Chiller system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a chiller system. The chiller system according to the present invention comprises: an outdoor unit that exchanges heat between a refrigerant and water and discharges heat-exchanged cooling water or heating water; a plurality of indoor units that exchange heat between air and the cooling water or heating water discharged from the outdoor unit; a hot water supply device that heats the water supplied indoors by using the heating water discharged from the outdoor unit; and a distribution unit that is located between the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units and delivers, to each of the plurality of indoor units, the cooling water or heating water discharged from the outdoor unit. The outdoor unit includes: a compressor; an outdoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat between air and the refrigerant made to flow by the compressor; a first heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the water and the refrigerant made to flow by the compressor and delivers the heating water to the distribution unit; a second heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the water and the refrigerant made to flow by the compressor and delivers the cooling water to the distribution unit; and a third heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the water and the refrigerant made to flow by the compressor and delivers the heating water to the hot water supply device. Therefore, it is possible to regulate the plurality of indoor units by means of the operation of the compressor, and it is also possible to operate the hot water supply device.

Description

Chiller system

[0001] The present invention relates to a chiller system, and more particularly, to a chiller system capable of simultaneously controlling a plurality of indoor units.

[0002] Hybrid water-refrigerated (Air to Water Heat Pumps) systems require a separate refrigerant leak sensor or shut-off valve system due to the flammability of the refrigerant when using a refrigerant with a low GWP (Global Warming Potential). In addition, since the refrigerant piping and water piping exist simultaneously, installation is cumbersome and management is difficult.

[0003] The simultaneous chiller system has the disadvantage of requiring multiple pipes to the indoor side and separate valves installed adjacent to the indoor unit, making installation cumbersome and expensive.

[0004] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0093805 discloses a chiller system, but does not disclose a simultaneous chiller that operates multiple indoor units individually and simultaneously with one outdoor unit.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a chiller system that minimizes indoor unit side connection piping and reduces material costs by utilizing water blocks to improve installability.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a chiller system that enables simultaneous and individual operation of multiple indoor units.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a chiller system capable of controlling a plurality of indoor units and simultaneously supplying heating water to a hot water heater.

[0008] The tasks of the present invention are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the chiller system of the present invention according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an outdoor unit that exchanges heat between refrigerant and water and discharges the heat-exchanged cooling water or heating water, a plurality of indoor units that heat-exchange the cooling water or heating water discharged from the outdoor unit with air, a hot water supply device that heats water supplied indoors using the heating water discharged from the outdoor unit, and a distribution unit that is disposed between the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units and sends the cooling water or heating water discharged from the outdoor unit to each of the plurality of indoor units.

[0010] The outdoor unit includes a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat between refrigerant flowing through the compressor and air, a first heat exchanger for exchanging heat between refrigerant flowing through the compressor and water and sending heated water to the distribution unit, a second heat exchanger for exchanging heat between refrigerant flowing through the compressor and water and sending cooling water to the distribution unit, and a third heat exchanger for exchanging heat between refrigerant flowing through the compressor and water and sending heated water to the water heater. Therefore, operation of the compressor can be controlled by a plurality of indoor units, and operation of the water heater can also be performed.

[0011] The above first heat exchanger and the above third heat exchanger are connected in series.

[0012] The refrigerant flowing in the compressor can sequentially flow through the first heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger.

[0013] It further includes a first pump that sends water heated in the first heat exchanger to the distribution unit, and a second pump that sends water cooled in the second heat exchanger to the distribution unit. The operation of the first pump and the second pump allows water discharged from the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to be sent to the distribution unit.

[0014] It further includes a third pump that sends water heated in the third heat exchanger to the water heater.

[0015] It includes a main expansion valve that expands refrigerant flowing to the outdoor heat exchanger, a first expansion valve that expands refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger, and a second expansion valve that expands refrigerant flowing to the second heat exchanger.

[0016] The above first expansion valve can expand the refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger or the third heat exchanger.

