Adsorber and refrigeration device

Abstract

The present invention provides an adsorber that is capable of suppressing heat loss when a change in the pressure of a refrigerant which flows through a refrigeration cycle is used to adsorb and desorb the refrigerant to / from an adsorbent. An adsorber (121, 122) is used in a refrigeration device (100). A refrigerant circulates through the refrigeration device (100). The adsorber (121, 122) comprises a casing (163), an adsorbent (181), and a heat recovery member (160). The refrigerant flows into the casing (163). The adsorbent (181) adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant in accordance with a change in the pressure of the refrigerant. The heat recovery member (160) is disposed inside the casing (163). The adsorbent (181) is support by the heat recovery member (160). The heat recovery member (160) makes contact with a heat medium. The heat recovery member (160) and the casing (163) are disposed spaced apart.

Description

Adsorption device and refrigeration device

[0001] This invention relates to an adsorber and a refrigeration device.

[0002] Conventionally, refrigeration systems equipped with an adsorption refrigeration cycle have been used. Patent Document 1 (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2023 / 0417459) discloses such a refrigeration system including a heat source circuit having a pair of adsorbers that alternately adsorb and desorb a refrigerant, and a user circuit through which a heat medium circulates to recover the heat of adsorption or desorption of the refrigerant. The heat source circuit alternates between a mode in which the refrigerant is adsorbed by one adsorber and desorbed by the other adsorber, and a mode in which the refrigerant is desorbed by the one adsorber and adsorbed by the other adsorber. As a result, the user circuit continuously recovers heat from the heat source circuit using the heat medium.

[0003] When the heat generated by the adsorption or desorption of the refrigerant in the adsorbent is transferred to something other than the heat medium circulating in the user-side circuit, heat loss occurs.

[0004] The adsorber of the first aspect is used in a refrigeration device. A refrigerant circulates in the refrigeration device. The adsorber includes a casing, an adsorbent, and a heat recovery member. The refrigerant flows into the casing. The adsorbent adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant in response to changes in the pressure of the refrigerant. The heat recovery member is disposed inside the casing. The heat recovery member carries the adsorbent. The heat recovery member is in contact with a heat medium. The heat recovery member and the casing are disposed with a gap therebetween.

[0005] In the adsorber of the first aspect, the heat recovery member does not contact the casing, so heat caused by adsorption or desorption of the refrigerant is less likely to be transferred to the casing, thereby suppressing heat loss.

[0006] The adsorber according to a second aspect is the adsorber according to the first aspect, further comprising a heat insulating member disposed between the heat recovery member and the casing, the heat insulating member having a thermal conductivity lower than that of the material of the casing.

[0007] An adsorber according to a third aspect is the adsorber according to the first or second aspect, wherein a refrigerant fills the space between the heat recovery member and the casing.

[0008] An adsorber according to a fourth aspect is the adsorber according to the second aspect, wherein the heat insulating member is coated on the inner surface of the casing.

[0009] An adsorber according to a fifth aspect is the adsorber according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the casing has a double structure of an inner casing and an outer casing.

[0010] An adsorber according to a sixth aspect is the adsorber according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the heat recovery member has fins that intersect with the vertical direction.

[0011] An adsorber according to a seventh aspect is the adsorber according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, further comprising a partition plate. The partition plate is disposed between the heat recovery member and the casing.

[0012] An adsorber according to an eighth aspect is the adsorber according to the seventh aspect, wherein the partition plate intersects with the vertical direction.

[0013] An adsorber according to a ninth aspect is the adsorber according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the inlet and outlet for the refrigerant within the casing are the same.

[0014] An adsorbent according to a tenth aspect is the adsorbent according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the adsorbent includes a metal-organic framework. The metal-organic framework includes metal ions and organic ligands.

[0015] An adsorber of an eleventh aspect is the adsorber of any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the refrigerant adsorbed and desorbed by the adsorbent is selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide, hydrocarbon refrigerants, ammonia, and water.

[0016] A refrigeration apparatus according to a twelfth aspect includes the adsorber according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects.

