Air conditioning system

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning system that effectively regulates the heat of exhaust air and discharges temperature-controlled exhaust air to the outside. [Solution] The present invention comprises an outdoor unit, an indoor unit, a first refrigerant piping for circulating refrigerant between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, a third heat exchanger for heating or cooling exhaust air discharged from the exhaust port of the outdoor unit, wherein the exhaust air heated or cooled in the third heat exchanger is discharged outside the air conditioning system, and a second refrigerant piping for circulating a portion of the refrigerant between the outdoor unit and the third heat exchanger so that the heating or cooling in the third heat exchanger is performed using a portion of the refrigerant that has been heat-exchanged with outside air in the first heat exchanger.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to an air conditioning system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, Japan has been suffering from unprecedented heat waves during the summer months. Residents of Japan are coping with these scorching summers by using air conditioning systems, commonly known as air conditioners. When cooling, air conditioning systems work to lower the indoor temperature by releasing excess heat from the room to the outside.

[0003] However, this heat released outdoors comes from many homes, buildings, shops, factories, etc., and as this heat accumulates, the outside temperature rises even further. In particular, in urban areas, this accelerates the heat island effect, making the heatwaves even more severe. And as the outside temperature rises, the need to cool indoors increases even more, further increasing the amount of heat released. In short, modern Japan is caught in a vicious cycle related to heatwaves.

[0004] Furthermore, a decrease in ventilation volume due to freezing in the heat exchanger was a problem. Solutions to this problem have been proposed, for example, in Patent Documents 1 and 2. Specifically, Patent Document 1 proposes a ventilation and air conditioning system comprising: an air conditioning device having an outdoor unit that heats a refrigerant and an indoor unit including a first condenser that heats the air sent into the room with the refrigerant; a ventilation device having a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between air supplied from outside to inside and air discharged from inside to outside, and performs supplying air to the room and exhausting air from inside; a second condenser that heats the air taken in from outside with the refrigerant before it is introduced into the heat exchanger; and a refrigerant circulation circuit section that constitutes a flow path for the refrigerant that is transported from the outdoor unit to the first condenser and the second condenser, respectively, and returned to the outdoor unit. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 proposes a ventilation and air conditioning system comprising: an air conditioning device having an outdoor unit that heats a refrigerant and an indoor unit including a first condenser that heats the air sent into the room with the refrigerant; a ventilation device having a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between air supplied from outside to inside and air discharged from inside to outside, and which supplies air to the room and exhausts air from inside; a second condenser that heats the heat exchanger with the refrigerant; and a refrigerant circulation circuit section that constitutes a flow path for the refrigerant that is transported from the outdoor unit to the first condenser and the second condenser and returned to the outdoor unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2025-54999 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2025-55000 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] As mentioned above, turning on air conditioners to alleviate the heat in many rooms caused a problem: the exhaust heat would raise the outside temperature. Furthermore, in recent years, outside temperatures have often been extremely high, and if the temperature of the air supplied to the outdoor unit is too high, the outdoor unit cannot function properly, leading to system errors.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning system that can effectively regulate the heat of exhaust air and discharge it to the outside. Specifically, the object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning system that can effectively cool the exhaust air and release it into the outside air during cooling, and effectively heat the exhaust air and release it into the outside air during heating. Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning system that can effectively regulate the heat of exhaust air and utilize it for heat exchange with the refrigerant in the outdoor unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides an air conditioning system, An outdoor unit installed outdoors, including an outdoor air intake for taking in outside air, a first heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outside air to produce exhaust air in which the outside air is heated or cooled, and an exhaust port for discharging the exhaust air, An indoor unit installed in a room, including an air intake port for taking in indoor air, a second heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between a refrigerant heated or cooled by the first heat exchanger and the indoor air to produce heated or cooled supply air, and a supply port for supplying the supply air into the room, A first refrigerant piping for circulating the refrigerant between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, A third heat exchanger that heats or cools the exhaust air discharged from the exhaust port, wherein the exhaust air heated or cooled in the third heat exchanger is exhausted outside the air conditioning system. A second refrigerant pipe that circulates a part of the refrigerant between the outdoor unit and the third heat exchanger so that heating or cooling in the third heat exchanger is performed using a part of the refrigerant that has exchanged heat with the outside air in the first heat exchanger. Provided is an air conditioning system comprising:

[0009] The present invention further provides an air conditioning system further comprising a mechanism that supplies substantially all of the exhausted air heated or cooled in the third heat exchanger to the first heat exchanger for use in heat exchange with the refrigerant.

[0010] The present invention further provides an air conditioning system further comprising a mechanism that supplies at least a part of the exhausted air heated or cooled in the third heat exchanger to the first heat exchanger for use in heat exchange with the refrigerant.