[0017] In a heating mode in which the refrigerant flows through the first heat exchanger and the first pump operates, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows through the third heat exchanger to the first heat exchanger.

[0018] In the hot water mode where the refrigerant flows through the third heat exchanger and the third pump operates, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows through the third heat exchanger to the first heat exchanger.

[0019] When the simultaneous mode of operating both the first pump and the second pump is operated, the refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger is sent to the second heat exchanger.

[0020] When the above simultaneous mode is in progress, the cooling load and heating load generated from the plurality of indoor units can be considered and used as a condenser or evaporator of the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0021] When the first pump and the third pump are in operation, the refrigerant discharged from the third heat exchanger passes through the first heat exchanger and is expanded in the expansion valve.

[0022] When the simultaneous mode and hot water supply mode in which the first pump, the second pump, and the third pump are all operated are operated, the cooling load and heating load generated from the plurality of indoor units and the heating load used in the hot water supply device can be taken into consideration and used as a condenser or evaporator of the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0023] The above distribution unit is connected to each of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and the above distribution unit is connected to each of the plurality of indoor units.

[0024] The above distribution unit can send the heated water discharged from the first heat exchanger or the cooled water discharged from the second heat exchanger to each of the plurality of indoor units.

[0025] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0026]

[0027] According to the chiller system of the present invention, one or more of the following effects are achieved.

[0028] First, by applying a water block to the chiller system, there is an advantage in that the material cost of the chiller system can be reduced by minimizing the indoor unit side connecting pipes connected to the indoor unit side.

[0029] Second, there is also the advantage of being able to operate multiple indoor units in heating and cooling mode simultaneously through the distribution unit.

[0030] Third, by placing a third heat exchanger connected to the water heater on the side of the first heat exchanger, there is an advantage in that multiple indoor units can be controlled by one outdoor unit while simultaneously operating the water heater.

[0031] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a chiller system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the flow of refrigerant and the flow of water when all of a plurality of indoor units arranged in a chiller system according to one embodiment of the present invention operate in cooling mode.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the flow of refrigerant and the flow of water when all of a plurality of indoor units arranged in a chiller system according to one embodiment of the present invention operate in heating mode.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the flow of refrigerant and the flow of water when the hot water mode in which the hot water device disposed in the chiller system according to one embodiment of the present invention operates is operated.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the flow of refrigerant and the flow of water when the chiller system according to one embodiment of the present invention operates in cooling mode and hot water mode.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the flow of refrigerant and water when the chiller system according to one embodiment of the present invention operates in heating mode and hot water mode.

[0038] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing the flow of refrigerant and the flow of water when a chiller system according to one embodiment of the present invention is operated in a simultaneous mode in which heating mode and cooling mode are used simultaneously.

[0039] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing the flow of refrigerant and the flow of water when a chiller system according to one embodiment of the present invention operates in simultaneous mode and hot water mode.

[0040]

[0041] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided only to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the specification.

[0042] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to drawings for explaining a chiller system according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0043] Referring to Fig. 1, the configuration of the chiller system of the present invention is described.

[0044] The chiller system of the present invention includes an outdoor unit (ODU) that exchanges heat between refrigerant and water. The outdoor unit (ODU) can discharge heat-exchanged heated water or heat-exchanged cooling water. The outdoor unit (ODU) can send the heated water or cooling water to at least one of a plurality of indoor units (IDU). The outdoor unit (ODU) can simultaneously send the heated water and cooling water to each of the plurality of indoor units (IDU).

[0045] The outdoor unit (ODU) can send heated water to the hot water heater (60).

[0046] The outdoor unit (ODU) includes a compressor (10) that compresses refrigerant. The compressor (10) can circulate the refrigerant by compressing and discharging the refrigerant.

[0047] The outdoor unit (ODU) may include an outdoor heat exchanger (12) that exchanges heat between air and refrigerant.

