Refrigeration cycle equipment

Abstract

A refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a heat medium circuit through which a heat medium circulates. The heat medium circuit includes a plurality of load-side heat exchangers that exchange heat between a first refrigerant and the heat medium, a plurality of use-side heat exchangers into which the heat medium supplied from at least one of the load-side heat exchangers flows, and a pump. One of the load-side heat exchangers is designated a first load-side heat exchanger, and one of the load-side heat exchangers that supplies the heat medium at a temperature different from the heat medium supplied by the first load-side heat exchanger is designated a second load-side heat exchanger. In this case, the heat medium circuit is configured so that one pump supplies the heat medium to the first load-side heat exchanger and the second load-side heat exchanger.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] There are conventional refrigeration cycle devices provided with a plurality of load-side heat exchangers that exchange heat between a first refrigerant and a heat medium different from the first refrigerant. Also, there has been proposed a conventional refrigeration cycle device provided with at least two load-side heat exchangers that supply heat media at different temperatures, and the heat media at different temperatures can flow into different utilization-side heat exchangers (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The utilization-side heat exchanger is a heat exchanger that cools or heats a room when the refrigeration cycle device is used as an air conditioner. Hereinafter, one of the plurality of load-side heat exchangers that supply heat media at different temperatures will be referred to as the first load-side heat exchanger. Also, among the plurality of load-side heat exchangers that supply heat media at different temperatures, one of the load-side heat exchangers that supplies a heat medium at a temperature different from the heat medium supplied by the first load-side heat exchanger will be referred to as the second load-side heat exchanger.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In conventional refrigeration cycle systems equipped with at least two load-side heat exchangers supplying heat transfer fluids at different temperatures, and where the heat transfer fluids at different temperatures can flow into separate user-side heat exchangers, the heat transfer fluid circuit through which the heat transfer fluid circulates includes a pump to supply heat transfer fluid to the first load-side heat exchanger and a pump to supply heat transfer fluid to the second load-side heat exchanger. In other words, the heat transfer fluid circuit of such a conventional refrigeration cycle system required separate pumps to supply heat transfer fluid to the first load-side heat exchanger and the second load-side heat exchanger. Here, pumps that supply heat transfer fluid to load-side heat exchangers are expensive. Furthermore, as the number of pumps supplying heat transfer fluid to load-side heat exchangers increases, the probability of pump failure also increases. For this reason, conventional refrigeration cycle systems equipped with at least two load-side heat exchangers supplying heat transfer fluids at different temperatures, where the heat transfer fluids at different temperatures can flow into separate user-side heat exchangers, have the problem of increased manufacturing costs and reduced reliability.

[0005] This disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and provides a refrigeration cycle device that includes at least two load-side heat exchangers that supply heat transfer fluids at different temperatures, and in which the heat transfer fluids at different temperatures can flow into separate user-side heat exchangers, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and improving reliability compared to conventional devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to this disclosure comprises a plurality of load-side heat exchangers for exchanging heat between a first refrigerant and a heat medium different from the first refrigerant, and a plurality of user-side heat exchangers into which the heat medium supplied from at least one of the load-side heat exchangers flows, and includes a heat medium circuit through which the heat medium circulates, wherein one of the load-side heat exchangers is designated as a first load-side heat exchanger, one of the user-side heat exchangers into which the heat medium supplied from the first load-side heat exchanger flows is designated as a first user-side heat exchanger, and one of the load-side heat exchangers that supplies the heat medium at a different temperature from the heat medium supplied by the first load-side heat exchanger is designated as a second load-side heat exchanger. If, among the user-side heat exchangers other than the first user-side heat exchanger, one of the user-side heat exchangers into which a heat transfer medium at a different temperature from the heat transfer medium supplied from the second load-side heat exchanger and supplied to the first user-side heat exchanger flows is designated as the second user-side heat exchanger,The heat transfer medium circuit includes a confluence section that combines the heat transfer medium flowing out of the first user-side heat exchanger and the heat transfer medium flowing out of the second user-side heat exchanger, a branching section that branches the first heat transfer medium piping through which the heat transfer medium flowing out of the confluence section flows into a second heat transfer medium piping connected to the first load-side heat exchanger and a third heat transfer medium piping connected to the second load-side heat exchanger, and connects the first load-side heat exchanger and the second load-side heat exchanger in parallel, and provided between the confluence section and the branching section, The heat transfer medium that has merged at the aforementioned confluence is sucked in and discharged toward the aforementioned branching section. The system includes a pump for circulating the aforementioned heat transfer medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The heat transfer medium circuit of the refrigeration cycle device according to this disclosure can supply the heat transfer medium to the first load-side heat exchanger and the second load-side heat exchanger with a single pump. Therefore, the refrigeration cycle device according to this disclosure can reduce the number of pumps in the heat transfer medium circuit compared to conventional refrigeration cycle devices. Consequently, the refrigeration cycle device according to this disclosure can reduce manufacturing costs and improve reliability compared to conventional refrigeration cycle devices. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a refrigerant circuit diagram showing a refrigeration cycle device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a refrigerant circuit diagram showing a modified example of the refrigeration cycle device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a refrigerant circuit diagram showing an example of a refrigeration cycle device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 4] This is a refrigerant circuit diagram showing an example of a refrigeration cycle device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 5] This is a refrigerant circuit diagram showing an example of a refrigeration cycle device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 6] This is a refrigerant circuit diagram showing a refrigeration cycle device according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 7] This is a refrigerant circuit diagram showing an example of a refrigeration cycle device according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 8]This is a refrigerant circuit diagram showing an example of a refrigeration cycle device according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 9] This is a refrigerant circuit diagram showing an example of a refrigeration cycle device according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 10] This is a refrigerant circuit diagram showing an example of a refrigeration cycle device according to Embodiment 4. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] In the following, each embodiment will describe an example of a refrigeration cycle device according to the present disclosure, with reference to the drawings. Here, parts denoted by the same reference numerals in the following drawings, including Figure 1, are the same or equivalent. This rule also applies to the entire text of the embodiments described below. In each of the following embodiments, terms indicating direction may be used as appropriate to facilitate understanding of the example of a refrigeration cycle device according to the present disclosure. However, these terms indicating direction are used only for the convenience of explanation and do not limit the arrangement and orientation of each component of the refrigeration cycle device according to the present disclosure. Examples of terms indicating direction include "up," "down," "right," "left," "front," and "back." Furthermore, the refrigeration cycle device according to the present disclosure described in each embodiment is merely illustrative. The refrigeration cycle device according to the present disclosure is not limited to the form described in the specification. In addition, each of the following embodiments will describe an example in which the refrigeration cycle device according to the present disclosure is used as an air conditioning device. However, the use of the refrigeration cycle device according to the present disclosure may be limited to refrigeration and air conditioning applications. In other words, the refrigeration cycle device relating to this disclosure can be used as a refrigerator, freezer, vending machine, air conditioner, refrigeration device, water heater, etc.

[0010] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram showing a refrigeration cycle device according to Embodiment 1. The refrigeration cycle device 200 includes a heat transfer medium circuit 8 through which a heat transfer medium circulates. This heat transfer medium circuit 8 includes a plurality of load-side heat exchangers and a plurality of user-side heat exchangers 3. Figure 1 illustrates a refrigeration cycle device 200 equipped with two load-side heat exchangers and two user-side heat exchangers 3. The plurality of load-side heat exchangers exchange heat between a heat transfer medium and a first refrigerant different from the heat transfer medium. The plurality of user-side heat exchangers 3 receive heat transfer medium supplied from at least one of the load-side heat exchangers.

[0011] The heat transfer medium and the first refrigerant are not particularly limited, but the following can be used as the heat transfer medium and the first refrigerant. For example, the heat transfer medium may be an aqueous solution of calcium chloride, an aqueous solution of sodium chloride, an aqueous solution of magnesium chloride, a brine containing ethylene glycol, antifreeze, and water. For example, the first refrigerant may be an olefin-based refrigerant, an ethylene-based refrigerant, an ethane-based refrigerant, propane, or dimethyl ether. Alternatively, the first refrigerant may be a mixed refrigerant obtained by mixing at least two of the olefin-based refrigerant, ethylene-based refrigerant, ethane-based refrigerant, propane, and dimethyl ether. Note that olefin-based refrigerants include tetrafluoropropene, etc. Tetrafluoropropene may be HFO1234yf and HFO1234ze(E), etc. Ethylene-based refrigerants may be difluoroethylene, etc. Ethane-based refrigerants may be tetrafluoroethane, etc.

[0012] Here, at least some of the load-side heat exchangers in the heat transfer circuit 8 can supply heat transfer fluids at different temperatures. Hereinafter, one of the load-side heat exchangers will be referred to as the first load-side heat exchanger 1. Furthermore, hereafter, one of the load-side heat exchangers that supplies a heat transfer fluid at a different temperature than the heat transfer fluid supplied by the first load-side heat exchanger 1 will be referred to as the second load-side heat exchanger 2.

[0013] In addition, hereinafter, one of the utilization-side heat exchangers 3 into which the heat medium supplied from the first load-side heat exchanger 1 flows may be referred to as the first utilization-side heat exchanger. Specifically, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 1, the utilization-side heat exchanger 3 on the upper side of the paper surface is configured such that the heat medium supplied from the first load-side heat exchanger 1 flows into it. Therefore, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 1, the utilization-side heat exchanger 3 on the upper side of the paper surface becomes the first utilization-side heat exchanger. Further, hereinafter, one of the utilization-side heat exchangers into which the heat medium supplied from the second load-side heat exchanger 2 flows, other than the first utilization-side heat exchanger, may be referred to as the second utilization-side heat exchanger. Specifically, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 1, the utilization-side heat exchanger 3 on the lower side of the paper surface is configured such that the heat medium supplied from the second load-side heat exchanger 2 flows into it. Therefore, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 1, the utilization-side heat exchanger 3 on the lower side of the paper surface becomes the second utilization-side heat exchanger.