[0011] The present invention further provides an air conditioning system in which the third heat exchanger includes a heater that heats the exhausted air and a cooler that cools the exhausted air.

Effects of the Invention

[0012] The air conditioning system of the present invention heats or cools the exhaust air discharged from the exhaust port of the outdoor unit in a third heat exchanger, and at least a portion of the heated or cooled exhaust air is exhausted outdoors, while the other portion is used for heat exchange with the refrigerant in the first heat exchanger. Therefore, for example, when using cooling, the high temperature exhaust air can be cooled and released outside the air conditioning system, and the cooled exhaust air can also be used to cool the refrigerant circulating between the indoor and outdoor units. On the other hand, when using heating, the low temperature exhaust air is heated and at least a portion of it is released outside the air conditioning system, and the remainder can be used to heat the refrigerant circulating between the indoor and outdoor units. The heated exhaust air can also be supplied to components where condensation may occur to prevent condensation. In other words, the air conditioning system of the present invention allows for effective regulation of the heat of the exhaust air, enabling the discharge of temperature-regulated exhaust air outdoors and its use for heat exchange with the refrigerant.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention further includes a mechanism for supplying at least a portion of the exhaust air heated or cooled in the third heat exchanger to the first heat exchanger for use in heat exchange with the refrigerant, thereby enabling more efficient heat exchange in the first heat exchanger.

[0014] Furthermore, the present invention includes a mechanism that supplies all of the exhaust air heated or cooled in the third heat exchanger to the first heat exchanger for use in heat exchange with the refrigerant, thereby enabling more efficient heat exchange in the first heat exchanger.

[0015] Furthermore, in the present invention, the third heat exchanger may also include, for example, a heater for heating the exhaust air and a cooler for cooling the exhaust air. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing an example of the air conditioning system of the present invention. [Figure 2] An illustrative diagram showing an example of the air conditioning system of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figures 1 and 2 show illustrative diagrams of indoor cooling using the air conditioning system. [Figure 4] Figures 1 and 2 show illustrative diagrams of indoor heating using the air conditioning system. [Figure 5] A schematic diagram showing an example of a configuration in which exhaust air is circulated in the air conditioning system of the present invention. [Figure 6] A schematic diagram showing an example of a configuration in which exhaust air is circulated in the air conditioning system of the present invention. [Figure 7] A schematic diagram showing an example of a multi-system air conditioning system for buildings according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] The air conditioning system of the present invention heats or cools the exhaust air discharged from the exhaust port of the outdoor unit in a third heat exchanger, and at least a portion of the thus heated or cooled exhaust air is either exhausted outdoors or used for heat exchange with the refrigerant in the first heat exchanger. Such an air conditioning system, for example, when used for cooling, does not discharge the high-temperature exhaust air directly outside the air conditioning system, but rather lowers the temperature of the exhaust air and releases at least a portion of it outside the air conditioning system, while the remainder can be used to cool the refrigerant circulating between the indoor and outdoor units. On the other hand, when used for heating, does not discharge the low-temperature exhaust air directly outside the air conditioning system, but rather raises the temperature of the exhaust air and releases at least a portion of it outside the air conditioning system, while the remainder can be used to heat the refrigerant circulating between the indoor and outdoor units. The heated exhaust air can also be supplied to components where condensation may occur to prevent condensation.

[0018] In other words, according to the air conditioning system of the present invention, the heat from the exhaust air can be used to effectively regulate the temperature of the outdoor area, and the temperature-regulated exhaust air can be discharged to the outside. Conventionally, there has been no technology to cool or heat the exhaust air discharged from the outdoor unit using a refrigerant that has been heated or cooled in the outdoor unit, and to release at least a portion of that exhaust air outside the air conditioning system.

[0019] The air conditioning system of the present invention will be described in detail below. However, the following is merely illustrative, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0020] [Air conditioning system] The air conditioning system of the present invention is characterized by further comprising a third heat exchanger in an air conditioning system that includes a general outdoor unit and an indoor unit. This third heat exchanger can adjust the temperature of the exhaust air discharged from the outdoor unit. The air conditioning system of the present invention is An outdoor unit installed outdoors, including an outdoor air intake for taking in outside air, a first heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outside air to produce exhaust air in which the outside air is heated or cooled, and an exhaust port for discharging the exhaust air, An indoor unit installed in a room, including an air intake port for taking in indoor air, a second heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between a refrigerant heated or cooled by the first heat exchanger and the indoor air to produce heated or cooled supply air, and a supply port for supplying the supply air into the room, A first refrigerant piping for circulating the refrigerant between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, A third heat exchanger that heats or cools the exhaust air discharged from the exhaust port, wherein the exhaust air heated or cooled in the third heat exchanger is exhausted outside the air conditioning system. A second refrigerant piping is provided to circulate a portion of the refrigerant between the outdoor unit and the third heat exchanger, so that heating or cooling in the third heat exchanger is performed using a portion of the refrigerant that has exchanged heat with the outside air in the first heat exchanger. It is equipped with.

