Refrigerant combustion system

Abstract

One aspect of a refrigerant combustion system according to the present disclosure comprises: an air conditioner including a refrigerant circuit through which a flammable refrigerant circulates; a combustion device that is used by a person and can use the refrigerant as fuel; and a connection pipe section that connects the air conditioner and the combustion device and has the refrigerant flow therein. The air conditioner includes: a discharge pipe section that links the refrigerant circuit and the connection pipe section; and a flow rate adjustment section that can adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant supplied to the discharge pipe section.

Description

Refrigerant Combustion System

[0001] The present disclosure relates to refrigerant combustion systems.

[0002] From the viewpoint of preventing global warming, there is an increasing demand for air conditioners that use flammable natural refrigerants, such as R290, which have a low global warming potential (GWP). For example, Patent Document 1 describes a refrigerant treatment device that treats a flammable natural refrigerant filled in a refrigeration system by combusting it in a combustion device.

[0003] JP 2023-50281 A

[0004] Although the above-described refrigerant treatment device can treat the refrigerant, it is not possible to effectively utilize the refrigerant, which is a limited resource.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerant combustion system that can effectively utilize refrigerant.

[0006] One aspect of the refrigerant combustion system according to the present disclosure comprises an air conditioning unit having a refrigerant circuit through which a flammable refrigerant circulates, a combustion device that is used by humans and that can use the refrigerant as fuel, and a connecting pipe section that connects the air conditioning unit to the combustion device and through which the refrigerant flows, and the air conditioning unit has a discharge pipe section that connects the refrigerant circuit to the connecting pipe section, and a flow rate adjustment section that can adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant supplied to the discharge pipe section.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, the refrigerant can be effectively utilized in a refrigerant combustion system.

[0008] Fig. 1 is a first schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a refrigerant combustion system in embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a second schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the refrigerant combustion system in embodiment 1. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a flow rate adjustment unit in embodiment 1. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a flow rate adjustment unit and a discharge pipe unit in embodiment 1. Fig. 5 is a view of the flow rate adjustment unit in embodiment 1 as seen from one side in a first direction. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a refrigerant combustion system in embodiment 2. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a connecting pipe unit in embodiment 3.

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments and can be modified as desired within the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure. In addition, in the following drawings, the scale and number of each structure may differ from the scale and number of the actual structure in order to make each configuration easier to understand.

[0010] The drawings show the Z axis where appropriate. The Z axis indicates the vertical direction. The side of the vertical direction toward which the Z axis arrow points (+Z side) is the upper side in the vertical direction, and the opposite side of the vertical direction toward which the Z axis arrow points (-Z side) is the lower side in the vertical direction. In the following description, the upper side in the vertical direction may be simply referred to as the "upper side," and the lower side in the vertical direction may be simply referred to as the "lower side."

[0011] In the drawings, a first direction D1 is indicated where appropriate. The first direction D1 is a direction parallel to the direction in which the rotation axis J, which is the rotation center of the valve body, extends. The side toward which the arrow of the first direction D1 points (+D1 side) is one side of the first direction D1, and the opposite side toward which the arrow of the first direction D1 points (-D1 side) is the other side of the first direction D1.

[0012] The drawings appropriately show a second direction D2. The second direction D2 is the direction in which the discharge pipe section extends. The second direction D2 intersects with the first direction D1. In the embodiment, the second direction D2 is perpendicular to the first direction D1. The side toward which the arrow of the second direction D2 points (+D2 side) is one side of the second direction D2, and the opposite side of the arrow of the second direction D2 (-D2 side) is the other side of the second direction D2.

[0013] Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a first schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a refrigerant combustion system 10. FIG. 2 is a second schematic diagram showing the general configuration of the refrigerant combustion system 10. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a flow rate adjusting unit 46. In Embodiment 1, the refrigerant combustion system 10 is a system in which, in the event of a disaster such as an earthquake, victims 15 use the refrigerant L filled in the refrigerant circuit 40 of an air conditioning unit 20 as fuel in a combustion device 90. The victims 15 can keep warm and cook using the thermal energy generated when the combustion device 90 combusts the refrigerant L. This allows the victims 15 to use the refrigerant L as emergency fuel. The refrigerant combustion system 10 includes an air conditioning unit 20, a connecting pipe 60, and a combustion device 90.

[0014] As described above, the combustion device 90 can be used by disaster victims 15 and can use the refrigerant L as fuel. The combustion device 90 is, for example, a gas stove. The combustion device 90 can generate thermal energy by burning the refrigerant L. Therefore, in the event of a disaster or the like, if fuel such as gas runs out, the combustion device 90 can use the refrigerant L filled in the refrigerant circuit 40 as emergency fuel.

[0015] The connecting pipe 60 connects the air conditioning unit 20 and the combustion device 90. The connecting pipe 60 is, for example, a hose or a metal pipe. The connecting pipe 60 is a flow path through which the refrigerant L flows. The connecting pipe 60 is a flow path that supplies the refrigerant L filled in the refrigerant circuit 40 of the air conditioning unit 20 to the combustion device 90.

[0016] The air conditioning unit 20 is capable of adjusting the temperature of indoor air. As shown in FIG. 2 , the air conditioning unit 20 includes an indoor unit 21, an outdoor unit 30, a refrigerant circuit 40, a flow rate adjustment unit 46, an exhaust pipe unit 51, a control unit 70, a temperature measurement unit 74, a refrigerant L, and refrigerating oil Oc. The indoor unit 21 is disposed indoors. The outdoor unit 30 is disposed outdoors. The air conditioning unit 20 can perform a cooling operation to cool the air in the room where the indoor unit 21 is disposed, and a heating operation to warm the air in the room where the indoor unit 21 is disposed. The indoor unit 21 and the outdoor unit 30 are connected to each other by a refrigerant circuit 40 through which the refrigerant L circulates. The air conditioning unit 20 adjusts the temperature of the indoor air by performing heat exchange between the refrigerant L flowing through the refrigerant circuit 40 and the air in the room where the indoor unit 21 is disposed.

[0017] As the refrigerant L, for example, a natural refrigerant with a low global warming potential can be used. Examples of the refrigerant L include a single refrigerant selected from R1234yf, R1234ze, R32, R290, R600A, and R1270, a mixture of two or more of these, or a mixture of any of these with other refrigerants. Examples of the refrigerant L include a mixed refrigerant containing R1132(E) or a mixed refrigerant containing R1123. Examples of the refrigerant L include a mixed refrigerant selected from R516A, R445A, R444A, R454C, R444B, R454A, R455A, R457A, R459B, R452B, R454B, R447B, R447A, R446A, and R459A. In the first embodiment, the refrigerant L is a flammable natural refrigerant such as R290, R600A, or R1270. The refrigerant L is filled in a refrigerant circuit 40. The flammable refrigerant L circulates through the refrigerant circuit 40. In the refrigerant circuit 40, the refrigerant L changes state between liquid and gas. The pressure of the refrigerant L in the refrigerant circuit 40 while the air conditioner 20 is stopped is 0.1 MPa or more and 3.0 MPa or less. The refrigerant circuit 40 is also filled with refrigerating oil Oc. The refrigerating oil Oc circulates through the refrigerant circuit 40 together with the refrigerant L.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 1, the outdoor unit 30 has a case 31. As shown in Fig. 2, the outdoor unit 30 has a compressor 32, an expansion valve 33, a second heat exchanger 34, a second blower 35, and a four-way valve 36. The case 31 houses the compressor 32, the expansion valve 33, the second heat exchanger 34, the second blower 35, and the four-way valve 36. The compressor 32, the expansion valve 33, the second heat exchanger 34, the second blower 35, and the four-way valve 36 are connected to each other by portions of the refrigerant circuit 40 that are located inside the case 31.