[0017] 6 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration device 100. It is a block diagram of a control unit 105. It is a schematic diagram of a first adsorption device 121 and a second adsorption device 122. It is a schematic diagram of the first adsorption device 121 and the second adsorption device 122 in Modification A. It is a schematic diagram of the first adsorption device 121 and the second adsorption device 122 in Modification C. It is a schematic diagram of the first adsorption device 121 and the second adsorption device 122 in Modification D. It is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of the first adsorption device 121 and the second adsorption device 122 taken along line II in FIG. 6 as viewed from above. It is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of the first adsorption device 121 and the second adsorption device 122 in Modification D as viewed from above. It is a schematic diagram of the first adsorption device 121 and the second adsorption device 122 in Modification E. It is a schematic diagram of the first adsorption device 121 and the second adsorption device 122 in Modification J.

[0018] In the following description, expressions indicating directions such as "up" and "down" are used as appropriate, and these represent the respective directions when the refrigeration device 100 is installed and in normal use. For example, the up-down direction is the vertical direction. The vertical direction is the direction parallel to the direction of gravity. Furthermore, expressions such as horizontal, the same, and parallel may be used, but these do not only refer to completely horizontal, the same, parallel, etc., but also include substantially horizontal, the same, parallel, etc.

[0019] (1) Overall Configuration of the Refrigeration Device 100 As shown in FIG. 1 , an example of the refrigeration device 100 includes a heat source side circuit 101 and a user side circuit 102. The heat source side circuit 101 has a refrigerant flow path 111 through which a refrigerant flows. The user side circuit 102 has a heat medium flow path 112 through which a heat medium flows. In FIG. 1 , the refrigerant flow path 111 is depicted by a thick line. The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path 111 is selected from the group consisting of, for example, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbon refrigerant, ammonia, and water. The hydrocarbon refrigerant is selected from the group consisting of, for example, propane, butane, and isobutane. The heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 112 is selected from the group consisting of, for example, water, brine, and air. Brine is a liquid with a freezing point of 0° C. or lower. The refrigeration device 100 is, for example, an air conditioning device.

[0020] The refrigeration apparatus 100 further includes a control unit 105 (see FIG. 2). The control unit 105 controls the operation of each component of the refrigeration apparatus 100. Here, a processor is illustrated as an example of the control unit 105. The processor is made up of various computing devices such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processor reads various programs of the apparatus into memory and executes them. The processor loads programs stored in memory into a working area of ​​the memory, executes them, and realizes functions that meet a predetermined purpose by controlling each component through the execution of the programs.

[0021] (1-1) Heat Source Side Circuit 101 The heat source side circuit 101 constitutes a refrigeration cycle that functions as a heat pump that utilizes heat generated when a refrigerant is adsorbed to or desorbed from an adsorbent.

[0022] The heat source side circuit 101 has a compressor 131, a bypass valve 132, a first adsorption device 121, a second adsorption device 122, and a switching mechanism 135. The refrigerant flow path 111 connects the compressor 131, the bypass valve 132, the first adsorption device 121, the second adsorption device 122, and the switching mechanism 135.

[0023] The compressor 131 compresses the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path 111. The compressor 131 is, for example, a rotary compressor. The compressor 131 draws in low-pressure refrigerant from the refrigerant flow path 111, compresses it, and discharges it into the refrigerant flow path 111 as high-pressure refrigerant. The low-pressure refrigerant is the refrigerant in the refrigerant flow path 111 before being compressed by the compressor 131. The high-pressure refrigerant is the refrigerant in the refrigerant flow path 111 after being compressed by the compressor 131. During operation of the compressor 131, lubricating oil sealed in the refrigerant flow path 111 is supplied to the sliding parts of the compressor 131. A portion of the lubricating oil is accumulated at the bottom of the casing of the compressor 131.

