An air conditioning apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air conditioning device. An air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: an outdoor unit through which a refrigerant circulates; a plurality of indoor units through which water circulates, each comprising a first indoor heat exchanger and a second indoor heat exchanger; and a heat exchanger that connects the outdoor unit and the indoor units and is equipped with a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger for performing heat exchange between the refrigerant and the water, wherein the heat exchanger comprises: a first inlet pipe extending from the first indoor heat exchanger toward the first heat exchanger side to guide the flow of the water; a second inlet pipe extending from the second indoor heat exchanger toward the second heat exchanger side to guide the flow of the water; and a first pump provided in the first inlet pipe. The apparatus includes a second pump provided in the second inlet pipe, and when some of the indoor units perform heating operation and others perform cooling operation, if the total capacity required by the indoor units is less than or equal to the set capacity, one of the first pump and the second pump may operate, and if the total capacity required by the indoor units exceeds the set capacity, the first pump and the second pump may operate.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning device. Background Technology

[0002] An air conditioning unit is a device designed to maintain the air in a designated space in the most suitable condition according to its use and purpose. Generally, the air conditioning unit includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator, and a refrigeration cycle that performs the compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation processes of a refrigerant is driven to cool or heat the designated space.

[0003] The aforementioned predetermined space can be proposed in various ways depending on the location where the air conditioning device is used. For example, the air conditioning device may be used in a home or an office.

[0004] When the air conditioner performs cooling operation, the outdoor heat exchanger equipped in the outdoor unit functions as a condenser, and the indoor heat exchanger equipped in the indoor unit functions as an evaporator. On the other hand, when the air conditioner performs heating operation, the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser, and the outdoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator.

[0005] Recently, in accordance with environmental regulations, there has been a trend to restrict the types of refrigerants used in air conditioning systems and to reduce refrigerant usage. To reduce refrigerant usage, a technology is being proposed in which air conditioning systems perform cooling or heating by performing heat exchange between the refrigerant and a specific fluid. For example, the said specific fluid may include water.

[0006] However, when multiple indoor units are operated in some heating mode and others cooling mode, at least two plate heat exchangers are provided in the heat exchanger and each is independently connected to a water pump, so there is an inefficient problem in that two water pumps operate even during low-load operation.

[0007] In relation to a system for performing cooling or heating through heat exchange between a refrigerant and water, even the air conditioning device of Japanese Patent Publication JP 2008250974 (September 29, 2008) only discloses controlling the pump flow rate using a flow control valve, and the problem of inefficiency still exists in that the pump is fully operated during low-load operation. The problem to be solved

[0008] To solve the aforementioned problems, the present invention aims to provide an air conditioning device capable of performing efficient operation during low-load operation of the indoor unit.

[0009] In addition, the present invention aims to provide an air conditioning device in which only one of a plurality of pumps independently connected to the heat exchanger of the heat exchanger can be operated. means of solving the problem

[0010] An air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention can increase efficiency by operating only one pump when the total capacity required when multiple indoor units perform simultaneous operation is less than or equal to the set capacity, that is, when performing low-load simultaneous operation.

[0011] An air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an outdoor unit through which a refrigerant circulates; a plurality of indoor units through which water circulates and which include a first indoor heat exchanger and a second indoor heat exchanger; and a heat exchanger that connects the outdoor unit and the indoor unit and is equipped with a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger that perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the water.

[0012] The heat exchanger comprises: a first inlet pipe extending from the first indoor heat exchanger toward the first heat exchanger side to guide the flow of water; a first outlet pipe extending from the first heat exchanger toward the first indoor heat exchanger side to guide the flow of water; a second inlet pipe extending from the second indoor heat exchanger toward the second heat exchanger side to guide the flow of water; a second outlet pipe extending from the second heat exchanger toward the second indoor heat exchanger side to guide the flow of water; a first pump provided in the first inlet pipe; a second pump provided in the second inlet pipe; and a connecting pipe connecting the first inlet pipe and the second inlet pipe, extending from the inlet side of the first pump to the inlet side of the second pump. and includes a branch pipe that connects the first inlet pipe and the second inlet pipe and extends from the outlet side of the first pump to the outlet side of the second pump.