[0048] The outdoor heat exchanger (12) can exchange heat between the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) and air. The outdoor heat exchanger (12) can exchange heat between the refrigerant flowing into the compressor (10) and air.

[0049] The outdoor unit (ODU) may include a first heat exchanger (22) that exchanges heat between refrigerant flowing through a compressor (10) and water. The first heat exchanger (22) may heat the water by exchanging heat between the refrigerant and water. The first heat exchanger (22) may send the water heated through the heat exchange to the indoor unit. The first heat exchanger (22) may send the water heated through the heat exchange to the distribution unit (40).

[0050] The refrigerant heat-exchanged in the first heat exchanger (22) can flow to the outdoor heat exchanger (12). The refrigerant heat-exchanged in the first heat exchanger (22) can flow to the second heat exchanger (20).

[0051] The outdoor unit (ODU) may include a second heat exchanger (20) that exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing by the compressor (10) and water. The second heat exchanger (20) may cool the water by heat-exchanging the refrigerant and water. The second heat exchanger (20) may send the water cooled by the heat exchange to the indoor unit. The second heat exchanger (20) may send the water cooled by the heat exchange to the distribution unit (40).

[0052] The refrigerant heat-exchanged in the second heat exchanger (20) can flow to the compressor (10). The refrigerant flowing from the first heat exchanger (22) can be introduced into the second heat exchanger (20). The refrigerant flowing from the outdoor heat exchanger (12) can be introduced into the second heat exchanger (20).

[0053] The outdoor unit (ODU) may include a third heat exchanger (24) that exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing by the compressor (10) and water. The third heat exchanger (24) may heat the water by exchanging heat between the refrigerant and water. The third heat exchanger (24) may send the water heated by the heat exchange to a hot water supply device (60).

[0054] The refrigerant discharged from the third heat exchanger (24) can flow to the second heat exchanger (20). The refrigerant discharged from the third heat exchanger (24) can flow to the outdoor heat exchanger (12). The refrigerant discharged from the third heat exchanger (24) can flow to the first heat exchanger (22). The third heat exchanger (24) can be arranged in series with the first heat exchanger (22). Therefore, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) can flow to the first heat exchanger (22) via the third heat exchanger (24).

[0055] The refrigerant discharged from the third heat exchanger (24) can flow through the first heat exchanger (22) to the outdoor heat exchanger (12) or the second heat exchanger (20).

[0056] The outdoor unit (ODU) may include a switching valve (14) that selectively sends the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) to the outdoor heat exchanger (12) or the first heat exchanger (22).

[0057] The outdoor unit (ODU) may include a main expansion valve (16) that expands refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger (12). The main expansion valve (16) may expand refrigerant flowing from the outdoor heat exchanger (12).

[0058] The main expansion valve (16) can expand the refrigerant flowing from the outdoor heat exchanger (12) when the outdoor heat exchanger (12) is used as a condenser. The main expansion valve (16) can expand the refrigerant flowing to the outdoor heat exchanger (12) when the outdoor heat exchanger (12) is used as an evaporator.

[0059] The outdoor unit (ODU) may include a first expansion valve (28) for expanding refrigerant flowing from the first heat exchanger (22). The first expansion valve (28) may expand refrigerant flowing from the first heat exchanger (22) used as a condenser.

[0060] The outdoor unit (ODU) may include a second expansion valve (26) for expanding refrigerant flowing to the second heat exchanger (20). The second expansion valve (26) may expand refrigerant flowing to the second heat exchanger (20) used as an evaporator.

[0061] The outdoor unit (ODU) includes a first pump (34) that forms a flow of water through a first heat exchanger (22).

[0062] The first pump (34) can send water heat-exchanged in the first heat exchanger (22) to the indoor unit. The first pump (34) can send water heated in the first heat exchanger (22) to the distribution unit (40). The first pump (34) can send water heated in the first heat exchanger (22) to the indoor unit through the distribution unit (40).