[0024] In the first adsorption device 121 and the second adsorption device 122, the heat of adsorption or desorption heat is recovered by the heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 112. The heat of adsorption is hot heat generated when the adsorbent adsorbs the refrigerant. The heat of desorption is cold heat generated when the adsorbent desorbs the refrigerant. The generation of hot heat refers to an increase in the temperature of the heat medium due to the heat medium absorbing heat. The generation of cold heat refers to a decrease in the temperature of the heat medium due to the heat absorption from the heat medium. The first adsorption device 121 and the second adsorption device 122 are connected to the switching mechanism 135 in the refrigerant flow path 111.

[0025] The bypass valve 132 is, for example, an electronic valve, and is attached to the piping of the refrigerant flow path 111 between the first adsorption device 121 and the second adsorption device 122.

[0026] The switching mechanism 135 switches the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path 111. The switching mechanism 135 is, for example, a four-way switching valve. The switching mechanism 135 is configured to be able to switch the refrigerant flow path 111 between a first state in which the flow direction is indicated by the solid line in FIG. 1 and a second state in which the flow direction is indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 1. In the first state, the discharge side of the compressor 131 is connected to the first adsorption device 121, and the suction side of the compressor 131 is connected to the second adsorption device 122. In the second state, the discharge side of the compressor 131 is connected to the second adsorption device 122, and the suction side of the compressor 131 is connected to the first adsorption device 121.

[0027] 2 , the control unit 105 controls the compressor 131, the bypass valve 132, and the switching mechanism 135. The control unit 105 controls the rotation speed of the compressor 131. The control unit 105 controls the timing to start the compressor 131 and the timing to stop the compressor 131. The control unit 105 controls the opening and closing of the bypass valve 132. The control unit 105 controls the switching mechanism 135 to switch the refrigerant flow path 111 between a first state and a second state.

[0028] The control unit 105 controls the switching mechanism 135 so that the period during which the refrigerant flow path 111 is in the first state and the period during which the refrigerant flow path 111 is in the second state are the same length. However, the control unit 105 may also control the switching mechanism 135 so that the period during which the refrigerant flow path 111 is in the first state and the period during which the refrigerant flow path 111 is in the second state are different lengths. The period during which the refrigerant flow path 111 is in the first state is the period from the time when the refrigerant flow path 111 switches to the first state to the time when it switches to the second state. The period during which the refrigerant flow path 111 is in the second state is the period from the time when the refrigerant flow path 111 switches to the second state to the time when it switches to the first state.

[0029] 1, the utilization side circuit 102 functions as a heat pump that uses a heat medium as a heat source. The heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 112 transports the adsorption heat or desorption heat recovered in the first adsorption device 121 or the second adsorption device 122 to a predetermined location.

[0030] The utilization side circuit 102 includes a first fluid pump 141, a first heat exchanger 142, a first fan 143, a first adsorption device 121, a second fluid pump 151, a second heat exchanger 152, a second fan 153, a second adsorption device 122, and flow path changing units 156-159. The heat medium flow path 112 connects the first fluid pump 141, the first heat exchanger 142, the first adsorption device 121, the second fluid pump 151, the second heat exchanger 152, the second adsorption device 122, and the flow path changing units 156-159.

[0031] The first fluid pump 141 sends the heat medium to the first heat exchanger 142. The first heat exchanger 142 exchanges heat between the heat medium and air. The first fan 143 generates a flow of air passing through the first heat exchanger 142 so that heat exchange occurs in the first heat exchanger 142.

[0032] The second fluid pump 151 sends the heat medium to the second heat exchanger 152. The second heat exchanger 152 exchanges heat between the heat medium and air. The second fan 153 generates a flow of air passing through the second heat exchanger 152 so that heat exchange occurs in the second heat exchanger 152.

[0033] The flow path changing units 156-159 change the flow path through which the heat medium flows by switching the connection state of the heat medium flow path 112. The flow path changing units 156-159 are, for example, three-way switching valves. The flow path changing units 156-159 are configured to be able to switch the heat medium flow path 112 between a third connection state shown by the solid line in Fig. 1 and a fourth connection state shown by the dashed line in Fig. 1.