[0014] Furthermore, the heat medium circuit 8 according to the first embodiment includes a confluence section 31, a branching section 32, and a pump 6. The confluence section 31 combines the heat medium flowing out from the first utilization-side heat exchanger and the heat medium flowing out from the second utilization-side heat exchanger. That is, in the first embodiment, the confluence section 31 combines the heat medium flowing out from the utilization-side heat exchanger 3 on the upper side of the paper surface and the heat medium flowing out from the utilization-side heat exchanger 3 on the lower side of the paper surface. The branching section 32 branches the first heat medium pipe 8a through which the heat medium flowing out from the confluence section 31 flows into a second heat medium pipe 8b connected to the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and a third heat medium pipe 8c connected to the second load-side heat exchanger 2. That is, the branching section 32 connects the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the second load-side heat exchanger 2 in parallel. The pump 6 is provided between the confluence section 31 and the branching section 32 and circulates the heat medium in the heat medium circuit 8. In other words, the pump 6 is provided in the first heat medium pipe 8a.

[0015] Note that the configuration in which the first refrigerant flows through the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the second load-side heat exchanger 2 is not particularly limited. However, in the refrigeration cycle device 200 according to the first embodiment, the first refrigerant circuit 7 is provided as a configuration in which the first refrigerant flows through the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the second load-side heat exchanger 2. The first refrigerant circuit 7 includes the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the second load-side heat exchanger 2, and the first refrigerant circulates therein. The configuration of the first refrigerant circuit 7 is not particularly limited. However, in the first embodiment, the first refrigerant circuit 7 is configured as follows.

[0016] The first refrigerant circuit 7 includes a compressor 14, a flow path switching device 41, a heat source side heat exchanger 4, a first load-side heat exchanger 1, a second load-side heat exchanger 2, a first throttling device 21, and a second throttling device 22.

[0017] The compressor 14 sucks in the first refrigerant, compresses the first refrigerant, and discharges it in a high-temperature and high-pressure state. As the compressor 14, a rotary compressor, a scroll compressor, a screw compressor, a reciprocating compressor, or the like can be used. The discharge port and the suction port of the first refrigerant of this compressor 14 are connected to the flow path switching device 41.

[0018] The flow path switching device 41 is, for example, a four-way valve, which switches the flow path through which the first refrigerant flows and switches the connection destinations of the discharge port and the suction port of the compressor 14. In the first embodiment, when the flow path switching device 41 switches to the flow path shown by the solid line in FIG. 1, the discharge port of the compressor 14 is connected to the heat source side heat exchanger 4, and the suction port of the compressor 14 is connected to the second load-side heat exchanger 2. Also, in the first embodiment, when the flow path switching device 41 switches to the flow path shown by the broken line in FIG. 1, the discharge port of the compressor 14 is connected to the second load-side heat exchanger 2, and the suction port of the compressor 14 is connected to the heat source side heat exchanger 4.

[0019] Note that the flow path switching device 41 is not limited to a four-way valve. The flow path switching device 41 may be composed of a two-way valve or a three-way valve or the like. The same applies to the flow path switching devices other than the flow path switching device 41 shown below.

[0020] The heat source side heat exchanger 4 functions as either an evaporator or a radiator. When the heat source side heat exchanger 4 functions as an evaporator, it exchanges heat between the first refrigerant flowing into it and the outside air, causing the first refrigerant to evaporate and vaporize. When the heat source side heat exchanger 4 functions as a radiator, it exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing into it and the outside air, causing the first refrigerant to condense and liquefy. The operating states of the refrigeration cycle system 200 when the heat source side heat exchanger 4 functions as an evaporator, and the operating states of the refrigeration cycle system 200 when the heat source side heat exchanger 4 functions as a radiator, will be described later. Incidentally, there are refrigerants that condense when they flow through a radiator and are cooled to the heat exchange target, and refrigerants that do not condense. In this embodiment 1, an example in which a refrigerant that condenses in a radiator is used as the first refrigerant circulating in the first refrigerant circuit 7 will be described. Note that when a refrigerant that condenses in a radiator flows through the radiator, the radiator is sometimes called a condenser.

[0021] Conventionally, various heat exchangers with different structures have been proposed, including fin-and-tube heat exchangers, microchannel heat exchangers, shell-and-tube heat exchangers, heat pipe heat exchangers, double-tube heat exchangers, and plate heat exchangers. These heat exchangers can be appropriately selected and used as the heat source side heat exchanger 4. In this embodiment 1, a blower 5 is placed adjacent to the heat source side heat exchanger 4 to improve the efficiency of heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air in the heat source side heat exchanger 4. The configuration of the blower 5 is not particularly limited. The blower 5 may be configured as a propeller fan, a line flow fan (registered trademark), or a multi-blade centrifugal fan, etc., based on the operating conditions such as the flow rate and static pressure of the outdoor air supplied to the heat source side heat exchanger 4. Furthermore, if the heat source side heat exchanger 4 is configured to exchange heat with a heat transfer medium such as water, the heat transfer medium may be supplied to the heat source side heat exchanger 4 by a pump or the like.

[0022] One end of the heat source side heat exchanger 4 is connected to the flow path switching device 41. The other end of the heat source side heat exchanger 4 is connected to the first load side heat exchanger 1 via the first throttling device 21.

[0023] The first throttling device 21 is installed between the heat source side heat exchanger 4 and the first load side heat exchanger 1. The first throttling device 21 functions as a pressure reducing valve or expansion valve, and reduces the pressure of the first refrigerant to expand it. The first throttling device 21 is, for example, an electrically operated expansion valve capable of adjusting the flow rate of the first refrigerant. However, the first throttling device 21 is not limited to an electrically operated expansion valve. For example, the first throttling device 21 may be a mechanical expansion valve employing a diaphragm in the pressure receiving part. Also, for example, the first throttling device 21 may be composed of a capillary tube or the like in part. The same applies to throttling devices other than the first throttling device 21 shown below.

[0024] The first load-side heat exchanger 1 functions as either an evaporator or a heat radiator. When the first load-side heat exchanger 1 functions as an evaporator, it exchanges heat between the first refrigerant flowing into it and the heat transfer medium circulating in the heat transfer medium circuit 8, causing the first refrigerant to evaporate and vaporize. When the first load-side heat exchanger 1 functions as a heat radiator, it exchanges heat between the first refrigerant flowing into it and the heat transfer medium circulating in the heat transfer medium circuit 8, causing the first refrigerant to condense and liquefy. The operating states of the refrigeration cycle system 200 when the first load-side heat exchanger 1 functions as an evaporator, and the operating states of the refrigeration cycle system 200 when the first load-side heat exchanger 1 functions as a heat radiator, will be described later.

[0025] Conventionally, various types of heat exchangers have been proposed, including fin-and-tube heat exchangers, microchannel heat exchangers, shell-and-tube heat exchangers, heat pipe heat exchangers, double-tube heat exchangers, and plate heat exchangers. These heat exchangers can be appropriately selected and used as the first load-side heat exchanger 1. The same applies to the second load-side heat exchanger 2.

[0026] As described above, one end of the first load-side heat exchanger 1 is connected to the heat source-side heat exchanger 4 via the first throttling device 21. The other end of the first load-side heat exchanger 1 is connected to the second load-side heat exchanger 2 via the second throttling device 22. In other words, in the first refrigerant circuit 7 according to this embodiment 1, the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the second load-side heat exchanger 2 are connected in series to the heat source-side heat exchanger 4.

[0027] The second throttling device 22 is installed between the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the second load-side heat exchanger 2. Similar to the first throttling device 21, the second throttling device 22 functions as a pressure reducing valve or expansion valve, reducing the pressure of the first refrigerant and causing it to expand.

[0028] The second load-side heat exchanger 2 functions as either an evaporator or a heat radiator, similar to the first load-side heat exchanger 1. When the second load-side heat exchanger 2 functions as an evaporator, it exchanges heat between the first refrigerant flowing into it and the heat transfer medium circulating in the heat transfer medium circuit 8, causing the first refrigerant to evaporate and vaporize. When the second load-side heat exchanger 2 functions as a heat radiator, it exchanges heat between the first refrigerant flowing into it and the heat transfer medium circulating in the heat transfer medium circuit 8, causing the first refrigerant to condense and liquefy. The operating states of the refrigeration cycle system 200 when the second load-side heat exchanger 2 functions as an evaporator, and the operating states of the refrigeration cycle system 200 when the second load-side heat exchanger 2 functions as a heat radiator, will be described later.

[0029] As described above, one end of the second load-side heat exchanger 2 is connected to the first load-side heat exchanger 1 via the second throttling device 22. The other end of the second load-side heat exchanger 2 is connected to the flow path switching device 41.

[0030] At least some of the above-described components of the refrigeration cycle device 200 are mounted in a unit. In this embodiment 1, the refrigeration cycle device 200 includes a heat source unit 201. The refrigeration cycle device 200 also includes a heat load unit 202 as a separate unit from the heat source unit 201. Furthermore, the refrigeration cycle device 200 is obtained by including a relay unit 203 as a separate unit from the heat source unit 201 that connects the heat load unit 202 and the heat source unit 201. The heat source unit 201 is equipped with a compressor 14, a flow path switching device 41, a heat source side heat exchanger 4, and a blower 5. The relay unit 203 is equipped with a first throttling device 21, a second throttling device 22, a first load side heat exchanger 1, a second load side heat exchanger 2, a pump 6, a junction 31, and a branching 32. The heat load unit 202 is equipped with a user side heat exchanger 3. In this embodiment 1, each of the user-side heat exchangers 3 is mounted on a different heat load unit 202.

