Heat source unit for refrigeration cycle device and refrigeration cycle device

Abstract

In a conventional refrigerant cooling circuit, the cooling capacity may be insufficient when the electrical component unit generates a large amount of heat. The heat source unit (2) includes an electrical equipment unit (70), a heat-source-side refrigerant main flow path (300), and a first refrigerant sub-flow path (61). The heat-source-side refrigerant main flow path (300) has a compressor (21), a heat-source-side heat exchanger (23), and a heat-source-side expansion valve (25), and is connected to a user-side refrigerant flow path (500) of the user units (3a, 3b) to form a refrigerant circuit (10). The first refrigerant sub-flow path (61) has a first cooling section (62) that cools an IPM (81a) of the electrical equipment unit (70), and a first expansion valve (63) that expands the refrigerant flowing through the first cooling section (62). The first refrigerant sub-flow path (61) branches off from a liquid flow path (340) that extends from the heat-source-side heat exchanger (23) of the heat-source-side refrigerant main flow path (300) to the user-side refrigerant flow path (500), and passes the refrigerant through a gas flow path (310) on the suction side of the compressor (21) of the heat-source-side refrigerant main flow path (300).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat source unit for a refrigeration cycle device and a refrigeration cycle device. [Background technology]

[0002] A refrigerant cooling circuit having refrigerant piping for cooling electrical components used in a blower fan and electrical components for a compressor inverter has conventionally existed (Patent Document 1 (JP 2022-146443 A)). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Conventional refrigerant cooling circuits have the problem that cooling capacity may become insufficient when the amount of heat generated by the electrical component unit increases. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] A heat source unit of a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to a first aspect includes an electrical equipment unit, a heat-source-side refrigerant main flow path, and a first refrigerant sub-flow path. The heat-source-side refrigerant main flow path has a compressor, a heat-source-side heat exchanger, and a heat-source-side main expansion mechanism. The heat-source-side refrigerant main flow path is connected to the usage-side refrigerant flow paths of the usage units to form a refrigerant circuit. The first refrigerant sub-flow path has a first cooling section and a first flow rate adjustment mechanism. The first cooling section cools a first section of the electrical equipment unit. The first flow rate adjustment mechanism expands the refrigerant flowing through the first cooling section. The first refrigerant sub-flow path branches off from a liquid flow path extending from the heat-source-side heat exchanger of the heat-source-side refrigerant main flow path to the usage-side refrigerant flow path, and causes the refrigerant to flow into a gas flow path on the suction side of the compressor of the heat-source-side refrigerant main flow path.

[0005] In the heat source unit of this refrigeration cycle device, when operating with the heat source side heat exchanger, which cools the refrigerant with outside air, as the condenser, the high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the heat source side heat exchanger is expanded by the first flow control mechanism of the first refrigerant sub-flow path to lower its temperature, and this two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant absorbs heat from the electrical equipment unit, evaporates, and is returned to the gas flow path on the suction side of the compressor, making it possible to cool the electrical equipment unit more strongly than in the past, when the electrical equipment unit was cooled with high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant.

[0006] A heat source unit of a refrigeration cycle device according to a second aspect is the heat source unit according to the first aspect, further comprising a second refrigerant sub-channel. The second refrigerant sub-channel has a second cooling section and a second flow rate adjustment mechanism. The second cooling section cools a second section of the electrical component unit. The second flow rate adjustment mechanism adjusts the amount of refrigerant flowing through the second cooling section. The second refrigerant sub-channel connects a liquid pipe on the heat source side heat exchanger side of the heat source side main expansion mechanism with a liquid pipe on the opposite side of the heat source side heat exchanger side of the heat source side main expansion mechanism.

[0007] In the heat source unit of this refrigeration cycle device, when the heat source side heat exchanger that cools the refrigerant with outside air is used as a condenser, of The electrical equipment unit is cooled by the high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the heat source side heat exchanger using the refrigerant sub-flow path. of By reducing the amount of refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant sub-flow passages, the amount of refrigerant flowing to the utilization units can be ensured.

[0008] A heat source unit of a refrigeration cycle device according to a third aspect is the heat source unit according to the first or second aspect, wherein the heat source side refrigerant main flow path further includes a subcooling heat exchanger. The subcooling heat exchanger extends from the heat source side heat exchanger to the use side refrigerant flow path. The heat source unit further includes a third refrigerant sub-path. The third refrigerant sub-path branches off from the liquid path. The third refrigerant sub-path has a third flow rate adjustment mechanism that expands the refrigerant flowing therethrough. The third refrigerant sub-path performs heat exchange in a subcooling heat exchanger between the refrigerant that has passed through the third flow rate adjustment mechanism and the refrigerant flowing in the liquid path of the heat source side refrigerant main path. The third refrigerant sub-path flows the refrigerant after heat exchange into the gas path on the suction side of the compressor of the heat source side refrigerant main path.

[0009] In the heat source unit of this refrigeration cycle device, when the heat source side heat exchanger that cools the refrigerant with outside air is used as a condenser, the high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the heat source side heat exchanger is condensed into the third flow path of the third refrigerant sub-flow path. amount The refrigerant, whose temperature has been lowered by expansion in the adjustment mechanism, exchanges heat with the high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant, thereby cooling the high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the heat source-side heat exchanger.

[0010] A heat source unit of a refrigeration cycle device according to a fourth aspect is the heat source unit according to the second or third aspect, and further comprises a control unit. The control unit controls the first flow rate based on the temperature of the electrical component unit. amount Regulatory Mechanism or Second Stream amount Controls the opening of the adjustment mechanism.

[0011] In the heat source unit of this refrigeration cycle device, the first flow is controlled based on the temperature of the electrical equipment unit. amount Regulatory Mechanism or Second Stream amount By controlling the opening of the adjustment mechanism, the temperature or amount of refrigerant can be adjusted according to the temperature of the electrical component unit, thereby cooling the electrical component unit.

[0012] A heat source unit of a refrigeration cycle device according to a fifth aspect is the heat source unit according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, wherein the electrical component unit includes a first electrical component and a second electrical component, and the first refrigerant sub-channel cools the first electrical component.

[0013] In the heat source unit of this refrigeration cycle device, of The refrigerant sub-flow passages can cool specific electrical components.

[0014] A heat source unit of a refrigeration cycle device according to a sixth aspect is the heat source unit according to the fifth aspect, wherein the amount of heat generated by the first electrical component is greater than the amount of heat generated by the second electrical component.

[0015] In the heat source unit of this refrigeration cycle device, the first electrical component, which generates a large amount of heat, is connected to the first electrical component, which lowers the temperature of the high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. of Cooling can be achieved in the refrigerant sub-channels.

[0016] A heat source unit of a refrigeration cycle device of a seventh aspect is a heat source unit of any one of the second aspect to the sixth aspect, wherein the first refrigerant sub-channel branches off from a position on the side of the utilization side refrigerant channel in a liquid channel extending from the heat source side heat exchanger of the heat source side refrigerant main channel to the utilization side refrigerant channel, rather than a position on the opposite side of the heat source side heat exchanger of the heat source side main expansion mechanism to which the second refrigerant sub-channel is connected.

[0017] In the heat source unit of this refrigeration cycle device, the first refrigerant sub-channel branches off from the liquid channel at a position closer to the use-side refrigerant channel than the second refrigerant sub-channel, thereby ensuring the amount of refrigerant required for cooling in the second refrigerant sub-channel.

