Temperature control system

Abstract

Provided is a temperature control system with which, even when a large amount of refrigerant is mixed in water piping, the refrigerant can be discharged before flowing into a living space. A temperature control system (1) comprises a first unit (100) and a second unit (200). The first unit has a refrigerant circuit (110), first water piping (310a), a second heat exchanger (150), and a first deaeration device (170). A highly flammable refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuit. The first water piping is part of water piping. The second heat exchanger exchanges heat between the water flowing in the first water piping and the refrigerant. The first deaeration device discharges gas from the first water piping. The second unit has second water piping (310b) and a second deaeration device (210). The second water piping is part of the water piping, the water flowing out from the first water piping flows into the second water piping, and refrigerant flowing out flows into the living space (400). The second deaeration device discharges gas from the second water piping. The gas-liquid separation performance with which the first deaeration device separates the gas from the water flowing through the water piping is higher than the gas-liquid separation performance with which the second deaeration device separates the gas from the water flowing through the water piping.

Description

Temperature Control System

[0001] Regarding temperature control systems.

[0002] Patent Document 1 (JP 2022-162184 A) discloses a temperature control system (heat medium circulation system) that adjusts the temperature of a heat medium by heat exchange between a refrigerant flowing through a refrigerant circuit and a heat medium such as water flowing through a water pipe (heat medium circuit).The refrigerant circuit of the temperature control system has a degassing device that separates the refrigerant from the water and releases it into the outdoor atmosphere when the refrigerant becomes mixed with the water flowing through the water pipe due to damage to a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and water.

[0003] The degassing device of the temperature control system disclosed in Patent Document 1 is installed inside the living space. Therefore, if a large amount of refrigerant is mixed with water and the degassing device cannot process it, there is a risk that some of the refrigerant will flow into the living space.

[0004] The present disclosure provides a temperature control system that can discharge a large amount of refrigerant before it flows into a living space, even if the refrigerant gets mixed into a water pipe.

[0005] A temperature control system according to a first aspect is a temperature control system for adjusting the temperature of water flowing through a water pipe. The temperature control system includes a first unit and a second unit.

[0006] The first unit has a refrigerant circuit, a first water pipe, a second heat exchanger, and a first degassing device. A highly flammable refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuit. The first water pipe is part of the water pipe. The second heat exchanger exchanges heat between the water flowing through the first water pipe and the refrigerant. The first degassing device discharges gas from the first water pipe.

[0007] The second unit includes a second water pipe and a second degassing device. The second water pipe is a part of the water pipe into which water flowing out from the first water pipe flows and into which the outflowing refrigerant flows into the living space. The second degassing device exhausts gas from the second water pipe.

[0008] The gas-liquid separation performance of the first degassing device, which separates gas from water flowing through the water pipe, is higher than the gas-liquid separation performance of the second degassing device, which separates gas from water flowing through the water pipe.

[0009] In this temperature control system, even if a large amount of highly flammable refrigerant becomes mixed into the water in the water circuit due to damage to the heat exchanger or the like, the first degassing device and the second degassing device can discharge the refrigerant from the water piping before it flows into the living space. Therefore, even if a large amount of refrigerant becomes mixed into the water piping, the temperature control system can discharge the refrigerant from the water piping before it flows into the living space.

[0010] A temperature regulation system according to a second aspect is the temperature regulation system according to the first aspect, wherein the first degassing device is provided downstream of the heat exchanger in the first water pipe.

[0011] This temperature control system can discharge highly flammable refrigerant mixed in water from the water piping before it flows into the living space.

[0012] A temperature regulation system according to a third aspect is the temperature regulation system according to the first or second aspect, wherein the second unit has one of a pump, a heater, and a flow sensor.

[0013] A temperature regulation system according to a fourth aspect is the temperature regulation system according to any one of the first aspect to the third aspect, wherein the first degassing device exhausts the gas to the outside.