[0031] Furthermore, the refrigeration cycle device 200 according to this embodiment 1 is equipped with a control device 210 that controls the operating state of the refrigeration cycle device 200. Specifically, the control device 210 switches the flow path of the flow path switching device 41. The control device 210 also starts and stops the compressor 14. When the compressor 14 is running, the control device 210 may control the rotational speed of the compressor 14. This allows the amount of first refrigerant discharged from the compressor 14 to be adjusted. The control device 210 also controls the opening degrees of the first throttling device 21 and the second throttling device 22. The control device 210 also starts and stops the blower 5. When the blower 5 is running, the control device 210 may control the rotational speed of the blower 5. The control device 210 also starts and stops the pump 6. When the pump 6 is running, the control device 210 may control the rotational speed of the pump 6. This allows the amount of heat transfer medium discharged from the pump 6 to be adjusted. The unit on which the control device 210 is mounted is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment 1, the control device 210 is mounted on the heat source unit 201.

[0032] Such a control device 210 consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes a program stored in dedicated hardware or memory. The CPU is also referred to as a central processing unit, processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or processor.

[0033] If the control device 210 is dedicated hardware, it may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. Each of the functional units realized by the control device 210 may be realized by individual hardware, or each functional unit may be realized by a single piece of hardware.

[0034] When the control device 210 is a CPU, each function performed by the control device 210 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in memory. The CPU realizes each function of the control device 210 by reading and executing the programs stored in memory. Here, the memory is a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, or EEPROM.

[0035] Furthermore, some of the functions of the control device 210 may be implemented using dedicated hardware, while other functions may be implemented using software or firmware.

[0036] Next, the operation of the refrigeration cycle unit 200 will be explained. First, the uniform cooling operation performed by the refrigeration cycle unit 200 will be explained. Uniform cooling operation is an operation in which all user-side heat exchangers mounted on the operating heat load unit 202 cool the indoor air.

[0037] When the refrigeration cycle unit 200 performs uniform cooling operation, the first refrigerant circuit 7 operates as follows. In the first refrigerant circuit 7, the flow path switching device 41 becomes the flow path shown by the solid line in Figure 1. Also, in the first refrigerant circuit 7, the heat source side heat exchanger 4 functions as a heat radiator, and the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 function as evaporators.

[0038] In uniform cooling operation, when the compressor 14 is driven, the first refrigerant, which has become a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, is discharged from the discharge port of the compressor 14. The first refrigerant discharged from the compressor 14 flows into the heat source side heat exchanger 4 via the flow path switching device 41. The first refrigerant, which is a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant that has flowed into the heat source side heat exchanger 4, is cooled and condensed by the outside air supplied by the blower 5, becoming a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The first refrigerant that has flowed out of the heat source side heat exchanger 4 then flows into the first throttling device 21. In addition, the first refrigerant, which is a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant that has flowed into the heat source side heat exchanger 4, may also be cooled and condensed by the outside air to become a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant, which is a mixture of gaseous and liquid refrigerants.

[0039] The high-pressure liquid refrigerant, the first refrigerant, that flows into the first throttling device 21 is depressurized to become a low-pressure gaseous two-phase refrigerant. The low-pressure gaseous two-phase refrigerant, the first refrigerant, that flows out of the first throttling device 21 then flows through the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the second load-side heat exchanger 2 in that order. At this time, the second throttling device 22 is, for example, fully open. In the process of flowing through the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the second load-side heat exchanger 2, the low-pressure gaseous two-phase refrigerant, the first refrigerant, is heated by the heat transfer medium in the heat transfer medium circuit 8, causing the liquid refrigerant to evaporate and become a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. In other words, in the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the second load-side heat exchanger 2, the heat transfer medium in the heat transfer medium circuit 8 is cooled by the first refrigerant in the first refrigerant circuit 7.

[0040] The first refrigerant, which is a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant that flows out from the second load-side heat exchanger 2, passes through the flow path switching device 41 and is drawn into the compressor 14 through its inlet, where it is compressed again and discharged. This cycle is then repeated in the first refrigerant circuit 7.

[0041] Furthermore, when the refrigeration cycle device 200 performs uniform cooling operation, the heat transfer medium circuit 8 operates as follows: A portion of the heat transfer medium discharged from the outlet of the pump 6 flows into the first load-side heat exchanger 1 through the branching section 32. The remaining portion of the heat transfer medium discharged from the outlet of the pump 6 flows into the second load-side heat exchanger 2 through the branching section 32.

[0042] The heat transfer medium flowing into the first load-side heat exchanger 1 is cooled by the first refrigerant in the first refrigerant circuit 7. The heat transfer medium flowing out from the first load-side heat exchanger 1 flows into the user-side heat exchanger 3 on the upper side of the paper, cooling the indoor air. In other words, it cools the room in which the user-side heat exchanger 3 is installed. Similarly, the heat transfer medium that flows into the second load-side heat exchanger 2 is cooled by the first refrigerant in the first refrigerant circuit 7. The heat transfer medium that flows out of the second load-side heat exchanger 2 flows into the user-side heat exchanger 3 at the bottom of the page, cooling the indoor air. In other words, it cools the room in which the user-side heat exchanger 3 is installed.

[0043] The heat transfer fluids that flow out from each of the user-side heat exchangers 3 merge at the merging section 31. This merged heat transfer fluid is then drawn into the pump 6 through its inlet and discharged again from the pump 6. This cycle is then repeated in the heat transfer fluid circuit 8.

[0044] Next, the uniform heating operation performed by the refrigeration cycle device 200 will be described. Uniform heating operation is an operation in which all user-side heat exchangers mounted on the operating heat load unit 202 heat the indoor air.

[0045] When the refrigeration cycle unit 200 performs uniform heating operation, the first refrigerant circuit 7 operates as follows. In the first refrigerant circuit 7, the flow path switching device 41 becomes the flow path shown by the dashed line in Figure 1. Also, in the first refrigerant circuit 7, the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the second load-side heat exchanger 2 function as radiators, and the heat source-side heat exchanger 4 functions as an evaporator.

[0046] In uniform heating operation, when the compressor 14 is driven, the first refrigerant, which has become a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, is discharged from the discharge port of the compressor 14. The first refrigerant discharged from the compressor 14 flows through the flow path switching device 41 to the second load-side heat exchanger 2 and then to the first load-side heat exchanger 1. At this time, the second throttling device 22 is, for example, fully open. In the process of flowing through the second load-side heat exchanger 2 and the first load-side heat exchanger 1, the first refrigerant, which is a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, is cooled and condensed by the heat transfer medium in the heat transfer medium circuit 8, becoming a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. In other words, in the second load-side heat exchanger 2 and the first load-side heat exchanger 1, the heat transfer medium in the heat transfer medium circuit 8 is heated by the first refrigerant in the first refrigerant circuit 7. The first refrigerant that flows out from the first load-side heat exchanger 1 then flows into the first throttling device 21.

[0047] The high-pressure liquid refrigerant, the first refrigerant, that flows into the first throttling device 21 is depressurized to become a low-pressure gaseous two-phase refrigerant. The low-pressure gaseous two-phase refrigerant, the first refrigerant, that flows out of the first throttling device 21 then flows into the heat source side heat exchanger 4. The low-pressure gaseous two-phase refrigerant, the first refrigerant, that flows into the heat source side heat exchanger 4 is heated by the outdoor air supplied by the blower 5, causing the liquid refrigerant to evaporate and become a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant.

[0048] The first refrigerant, which is a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant that flows out from the heat source side heat exchanger 4, passes through the flow path switching device 41 and is drawn into the compressor 14 through its inlet, where it is compressed again and discharged. This cycle is then repeated in the first refrigerant circuit 7.

[0049] Furthermore, when the refrigeration cycle device 200 performs uniform heating operation, the heat transfer medium circuit 8 operates as follows: A portion of the heat transfer medium discharged from the outlet of the pump 6 flows into the first load-side heat exchanger 1 through the branching section 32. The remaining portion of the heat transfer medium discharged from the outlet of the pump 6 flows into the second load-side heat exchanger 2 through the branching section 32.

[0050] The heat transfer medium flowing into the first load-side heat exchanger 1 is heated by the first refrigerant in the first refrigerant circuit 7. The heat transfer medium flowing out of the first load-side heat exchanger 1 flows into the user-side heat exchanger 3 on the upper side of the paper, heating the indoor air. In other words, it heats the room in which the user-side heat exchanger 3 is installed.

[0051] Similarly, the heat transfer medium flowing into the second load-side heat exchanger 2 is heated by the first refrigerant in the first refrigerant circuit 7. The heat transfer medium flowing out of the second load-side heat exchanger 2 flows into the user-side heat exchanger 3 at the bottom of the page, heating the indoor air. In other words, it heats the room in which the user-side heat exchanger 3 is installed.

[0052] The heat transfer fluids that flow out from each of the user-side heat exchangers 3 merge at the merging section 31. This merged heat transfer fluid is then drawn into the pump 6 through its inlet and discharged again from the pump 6. This cycle is then repeated in the heat transfer fluid circuit 8.

[0053] Next, the mixed cooling and heating operation performed by the refrigeration cycle device 200 will be described. Mixed cooling and heating operation is an operation in which a portion of the user-side heat exchanger mounted on the operating heat load unit 202 cools the indoor air, and a portion of the user-side heat exchanger mounted on the operating heat load unit 202 heats the indoor air.

[0054] When the refrigeration cycle unit 200 performs mixed cooling and heating operation, the first refrigerant circuit 7 operates as follows. In the first refrigerant circuit 7, the flow path switching device 41 becomes the flow path shown by the solid line in Figure 1. In addition, in the first refrigerant circuit 7, the heat source side heat exchanger 4 and the first load side heat exchanger 1 function as radiators, and the second load side heat exchanger 2 functions as an evaporator.