[0019] The compressor 32 compresses the gaseous refrigerant L and discharges the high-pressure gaseous refrigerant L into the refrigerant circuit 40. The expansion valve 33 decompresses the liquid refrigerant L and discharges the low-temperature liquid refrigerant L into the refrigerant circuit 40. The second heat exchanger 34 exchanges heat between the refrigerant L and the air surrounding the second heat exchanger 34. The second blower 35 blows the air that has undergone heat exchange in the second heat exchanger 34 to the outside of the outdoor unit 30. The four-way valve 36 is provided in a portion of the refrigerant circuit 40 that is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 32. The four-way valve 36 switches a portion of the refrigerant circuit 40 to reverse the direction of the refrigerant L flowing through the refrigerant circuit 40. As described above, the refrigerant circuit 40 is filled with refrigerating oil Oc. The refrigerating oil Oc lubricates the compressor 32 and other components. Examples of the refrigerating oil Oc that can be used include hydrocarbon-based synthetic oils such as alkylbenzene and ester-based synthetic oils such as polyalkylene glycol.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 1, the indoor unit 21 has a cover 22. As shown in Fig. 2, the indoor unit 21 has a first heat exchanger 23 and a first fan 24. The cover 22 houses the first heat exchanger 23 and the first fan 24. The first heat exchanger 23 exchanges heat between the air around the first heat exchanger 23 and the refrigerant L. The first fan 24 blows the air that has undergone heat exchange by the first heat exchanger 23 into the room.

[0021] As described above, flammable refrigerant L circulates through the refrigerant circuit 40. The refrigerant circuit 40 includes a gas pipe 41, a first pipe line 42a, a second pipe line 42b, a third pipe line 42c, a fourth pipe line 42d, and a liquid pipe 44. The gas pipe 41 and the liquid pipe 44 connect the indoor unit 21 and the outdoor unit 30, respectively. As shown in FIG. 1 , a portion of each of the gas pipe 41 and the liquid pipe 44 is located outside the indoor unit 21 and the outdoor unit 30. As shown in FIG. 2 , the first pipe line 42a, the second pipe line 42b, the third pipe line 42c, and the fourth pipe line 42d are housed inside the case 31 of the outdoor unit 30.

[0022] The gaseous refrigerant L flows through the gas pipe 41. The gas pipe 41 connects the first heat exchanger 23 and the flow rate adjustment unit 46. In the first embodiment, the flow rate adjustment unit 46 is a three-way valve. The flow rate adjustment unit 46 is connected to a discharge pipe 51, which will be described later. The flow rate adjustment unit 46 can adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant L supplied from the refrigerant circuit 40 to the discharge pipe 51. The gaseous refrigerant L flows through the discharge pipe 51. When the air conditioning unit 20 is operating in cooling, dehumidifying, or heating mode, the flow rate adjustment unit 46 connects the gas pipe 41 to the second pipe line 42b. When the refrigerant L is supplied to the combustion device 90 as fuel, the flow rate adjustment unit 46 adjusts the opening between the refrigerant circuit 40 and the discharge pipe 51 to adjust the flow rate of the gaseous refrigerant L supplied from the refrigerant circuit 40 to the discharge pipe 51. The flow rate adjustment unit 46 will be described in detail later.

[0023] The first pipe 42a connects the discharge side of the compressor 32 to the four-way valve 36. The second pipe 42b connects the four-way valve 36 to the flow rate regulator 46. The third pipe 42c connects the four-way valve 36 to the second heat exchanger 34. The expansion valve 33 is disposed at the other end of the second heat exchanger 34 via the third pipe 42c. The fourth pipe 42d connects the four-way valve 36 to the inlet side of the compressor 32. The liquid pipe 44 connects the first heat exchanger 23 to the expansion valve 33. A liquid refrigerant L generally flows through the liquid pipe 44. As shown in FIG. 3 , a stop valve 37 is disposed in the liquid pipe 44.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 2, when the air conditioning unit 20 is in heating operation, the four-way valve 36 connects the first pipe 42a to the second pipe 42b and connects the third pipe 42c to the fourth pipe 42d. As a result, during heating operation, the refrigerant L circulating through the refrigerant circuit 40 flows in the direction indicated by the solid arrows in Fig. 2. That is, the refrigerant L circulates through the compressor 32, the first heat exchanger 23, the expansion valve 33, and the second heat exchanger 34 in this order before returning to the compressor 32. During heating operation, the first heat exchanger 23 functions as a condenser, and the second heat exchanger 34 functions as an evaporator.

[0025] When the air conditioner 20 is in cooling operation, the four-way valve 36 connects the first pipe 42a to the third pipe 42c and connects the second pipe 42b to the fourth pipe 42d. As a result, during cooling operation, the refrigerant L circulating through the refrigerant circuit 40 flows in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow in Figure 2. That is, the refrigerant L circulates by passing through the compressor 32, the second heat exchanger 34, the expansion valve 33, and the first heat exchanger 23 in this order before returning to the compressor 32. During cooling operation, the first heat exchanger 23 functions as an evaporator, and the second heat exchanger 34 functions as a condenser.

[0026] The control unit 70 controls the operation of each of the first fan 24, the compressor 32, the expansion valve 33, the second fan 35, and the four-way valve 36. The control unit 70 is housed inside the cover 22 of the indoor unit. The control unit 70 has a control power supply unit 70a. The control power supply unit 70a is electrically connected to a power supply 95. The control unit 70 is electrically connected to each of the first fan 24 and the power supply unit 72. The control unit 70 controls the power supplied from the control power supply unit 70a to each of the first fan 24 and the power supply unit 72.

[0027] The power supply unit 72 is housed inside the case 31 of the outdoor unit 30. The power supply unit 72 is electrically connected to the power source 95 via the control power supply unit 70a. Power is supplied to the power supply unit 72 from the control unit 70. The power supply unit 72 is electrically connected to each of the compressor 32, the expansion valve 33, the second blower 35, and the four-way valve 36. The power supply unit 72 controls the power supplied to each of the compressor 32, the expansion valve 33, the second blower 35, and the four-way valve 36. In other words, the power supply unit 72 supplies power to the outdoor unit 30. In this way, the power supply unit 72 controls the operation of each of the compressor 32, the expansion valve 33, the second blower 35, and the four-way valve 36.

[0028] Next, the flow rate adjustment unit 46 will be described in more detail. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the flow rate adjustment unit 46 and the discharge pipe 51. As shown in FIG. 3, in the first embodiment, the flow rate adjustment unit 46 is disposed outside the outdoor unit 30. As described above, the flow rate adjustment unit 46 is a three-way valve. As described above, the flow rate adjustment unit 46 is connected to the gas pipe 41 and the second pipe line 42b. When supplying the refrigerant L to the combustion device 90, the flow rate adjustment unit 46 is connected to the discharge pipe 51. The discharge pipe 51 is a metal pipe. As shown in FIG. 4, the flow rate adjustment unit 46 has a main body 46a, a first connecting pipe 46b, a second connecting pipe 46c, a third connecting pipe 46d, a rotation restricting unit 46g, a valve body 47, and an operating unit 48.

[0029] The main body 46a has a cylindrical shape extending in the first direction D1. In the first embodiment, the main body 46a has a substantially cylindrical shape centered on the rotation axis J. The main body 46a opens on both sides in the first direction D1. The rotation axis J is a virtual axis extending in the first direction D1.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 3, the first connecting pipe 46b has a cylindrical shape extending in a second direction D2, which is a direction tilted from the horizontal to the vertical. In the first embodiment, the first connecting pipe 46b has a substantially cylindrical shape. As shown in Fig. 4, the gas pipe 41 is connected to the first connecting pipe 46b. This connects the flow rate adjuster 46 and the gas pipe 41. This therefore connects the flow rate adjuster 46 and the refrigerant circuit 40. The refrigerant L in a gas state flows through the flow rate adjuster 46. The interior of the first connecting pipe 46b is connected to the interior of the main body 46a.