[0034] The heat medium flow path 112 has two independent flow paths, a first circulation path and a second circulation path, in each of the third state and the fourth state. The heat medium circulates through each of the first circulation path and the second circulation path. In Fig. 1 , the flow direction of the heat medium in the third state is indicated by a solid line, and the flow direction of the heat medium in the fourth state is indicated by a dashed line.

[0035] In the third state, the first circulation flow path connects the first fluid pump 141, the first heat exchanger 142, the flow path changing unit 156, the first adsorption device 121, and the flow path changing unit 157. In the third state, the second circulation flow path connects the second fluid pump 151, the second heat exchanger 152, the flow path changing unit 158, the second adsorption device 122, and the flow path changing unit 159.

[0036] In the fourth state, the first circulation flow path connects the first fluid pump 141, the first heat exchanger 142, the flow path changing unit 156, the second adsorption device 122, and the flow path changing unit 157. In the fourth state, the second circulation flow path connects the second fluid pump 151, the second heat exchanger 152, the flow path changing unit 158, the first adsorption device 121, and the flow path changing unit 159.

[0037] (1-3) First Adsorption Device 121 and Second Adsorption Device 122 As shown in FIG. 3 , the first adsorption device 121 and the second adsorption device 122 include a casing 163, a heat recovery member 160, and an adsorbent 181. The first adsorption device 121 and the second adsorption device 122 each have a first space 164a through which the refrigerant flows and a second space 164b through which the heat medium flows. The first space 164a is part of the refrigerant flow path 111. The second space 164b is part of the heat medium flow path 112. The first space 164a and the second space 164b do not communicate with each other. Note that the heat recovery member 160 is depicted in a simplified form in the drawings other than FIG. 3 .

[0038] For example, the casing 163 is installed so that its longitudinal direction is parallel to the vertical direction. The casing 163 houses the adsorbent 181 and the heat recovery member 160. The casing 163 has an inlet 163a and an outlet 163b connected to the heat source side circuit 101.

[0039] The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path 111 passes through the inlet 163a and flows into the interior of the casing 163. The refrigerant inside the casing 163 flows out from the interior of the casing 163 through the outlet 163b. The inlet 163a functions as a refrigerant inlet for the first adsorption device 121 and the second adsorption device 122. The outlet 163b functions as a refrigerant outlet for the first adsorption device 121 and the second adsorption device 122. The inlet 163a and the outlet 163b are arranged on the lower surface of the casing 163. Because the inlet 163a and the outlet 163b are arranged on the same surface of the casing 163, the heat recovery member 160 is arranged so as to avoid the refrigerant flow path from the inlet to the outlet within the casing 163.

[0040] The heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 112 passes through the first end 162c and flows into the heat transfer tube 162, and passes through the second end 162d and flows out of the heat transfer tube 162.

[0041] The heat recovery member 160 transfers heat generated when the refrigerant is adsorbed to and desorbed from the adsorbent 181 to a heat medium for transporting the heat to the user side.

[0042] The heat recovery member 160 is, for example, a cross-fin type and includes a heat transfer tube 162 and a plurality of fins 161.

[0043] The heat transfer tube 162 has a plurality of straight pipe sections 162a extending linearly and a folded section 162b connecting two straight pipe sections 162a. The straight pipe sections 162a are preferably installed parallel to the longitudinal direction of the casing 163. A first end 162c and a second end 162d of the heat transfer tube 162 are connected to the heat medium flow path 112.

[0044] The fins 161 have through holes in their thickness direction through which the straight pipe portions 162a of the heat transfer tubes 162 pass. The fins 161 are arranged around the straight pipe portions 162a of the heat transfer tubes 162 so as to be stacked at predetermined intervals along the direction in which the straight pipe portions 162a extend.

[0045] The multiple fins 161 intersect with the vertical direction. The main surfaces of the multiple fins 161 extend along a horizontal plane. The direction in which the multiple fins 161 extend is perpendicular to the vertical direction. However, the inclination of the main surfaces of the multiple fins 161 with respect to the vertical direction does not have to be 90 degrees. The inclination of the main surfaces of the multiple fins 161 with respect to the vertical direction is preferably 45 degrees or more, more preferably 60 degrees or more, and even more preferably 75 degrees or more.