[0055] In mixed cooling and heating operation, when the compressor 14 is driven, the first refrigerant, which has become a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, is discharged from the discharge port of the compressor 14. The first refrigerant discharged from the compressor 14 flows into the heat source side heat exchanger 4 through the flow path switching device 41. The first refrigerant, which is a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant that has flowed into the heat source side heat exchanger 4, is cooled and condensed by the outside air supplied by the blower 5, becoming a high-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. The first refrigerant that flows out of the heat source side heat exchanger 4 then flows into the first load side heat exchanger 1 through the first throttling device 21. At this time, the first throttling device 21 is, for example, fully open.

[0056] The first refrigerant, a high-pressure gaseous two-phase refrigerant, that flows into the first load-side heat exchanger 1 is cooled by the heat transfer medium in the heat transfer medium circuit 8, causing the gaseous refrigerant to condense and become a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. In other words, in the first load-side heat exchanger 1, the heat transfer medium in the heat transfer medium circuit 8 is heated by the first refrigerant in the first refrigerant circuit 7. The first refrigerant that flows out of the first load-side heat exchanger 1 then flows into the second throttling device 22. The first refrigerant, a high-pressure liquid refrigerant, that flows into the second throttling device 22 is depressurized and becomes a low-pressure gaseous two-phase refrigerant. The first refrigerant, a low-pressure gaseous two-phase refrigerant, that flows out of the second throttling device 22 then flows into the second load-side heat exchanger 2. The first refrigerant, a low-pressure gaseous two-phase refrigerant, that flows into the second load-side heat exchanger 2 is heated by the heat transfer medium in the heat transfer medium circuit 8, causing the liquid refrigerant to evaporate and become a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. In other words, in the second load-side heat exchanger 2, the heat transfer medium in the heat transfer medium circuit 8 is cooled by the first refrigerant in the first refrigerant circuit 7.

[0057] The first refrigerant, which is a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant that flows out from the second load-side heat exchanger 2, passes through the flow path switching device 41 and is drawn into the compressor 14 through its inlet, where it is compressed again and discharged. This cycle is then repeated in the first refrigerant circuit 7.

[0058] Furthermore, when the refrigeration cycle device 200 performs mixed cooling and heating operation, the heat transfer medium circuit 8 operates as follows: A portion of the heat transfer medium discharged from the pump 6 flows into the first load-side heat exchanger 1 through the branching section 32. The remaining portion of the heat transfer medium discharged from the outlet of the pump 6 flows into the second load-side heat exchanger 2 through the branching section 32.

[0059] The heat transfer medium flowing into the first load-side heat exchanger 1 is heated by the first refrigerant in the first refrigerant circuit 7. The heat transfer medium flowing out of the first load-side heat exchanger 1 flows into the user-side heat exchanger 3 on the upper side of the paper, heating the indoor air. In other words, it heats the room in which the user-side heat exchanger 3 is installed.

[0060] The heat transfer medium that flows into the second load-side heat exchanger 2 is cooled by the first refrigerant in the first refrigerant circuit 7. The heat transfer medium that flows out from the second load-side heat exchanger 2 flows into the user-side heat exchanger 3 at the bottom of the page, cooling the indoor air. In other words, it cools the room in which the user-side heat exchanger 3 is installed.

[0061] The heat transfer fluids that flow out from each of the user-side heat exchangers 3 merge at the merging section 31. This merged heat transfer fluid is then drawn into the pump 6 through its inlet and discharged again from the pump 6. This cycle is then repeated in the heat transfer fluid circuit 8.

[0062] Furthermore, the user-side heat exchanger 3 into which the heat transfer medium supplied from the first load-side heat exchanger 1 flows, and the user-side heat exchanger 3 into which the heat transfer medium supplied from the second load-side heat exchanger 2 flows, may be mounted on the same heat load unit 202. In this case, by having the refrigeration cycle device 200 perform the same operation as the mixed cooling and heating operation described above, some of the user-side heat exchangers 3 can cool and dehumidify the indoor air, and some of the user-side heat exchangers 3 can heat the dehumidified indoor air and return it to the room. For this reason, by mounting the user-side heat exchanger 3 into which the heat transfer medium supplied from the first load-side heat exchanger 1 flows, and the user-side heat exchanger 3 into which the heat transfer medium supplied from the second load-side heat exchanger 2 flows, on the same heat load unit 202, dehumidification operation becomes possible to dehumidify the air in the room where the heat load unit 202 is installed.

[0063] Furthermore, the refrigeration cycle device 200 according to this embodiment 1 can also perform mixed cooling and heating operation or dehumidification operation by setting the flow path switching device 41 to the flow path shown by the dashed line in Figure 1 and controlling the opening degree of the first throttle device 21. In this case, in the first refrigerant circuit 7, the second load-side heat exchanger 2 functions as a heat radiator, and the heat source-side heat exchanger 4 and the first load-side heat exchanger 1 function as evaporators.

[0064] As described above, the refrigeration cycle device 200 according to this embodiment 1 is equipped with a heat transfer medium circuit 8 into which a heat transfer medium different from the first refrigerant circulates. The heat transfer medium circuit 8 is equipped with a plurality of load-side heat exchangers and a plurality of user-side heat exchangers 3. The plurality of load-side heat exchangers exchange heat between the first refrigerant and the heat transfer medium. The plurality of user-side heat exchangers 3 receive the heat transfer medium supplied from at least one of the load-side heat exchangers. Here, the first load-side heat exchanger 1, the first user-side heat exchanger, the second load-side heat exchanger 2, and the second user-side heat exchanger are defined as follows: One of the load-side heat exchangers is designated as the first load-side heat exchanger 1. One of the user-side heat exchangers 3 into which the heat transfer medium supplied from the first load-side heat exchanger 1 flows is designated as the first user-side heat exchanger. Of the load-side heat exchangers, one of the load-side heat exchangers that supplies a heat medium at a different temperature than the heat medium supplied by the first load-side heat exchanger 1 is designated as the second load-side heat exchanger 2. Of the user-side heat exchangers 3 into which the heat medium supplied from the second load-side heat exchanger 2 flows, one of the user-side heat exchangers other than the first user-side heat exchanger is designated as the second user-side heat exchanger. Furthermore, the heat medium circuit 8 includes a merging section 31, a branching section 32, and a pump 6. The merging section 31 merges the heat medium that has flowed out of the first user-side heat exchanger with the heat medium that has flowed out of the second user-side heat exchanger. The branching section 32 branches the first heat transfer medium pipe 8a, through which the pre-heat transfer medium flowing out of the confluence section 31 flows, into a second heat transfer medium pipe 8b connected to the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and a third heat transfer medium pipe 8c connected to the second load-side heat exchanger 2, thereby connecting the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the second load-side heat exchanger 2 in parallel. The pump 6 is provided between the confluence section 31 and the branching section 32 and circulates the heat transfer medium.

[0065] As described above, when defining the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the second load-side heat exchanger 2, conventional refrigeration cycle systems included a heat transfer medium circuit with a pump to supply heat transfer medium to the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and a pump to supply heat transfer medium to the second load-side heat exchanger 2. In other words, such conventional refrigeration cycle systems required separate pumps to supply heat transfer medium to the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the second load-side heat exchanger 2. Here, pumps that supply heat transfer medium to load-side heat exchangers are expensive. Furthermore, as the number of pumps supplying heat transfer medium to load-side heat exchangers increases, the probability of pump failure also increases. For this reason, conventional refrigeration cycle systems had the problem of increased manufacturing costs and reduced reliability.

[0066] On the other hand, the heat transfer medium circuit 8 of the refrigeration cycle device 200 according to this embodiment 1 can supply the heat transfer medium to the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the second load-side heat exchanger 2 with a single pump 6. Therefore, the refrigeration cycle device 200 according to this embodiment 1 can reduce the number of pumps 6 in the heat transfer medium circuit 8 compared to conventional refrigeration cycle devices. Consequently, the refrigeration cycle device 200 according to this embodiment 1 can reduce manufacturing costs and improve reliability compared to conventional refrigeration cycle devices.

[0067] Finally, in this first embodiment, we will introduce a modified version of the refrigeration cycle device 200 according to this first embodiment. In the modified version of the refrigeration cycle device 200 according to this first embodiment shown below, in addition to the above-mentioned effects of reducing manufacturing costs and improving reliability, further effects can be obtained.

[0068] Figure 2 is a refrigerant circuit diagram showing a modified example of the refrigeration cycle device according to Embodiment 1. In the refrigeration cycle device 200 shown in Figure 2, the heat transfer medium inlet of the first user-side heat exchanger and the heat transfer medium inlet of the second user-side heat exchanger are connected to the heat transfer medium outlet of the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the heat transfer medium outlet of the second load-side heat exchanger 2. In other words, in the refrigeration cycle device 200 shown in Figure 2, the heat transfer medium inlet of the user-side heat exchanger 3 on the upper side of the paper and the heat transfer medium inlet of the user-side heat exchanger 3 on the lower side of the paper are connected to the heat transfer medium outlet of the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the heat transfer medium outlet of the second load-side heat exchanger 2.

[0069] Furthermore, the heat transfer medium circuit 8 of the refrigeration cycle device 200 shown in Figure 2 is equipped with a first flow rate adjustment unit 60 on the inlet side of the heat transfer medium of the first utilization-side heat exchanger and the inlet side of the heat transfer medium of the second utilization-side heat exchanger. The first flow rate adjustment unit 60 adjusts the flow rate of the heat transfer medium supplied from the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the flow rate of the heat transfer medium supplied from the second load-side heat exchanger 2. The first flow rate adjustment unit 60 is controlled by a control device 210.