[0018] A heat source unit of a refrigeration cycle device according to an eighth aspect is a heat source unit according to any one of the first aspect to the seventh aspect, of The fourth embodiment further includes a refrigerant sub-channel. of The refrigerant sub-channel cools the air inside the electrical equipment unit. The fourth refrigerant sub-channel branches off from the liquid channel of the heat source side main refrigerant channel, which extends from the heat source side heat exchanger to the user side refrigerant channel, at a position closer to the user side refrigerant channel than the position where the first refrigerant sub-channel branches off from the liquid channel, and directs the refrigerant to the gas channel on the suction side of the compressor of the heat source side main refrigerant channel. of The refrigerant sub-channel has a fourth flow rate adjustment mechanism that adjusts the amount of refrigerant flowing through the fourth refrigerant sub-channel.

[0019] In the heat source unit of this refrigeration cycle device, the first refrigerant sub-flow path branches into a fourth refrigerant sub-flow path. flow path Even if the amount of refrigerant flowing through the electrical equipment unit is small, the air inside the electrical equipment unit can be cooled.

[0020] A ninth aspect of the present invention provides a refrigeration cycle apparatus including a heat source unit and one or more utilization units. The heat source unit is the heat source unit of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects. The one or more utilization units are connected to the heat source unit.

[0021] In this refrigeration cycle device, when operating with the heat source side heat exchanger, which cools the refrigerant with outside air, as the condenser, the high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the heat source side heat exchanger is expanded by the first flow rate adjustment mechanism of the first refrigerant sub-flow path to lower its temperature, and this two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant absorbs heat from the electrical equipment unit, evaporates, and is returned to the gas flow path on the suction side of the compressor, making it possible to cool the electrical equipment unit more strongly than in conventional cases, when the electrical equipment unit was cooled with high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a refrigeration cycle device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic external perspective view showing the arrangement of a heat source side control unit in the heat source unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the interior of a heat source side control unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the internal front side portion of the heat source side control unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic rear view of the rear side portion of the interior of the heat source side control unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] (1) Configuration of the refrigeration cycle device FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a refrigeration cycle device 1.

[0024] The refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is an apparatus used for cooling and heating the interior of a building, etc., by operating a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 mainly comprises a heat source unit 2, utilization units 3a and 3b, and a liquid-side refrigerant communication pipe 5 and a gas-side refrigerant communication pipe 6 that connect the heat source unit 2 with the utilization units 3a and 3b. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 has a refrigerant circuit 10 that is formed by connecting the heat source unit 2, the utilization units 3a and 3b, the liquid-side refrigerant communication pipe 5, and the gas-side refrigerant communication pipe 6.

[0025] The refrigerant circuit 10 of this embodiment is filled with any refrigerant, such as R32.

[0026] (1-1) Usage unit The utilization units 3a, 3b are installed by embedding or hanging from the ceiling of a room in a building or the like, or by hanging from the wall surface of the room. The utilization units 3a, 3b are connected to the heat source unit 2 via a liquid side refrigerant communication pipe 5 and a gas side refrigerant communication pipe 6, and constitute part of the refrigerant circuit 10. The utilization units 3a, 3b have utilization side refrigerant flow paths 500 that are connected to the heat source side refrigerant main flow path 100 to form the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0027] The refrigeration cycle device 1 of this embodiment has a plurality of (here, two) utilization units 3a, 3b connected in parallel to each other in the refrigerant circuit . Next, the configurations of the usage units 3a and 3b will be described. Note that since the usage units 3a and 3b have the same configuration, only the configuration of the usage unit 3a will be described here, and the configuration of the usage unit 3b will be omitted by adding the subscript "b" instead of the subscript "a" indicating each part of the usage unit 3a.

[0028] The utilization unit 3a mainly includes a utilization side expansion valve 51a, a utilization side heat exchanger 52a, a utilization side fan 55a, and a utilization side control unit 75a. sidea used liquid refrigerant pipe 53a connecting the liquid side end of the heat exchanger 52a and the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 5; side The heat exchanger 52a has a gas refrigerant utilization pipe 54a that connects the gas side end of the heat exchanger 52a and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 6.

[0029] The user-side heat exchanger 52a is, for example, a cross-fin, fin-and-tube heat exchanger composed of a heat transfer tube and multiple fins. The user-side heat exchanger 52a functions as a refrigerant evaporator to cool the indoor air during cooling operation, and as a refrigerant radiator or condenser to warm the indoor air during heating operation. A gas-side refrigerant connection pipe 6 is connected to the gas side of the user-side heat exchanger 52a.

[0030] The utilization-side expansion valve 51a is an electronic expansion valve whose valve opening is adjustable. The utilization-side expansion valve 51a is provided in the refrigerant flow path between the utilization-side heat exchanger 52a and the liquid-side refrigerant connection pipe 5.

[0031] The utilization unit 3a has a utilization-side fan 55a that draws indoor air into the unit, exchanges heat with a refrigerant in the utilization-side heat exchanger 52a, and then supplies the air to the room as supply air. The utilization-side fan 55a is a centrifugal fan, a multi-blade fan, or the like. The utilization-side fan 55a has a utilization-side fan motor 56a. The utilization unit 3a is provided with various sensors. Specifically, the utilization unit 3a is provided with a utilization-side heat exchanger liquid-side sensor 57a that detects the temperature Trl of the refrigerant at the liquid-side end of the utilization-side heat exchanger 52a, a utilization-side heat exchanger gas-side sensor 58a that detects the temperature Trg of the refrigerant at the gas-side end of the utilization-side heat exchanger 52a, and an indoor air sensor 59a that detects the temperature Tra of the indoor air drawn into the utilization unit 3a.

[0032] The usage-side control unit 75a controls the operation of each unit constituting the usage unit 3a. The usage-side control unit 75a has a microcomputer, memory, etc. provided for controlling the usage unit 3a. The usage-side control unit 75a can exchange control signals and the like with the heat source-side control unit 70 of the heat source unit 2 or the remote control 9 via the transmission line 8.

[0033] (1-2) Heat source unit The heat source unit 2 is installed outdoors in a building or the like, and is connected to each of the utilization units 3a, 3b via a liquid side refrigerant connection pipe 5 and a gas side refrigerant connection pipe 6, and forms part of the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0034] figure FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the exterior showing the arrangement of the heat-source-side controller 70 in the heat source unit 2. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," and "rear" refer to directions when the outdoor unit 2 shown in FIG. 2 is viewed from the front (diagonally front left side of the drawing). In this embodiment, the "front" refers to the direction from the center of the heat source unit 2 in a plan view toward the surface on which the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 is not present or the surface on which the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 is present at its smallest extent. FIG. 2 mainly illustrates the heat-source-side controller 70 and the surrounding first and second cooling sections 62 and 67, the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23, the heat-source-side fan 24, and the like, and omits other devices, piping, and the like.