[0063] The outdoor unit (ODU) includes a second pump (32) that creates a flow of water through a second heat exchanger (20).

[0064] The second pump (32) can send water heat-exchanged in the second heat exchanger (20) to the indoor unit. The second pump (32) can send water cooled in the second heat exchanger (20) to the distribution unit (40). The second pump (32) can send water cooled in the second heat exchanger (20) to the indoor unit through the distribution unit (40).

[0065] The outdoor unit (ODU) includes a third pump (36) that creates a flow of water through a third heat exchanger (24).

[0066] The third pump (36) can send the water heat-exchanged in the third heat exchanger (24) to the hot water supply device (60).

[0067] The chiller system of the present invention includes a plurality of indoor units (IDUs) connected to an outdoor unit (ODU) to control the temperature of an indoor space. Each of the plurality of indoor units (IDUs) can be connected to one outdoor unit (ODU).

[0068] A plurality of indoor units (IDUs) are connected to an outdoor unit (ODU) via a distribution unit (40). The plurality of indoor units (IDUs) can operate independently. The plurality of indoor units (IDUs) can operate in the same operating mode. Each of the plurality of indoor units (IDUs) can operate in a different operating mode.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 1, the plurality of indoor units may include a first indoor unit (52) and a second indoor unit (54). Additional indoor units may also be connected.

[0070] The chiller system of the present invention includes a distribution unit (40) that sends heated water and cooled water discharged from an outdoor unit (ODU) to each of a plurality of indoor units (IDU).

[0071] The distribution unit (40) can be connected to each of the first heat exchanger (22) and the second heat exchanger (20). The distribution unit (40) can be connected to each of a plurality of indoor units (IDUs). The distribution unit (40) can be connected to each of the first indoor unit (52) and the second indoor unit (54).

[0072] The distribution unit (40) can send the heat-exchanged water discharged from the first heat exchanger (22) or the second heat exchanger (20) to a plurality of indoor units (IDU). The distribution unit (40) can send the heated water or the cooled water to each of the plurality of indoor units (IDU) by considering the operating status of each of the plurality of indoor units (IDU). The distribution unit (40) can send the heat-exchanged water discharged from the first heat exchanger (22) or the second heat exchanger (20) to the first indoor unit (52) or the second indoor unit (54).

[0073] The chiller system of the present invention includes a hot water supply device (60) that uses heated water discharged from a third heat exchanger (24). The hot water supply device (60) can provide hot water to a user.

[0074] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 2, the flow of water and refrigerant is described when all of the multiple indoor units (IDUs) are operating in cooling mode (or cooling operation).

[0075] The refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) can flow to the outdoor heat exchanger (12). The switching valve (14) can send the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) to the outdoor heat exchanger (12). The outdoor heat exchanger (12) can be used as a condenser.

[0076] The refrigerant flowing from the outdoor heat exchanger (12) can flow to the second heat exchanger (20). The second heat exchanger (20) is used as an evaporator. The refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger (20) can flow to the compressor (10).

[0077] A second pump (32) connected to the second heat exchanger (20) operates to send water cooled by heat exchange in the second heat exchanger (20) to the distribution unit (40).

[0078] The distribution unit (40) can send the cooled water discharged from the second heat exchanger (20) to at least one of a plurality of indoor units.

[0079] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 3, the flow of water and refrigerant is described when all of the multiple indoor units (IDUs) are operating in heating mode (or heating operation).

[0080] The refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) can flow to the first heat exchanger (22). The switching valve (14) can send the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) to the first heat exchanger (22). The first heat exchanger (22) is used as a condenser.

[0081] The refrigerant flowing from the first heat exchanger (22) can flow to the outdoor heat exchanger (12). The outdoor heat exchanger (12) can be used as an evaporator. The refrigerant discharged from the outdoor heat exchanger (12) can flow to the compressor (10).

[0082] The first pump (34) connected to the first heat exchanger (22) operates to send water heated by heat exchange in the first heat exchanger (22) to the distribution unit (40).