[0070] In other words, the heat transfer medium circuit 8 shown in Figure 2 is configured such that heat transfer medium can flow into both the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the second load-side heat exchanger 2 from both the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the second load-side heat exchanger 2. In such a configuration, when the heat transfer medium supplied from the first load-side heat exchanger 1 flows into the upper-side heat exchanger 3 on the page, and the heat transfer medium supplied from the second load-side heat exchanger 2 flows into the lower-side heat exchanger 3 on the page, the upper-side heat exchanger 3 becomes the first-side heat exchanger, and the lower-side heat exchanger 3 becomes the second-side heat exchanger. Furthermore, if the heat transfer medium supplied from the first load-side heat exchanger 1 flows into the user-side heat exchanger 3 on the lower side of the paper, and the heat transfer medium supplied from the second load-side heat exchanger 2 flows into the user-side heat exchanger 3 on the upper side of the paper, the user-side heat exchanger 3 on the lower side of the paper becomes the first user-side heat exchanger, and the user-side heat exchanger 3 on the upper side of the paper becomes the second user-side heat exchanger. Also, if the heat transfer medium supplied from both the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the second load-side heat exchanger 2 flows into both of the two user-side heat exchangers 3, one of the two user-side heat exchangers 3 becomes the first user-side heat exchanger, and the other of the two user-side heat exchangers 3 becomes the second user-side heat exchanger.

[0071] The configuration of the first flow rate adjustment unit 60 is not particularly limited, but in the refrigeration cycle device 200 shown in Figure 2, the first flow rate adjustment unit 60 is configured to include a junction 33, a flow rate adjustment device 61, and a flow rate adjustment device 62. The junction 33 is provided on the inlet side of the heat transfer medium of each user-side heat exchanger 3, and is where the heat transfer medium piping extending from the outlet of the heat transfer medium of the first load-side heat exchanger 1 toward the user-side heat exchanger 3 and the heat transfer medium piping extending from the outlet of the heat transfer medium of the second load-side heat exchanger 2 toward the user-side heat exchanger 3 merge. The flow rate adjustment device 61 is provided in the heat transfer medium piping extending from the outlet of the heat transfer medium of the first load-side heat exchanger 1 toward the user-side heat exchanger 3, and adjusts the flow rate of the heat transfer medium supplied from the first load-side heat exchanger 1 toward the user-side heat exchanger 3. The flow rate adjustment device 62 is installed in the heat transfer medium piping that extends from the outlet of the heat transfer medium of the second load-side heat exchanger 2 toward the user-side heat exchanger 3, and adjusts the flow rate of the heat transfer medium supplied from the second load-side heat exchanger 2 toward the user-side heat exchanger 3.

[0072] Here, for example, consider an operating condition such as mixed cooling and heating operation where the heat exchange capacity required for the first load-side heat exchanger 1 is large, and the heat exchange capacity required for the second load-side heat exchanger 2 is small. As mentioned above, conventional refrigeration cycle systems required separate pumps to supply heat transfer fluid to the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the second load-side heat exchanger 2. Therefore, in the assumed operating condition described above, conventional refrigeration cycle systems may have excess capacity in the pump supplying heat transfer fluid to the second load-side heat exchanger 2, but insufficient capacity in the pump supplying heat transfer fluid to the first load-side heat exchanger 1. In other words, in the assumed operating condition described above, conventional refrigeration cycle systems may have excess capacity in the pump supplying heat transfer fluid to the second load-side heat exchanger 2, but insufficient heat transfer fluid supplied to the first load-side heat exchanger 1. Such a shortage of heat transfer fluid supplied to the first load-side heat exchanger 1 reduces the energy efficiency of the refrigeration cycle system. One way to suppress this decrease in energy efficiency in conventional refrigeration cycle systems is to enlarge each pump. However, increasing the size of each pump would also increase the size of the refrigeration cycle system.

[0073] On the other hand, the refrigeration cycle device 200 shown in Figure 2 can adjust the distribution ratio between the heat transfer medium supplied to the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the heat transfer medium supplied to the second load-side heat exchanger 2 by the first flow rate adjustment unit 60. Therefore, the refrigeration cycle device 200 shown in Figure 2 can prevent a shortage of heat transfer medium supplied to the first load-side heat exchanger 1 without increasing the size of the pump 6. Thus, the refrigeration cycle device 200 shown in Figure 2 can achieve both suppression of a decrease in energy efficiency and suppression of an increase in size. Note that the flow rate adjustment devices 61 and 62 may be opening adjustment valves that can control the degree of opening, or on-off valves that can only be opened and closed. When on-off valves are used as the flow rate adjustment devices 61 and 62, the distribution ratio between the heat transfer medium supplied to the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the heat transfer medium supplied to the second load-side heat exchanger 2 can be adjusted by controlling the number of user-side heat exchangers 3 that are supplied with heat transfer medium from the first load-side heat exchanger 1.

[0074] Embodiment 2. The configuration of the first refrigerant circuit 7 is not limited to the configuration shown in Embodiment 1. For example, the first refrigerant circuit 7 may be configured as in Embodiment 2. Matters not specifically mentioned in Embodiment 2 are the same as in Embodiment 1. In Embodiment 2, components that perform the same functions as those shown in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Embodiment 1.

[0075] Figures 3 to 5 are refrigerant circuit diagrams showing an example of a refrigeration cycle device according to Embodiment 2. The refrigeration cycle device 200 according to this second embodiment can perform uniform cooling operation, uniform heating operation, and mixed cooling and heating operation, similar to the refrigeration cycle device 200 shown in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the refrigeration cycle device 200 according to this second embodiment, similar to the refrigeration cycle device 200 shown in the first embodiment, mounts the user-side heat exchanger 3 into which the heat transfer medium supplied from the first load-side heat exchanger 1 flows, and the user-side heat exchanger 3 into which the heat transfer medium supplied from the second load-side heat exchanger 2 flows, on the same heat load unit 202, and performs a dehumidification operation to dehumidify the air in the room where the heat load unit 202 is installed by performing an operation similar to mixed cooling and heating operation.

[0076] Specifically, in the refrigeration cycle device 200 shown in Figure 3, when performing uniform cooling operation, the flow path switching device 42 is set to the flow path shown by the solid line in Figure 3, the flow path switching device 43 is set to the flow path shown by the dashed line in Figure 3, at least one of the switchgear 51 and switchgear 52 is set to the open state, and at least one of the switchgear 53 and switchgear 54 is set to the open state. As a result, in the first refrigerant circuit 7, the heat source side heat exchanger 4 functions as a heat radiator, and the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 function as evaporators. Thus, the refrigeration cycle device 200 shown in Figure 3 can perform uniform cooling operation. The first refrigerant flowing out from the heat source side heat exchanger 4 and flowing into the first load side heat exchanger 1 is depressurized and expanded by the throttling device 17. The first refrigerant flowing out from the heat source side heat exchanger 4 and flowing into the second load side heat exchanger 2 is depressurized and expanded by the throttling device 18.

[0077] Furthermore, in the refrigeration cycle device 200 shown in Figure 3, when performing uniform heating operation, the flow path switching device 42 is set to the flow path shown by the dashed line in Figure 3, the flow path switching device 43 is set to the flow path shown by the solid line in Figure 3, the switch 51 is set to the open state, the switch 52 is set to the closed state, the switch 53 is set to the closed state, and the switch 54 is set to the open state. As a result, in the first refrigerant circuit 7, the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the second load-side heat exchanger 2 function as radiators, and the heat source-side heat exchanger 4 functions as an evaporator. Thus, the refrigeration cycle device 200 shown in Figure 3 can perform uniform heating operation. The first refrigerant flowing out from the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and flowing into the heat source-side heat exchanger 4 is depressurized and expanded by the throttling device 17. Also, the first refrigerant flowing out from the second load-side heat exchanger 2 and flowing into the heat source-side heat exchanger 4 is depressurized and expanded by the throttling device 18.

[0078] Furthermore, in the refrigeration cycle device 200 shown in Figure 3, when performing mixed cooling and heating operation, the flow path switching device 42 is set to the flow path shown by the dashed line in Figure 3, the flow path switching device 43 is set to the flow path shown by the solid line in Figure 3, the switch 51 is set to the open state, the switch 52 is set to the closed state, the switch 53 is set to the open state, and the switch 54 is set to the closed state. As a result, in the first refrigerant circuit 7, the first load-side heat exchanger 1 functions as a heat radiator, and the heat source-side heat exchanger 4 and the second load-side heat exchanger 2 function as evaporators. Thus, the refrigeration cycle device 200 shown in Figure 3 can perform mixed cooling and heating operation. The first refrigerant flowing out from the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and flowing into the heat source-side heat exchanger 4 and the second load-side heat exchanger 2 is depressurized and expanded by, for example, the throttling device 17.

[0079] Furthermore, in the refrigeration cycle device 200 shown in Figure 3, when performing mixed cooling and heating operation, the flow path switching device 42 is set to the flow path shown by the dashed line in Figure 3, the flow path switching device 43 is set to the flow path shown by the dashed line in Figure 3, the switch 51 is set to the closed state, the switch 52 is set to the open state, the switch 53 is set to the closed state, and the switch 54 is set to the open state. As a result, in the first refrigerant circuit 7, the heat source side heat exchanger 4 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 function as radiators, and the first load side heat exchanger 1 functions as an evaporator. Thus, the refrigeration cycle device 200 shown in Figure 3 can perform mixed cooling and heating operation. The first refrigerant flowing out from the heat source side heat exchanger 4 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 and flowing into the first load side heat exchanger 1 is depressurized and expanded, for example, by the throttling device 17.