[0013] When some of the indoor units are operating in a heating mode and others are operating in a cooling mode, if the total capacity required by the indoor units is less than or equal to the set capacity, one of the first pump and the second pump operates, and the water passing through the operating pump among the first pump and the second pump is branched through the branch pipe and flows into the second heat exchanger or the first heat exchanger, and if the total capacity required by the indoor units is greater than the set capacity, the first pump and the second pump may operate together.

[0014] The above setting capacity may be smaller than the capacity of either the first pump or the second pump.

[0015] It may include a first inlet pipe extending from the first indoor heat exchanger to the first pump side to guide the flow of water; a first inlet valve provided in the first inlet pipe; a second inlet pipe extending from the second indoor heat exchanger to the second pump side to guide the flow of water; and a second inlet valve provided in the second inlet pipe.

[0016] The first inlet valve and the second inlet valve may include a three-way valve.

[0017] It includes a first pipe connected to a first port of the first inlet valve and extending to the first inlet pipe, and a second pipe connected to a first port of the second inlet valve and extending to the second inlet pipe, and when the total capacity required by the indoor unit exceeds the set capacity, water can flow through the first pipe and the second pipe.

[0018] It includes a first connecting pipe connected to the second port of the first inlet valve and extending to the second inlet pipe, and a second connecting pipe connected to the second port of the second inlet valve and extending to the first inlet pipe, and when the total capacity required by the indoor unit is less than or equal to the set capacity, water may flow through one of the first connecting pipe and the second connecting pipe.

[0019] The first pipe and the second connecting pipe may be connected in the first bonding section provided in the first inlet pipe, and the second pipe and the first connecting pipe may be connected in the second bonding section provided in the second inlet pipe.

[0020] A flow control valve may be provided in the above branch pipe.

[0021] delete

[0022] delete

[0023] If the total capacity required by the indoor unit exceeds the set capacity, the flow control valve may be closed.

[0024] delete

[0025] delete

[0026] The first discharge pipe may be equipped with a first discharge valve, and the second discharge pipe may be equipped with a second discharge valve.

[0027] In another aspect, an air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: an inlet valve provided in the first inlet pipe and the second inlet pipe; a pipe connected to a first port of the inlet valve and extending to the first inlet pipe; and a connecting pipe connected to a second port of the inlet valve and extending to the second inlet pipe, wherein water may flow through one of the pipe and the connecting pipe. Effects of the invention

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, efficient operation can be performed during low-load operation of the indoor unit.

[0029] In particular, even in the case of simultaneous operation where some indoor units are in heating mode and others are in cooling mode, efficiency can be ensured during low-load operation by operating only some pumps according to the load.

[0030] In addition, the present invention can control the water supply of the water flow path according to the load of a plurality of heat exchangers equipped in a heat exchange device. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0031] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cycle diagram showing the configuration of a heat exchange device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cycle diagram showing the flow of water when all water pumps equipped in the heat exchanger are in operation. FIG. 4 is a cycle diagram showing the flow pattern of water during low-load operation during simultaneous operation of the heat exchanger. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing how the indoor unit is controlled according to operation. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0032] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. It should be noted that in assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numeral whenever possible, even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in describing the embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions would hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0033] In addition, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used when describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention. These terms are intended only to distinguish the components from other components, and the essence, order, or sequence of the components is not limited by the terms. Where it is stated that a component is "connected," "combined," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but that another component may also be "connected," "combined," or "connected" between each component.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cycle diagram showing the configuration of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an air conditioning device (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an outdoor unit (10), an indoor unit (50), and a heat exchanger (100) connected to the outdoor unit (10) and the indoor unit (50).

[0036] The outdoor unit (10) and the heat exchanger (100) may be fluidly connected by a first fluid. For example, the first fluid includes a refrigerant. The refrigerant may be configured to flow through the refrigerant-side flow path of the heat exchanger provided in the heat exchanger (100) and the outdoor unit (10).

[0037] The outdoor unit (10) may include a compressor (11) and an outdoor heat exchanger (15). An outdoor fan (16) is provided on one side of the outdoor heat exchanger (15) to blow outside air toward the outdoor heat exchanger (15), and heat exchange between the outside air and the refrigerant of the outdoor heat exchanger (15) can be achieved by driving the outdoor fan (16). Additionally, the outdoor unit (10) may further include a main expansion valve (18, electronic expansion valve).