[0021] The air conditioning system of the present invention heats or cools the exhaust air discharged from the exhaust port of the outdoor unit in a third heat exchanger, and at least a portion of the thus heated or cooled exhaust air is either exhausted outdoors or used for heat exchange with a refrigerant. In such an air conditioning system, for example, when using cooling, the high-temperature exhaust air is not directly discharged outside the air conditioning system, but its temperature is lowered, and at least a portion of it can be released outside the air conditioning system, while the remainder can be used to cool the refrigerant circulating between the indoor and outdoor units. On the other hand, when using heating, the low-temperature exhaust air is not directly discharged outside the air conditioning system, but its temperature is raised, and at least a portion of it can be released outside the air conditioning system, while the remainder can be used to heat the refrigerant circulating between the indoor and outdoor units. The heated exhaust air can also be supplied to components where condensation may occur to prevent condensation.

[0022] In other words, according to the air conditioning system of the present invention, the heat of the exhaust air can be effectively regulated, and the temperature of the regulated exhaust air can be brought sufficiently close to, for example, the outdoor temperature, and furthermore, exhaust air that is lower or higher than the outdoor temperature can be discharged to the outside. The temperature of the exhaust air that is finally discharged through the third heat exchanger can be regulated by the refrigerant supplied to the third heat exchanger.

[0023] Furthermore, the air conditioning system of the present invention heats or cools the exhaust air discharged from the exhaust port of the outdoor unit in a third heat exchanger, and substantially all of the heated or cooled exhaust air is supplied to the first heat exchanger for heat exchange with the refrigerant. In such an air conditioning system, for example, when using cooling, the high-temperature exhaust air is not discharged directly outside the air conditioning system, but its temperature is lowered and supplied to the first heat exchanger, allowing it to be efficiently used to cool the refrigerant circulating between the indoor and outdoor units. On the other hand, when using heating, the low-temperature exhaust air is not discharged directly outside the air conditioning system, but its temperature is raised and supplied to the first heat exchanger, allowing it to be efficiently used to heat the refrigerant circulating between the indoor and outdoor units, and also to supply it to components where condensation may occur, thereby preventing condensation. The temperature of the exhaust air finally discharged through the third heat exchanger can be adjusted by the refrigerant supplied to the third heat exchanger.

[0024] The configuration of the air conditioning system of the present invention will be described in more detail below. However, the configuration described below is an example of the present invention, and the air conditioning system of the present invention is not limited to having the configuration described below.

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the air conditioning system of the present invention. Figure 2 is an illustrative diagram showing an example of the air conditioning system of the present invention.

[0026] The air conditioning system 10 shown in Figure 1 includes an indoor unit 1 as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The indoor unit 1 is located in the room A, as shown in Figure 1. in It is installed in Room A. in Outdoor A out It is a space separated from the outside by a wall or similar barrier. (Indoor A) in This could be, but is not limited to, living rooms, bedrooms, and studies, offices, factories, etc.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the indoor unit 1 is equipped with an air intake port 11 that takes in indoor air into its casing. The air intake port 11 is located in the indoor unit 1. inAir is taken into the housing of the indoor unit 1 and configured to pass through the second heat exchanger 13. For example, the intake port 11 may include a fan 14. The fan 14 rotates to draw indoor A in air into the housing of the indoor unit 1. The material of the fan 14 is not particularly limited.

[0028] The indoor unit 1 is an indoor unit in a general air conditioning system. As shown in FIG. 2, it further includes a second heat exchanger 13. The second heat exchanger 13 is arranged so that heat exchange can occur between the indoor air taken into the housing of the indoor unit 1 and the refrigerant flowing through the indoor refrigerant flow path 17. In the second heat exchanger 13, the air inhaled from the intake port 11 is configured to pass through the second heat exchanger 13 and be discharged from the supply port 12.

[0029] The second heat exchanger 13 is configured to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the indoor refrigerant flow path 17 and the indoor air to generate supply air in which the indoor air is heated or cooled. The heat exchange in the second heat exchanger 13 will be described later.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, the indoor unit 1 further includes a supply port 12. The supply port 12 is configured to supply the supply air generated in the second heat exchanger 13 from the housing into indoor A in The supply port 12 can be provided, for example, at an end opposite to the intake port 11 as shown in FIG. 2 so that the air inhaled into the housing from the intake port 11 passes through the second heat exchanger 13 and is supplied. As shown in FIG. 2, a fan 15 may be provided at the supply port 12. The fan 15 rotates to push the supply air in the flow path 16 of the indoor unit 1 into indoor A in The material of the fan 15 is not particularly limited.