[0046] The heat recovery member 160 is disposed inside the casing 163. The heat recovery member 160 and the casing 163 are disposed with a gap therebetween. A refrigerant fills the space between the heat recovery member 160 and the casing 163.

[0047] Specifically, the multiple fins 161 of the heat recovery member 160 do not contact the inner surface of the side surface of the casing 163. The folded portion 162b of the heat transfer tube 162 does not contact the inner surface of the casing 163. The first end 162c and the second end 162d of the heat transfer tube 162 penetrate the top surface of the casing 163 in the vertical direction.

[0048] The adsorbent 181 is provided in the first space 164 a. The adsorbent 181 adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant flowing through the first space 164 a in response to changes in the pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the first space 164 a. The adsorbent 181 is supported on a first surface 182, which is a surface of the heat recovery member 160 that comes into contact with the refrigerant.

[0049] The first surface 182 includes at least a portion of the outer surfaces of the fins 161 and the heat transfer tubes 162. The first surface 182 is, for example, the surfaces of the fins 161 and the outer surfaces of the heat transfer tubes 162. The first surface 182 is in contact with the first space 164a. Therefore, the refrigerant in the first space 164a comes into contact with the adsorbent 181 supported on the first surface 182.

[0050] The adsorbent 181 supported on the first surface 182 includes a metal-organic framework (MOF) containing metal ions and organic ligands. A metal-organic framework is a porous material with an extremely large specific surface area obtained by the reaction of metal ions and organic ligands. In a metal-organic framework, organic ligands are linked to metal ions to obtain a polymer structure with countless openings therein. The opening size and topology of the metal-organic framework can be adjusted by selecting and combining metal ions and organic ligands. Therefore, the opening size of the metal-organic framework can be adjusted and the target substance can be selectively adsorbed by selecting and combining metal ions and organic ligands. The metal-organic framework is used, for example, as a porous material having the function of selectively storing and separating molecules and ions.

[0051] In the refrigeration device 100, the metal-organic framework is used as the adsorbent 181 for adsorbing and desorbing the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path 111. Examples of the metal-organic framework include MOF-5, MOF-200, UiO-66, and MIL-101. The adsorbent 181 used in the refrigeration device 100 is, for example, a powder of the metal-organic framework or a molded product of the metal-organic framework. In this case, the adsorbent 181 is supported on the first surface 182 by adhering a mixture of the adsorbent 181 and a binder to the first surface 182. Examples of the binder include an acrylic resin, a polyester resin, a polyolefin resin, and a polyurethane resin.

[0052] The adsorbent 181 adsorbs the refrigerant in the first space 164a when the pressure of the refrigerant in the first space 164a is equal to or higher than the adsorption pressure. The adsorbent 181 desorbs the refrigerant in the first space 164a when the pressure of the refrigerant in the first space 164a is equal to or lower than the desorption pressure. The adsorption pressure is the minimum value of the range of pressures at which the adsorbent 181 can adsorb the refrigerant. The desorption pressure is the maximum value of the range of pressures at which the adsorbent 181 can desorb the refrigerant. The adsorption pressure and desorption pressure vary depending on the adsorbent 181 and the type of refrigerant.

[0053] (2) Operation of the Refrigeration Apparatus 100 The operation of the refrigeration apparatus 100 will be described assuming that the refrigeration apparatus 100 is an air conditioning apparatus. In this case, the first heat exchanger 142 is an indoor heat exchanger, and the second heat exchanger 152 is an outdoor heat exchanger.

[0054] The adsorbent 181 of the first adsorption device 121 and the second adsorption device 122 adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant in the refrigerant flow path 111. The adsorbent 181 adsorbs the refrigerant when in contact with the high-pressure refrigerant in the first space 164a. The adsorbent 181 desorbs the refrigerant when in contact with the low-pressure refrigerant in the first space 164a.