[0038] The air conditioning device (1) further includes three pipes (20, 25, 27) connecting the outdoor unit (10) and the heat exchanger (100). The three pipes (20, 25, 27) include a first outdoor unit connecting pipe (20) as a pipe (high-pressure pipe) through which high-pressure gaseous refrigerant flows, a second outdoor unit connecting pipe (25) as a pipe through which liquid refrigerant flows, and a third outdoor unit connecting pipe (27) as a pipe (low-pressure pipe) through which low-pressure gaseous refrigerant flows.

[0039] That is, the outdoor unit (10) and the heat exchanger (100) have a "three-pipe connection structure," and the refrigerant can circulate between the outdoor unit (10) and the heat exchanger (100) through the three pipes (20, 25, 27).

[0040] The heat exchanger (100) and the indoor unit (50) may be fluidly connected by a second fluid. For example, the second fluid may include water. The water may be configured to flow through the water-side flow path of the heat exchanger provided in the heat exchanger (100) and the outdoor unit (10). The heat exchanger may include a plate heat exchanger.

[0041] The above indoor unit (50) may include a plurality of indoor units (60, 70). The plurality of indoor units (60, 70) include a first indoor unit (60) and a second indoor unit (70).

[0042] The above air conditioning device (1) further includes piping (30, 35) connecting the heat exchanger (100) and the indoor unit (50). The piping (30, 35) includes two indoor unit connecting pipes (30, 35) connecting the heat exchanger (100) and the first and second indoor units (60, 70).

[0043] The above two indoor unit connecting pipes (30, 35) include a first connecting pipe (30) connecting the heat exchanger (100) and the first indoor unit (60), and a second connecting pipe (35) connecting the heat exchanger (100) and the second indoor unit (70).

[0044] The first connecting pipe (30) includes first and second indoor unit connecting pipes (31, 32). And, the second connecting pipe (35) includes third and fourth indoor unit connecting pipes (36, 37).

[0045] Water can circulate between the heat exchanger (100) and the indoor unit (50) through the first and second connecting pipes (30, 35). Of course, if the number of indoor units increases, the number of pipes connecting the heat exchanger (100) and the indoor units will increase.

[0046] According to this configuration, the refrigerant circulating between the outdoor unit (10) and the heat exchanger (100), and the water circulating between the heat exchanger (100) and the indoor unit (50) are heat-exchanged through the heat exchanger (140, 141) provided in the heat exchanger (100), and the water cooled or heated through the heat exchange is heat-exchanged with the indoor heat exchanger (61, 71) provided in the indoor unit (50) to perform cooling or heating of the indoor space.

[0047] The heat exchange device (100) includes a first heat exchanger (140) flexibly connected to a first indoor unit (60) and a second heat exchanger (141) flexibly connected to a second indoor unit (70).

[0048] The above heat exchanger (140, 141) includes a plate heat exchanger and can be configured so that water flow paths and refrigerant flow paths are alternately stacked.

[0049] The heat exchanger (140, 141) includes a refrigerant passage (140a, 141a) and a water passage (140b, 141b). The refrigerant passage (140a, 141a) is flexibly connected to the outdoor unit (10), and refrigerant discharged from the outdoor unit (10) may flow into the refrigerant passage (140a, 141a), or refrigerant that has passed through the refrigerant passage (140a, 141a) may flow into the outdoor unit (10).

[0050] The above water passages (140b, 141b) are flexibly connected to the indoor unit (50), and refrigerant discharged from the indoor unit (50) may flow into the water passages (140b, 141b), or refrigerant passing through the water passages (140b, 141b) may flow into the indoor unit (50).

[0051] The heat exchanger (100) includes a first service valve (105) connected to a first outdoor unit connecting pipe (20), a second service valve (106) connected to a second outdoor unit connecting pipe (25), and a third service valve (107) connected to a third outdoor unit connecting pipe (27).

[0052] The above 1st to 3rd outdoor unit connecting pipes (20, 25, 27) are connected to the heat exchanger (100) through the above 1st to 3rd service valves (105, 106, 107), so that the outdoor unit (10) and the heat exchanger (100) can be connected via a "three-pipe connection."