[0031] The second connecting pipe 46c has a tubular shape extending in the first direction D1. In the first embodiment, the second connecting pipe 46c has a substantially cylindrical shape. The second pipe 42b is connected to the second connecting pipe 46c. The interior of the second connecting pipe 46c is connected to the interior of the main body 46a.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 3 , the third connecting pipe 46d is cylindrical and extends in the second direction D2. More specifically, the third connecting pipe 46d extends downward from the main body 46a in a direction lower than the horizontal direction. In the first embodiment, the third connecting pipe 46d is substantially cylindrical. As shown in FIG. 4 , when the refrigerant L is supplied to the combustion device 90, the discharge pipe 51 is connected to the third connecting pipe 46d. When the air conditioning unit 20 is in operation, it is preferable that the discharge pipe 51 is not connected to the third connecting pipe 46d. The interior of the third connecting pipe 46d is connected to the interior of the main body 46a. In this way, the flow rate adjuster 46 connects the refrigerant circuit 40 and the discharge pipe 51.

[0033] The valve body 47 has a plate shape extending in the first direction D1. Although not shown, when viewed from the first direction D1, the valve body 47 has a generally arcuate shape centered on the rotation axis J. When viewed from the first direction D1, the central angle of the valve body 47 is generally 180°. A portion of the valve body 47 on one side (+D1 side) in the first direction D1 is disposed inside the main body 46a. An end of the valve body 47 on the other side (-D1 side) in the first direction D1 contacts the second connecting pipe 46c. The valve body 47 is rotatable around the rotation axis J. When the air conditioning unit 20 is operating, the valve body 47 blocks the third connecting pipe 46d. This prevents the refrigerant L from flowing from the refrigerant circuit 40 to the discharge pipe 51. As the valve body 47 rotates about the rotation axis J, the opening degree, which is the size of the gap between the valve body 47 and the third connecting pipe 46d, increases, and the gap between the valve body 47 and the second connecting pipe 46c decreases. As a result, the valve body 47 rotates about the rotation axis J, thereby adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant L flowing from the refrigerant circuit 40 to the discharge pipe 51. In other words, by adjusting the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment unit 46, the flow rate of the refrigerant L flowing from the refrigerant circuit 40 to the discharge pipe 51 can be adjusted.

[0034] As described above, the pressure of the refrigerant L in the refrigerant circuit 40 while the air conditioner 20 is stopped is high, at 0.1 MPa or more and 3.0 MPa or less. The gaseous refrigerant L is decompressed as it flows through the gap between the valve body 47 and the third connecting pipe 46d. Therefore, by adjusting the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment unit 46, the pressure of the refrigerant L flowing from the refrigerant circuit 40 to the discharge pipe 51 can be adjusted. In other words, the flow rate adjustment unit 46 can adjust the pressure of the gaseous refrigerant L flowing through the discharge pipe 51.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a view of the flow rate adjustment unit as viewed from one side (+D1 side) in the first direction D1. As shown in FIG. 4, the operating unit 48 is columnar and extends in the first direction D1. In the first embodiment, the operating unit 48 is substantially cylindrical and centered on the rotation axis J. The end of the operating unit 48 on the other side (-D1 side) in the first direction D1 is connected to the valve body 47. This allows the operating unit 48 to rotate around the rotation axis J together with the valve body 47. The end of the operating unit 48 on one side (+D1 side) in the first direction D1 is exposed to the outside from the main body 46a. The operating unit 48 has an operating surface 48a.

[0036] The operation surface 48a is a surface of the outer surface of the operation unit 48 that faces one side (+D1 side) in the first direction D1. The operation surface 48a is exposed to the outside of the main body 46a. As shown in FIG. 5 , the operation surface 48a has a substantially circular shape centered on the rotation axis J. A hole 48b and a groove 48c are provided in the operation surface 48a. That is, the groove 48c is provided in the outer surface of the operation unit 48.

[0037] The hole 48b is a hole recessed from the operation surface 48a toward the other side (-D1 side) in the first direction D1. When viewed from the first direction D1, the hole 48b is hexagonal. When viewed from the first direction D1, the hole 48b may have another shape, such as a square. The victim 15 can rotate the valve body 47 about the rotation axis J by inserting a tool such as a hex wrench into the hole 48b and rotating the operation unit 48 about the rotation axis J. This allows the victim 15 to supply the refrigerant L from the refrigerant circuit 40 to the combustion device 90 via the discharge pipe 51 and the connection pipe 60. Furthermore, the victim 15 can adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant L supplied from the refrigerant circuit 40 to the discharge pipe 51 by adjusting the amount of rotation of the operation unit 48 about the rotation axis J. This allows the victim 15 to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant L supplied from the refrigerant circuit 40 to the discharge pipe 51.

[0038] The groove 48c is a groove recessed from the operation surface 48a toward the other side (-D1 side) in the first direction D1. That is, the groove 48c is recessed in the first direction D1. The groove 48c extends in a direction intersecting the first direction D1. In the first embodiment, the groove 48c extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. Therefore, even if the victim 15 does not have a tool such as a hex wrench, the victim 15 can rotate the valve body 47 about the rotation axis J by inserting a plate-shaped member such as a coin into the groove 48c and rotating the operation unit 48 about the rotation axis J. This allows the victim 15 to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant L supplied from the refrigerant circuit 40 to the combustion device 90.

[0039] 4, the rotation restricting portion 46g is a protrusion that protrudes from the inner surface of the main body portion 46a. Although not shown, when the rotation angle of the valve body portion 47 about the rotation axis J reaches a predetermined angle, the valve body portion 47 comes into contact with the rotation restricting portion 46g. This prevents the valve body portion 47 from opening too large, thereby preventing the pressure of the refrigerant L supplied to the combustion device 90 from becoming too high.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 1 , the discharge pipe section 51 connects the flow rate adjustment unit 46 and the connecting pipe section 60. As described above, the flow rate adjustment unit 46 connects the refrigerant circuit 40 and the discharge pipe section 51. As a result, the discharge pipe section 51 connects the refrigerant circuit 40 and the connecting pipe section 60. As shown in FIG. 4 , the discharge pipe section 51 is connected to the third connecting pipe 46d when supplying the refrigerant L to the combustion device 90. As shown in FIG. 3 , the discharge pipe section 51 has a cylindrical shape extending in the second direction D2. More specifically, the discharge pipe section 51 extends downward from the flow rate adjustment unit 46 in a direction lower than the horizontal direction. In the first embodiment, the discharge pipe section 51 has a substantially cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 4 , the discharge pipe section 51 includes a check valve accommodating section 51a, a connection detection section 52, a flashback prevention section 54, and a removal section 58. Therefore, at least one of the flow rate adjusting unit 46 and the exhaust pipe unit 51 has a flashback prevention unit 54 and a removal unit 58. Unlike the first embodiment, the flow rate adjusting unit 46 may have the flashback prevention unit 54 and the removal unit 58. In addition, the exhaust pipe unit 51 is provided with a connection switching unit 53.

[0041] The check valve accommodating portion 51a is part of the discharge pipe portion 51. The check valve accommodating portion 51a is generally cylindrical and extends in the second direction D2. The inner and outer diameters of the check valve accommodating portion 51a are larger than the inner and outer diameters of the rest of the discharge pipe portion 51. The check valve accommodating portion 51a has an inclined surface 51b and a fixing surface 51c.

[0042] The inclined surface 51b is a part of the inner surface of the check valve accommodating portion 51a. The inclined surface 51b is positioned radially outward of the discharge pipe portion 51 as it extends from the other side in the second direction D2 toward one side in the second direction D2 (the +D2 side). When viewed from the second direction D2, the inclined surface 51b has a substantially annular shape.

[0043] The fixing surface 51c is a part of the inner surface of the check valve accommodating portion 51a. The fixing surface 51c extends radially outward from the end of the inclined surface 51b on one side (+D2 side) in the second direction D2 of the discharge pipe portion 51. The fixing surface 51c faces one side in the second direction D2. When viewed from the second direction D2, the fixing surface 51c has a substantially annular shape.