[0014] This temperature control system can prevent highly flammable refrigerant from flowing into the living space by discharging the separated refrigerant outdoors.

[0015] A temperature regulation system according to a fifth aspect is the temperature regulation system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the second degassing device exhausts the gas to the outside.

[0016] This temperature control system can prevent highly flammable refrigerant from flowing into the living space by discharging the separated refrigerant outdoors.

[0017] A temperature control system according to a sixth aspect is the temperature control system according to any one of the first aspect to the fifth aspect, wherein the second unit is installed in an indoor non-habitable space.

[0018] This temperature control system can prevent highly flammable refrigerant from flowing into the living space by discharging the separated refrigerant outside the living space.

[0019] A temperature regulation system according to a seventh aspect is the temperature regulation system according to the sixth aspect, wherein the second degassing device exhausts the gas to the outside of the second unit.

[0020] By discharging the separated refrigerant to the outside of the second unit, the temperature adjustment system can prevent the highly flammable refrigerant from accumulating in high concentrations inside the second unit.

[0021] A temperature control system according to an eighth aspect is the temperature control system according to the seventh aspect, wherein the second degassing device has a refrigerant outlet through which the gas is discharged. The refrigerant outlet is located outside the second unit and at a height of 150 mm or less from a floor on which the second unit is installed.

[0022] This temperature control system can ensure a certain distance between the highly flammable refrigerant discharged from the refrigerant outlet and the outlet provided on the wall of the building or the like.

[0023] A temperature control system according to a ninth aspect is the temperature control system according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the second degassing device has a refrigerant outlet for discharging gas. The refrigerant outlet is located inside the second unit and at the bottom of the second unit.

[0024] By storing the separated refrigerant inside the second unit, the temperature adjustment system can prevent the highly flammable refrigerant from flowing into the living space.

[0025] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a temperature adjustment system 1 according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a first degassing device 170. FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a second unit 200. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a control unit 500.

[0026] (1) Overall Configuration Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a temperature adjustment system 1 according to one embodiment. The temperature adjustment system 1 adjusts the 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.

[0027] The temperature adjustment system 1 performs cooling and heating operations. More specifically, the temperature adjustment system 1 causes a refrigerant filled in a refrigerant circuit 110 (described later) of the first unit 100 to perform a refrigeration cycle, thereby heating or cooling water filled in a water circuit 300 and circulating in a fixed direction, and performs cooling and heating operations for the living space 400 using this water.

[0028] The water circuit 300 is made up of a plurality of water pipes 310. The plurality of water pipes 310 include a first water pipe 310a, a second water pipe 310b, a third water pipe 310c, and a fourth water pipe 310d.

[0029] (2) Detailed Configuration (2-1) First Unit 100 The first unit 100 has a refrigerant circuit 110, a first water pipe 310a, and a first degassing device 170. The first unit 100 is typically installed outdoors.

[0030] (2-1-1) Refrigerant Circuit 110 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. The various components of the refrigerant circuit 110 are connected by piping. A highly flammable refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuit 110. The highly flammable refrigerant is a refrigerant that has high flammability and is classified as highly flammable (A3) according to ISO 817. In this embodiment, the refrigerant is R290 (propane).

[0031] (2-1-1-1) Compressor 120 The compressor 120 compresses low-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle to high pressure using a compression mechanism (not shown). The compressor 120 has a suction section 120a and a discharge section 120b.

[0032] The suction section 120a draws low-pressure refrigerant from the refrigerant circuit 110 and supplies it to a compression mechanism (not shown). The discharge section 120b discharges the refrigerant compressed to high pressure by the compression mechanism to the refrigerant circuit 110. The compression capacity of the compressor 120 is controlled by the control section 500.

[0033] (2-1-1-2) First Heat Exchanger 140 The first heat exchanger 140 exchanges heat between the refrigerant filling the refrigerant circuit 110 and the air in the location where the first heat exchanger 140 is installed. 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.