[0053] The first heat exchanger refrigerant pipe (120) extends from the first service valve (105) to one end of the first heat exchanger (140) refrigerant flow path (140a), and the second heat exchanger refrigerant pipe (125) extends from the second service valve (106) to the other end of the first heat exchanger (140) refrigerant flow path (140a). A first internal expansion valve (108a) may be installed in the second heat exchanger refrigerant pipe (125). The first internal expansion valve (108a) may include an electronic expansion valve (EEV) capable of depressurizing the refrigerant.

[0054] The heat exchanger (100) further includes a third heat exchanger refrigerant pipe (127) connected to a third service valve (107). That is, the third heat exchanger refrigerant pipe (127) can be connected to a third outdoor unit connection pipe (27) through the third service valve (107).

[0055] The above third heat exchanger refrigerant pipe (127) can be connected to one end of the refrigerant path (141a) of the second heat exchanger (141).

[0056] The heat exchanger device (100) further includes a fourth heat exchanger refrigerant pipe (128) that extends from the refrigerant branch (125) of the second heat exchanger refrigerant pipe (125) and is coupled to the other end of the refrigerant flow path (141a) of the second heat exchanger (141).

[0057] The first internal expansion valve (108a) may be installed at a point on the second heat exchanger refrigerant pipe (125) between the refrigerant branch (126) and the first heat exchanger (140).

[0058] A second internal expansion valve (108b) may be installed in the fourth heat exchanger refrigerant pipe (128). The second internal expansion valve (108b) may include an electronic expansion valve (EEV) capable of reducing the pressure of the refrigerant.

[0059] For example, during simultaneous operation of the air conditioning unit (1), at least some of the refrigerant condensed and discharged from the first heat exchanger (140) may be bypassed at the refrigerant branch (126) and flow through the fourth heat exchanger refrigerant pipe (128) to enter the second heat exchanger (115).

[0060] Meanwhile, the refrigerant flow path side of the heat exchanger (100) is merely one example and can be formed in various structures through which the refrigerant flows.

[0061] Next, the water flow path side of the heat exchanger (100) is described.

[0062] The heat exchanger (100) may include a discharge pipe (311, 321) connected to one end of the water passage (140b, 141b) of the heat exchanger (140, 141).

[0063] In detail, the first discharge pipe (311) may be connected to one end of the water passage (140b) of the first heat exchanger (140), and the first discharge pipe (311) may be equipped with a first discharge valve (312).

[0064] The first discharge pipe (311) is connected to the second indoor unit connection pipe (32) to allow water to flow to the first indoor heat exchanger (61) of the indoor unit (50).

[0065] Additionally, the second discharge pipe (321) may be connected to one end of the water passage (141b) of the second heat exchanger (141), and the second discharge pipe (321) may be equipped with a second discharge valve (322). For example, the first and second discharge valves (312, 322) may include a 2-way solenoid valve.

[0066] The second discharge pipe (321) is connected to the third indoor unit connection pipe (36) to allow water to flow to the second indoor heat exchanger (71) of the indoor unit (50).

[0067] Additionally, the heat exchange device (100) may include an inlet pipe (313, 323) connected to the other end of the water passage (140b, 141b) of the heat exchanger (140, 141).

[0068] The above inlet pipe (313, 323) may be equipped with a pump (151, 152), and water inside the water channel (140b, 141b) may flow through the pump (151, 152).

[0069] In detail, the inlet pipes (313, 323) may include a first inlet pipe (313) connected to the other end of the water passage (140b) of the first heat exchanger (140) and a second inlet pipe (323) connected to the other end of the water passage (141b) of the second heat exchanger (141).

[0070] In addition, the first inlet pipe (313) may be equipped with a first pump (151), and the second inlet pipe (323) may be equipped with a second pump (152). That is, one pump may be provided in each inlet pipe.

[0071] Meanwhile, water discharged from the indoor heat exchanger (61, 71) can be discharged through the indoor unit connection pipe (31, 37) and flow into the heat exchange device (100).

[0072] In detail, water discharged from the first indoor heat exchanger (61) can flow through the first indoor unit connecting pipe (31) and enter the heat exchange device (100). The first indoor unit connecting pipe (31) can be connected to a first inlet pipe (315) provided in the heat exchange device (100).

[0073] Additionally, water discharged from the second indoor heat exchanger (71) may flow through the fourth indoor unit connecting pipe (37) and enter the heat exchange device (100). The fourth indoor unit connecting pipe (37) may be connected to the second inlet pipe (325) provided in the heat exchange device (100).