[0044] The flashback prevention unit 54 prevents the flame of the combustion device 90 from flashing back into the refrigerant circuit 40. The flashback prevention unit 54 is housed in the check valve housing 51a. The flashback prevention unit 54 has a check valve 55 and a check valve support portion 56.

[0045] The check valve support portion 56 holds the check valve 55 movably in the second direction D2. The check valve support portion 56 has a tubular portion 56a and a support portion 56b. The tubular portion 56a is generally cylindrical and extends in the second direction D2. The tubular portion 56a opens to the other side (-D2 side) in the second direction D2. The tubular portion 56a is fixed to the fixing surface 51c. The support portion 56b is generally disk-shaped and extends in a direction perpendicular to the second direction D2. The outer edge of the support portion 56b is connected to the tubular portion 56a. The support portion 56b is provided with a hole 56d. The hole 56d is a hole that penetrates the support portion 56b in the second direction D2. When viewed from the second direction D2, the hole 56d is generally circular.

[0046] The check valve 55 has a sealing portion 55a, a shaft portion 55b, and a plate-like portion 55c. The sealing portion 55a is generally disk-shaped and extends in a direction perpendicular to the second direction D2. The surface of the sealing portion 55a facing the other side (-D2 side) of the second direction D2 (the curved surface) is positioned toward one side (+D2 side) of the second direction D2 as it approaches the radial outer edge of the sealing portion 55a. The sealing portion 55a faces the inclined surface 51b in the second direction D2. The sealing portion 55a is disposed with a gap between it and the inclined surface 51b. The refrigerant L flows through the gap between the sealing portion 55a and the inclined surface 51b.

[0047] The shaft portion 55b has a generally cylindrical shape extending from the sealing portion 55a toward one side (+D2 side) in the second direction D2. The shaft portion 55b passes through the hole portion 56d in the second direction D2. The shaft portion 55b is supported by the inner surface of the hole portion 56d so as to be movable in the second direction D2. The plate-shaped portion 55c has a generally circular plate shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the second direction D2. The plate-shaped portion 55c is positioned on one side in the second direction D2 relative to the support portion 56b. The plate-shaped portion 55c is connected to the end of the shaft portion 55b on one side in the second direction D2.

[0048] If the supply rate of the refrigerant L supplied to the combustion device 90 is slower than the combustion rate of the refrigerant L combusted in the combustion device 90, the flame of the combustion device 90 will flash back toward the refrigerant circuit 40 via the connecting pipe 60 and the discharge pipe 51. In contrast, in the first embodiment, when the flame of the combustion device 90 flashes back toward the refrigerant circuit 40, the air pressure of the flashback applies pressure to the check valve 55 toward the other side (-D2 side) of the second direction D2. As a result, the check valve 55 moves toward the other side of the second direction D2, and the sealing portion 55a is pressed against the inclined surface 51b. As a result, the interior of the check valve accommodating portion 51a is blocked by the check valve 55. Therefore, the flashback prevention unit 54 prevents the flame of the combustion device 90 from flashing back into the refrigerant circuit 40.

[0049] The connection detection unit 52 detects the connection between the discharge pipe unit 51 and the connection pipe unit 60. As shown in Fig. 2, the control unit 70 is electrically connected to the connection detection unit 52. As shown in Fig. 4, the connection detection unit 52 is disposed inside a first recess 51d of the discharge pipe unit 51. The first recess 51d is a hole recessed radially inward from the outer circumferential surface of the discharge pipe unit 51. The connection detection unit 52 has a contact portion 52a, a spring portion 52b, and a detection portion 52d.

[0050] A portion of the contact portion 52a is located outside the first recess 51d. The spring portion 52b supports the contact portion 52a radially outward. In the first embodiment, the connection detection unit 52 has a plurality of spring portions 52b. Each spring portion 52b is elastically deformable radially inward. In the first embodiment, the inner diameter of the connecting pipe portion 60 is larger than the outer diameter of the discharge pipe portion 51. The discharge pipe portion 51 and the connecting pipe portion 60 are connected by inserting the discharge pipe portion 51 into the connecting pipe portion 60. When connecting the connecting pipe portion 60 to the discharge pipe portion 51, the contact portion 52a comes into contact with the inner surface of the connecting pipe portion 60, and thus a force acting radially inward is applied to the contact portion 52a. Although not shown, when each spring portion 52b elastically deforms radially inward, the contact portion 52a is accommodated inside the first recess 51d.

[0051] The detection unit 52d is disposed inside the first recess 51d. When the connection pipe 60 is connected to the discharge pipe 51, the contact portion 52a comes into contact with the detection unit 52d. This causes the detection unit 52d to detect the connection between the discharge pipe 51 and the connection pipe 60. In other words, the connection detection unit 52 detects the connection between the discharge pipe 51 and the connection pipe 60. A tactile switch, for example, can be used as the detection unit 52d. The detection unit 52d is connected to the control unit 70 shown in FIG. 2. The detection unit 52d and the control unit 70 may be connected by wire or wireless communication. When the connection detection unit 52 detects the connection between the discharge pipe 51 and the connection pipe 60, the control unit 70 stops the circulation of the refrigerant L in the refrigerant circuit 40.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 4 , the connection switching unit 53 is disposed inside the second recess 51e of the discharge pipe 51. The second recess 51e is a hole recessed radially inward from the outer circumferential surface of the discharge pipe 51. The second recess 51e is provided on one side (+D1 side) of the discharge pipe 51 in the second direction D2. As shown in FIG. 2 , the connection switching unit 53 is electrically connected to the power supply unit 72. The control unit 70 switches the connection switching unit 53, via the power supply unit 72, between a first state that enables connection between the discharge pipe 51 and the connecting pipe 60 and a second state that prevents connection between the discharge pipe 51 and the connecting pipe 60. In other words, the connection switching unit 53 is switchable between the first state and the second state. As shown in FIG. 4 , the connection switching unit 53 has a protruding portion 53a and a retracting portion 53b.

[0053] The protrusion 53a is columnar and protrudes radially from the discharge pipe 51. In the second state, the protrusion 53a protrudes outward from the second recess 51e. As a result, when the connecting pipe 60 is connected to the discharge pipe 51 in the second state, the connecting pipe 60 comes into contact with the protrusion 53a. Therefore, in the second state, the connection switching unit 53 prevents the discharge pipe 51 from being connected to the connecting pipe 60.

[0054] The retraction portion 53b holds the protrusion 53a. Although not shown, the retraction portion 53b is electrically connected to the power supply unit 72 shown in Fig. 2. When the control unit 70 supplies power from the power source 95 to the power supply unit 72, power is supplied from the power supply unit 72 to the retraction portion 53b. In this case, as shown in Fig. 4, the retraction portion 53b holds the protrusion 53a so that a portion of the protrusion 53a is positioned outside the second recess 51e.

[0055] When the control unit 70 stops the supply of power from the power source 95 to the power supply unit 72, the supply of power from the power supply unit 72 to the retraction unit 53b is stopped. In this case, although not shown, the retraction unit 53b retracts the protrusion 53a into the second recess 51e. This switches the connection switching unit 53 to the first state, which enables connection between the discharge pipe unit 51 and the connecting pipe unit 60. In other words, when the supply of power from the power source 95 to the power supply unit 72 is stopped, the connection switching unit 53 switches from the second state to the first state. Furthermore, when the supply of power from the power source 95 to the power supply unit 72 is stopped, operation of the compressor 32 and other components of the outdoor unit 30 is stopped. This prevents the connecting pipe unit 60 from being connected to the discharge pipe unit 51 while the air conditioner 20 is operating.

