Temperature adjustment system

Abstract

A temperature adjustment system includes a first unit and a second unit. The first unit includes a refrigerant circuit, a first water pipe, a second heat exchanger, and a first deaerator. A highly flammable refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant circuit. The first water pipe is a part of the water pipe. The second heat exchanger exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the water flowing through the first water pipe. The first deaerator exhausts gas from the first water pipe. The second unit includes a second water pipe and a second deaerator. The second water pipe is a part of the water pipe, the water flowing out of the first water pipe flows into the second water pipe, and the refrigerant flowing out of the second water pipe flows into a living space. The second deaerator exhausts gas from the second water pipe.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application is a continuation application of international application PCT / JP2023 / 035425, filed 28 Sep. 2023, the entire contents of which being incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a temperature adjustment system.BACKGROUND ART

[0003] Patent Literature 1 (JP 2022-162184 A) discloses a temperature adjustment system (heat medium circulation system) that adjusts a temperature of a heat medium such as water flowing through a water pipe (heat medium circuit) by exchanging heat between a refrigerant flowing through a refrigerant circuit and the heat medium. A refrigerant circuit of the temperature adjustment system includes a deaerator that separates the refrigerant from the water and releases the refrigerant into outdoor air in a case where the refrigerant is mixed into the water flowing through the water pipe due to, for example, damage to a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the water.SUMMARY

[0004] A temperature adjustment system according to a first aspect is a temperature adjustment system that adjusts a temperature of water flowing through the water pipe. The temperature adjustment system includes a first unit and a second unit.

[0005] The first unit includes a refrigerant circuit, a first water pipe, a second heat exchanger, and a first deaerator. A highly flammable refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant circuit. The first water pipe is a part of the water pipe. The second heat exchanger exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the water flowing through the first water pipe. The first deaerator exhausts gas from the first water pipe.

[0006] The second unit includes a second water pipe and a second deaerator. The second water pipe is a part of the water pipe, the water that flows out of the first water pipe flows into the second water pipe, and the refrigerant that flows out of the second water pipe flows into a living space. The second deaerator exhausts gas from the second water pipe.

[0007] A gas-liquid separation performance in which the first deaerator separates the gas from the water flowing through the water pipe is higher than a gas-liquid separation performance in which the second deaerator separates the gas from the water flowing through the water pipe.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a temperature adjustment system 1 according to an embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a first deaerator 170.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a second unit 200.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a control unit 500.DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS(1) Overall Configuration

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a temperature adjustment system 1 according to an embodiment. The temperature adjustment system 1 adjusts a temperature of water flowing through a water circuit 300. The temperature adjustment system 1 includes a first unit 100, a second unit 200, and a control unit 500.

[0013] The temperature adjustment system 1 performs a cooling operation and a heating operation. Specifically, the temperature adjustment system 1 causes a refrigerant filled in a refrigerant circuit 110 (described later) included in the first unit 100 to perform a refrigeration cycle to heat or cool water filled in the water circuit 300 and circulating in a certain direction, and executes the cooling operation and the heating operation of a living space 400 by using the water.

[0014] The water circuit 300 includes a plurality of water pipes 310. The plurality of water pipes 310 includes a first water pipe 310a, a second water pipe 310b, a third water pipe 310c, and a fourth water pipe 310d. (2) Detailed Configuration(2-1) First Unit 100

[0015] The first unit 100 includes a refrigerant circuit 110, the first water pipe 310a, and a first deaerator 170. The first unit 100 is typically installed outdoors.(2-1-1) Refrigerant Circuit 110

[0016] The refrigerant circuit 110 includes a compressor 120, a switching mechanism 130, a first heat exchanger 140, a second heat exchanger 150, and an expansion mechanism 160. Each part of the refrigerant circuit 110 is connected by a pipe. A highly flammable refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant circuit 110. The highly flammable refrigerant is a refrigerant having high flammability classified as high flammability (A3) in ISO817. In the present embodiment, the refrigerant is R290 (propane).(2-1-1-1) Compressor 120

[0017] The compressor 120 compresses a low-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle to a high pressure by using a compression mechanism (not shown). The compressor 120 includes a suction portion 120a and a discharge portion 120b.