[0035] The heat source unit 2 mainly includes a heat source unit casing 11, a compressor 21, a four-way switching valve 22, a heat-source-side heat exchanger 23, a heat-source-side expansion valve (heat-source-side main expansion mechanism) 25, an accumulator 29, a liquid-side shut-off valve 27, a gas-side shut-off valve 28, a first refrigerant sub-flow path 61, a second refrigerant sub-flow path 66, and a heat-source-side fan 24. The four-way switching valve 22 and the suction side of the compressor 21 are connected by a suction refrigerant pipe 31. The suction refrigerant pipe 31 is provided with an accumulator 29 that temporarily stores refrigerant drawn into the compressor 21. The discharge side of the compressor 21 and the four-way switching valve 22 are connected by a discharge refrigerant pipe 32. The four-way switching valve 22 and the gas side end of the heat-source heat exchanger 23 are connected by a first heat-source gas refrigerant pipe 33. The liquid side end of the heat source heat exchanger 23 and the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 5 are connected by a heat source liquid refrigerant pipe 34. A liquid side shutoff valve 27 is provided at the connection part of the heat source liquid refrigerant pipe 34 and the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 5. The four-way switching valve 22 and the gas refrigerant connection pipe 6 are connected by a second heat source gas refrigerant pipe 35. A gas side shutoff valve 28 is provided at the connection part of the second heat source gas refrigerant pipe 35 and the gas refrigerant connection pipe 6. The liquid side shutoff valve 27 and the gas side shutoff valve 28 are valves that are opened and closed manually.

[0036] The heat source unit 2 also has a compressor 21, a heat source-side heat exchanger 23, and a heat source-side expansion valve 25, and a heat source-side main refrigerant flow path 300 that is connected to the use-side refrigerant flow paths 500 of the use units 3a, 3b to form the refrigerant circuit 10. The liquid flow path 340 is a flow path that extends from the heat source-side heat exchanger 23 of the heat source-side main refrigerant flow path 300 to the use-side flow path 500. The liquid flow path 340 includes a heat source liquid refrigerant pipe 34. The heat source liquid refrigerant pipe 34 includes a first heat source liquid refrigerant pipe 34a and a second heat source liquid refrigerant pipe 34b. The first heat source liquid refrigerant pipe 34a is a liquid pipe on the heat source-side expansion valve 25's side of the heat source-side heat exchanger 23. The second heat source liquid refrigerant pipe 34b is a liquid pipe on the side of the heat source-side expansion valve 25 opposite the heat source-side heat exchanger 23. The gas flow path 310 is a flow path on the suction side of the compressor 21 of the heat-source-side refrigerant main flow path 300. The gas flow path 310 includes a suction refrigerant pipe 31.

[0037] The heat source unit 2 also includes a first refrigerant sub-flow path 61 and a second refrigerant sub-flow path 62. ofThe cooling medium includes a refrigerant sub-flow path 66, a third refrigerant sub-flow path 41, and a fourth refrigerant sub-flow path .

[0038] In this embodiment, the heat source unit 2 is an upward-blowing heat exchange unit that draws in air from the left and right side surfaces and rear surface of the heat source unit casing 11 and blows the air upward from the top end surface of the heat source unit casing 11.

[0039] The heat source unit casing 11 mainly has a main part 13 and a fan module 12 provided on the main part 13 .

[0040] The main section 13 has a pair of mounting legs 18, a bottom frame 15, four support columns 14, a front panel 13a, and mesh sections 13b, 13c, and 13d. The mounting legs 18 include one on the front side and one on the rear side, each extending in the left-right direction. The bottom frame 15 is suspended on each of the mounting legs 18. Each support column 14 extends vertically from a corner of the bottom frame 15. The front panel 13a extends between the two front support columns 14. The mesh section 13b is provided between the left support columns 14 so as to extend in the front-to-back direction. The mesh section 13c is provided between the rear support columns 14 so as to extend in the left-to-right direction. The mesh section 13d is provided between the right support columns 14 so as to extend in the front-to-back direction.

[0041] The bottom frame 15 forms the bottom surface of the heat source unit casing 11, and a heat source-side heat exchanger 23 is provided on the bottom frame 15. Here, the heat source-side heat exchanger 23 is a heat exchanger that is roughly U-shaped in plan view and faces the back surface and both left and right side surfaces of the heat source unit casing 11.

[0042] The mesh portions 13b, 13c, and 13d are provided so as to extend along the outer surface of the heat source-side heat exchanger 23. These mesh portions 13b, 13c, and 13d essentially form three air intake ports on the right side, left side, and back of the heat source unit casing 11.

[0043] The front panel 13a has an upper front panel 16 that forms the upper part of the front surface of the heat source unit casing 11, and a lower front panel 17 that forms the lower part of the front surface of the heat source unit casing 11.

[0044] The fan module 12 is attached to the upper end of each support column 14. The fan module 12 is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped box having a front side panel 12a, a left side panel 12b, a rear side panel 12c, and a right side panel 12d, and is perforated in the vertical direction. The fan module 12 houses a heat source-side fan 24 therein, thereby forming a flow path for airflow in the upward direction.

[0045] The compressor 21 is, for example, a positive displacement compressor driven by a compressor motor 21a. The compressor motor 21a is driven by receiving power supply via an inverter device. The operating capacity of the compressor 21 is variable by changing the drive frequency of the compressor motor 21a to change the rotation speed. The discharge side of the compressor 21 is connected to one of a plurality of connection ports of a four-way switching valve 22. In this embodiment, the compressor 21 is mounted on the bottom frame 15.

[0046] The accumulator 29 is a refrigerant container provided between the suction side of the compressor 21 and one of the plurality of connection ports of the four-way switching valve 22. In this embodiment, the accumulator 29 is placed on the bottom frame 15.

[0047] The heat source side heat exchanger 23 is, for example, a cross-fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger composed of heat transfer tubes and a number of fins. The heat source side heat exchanger 23 functions as a refrigerant radiator or condenser during cooling operation, and as a refrigerant evaporator during heating operation. One of the multiple connection ports of the four-way switching valve 22 is connected to the gas side of the heat source side heat exchanger 23 via a refrigerant piping. A heat source side expansion valve 25 is connected to the liquid side of the heat source side heat exchanger 23 via a refrigerant piping.

[0048] The heat source-side fan 24 is housed within the fan module 12. The heat source-side fan 24 draws outside air into the heat source unit casing 11 from around the lower periphery thereof, causing the air to exchange heat with the refrigerant in the heat source-side heat exchanger 23, and then forms an airflow that is discharged upward from an outlet provided on the upper end surface of the fan module 12. The heat source-side fan 24 is a propeller fan or the like driven by a heat source-side fan motor 24a, which is a DC fan motor, and has a variable airflow rate. In this embodiment, the heat source-side fan motor 24a is driven by receiving power via an inverter device.

[0049] The heat source side expansion valve 25 is an electric expansion valve whose valve opening can be adjusted to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 10. The heat source side expansion valve 25 is connected to the liquid side outlet of the heat source side heat exchanger 23 and the liquid side shutoff valve 27 It is set between.

[0050] The four-way switching valve 22 has a plurality of connection ports. The four-way switching valve 22 switches the connection state of the plurality of connection ports to switch the refrigerant circuit 10 between a cooling operation connection state and a heating operation connection state. In the cooling operation connection state, the discharge side of the compressor 21 is connected to the heat source side heat exchanger 23, and the suction side of the compressor 21 is connected to the gas side shut-off valve 28. In the heating operation connection state, the discharge side of the compressor 21 is connected to the gas side shut-off valve 28, and the suction side of the compressor 21 is connected to the heat source side heat exchanger 23.