[0074] Meanwhile, an inlet valve (314, 324) may be provided on the outlet side of the inlet pipe (315, 325).

[0075] In addition, the inlet valve (314, 324) can control the flow direction of water passing through the indoor heat exchanger (61, 71) through opening and closing operations. That is, the inlet valve (314, 324) can control the flow direction of water to be switched.

[0076] For example, the above inlet valve (314, 324) may include a three-way valve.

[0077] In detail, water introduced from the inlet pipe (315, 325), which is the inlet side of the inlet valve (314, 324), can flow into the pipe (327, 319) or connecting pipe (317, 329) connected to the inlet valve (314, 324).

[0078] For example, the pipes (327, 319) may include a first pipe (319) that extends from a first port of the first inlet valve (314) and is connected to the first inlet pipe (313), and a second pipe (327) that extends from a first port of the second inlet valve (324) and is connected to the second inlet pipe (323).

[0079] Additionally, the connecting pipes (317, 329) may include a first connecting pipe (317) that extends from the second port of the first inlet valve (314) and is connected to the second inlet pipe (323), and a second connecting pipe (329) that extends from the second port of the second inlet valve (324) and is connected to the first inlet pipe (313).

[0080] That is, the pipes (319, 317) extending from the outlet of the first inlet valve (314) can be extended to the first inlet pipe (313) and the second inlet pipe (323), respectively, and the pipes (329, 327) extending from the outlet of the second inlet valve (324) can be extended to the first inlet pipe (313) and the second inlet pipe (323), respectively.

[0081] Additionally, the first pipe (319) and the second connecting pipe (329) can be connected to the first inlet pipe (313) and the first joining section (313a).

[0082] Additionally, the second pipe (327) and the first connecting pipe (317) can be connected to the second inlet pipe (323) and the second joining section (323a).

[0083] The heat exchanger (100) may further include a branch pipe (331) connecting the first inlet pipe (313) and the second inlet pipe (323).

[0084] In detail, the branch pipe (331) can connect the first branch (331a) of the first inlet pipe (313) and the second branch (331b) of the second inlet pipe (323).

[0085] Additionally, the branch pipe (331) may be equipped with a flow control valve (332) capable of controlling the amount of water flowing through the branch pipe (331). The flow control valve (332) may include a 2-way solenoid valve.

[0086] For example, the branch portions (331a, 331b) may be placed between the pump (151, 152) and the heat exchanger (140, 141).

[0087] FIG. 3 is a cycle diagram showing the flow of water when all water pumps equipped in the heat exchanger are in operation, FIG. 4 is a cycle diagram showing the flow of water during low-load operation while the heat exchanger is in operation, and FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a method of control according to the operation of the indoor unit.

[0088] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, the flow pattern of water according to the type of operation of the indoor unit and the load of the indoor unit operation is explained.

[0089] First, the cycle diagram shown in FIG. 3 is the case where the heat exchangers (140, 141) all perform heat exchange and the pumps (151, 152) flexibly connected to the heat exchangers (140, 141) are operated.

[0090] When both of the above pumps (151, 152) are in operation, one of the heat exchangers (140, 141) may perform heat exchange for cooling operation, and the other heat exchanger may perform heat exchange for heating operation.

[0091] Alternatively, the above heat exchangers (140, 141) may both perform heat exchange for cooling or heating.

[0092] That is, the above flow control valve (332) is closed, and each pump (151, 152) can flow water to the corresponding heat exchanger (140, 141).

[0093] In detail, water discharged from the indoor heat exchanger (61, 71) can flow through the inlet pipe (315, 325) to the pipe (319, 327), which is one outlet of the inlet valve (314, 324), pass through the pump (151, 152), and flow into the heat exchanger (140, 141).

[0094] In addition, water that has undergone heat exchange in the heat exchangers (140, 141) can flow through the discharge pipes (311, 321) and be recirculated to the indoor heat exchangers (61, 71).

[0095] That is, there may not be any water flowing through the branch pipe (331) and the first and second connecting pipes (317, 329).

[0096] The cycle diagram shown in FIG. 4 is the case where all of the heat exchangers (140, 141) perform heat exchange, but only one of the plurality of pumps (151, 152) operates.