[0031] In addition, the fan 14 can rotate in the opposite direction to the case described above to push the supply air in the indoor unit 1 into indoor A in In this case, the intake port 11 can function as the supply port 12. Similarly, the fan 15 rotates in the opposite direction to the case described above to draw indoor A inIt can also be rotated to draw in the air into the indoor unit 1. In this case, the supply port 12 can function as an air intake port 11.

[0032] The air conditioning system 10 shown in Figure 1 includes an outdoor unit 2 as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The outdoor unit 2 is located outdoors A, as shown in Figure 1. out It is installed in the outdoor area A. out This is typically outdoors. However, outdoor A out This is not limited to outdoors, but also indoors. in It could be a different indoor location.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, the outdoor unit 2 is equipped with an outside air intake 21 that takes in outside air into its casing. The outside air intake 21 is located outside A out It is configured to draw in outside air into the casing of the outdoor unit 2. For example, the outside air intake 21 may be equipped with a fan (not shown in Figure 2). The fan rotates to draw outside air A out The air can be drawn into the casing of the outdoor unit 2. The material of the fan 24 is not particularly limited.

[0034] The outdoor unit 2 further comprises a first heat exchanger 22, as shown in Figure 2. The first heat exchanger 22 can function, for example, as a condenser or evaporator. The first heat exchanger 22 is arranged so that the outside air taken into the outdoor unit 2 and the refrigerant can exchange heat. The first heat exchanger 22 is arranged so that the outdoor air and the refrigerant can exchange heat efficiently using a metal plate with high thermal conductivity, such as an aluminum plate.

[0035] The first heat exchanger 22 is configured to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outside air within the casing of the outdoor unit 2, thereby producing exhaust air that has been heated or cooled by the outside air. The heat exchange in the first heat exchanger 22 will be described later.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2, the outdoor unit 2 is equipped with an exhaust port 23 for discharging exhaust air. The exhaust port 23 is configured to discharge the exhaust air generated in the first heat exchanger 22 to the outside of the outdoor unit 2. As shown in Figure 2, the exhaust port 23 is provided so that outside air taken into the housing from the air intake port 21 passes through the first heat exchanger 22 and is discharged from the exhaust port 23. A fan 27 may be provided in the exhaust port 23, as shown in Figure 2. The fan 27 can rotate to push the exhaust air in the flow path 25 of the outdoor unit 2 to the outside of the outdoor unit 2. The material of the fan 27 is not particularly limited.

[0037] The air conditioning system 10 shown in Figure 1 includes a first refrigerant piping P1 shown in Figures 1 and 2. The first refrigerant piping P1 is a pipe that circulates the refrigerant between the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 1.

[0038] The first refrigerant piping P1 comprises the indoor refrigerant flow path 17 and the outdoor refrigerant flow path 26 described above. The first refrigerant piping P1 further includes pipes P11 and P12. Pipe P11 connects one end of the indoor refrigerant flow path 17 to one end of the outdoor refrigerant flow path 26. Pipe P12 connects the other end of the indoor refrigerant flow path 17 to the other end of the outdoor refrigerant flow path 26. Thus, the first refrigerant piping P1 constitutes a refrigerant circulation path between the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 1.

[0039] The first refrigerant piping P1 further comprises an expansion valve 4 and a compressor 5. In the example shown in Figure 2, the compressor 5 is incorporated into the outdoor unit 2 and connected to pipe P11. Also in the example shown in Figure 2, the expansion valve 4 is incorporated into the outdoor unit 2 and connected to pipe P12.

[0040] The air conditioning system 10 shown in Figure 1 includes a third heat exchanger 3, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The third heat exchanger 3 is positioned to receive exhaust air discharged from the exhaust port 23 of the outdoor unit 2.

[0041] The third heat exchanger 3 is positioned such that exhaust air from the outdoor unit 2 passes through the third heat exchanger 3 and is exhausted to the other side. For example, the exhaust air from the outdoor unit 2 may be exhausted by the fan 27 of the outdoor unit 2 and also pass through the third heat exchanger 3 and is exhausted. The exhaust air that has passed through the third heat exchanger 3 can be discharged outside the air conditioning system 10. The third heat exchanger 3 may be positioned directly in contact with the exhaust port 23 of the outdoor unit 2, or it may be positioned inside the casing. The third heat exchanger 3 inside the casing is positioned such that the exhaust port 23 of the outdoor unit 2 passes through the third heat exchanger 3 and is exhausted. Alternatively, the third heat exchanger 3 may be positioned such that some or all of the exhaust air that has passed through the third heat exchanger 3 is taken back in from the outside air intake 21 of the outdoor unit 2. For example, as shown in Figure 6, a pipe 7 can be installed between the exhaust air outlet of the third heat exchanger 3 and the outdoor air intake 21 of the outdoor unit 2, allowing a portion of the exhaust air that has passed through the third heat exchanger 3 to be taken into the outdoor air intake 21 of the outdoor unit 2. The pipe 7 can be a duct or the like in a typical air conditioning system.