[0051] The liquid side shut-off valve 27 is a valve provided at a connection port with the liquid side refrigerant communication pipe 5. The liquid side shut-off valve 27 is connected via a refrigerant pipe to the side of the heat source side expansion valve 25 opposite to the heat source side heat exchanger 23 side. The gas side shut-off valve 28 is a valve provided at a connection port with the gas side refrigerant communication pipe 6. The gas side shut-off valve 28 is connected via a refrigerant pipe to one of the multiple connection ports of the four-way switching valve 22.

[0052] The first refrigerant sub-path 61 and the second refrigerant sub-path 66 are paths for cooling electrical components such as heat-generating components, which will be described later, that are included in the heat source side control unit (hereinafter also referred to as the electrical component unit) 70.

[0053] The first refrigerant sub-path 61 has a first cooling section 62 and a first expansion valve (first flow rate adjustment mechanism) 63. The first cooling section 62 cools an IPM (Intelligent Power Module, first electrical component) 81a of the electrical component unit 70 (see FIG. 3). The first expansion valve 63 expands the refrigerant flowing through the first cooling section 62. The first expansion valve 63 is an electrically operated expansion valve. The first refrigerant sub-path 61 branches off from a liquid path 340 of the heat-source-side refrigerant main path 300 that extends from the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 to the user-side refrigerant path 500, and causes the refrigerant to flow into a gas path 310 on the suction side of the compressor 21 of the heat-source-side refrigerant main path 300 (see points A and B in FIG. 1).

[0054] The first refrigerant sub-path 61 branches off from the liquid path 340 extending from the heat source side heat exchanger 23 of the heat source side refrigerant main path 300 to the utilization side refrigerant path 500 at a position closer to the utilization side refrigerant path 500 than the position opposite the heat source side heat exchanger 23 of the heat source side expansion valve 25 to which the second refrigerant sub-path 66 is connected (see point A in Figure 1).

[0055] The first cooling section 62 is provided to be in thermal contact with and cool electrical components such as heat-generating parts of the heat source side control section 70 from the front side via a first heat transfer member 62a described below.

[0056] The second refrigerant sub-path 66 has a second cooling section 67 and a second expansion valve (second flow rate adjustment mechanism) 68. The second cooling section 67 cools an IPM (Intelligent Power Module, second electrical component) 82a of the electrical component unit 70 (see FIG. 3). The second expansion valve 68 adjusts the amount of refrigerant flowing through the second cooling section 67. The second expansion valve 68 is an electrically operated expansion valve. The second refrigerant sub-path 66 connects the first heat-source-side liquid refrigerant pipe (liquid piping) 34a on the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 side of the heat-source-side expansion valve 25 to the second heat-source-side liquid refrigerant pipe (liquid piping) 34b on the opposite side of the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 side of the heat-source-side expansion valve 25 (see points C and D in FIG. 1). The second cooling section 67 is provided to be in thermal contact with and cool electrical components such as heat-generating parts of the heat source side control section 70 from the front side via a second heat transfer member 67a, which will be described later.

[0057] Fourth of The refrigerant sub-channel 46 cools the air inside the electrical equipment unit 70. The fourth refrigerant sub-channel 46 branches off from a liquid channel 340 extending from the heat source-side heat exchanger 23 of the heat source-side refrigerant main channel 300 to the user-side refrigerant channel 500 at a position closer to the user-side refrigerant channel 500 than the position where the first refrigerant sub-channel 61 branches off from the liquid channel 340, and directs the refrigerant to a gas channel 310 on the suction side of the compressor 21 of the heat source-side refrigerant main channel 300 (see points G and H in FIG. 1 ). In other words, the fourth refrigerant sub-channel 46 is connected to a portion of the heat source-side liquid refrigerant pipe 34 between the heat source-side expansion valve 25 and the subcooling heat exchanger 45 (see point G in FIG. 1 ). The fourth refrigerant sub-channel 46 is also connected to a suction refrigerant pipe 31 through which refrigerant drawn into the compressor 21 flows. The fourth refrigerant sub-channel 46 is connected to the suction refrigerant pipe 31 at the outlet side of the accumulator 29 (see point H in FIG. 1). of The refrigerant sub-path 46 has a fourth expansion valve (fourth flow rate adjustment mechanism) 48. The fourth expansion valve 48 is an electrically operated expansion valve. The fourth expansion valve 48 adjusts the amount of refrigerant flowing through the fourth refrigerant sub-path 46.

[0058] The third refrigerant sub-path 41 branches off from the liquid path 340 (see point E in FIG. 1). The third refrigerant sub-path 41 has a third expansion valve (third flow rate adjustment mechanism) 44 that expands the refrigerant flowing therethrough. The third expansion valve 44 is an electrically operated expansion valve. The subcooling heat exchanger 45 is disposed in the liquid path 340 that extends from the heat source-side heat exchanger 23 to the user-side refrigerant path 500. The third refrigerant sub-path 41 exchanges heat between the refrigerant that has passed through the third expansion valve 44 and the refrigerant flowing through the liquid path 340 of the heat source-side refrigerant main path 300 in the subcooling heat exchanger 45. The third refrigerant sub-path 41 flows the refrigerant after heat exchange into the gas path 310 on the suction side of the compressor 21 of the heat source-side refrigerant main path 300 (see point F in FIG. 1). In other words, the third refrigerant sub-channel 41 is a refrigerant tube that sends the refrigerant branched from the heat-source-side liquid refrigerant tube 34 to the suction side of the compressor 21. The third refrigerant sub-channel 41 mainly includes a refrigerant return inlet tube 42 and a refrigerant return outlet tube 43. The refrigerant return inlet tube 42 is a refrigerant tube that branches off a portion of the refrigerant flowing through the heat-source-side liquid refrigerant tube 34 from a portion between the liquid end of the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 and the liquid-side stop valve 27 (here, the portion between the heat-source-side expansion valve 25 and the subcooling heat exchanger 45) and sends the refrigerant to an inlet of the subcooling heat exchanger 45 on the third refrigerant sub-channel 41 side. The refrigerant return outlet tube 43 is a refrigerant tube that sends the refrigerant from the outlet of the subcooling heat exchanger 45 on the third refrigerant sub-channel 41 side to the suction refrigerant tube 31. The refrigerant return outlet tube 43 of the third refrigerant sub-channel 41 is connected to a portion of the suction refrigerant tube 31 on the inlet side of the accumulator 29.

[0059] Various sensors are provided in the heat source unit 2. Specifically, the heat source unit 2 is provided with a discharge pressure sensor 36 that detects the pressure (discharge pressure Pd) of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 21, a discharge temperature sensor 37 that detects the temperature (discharge temperature Td) of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 21, a suction pressure sensor 39 that detects the pressure (suction pressure Ps) of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 21, and a suction temperature sensor 40 that detects the temperature (suction temperature Ts) of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 21. In addition, the heat source unit 2 is provided with a heat source side heat exchanger 23and a liquid pipe temperature sensor 49 that detects the temperature of the refrigerant (liquid pipe temperature Tlp) in the portion of the heat source side liquid refrigerant pipe 34 between the heat source side expansion valve 25 and the liquid side shut-off valve 27. The heat source unit 2 is also provided with an internal air temperature sensor 64 that detects the temperature of the air near the electrical components of the electrical component unit 70 (internal air temperature Ta).