[0083] The distribution unit (40) can send the heated water discharged from the first heat exchanger (22) to at least one of a plurality of indoor units (IDU).

[0084] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4, the flow of water and refrigerant in a hot water mode in which all of the indoor units (IDUs) do not operate and only the hot water heater (60) operates will be described.

[0085] The refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) can flow to the third heat exchanger (24). The switching valve (14) can send the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) to the third heat exchanger (24). The third heat exchanger (24) is used as a condenser.

[0086] The refrigerant flowing from the third heat exchanger (24) can flow to the outdoor heat exchanger (12). The outdoor heat exchanger (12) can be used as an evaporator. The refrigerant discharged from the outdoor heat exchanger (12) can flow to the compressor (10).

[0087] The third pump (36) connected to the third heat exchanger (24) operates to send water heated through heat exchange in the third heat exchanger (24) to the hot water supply device (60).

[0088] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 5, the flow of water and refrigerant is described when all of the multiple indoor units (IDUs) are operated in cooling mode and hot water mode is operated.

[0089] The refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) can flow to the outdoor heat exchanger (12). The switching valve (14) can send the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) to the outdoor heat exchanger (12). The outdoor heat exchanger (12) can be used as a condenser.

[0090] The refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) can flow to the third heat exchanger (24). The switching valve (14) can send the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) to the third heat exchanger (24). The third heat exchanger (24) is used as a condenser.

[0091] The refrigerant flowing from the outdoor heat exchanger (12) can flow to the second heat exchanger (20). The refrigerant flowing from the third heat exchanger (24) can flow to the second heat exchanger (20).

[0092] The second heat exchanger (20) is used as an evaporator. The refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger (20) can flow to the compressor (10).

[0093] The third pump (36) connected to the third heat exchanger (24) operates to send water heated through heat exchange in the third heat exchanger (24) to the hot water supply device (60).

[0094] A second pump (32) connected to the second heat exchanger (20) operates to send water cooled by heat exchange in the second heat exchanger (20) to the distribution unit (40).

[0095] The distribution unit (40) can send the cooled water discharged from the second heat exchanger (20) to at least one of a plurality of indoor units (IDU).

[0096] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 6, the flow of water and refrigerant is described in a case where all of the multiple indoor units (IDUs) are in heating operation and the hot water heater (60) is in operation.

[0097] The refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) can flow to the first heat exchanger (22). The switching valve (14) can send the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) to the first heat exchanger (22). The first heat exchanger (22) is used as a condenser.

[0098] The refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) can flow to the third heat exchanger (24). The switching valve (14) can send the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) to the third heat exchanger (24). The third heat exchanger (24) is used as a condenser.

[0099] The refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) can flow sequentially through the third heat exchanger (24) and the first heat exchanger (22).

[0100] The refrigerant flowing from the first heat exchanger (22) can flow to the outdoor heat exchanger (12).

[0101] The outdoor heat exchanger (12) can be used as an evaporator. The refrigerant discharged from the outdoor heat exchanger (12) can flow to the compressor (10).

[0102] The first pump (34) connected to the first heat exchanger (22) operates to send water heated by heat exchange in the first heat exchanger (22) to the distribution unit (40).

[0103] The third pump (36) connected to the third heat exchanger (24) operates to send water heated through heat exchange in the third heat exchanger (24) to the hot water supply device (60).

[0104] The distribution unit (40) can send the heated water discharged from the first heat exchanger (22) to at least one of a plurality of indoor units (IDU).

[0105] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 7, the flow of water and refrigerant in the case of a simultaneous mode in which each of a plurality of indoor units (IDUs) operates in cooling mode and heating mode, respectively, is described.

[0106] The refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) can flow to the outdoor heat exchanger (12). The switching valve (14) can send the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) to the outdoor heat exchanger (12). The outdoor heat exchanger (12) can be used as a condenser.