[0042] For example, in order to arrange the system so that a portion of the exhaust air that has passed through the third heat exchanger 3 is taken back in through the outside air intake 21 of the outdoor unit 2, a duct can be provided, as shown in Figure 6, that forms an exhaust air flow path through which the exhaust air exhausted by the fan 27 of the outdoor unit 2 passes through the third heat exchanger 3 and a portion of that exhaust air is supplied to the outside air intake 21 of the outdoor unit 2.

[0043] Furthermore, in order to ensure that all of the exhaust air that has passed through the third heat exchanger 3 is taken back in through the outside air intake 21 of the outdoor unit 2, the outdoor unit 2 and the third heat exchanger 3 may be covered with a housing 6, as shown in Figure 5. When the outdoor unit 2 and the third heat exchanger 3 are covered with a housing 6, the exhaust air from the outdoor unit 2 is supplied to the third heat exchanger 3, and the exhaust air from the third heat exchanger 3 is taken in through the outside air intake 21 of the outdoor unit 2, allowing the exhaust air to be circulated in a substantially sealed space. In this case, the exhaust air from the third heat exchanger 3 is cooled during cooling and heated during heating, so that the refrigerant supplied to the second heat exchanger 13 when taken in through the outside air intake 21 of the outdoor unit 2 can be efficiently cooled and supplied to the indoor unit 1 during cooling, and more efficiently heated and supplied to the indoor unit 1 during heating. The air conditioning system of the present invention, by having a third heat exchanger 3, can improve the efficiency of cooling and heating even if a typical short circuit occurs. Furthermore, covering with the enclosure 6 does not mean that the interior must be completely sealed, and it may have exhaust ports or other gaps for piping, etc., as long as substantially all of the air supplied to the outdoor unit 2 is circulated within the enclosure. Substantially all of the air includes cases where 50% or more, 60% or more, 70% or more, 80% or more, 90% or more, and 100% of the air supplied to the outdoor unit 2 is circulated within the enclosure.

[0044] The air conditioning system 10 shown in Figure 1 further comprises a second refrigerant piping P2 as shown in Figures 1 and 2. In the example shown in Figure 2, the second refrigerant piping P2 comprises a pipe P21 connected to a pipe P12 connected to an outdoor refrigerant flow path 26, and a pipe P22 connected to a pipe P11 connected to an outdoor refrigerant flow path 26 at a position on either side of the second heat exchanger 13. Pipes P21 and P22 may be connected to the outdoor refrigerant flow path 26, for example, via a valve V. The refrigerant supplied to the third heat exchanger 3 can be adjusted, for example, by opening and closing the valve V according to the desired degree of cooling or heating.

[0045] As shown in Figure 2, pipe P21 passes through the third heat exchanger 3 and is connected to pipe P22. Pipe P21 is positioned so that heat exchange can occur between the refrigerant passing through pipe P21 and the exhaust air passing through the third heat exchanger 3 in the third heat exchanger 3.

[0046] The second refrigerant piping P2, with this configuration, allows a portion of the refrigerant to be circulated between the outdoor unit 2 and the third heat exchanger 3 so that heating or cooling in the third heat exchanger 3 is performed using a portion of the refrigerant that has exchanged heat with the outside air in the first heat exchanger 22. This heat exchange will be described later.

[0047] In addition to the components described above, the air conditioning system 10 of the present invention may also include components commonly used in air conditioning systems (air conditioners).

[0048] The operation of the air conditioning system of the present invention during cooling and heating, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, will be described below.

[0049] <Air conditioning> Figure 3 is an illustrative diagram of indoor cooling using the air conditioning systems shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0050] When using air conditioning, indoor A in Indoor air is drawn into the casing of the indoor unit 1 through the air intake port 11 of the indoor unit 1. Meanwhile, refrigerant M1 is passed through the indoor refrigerant flow path 17. Refrigerant M1 is, for example, a low-temperature and low-pressure liquid. Because refrigerant M1 is at a lower temperature than the indoor air, heat exchange occurs between refrigerant M1 and the indoor air as they flow into the second heat exchanger 13. Specifically, through heat exchange, refrigerant M1 is heated and vaporizes, becoming low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant M2. Therefore, during cooling, the second heat exchanger 13 acts as a vaporizer (evaporator) for the refrigerant. Meanwhile, the indoor air is cooled by heat being removed as vapor heating, and supply air is produced.

[0051] The supplied air enters the room A via the supply port 12 as cold air. in It is supplied to indoor A.in The air conditioning works well.