[0056] The removal unit 58 is disposed inside the discharge pipe 51. The removal unit 58 passes the refrigerant L flowing through the discharge pipe 51 and captures the refrigerating oil Oc contained in the refrigerant L. In this way, the removal unit 58 removes the refrigerating oil Oc contained in the refrigerant L supplied to the combustion device 90. The removal unit 58 prevents the refrigerating oil Oc from being supplied to the combustion device 90. The removal unit 58 may be made of, for example, a member made of woven metal fibers such as stainless steel, or a metal foam. When the removal unit 58 is a metal foam, it is preferable that the multiple holes in the removal unit 58 are connected to each other.

[0057] The temperature measurement unit 74 shown in FIG. 2 measures the temperature of the refrigerant L. Although not shown, the temperature measurement unit 74 is electrically connected to the control unit 70. In Embodiment 1, the air conditioning unit 20 has a plurality of temperature measurement units 74. The plurality of temperature measurement units 74 includes a first temperature measurement unit 74a, a second temperature measurement unit 74b, and a third temperature measurement unit 74c. The first temperature measurement unit 74a measures the temperature of the refrigerant L flowing through the liquid pipe 44. The second temperature measurement unit 74b measures the temperature of the refrigerant L flowing through the fourth pipe 42d. The third temperature measurement unit 74c measures the temperature of the refrigerant L flowing through the third pipe 42c.

[0058] The temperature of the refrigerant L flowing through the refrigerant circuit 40 correlates with the pressure of the refrigerant L in the refrigerant circuit 40. When the refrigerant L is supplied from the refrigerant circuit 40 to the combustion device 90 during operation of the air conditioning unit 20, the amount of refrigerant L charged in the refrigerant circuit 40 decreases, thereby decreasing the pressure of the refrigerant L. As a result, the temperature of the refrigerant L flowing through the refrigerant circuit 40 decreases. Therefore, when the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit 74 is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature of the refrigerant L during operation of the air conditioning unit 20, the control unit 70 can detect that the refrigerant L is being supplied from the refrigerant circuit 40 to the combustion device 90. When the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit 74 is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature, the control unit 70 stops the circulation of the refrigerant L in the refrigerant circuit 40 using the power supply unit 72. More specifically, the control unit 70 stops the operation of the compressor 32 using the power supply unit 72. This reduces the pressure of the refrigerant L in the refrigerant circuit 40, thereby preventing high-pressure refrigerant L from being supplied to the combustion device 90.

[0059] The control unit 70 may detect that the refrigerant L is being supplied from the refrigerant circuit 40 to the combustion device 90 based on the temperature measured by one of the plurality of temperature measurement units 74, or may detect that the refrigerant L is being supplied from the refrigerant circuit 40 to the combustion device 90 based on the temperatures measured by two or more temperature measurement units 74. Furthermore, as long as the temperature of the refrigerant L can be detected, each of the plurality of temperature measurement units 74 may be disposed in a position different from that in the first embodiment.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 3, each part of the air conditioning unit 20 is provided with a charge suppression unit 81. The charge suppression unit 81 is conductive and prevents each part of the air conditioning unit 20 from becoming charged. The charge suppression unit 81 is provided on at least one of the outer surface of the case 31 of the outdoor unit 30 that faces the flow rate adjustment unit 46, the outer surface of the flow rate adjustment unit 46, and the outer surface of the discharge pipe 51. In the first embodiment, the charge suppression unit 81 is provided on each of the outer surface of the case 31 that faces the flow rate adjustment unit 46, the outer surface of the flow rate adjustment unit 46, and the outer surface of the discharge pipe 51. The charge suppression unit 81 may also be provided on other parts, such as the outer surface of the connection pipe 60. The charge suppression unit 81 can suppress the buildup of static electricity in each part of the air conditioner 20, and therefore, even if the refrigerant L leaks to the outside from between the flow rate adjustment unit 46 and the discharge pipe 51, or between the discharge pipe 51 and the connection pipe 60, the refrigerant L can be prevented from igniting due to static electricity. The charge suppression unit 81 can be made of a conductive paint. The charge suppression unit 81 may also be made of a conductive member.

[0061] 1 , the air conditioning unit 20 has a communication unit 73. The communication unit 73 is capable of communicating with the control unit 70 and an external server 85. The communication unit 73 is a wireless transceiver capable of communicating with the external server 85 via wireless communication means. The communication unit 73 may also be a transceiver capable of communicating with the external server 85 via wired communication means. The external server 85 is a server owned by a maintenance company 86 that sells and maintains the air conditioning unit 20.

[0062] In the event of a disaster such as an earthquake, a maintenance company 86 distributes discharge pipe units 51 and connecting pipe units 60 to victims 15 of air conditioning unit 20 installed in the disaster area. The maintenance company 86 also transmits information about the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of a website that lists a supply method for supplying refrigerant L from the refrigerant circuit 40 to the combustion device 90 to a communication device 15a, such as a personal computer, owned by the victims 15 via an external server 85. The website contains information about, for example, a method for connecting the flow rate adjuster 46 and the discharge pipe unit 51, a method for connecting the discharge pipe unit 51 and the connecting pipe unit 60, and a method for operating the operation unit 48 of the flow rate adjuster 46. By accessing the website, the victims 15 can obtain the supply method for supplying refrigerant L from the refrigerant circuit 40 to the combustion device 90, allowing them to use the refrigerant L as fuel for the combustion device 90. Therefore, the disaster victims 15 can keep warm and cook using the thermal energy generated when the combustion device 90 combusts the refrigerant L. In other words, the disaster victims 15 can use the refrigerant L as emergency fuel.

[0063] Furthermore, the control unit 70 notifies the external server 85 via the communication unit 73 of information that the refrigerant L has been supplied to the combustion device 90. This allows the maintenance company 86 to replenish the refrigerant L that is filled into the refrigerant circuit 40. Therefore, when the disaster victim 15 restarts the air conditioning unit 20, the air conditioning unit 20 can be operated stably.

[0064] According to the first embodiment, the refrigerant combustion system 10 includes an air conditioning unit 20 having a refrigerant circuit 40 through which a flammable refrigerant L circulates, a combustion device 90 used by a disaster victim or the like 15 and capable of using the refrigerant L as fuel, and a connecting pipe 60 connecting the air conditioning unit 20 and the combustion device 90 and through which the refrigerant L flows. The air conditioning unit 20 also has an exhaust pipe 51 connecting the refrigerant circuit 40 and the connecting pipe 60, and a flow rate adjuster 46 capable of adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant L supplied to the exhaust pipe 51. Thus, in the event of a disaster or the like, if the fuel for the combustion device 90 runs out, the disaster victim or the like 15 can use the refrigerant L filled in the refrigerant circuit 40 of the air conditioning unit 20 as fuel for the combustion device 90. As a result, as described above, the disaster victim or the like 15 can keep warm and cook using the thermal energy generated when the combustion device 90 combusts the refrigerant L. Therefore, in the refrigerant combustion system 10, the refrigerant L can be used as an emergency fuel, and therefore the refrigerant L can be used effectively.

[0065] According to the first embodiment, the discharge pipe 51 extends vertically downward from the flow rate adjuster 46 rather than horizontally. When a flammable natural refrigerant is used as the refrigerant L, the specific gravity of the refrigerant L is greater than the specific gravity of the atmosphere. Therefore, gravity can be used to easily cause the refrigerant L to flow from the flow rate adjuster 46 to the discharge pipe 51. This allows the refrigerant L to be stably supplied from the refrigerant circuit 40 to the combustion device 90.