[0107] The outdoor heat exchanger (12) can be used as a condenser or an evaporator. The outdoor heat exchanger (12) can be used as a condenser or an evaporator, taking into account the cooling load and heating load used in each of the multiple indoor units (IDUs). That is, when the cooling load used in each of the multiple indoor units (IDUs) is formed to be greater than the heating load, the outdoor heat exchanger (12) can be used as a condenser.

[0108] The refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) can flow to the first heat exchanger (22). The switching valve (14) can send the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) to the first heat exchanger (22). The first heat exchanger (22) is used as a condenser.

[0109] The refrigerant flowing from the outdoor heat exchanger (12) can flow to the second heat exchanger (20). The refrigerant flowing from the first heat exchanger (22) can flow to the second heat exchanger (20).

[0110] The second heat exchanger (20) is used as an evaporator. The refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger (20) can flow to the compressor (10).

[0111] The first pump (34) connected to the first heat exchanger (22) operates to send water heated by heat exchange in the first heat exchanger (22) to the distribution unit (40).

[0112] A second pump (32) connected to the second heat exchanger (20) operates to send water cooled by heat exchange in the second heat exchanger (20) to the distribution unit (40).

[0113] The distribution unit (40) can send the heated water discharged from the first heat exchanger (22) to one of the plurality of indoor units (IDU). The distribution unit (40) can send the cooled water discharged from the second heat exchanger (20) to another of the plurality of indoor units (IDU).

[0114] For example, when the first indoor unit (52) performs cooling operation, the distribution unit (40) can send the cooled water flowing from the second heat exchanger (20) to the first indoor unit (52). In addition, when the second indoor unit (54) performs heating operation, the distribution unit (40) can send the heated water flowing from the first heat exchanger (22) to the second indoor unit (54).

[0115] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 8, the flow of water and refrigerant will be described in a case where each of a plurality of indoor units (IDUs) operates in cooling operation and heating operation, respectively, and a hot water heater (60) also operates.

[0116] The refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) can flow to the first heat exchanger (22). The switching valve (14) can send the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) to the first heat exchanger (22). The first heat exchanger (22) is used as a condenser.

[0117] The refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) can flow to the third heat exchanger (24). The switching valve (14) can send the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) to the third heat exchanger (24). The third heat exchanger (24) is used as a condenser.

[0118] The refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) can flow sequentially through the third heat exchanger (24) and the first heat exchanger (22).

[0119] The refrigerant discharged from the third heat exchanger (24) can flow to the second heat exchanger (20). The refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger (22) can flow to the second heat exchanger (20).

[0120] The second heat exchanger (20) is used as an evaporator. The refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger (20) can flow to the compressor (10).

[0121] The outdoor heat exchanger (12) can be used as a condenser or an evaporator. The outdoor heat exchanger (12) can be used as a condenser or an evaporator, taking into account the cooling load and heating load used in each of the multiple indoor units (IDUs) and the heating load used in the hot water supply device (60).

[0122] When the outdoor heat exchanger (12) is used as a condenser, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) can flow to the outdoor heat exchanger (12). The switching valve (14) can send the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) to the outdoor heat exchanger (12). The refrigerant flowing from the outdoor heat exchanger (12) can flow to the second heat exchanger (20).

[0123] When the outdoor heat exchanger (12) is used as an evaporator, the refrigerant discharged from the outdoor heat exchanger (12) can flow to the compressor (10). The switching valve (14) can send the refrigerant discharged from the outdoor heat exchanger (12) to the compressor (10). The refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger (22) can flow into the outdoor heat exchanger (12).

[0124] The first pump (34) connected to the first heat exchanger (22) operates to send water heated by heat exchange in the first heat exchanger (22) to the distribution unit (40).

[0125] A second pump (32) connected to the second heat exchanger (20) operates to send water cooled by heat exchange in the second heat exchanger (20) to the distribution unit (40).