[0018] The suction portion 120a sucks a low-pressure refrigerant from the refrigerant circuit 110 and supplies the refrigerant to the compression mechanism (not shown). The discharge portion 120b discharges the refrigerant compressed to a high pressure by the compression mechanism to the refrigerant circuit 110. A compression capacity of the compressor 120 is controlled by the control unit 500.(2-1-1-2) First Heat Exchanger 140

[0019] The first heat exchanger 140 exchanges heat between the refrigerant filled in the refrigerant circuit 110 and air at the installation location of the first heat exchanger 140. The first heat exchanger 140 has a first end 140a and a second end 140b. The first end 140a and the second end 140b function as an inlet for the refrigerant to the first heat exchanger 140 and an outlet for the refrigerant from the first heat exchanger 140.

[0020] The first heat exchanger 140 is installed outside the air conditioning target space such as outdoors. Although not limited thereto, the first heat exchanger 140 is a microchannel heat exchanger.(2-1-1-3) Second Heat Exchanger 150

[0021] The second heat exchanger 150 exchanges heat between the refrigerant filled in the refrigerant circuit 110 and the water filled in the water circuit 300. The second heat exchanger 150 includes a refrigerant flow path 151 and a water flow path 152.

[0022] The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 110 passes through the refrigerant flow path 151. The refrigerant flow path 151 has a first end 151a and a second end 151b. The first end 151a and the second end 151b function as an inlet for the refrigerant to the refrigerant flow path 151 and an outlet for the refrigerant from the refrigerant flow path 151.

[0023] The water flowing through the water circuit 300 passes through the water flow path 152. The water flow path 152 has a first end 152a and a second end 152b. The first end 152a functions as an outlet for water flowing out of the water flow path 152. The second end 152b functions as an outlet for water flowing into the water flow path 152.

[0024] Although not limited thereto, the second heat exchanger 150 is a plate-like heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger 150 is an example of a heat exchanger.(2-1-1-4) Switching Mechanism 130

[0025] The switching mechanism 130 switches a refrigerant flow direction in the refrigerant circuit 110 between two states. The switching mechanism 130 is a four-way switching valve. The switching mechanism 130 includes a first port P1, a second port P2, a third port P3, and a fourth port P4.

[0026] The first port P1 is connected to the discharge portion 120b of the compressor 120. The second port P2 is connected to the second end 140b of the first heat exchanger 140. The third port P3 is connected to the suction portion 120a of the compressor 120. The fourth port P4 is connected to the second end 151b of the refrigerant flow path 151 of the second heat exchanger 150.

[0027] The switching mechanism 130 is switched between a first state (state indicated by a solid line in FIG. 1) and a second state (state indicated by a broken line in FIG. 1). In the first state, the switching mechanism 130 causes the first port P1 and the second port P2 to communicate with each other, and causes the third port P3 and the fourth port P4 to communicate with each other. In the second state, the switching mechanism 130 causes the first port P1 and the fourth port P4 to communicate with each other, and causes the second port P2 and the third port P3 to communicate with each other. The state of the switching mechanism 130 is controlled between the first state and the second state by the control unit 500.(2-1-1-5) Expansion Mechanism 160

[0028] The expansion mechanism 160 decompresses the refrigerant flowing between the first end 140a of the first heat exchanger 140 and the first end 151a of the refrigerant flow path 151 of the second heat exchanger 150 to a low pressure. One end of the expansion mechanism 160 is connected to the first end 140a of the first heat exchanger 140, and the other end is connected to the first end 151a of the refrigerant flow path 151 of the second heat exchanger 150.

[0029] Although not limited thereto, the expansion mechanism 160 is an electric expansion valve. The opening degree of the expansion mechanism 160 is controlled by the control unit 500.(2-1-2) First Water Pipe 310a

[0030] The first water pipe 310a is a pipe through which water flowing out of the second unit 200 (specifically, from the third water pipe 310c) flows. The first water pipe 310a is provided with the water flow path 152 in the middle for the water flowing inside the first water pipe to pass through the water flow path 152 of the second heat exchanger 150.(2-1-3) First Deaerator 170

[0031] The first deaerator 170 exhausts gas from the first water pipe 310a. Specifically, the first deaerator 170 exhausts the refrigerant mixed in the water filled in the first water pipe 310a from the first water pipe 310a. The first deaerator 170 is provided downstream of the second heat exchanger 150 (specifically, the water flow path 152) in the first water pipe 310a.