[0080] Specifically, in the refrigeration cycle device 200 shown in Figures 4 and 5, when performing uniform cooling operation, the flow path switching device 42 is configured to flow through the solid lines shown in Figures 4 and 5, and the flow path switching device 43 is configured to flow through the solid lines shown in Figures 4 and 5. As a result, in the first refrigerant circuit 7, the heat source side heat exchanger 4 functions as a heat radiator, and the first load side heat exchanger 1 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 function as evaporators. Thus, the refrigeration cycle device 200 shown in Figures 4 and 5 can perform uniform cooling operation. The first refrigerant flowing out of the heat source side heat exchanger 4 and into the first load side heat exchanger 1 is depressurized and expanded by the throttling device 17. The first refrigerant flowing out of the heat source side heat exchanger 4 and into the second load side heat exchanger 2 is depressurized and expanded by the throttling device 18.

[0081] Furthermore, in the refrigeration cycle device 200 shown in Figures 4 and 5, when performing uniform heating operation, the flow path switching device 42 is configured to flow through the path shown by the dashed line in Figures 4 and 5, and the flow path switching device 43 is configured to flow through the path shown by the dashed line in Figures 4 and 5. As a result, in the first refrigerant circuit 7, the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the second load-side heat exchanger 2 function as radiators, and the heat source-side heat exchanger 4 functions as an evaporator. Thus, the refrigeration cycle device 200 shown in Figures 4 and 5 can perform uniform heating operation. The first refrigerant flowing out from the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and into the heat source-side heat exchanger 4 is depressurized and expanded by the throttling device 17. The first refrigerant flowing out from the second load-side heat exchanger 2 and into the heat source-side heat exchanger 4 is depressurized and expanded by the throttling device 18.

[0082] Furthermore, in the refrigeration cycle device 200 shown in Figures 4 and 5, when performing mixed cooling and heating operation, the flow path switching device 42 is configured to follow the path shown by the dashed line in Figures 4 and 5, and the flow path switching device 43 is configured to follow the path shown by the solid line in Figures 4 and 5. As a result, in the first refrigerant circuit 7, the first load-side heat exchanger 1 functions as a heat radiator, and the heat source-side heat exchanger 4 and the second load-side heat exchanger 2 function as evaporators. Thus, the refrigeration cycle device 200 shown in Figures 4 and 5 can perform mixed cooling and heating operation. The first refrigerant flowing out from the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and into the heat source-side heat exchanger 4 and the second load-side heat exchanger 2 is depressurized and expanded, for example, by the throttling device 17.

[0083] Furthermore, in the refrigeration cycle device 200 shown in Figures 4 and 5, when performing mixed cooling and heating operation, the flow path switching device 42 is configured to flow through the solid lines shown in Figures 4 and 5, and the flow path switching device 43 is configured to flow through the dashed lines shown in Figures 4 and 5. As a result, in the first refrigerant circuit 7, the heat source side heat exchanger 4 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 function as radiators, and the first load side heat exchanger 1 functions as an evaporator. Thus, the refrigeration cycle device 200 shown in Figures 4 and 5 can perform mixed cooling and heating operation. The first refrigerant flowing out from the heat source side heat exchanger 4 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 and flowing into the first load side heat exchanger 1 is depressurized and expanded, for example, by the throttling device 17.

[0084] In this embodiment 2, in the first refrigerant circuit 7 of the refrigeration cycle device 200, when performing uniform cooling operation and heating operation, the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the second load-side heat exchanger 2 are connected in parallel to the heat source-side heat exchanger 4. In other words, in the first refrigerant circuit 7 of the refrigeration cycle device 200 according to this embodiment 2, when both the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the second load-side heat exchanger 2 function as radiators, and when both the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the second load-side heat exchanger 2 function as evaporators, the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the second load-side heat exchanger 2 are connected in parallel to the heat source-side heat exchanger 4.

[0085] In the refrigeration cycle device 200 shown in Embodiment 1, when performing uniform cooling operation, the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the second load-side heat exchanger 2, which function as evaporators, are connected in series. In this case, the state of the first refrigerant flowing into the second load-side heat exchanger 2 will differ depending on the load supplied by the first load-side heat exchanger 1. Also, in the refrigeration cycle device 200 shown in Embodiment 1, when performing uniform heating operation, the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the second load-side heat exchanger 2, which function as evaporators, are connected in series. In this case, the state of the first refrigerant flowing into the first load-side heat exchanger 1 will differ depending on the load supplied by the second load-side heat exchanger 2. Therefore, in the refrigeration cycle device 200 shown in Embodiment 1, when performing uniform cooling operation and heating operation, it may be necessary to use the first flow rate adjustment unit 60 or the like to adjust the distribution ratio of the heat transfer medium supplied to the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the heat transfer medium supplied to the second load-side heat exchanger 2, depending on the respective heat exchange capacities of the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the second load-side heat exchanger 2. However, when the distribution ratio of the heat transfer medium supplied to the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the heat transfer medium supplied to the second load-side heat exchanger 2 is adjusted, the flow resistance of the heat transfer medium in the heat transfer medium circuit 8 increases, and the flow rate of the heat transfer medium decreases. As a result, the energy efficiency of the refrigeration cycle device 200 decreases.

[0086] On the other hand, in the refrigeration cycle device 200 according to this second embodiment, as described above, when performing uniform cooling operation and heating operation, the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the second load-side heat exchanger 2 are connected in parallel to the heat source-side heat exchanger 4. Therefore, in the refrigeration cycle device 200 according to this second embodiment, when performing uniform cooling operation and heating operation, regardless of the load handled by one of the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the second load-side heat exchanger 2, the same state of the first refrigerant can be supplied to the other of the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the second load-side heat exchanger 2. Accordingly, in the refrigeration cycle device 200 according to this second embodiment, when performing uniform cooling operation and heating operation, there is no need for a mechanism to adjust the distribution ratio of the heat transfer medium supplied to the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the heat transfer medium supplied to the second load-side heat exchanger 2. Therefore, the refrigeration cycle device 200 according to this second embodiment offers improved energy efficiency compared to a refrigeration cycle device 200 in which the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the second load-side heat exchanger 2 are connected in series when performing uniform cooling operation and heating operation. As shown in Figure 6, if the refrigeration cycle device 200 according to this second embodiment is equipped with a first flow rate adjustment unit 60, the flow rate adjustment devices 61 and 62 should be fully opened.

[0087] Furthermore, in the first refrigerant circuit 7 of the refrigeration cycle device 200 according to this second embodiment, when performing a mixed cooling and heating operation or dehumidification operation, the heat source side heat exchanger 4 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 are connected in parallel to the first load side heat exchanger 1. In other words, in the first refrigerant circuit 7 of the refrigeration cycle device 200 according to this second embodiment, when the first load side heat exchanger 1 functions as either a radiator or an evaporator, and the heat source side heat exchanger 4 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 function as the other of a radiator or an evaporator, the heat source side heat exchanger 4 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 are connected in parallel to the first load side heat exchanger 1.

[0088] In mixed cooling and heating operation or dehumidification operation, if the heat source side heat exchanger 4 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 are connected in series with the first load side heat exchanger 1, the capacity of the second load side heat exchanger 2 may be insufficient. For example, if the heat source side heat exchanger 4 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 are connected in series with the first load side heat exchanger 1, and the cooling load requirement is greater than the heating load requirement, the heat source side heat exchanger 4 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 function as radiators. In this case, the first refrigerant, which is a gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 14, condenses in the heat source side heat exchanger 4 to become a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant before flowing into the second load side heat exchanger 2. That is, the first refrigerant, which has a small amount of gas, flows into the second load side heat exchanger 2. For this reason, the capacity of the second load side heat exchanger 2 may be insufficient. In order to compensate for this insufficient capacity, it is necessary to increase the rotational speed of the compressor 14, but this would reduce the energy efficiency of the refrigeration cycle device 200.

[0089] On the other hand, in the refrigeration cycle device 200 according to this second embodiment, as described above, when performing mixed cooling and heating operation or dehumidification operation, the heat source side heat exchanger 4 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 are connected in parallel to the first load side heat exchanger 1. Therefore, in the refrigeration cycle device 200 according to this second embodiment, when the heat source side heat exchanger 4 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 function as radiators, the first refrigerant, which is a gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 14, flows into both the heat source side heat exchanger 4 and the second load side heat exchanger 2. Consequently, the refrigeration cycle device 200 according to this second embodiment can suppress insufficient capacity of the second load side heat exchanger 2 when performing mixed cooling and heating operation or dehumidification operation. Therefore, the refrigeration cycle device 200 according to this second embodiment has improved energy efficiency compared to the refrigeration cycle device 200 in which the heat source side heat exchanger 4 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 are connected in series when performing mixed cooling and heating operation or dehumidification operation.

[0090] Embodiment 3. By configuring the refrigeration cycle device 200 as in this third embodiment, the energy saving of the refrigeration cycle device 200 is further improved. Matters not specifically mentioned in this third embodiment are the same as those in the first or second embodiment. Furthermore, in this third embodiment, components that perform the same functions as those shown in the first or second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first or second embodiment.

[0091] Figure 6 is a refrigerant circuit diagram showing a refrigeration cycle device according to Embodiment 3. In the heat transfer medium circuit 8 of the refrigeration cycle device 200 according to this third embodiment, the outlet of the heat transfer medium of the first user-side heat exchanger and the outlet of the heat transfer medium of the second user-side heat exchanger are connected to the fourth heat transfer medium pipe 8d and the fifth heat transfer medium pipe 8e, which are connected to the junction 31. In other words, in the heat transfer medium circuit 8 of the refrigeration cycle device 200 according to this third embodiment, the outlets of the two user-side heat exchangers 3 are connected to the fourth heat transfer medium pipe 8d and the fifth heat transfer medium pipe 8e, which are connected to the junction 31. In this third embodiment, the user-side heat exchanger 3 end of the fourth heat transfer medium pipe 8d and the fifth heat transfer medium pipe 8e are configured as a common heat transfer medium pipe. In other words, in this third embodiment, the heat transfer medium pipe extending from the user-side heat exchanger 3 to the junction 31 branches into the fourth heat transfer medium pipe 8d and the fifth heat transfer medium pipe 8e at the branching section 34.