[0034] The first heat exchanger 140 is installed, for example, outside the space to be air-conditioned, such as outdoors. The first heat exchanger 140 is, but is not limited to, a microchannel type heat exchanger.

[0035] (2-1-1-3) Second Heat Exchanger 150 The second heat exchanger 150 exchanges heat between the refrigerant filling the refrigerant circuit 110 and the water filling the water circuit 300. The second heat exchanger 150 has a refrigerant flow path 151 and a water flow path 152.

[0036] The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 110 passes through the refrigerant flow path 151. The refrigerant flow path 151 has a first end 151 a and a second end 151 b. The first end 151 a and the second end 151 b function as an inlet and an outlet for the refrigerant to and from the refrigerant flow path 151.

[0037] 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.

[0038] The second heat exchanger 150 is, but is not limited to, a plate-type heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger 150 is an example of a heat exchanger.

[0039] (2-1-1-4) Switching Mechanism 130 The switching mechanism 130 switches the direction of refrigerant flow in the refrigerant circuit 110 between two states. The switching mechanism 130 is a four-way switching valve. The switching mechanism 130 has a first port P1, a second port P2, a third port P3, and a fourth port P4.

[0040] 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.

[0041] The switching mechanism 130 switches between a first state (a state indicated by a solid line in FIG. 1 ) and a second state (a state indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 1 ). In the first state, the switching mechanism 130 connects the first port P1 to the second port P2 and connects the third port P3 to the fourth port P4. In the second state, the switching mechanism 130 connects the first port P1 to the fourth port P4 and connects the second port P2 to the third port P3. The state of the switching mechanism 130 is controlled between the first state and the second state by the control unit 500.

[0042] (2-1-1-5) Expansion mechanism 160 The expansion mechanism 160 reduces the pressure of 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. 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.

[0043] Although not limited to this, the expansion mechanism 160 is an electric expansion valve. The opening degree of the expansion mechanism 160 is controlled by the control unit 500.

[0044] (2-1-2) First water pipe 310a The first water pipe 310a is a pipe through which water flows that flows out from the second unit 200 (more specifically, from the third water pipe 310c). The first water pipe 310a has a water flow path 152 provided midway so that the water flowing inside passes through the water flow path 152 of the second heat exchanger 150.

[0045] (2-1-3) First degassing device 170 The first degassing device 170 discharges gas from the first water pipe 310a. More specifically, the first degassing device 170 discharges refrigerant mixed in the water filled in the first water pipe 310a from the first water pipe 310a. The first degassing device 170 is provided in the first water pipe 310a downstream of the second heat exchanger 150 (specifically, the water flow path 152).

[0046] Here, "downstream of the second heat exchanger 150 in the first water piping 310a" means the part in the first water piping 310a through which water flows after flowing out of the second heat exchanger 150 before flowing into the second unit 200 (in other words, the part between the first connection part 320a (described below), which is the connection part with the second water piping 310b, and the second heat exchanger 150).

[0047] The first degassing device 170 has a first refrigerant discharge pipe 170a that discharges the separated gas to the outside of the first unit 100. The first refrigerant discharge pipe 170a connects the outside of the first unit 100 with the inside of the first degassing device 170. The gas separated by the first degassing device 170 passes through the first refrigerant discharge pipe 170a and is discharged to the outside of the first unit 100 from a first refrigerant discharge port 170b, which is an opening located at the end of the first refrigerant discharge pipe 170a. In this embodiment, because the first unit 100 is installed outdoors, the first degassing device 170 can discharge the separated gas to the outside.

[0048] In this embodiment, the first degassing device 170 is a gas-liquid separator. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the first degassing device 170. In this embodiment, the first degassing device 170 is a centrifugal gas-liquid separator, although this is not intended to be limiting. A centrifugal gas-liquid separator separates the gas and liquid by using centrifugal force acting on the liquid by rotating the liquid containing the gas inside the gas-liquid separation chamber 170c (see the dotted arrow in Figure 2).