[0066] According to the first embodiment, the air conditioning unit 20 includes a temperature measurement unit 74 that measures the temperature of the refrigerant L and a control unit 70 connected to the temperature measurement unit 74. The control unit 70 stops the circulation of the refrigerant L in the refrigerant circuit 40 when the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit 74 is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature. When the air conditioning unit 20 is operating, the refrigerant L circulating through the refrigerant circuit 40 is compressed in the compressor 32, and therefore the pressure of the refrigerant L circulating through the refrigerant circuit 40 is high. Therefore, when the refrigerant L circulating through the refrigerant circuit 40 is supplied to the combustion device 90, the ratio of the refrigerant L to air may become too high. In this case, it is difficult to use the refrigerant L in the combustion device 90 in its flammable range, making it difficult to completely combust the refrigerant L. In this case, incompletely combusted refrigerant L leaks from the combustion device 90, potentially preventing the refrigerant L from being effectively utilized in the combustion device 90. As described above, when the refrigerant L is supplied from the refrigerant circuit 40 to the combustion device 90, the pressure of the refrigerant L in the refrigerant circuit 40 decreases, and therefore the temperature of the refrigerant L decreases. Therefore, as described above, the control unit 70 can detect that the refrigerant L is being supplied to the combustion device 90 when the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit 74 is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature. As described above, in the first embodiment, when the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit 74 is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature, the control unit 70 stops the circulation of the refrigerant L in the refrigerant circuit 40, thereby preventing the supply of high-pressure refrigerant L to the combustion device 90. This allows the refrigerant to be used in the combustion device 90 in a flammable range. Therefore, leakage of incompletely combusted refrigerant L from the combustion device 90 can be prevented, and the refrigerant L can be more effectively used in the combustion device 90.

[0067] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the refrigerant L at high pressure can be prevented from flowing into the connecting pipe portion 60, thereby preventing damage to the connecting pipe portion 60. This prevents the refrigerant L from leaking from the connecting pipe portion 60, allowing the refrigerant L to be used more effectively in the combustion device 90.

[0068] According to the first embodiment, the air conditioning unit 20 includes a connection detection unit 52 that detects the connection between the discharge pipe 51 and the connecting pipe 60, and a control unit 70 that is connected to the connection detection unit 52. When the connection detection unit 52 detects the connection between the discharge pipe 51 and the connecting pipe 60, the control unit 70 stops the circulation of the refrigerant L in the refrigerant circuit 40. Thus, the control unit 70 can stop the circulation of the refrigerant L in the refrigerant circuit 40 at the timing when it detects that the discharge pipe 51 and the connecting pipe 60 are connected. This more effectively prevents the refrigerant L from being supplied at a high pressure to the combustion device 90, making it easier to use the refrigerant L in the flammable range in the combustion device 90. Therefore, leakage of the refrigerant L from the combustion device 90 can be more effectively prevented, allowing the refrigerant L to be more effectively used in the combustion device 90.

[0069] According to the first embodiment, the refrigerant L changes state between liquid and gas in the refrigerant circuit 40. The pressure of the gaseous refrigerant L in the refrigerant circuit 40 is 0.1 MPa or more and 3.0 MPa or less. The flow rate adjuster 46 can adjust the pressure of the gaseous refrigerant L flowing through the discharge pipe 51. The pressure of gas supplied to a combustion device 90, such as a typical gas stove, is 2.0 kPa or more and 3.0 kPa or less, which is lower than the pressure of the refrigerant L in the refrigerant circuit 40. Therefore, if the refrigerant L in the refrigerant circuit 40 is supplied to the combustion device 90 without reducing its pressure, it is difficult to use the refrigerant L in the combustion device 90 in a flammable range. In contrast, in the first embodiment, the flow rate adjuster 46 can reduce the pressure of the refrigerant L supplied to the combustion device 90, making it easier to use the refrigerant L in a flammable range in the combustion device 90. Therefore, leakage of the refrigerant L from the combustion device 90 can be more effectively prevented, allowing the refrigerant L to be more effectively used in the combustion device 90.

[0070] According to the first embodiment, the air conditioning unit 20 has refrigerated oil Oc filled in the refrigerant circuit 40, and at least one of the flow rate adjustment unit 46 and the discharge pipe unit 51 has a removal unit 58 that removes the refrigerated oil Oc contained in the refrigerant L supplied to the combustion device 90. This prevents the refrigerated oil Oc from flowing into the combustion device 90, thereby preventing the combustion device 90 from breaking down. This improves the stability of the operation of the combustion device 90. Furthermore, because the refrigerated oil Oc contained in the refrigerant L can be removed, the refrigerant L can be more easily combusted completely in the combustion device 90. This more effectively prevents the refrigerant L from leaking from the combustion device 90, allowing the refrigerant L to be used more effectively in the combustion device 90.

[0071] According to the first embodiment, at least one of the flow rate adjusting unit 46 and the discharge pipe unit 51 has a flashback prevention unit 54 that prevents the flame of the combustion device 90 from flashing back into the refrigerant circuit 40. Therefore, as described above, even if the supply rate of the refrigerant L supplied to the combustion device 90 is slower than the combustion rate of the refrigerant L combusted in the combustion device 90, the flashback prevention unit 54 can prevent the flame of the combustion device 90 from flashing back into the refrigerant circuit 40. Therefore, ignition of the refrigerant L in the refrigerant circuit 40 can be suppressed, thereby improving the safety of the refrigerant combustion system 10.

[0072] According to the first embodiment, the flow rate adjustment unit 46 includes a valve body 47 that adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant L flowing from the refrigerant circuit 40 to the discharge pipe 51 by rotating about a rotation axis J extending in the first direction D1, and an operating unit 48 that is connected to the valve body 47 and rotates together with the valve body 47 about the rotation axis J. The operating unit 48 has an outer surface provided with a groove 48c that is recessed in the first direction D1 and extends in a direction intersecting the first direction D1. Therefore, as described above, even if a victim 15 does not have a tool such as a hex wrench, the victim 15 can rotate the valve body 47 about the rotation axis J by inserting a plate-shaped member such as a coin into the groove 48c and rotating the operating unit 48 about the rotation axis J. This allows the victim 15 to supply the refrigerant L from the refrigerant circuit 40 to the combustion device 90. Therefore, in the event of a disaster or the like, victims 15 can easily use the refrigerant L as fuel for the combustion device 90, thereby improving the convenience of the refrigerant combustion system 10.

[0073] According to the first embodiment, the flow rate adjusting unit 46 has a rotation restricting portion 46g that comes into contact with the valve body 47 when the rotation angle of the valve body 47 about the rotation axis J reaches a predetermined angle. Therefore, as described above, the opening degree of the valve body 47 can be prevented from becoming too large, and the pressure of the refrigerant L supplied to the combustion device 90 can be prevented from becoming too high. Therefore, leakage of the refrigerant L from the combustion device 90 can be more effectively prevented, and the refrigerant L can be more effectively used in the combustion device 90.

[0074] According to the first embodiment, the air conditioning unit 20 includes an outdoor unit 30 and a power supply unit 72 electrically connected to a power source 95 and supplying power to the outdoor unit 30. The outdoor unit 30 includes a compressor 32 that compresses refrigerant L and discharges the refrigerant L into the refrigerant circuit 40. The discharge pipe 51 is provided with a connection switching unit 53 that can switch between a first state that enables connection between the discharge pipe 51 and the connecting pipe 60 and a second state that prevents connection between the discharge pipe 51 and the connecting pipe 60. The connection switching unit 53 switches from the second state to the first state when the supply of power from the power source 95 to the power supply unit 72 is stopped. Thus, as described above, connection of the connecting pipe 60 to the discharge pipe 51 can be prevented during operation of the air conditioning unit 20. This more effectively prevents high-pressure refrigerant L from being supplied to the combustion device 90. Therefore, leakage of the refrigerant L from the combustion device 90 can be more effectively prevented, and the refrigerant L can be more effectively utilized in the combustion device 90.

[0075] If the power supply unit 72 includes a capacitor element (not shown), the capacitor element is charged while the air conditioner 20 is operating. Therefore, even if the control unit 70 stops the supply of power from the power source 95 to the power supply unit 72, the connection switching unit 53 remains in the second state due to the power stored in the capacitor element. The connection switching unit 53 switches to the first state when the power stored in the capacitor element is consumed. Therefore, after the control unit 70 stops the supply of power from the power source 95 to the power supply unit 72 and stops the operation of the compressor 32 and other components, the connection switching unit 53 switches to the first state. This effectively prevents the combustion device 90 from receiving a high-pressure refrigerant L. This effectively prevents the refrigerant L from leaking from the combustion device 90, allowing the refrigerant L to be used more effectively in the combustion device 90.