[0097] When the above air conditioning device (1) performs simultaneous operation, one of the heat exchangers (140, 141) of the heat exchanger (100) performs heat exchange for cooling operation and the other performs heat exchange for heating operation, so both heat exchangers (140, 141) are operated.

[0098] However, in the case of seasons such as spring or autumn, the load required by the indoor unit (50) may be sufficiently supplied by a single pump. That is, since the pumps (151, 152) are each independently connected to the heat exchangers (140, 141), a problem arises where inefficient operation occurs during low-load operation.

[0099] In addition, when the air conditioning unit (1) performs dedicated operation, only one heat exchanger needs to be operated, but when the air conditioning unit (1) performs simultaneous operation, a problem exists in that multiple heat exchangers (140, 141) must all be operated.

[0100] To solve these problems, the inlet pipes (313, 323) equipped with the pumps (151, 152) can be connected to each other so that water can be supplied to the water passages of two heat exchangers (140, 141) using a single pump.

[0101] For example, the case where the first pump (151) is turned off is described. Of course, the second pump (152) can also be turned off.

[0102] The flow of water entering the indoor heat exchanger (61, 71) through the discharge pipe (311, 321) from the heat exchanger (140, 141) is the same as when all pumps are operating.

[0103] As the first pump (151) is turned off, the water discharged from the first indoor heat exchanger (61) flows through the first inlet pipe (315) and then flows into the second inlet pipe (323) through the first connecting pipe (317), which is one outlet of the first inlet valve (314).

[0104] The water discharged from the second indoor heat exchanger (71) flows through the second inlet pipe (325) and flows into the second pipe (327), which is one outlet of the second inlet valve (324), and is combined with the water flowing through the first connecting pipe (317) at the second joining section (323a).

[0105] The water combined in the second joining section (323a) flows through the second inlet pipe (323) via the second pump (152).

[0106] The water passing through the second pump (152) is branched at the second branch section (331b), some of which flows into the second heat exchanger (141) through the second inlet pipe (323), and other parts of which flow through the branch pipe (331) and pass through the first inlet pipe (313) to flow into the first heat exchanger (140).

[0107] That is, water can be flowed to the first heat exchanger (140) and the second heat exchanger (141) using only one pump.

[0108] Meanwhile, the amount of water flowing into the first heat exchanger (140) and the second heat exchanger (141) can be controlled through the flow control valve (332) provided in the branch pipe (331).

[0109] That is, the above flow control valve (332) controls the amount of water according to the heat exchange efficiency required by the indoor unit and allows it to flow into each heat exchanger (140, 141).

[0110] Referring to FIG. 5, it can be determined whether to operate only one of the pumps (151, 152) or all of them.

[0111] That is, it can be determined whether the operation required by the indoor unit (50) is simultaneous operation (S10).

[0112] In detail, if all of the above indoor units (50) are selected for heating operation or cooling operation, a dedicated operation mode can be performed (S11).

[0113] In addition, if the indoor unit (50) is selected to perform some heating operation and some cooling operation, it can perform a simultaneous operation mode (S20).

[0114] When the above simultaneous operation mode is performed, all heat exchangers (140, 141) of the heat exchanger (200) must be operated.

[0115] At this time, it can be determined whether the total operating capacity of the indoor unit is less than or equal to the set capacity (S30). The set capacity can be set by comparing it with the capacity of the pump.

[0116] For example, the above setting capacity may be smaller than the capacity of one pump. That is, the case where the total capacity of the indoor unit operation is sufficient with the capacity of one pump can be described as low-load operation.

[0117] For example, when the capacity of one of the above pumps is 5hp, the above setting capacity may be smaller than that, around 3hp.

[0118] If the total capacity of the indoor unit operation is greater than the set capacity, operation can be performed using two pumps, and if it is less than or equal to the set capacity, operation can be performed using one pump.

[0119] That is, when the total capacity of the indoor unit operation is less than or equal to the set capacity, low-load operation is started (S40), and operation can be performed using only one pump as shown in Fig. 4.

[0120] In addition, it can be determined whether the indoor unit operation is changed to dedicated operation or if the total capacity required by the indoor unit exceeds the set capacity (S50), and if the condition is satisfied, the low-load response operation can be terminated (S60).