[0049] The gas-liquid separation chamber 170c is cylindrical, closed at both ends, and positioned with its central axis aligned vertically. The first refrigerant discharge pipe 170a is connected at its end opposite the first refrigerant discharge port 170b to the vertically upper end of the gas-liquid separation chamber 170c so as to discharge the separated gas. The first water piping 310a, which introduces water into the gas-liquid separation chamber 170c, is connected to the circumferential surface of the gas-liquid separation chamber 170c so that the incoming water swirls inside the gas-liquid separation chamber 170c. The first water piping 310a, which introduces water from the gas-liquid separation chamber 170c, is connected to the vertically lower circumferential surface of the gas-liquid separation chamber 170c so that water accumulates in the gas-liquid separation chamber 170c.

[0050] The gas-liquid separation performance of the first degassing device 170, which separates gas from water flowing through the water circuit 300, is higher than the gas-liquid separation performance of the second degassing device 210, described below, which separates gas from water flowing through the water circuit 300. Here, gas-liquid separation performance is measured by the amount of gas that can be separated per unit time from a gas-containing liquid flowing at the same flow rate and speed. Therefore, the gas-liquid separation performance is higher the more amount of gas that can be separated per unit time from a gas-containing liquid flowing at the same flow rate and speed.

[0051] (2-2) Second Unit 200 The second unit 200 has a second water pipe 310b, a third water pipe 310c, a second degassing device 210, and a pump 220. The second unit 200 is typically installed in an indoor non-residential space (other than a living space, for example, a storeroom or basement). Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the second unit 200.

[0052] (2-2-1) Second water pipe 310b Second water pipe 310b is a pipe into which water that has flowed out from first water pipe 310a of first unit 100 flows and through which the outflowing refrigerant flows into living space 400. One end of second water pipe 310b is connected to first water pipe 310a via first connection part 320a. The other end of second water pipe 310b is connected to fourth water pipe 310d via second connection part 320b.

[0053] (2-2-2) Third water pipe 310c Third water pipe 310c is a pipe through which water flows out of fourth water pipe 310d (described later) in living space 400. One end of third water pipe 310c is connected to fourth water pipe 310d via third connector 320c. The other end of third water pipe 310c is connected to first water pipe 310a via fourth connector 320d.

[0054] (2-2-3) Pump 220 The pump 220 circulates the water filled in the water circuit 300 in a certain direction through the water circuit 300. The pump 220 has an intake section 220a and a discharge section 220b. The pump 220 is provided midway along the third water pipe 310c.

[0055] The pump 220 sucks in water that has flowed from the fourth water pipe 310d into the third water pipe 310c through the suction section 220a, applies a predetermined pressure, and discharges the water from the discharge section 220b back into the third water pipe 310c. The pump 220 is controlled by the control section 500.

[0056] (2-2-4) Second degassing device 210 The second degassing device 210 discharges gas from the second water pipe 310b. More specifically, the second degassing device 210 discharges refrigerant mixed in the water filled in the second water pipe 310b from the second water pipe 310b. The second degassing device 210 is provided in the second water pipe 310b.

[0057] The second degassing device 210 has a second refrigerant discharge pipe 210a that discharges the separated gas to the outside of the second unit 200. The second refrigerant discharge pipe 210a connects the outside of the second unit 200 with the inside of the second degassing device 210. The gas separated by the second degassing device 210 passes through the second refrigerant discharge pipe 210a and is discharged to the outside of the second unit 200 from a second refrigerant discharge port 210b, which is an opening located at the end of the second refrigerant discharge pipe 210a. The second refrigerant discharge port 210b is located outside the second unit 200, at a height H (see FIG. 3 ) of 150 mm or less from the floor on which the second unit 200 is installed. The second refrigerant discharge port 210b is an example of a refrigerant discharge port.