[0060] The heat source-side control unit (electrical equipment unit) 70 is provided in the heat source unit casing 11 below the fan module 12, toward the front, and facing the rear side of the upper front panel 16. More specifically, the heat source-side control unit 70 is located forward of the compressor 21 and the accumulator 29. The heat source-side control unit 70 can be accessed from the outside through an opening 16a that appears when the upper front panel 16 of the heat source unit casing 11 is removed. The opening 16a is bordered by the support column 14 located on the left front, the support column 14 located on the right front, the lower edge of the front side plate 12a of the fan module 12, and the upper edge of the lower front panel 17, and is open in the front-rear direction. The heat source-side control unit 70 controls the operation of each component constituting the heat source unit 2. The heat source side control section 70 has a microcomputer and memory provided for controlling the heat source unit 2, and controls the states of the compressor motor 21a, the heat source side fan motor 24a, the heat source side expansion valve 25, the four-way switching valve 22, the first expansion valve 63, the second expansion valve 68, etc. The heat source side control section 70 is connected to the utilization side control sections 75a and 75b of the utilization units 3a and 3b and the remote control 9 via transmission lines. 8 The control signals and the like can be exchanged between the above-mentioned use-side control units 75a and 75b and the heat-source-side control unit 70 and the remote control 9 are connected to each other via a transmission line 8 to form a control unit 7 that controls the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 as a whole.

[0061] The control unit 7 is connected to receive detection signals from the various sensors 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 49, 57a, 57b, 58a, 58b, 59a, 59b, and 64, and controls various devices based on these detection signals. The control unit 7 includes a CPU that executes the various controls described above, and a memory that stores information used for executing the various controls.

[0062] (1-3) Refrigerant connection piping The liquid side refrigerant communication pipe 5 and the gas side refrigerant communication pipe 6 are refrigerant pipes that are installed on-site when the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is installed in an installation location such as a building.

[0063] In the refrigeration cycle device 1 of this embodiment, which has a plurality of utilization units 3a, 3b, the liquid side refrigerant communication pipe 5 has branched portions corresponding to each utilization unit 3a, 3b, and the gas side refrigerant communication pipe 6 has branched portions corresponding to each utilization unit 3a, 3b.

[0064] (2) Refrigeration cycle in the refrigerant circuit In the refrigerant circuit 10 of the refrigeration cycle device 1, the connection state of the four-way switching valve 22 is switched to mainly perform a cooling operation and a heating operation.

[0065] (2-1) Cooling operation Cooling operation is performed with the connection state of the four-way switching valve 22 switched so that the discharge side of the compressor 21 is on the heat source side heat exchanger 23 side and the suction side of the compressor 21 is on the each use side heat exchanger 52a, 52b side.

[0066] The frequency of the compressor 21 is controlled, for example, to process the cooling load in each of the utilization units 3 a and 3 b. As a result, the low-pressure refrigerant sucked into the compressor 21 is discharged from the compressor 21 to become high-pressure refrigerant, and flows into the heat source-side heat exchanger 23 via the four-way switching valve 22.

[0067] The refrigerant that flows into the heat source side heat exchanger 23 releases heat and condenses. The refrigerant that flows out of the heat source side heat exchanger 23 passes through the heat source side expansion valve 25, which is controlled to a fully open state by the control unit 7 during cooling operation.

[0068] The refrigerant that has passed through the heat source side expansion valve 25 passes through the liquid side stop valve 27 and is sent to the liquid side refrigerant connection pipe 5.

[0069] The refrigerant flowing through the liquid side refrigerant communication pipe 5 is branched and then sent to each of the utilization units 3a and 3b.

[0070] The refrigerant flowing into each of the utilization units 3a, 3b is decompressed in the utilization-side expansion valves 51a, 51b to the low pressure of the refrigeration cycle. The valve openings of the utilization-side expansion valves 51a, 51b are controlled by the control unit 7, for example, so that the degree of superheat of the refrigerant on the outlet side of the utilization-side heat exchangers 52a, 52b reaches a predetermined target degree of superheat.

[0071] The refrigerant decompressed in the utilization side expansion valves 51a and 51b of the utilization units 3a and 3b evaporates in the utilization side heat exchangers 52a and 52b. 52a, 52b The evaporated refrigerants merge and flow through the gas side refrigerant connection pipe 6 .

[0072] The refrigerant that has flowed through the gas side refrigerant communication pipe 6 passes through the gas side shutoff valve 28 of the heat source unit 2, the four-way switching valve 22, and the accumulator 29, and is sucked into the compressor 21 again.

[0073] During cooling operation, the first expansion valve 63 provided in the first refrigerant sub-channel 61 causes the refrigerant in a gas-liquid two-phase state to absorb heat from the electrical component unit 70, evaporate, and return to the gas channel 310 on the suction side of the compressor 21. The control unit 7 controls the aperture of the first expansion valve 63 based on the temperature of the electrical component unit 70. In other words, the control unit 7 controls the aperture of the first expansion valve 63 based on the internal air temperature Ta detected by the internal air temperature sensor 64.

[0074] Furthermore, during cooling operation, the high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 flows through the second refrigerant sub-flow path 66 and cools the electrical component unit 70. The control unit 7 controls the aperture of the second expansion valve 68 based on the temperature of the electrical component unit 70. In other words, the control unit 7 adjusts the aperture of the second expansion valve 68 based on the internal air temperature Ta detected by the internal air temperature sensor 64.

[0075] Furthermore, in cooling operation, a third refrigerant sub-path 41 branches off a portion of the refrigerant flowing through the heat-source-side liquid refrigerant pipe 34 and sends it to the compressor 21, and a subcooling heat exchanger 45 cools the refrigerant flowing through the third refrigerant sub-path 41 in a portion of the heat-source-side liquid refrigerant pipe 34 that is closer to the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 than the liquid-side stop valve 27. The control unit 7 controls the third expansion valve 44 to increase the opening degree when the liquid pipe temperature Tlp is higher than the target liquid pipe temperature Tlpt, and controls the third expansion valve 44 to decrease the opening degree when the liquid pipe temperature Tlp is lower than the target liquid pipe temperature Tlpt.

[0076] Furthermore, during cooling operation, a fourth refrigerant sub-path 46 branches off a portion of the refrigerant flowing through the heat source side liquid refrigerant pipe 34 at a portion of the heat source side liquid refrigerant pipe 34 closer to the heat source side heat exchanger 23 than the subcooling heat exchanger 45, and sends the refrigerant to the compressor 21. The fourth refrigerant sub-path 46 cools the air inside the electrical equipment unit 70. When the discharge temperature Td rises to the discharge temperature threshold Tdx, the control unit 7 controls the fourth expansion valve 48 to increase the opening degree until the discharge temperature Td becomes equal to or lower than the discharge temperature threshold Tdx.

[0077] (2-2) Heating operation Heating operation is performed with the connection state of the four-way switching valve 22 switched so that the discharge side of the compressor 21 is on the side of each of the utilization side heat exchangers 52a, 52b and the suction side of the compressor 21 is on the side of the heat source side heat exchanger 23.

[0078] The frequency of the compressor 21 is controlled so that it can handle the heating load of each utilization unit, for example. As a result, the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 21 flows toward each utilization unit 3a, 3b via the four-way switching valve 22 and the gas-side refrigerant communication pipe 6.