[0092] Furthermore, the heat transfer medium circuit 8 of the refrigeration cycle device 200 according to this third embodiment is equipped with a second flow rate adjustment unit 65 on the outlet side of the heat transfer medium of the first utilization-side heat exchanger and on the outlet side of the heat transfer medium of the second utilization-side heat exchanger. The second flow rate adjustment unit 65 adjusts the flow rate of the heat transfer medium flowing into the fourth heat transfer medium pipe 8d and the flow rate of the heat transfer medium flowing into the fifth heat transfer medium pipe 8e. The second flow rate adjustment unit 65 is controlled by the control device 210.

[0093] The configuration of the second flow rate adjustment unit 65 is not particularly limited, but in the refrigeration cycle device 200 according to this embodiment 3, the second flow rate adjustment unit 65 is configured to include a flow rate adjustment device 66 and a flow rate adjustment device 67. The flow rate adjustment device 66 is provided in the fourth heat transfer medium pipe 8d and adjusts the flow rate of the heat transfer medium flowing from the user-side heat exchanger 3 to the fourth heat transfer medium pipe 8d. The flow rate adjustment device 67 is provided in the fifth heat transfer medium pipe 8e and adjusts the flow rate of the heat transfer medium flowing from the user-side heat exchanger 3 to the fifth heat transfer medium pipe 8e.

[0094] Furthermore, the refrigeration cycle device 200 according to this third embodiment includes a second refrigerant circuit 9 through which a second refrigerant circulates. The second refrigerant is not particularly limited, but for example, the following can be used as the second refrigerant. For example, the first refrigerant is an olefin-based refrigerant, an ethylene-based refrigerant, an ethane-based refrigerant, propane, or dimethyl ether. Alternatively, for example, the first refrigerant is a mixed refrigerant obtained by mixing at least two of the olefin-based refrigerant, ethylene-based refrigerant, ethane-based refrigerant, propane, and dimethyl ether. The second refrigerant may be the same as the first refrigerant, or it may be different from the first refrigerant.

[0095] This second refrigerant circuit 9 includes a compressor 16 for circulating the second refrigerant, a throttling device 20 for depressurizing and expanding the second refrigerant, a first heat recovery heat exchanger 11, and a second heat recovery heat exchanger 12. The first heat recovery heat exchanger 11 is installed between the outlet of the heat transfer medium of the second load-side heat exchanger 2 and the second utilization-side heat exchanger, and exchanges heat between the second refrigerant and the heat transfer medium. The second heat recovery heat exchanger 12 exchanges heat between the heat transfer medium flowing through the fifth heat transfer medium piping 8e and the second refrigerant. The starting and stopping of the compressor 16 are controlled by the control device 210. The control device 210 may also control the rotational speed of the compressor 16 when it is running.

[0096] The first heat recovery heat exchanger 11 and the second heat recovery heat exchanger 12 function as an evaporator when one of them functions as a heat radiator. The second refrigerant circuit 9 according to this embodiment 3 is equipped with a flow path switching device 45 so that the functions of the first heat recovery heat exchanger 11 and the second heat recovery heat exchanger 12 can be switched. That is, for example, when the first heat recovery heat exchanger 11 is functioning as a heat radiator and the second heat recovery heat exchanger 12 is functioning as an evaporator, the flow path of the flow path switching device 45 can be switched so that the first heat recovery heat exchanger 11 functions as an evaporator and the second heat recovery heat exchanger 12 functions as a heat radiator. The flow path switching of the flow path switching device 45 is performed by the control device 210.

[0097] The second refrigerant circuit 9 operates as follows: The second refrigerant circuit 9 operates so that the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing through the fifth heat transfer medium pipe 8e toward the junction 31 after passing through the second heat recovery heat exchanger 12 and the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing through the fourth heat transfer medium pipe 8d toward the junction 31 are at a specified temperature difference. The method for measuring the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing through the fifth heat transfer medium pipe 8e toward the junction 31 after passing through the second heat recovery heat exchanger 12 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment 3, a temperature measuring device 72 is provided at a location in the fifth heat transfer medium pipe 8e between the second heat recovery heat exchanger 12 and the junction 31. The temperature measuring device 72 measures the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing through the fifth heat transfer medium pipe 8e toward the junction 31 after passing through the second heat recovery heat exchanger 12. The method for measuring the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing through the fourth heat transfer medium pipe 8d toward the junction 31 is also not particularly limited. In this third embodiment, a temperature measuring device 71 is provided in the fourth heat transfer medium pipe 8d. The temperature measuring device 71 measures the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing through the fourth heat transfer medium pipe 8d toward the junction 31.

[0098] Specifically, for example, the second flow rate adjustment unit 65 is controlled so that the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing into the fifth heat transfer medium pipe 8e is lower than the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing into the fourth heat transfer medium pipe 8d. For example, the second flow rate adjustment unit 65 is controlled so that the heat transfer medium flowing out from the user-side heat exchanger 3 that cools the indoor air flows into the fifth heat transfer medium pipe 8e, and the heat transfer medium flowing out from the user-side heat exchanger 3 that heats the indoor air flows into the fourth heat transfer medium pipe 8d. In such a case, the flow path switching device 45 of the second refrigerant circuit 9 becomes a flow path that causes the first heat recovery heat exchanger 11 to function as an evaporator and the second heat recovery heat exchanger 12 to function as a condenser. The second refrigerant circuit 9 then starts the compressor 16 if, for example, the temperature measured by the temperature measuring device 72 and the temperature measured by the temperature measuring device 71 are greater than a specified temperature difference. Furthermore, the second refrigerant circuit 9 stops the compressor 16 or reduces the rotational speed of the compressor 16 when the temperature measured by the temperature measuring device 72 and the temperature measured by the temperature measuring device 71 fall below a specified temperature difference. The second refrigerant circuit 9 may also increase the rotational speed of the compressor 16 as the difference between the temperature measured by the temperature measuring device 72 and the temperature measured by the temperature measuring device 71 increases.

[0099] In the heat transfer medium circuit 8 of the refrigeration cycle device 200 shown in Embodiments 1 to 3, the heat transfer medium flowing out from the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the heat transfer medium flowing out from the second load-side heat exchanger 2 merge at the merging section 31. Then, in the heat transfer medium circuit 8 of the refrigeration cycle device 200 shown in Embodiments 1 to 3, this merged heat transfer medium branches at the branching section 32 and flows into the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the second load-side heat exchanger 2. For this reason, in the refrigeration cycle device 200 shown in Embodiments 1 and 2, which do not have a second refrigerant circuit 9, when performing mixed cooling and heating operation, the temperature difference between the heat transfer medium flowing out of the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the heat transfer medium flowing out of the first load-side heat exchanger 1 becomes larger compared to a configuration in which the heat transfer medium flowing out of the first load-side heat exchanger 1 returns to the first load-side heat exchanger 1 without merging with the heat transfer medium flowing out of the second load-side heat exchanger 2. Similarly, in the refrigeration cycle device 200 shown in Embodiments 1 and 2, which do not have a second refrigerant circuit 9, when performing mixed cooling and heating operation, the temperature difference between the heat transfer medium flowing into the second load-side heat exchanger 2 and the heat transfer medium flowing out of the second load-side heat exchanger 2 becomes larger compared to a configuration in which the heat transfer medium flowing out of the first load-side heat exchanger 1 does not merge with the heat transfer medium flowing out of the second load-side heat exchanger 2 and returns to the first load-side heat exchanger 1. Such a large temperature difference between the heat transfer medium flowing into the load-side heat exchanger and the heat transfer medium flowing out of the load-side heat exchanger can cause a decrease in the performance of the heat transfer medium circuit 8.

[0100] On the other hand, the refrigeration cycle device 200 according to this embodiment 3, which is equipped with a second refrigerant circuit 9, can reduce the temperature difference between the heat transfer medium flowing into the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the heat transfer medium flowing out of the first load-side heat exchanger 1 when performing mixed cooling and heating operation, compared with the refrigeration cycle device 200 shown in embodiments 1 and 2. Furthermore, the refrigeration cycle device 200 according to this embodiment 3, which is equipped with a second refrigerant circuit 9, can reduce the temperature difference between the heat transfer medium flowing into the second load-side heat exchanger 2 and the heat transfer medium flowing out of the second load-side heat exchanger 2 when performing mixed cooling and heating operation, compared with the refrigeration cycle device 200 shown in embodiments 1 and 2. As a result, the performance of the heat transfer medium circuit 8 is improved in the refrigeration cycle device 200 according to this embodiment 3, which is equipped with a second refrigerant circuit 9, compared with the refrigeration cycle device 200 shown in embodiments 1 and 2 when performing mixed cooling and heating operation. In other words, the refrigeration cycle device 200 according to this embodiment 3, which is equipped with a second refrigerant circuit 9, has improved energy efficiency compared to the refrigeration cycle devices 200 shown in embodiments 1 and 2.

[0101] In addition, during mixed cooling and heating operation of the refrigeration cycle unit 200, the cooling capacity and heating capacity may differ. In such cases, it is preferable that the refrigerant flowing out from the user-side heat exchanger 3, which operates with the lower capacity, flows into the fifth heat transfer medium piping 8e and the second heat recovery heat exchanger 12. This allows for miniaturization of the second heat recovery heat exchanger 12 and the second refrigerant circuit 9. As a result, it is possible to improve the energy efficiency of the refrigeration cycle unit 200 while suppressing an increase in the overall size of the refrigeration cycle unit 200.