[0058] The second degassing device 210 is a gas-liquid separator with lower gas-liquid separation performance than the first degassing device 170. In this embodiment, the second degassing device 210 is a centrifugal gas-liquid separator like the first degassing device 170, so a detailed description of the structure will be omitted. The second degassing device 210 has a smaller inner diameter of the gas-liquid separation chamber than the first degassing device 170. Therefore, the centrifugal force acting on the liquid flowing into the second degassing device 210 is smaller than that of the first degassing device 170, and the gas-liquid separation performance of the second degassing device 210 is lower than that of the first degassing device 170.

[0059] (2-3) Living Space 400 The living space 400 is an indoor space such as a house or an office where people live. The living space 400 has a third heat exchanger 410 and a fourth water pipe 310d. In the present embodiment, the living space 400 has, as an example, two third heat exchangers 410. The number of third heat exchangers 410 is not limited to two, and may be one, or three or more.

[0060] (2-3-1) Third Heat Exchanger 410 The third heat exchanger 410 exchanges heat between the water filled in the water circuit 300 and the air in the living space 400 where the third heat exchanger 410 is installed. 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 for venting air accumulated in the third heat exchanger 410. In this embodiment, the air vent mechanism 410c is an air vent valve.

[0061] The third heat exchanger 410 may be, but is not limited to, a radiator.

[0062] (2-3-2) Fourth water pipe 310d The fourth water pipe 310d is a pipe through which water flowing out from the second unit 200 flows. One end of the fourth water pipe 310d is connected to the second water pipe 310b, and the other end is connected to the third water pipe 310c. The third heat exchanger 410 is connected midway through the fourth water pipe 310d so that the water flowing inside passes through the third heat exchanger 410.

[0063] In this embodiment, the fourth water pipe 310d has a branching section 310da that branches water flowing in from one end into two flow paths, and a confluence section 310db that merges water flowing out from each of the two third water pipes 310c into one flow path and flows out from the other end.

[0064] (2-4) Control Unit 500 Fig. 4 is a block diagram of the control unit 500. The control unit 500 controls each device in the temperature adjustment system 1 to cause the refrigerant circuit 110 to perform a refrigeration cycle, thereby realizing cooling operation and 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 send and receive signals to and from them.

[0065] The control unit 500 is realized by a computer. The control unit 500 includes a control and arithmetic unit and a storage device (both not shown). The control and arithmetic unit can be a processor such as a CPU or a GPU. The control and arithmetic unit reads a program stored in the storage device and performs predetermined arithmetic processing in accordance with the program. Furthermore, the control and arithmetic unit can write the results of calculations to the storage device and read information stored in the storage device in accordance with the program.

[0066] (3) Overall Operation The control unit 500 controls each device during cooling operation and heating operation as described below.

[0067] (3-1) Cooling Operation When the temperature adjustment system 1 is instructed to perform cooling operation, the control unit 500 starts operation of the compressor 120 and the pump 220, sets the switching mechanism 130 to the first state, and controls the opening degree of the expansion mechanism 160.

[0068] (3-1-1) Refrigerant Circuit 110 When the compressor 120 starts operating, low-pressure gas refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle is drawn in through the suction port 120a, compressed to the high-pressure state in the refrigeration cycle, and then discharged as gas refrigerant from the discharge port 120b.

[0069] The high-pressure gas refrigerant flowing out from the discharge port 120b passes through the switching mechanism 130, in this order, via the first port P1 and the second port P2, and flows into the first heat exchanger 140 from the second end 140b. The refrigerant that flows into the first heat exchanger 140 exchanges heat with the air in the location where the first heat exchanger 140 is installed, condenses, and becomes high-pressure liquid refrigerant, which flows out from the first end 140a. In other words, the first heat exchanger 140 functions as a radiator.

[0070] The high-pressure refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchanger 140 passes through the expansion mechanism 160 and flows from the first end 151a into the refrigerant flow path 151 of the second heat exchanger 150. The refrigerant that has passed through the expansion mechanism 160 is decompressed to a low pressure and becomes a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant.