[0032] Here, “downstream of the second heat exchanger 150 in the first water pipe 310a” means a portion of the first water pipe 310a through which water flowing out of the second heat exchanger 150 flows before flowing into the second unit 200 (in other words, a portion between a first connection portion 320a (described later) which is a connection part with the second water pipe 310b and the second heat exchanger 150).

[0033] The first deaerator 170 includes a first refrigerant exhaust pipe 170a that exhausts the separated gas to the outside of the first unit 100. The first refrigerant exhaust pipe 170a causes the outside of the first unit 100 to communicate with the inside of the first deaerator 170. The gas separated by the first deaerator 170 passes through the first refrigerant exhaust pipe 170a and is exhausted to the outside of the first unit 100 from the first refrigerant exhaust port 170b which is an opening located at an end of the first refrigerant exhaust pipe 170a. In the present embodiment, since the first unit 100 is installed outdoors, the first deaerator 170 can exhaust the separated gas to outdoors.

[0034] In the present embodiment, the first deaerator 170 is a gas-liquid separator. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the first deaerator 170. Although not limited thereto, in the present embodiment, the first deaerator 170 is a centrifugal force gas-liquid separator. The centrifugal force gas-liquid separator swirls liquid mixed with gas inside a gas-liquid separation chamber 170c (see dotted line arrow in FIG. 2) to separate the gas and the liquid by using a centrifugal force acting on the liquid.

[0035] The gas-liquid separation chamber 170c has a cylindrical shape with both ends closed and a center axis disposed along a vertical up-down direction. In the first refrigerant exhaust pipe 170a, an end opposite to the first refrigerant exhaust port 170b is connected to an end vertically above the gas-liquid separation chamber 170c so as to exhaust the separated gas. The first water pipe 310a through which water flows into the gas-liquid separation chamber 170c is connected to a circumferential surface of the gas-liquid separation chamber 170c so as to allow the water flowing in to swirl inside the gas-liquid separation chamber 170c. The first water pipe 310a through which water flows out of the gas-liquid separation chamber 170c is connected to a circumferential surface on a vertically below the gas-liquid separation chamber 170c so as to allow the water to be accumulated in the gas-liquid separation chamber 170c.

[0036] The gas-liquid separation performance in which the first deaerator 170 separates gas from water flowing through the water circuit 300 is higher than the gas-liquid separation performance in which a second deaerator 210 described later separates gas from water flowing through the water circuit 300. Here, the gas-liquid separation performance is measured by the amount of gas that can be separated per unit time from a liquid containing gas flowing at the same flow rate and the same speed. Therefore, the gas-liquid separation performance is higher as the amount of gas that can be separated per unit time from the liquid containing the gas flowing at the same flow rate and the same speed is larger.(2-2) Second Unit 200

[0037] The second unit 200 includes the second water pipe 310b, the third water pipe 310c, the second deaerator 210, and a pump 220. The second unit 200 is typically installed in an indoor non-living space (which is other than the living space, for example, in a storage room, a basement, or the like). FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the second unit 200.(2-2-1) Second Water Pipe 310b

[0038] The second water pipe 310b is a pipe into which the water flowing out of the first water pipe 310a of the first unit 100 flows and into which the refrigerant flowing out flows into the living space 400. One end of the second water pipe 310b is connected to the first water pipe 310a via the first connection portion 320a. The other end of the second water pipe 310b is connected to the fourth water pipe 310d via the second connection portion 320b. (2-2-2) Third Water Pipe 310c

[0039] The third water pipe 310c is a pipe through which water flowing out of the fourth water pipe 310d (described later) of the living space 400 flows. One end of the third water pipe 310c is connected to the fourth water pipe 310d via the third connection portion 320c. The other end of the third water pipe 310c is connected to the first water pipe 310a via the fourth connection portion 320d. (2-2-3) Pump 220

[0040] The pump 220 causes the water filled in the water circuit 300 to circulate in the water circuit 300 in a certain direction. The pump 220 includes a suction portion 220a and a discharge portion 220b. The pump 220 is provided in the middle of the third water pipe 310c.