[0079] Here, the refrigerant that has passed through the gas side refrigerant communication pipe 6 branches and flows into each of the utilization units 3a and 3b.

[0080] The refrigerant that flows into each of the utilization units 3a, 3b releases heat and condenses in each of the utilization-side heat exchangers 52a, 52b. During heating operation, the valve openings of the utilization-side expansion valves 51a, 51b are controlled, for example, so that the degree of subcooling of the refrigerant flowing through the outlets of the utilization-side heat exchangers 52a, 52b becomes a predetermined value.

[0081] In this way, the refrigerants that have condensed in the use-side heat exchangers 52 a and 52 b and passed through the use-side expansion valves 51 a and 51 b join together and flow through the liquid-side refrigerant connection pipe 5 .

[0082] The refrigerant that has flowed through the liquid-side refrigerant communication pipe 5 is supplied to the heat source unit 2 through the liquid-side shut-off valve 27. The refrigerant that has passed through the liquid-side shut-off valve 27 is decompressed to the low pressure of the refrigeration cycle in the heat-source-side expansion valve 25. Specifically, for example, the valve opening degree of the heat-source-side expansion valve 25 is controlled so that the degree of superheat of the refrigerant flowing through the suction side of the compressor 21 becomes a target degree of superheat.

[0083] The refrigerant sent to the heat source side heat exchanger 23 evaporates, passes through the four-way switching valve 22 and the accumulator 29, and is sucked into the compressor 21 again.

[0084] Here, in the heating operation, the control unit 7 fully closes the first expansion valve 63 to prevent the refrigerant from flowing through the first refrigerant sub-channel 61. In addition, in the heating operation, the control unit 7 fully closes the second expansion valve 68 to prevent the refrigerant from flowing through the second refrigerant sub-channel 61. of The refrigerant is prevented from flowing through the refrigerant sub-flow path 66. In addition, in the heating operation, the control unit 7 fully closes the third expansion valve 44 and the fourth expansion valve 48 to fully close the third expansion valve 44 and the fourth expansion valve 48. ofThe refrigerant sub-flow passages 41 and 4 of The refrigerant is prevented from flowing through the refrigerant sub-flow passage 46.

[0085] (3) Configuration of the heat source side control unit Fig. 3 is a schematic plan view of the interior of the heat source-side controller 70. Fig. 4 is a schematic front view of the interior front side portion of the heat source-side controller 70. Fig. 5 is a schematic rear view of the interior rear portion of the heat source-side controller 70.

[0086] The heat source side control section (electrical component unit) 70 has an electrical component casing 70a, a first board 81, and a second board 82. The heat source side control section 70 may further have other boards.

[0087] The electrical component casing 70a has a back surface 77, a top surface 75, a bottom surface 76, a right side surface 74, a left side surface 73, a front cover 72, and a partition plate 71. The partition plate 71 extends vertically and horizontally to separate the interior of the electrical component casing 70a into a front side and a rear side. The partition plate 71 is provided near the center of the interior of the electrical component casing 70a in the front-to-rear direction. This divides the interior of the electrical component casing 70a into a first space S1 on the back side of the partition plate 71 and a second space S2 on the front side of the partition plate 71. For example, the second space S2 may be further divided into an upper space and a lower space by another partition plate.

[0088] The first substrate 81 and the second substrate 82 are both plate-like members that extend in all directions, have a rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and are fixed to the partition plate 71.

[0089] The first board 81 is provided with an IPM (Intelligent Power Module, first electrical component) 81a, which is an electrical component for an inverter of the compressor 21 and is a heat-generating component. The second board 82 is provided with an IPM (Intelligent Power Module, second electrical component) 82a, which is an electrical component used in the heat-source-side fan 24. The heat generation amount of the IPM (first electrical component) 81a is greater than the heat generation amount of the IPM (second electrical component) 82a. Both the IPM 81a and the IPM 82a are housed in the first space S1.

[0090] (4) Cooling by the first refrigerant sub-channel The heat source side control section 70 has a partition plate 71 on the side facing the second space S2. of The first cooling section 62 of the refrigerant sub-channel 61 is provided in thermal contact with the partition plate 71 via a first heat transfer member 62a. The first heat transfer member 62a has a flat surface extending parallel to the partition plate 71, and is used such that this flat surface is in surface contact with the partition plate 71. The first cooling section 62 extends from the lower end to the upper end on the front side of the electrical component casing 70a, then turns back through a U-shape and extends to the lower end.

[0091] The partition plate 71 of the heat source side control section 70 is of By being cooled by the first cooling portion 62 of the refrigerant sub-flow passage 61, the IPM (first electrical component) 81a, which is a heat generating component provided on the back surface side of the partition plate 71, can be cooled.

[0092] When the IPM 81a is provided on the front side of the partition plate 71, of The first cooling section 62 of the refrigerant sub-flow passage 61 may be provided so as to be in thermal contact with the rear surface side of the partition plate 71 via a first heat transfer member 62a.

[0093] (5) Cooling by the second refrigerant sub-channel The heat source side control section 70 has a partition plate 71 on the side facing the second space S2. ofThe second cooling section 67 of the refrigerant sub-channel 66 is provided in thermal contact with the partition plate 71 via a second heat transfer member 67a. The second heat transfer member 67a has a flat surface extending parallel to the partition plate 71, and is used such that this flat surface is in surface contact with the partition plate 71. The second cooling section 67 extends from the lower end to the upper end on the front side of the electrical component casing 70a, then turns back through a U-shape and extends back to the lower end.

[0094] The partition plate 71 of the heat source side control section 70 is of By being cooled by the second cooling portion 67 of the refrigerant sub-flow passage 66, the IPM 82a, which is a heat generating component provided on the rear side of the partition plate 71, can be cooled.

[0095] When the IPM 82a is provided on the front side of the partition plate 71, of The second cooling section 67 of the refrigerant sub-flow passage 66 may be provided so as to be in thermal contact with the rear surface side of the partition plate 71 via a second heat transfer member 67a.

[0096] (6) Cooling by the fourth refrigerant sub-channel The fourth refrigerant sub-flow path 46 cools the air inside the electrical component casing 70a, and the air cooled by the fourth refrigerant sub-flow path 46 further cools the IPM 81a and the IPM 82a.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 5, the first space S1 of the heat source side control section 70 is of The refrigerant is cooled by the fourth cooling section 47 of the refrigerant sub-flow passage 46. of The fourth cooling section 47 of the refrigerant sub-channel 46 is provided so as to be in thermal contact with the rear surface of the electrical component casing 70a via a fourth heat transfer member 47a. The fourth heat transfer member 47a has a flat surface that extends parallel to the rear surface 77 of the electrical component casing 70a and is used so that this flat surface is in surface contact with the rear surface 77. The fourth cooling section 47 extends from the lower end to the upper end on the rear surface of the electrical component casing 70a, then turns back in a U-shape and extends to the lower end.

[0098] In this way, in the first space S1 of the heat source side control section 70, of The fourth cooling section 47 of the refrigerant sub-flow passage 46 cools the air inside the electrical component casing 70a, thereby cooling the IPM 81a and IPM 82a, which are heat-generating components.