[0071] 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, becoming a low-pressure gas refrigerant that flows out from the second end 151 b. In other words, the refrigerant flow path 151 of the second heat exchanger 150 functions as an evaporator.

[0072] The low-pressure refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchanger 150 passes through the switching mechanism 130 via the fourth port P4 and the third port P3 in this order, and is again drawn into the compressor 120 via the suction port 120a.

[0073] (3-1-2) Water Circuit 300 When the pump 220 starts operating, the refrigerant filled in the water circuit 300 is drawn in through the suction port 220a and then discharged from the discharge port 220b.

[0074] The water flowing out from the discharge port 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 with the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path 151 (is cooled), and then flows out from the first end 152a.

[0075] The water flowing out of the second heat exchanger 150 passes through the first degassing device 170. If the water flowing out of the second heat exchanger 150 contains refrigerant, the first degassing device 170 separates the refrigerant from the passing water. The separated refrigerant is discharged to the outside of the first unit 100 through the first refrigerant discharge pipe 170a.

[0076] The water flowing out from the first degassing device 170 passes through the second degassing device 210. If the water flowing out from the first degassing device 170 contains refrigerant that was not completely separated by the first degassing device 170, the second degassing device 210 separates the refrigerant remaining in the passing water. The separated refrigerant is discharged to the outside of the second unit 200 through the second refrigerant discharge pipe 210a.

[0077] The water flowing out of the second degassing device 210 flows into the third heat exchanger 410 from the first end 410a. The water flowing into the third heat exchanger 410 exchanges heat with the air in the living space 400, thereby cooling the air in the living space 400.

[0078] The water that has exchanged heat with the air in the living space 400 flows out from the second end 410b and is then sucked into the pump 220 again through the suction portion 220a.

[0079] (3-2) Heating Operation When the temperature adjustment system 1 is instructed to perform heating operation, the control unit 500 causes the compressor 120 and the pump 220 to start operating, sets the switching mechanism 130 to the second state, and controls the opening degree of the expansion mechanism 160.

[0080] (3-2-1) Refrigerant Circuit 110 When the compressor 120 starts operating, low-pressure gas refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle is drawn in through the suction port 120a, compressed to the high-pressure state in the refrigeration cycle, and then discharged as gas refrigerant from the discharge port 120b.

[0081] The high-pressure gas refrigerant flowing out from the discharge port 120b passes through the switching mechanism 130, in this order, via the first port P1 and the fourth port P4, and flows into the refrigerant flow path 151 of the second heat exchanger 150 from the second end 151b. The refrigerant that has flowed into the second heat exchanger 150 exchanges heat with water flowing through the water flow path 152, condenses, and becomes a high-pressure liquid refrigerant that flows out from the first end 151a. In other words, the refrigerant flow path 151 of the second heat exchanger 150 functions as a radiator.

[0082] The high-pressure refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchanger 150 passes through the expansion mechanism 160 and flows into the first heat exchanger 140 from the first end 140a. The refrigerant that has passed through the expansion mechanism 160 is decompressed to a low pressure and becomes a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant.

[0083] The refrigerant that flows into the first heat exchanger 140 exchanges heat with the air in the location where the first heat exchanger 140 is installed, evaporating, and becomes a low-pressure gas refrigerant that flows out from the second end 140b. In other words, the first heat exchanger 140 functions as an evaporator.

[0084] The low-pressure refrigerant that has flowed out into the first heat exchanger 140 passes through the switching mechanism 130 via the second port P2 and the third port P3 in this order, and is again drawn into the compressor 120 via the suction section 120a.

[0085] (3-2-2) Water Circuit 300 When the pump 220 starts operating, the refrigerant filled in the water circuit is drawn in through the suction port 220a and then discharged from the discharge port 220b.

[0086] The water flowing out from the discharge port 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 with the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path 131 (is heated), and then flows out from the first end 152a.