[0041] When sucking, from the suction portion 220a, water flowing from the fourth water pipe 310d into the third water pipe 310c, the pump 220 applies a predetermined pressure and discharges the water from the discharge portion 220b to the third water pipe 310c again. The pump 220 is controlled by the control unit 500.(2-2-4) Second Deaerator 210

[0042] The second deaerator 210 exhausts gas from the second water pipe 310b. Specifically, the second deaerator 210 exhausts the refrigerant mixed in the water filled in the second water pipe 310b from the second water pipe 310b. The second deaerator 210 is provided in the second water pipe 310b.

[0043] The second deaerator 210 includes a second refrigerant exhaust pipe 210a that exhausts the separated gas to the outside of the second unit 200. The second refrigerant exhaust pipe 210a causes the outside of the second unit 200 to communicate with the inside of the second deaerator 210. The gas separated by the second deaerator 210 passes through the second refrigerant exhaust pipe 210a and is exhausted to the outside of the second unit 200 from the second refrigerant exhaust port 210b which is an opening located at an end of the second refrigerant exhaust pipe 210a. The second refrigerant exhaust port 210b is located outside the second unit 200 and at a height H (see FIG. 3) of 150 mm or less from a floor surface on which the second unit 200 is installed. The second refrigerant exhaust port 210b is an example of a refrigerant exhaust port.

[0044] The second deaerator 210 is a gas-liquid separator having gas-liquid separation performance lower than the gas-liquid separation performance of the first deaerator 170. In the present embodiment, the second deaerator 210 is a centrifugal force gas-liquid separator similarly to the first deaerator 170, and thus the detailed description of its structure will be omitted. The second deaerator 210 has a smaller inner diameter of the gas-liquid separation chamber than the first deaerator 170. Therefore, the centrifugal force acting on the liquid flowing into the second deaerator 210 is smaller than that of the first deaerator 170, and the gas-liquid separation performance of the second deaerator 210 is lower than that of the first deaerator 170.(2-3) Living Space 400

[0045] The living space 400 is an indoor space in which people live, such as a house or an office. The living space 400 includes a third heat exchanger 410 and the fourth water pipe 310d. In the present embodiment, the living space 400 includes, for example, two third heat exchangers 410. The number of the third heat exchangers 410 is not limited to two, and may be one or three or more, for example.(2-3-1) Third Heat Exchanger 410

[0046] The third heat exchanger 410 exchanges heat between water filled in the water circuit 300 and air in the living space 400 which is the installation location of the third heat exchanger 410. The third heat exchanger 410 has a first end 410a, a second end 410b, and an air vent mechanism 410c. The first end 410a functions as an inlet for water flowing into the third heat exchanger 410. The second end 410b functions as an outlet for water flowing out of the third heat exchanger 410. The air vent mechanism 410c is a mechanism that vents air accumulated in the third heat exchanger 410. In the present embodiment, the air vent mechanism 410c is an air vent valve.

[0047] Although not limited thereto, the third heat exchanger 410 is a radiator.(2-3-2) Fourth Water Pipe 310d

[0048] The fourth water pipe 310d is a pipe through which water flowing out of the second unit 200 flows. The fourth water pipe 310d has one end connected to the second water pipe 310b and the other end connected to the third water pipe 310c. The third heat exchanger 410 is connected to the middle of the fourth water pipe 310d for the water flowing inside the fourth water pipe to pass through the third heat exchanger 410.

[0049] In the present embodiment, the fourth water pipe 310d includes a branch portion 310da that branches water flowing in from one end into two flow paths, and a merging portion 310db that merges water flowing out from each of the two third water pipes 310c into one flow path and causes the water to flow out from the other end.(2-4) Control Unit 500

[0050] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the control unit 500. The control unit 500 controls each device of the temperature adjustment system 1 to cause the refrigerant circuit 110 to perform a refrigeration cycle and thus implements the cooling operation and the heating operation of the living space 400. The control unit 500 is electrically connected to the compressor 120, the switching mechanism 130, the expansion mechanism 160, and the pump 220 so as to be able to transmit and receive signals.