[0052] Meanwhile, refrigerant M2 enters compressor 5 through pipe P11 of the first refrigerant piping P1. Compressor 5 compresses refrigerant M2. By being compressed, refrigerant M2 becomes refrigerant M3, a high-temperature and high-pressure gas.

[0053] Refrigerant M3 enters the outdoor refrigerant flow path 26, which passes through the first heat exchanger 22 of the outdoor unit 2. In the first heat exchanger 22, refrigerant M3 is cooled by heat exchange with the outside air and becomes refrigerant M4, a medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid. Refrigerant M4 is depressurized by the expansion valve 4 and becomes refrigerant M1, a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid. This refrigerant M1 is used for heat exchange in the first heat exchanger 22 of the indoor unit 1.

[0054] The outside air used for heat exchange in the first heat exchanger 22 is taken in through the outside air intake 21 of the outdoor unit 2 into the flow path 25 of the outdoor unit 2 and enters the first heat exchanger 22.

[0055] The outside air drawn into the casing of the outdoor unit 2 is at a lower temperature than the refrigerant M3. As this air passes through the first heat exchanger 22 in the opposite direction, heat exchange occurs between the outside air and the refrigerant M3. As a result, the refrigerant M3 is cooled and condensed to become refrigerant M4. In other words, during cooling, the first heat exchanger 22 acts as a condenser. On the other hand, the outside air drawn into the casing of the outdoor unit 2 is heated by the heat transferred through the condensation of the refrigerant and is exhausted as exhaust air from the exhaust port 23 of the outdoor unit 2.

[0056] In the air conditioning system 10 of the present invention, exhaust air is discharged from the outdoor unit 2 to the outdoor unit A out The exhaust air is not directly discharged into the third heat exchanger 3. Instead, the exhaust air is discharged from the exhaust port 23 of the outdoor unit 2 and introduced into the third heat exchanger 3.

[0057] Furthermore, a portion of the refrigerant M1, which has been depressurized by the expansion valve 4, is supplied to the third heat exchanger 3 as refrigerant M5 through P21. The refrigerant M5, which has exchanged heat with the exhaust air in the third heat exchanger 3, is heated and becomes refrigerant M6, a medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid, which flows through pipe P22, merges with refrigerant M2, and passes through P11. The amount of refrigerant M5 supplied to the third heat exchanger 3 through P21 can be adjusted, for example, by opening and closing valve V according to the desired degree of cooling.

[0058] In the third heat exchanger 3, the exhaust air from the exhaust port 23 of the outdoor unit 2 is cooled and discharged as cooled exhaust air. Cooling is performed by heat exchange with the refrigerant M5 passing through P21 of the second refrigerant piping P2.

[0059] The exhaust air cooled by the third heat exchanger 3 is exhausted outside the air conditioning system 10. Alternatively, a portion of the exhaust air cooled by the third heat exchanger 3 is used as intake air from the exhaust port 23 of the outdoor unit 2 and circulates within the system. Alternatively, all of the exhaust air cooled by the third heat exchanger 3 is used as intake air from the exhaust port 23 of the outdoor unit 2 and circulates within the system.

[0060] Thus, when using the cooling function, the air conditioning system 10 does not directly discharge the high-temperature exhaust air from the exhaust port 23 of the outdoor unit 2 outside the system. Instead, it cools the exhaust air from the exhaust port 23 of the outdoor unit 2 and uses it as exhaust air from the third heat exchanger 3. This exhaust air from the third heat exchanger 3 can then be released outside the system of the air conditioning system 10. Alternatively, at least a portion of the exhaust air from the third heat exchanger 3 can be released outside the system of the air conditioning system 10, while the remainder can be used to cool the refrigerant M3 circulating between the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 2. Furthermore, all of the exhaust air from the third heat exchanger 3 can also be used to cool the refrigerant M3 circulating between the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 2.

[0061] <Heating> Figure 4 is an illustrative diagram of indoor heating using the air conditioning systems shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0062] During heating, indoor A inIndoor air is drawn into the casing of the indoor unit 1 through the air intake port 11 of the indoor unit 1. Meanwhile, refrigerant M8 is passed through the indoor refrigerant flow path 17. Refrigerant M8 is, for example, a high-temperature and high-pressure gas. Because refrigerant M8 is at a higher temperature than the indoor air, heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant M8 and the indoor air as they flow in opposite directions in the second heat exchanger 13. Specifically, through heat exchange, the refrigerant M8 is cooled and condensed to become refrigerant M9, which is a medium-temperature and high-pressure liquid. Therefore, during heating, the second heat exchanger 13 acts as a condenser for the refrigerant. Meanwhile, the indoor air is heated to produce supply air.