[0087] The water flowing out of the second heat exchanger 150 passes through the first degassing device 170 and the second degassing device 210 in this order. The functions of the first degassing device 170 and the second degassing device 210 in heating operation are the same as those in cooling operation, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0088] The water flowing out of the second heat exchanger 150 flows into the third heat exchanger 410 from the first end 410a. The water flowing into the third heat exchanger 410 exchanges heat with the air in the living space 400. As a result, the air in the living space 400 is heated.

[0089] The water that has exchanged heat with the air in the living space 400 flows out from the second end 410b and is then sucked into the pump 220 again through the suction portion 220a.

[0090] (4) Features (4-1) The temperature adjustment system 1 is a temperature adjustment system that adjusts the temperature of water flowing through a water pipe 310. The temperature adjustment system 1 includes a first unit 100 and a second unit 200.

[0091] The first unit 100 has a refrigerant circuit 110, a first water pipe 310a, a second heat exchanger 150, and a first degassing device 170. A highly flammable refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuit 110. The first water pipe 310a is part of the water pipe 310. The second heat exchanger 150 exchanges heat between the water flowing through the first water pipe 310a and the refrigerant. The first degassing device 170 discharges gas from the first water pipe 310a.

[0092] The second unit has a second water pipe 310b and a second degassing device 210. The second water pipe 310b is a part of the water pipe 310, into which water flowing out from the first water pipe 310a flows and into which the outflowing refrigerant flows into the living space 400. The second degassing device 210 discharges gas from the second water pipe 310b.

[0093] The gas-liquid separation performance of the first degassing device 170, which separates gas from water flowing in the water pipe 310, is higher than the gas-liquid separation performance of the second degassing device 210, which separates gas from water flowing in the water pipe.

[0094] Even if a large amount of highly flammable refrigerant becomes mixed into 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 discharge the refrigerant from the water piping 310 by the first degassing device 170 and the second degassing device 210 before it flows into the living space 400. Therefore, even if a large amount of refrigerant becomes mixed into the water piping 310, the temperature adjustment system 1 can discharge the refrigerant from the water piping 310 before it flows into the living space 400.

[0095] Furthermore, since the gas-liquid separation performance of the first degassing device 170 of the first unit 100 is higher than that of the second degassing device 210, as much refrigerant as possible can be discharged outdoors, and the refrigerant can be reliably prevented from flowing into the living space 400.

[0096] (4-2) The first degassing device 170 is provided downstream of the second heat exchanger 150 in the first water pipe 310a.

[0097] The temperature adjustment system 1 can discharge the highly flammable refrigerant mixed in the water from the water piping 310 before it flows into the living space 400.

[0098] (4-3) The first degassing device 170 discharges the gas to the outside.

[0099] The temperature adjustment system 1 can prevent the highly flammable refrigerant from flowing into the living space 400 by discharging the separated refrigerant outdoors.

[0100] (4-4) The second unit 200 is installed in an indoor non-residential space.

[0101] The temperature adjustment system 1 can prevent the highly flammable refrigerant from flowing into the living space 400 by discharging the separated refrigerant outside the living space 400 .

[0102] (4-5) The second degassing device 210 discharges the gas to the outside of the second unit 200 .

[0103] By discharging the separated refrigerant to the outside of the second unit 200, the temperature adjustment system 1 can prevent the highly flammable refrigerant from accumulating in high concentration inside the second unit 200.

[0104] (4-6) The second degassing device 210 has a second refrigerant discharge port 210b for discharging gas. The second refrigerant discharge port 210b is located outside the second unit 200 at a height H of 150 mm or less from the floor on which the second unit 200 is installed.

[0105] The outlet provided on the wall of a building is usually installed at a height of 150 mm or more from the floor. Therefore, the temperature adjustment system 1 can ensure a certain distance between the highly flammable refrigerant discharged from the second refrigerant discharge port 210b and the outlet provided on the wall of the building.