[0051] The control unit 500 is implemented by a computer. Moreover, the term “control unit”, as used herein, corresponds with a controller that contains circuitry (one or more circuits having at least one of programmable circuitry, such as one or more CPUs, and / or hardwired circuitry, such as an ASIC) configured by execution of code or hardwired connections to perform the described functions. The control unit 500 includes circuitry such as a control calculator and a storage (which are not shown). The control calculator may include a processor such as a CPU or a GPU, and the storage may be one or more memories that have computer executable code stored therein. The control calculator reads a program stored in the storage and performs predetermined calculation processing in accordance with the program. Furthermore, the control calculator is capable of writing a result of the calculation processing to the storage, and reading information stored in the storage, in accordance with the program.(3) Overall Operation

[0052] The control unit 500 controls each device in the cooling operation and the heating operation, as will be described next.(3-1) Cooling Operation

[0053] When execution of the cooling operation is instructed to the temperature adjustment system 1, the control unit 500 causes the compressor 120 and the pump 220 to start operation, sets the switching mechanism 130 to the first state, and controls the opening degree of the expansion mechanism 160.(3-1-1) Refrigerant Circuit 110

[0054] When the compressor 120 starts the operation, a low-pressure gas refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle is sucked from the suction portion 120a, compressed to a high pressure in the refrigeration cycle, and then discharged from the discharge portion 120b as the gas refrigerant.

[0055] The high-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed out of the discharge portion 120b passes through the switching mechanism 130 through the first port P1 and the second port P2 in that order, and flows into the first heat exchanger 140 from the second end 140b. The refrigerant that has flowed into the first heat exchanger 140 condenses by mutual heat exchange with the air at the installation location of the first heat exchanger 140, becomes a high-pressure liquid refrigerant, and flows out of the first end 140a. In other words, the first heat exchanger 140 functions as a radiator.

[0056] The high-pressure refrigerant that has flowed out of the first heat exchanger 140 passes through the expansion mechanism 160, and flows into the refrigerant flow path 151 of the second heat exchanger 150 from the first end 151a. The refrigerant that has passed through the expansion mechanism 160 is decompressed to a low pressure and becomes a refrigerant of a gas-liquid two-phase state.

[0057] The refrigerant that has flowed into the refrigerant flow path 151 exchanges heat with the water flowing through the water flow path 152 and evaporates, becomes a low-pressure gas refrigerant, and flows out of the second end 151b. In other words, the refrigerant flow path 151 of the second heat exchanger 150 functions as an evaporator.

[0058] The low-pressure refrigerant that has flowed out of the second heat exchanger 150 passes through the switching mechanism 130 through the fourth port P4 and the third port P3 in that order, and is again sucked into the compressor 120 from the suction portion 120a. (3-1-2) Water Circuit 300

[0059] When the pump 220 starts the operation, the refrigerant filled in the water circuit 300 is sucked from the suction portion 220a and then discharged from the discharge portion 220b.

[0060] The water that has flowed out of the discharge portion 220b flows into the water flow path 152 of the second heat exchanger 150 from the second end 152b. The water that has flowed into the water flow path 152 exchanges heat (is cooled) with the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path 151, and flows out of the first end 152a.

[0061] The water flowing out of the second heat exchanger 150 passes through the first deaerator 170. In a case where the refrigerant is mixed in the water flowing out of the second heat exchanger 150, the first deaerator 170 separates the refrigerant from the passing water. The separated refrigerant is exhausted to the outside (outdoor) of the first unit 100 through the first refrigerant exhaust pipe 170a.

[0062] The water flowing out of the first deaerator 170 passes through the second deaerator 210. In a case where the refrigerant that has not been separated by the first deaerator 170 is mixed in the water flowing out of the first deaerator 170, the second deaerator 210 separates the refrigerant remaining in the passing water. The separated refrigerant is exhausted to the outside of the second unit 200 through the second refrigerant exhaust pipe 210a.

[0063] The water that has flowed out of the second deaerator 210 flows into the third heat exchanger 410 from the first end 410a. The water that has flowed into the third heat exchanger 410 exchanges heat with the air in the living space 400. Accordingly, the air in the living space 400 is cooled.

