayed from each of the second nozzles 51b1 to 51b5 is 160 μm or less, and is set according to the amount of water sprayed.

[0059] In the sprinkler system 5B of this embodiment, the first pipe 50a and the second pipe 50b have the same number of nozzles and are evenly arranged. However, the amount of water sprayed by the nozzles that spray water onto the flow path P1, which has a relatively high temperature in the heat exchanger 130, is greater than the amount of water sprayed by the nozzles that spray water onto the flow paths P2 to P4, which have a relatively low temperature in the heat exchanger 130. This makes it possible to make the amount of water sprayed per unit area onto the flow path P1, which has a relatively high temperature in the heat exchanger 130, greater than the amount of water sprayed per unit area onto the flow paths P2 to P4, which have a relatively low temperature.

[0060] As described above, this embodiment can also achieve the same effects as those of embodiment 1. Furthermore, by omitting the third pipe 50c extending in the horizontal direction, the configuration of the sprinkler device 5 can be simplified and the number of parts can be reduced.

[0061] Although the above is a description of the embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment and various modifications and combinations are possible within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure. For example, in the above embodiment, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 is described as a heat pump chiller, but the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 may be a dedicated cooling machine without a switchable cooling / heating device, a refrigerator for cooling a refrigerated warehouse, or a direct expansion air conditioner. When the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 is a dedicated cooling machine or a refrigerator, the four-way valve 12 is omitted, the outdoor heat exchanger 13 serves as a condenser, and the indoor heat exchanger 21 serves as an evaporator.

[0062] 3, the temperature distribution of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 differs depending on the configuration of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 or the type of refrigerant used. Therefore, as long as the amount of water sprayed per unit area in the high-temperature portion of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 can be made greater than the amount of water sprayed per unit area in the low-temperature portion, the direction, number, or arrangement of the nozzles of the sprinkler device 5, or the amount of water sprayed or droplet diameter of the nozzles, can be changed as desired.

[0063] For example, the vertical position of the third pipe 50c is not limited to that of embodiment 1 or 2. The third pipe 50c may be disposed above or below the lower end of the flow path P1 of the heat exchanger 130, as long as the third nozzle 51c is positioned so as to spray water onto the relatively high-temperature portion of the heat exchanger 130.

[0064] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the adjustment of the amount of water sprayed per unit area by the sprinkler device 5 when the temperature decreases from the top to the bottom of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the amount of water sprayed in the horizontal direction of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 may also be varied according to the temperature distribution. Specifically, in Embodiments 1 and 2, the amount of water sprayed by the third nozzles 51c provided on the third pipe 50c may be varied according to the temperature distribution of the outdoor heat exchanger 13. In this case, the amount of water sprayed by the leftmost third nozzle 51c, which is closest to the refrigerant inlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 13, is set to be greater than the amount of water sprayed by the rightmost third nozzle 51c, which is farthest from the refrigerant inlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 13. This further improves condensation capacity and water spray efficiency.

[0065] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the heat source unit 1 is configured to have four refrigerant circuits, but this is not limited thereto and the heat source unit 1 may have three or fewer refrigerant circuits, or five or more refrigerant circuits. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the outdoor heat exchanger 13 has four flow paths P1 to P4 has been described, but the number of flow paths in the outdoor heat exchanger 13 may be three or fewer, or five or more. Furthermore, the outdoor heat exchanger 13 is not limited to a PFC heat exchanger having corrugated fins, but may be a fin-tube heat exchanger having plate fins. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1 heat source unit, 2 indoor unit, 3 control device, 5, 5A, 5B sprinkler device, 11 compressor, 12 four-way valve, 13 outdoor heat exchanger, 14 expansion valve, 15 accumulator, 16 outdoor fan, 21 indoor heat exchanger, 22 indoor flow rate control device, 23 indoor fan, 50a first pipe, 50b second pipe, 50c third pipe, 51a, 51a1, 51a2, 51a3, 51a4, 51a5 first nozzle, 51b, 51b1, 51b2, 51b3, 51b4, 51b5 second nozzle, 51c third nozzle, 52 connecting pipe, 60 water heat exchanger, 80 pump, 100 refrigeration cycle device, 130 heat exchange section, 131 heat transfer tube, 132 fin, 133a, 133b, 133c First header, 134a, 134b Second header, 135a, 135b Connecting pipes.

Claims

1. A condenser; a sprinkler device that sprinkles water on the condenser, The amount of water sprayed per unit area of ​​the sprinkler device varies depending on the temperature distribution of the condenser, The sprinkler device is a first pipe provided with a plurality of first nozzles and extending in a first direction; a second pipe provided with a plurality of second nozzles and extending in the first direction; a third pipe provided with a plurality of third nozzles and extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; The first pipe and the second pipe are arranged opposite to each other, One end of the third pipe is connected to the first pipe, and the other end is connected to the second pipe, the plurality of third nozzles spray water onto a portion of the condenser where the temperature is relatively high, the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles spray water onto a portion of the condenser where the temperature is relatively low, The number of the third nozzles is greater than the number of the first nozzles and greater than the number of the second nozzles.

2. 2. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 1, wherein the amount of water sprayed per unit area in the portion of the condenser where the temperature is relatively high is greater than the amount of water sprayed per unit area in the portion of the condenser where the temperature is relatively low.

3. The third pipe is provided below an upper end of the condenser, The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of third nozzles spray water upward.

4. The third pipe is provided above an upper end of the condenser, The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of third nozzles spray water downward.

Images