[0106] (5) Modifications (5-1) Modification 1A The first degassing device 170 and the second degassing device 210 may be gas vent valves that can release air (refrigerant) accumulated in the water piping 310 by opening and closing the valves. For example, in the temperature adjustment system 1, the first degassing device 170 may be a gas-liquid separator, and the second degassing device 210 may be a gas vent valve with lower gas-liquid separation performance than the first degassing device 170.

[0107] Generally, the gas vent valve is smaller than the gas-liquid separator, so by using the gas vent valve in the second degassing device 210, it is possible to prevent the second unit 200 from becoming large.

[0108] (5-2) Modification 1B The second unit 200 may include equipment other than the pump 220. For example, the second unit 200 may further include a heater that heats the 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.

[0109] (5-3) Modification 1C The second refrigerant outlet 210b may be located outdoors. In this case, the second degassing device 210 can discharge the separated gas outdoors.

[0110] As a result, the temperature adjustment system 1 can prevent the highly flammable refrigerant from flowing into the living space 400 by discharging the separated refrigerant outdoors.

[0111] (5-4) Modification 1D Second refrigerant discharge port 210 b may be located inside second unit 200 , at the bottom of second unit 200 .

[0112] As a result, the temperature adjustment system 1 stores the separated refrigerant inside the second unit, thereby preventing the highly flammable refrigerant from flowing into the living space 400. While the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be understood that various modifications in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined in the claims.

[0113] 1 Temperature control system 100 First unit 110 Refrigerant circuit 120 Compressor 130 Switching mechanism 140 First heat exchanger 150 Second heat exchanger (heat exchanger) 160 Expansion mechanism 170 First degassing device 200 Second unit 210 Second degassing device 210b Second refrigerant discharge port (refrigerant discharge port) 220 Pump 300 Water circuit 310 Water piping 310a First water piping 310b Second water piping 310c Third water piping 310d Fourth water piping 400 Living space 410 Third heat exchanger 500 Control unit H Height of second refrigerant discharge port from floor surface on which second unit is installed

[0114] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-162184

Claims

1. A temperature control system (1) for adjusting the temperature of water flowing through a water pipe (310), comprising a first unit (100) and a second unit (200), wherein the first unit comprises: a refrigerant circuit (110) in which a highly flammable refrigerant circulates; a first water pipe (310a) which is a part of the water pipe; a heat exchanger (150) which exchanges heat between the water flowing through the first water pipe and the refrigerant; and a first degassing device (170) which discharges gas from the first water pipe; and the second unit comprises: a second water pipe (310b) which is a part of the water pipe, into which water flowing out from the first water pipe flows and into which the outflowing refrigerant flows into a living space (400); and a second degassing device (210) which discharges gas from the second water pipe, and the gas-liquid separation performance of the first degassing device for separating gas from the water flowing through the water pipe is A temperature control system, wherein the second degassing device has a higher gas-liquid separation performance for separating gas from the water flowing through the water pipe.

2. The temperature control system according to claim 1, wherein the first degassing device is provided downstream of the heat exchanger in the first water piping.

3. The temperature control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second unit has one of a pump (220), a heater, and a flow sensor.

4. A temperature control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first degassing device exhausts the gas outdoors.

5. A temperature control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second degassing device exhausts the gas outdoors.

6. A temperature control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second unit is installed in an indoor non-habitable space.

7. The temperature control system according to claim 6, wherein the second degassing device exhausts the gas to the outside of the second unit.

8. The temperature control system described in claim 7, wherein the second degassing device has a refrigerant discharge port (210b) for discharging the gas, and the refrigerant discharge port is located outside the second unit and at a height (H) of 150 mm or less from the floor surface on which the second unit is installed.

9. A temperature control system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second degassing device has a refrigerant discharge port (210b) for discharging the gas, and the refrigerant discharge port is located inside the second unit and at the bottom of the second unit.

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