[0064] The water that has exchanged heat with the air in the living space 400 flows out of the second end 410b and then is sucked again from the suction portion 220a into the pump 220.(3-2) Heating Operation

[0065] When execution of the heating operation is instructed to the temperature adjustment system 1, the control unit 500 causes the compressor 120 and the pump 220 to start operation, sets the switching mechanism 130 to the second state, and controls the opening degree of the expansion mechanism 160.(3-2-1) Refrigerant Circuit 110

[0066] When the compressor 120 starts the operation, a low-pressure gas refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle is sucked from the suction portion 120a, compressed to a high pressure in the refrigeration cycle, and then discharged from the discharge portion 120b as the gas refrigerant.

[0067] The high-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed out of the discharge portion 120b passes through the switching mechanism 130 through the first port P1 and the fourth port P4 in that order, and flows into the refrigerant flow path 151 of the second heat exchanger 150 from the second end 151b. The refrigerant that flows into the second heat exchanger 150 causes mutual heat exchange with the water flowing through the water flow path 152 and condenses, becomes a high-pressure liquid refrigerant, and flows out of the first end 151a. In other words, the refrigerant flow path 151 of the second heat exchanger 150 functions as a radiator.

[0068] The high-pressure refrigerant that has flowed out of the second heat exchanger 150 flows into the first heat exchanger 140 from the first end 140a through the expansion mechanism 160. The refrigerant that has passed through the expansion mechanism 160 is decompressed to a low pressure and becomes a refrigerant of a gas-liquid two-phase state.

[0069] The refrigerant that has flowed into the first heat exchanger 140 evaporates by mutual heat exchange with the air at the installation location of the first heat exchanger 140, becomes a low-pressure gas refrigerant, and flows out of the second end 140b. In other words, the first heat exchanger 140 functions as an evaporator.

[0070] The low-pressure refrigerant that has flowed out of the first heat exchanger 140 passes through the switching mechanism 130 through the second port P2 and the third port P3 in that order, and is again sucked into the compressor 120 from the suction portion 120a. (3-2-2) Water Circuit 300

[0071] When the pump 220 starts the operation, the refrigerant filled in the water circuit is sucked from the suction portion 220a and then discharged from the discharge portion 220b.

[0072] The water that has flowed out of the discharge portion 220b flows into the water flow path 152 of the second heat exchanger 150 from the second end 152b. The water that has flowed into the water flow path 152 exchanges heat (is heated) with the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path 131, and flows out of the first end 152a.

[0073] The water flowing out of the second heat exchanger 150 passes through the first deaerator 170 and the second deaerator 210 in that order. Since the functions of the first deaerator 170 and the second deaerator 210 in the heating operation are similar to those in the cooling operation, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0074] The water that has flowed out of the second heat exchanger 150 flows into the third heat exchanger 410 from the first end 410a. The water that has flowed into the third heat exchanger 410 exchanges heat with the air in the living space 400. Accordingly, the air in the living space 400 is heated.

[0075] The water that has exchanged heat with the air in the living space 400 flows out of the second end 410b and then is sucked again from the suction portion 220a into the pump 220.(4) Characteristics(4-1)

[0076] The temperature adjustment system 1 is a temperature adjustment system that adjusts a temperature of water flowing through the water pipe 310. The temperature adjustment system 1 includes the first unit 100 and the second unit 200.

[0077] The first unit 100 includes the refrigerant circuit 110, the first water pipe 310a, the second heat exchanger 150, and the first deaerator 170. The highly flammable refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant circuit 110. The first water pipe 310a is a part of the water pipe 310. The second heat exchanger 150 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the water flowing through the first water pipe 310a. The first deaerator 170 exhausts gas from the first water pipe 310a.

[0078] The second unit includes the second water pipe 310b and the second deaerator 210. The second water pipe 310b is a part of the water pipe 310, the water flowing out of the first water pipe 310a flows into the second water pipe, and the refrigerant flowing out of the second water pipe flows into the living space 400. The second deaerator 210 exhausts gas from the second water pipe 310b.

[0079] The gas-liquid separation performance in which the first deaerator 170 separates gas from water flowing through the water pipe 310 is higher than the gas-liquid separation performance in which the second deaerator 210 separates gas from water flowing through the water pipe.