[0099] (7) Features (7-1) The heat source unit 2 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes an electrical component unit 70, a heat-source-side refrigerant main flow path 300, and a first refrigerant sub-flow path 61. The heat-source-side refrigerant main flow path 300 includes a compressor 21, a heat-source-side heat exchanger 23, and a heat-source-side expansion valve 25. The heat-source-side refrigerant main flow path 300 is connected to the usage-side refrigerant flow paths 500 of the usage units 3a and 3b to form the refrigerant circuit 10. The first refrigerant sub-flow path 61 includes a first cooling section 62 and a first expansion valve 63. The first cooling section 62 cools the IPM 81a of the electrical component unit 70. The first expansion valve 63 expands the refrigerant flowing through the first cooling section 62. The first refrigerant sub-path 61 branches off from the liquid path 340 extending from the heat source side heat exchanger 23 of the heat source side refrigerant main path 300 to the user side refrigerant path 500, and flows the refrigerant into the gas path 310 on the suction side of the compressor 21 of the heat source side refrigerant main path 300.

[0100] In conventional refrigerant cooling circuits, the electrical components used in the blower fan and the electrical components for the compressor inverter are cooled with high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. However, the cooling capacity of conventional refrigerant cooling circuits is insufficient when the heat generation of electrical component units, especially electrical components for the compressor inverter, increases.

[0101] In the heat source unit 2 of this refrigeration cycle device 1, when operating with the heat source side heat exchanger 23, which cools the refrigerant with outside air, as a condenser, the high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the heat source side heat exchanger 23 is expanded by the first expansion valve 63 of the first refrigerant sub-flow path 61 to lower its temperature, and this two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant absorbs heat from the electrical equipment unit 70, evaporates, and is returned to the gas flow path 310 on the suction side of the compressor 21, making it possible to cool the electrical equipment unit 70 more strongly than in the past, when the electrical equipment unit 70 was cooled with high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant.

[0102] (7-2) The heat source unit 2 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 according to this embodiment further includes a second refrigerant sub-path 66. The second refrigerant sub-path 66 has a second cooling section 67 and a second expansion valve 68. The second cooling section 67 cools the IPM 82a of the electrical component unit 70. The second expansion valve 68 adjusts the amount of refrigerant flowing through the second cooling section 67. The second refrigerant sub-path 66 connects the first heat-source-side liquid refrigerant pipe 34a on the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 side of the heat-source-side expansion valve 25 to the second heat-source-side liquid refrigerant pipe 34b on the opposite side of the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 side of the heat-source-side expansion valve 25.

[0103] In the heat source unit 2 of this refrigeration cycle device 1, when the heat source side heat exchanger 23 that cools the refrigerant with outside air is used as a condenser, of The refrigerant sub-flow path 66 is used to cool the electrical equipment unit 70 with the high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the heat source side heat exchanger 23, thereby of By reducing the amount of refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant sub-flow passage 61, the amount of refrigerant flowing through the utilization units 3a and 3b can be ensured.

[0104] (7-3) In the heat source unit 2 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the heat-source-side refrigerant main flow path 300 further includes a subcooling heat exchanger 45. The subcooling heat exchanger 45 is disposed in a liquid flow path 340 extending from the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 to the user-side refrigerant flow path 500. The heat source unit 2 further includes a third refrigerant sub-flow path 41. The third refrigerant sub-flow path 41 branches off from the liquid flow path 340. The third refrigerant sub-flow path 41 includes a third expansion valve 44 that expands the refrigerant flowing therethrough. The third refrigerant sub-flow path 41 exchanges heat in the subcooling heat exchanger 45 between the refrigerant that has passed through the third expansion valve 44 and the refrigerant flowing through the liquid flow path 340 of the heat-source-side refrigerant main flow path 300. The third refrigerant sub-flow path 41 flows the refrigerant after heat exchange into a gas flow path 310 on the suction side of the compressor 21 of the heat-source-side refrigerant main flow path.

[0105] In the heat source unit 2 of this refrigeration cycle device 1, when operating with the heat source side heat exchanger 23, which cools the refrigerant with outside air, as a condenser, the high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the heat source side heat exchanger 23 is expanded in the third expansion valve 44 of the third refrigerant sub-flow path 41 to lower the temperature of the refrigerant, and the refrigerant exchanges heat with the high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant, thereby cooling the high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the heat source side heat exchanger 23.

[0106] (7-4) The heat source unit 2 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a control unit 7. The control unit 7 controls the opening degree of the first expansion valve 63 or the second expansion valve 68 based on the temperature of the electrical component unit 70.

[0107] In the heat source unit 2 of this refrigeration cycle device 1, the opening degree of the first expansion valve 63 or the second expansion valve 68 is controlled based on the temperature of the electrical equipment unit 70, thereby adjusting the temperature or amount of refrigerant according to the temperature of the electrical equipment unit 70, thereby cooling the electrical equipment unit 70.

[0108] (7-5) In the heat source unit 2 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the electrical component unit 70 includes an IPM 81a and an IPM 82a. The first refrigerant sub-channel 61 cools the IPM 81a.

[0109] In the heat source unit 2 of this refrigeration cycle device 1, of The refrigerant sub-channels 61 can cool specific electrical components.

[0110] (7-6) In the heat source unit 2 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the heat generation amount of the IPM 81a is larger than the heat generation amount of the IPM 82a.

[0111] In the heat source unit 2 of the refrigeration cycle device 1, the IPM 81a, which generates a large amount of heat, is used as a first refrigerant to lower the temperature of the high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. of Cooling can be achieved in the refrigerant sub-flow passage 61.

[0112] (7-7) In the heat source unit 2 of the refrigeration cycle device 1 of this embodiment, the first refrigerant sub-path 61 branches off from a position on the side of the utilization side refrigerant path 500 in the liquid path 340 extending from the heat source side heat exchanger 23 of the heat source side refrigerant main path 300 to the utilization side refrigerant path 500, rather than a position on the opposite side of the heat source side heat exchanger 23 of the heat source side expansion valve 25 to which the second refrigerant sub-path 66 is connected.

[0113] In the heat source unit 2 of this refrigeration cycle device 1, the first refrigerant sub-channel 61 branches off from a position in the liquid channel 340 that is closer to the use-side refrigerant channel 500 than the second refrigerant sub-channel 66, thereby ensuring the amount of refrigerant required for cooling in the second refrigerant sub-channel 66.

[0114] (7-8) In the heat source unit 2 of the refrigeration cycle device 1 according to this embodiment, of The fourth cooling medium passage 46 is further provided. of The refrigerant sub-passage 46 is connected to the electrical component unit 70 The fourth refrigerant sub-channel 46 branches off from the liquid channel 340, which extends from the heat source-side heat exchanger 23 of the heat source-side main refrigerant channel 300 to the user-side refrigerant channel 500, at a position closer to the user-side refrigerant channel 500 than the position where the first refrigerant sub-channel 61 branches off from the liquid channel 340, and causes the refrigerant to flow into the gas channel 310 on the suction side of the compressor 21 of the heat source-side main refrigerant channel 300. of The refrigerant sub-flow path 46 has a fourth expansion valve 48. The fourth expansion valve 48 adjusts the amount of refrigerant flowing through the fourth refrigerant sub-flow path 46.