[0063] The supplied air, as warm air, enters room A via the supply port 12. in It is supplied to indoor A. in The heating works well.

[0064] Meanwhile, refrigerant M9 enters the expansion valve 4 through pipe P12 of the first refrigerant piping P1. The expansion valve 4 causes refrigerant M2 to expand, and refrigerant M9 is released as a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid. 10 This is the result.

[0065] Refrigerant M 10 It enters the outdoor refrigerant flow path 26 that penetrates the first heat exchanger 22 of the outdoor unit 2. Refrigerant M 10 In the first heat exchanger 22, the refrigerant M, which is a low-temperature and low-pressure gas, is heated by heat exchange with the outside air. 11 This is the result.

[0066] The outside air used for heat exchange in the first heat exchanger 22 is taken in through the outside air intake 21 of the outdoor unit 2 into the flow path 25 of the outdoor unit 2 and enters the first heat exchanger 22.

[0067] The outside air taken into the enclosure of the outdoor unit 2 contains refrigerant M 10 Because the temperature is higher, these pass through the first heat exchanger 22 in the opposite direction, and the outside air and refrigerant M 10 Heat exchange occurs between them. As a result, refrigerant M 10 It is heated and vaporizes, and refrigerant M 11This means that during cooling, the first heat exchanger 22 acts as a condenser. Meanwhile, the outside air taken into the casing of the outdoor unit 2 is cooled by the vaporization of the refrigerant, and is exhausted as exhaust air from the exhaust port 23 of the outdoor unit 2.

[0068] In the air conditioning system 10 of the present invention, exhaust air is discharged from the outdoor unit 2 to the outdoor unit A out The exhaust air is not discharged directly into the outdoor unit 2. Instead, the exhaust air is exhausted from the exhaust port 23 of the outdoor unit 2 and introduced into the exhaust air passage 31 of the third heat exchanger 3.

[0069] Furthermore, the refrigerant M8 compressed by the compressor 5 passes through P22 from P11 and becomes refrigerant M 13 It is supplied to the third heat exchanger 3 as such. The refrigerant M that has exchanged heat with the exhaust air in the third heat exchanger 3. 13 Refrigerant M is a cooled, medium-temperature, and high-pressure liquid. 14 It then flows through pipe P21, merges with refrigerant M9, and passes through P12. The refrigerant M5 supplied to the third heat exchanger 3 via P22 can be adjusted, for example, by opening and closing valve V according to the desired degree of heating.

[0070] In the third heat exchanger 3, the exhaust air from the exhaust port 23 of the outdoor unit 2 is heated and discharged as heated exhaust air. The heating is carried out by the refrigerant M passing through pipe P22 of the second refrigerant piping P2. 13 This is done through heat exchange.

[0071] The exhaust air heated by the third heat exchanger 3 is exhausted outside the air conditioning system 10. Alternatively, a portion of the exhaust air heated by the third heat exchanger 3 is used as intake air from the exhaust port 23 of the outdoor unit 2 and circulates within the system. Alternatively, all of the exhaust air heated by the third heat exchanger 3 is used as intake air from the exhaust port 23 of the outdoor unit 2 and circulates within the system.

[0072] Refrigerant M exchanged heat with exhaust air in the third heat exchanger 3. 13 It is cooled and refrigerant M 14 It then flows through pipe P21 and merges with the outdoor refrigerant flow path 26.

[0073] Refrigerant M produced by heating in the first heat exchanger of the outdoor unit 2 11 The gas enters the compressor 5, where it becomes refrigerant M8, a high-temperature, high-pressure gas. This refrigerant M8 is then used for heat exchange in the second heat exchanger 13 of the indoor unit 1.

[0074] Thus, when using heating, the air conditioning system 10 does not directly discharge the low-temperature exhaust air from the exhaust port 23 of the outdoor unit 2 outside the system, but raises the temperature of the exhaust air from the exhaust port 23 of the outdoor unit 2 to become exhaust air from the third heat exchanger 3, and discharges the exhaust air from the third heat exchanger 3 outside the system of the air conditioning system 10. Alternatively, at least a portion of the exhaust air from the third heat exchanger 3 can be discharged outside the system of the air conditioning system 10, and the remainder can be used to heat the refrigerant M3 circulating between the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 2. Furthermore, all of the exhaust air from the third heat exchanger 3 can be used to heat the refrigerant M3 circulating between the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 2.

[0075] By introducing the heated exhaust air from the third heat exchanger 3 into the casing of the outdoor unit 2, it is possible to supply it to components where condensation or frost may occur, such as the first heat exchanger of the outdoor unit 2, thereby preventing condensation and frost from forming on those components.