[0080] Even in a case where a large amount of highly flammable refrigerant is mixed in the water in the water circuit 300 due to damage to the second heat exchanger 150 or the like, the temperature adjustment system 1 can exhaust the refrigerant from the water pipe 310 before the refrigerant flows into the living space 400 by the first deaerator 170 and the second deaerator 210. Therefore, even in a case where a large amount of refrigerant is mixed into the water pipe 310, the temperature adjustment system 1 can exhaust the refrigerant from the water pipe 310 before the refrigerant flows into the living space 400.

[0081] Since the gas-liquid separation performance of the first deaerator 170 included in the first unit 100 is higher than the gas-liquid separation performance of the second deaerator 210, as much refrigerant as possible can be exhausted outdoors, and the refrigerant can be reliably prevented from flowing into the living space 400.(4-2)

[0082] The first deaerator 170 is provided downstream of the second heat exchanger 150 in the first water pipe 310a.

[0083] The temperature adjustment system 1 can exhaust the highly flammable refrigerant mixed in the water from the water pipe 310 before flowing into the living space 400.(4-3)

[0084] The first deaerator 170 exhausts gas to outdoors.

[0085] By exhausting the separated refrigerant to outdoors, the temperature adjustment system 1 can prevent the highly flammable refrigerant from flowing into the living space 400.(4-4)

[0086] The second unit 200 is installed in an indoor non-living space.

[0087] By exhausting the separated refrigerant to the outside of the living space 400, the temperature adjustment system 1 can prevent the highly flammable refrigerant from flowing into the living space 400.(4-5)

[0088] The second deaerator 210 exhausts gas to the outside of the second unit 200.

[0089] By exhausting the separated refrigerant to the outside of the second unit 200, the temperature adjustment system 1 can prevent the highly flammable refrigerant from accumulating at a high concentration in the second unit 200.(4-6)

[0090] The second deaerator 210 has the second refrigerant exhaust port 210b for exhausting gas. The second refrigerant exhaust port 210b is located outside the second unit 200 and at the height H of 150 mm or less from the floor surface on which the second unit 200 is installed.

[0091] An outlet provided on a wall surface or the like of a building is usually installed at a position 150 mm or more in height from the floor surface. Therefore, the temperature adjustment system 1 can secure a certain distance between the highly flammable refrigerant exhausted from the second refrigerant exhaust port 210b and the outlet provided on the wall surface of the building or the like.(5) Modifications(5-1) Modification 1A

[0092] The first deaerator 170 and the second deaerator 210 may be, for example, gas vent valves capable of releasing air (refrigerant) accumulated in the water pipe 310 by a valve that opens and closes. For example, in the temperature adjustment system 1, the first deaerator 170 may be a gas-liquid separator, and the second deaerator 210 may be a gas vent valve having gas-liquid separation performance lower than the gas-liquid separation performance of the first deaerator 170.

[0093] Usually, the gas vent valve is smaller than the gas-liquid separator. Therefore, using the gas vent valve for the second deaerator 210 can suppress an increase in size of the second unit 200.(5-2) Modification 1B

[0094] The second unit 200 may have a device other than the pump 220. For example, the second unit 200 may further include a heater that heats water filled in the water circuit 300, and a flow sensor that measures the flow rate of the water flowing through the water circuit 300.(5-3) Modification 1C

[0095] The second refrigerant exhaust port 210b may be disposed outdoors, for example. In this case, the second deaerator 210 can exhaust the separated gas to the outdoors.

[0096] Accordingly, by exhausting the separated refrigerant to outdoors, the temperature adjustment system 1 can prevent the highly flammable refrigerant from flowing into the living space 400.(5-4) Modification 1D

[0097] The second refrigerant exhaust port 210b may be, for example, located inside the second unit 200 and at a bottom of the second unit 200.

[0098] Accordingly, by accumulating the separated refrigerant inside of the second unit, the temperature adjustment system 1 can prevent the highly flammable refrigerant from flowing into the living space 400.