[0126] The distribution unit (40) can send the heated water discharged from the first heat exchanger (22) to one of the plurality of indoor units (IDU). The distribution unit (40) can send the cooled water discharged from the second heat exchanger (20) to another of the plurality of indoor units (IDU).

[0127] For example, when the first indoor unit (52) performs cooling operation, the distribution unit (40) can send the cooled water flowing from the second heat exchanger (20) to the first indoor unit (52). In addition, when the second indoor unit (54) performs heating operation, the distribution unit (40) can send the heated water flowing from the first heat exchanger (22) to the second indoor unit (54).

[0128] The third pump (36) connected to the third heat exchanger (24) operates to send water heated through heat exchange in the third heat exchanger (24) to the hot water supply device (60).

[0129] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by a person skilled in the art without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the claims. Furthermore, such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or prospect of the present invention.

Claims

1. An outdoor unit that exchanges heat between refrigerant and water and discharges the heat-exchanged cooling water or heated water; A plurality of indoor units that exchange heat between cooling water or heating water discharged from the outdoor unit and air; A hot water heater that heats water supplied indoors using the heated water discharged from the outdoor unit; and A distribution unit is disposed between the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units, and sends cooling water or heating water discharged from the outdoor unit to each of the plurality of indoor units. The above outdoor unit, compressor; An outdoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through the compressor and the air; A first heat exchanger that exchanges heat between refrigerant flowing through the compressor and water and sends the heated water to the distribution unit; A second heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through the compressor and water and sends the cooling water to the distribution unit; and A chiller system including a third heat exchanger that exchanges heat with water flowing through the compressor and sends heated water to the water heater.

2. In paragraph 1, A chiller system in which the first heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger are connected in series.

3. In paragraph 1, A chiller system in which the refrigerant flowing in the above compressor sequentially flows through the first heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger.

4. In paragraph 1, A chiller system further comprising a first pump for sending water heated in the first heat exchanger to the distribution unit, and a second pump for sending water cooled in the second heat exchanger to the distribution unit.

5. In paragraph 4, A chiller system further comprising a third pump for sending water heated in the third heat exchanger to the water heater.

6. In paragraph 5, A chiller system comprising a main expansion valve for expanding refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger, a first expansion valve for expanding refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger, and a second expansion valve for expanding refrigerant flowing through the second heat exchanger.

7. In paragraph 6, The above first expansion valve is a chiller system that expands refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger or the third heat exchanger.

8. In paragraph 5, A chiller system in which, in a heating mode in which refrigerant flows through the first heat exchanger and the first pump operates, refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows through the third heat exchanger to the first heat exchanger.

9. In paragraph 5, A chiller system in which, in a hot water mode in which the refrigerant flows through the third heat exchanger and the third pump operates, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows through the third heat exchanger to the first heat exchanger.

10. In paragraph 5, A chiller system that sends the refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger to the second heat exchanger when the simultaneous mode of operating both the first pump and the second pump is operated.

11. In Article 10, A chiller system that uses the condenser or evaporator of the outdoor heat exchanger, taking into account the cooling load and heating load generated from the plurality of indoor units when the above simultaneous mode is in progress.

12. In paragraph 6, A chiller system in which, when the first pump and the third pump are in operation, the refrigerant discharged from the third heat exchanger passes through the first heat exchanger and is expanded in the expansion valve.

13. In paragraph 5, A chiller system that uses the condenser or evaporator of the outdoor heat exchanger when the simultaneous mode in which the first pump, the second pump, and the third pump are all operated and the hot water mode are operated, taking into consideration the cooling load and heating load generated from the plurality of indoor units and the heating load used in the hot water supply device.

14. In paragraph 1, The above distribution unit is connected to each of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, The above distribution unit is a chiller system connected to each of the plurality of indoor units.

15. In paragraph 14, The above distribution unit is a chiller system that sends heated water discharged from the first heat exchanger or cooled water discharged from the second heat exchanger to each of the plurality of indoor units.

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