[0076] According to the first embodiment, the outdoor unit 30 has a case 31 that houses the compressor 32, and a conductive charge suppression portion 81 is provided on at least one of the outer surface of the case 31 that faces the flow rate adjuster 46, the outer surface of the flow rate adjuster 46, and the outer surface of the discharge pipe 51. Therefore, as described above, even if the refrigerant L leaks to the outside from between the flow rate adjuster 46 and the discharge pipe 51, or between the discharge pipe 51 and the connecting pipe 60, combustion of the refrigerant L due to static electricity can be suppressed. This further improves the safety of the refrigerant combustion system 10.

[0077] Embodiment 2. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a refrigerant combustion system 110 in embodiment 2. In the following description, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as appropriate, and the description thereof may be omitted.

[0078] In the second embodiment, the connection switching unit 53 included in the air conditioning unit 120 is electrically connected to the control unit 70. The control unit 70 switches the connection switching unit 53 between a first state that allows the discharge pipe 51 to be connected to the connection pipe 60, and a second state that prevents the discharge pipe 51 from being connected to the connection pipe 60. In other words, the connection switching unit 53 is switchable between the first state and the second state.

[0079] When the control unit 70 stops the supply of power from the power source 95 to the power supply unit 72, the operation of the compressor 32 and other components of the outdoor unit 30 stops. As described above, when the operation of the compressor 32 stops, the pressure of the refrigerant L in the refrigerant circuit 40 decreases. However, the pressure of the refrigerant L in the refrigerant circuit 40 gradually decreases. Therefore, the pressure of the refrigerant L in the refrigerant circuit 40 may be high immediately after the supply of power from the power source 95 to the power supply unit 72 is stopped. Therefore, if the refrigerant L is supplied from the refrigerant circuit 40 to the combustion device 90 immediately after the supply of power from the power source 95 to the power supply unit 72 is stopped, it may be difficult for the combustion device 90 to use the refrigerant L in its flammable range. In this case, as described above, it is difficult to completely combust the refrigerant L in the combustion device 90, and there is a risk of incompletely combusted refrigerant L leaking from the combustion device 90.

[0080] In contrast, in the second embodiment, the control unit 70 switches the connection switching unit 53 from the second state to the first state after a predetermined time has elapsed since the supply of power from the power source 95 to the power supply unit 72 was stopped. This allows the discharge pipe unit 51 and the connection pipe unit 60 to be connected after the pressure of the refrigerant L in the refrigerant circuit 40 has sufficiently dropped. This more preferably prevents high-pressure refrigerant L from being supplied to the combustion device 90. In the second embodiment, the predetermined time is, for example, not less than 5 minutes and not more than 10 minutes. The predetermined time may be shorter than 5 minutes or longer than 10 minutes. Other configurations of the refrigerant combustion system 110 of the second embodiment are similar to those of the refrigerant combustion system 10 of the first embodiment described above.

[0081] According to the second embodiment, the discharge pipe 51 is provided with a connection switching unit 53 that can switch between a first state that allows connection between the discharge pipe 51 and the connecting pipe 60 and a second state that prevents connection between the discharge pipe 51 and the connecting pipe 60. The control unit 70 switches the connection switching unit 53 from the second state to the first state after a predetermined time has elapsed since the supply of power from the power source 95 to the power supply unit 72 was stopped. Therefore, as described above, the refrigerant L can be supplied to the combustion device 90 after the pressure of the refrigerant L in the refrigerant circuit 40 has decreased. This more effectively prevents high-pressure refrigerant L from being supplied to the combustion device 90. Therefore, leakage of incompletely combusted refrigerant L from the combustion device 90 can be more effectively prevented, allowing the refrigerant L to be more effectively used in the combustion device 90.

[0082] Embodiment 3. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a connecting pipe portion 260 in embodiment 3. In the following description, the same components as those in the above-described embodiments may be denoted by the same reference numerals as appropriate, and the description thereof may be omitted.

[0083] In the refrigerant combustion system 210 of the third embodiment, the air conditioning unit 220 has a discharge pipe section 251. The discharge pipe section 251 has a connection detection section 52. The discharge pipe section 251 is provided with a connection switching section 53. In the third embodiment, the discharge pipe section 251 does not have a check valve accommodating section, a flashback prevention section, or a removal section. The discharge pipe section 251 may have a check valve accommodating section, a flashback prevention section, and a removal section. In the third embodiment, the connection pipe section 260 has a check valve accommodating section 260a, a flashback prevention section 262, and a removal section 258.

[0084] The check valve accommodating portion 260a is part of the connecting pipe portion 260. The check valve accommodating portion 260a has a generally cylindrical shape extending in the second direction D2. The inner and outer diameters of the check valve accommodating portion 260a are larger than the inner and outer diameters of the rest of the connecting pipe portion 260. The check valve accommodating portion 260a has an inclined surface 260b and a fixing surface 260c.

[0085] The inclined surface 260b is a part of the inner surface of the check valve accommodating portion 260a. The inclined surface 260b is positioned radially outward of the connecting pipe portion 260 as it extends from the other side in the second direction D2 toward one side in the second direction D2 (the +D2 side). When viewed from the second direction D2, the inclined surface 260b has a substantially annular shape.

[0086] The fixing surface 260c is a part of the inner surface of the check valve accommodating portion 260a. The fixing surface 260c is a surface that extends radially outward from the end of the inclined surface 260b on one side in the second direction D2 (the +D2 side). The fixing surface 260c faces one side in the second direction D2. When viewed from the second direction D2, the fixing surface 260c has a substantially annular shape.

[0087] The flashback prevention unit 262 prevents the flame of the combustion device 90 from flashing back into the refrigerant circuit 40. The flashback prevention unit 262 is housed in the check valve housing 260a. The flashback prevention unit 262 has a check valve 263 and a check valve support unit 264. In the following description, parts of the configuration of the flashback prevention unit 262 that are similar to the configuration of the flashback prevention unit 54 may not be described.

[0088] The check valve support portion 264 holds the check valve 263 movably in the second direction D2. The check valve support portion 264 has a tubular portion 264a and a support portion 264b. The tubular portion 264a has a generally cylindrical shape extending in the second direction D2. The tubular portion 264a is fixed to the fixing surface 260c. The support portion 264b has a generally circular plate shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the second direction D2. A hole 264d is provided in the support portion 264b.

[0089] The check valve 263 has a sealing portion 263a, a shaft portion 263b, and a plate-shaped portion 263c. The sealing portion 263a is generally disk-shaped and extends in a direction perpendicular to the second direction D2. The sealing portion 263a faces the inclined surface 260b with a gap in the second direction D2. The shaft portion 263b is generally columnar and extends from the sealing portion 263a to one side in the second direction D2 (the +D2 side). The shaft portion 263b is supported by the inner surface of the hole portion 264d so as to be movable in the second direction D2. The plate-shaped portion 263c is generally disk-shaped and extends in a direction perpendicular to the second direction D2. The plate-shaped portion 263c is positioned closer to one side in the second direction D2 than the support portion 264b. The plate-shaped portion 263c is connected to one end of the shaft portion 263b in the second direction D2.

[0090] In the third embodiment, when the flame of the combustion device 90 flashes back toward the refrigerant circuit 40, the air pressure of the flashback applies pressure to the check valve 263 toward the other side in the second direction D2 (the −D2 side). As a result, the check valve 263 moves toward the other side in the second direction D2, and the sealing portion 263a is pressed against the inclined surface 260b. As a result, the inside of the check valve accommodating portion 260a is blocked by the check valve 263. Therefore, the flashback prevention portion 262 prevents the flame of the combustion device 90 from flashing back into the refrigerant circuit 40.