[0115] In the heat source unit 2 of this refrigeration cycle device 1, the first refrigerant sub-flow path 61 branches into a fourth refrigerant sub-flow path. flow path Even if the amount of refrigerant flowing through the electrical equipment unit 46 is small, 70 The internal air can be cooled.

[0116] (7-9) The refrigeration cycle device 1 according to this embodiment includes a heat source unit 2 and utilization units 3a and 3b. Each of the utilization units 3a and 3b is connected to the heat source unit 2.

[0117] In this refrigeration cycle device 1, when the heat source side heat exchanger 23 that cools the refrigerant with outside air is used as a condenser, the high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the heat source side heat exchanger 23 is expanded by the first expansion valve 63 of the first refrigerant sub-flow path 61 to lower its temperature, and the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant absorbs heat from the electrical equipment unit 70, evaporates, and is returned to the gas flow path on the intake side of the compressor 21. Therefore, the electrical equipment unit 70 can be cooled more efficiently than in the conventional case where the electrical equipment unit 70 is cooled with high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. 70 It becomes possible to cool it strongly.

[0118] (8) Variations (8-1) Variation 1A The refrigeration cycle device 1 is not limited to a device used for cooling and heating, but may be a device exclusively used for cooling.

[0119] (8-2) Variation 1B In this embodiment, the first cooling section 62 of the first refrigerant sub-path 61 cools the IPM 81a, and the second cooling section 67 of the second refrigerant sub-path 66 cools the IPM 82a. However, the first cooling section 62 of the first refrigerant sub-path 61 may cool both the IPM 81a and the IPM 82a.

[0120] (8-3) Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, 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 as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 1 Refrigeration cycle device 2 Heat source unit 3a, 3b user units 5 Liquid refrigerant connecting piping 6 Gas refrigerant connecting piping 7 Control Unit 10 Refrigerant circuit 11 Heat source unit casing 21 Compressor 23 Heat source side heat exchanger 24 Heat source fan 25 Heat source side expansion valve (heat source side main expansion mechanism) 29 Accumulator 34a, 34b liquid piping 41 third refrigerant sub-channel 44 Third expansion valve (third flow control mechanism) 45 Supercooling heat exchanger (refrigerant cooler) 46 Fourth refrigerant sub-channel 47 4th cooling section 48 Fourth expansion valve (fourth flow control mechanism) 61 first refrigerant sub-channel 62 1st cooling section 63 First expansion valve (first flow control mechanism) 66 Second refrigerant sub-channel 67 Second cooling section 68 Second expansion valve (second flow control mechanism) 70 Heat source side control unit (electrical equipment unit) 81 First board 81a IPM (first electrical component) 82 Second board 82a IPM (second electrical component) 300 Heat source side refrigerant main flow path 310 Gas flow path 340 Liquid flow path 500 refrigerant flow path on the user side [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0122] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-146443

Claims

1. an electrical equipment unit (70); a heat-source-side refrigerant main flow path (300) having a compressor (21), a heat-source-side heat exchanger (23), and a heat-source-side main expansion mechanism (25), and connected to utilization-side refrigerant flow paths (500) of utilization units (3 a, 3 b) to form a refrigerant circuit (10); a first refrigerant sub-flow path (61) having a first cooling section (62) that cools a first section of the electrical equipment unit and a first flow rate adjustment mechanism (63) that expands the refrigerant flowing through the first cooling section; a second refrigerant sub-flow path (66) having a second cooling section (67) that cools a second section of the electrical equipment unit and a second flow rate adjustment mechanism (68) that adjusts the amount of the refrigerant flowing through the second cooling section; Equipped with the first refrigerant sub-flow path branches off from a liquid flow path (340) of the heat source side refrigerant main flow path extending from the heat source side heat exchanger to the user side refrigerant flow path, and causes the refrigerant to flow into a gas flow path (310) on the suction side of the compressor of the heat source side refrigerant main flow path; the second refrigerant sub-flow path connects a liquid pipe (34a) on the heat source side heat exchanger side of the heat source side main expansion mechanism with a liquid pipe (34b) on the opposite side of the heat source side heat exchanger side of the heat source side main expansion mechanism; A heat source unit (2) of a refrigeration cycle device.

2. the heat source side refrigerant main flow path further includes a subcooling heat exchanger (45) disposed in the liquid flow path extending from the heat source side heat exchanger to the use side refrigerant flow path, a third refrigerant sub-flow path (41) branching from the liquid flow path; Furthermore, the third refrigerant sub-flow path has a third flow rate adjustment mechanism (44) that expands the refrigerant flowing therethrough, and the refrigerant that has passed through the third flow rate adjustment mechanism is heat exchanged in the subcooling heat exchanger with the refrigerant that flows through the liquid flow path of the heat source side refrigerant main flow path, and the refrigerant after the heat exchange is flowed into the gas flow path on the suction side of the compressor of the heat source side refrigerant main flow path. The heat source unit of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 1.

3. Control unit (7), Equipped with the control unit controls the opening degree of the first flow rate adjustment mechanism or the second flow rate adjustment mechanism based on the temperature of the electrical component unit. The heat source unit of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The electrical equipment unit includes a first electrical equipment (81a) and a second electrical equipment (82a), The first refrigerant sub-flow path cools the first electrical component. The heat source unit of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The heat generation amount of the first electrical component is greater than the heat generation amount of the second electrical component. The heat source unit of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The first refrigerant sub-channel has: a liquid flow path of the heat source side refrigerant main flow path extending from the heat source side heat exchanger to the use side refrigerant flow path, the liquid flow path branches off at a position on the use side refrigerant flow path side rather than a position on the opposite side to the heat source side heat exchanger of the heat source side main expansion mechanism to which the second refrigerant sub-flow path is connected; The heat source unit of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 1.

7. an electrical equipment unit (70); a heat-source-side refrigerant main flow path (300) having a compressor (21), a heat-source-side heat exchanger (23), and a heat-source-side main expansion mechanism (25), and connected to utilization-side refrigerant flow paths (500) of utilization units (3 a, 3 b) to form a refrigerant circuit (10); a first refrigerant sub-flow path (61) having a first cooling section (62) that cools a first section of the electrical equipment unit and a first flow rate adjustment mechanism (63) that expands the refrigerant flowing through the first cooling section; a fourth refrigerant sub-flow path (46) for cooling the air inside the electrical equipment unit; Equipped with the first refrigerant sub-flow path branches off from a liquid flow path (340) of the heat source side refrigerant main flow path extending from the heat source side heat exchanger to the user side refrigerant flow path, and causes the refrigerant to flow into a gas flow path (310) on the suction side of the compressor of the heat source side refrigerant main flow path; The fourth refrigerant sub-channel is In a liquid flow path of the heat source side refrigerant main flow path extending from the heat source side heat exchanger to the user side refrigerant flow path, the first refrigerant sub-flow path branches off at a position closer to the user side refrigerant flow path than a position where the first refrigerant sub-flow path branches off from the liquid flow path, and the refrigerant flows into the gas flow path on the suction side of the compressor of the heat source side refrigerant main flow path, a fourth flow rate adjustment mechanism (48) that adjusts the amount of the refrigerant flowing through the fourth refrigerant sub-flow path; A heat source unit (2) of a refrigeration cycle device.

8. A heat source unit (2) for a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7; One or more utilization units (3a, 3b) connected to the heat source unit; A refrigeration cycle device (1) comprising:

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