[0121] When the above low-load corresponding operation is terminated, the heat exchanger (100) can operate in a simultaneous operation or dedicated operation mode according to the operation mode required by the indoor unit (50). Explanation of the symbols

[0123] 1 : Air conditioner 10 : Outdoor unit 50 : Indoor unit 100 : Heat exchanger 140, 141: Heat exchanger 151, 152: Pump 314, 324: Inlet valves 313, 323: Inlet pipe

Claims

Claim 1 An outdoor unit through which refrigerant circulates; a plurality of indoor units through which water circulates, each comprising a first indoor heat exchanger and a second indoor heat exchanger; A heat exchanger is included that connects the outdoor unit and the indoor unit and is equipped with a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger that perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and water, wherein the heat exchanger includes: a first inlet pipe extending from the first indoor heat exchanger toward the first heat exchanger side to guide the flow of water; a first outlet pipe extending from the first heat exchanger toward the first indoor heat exchanger side to guide the flow of water; a second inlet pipe extending from the second indoor heat exchanger toward the second heat exchanger side to guide the flow of water; a second outlet pipe extending from the second heat exchanger toward the second indoor heat exchanger side to guide the flow of water; a first pump provided in the first inlet pipe; a second pump provided in the second inlet pipe; and a connection between the first inlet pipe and the second inlet pipe, extending from the inlet side of the first pump to the inlet side of the second pump An air conditioning device comprising: an extending connecting pipe; and a branch pipe connecting the first inlet pipe and the second inlet pipe, extending from the outlet side of the first pump to the outlet side of the second pump, wherein when some of the indoor units perform heating operation and others perform cooling operation, if the total capacity required by the indoor units is less than or equal to the set capacity, one of the first pump and the second pump operates, and water passing through the one operating pump among the first pump and the second pump is branched through the branch pipe and flows into the second heat exchanger or the first heat exchanger, and if the total capacity required by the indoor units exceeds the set capacity, the first pump and the second pump operate together. Claim 2 An air conditioning device according to claim 1, wherein the set capacity is smaller than the capacity of either the first pump or the second pump. Claim 3 An air conditioning device according to claim 1, comprising: a first inlet pipe extending from the first indoor heat exchanger to the first pump side to guide the flow of water; a first inlet valve provided in the first inlet pipe; a second inlet pipe extending from the second indoor heat exchanger to the second pump side to guide the flow of water; and a second inlet valve provided in the second inlet pipe. Claim 4 In claim 3, the first inlet valve and the second inlet valve are an air conditioning device comprising a three-way valve. Claim 5 An air conditioning device according to claim 4, comprising a first pipe connected to a first port of the first inlet valve and extending to the first inlet pipe, and a second pipe connected to a first port of the second inlet valve and extending to the second inlet pipe, wherein water flows through the first pipe and the second pipe when the total capacity required by the indoor unit exceeds the set capacity. Claim 6 An air conditioning device according to claim 5, comprising a first connecting pipe connected to a second port of the first inlet valve and extending to the second inlet pipe, and a second connecting pipe connected to a second port of the second inlet valve and extending to the first inlet pipe, wherein water flows through one of the first connecting pipe and the second connecting pipe when the total capacity required by the indoor unit is less than or equal to a set capacity. Claim 7 An air conditioning device according to claim 6, wherein the first pipe and the second connecting pipe are connected in a first bonding section provided in the first inlet pipe, and the second pipe and the first connecting pipe are connected in a second bonding section provided in the second inlet pipe. Claim 8 delete Claim 9 delete Claim 10 An air conditioning device according to claim 1, wherein the branch pipe is equipped with a flow control valve. Claim 11 An air conditioning device according to claim 10, wherein if the total capacity required by the indoor unit exceeds the set capacity, the flow control valve closes. Claim 12 delete Claim 13 delete Claim 14 An air conditioning device according to claim 1, wherein the first discharge pipe is equipped with a first discharge valve and the second discharge pipe is equipped with a second discharge valve. Claim 15 An air conditioning device according to claim 1, comprising: a first inlet pipe extending from the first indoor heat exchanger to the first pump side to guide the flow of water; a second inlet pipe extending from the second indoor heat exchanger to the second pump side to guide the flow of water; an inlet valve provided in the first inlet pipe and the second inlet pipe; a pipe connected to a first port of the inlet valve and extending to the first inlet pipe; and a connecting pipe connected to a second port of the inlet valve and extending to the second inlet pipe, wherein water flows through one of the pipe and the connecting pipe.

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