[0091] The removal unit 258 is disposed inside the connecting pipe unit 260. The removal unit 258 passes the refrigerant L flowing through the connecting pipe unit 260 and captures the refrigerating oil Oc contained in the refrigerant L. In this way, the removal unit 258 removes the refrigerating oil Oc contained in the refrigerant L supplied to the combustion device 90. Other configurations, etc. of the removal unit 258 are similar to other configurations, etc. of the removal unit 58 of the first embodiment described above. Other configurations, etc. of the refrigerant combustion system 210 are similar to other configurations, etc. of the refrigerant combustion system 10 of the first embodiment described above.

[0092] According to the third embodiment, the connecting pipe section 260 has a removal section 258 that removes refrigerating oil Oc contained in the refrigerant L supplied to the combustion device 90. This prevents refrigerating oil Oc from flowing into the combustion device 90, thereby preventing the combustion device 90 from breaking down. This increases the operational stability of the combustion device 90. Furthermore, since the refrigerating oil Oc contained in the refrigerant L can be removed, the refrigerant L can be more easily combusted completely in the combustion device 90. This more effectively prevents the refrigerant L from leaking from the combustion device 90, allowing the refrigerant L to be used more effectively in the combustion device 90.

[0093] According to the third embodiment, the connecting pipe portion 260 has a flashback prevention portion 262 that prevents the flame of the combustion device 90 from flashing back into the refrigerant circuit 40. Therefore, as described above, even if the supply rate of the refrigerant L supplied to the combustion device 90 is slower than the combustion rate of the refrigerant L combusted in the combustion device 90, the flashback prevention portion 54 can prevent the flame of the combustion device 90 from flashing back into the refrigerant circuit 40. Therefore, ignition of the refrigerant L in the refrigerant circuit 40 can be suppressed, thereby improving the safety of the refrigerant combustion system 210.

[0094] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations of the above-described embodiments, and the following configurations and methods may also be adopted.

[0095] The discharge pipe may extend horizontally from the flow rate adjusting unit, or may extend vertically upward from the horizontal. In either case, the pressure of the refrigerant filling the refrigerant circuit is high, so the refrigerant can be supplied from the refrigerant circuit to the combustion device.

[0096] The outer surface of the operating part does not have to be provided with a hole. Even in this case, the valve body can be rotated around the rotation axis by the groove. Furthermore, the outer surface of the operating part may be provided with multiple grooves that intersect with each other.

[0097] The charge suppression portion may be provided on the entire outer surface of the case portion. Alternatively, the charge suppression portion may be provided on the inner surface of the flow rate adjuster portion, the inner surface of the discharge pipe portion, the connecting pipe portion, etc. In this case, ignition of the refrigerant due to static electricity can be more effectively suppressed.

[0098] The configurations and methods described in this specification can be combined as appropriate within the scope of not contradicting each other.

[0099] 10,110,210... Refrigerant combustion system, 20,120,220... Air conditioner, 30... Outdoor unit, 31... Case portion, 32... Compressor, 40... Refrigerant circuit, 46... Flow rate adjustment portion, 46g... Rotation restriction portion, 47... Valve body portion, 48... Operation portion, 48c... Groove portion, 51,251... Discharge pipe portion, 52... Connection detection portion, 53... Connection switching portion, 54,262... Flashback prevention portion, 58,258... Removal portion, 60,260... Connection pipe portion, 70... Control portion, 72... Power supply portion, 74... Temperature measurement portion, 81... Electrostatic charge suppression portion, 90... Combustion device, 95... Power source, D1... First direction, J... Rotation axis, L... Refrigerant, Oc... Refrigeration oil

Claims

1. A refrigerant combustion system comprising: an air conditioning unit having a refrigerant circuit through which a flammable refrigerant circulates; a combustion device that is used by humans and can use the refrigerant as fuel; and a connecting pipe section that connects the air conditioning unit to the combustion device and through which the refrigerant flows, wherein the air conditioning unit has a discharge pipe section that connects the refrigerant circuit to the connecting pipe section, and a flow rate adjustment section that can adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant supplied to the discharge pipe section.

2. The refrigerant combustion system according to claim 1, wherein the discharge pipe section extends from the flow rate adjusting section downward in the vertical direction rather than horizontally.

3. A refrigerant combustion system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the air conditioning unit has a temperature measurement unit that measures the temperature of the refrigerant, and a control unit connected to the temperature measurement unit, and the control unit stops the circulation of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit when the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature.

4. A refrigerant combustion system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the air conditioning unit has a connection detection unit that detects the connection between the discharge pipe unit and the connecting pipe unit, and a control unit that is connected to the connection detection unit, and when the connection detection unit detects the connection between the discharge pipe unit and the connecting pipe unit, the control unit stops the circulation of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit.

5. A refrigerant combustion system as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein in the refrigerant circuit, the refrigerant changes state between liquid and gas, the pressure of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit when the air conditioning unit is stopped is 0.1 MPa or more and 3.0 MPa or less, and the flow rate adjustment unit is capable of adjusting the pressure of the refrigerant in a gaseous state flowing through the discharge pipe unit.

6. A refrigerant combustion system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the air conditioning unit has refrigerating oil filled in the refrigerant circuit, and at least one of the flow rate adjustment unit and the discharge pipe unit has a removal unit that removes the refrigerating oil contained in the refrigerant supplied to the combustion device.

7. A refrigerant combustion system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the air conditioning unit has refrigerating oil filled in the refrigerant circuit, and the connecting pipe section has a removal section that removes the refrigerating oil contained in the refrigerant supplied to the combustion device.

8. A refrigerant combustion system as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least one of the flow rate adjusting section and the discharge pipe section has a backfire prevention section that prevents the flame of the combustion device from backfiring into the refrigerant circuit.

9. A refrigerant combustion system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the connecting pipe section has a backfire prevention section that prevents a flame from the combustion device from backfiring into the refrigerant circuit.

10. A refrigerant combustion system as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the flow rate adjustment unit has: a valve body unit that adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing from the refrigerant circuit to the discharge pipe unit by rotating about a rotation axis extending in a first direction; and an operating unit that is connected to the valve body unit and rotates together with the valve body unit about the rotation axis, and wherein an outer surface of the operating unit is provided with a groove portion that is recessed in the first direction and extends in a direction intersecting the first direction.

11. The refrigerant combustion system described in claim 10, wherein the flow rate adjusting section has a rotation restricting section that comes into contact with the valve body section when the rotation angle of the valve body section about the rotation axis line reaches a predetermined angle.

12. A refrigerant combustion system as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the air conditioning unit has an outdoor unit and a power supply unit electrically connected to a power source and supplying power to the outdoor unit, the outdoor unit has a compressor that compresses the refrigerant and discharges the refrigerant into the refrigerant circuit, the discharge pipe unit is provided with a connection switching unit that can switch between a first state that allows connection between the discharge pipe unit and the connecting pipe unit and a second state that prevents connection between the discharge pipe unit and the connecting pipe unit, and the connection switching unit switches from the second state to the first state when the supply of power from the power source to the power supply unit is stopped.

13. A refrigerant combustion system as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the air conditioning unit has an outdoor unit and a power supply unit electrically connected to a power source and supplying power to the outdoor unit, and a control unit controlling the supply of power to the power supply unit, the outdoor unit has a compressor that compresses the refrigerant and discharges the refrigerant into the refrigerant circuit, the discharge pipe unit is provided with a connection switching unit that can switch between a first state that allows the discharge pipe unit to be connected to the connecting pipe unit and a second state that prevents the discharge pipe unit from being connected to the connecting pipe unit, and the control unit switches the connection switching unit from the second state to the first state after a predetermined time has elapsed since the supply of power from the power source to the power supply unit was stopped.

14. A refrigerant combustion system as described in claim 12 or 13, wherein the outdoor unit has a case portion that houses the compressor, and at least one of the outer surface of the case portion that faces the flow rate adjustment portion, the outer surface of the flow rate adjustment portion, and the outer surface of the discharge pipe portion is provided with a conductive static charge suppression portion.

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