[0076] The air conditioning system 10 described above comprises one outdoor unit 2 and one indoor unit 1, but the air conditioning system 10 of the present invention is not limited to such a system. For example, as schematically shown in Figure 7, it may comprise multiple indoor units 1, one outdoor unit 2, and one third heat exchanger 3. Such an air conditioning system is called, for example, a multi-split system for buildings.

[0077] The refrigerant used in the air conditioning system 10 of the present invention is not particularly limited, and any refrigerant used in a normal air conditioning system can be used. [Industrial applicability]

[0078] The air conditioning system of the present invention heats or cools the exhaust air discharged from the exhaust port of the outdoor unit in a third heat exchanger, and at least a portion of the thus heated or cooled exhaust air is either exhausted outdoors or used for heat exchange with a refrigerant. In such an air conditioning system, for example, when using cooling, the high-temperature exhaust air is not directly discharged outside the air conditioning system, but its temperature is lowered, and at least a portion of it can be released outside the air conditioning system, while the remainder can be used to cool the refrigerant circulating between the indoor and outdoor units. On the other hand, when using heating, the low-temperature exhaust air is not directly discharged outside the air conditioning system, but its temperature is raised, and at least a portion of it can be released outside the air conditioning system, while the remainder can be used to heat the refrigerant circulating between the indoor and outdoor units. The heated exhaust air can also be supplied to components where condensation and frost may occur to prevent condensation and frost.

[0079] In other words, the present invention can suppress the rise in ambient temperature during the summer and suppress the fall in ambient temperature during the winter.

[0080] 1...Indoor unit, 2...Outdoor unit, 3…The third heat exchanger, 4…Expansion valve, 5... Compressor, 6... cabinet, 7... Piping, 10…Air conditioning system, 11…Air intake, 12... Supply port, 13…Second heat exchanger, 14, 15, 24, 27, 33... Fans, 16…flow channel, 17...Indoor refrigerant flow path, 21...Outside air intake, 22...First heat exchanger, 23... Exhaust vent, 25...flow channel, 26... Outdoor refrigerant flow path, 31... Exhaust air passage, 32... Final exhaust port, 37,61,P11,P12, P21,P22...Pipe, 35... Heater, 36...cooler, 62... Valve, P1...First refrigerant piping, P2...Second refrigerant piping.

Claims

1. It is an air conditioning system, An outdoor unit installed outdoors, including an outdoor air intake for taking in outside air, a first heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outside air to produce exhaust air in which the outside air is heated or cooled, and an exhaust port for discharging the exhaust air, An indoor unit installed in a room, including an air intake port for taking in indoor air, a second heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between a refrigerant heated or cooled by the first heat exchanger and the indoor air to produce heated or cooled supply air, and a supply port for supplying the supply air into the room, A first refrigerant piping for circulating the refrigerant between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, A third heat exchanger for heating or cooling the exhaust air discharged from the exhaust port, the third heat exchanger being positioned directly in contact with the exhaust port of the outdoor unit and A second refrigerant piping circulates a portion of the refrigerant circulating in the first refrigerant piping between the outdoor unit and the third heat exchanger, such that heating or cooling in the third heat exchanger is performed using a portion of the refrigerant that exchanges heat with the outside air in the first heat exchanger, wherein the second refrigerant piping is connected to a pipe connected to the outdoor refrigerant flow path between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, A pipe installed between the exhaust air discharge point of the exhaust air that has passed through the third heat exchanger and the outdoor air intake of the outdoor unit, Equipped with, At least a portion of the exhaust air heated or cooled in the third heat exchanger is supplied to the first heat exchanger and used for heat exchange with the refrigerant. Air conditioning system.

2. It is an air conditioning system, An outdoor unit installed outdoors, including an outdoor air intake for taking in outside air, a first heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outside air to produce exhaust air in which the outside air is heated or cooled, and an exhaust port for discharging the exhaust air, An indoor unit installed in a room, including an air intake port for taking in indoor air, a second heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between a refrigerant heated or cooled by the first heat exchanger and the indoor air to produce heated or cooled supply air, and a supply port for supplying the supply air into the room, A first refrigerant piping for circulating the refrigerant between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, A third heat exchanger for heating or cooling the exhaust air discharged from the exhaust port, the third heat exchanger being positioned directly in contact with the exhaust port of the outdoor unit and A second refrigerant piping circulates a portion of the refrigerant between the outdoor unit and the third heat exchanger, such that heating or cooling in the third heat exchanger is performed using a portion of the refrigerant circulating in the first refrigerant piping that exchanges heat with the outside air in the first heat exchanger, wherein the second refrigerant piping is connected to a pipe connected to the outdoor refrigerant flow path between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, A housing that covers the outdoor unit and the third heat exchanger, Equipped with, The third heat exchanger further comprises a mechanism for supplying substantially all of the heated or cooled exhaust air to the first heat exchanger for use in heat exchange with the refrigerant. Air conditioning system.

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