[0099] The embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above. It will be understood that various changes to forms and details can be made without departing from the gist and scope of the present disclosure recited in the claims.REFERENCE SIGNS LIST1: temperature adjustment system

[0101] 100: first unit

[0102] 110: refrigerant circuit

[0103] 120: compressor

[0104] 130: switching mechanism

[0105] 140: first heat exchanger

[0106] 150: second heat exchanger (heat exchanger)

[0107] 160: expansion mechanism

[0108] 170: first deaerator

[0109] 200: second unit

[0110] 210: second deaerator

[0111] 210b: second refrigerant exhaust port (refrigerant exhaust port)

[0112] 220: pump

[0113] 300: water circuit

[0114] 310: water pipe

[0115] 310a: first water pipe

[0116] 310b: second water pipe

[0117] 310c: third water pipe

[0118] 310d: fourth water pipe

[0119] 400: living space

[0120] 410: third heat exchanger

[0121] 500: control unit

[0122] H: height of second refrigerant exhaust port from floor surface on which second unit is installedCITATION LISTPatent LiteraturePatent Literature 1: JP 2022-162184 A

Claims

1. A temperature adjustment system that adjusts a temperature of water flowing through a water pipe, the temperature adjustment system comprising:a first unit; anda second unit,whereinthe first unit includes:a refrigerant circuit through which a highly flammable refrigerant circulates,a first water pipe that is a part of the water pipe,a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the water flowing through the first water pipe, anda first deaerator that exhausts gas from the first water pipe,the second unit includes:a second water pipe that is a part of the water pipe, into which the water that flows out of the first water pipe flows, and into which the refrigerant that flows out of the second water pipe flows into a living space, anda second deaerator that exhausts the gas from the second water pipe, anda gas-liquid separation performance of the first deaerator in which the gas from the water that flows through the water pipe is separated is higher in performance than the gas-liquid separation performance of the second deaerator in which the gas from the water that flows through the water pipe is separated.

2. The temperature adjustment system according to claim 1, whereinthe first deaerator is provided downstream of the heat exchanger in the first water pipe.

3. The temperature adjustment system according to claim 1, whereinthe second unit includes any one of a pump, a heater, or a flow sensor.

4. The temperature adjustment system according to claim 2, whereinthe second unit includes any one of a pump, a heater, or a flow sensor.

5. The temperature adjustment system according to claim 1, whereinthe first deaerator exhausts the gas to outdoors.

6. The temperature adjustment system according to claim 2, whereinthe first deaerator exhausts the gas to outdoors.

7. The temperature adjustment system according to claim 3, whereinthe first deaerator exhausts the gas to outdoors.

8. The temperature adjustment system according to claim 1, whereinthe second deaerator exhausts the gas to outdoors.

9. The temperature adjustment system according to claim 2, whereinthe second deaerator exhausts the gas to outdoors.

10. The temperature adjustment system according to claim 3, whereinthe second deaerator exhausts the gas to outdoors.

11. The temperature adjustment system according to claim 1, whereinthe second unit is installed in an indoor non-living space.

12. The temperature adjustment system according to claim 2, whereinthe second unit is installed in an indoor non-living space.

13. The temperature adjustment system according to claim 3, whereinthe second unit is installed in an indoor non-living space.

14. The temperature adjustment system according to claim 11, whereinthe second deaerator exhausts the gas to outside of the second unit.

15. The temperature adjustment system according to claim 12, whereinthe second deaerator exhausts the gas to outside of the second unit.

16. The temperature adjustment system according to claim 13, whereinthe second deaerator exhausts the gas to outside of the second unit.

17. The temperature adjustment system according to claim 11, whereinthe second deaerator includes a refrigerant exhaust port through which the gas is exhausted, andthe refrigerant exhaust port is located outside of the second unit and at a height of 150 mm or less from a floor surface on which the second unit is installed.

18. The temperature adjustment system according to claim 1, whereinthe second deaerator includes a refrigerant exhaust port through which the gas is exhausted, andthe refrigerant exhaust port is located inside of the second unit and at a bottom of the second unit.

19. The temperature adjustment system according to claim 2, whereinthe second deaerator includes a refrigerant exhaust port through which the gas is exhausted, andthe refrigerant exhaust port is located inside of the second unit and at a bottom of the second unit.

20. The temperature adjustment system according to claim 3, whereinthe second deaerator includes a refrigerant exhaust port through which the gas is exhausted, andthe refrigerant exhaust port is located inside of the second unit and at a bottom of the second unit.

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