[0102] Furthermore, in a refrigeration cycle device 200 configured such that the heat source side heat exchanger 4 and the second load side heat exchanger 2 are connected in series with the first load side heat exchanger 1 during mixed cooling and heating operation or dehumidification operation, the following effects can be obtained by providing a second refrigerant circuit 9. Specifically, in a refrigeration cycle device 200 with such a configuration, a heat exchanger with a smaller heat exchange capacity than the first load side heat exchanger 1 is used as the second load side heat exchanger 2. In this case, by operating the second refrigerant circuit 9 so that the second load side heat exchanger 2 and the first heat recovery heat exchanger 11 of the second refrigerant circuit 9 perform the same function, the heat exchange capacity of the second load side heat exchanger 2 can be assisted by the first heat recovery heat exchanger 11.

[0103] Embodiment 4. The mounting of each component of the heat transfer fluid circuit 8 onto the unit is not limited to the examples shown in Embodiments 1 to 4. Each component of the heat transfer fluid circuit 8 may be mounted onto the unit as in this embodiment. Matters not specifically mentioned in Embodiment 4 are the same as those in any of Embodiments 1 to 3. In addition, in Embodiment 4, components that perform the same function as those shown in any of Embodiments 1 to 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in any of Embodiments 1 to 3.

[0104] Figures 7 to 10 are refrigerant circuit diagrams showing an example of a refrigeration cycle device according to Embodiment 4. In the refrigeration cycle device 200 according to this fourth embodiment, a portion of the heat transfer medium circuit 8 is mounted on the heat source unit 201, the user-side heat exchanger 3 is mounted on the heat load unit 202, and a portion of the heat transfer medium circuit 8 is mounted on the relay unit 203. Specifically, the heat source unit 201 is equipped with a first load-side heat exchanger 1, a second load-side heat exchanger 2, a pump 6, and a branching section 32. The relay unit is equipped with a merging section 31.

[0105] For example, with fluorocarbon refrigerants commonly used in refrigerant circuits, there is a desire to reduce the amount of refrigerant charged into the refrigerant circuit. In such cases, by mounting the first refrigerant circuit 7 on the heat source unit 201, the length of the first refrigerant circuit 7 can be reduced, and the amount of first refrigerant charged into the first refrigerant circuit 7 can be reduced. However, if the components of the heat transfer medium circuit 8 other than the first load-side heat exchanger 1 and the second load-side heat exchanger 2 are mounted on the relay unit 203, the heat transfer medium piping of the heat transfer medium circuit 8 connecting the heat source unit 201 and the relay unit 203 will be four. On the other hand, by mounting each component of the heat transfer medium circuit 8 on the heat source unit 201 and the relay unit 203 as in this embodiment 4, the heat transfer medium piping of the heat transfer medium circuit 8 connecting the heat source unit 201 and the relay unit 203 can be reduced to three. Therefore, by mounting each component of the heat transfer medium circuit 8 on the heat source unit 201 and the relay unit 203 as in this embodiment 4, the installation space of the refrigeration cycle device 200 can be reduced.

[0106] The refrigeration cycle device 200 has been described in Embodiments 1 to 4 above. However, the refrigeration cycle device 200 described in Embodiments 1 to 4 is merely an example of a refrigeration cycle device according to this disclosure. For example, the refrigeration cycle device according to this disclosure may be configured by combining the refrigeration cycle device 200 described in Embodiments 1 to 4 with known technologies not described in Embodiments 1 to 4. Also, for example, the refrigeration cycle device according to this disclosure may be configured by omitting or modifying some of the components of the refrigeration cycle device 200 described in Embodiments 1 to 4, without departing from the gist of this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0107] 1. First load-side heat exchanger, 2. Second load-side heat exchanger, 3. Utilization-side heat exchanger, 4. Heat source-side heat exchanger, 5. Blower, 6. Pump, 7. First refrigerant circuit, 8. Heat transfer medium circuit, 8a. First heat transfer medium piping, 8b. Second heat transfer medium piping, 8c. Third heat transfer medium piping, 8d. Fourth heat transfer medium piping, 8e. Fifth heat transfer medium piping, 9. Second refrigerant circuit, 11. First heat recovery heat exchanger, 12. Second heat recovery heat exchanger, 14. Compressor, 16. Compressor, 17. Throttle device, 18. Throttle device, 20. Throttle device, 21. First throttle device, 22. Second throttle device, 31. Confluence, 32. Branch, 33. Confluence, 34. Branch, 41. Flow path switching device, 42. Flow path switching device, 43. Flow path switching device, 45. Flow path switching device, 51. Switching device, 52. Switching device, 53. Switching device, 54. Switching device, 60 First flow rate adjustment unit, 61 Flow rate adjustment device, 62 Flow rate adjustment device, 65 Second flow rate adjustment unit, 66 Flow rate adjustment device, 67 Flow rate adjustment device, 71 Temperature measuring device, 72 Temperature measuring device, 200 Refrigeration cycle device, 201 Heat source unit, 202 Heat load unit, 203 Relay unit, 210 Control device.

Claims

1. a plurality of load-side heat exchangers for exchanging heat between a first refrigerant and a heat medium different from the first refrigerant; a plurality of utilization side heat exchangers into which the heat medium supplied from at least one of the load side heat exchangers flows; A heat medium circuit in which the heat medium circulates is provided. one of the load side heat exchangers is a first load side heat exchanger; one of the use side heat exchangers into which the heat medium supplied from the first load side heat exchanger flows is designated as a first use side heat exchanger; Among the load side heat exchangers, one of the load side heat exchangers that supplies the heat medium at a temperature different from the heat medium supplied by the first load side heat exchanger is designated as a second load side heat exchanger, When one of the use side heat exchangers other than the first use side heat exchanger into which the heat medium having a temperature different from that of the heat medium supplied from the second load side heat exchanger to the first use side heat exchanger flows is designated as a second use side heat exchanger, The heat medium circuit includes: a junction portion that joins the heat medium flowing out of the first heat exchanger and the heat medium flowing out of the second heat exchanger; a branching section that branches a first heat medium pipe, through which the heat medium flowing out of the junction section flows, into a second heat medium pipe connected to the first load side heat exchanger and a third heat medium pipe connected to the second load side heat exchanger, and connects the first load side heat exchanger and the second load side heat exchanger in parallel; a pump provided between the junction and the branching portion, which sucks in the heat medium joined at the junction and discharges it toward the branching portion to circulate the heat medium; A refrigeration cycle device comprising:

2. The heat exchanger includes the first load side heat exchanger and the second load side heat exchanger, and includes a first refrigerant circuit through which the first refrigerant circulates. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 1.

3. The first refrigerant circuit includes: A heat source side heat exchanger; A first expansion device provided between the heat source side heat exchanger and the first load side heat exchanger; A second throttling device provided between the first load side heat exchanger and the second load side heat exchanger; Equipped with The first load side heat exchanger and the second load side heat exchanger are connected in series to the heat source side heat exchanger. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 2.

4. The first refrigerant circuit includes: A heat source side heat exchanger is provided, When both the first load side heat exchanger and the second load side heat exchanger function as radiators, and when both the first load side heat exchanger and the second load side heat exchanger function as evaporators, the first load side heat exchanger and the second load side heat exchanger are connected in parallel to the heat source side heat exchanger. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 2.

5. The first refrigerant circuit includes: A heat source side heat exchanger is provided, When the first load side heat exchanger functions as one of a radiator and an evaporator, and the heat source side heat exchanger and the second load side heat exchanger function as the other of a radiator and an evaporator, the heat source side heat exchanger and the second load side heat exchanger are connected in parallel to the first load side heat exchanger. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 2 or 4.

6. The heat medium inlet of the first use side heat exchanger and the heat medium inlet of the second use side heat exchanger are connected to the heat medium outlet of the first load side heat exchanger and the heat medium outlet of the second load side heat exchanger, The heat medium circuit includes: A first flow rate adjusting unit that adjusts a flow rate of the heat medium supplied from the first load side heat exchanger and a flow rate of the heat medium supplied from the second load side heat exchanger is provided on the inlet side of the heat medium of the first use side heat exchanger and the inlet side of the heat medium of the second use side heat exchanger. The refrigeration cycle device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The heat medium circuit includes: an outlet of the heat medium of the first use-side heat exchanger and an outlet of the heat medium of the second use-side heat exchanger are connected to a fourth heat medium pipe connected to the junction and a fifth heat medium pipe connected to the junction, a second flow rate adjusting unit that adjusts a flow rate of the heat medium flowing into the fourth heat medium piping and a flow rate of the heat medium flowing into the fifth heat medium piping, the second flow rate adjusting unit being provided on the heat medium outlet side of the first use-side heat exchanger and the heat medium outlet side of the second use-side heat exchanger; The refrigeration cycle device includes a second refrigerant circuit through which a second refrigerant circulates, The second refrigerant circuit includes: a first heat recovery heat exchanger provided between an outlet of the heat medium of the second load side heat exchanger and the second use side heat exchanger, and exchanging heat between the second refrigerant and the heat medium; a second heat recovery heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the heat medium flowing through the fifth heat medium pipe and the second refrigerant; Equipped with When one of the first heat recovery heat exchanger and the second heat recovery heat exchanger functions as a radiator, the other of the first heat recovery heat exchanger and the second heat recovery heat exchanger functions as an evaporator. The refrigeration cycle device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. a heat source unit in which a part of the heat medium circuit is mounted; a relay unit that connects a heat load unit having the utilization side heat exchanger mounted thereon and the heat source unit, and that has a part of the heat medium circuit mounted thereon; Equipped with The heat source unit is equipped with the first load side heat exchanger, the second load side heat exchanger, the pump, and the branching section, The relay unit is equipped with the junction section. The refrigeration cycle device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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