[0055] When the refrigerant flow path 111 is in the first state, the discharge side of the compressor 131 and the first adsorption device 121 can be connected to create a high-pressure state inside the first adsorption device 121, and the suction side of the compressor 131 and the second adsorption device 122 can be connected to create a low-pressure state inside the second adsorption device 122. When the inside of the first adsorption device 121 is in a high-pressure state, the adsorbent 181 of the first adsorption device 121 is in contact with a high-pressure refrigerant in the first space 164a. When the inside of the second adsorption device 122 is in a low-pressure state, the adsorbent 181 of the second adsorption device 122 is in contact with a low-pressure refrigerant in the first space 164a.

[0056] When the refrigerant flow path 111 is in the second state, the suction side of the compressor 131 can be connected to the first adsorption device 121 to create a low-pressure state inside the first adsorption device 121, and the discharge side of the compressor 131 can be connected to the second adsorption device 122 to create a high-pressure state inside the second adsorption device 122. When the first adsorption device 121 is in a low-pressure state, the adsorbent 181 of the first adsorption device 121 is in contact with the low-pressure refrigerant in the first space 164a. When the second adsorption device 122 is in a high-pressure state, the adsorbent 181 of the second adsorption device 122 is in contact with the high-pressure refrigerant in the first space 164a.

[0057] The following describes a change in the adsorption amount, which is the amount of refrigerant adsorbed by the adsorbent 181, when the refrigerant flow path 111 is in the first state. When the switching mechanism 135 switches from the second state to the first state, the adsorption amount of the adsorbent 181 in the first adsorption device 121 is a first adsorption amount, and the adsorption amount of the adsorbent 181 in the second adsorption device 122 is a second adsorption amount. The second adsorption amount is greater than the first adsorption amount.

[0058] When the refrigerant flow path 111 is in the first state, the adsorbent 181 in the first adsorption device 121 is in contact with a high-pressure refrigerant, and the adsorbent 181 in the second adsorption device 122 is in contact with a low-pressure refrigerant. In the first adsorption device 121, the adsorbent 181 gradually adsorbs the refrigerant, releasing heat in the process. In the second adsorption device 122, the adsorbent 181 gradually desorbs the refrigerant, absorbing heat in the process. Therefore, the adsorption amount of the adsorbent 181 in the first adsorption device 121 increases from the first adsorption amount to the second adsorption amount, and the adsorption amount of the adsorbent 181 in the second adsorption device 122 decreases from the second adsorption amount to the first adsorption amount.

[0059] The following describes a change in the adsorption amount, which is the amount of refrigerant adsorbed by the adsorbent 181, when the refrigerant flow path 111 is in the second state. In the state switched from the first state to the second state by the switching mechanism 135, the adsorption amount of the adsorbent 181 in the first adsorption device 121 is the second adsorption amount, and the adsorption amount of the adsorbent 181 in the second adsorption device 122 is the first adsorption amount.

[0060] When the refrigerant flow path 111 is in the second state, the adsorbent 181 in the first adsorption device 121 contacts the low-pressure refrigerant, and the adsorbent 181 in the second adsorption device 122 contacts the high-pressure refrigerant. In the first adsorption device 121, the adsorbent 181 gradually desorbs the refrigerant, absorbing heat in the process. In the second adsorption device 122, the adsorbent 181 gradually adsorbs the refrigerant, releasing heat in the process. Therefore, the adsorption amount of the adsorbent 181 in the first adsorption device 121 decreases from the second adsorption amount to the first adsorption amount, and the adsorption amount of the adsorbent 181 in the second adsorption device 122 increases from the first adsorption amount to the second adsorption amount.

[0061] When the refrigerant flow path 111 is in the first state and the heat medium flow path 112 is in the third state, in the first adsorption device 121, hot heat generated in the process of the adsorbent 181 adsorbing the refrigerant in the first space 164a is transferred to the heat medium in the second space 164b. On the other hand, in the second adsorption device 122, cold heat generated in the process of the refrigerant adsorbed on the adsorbent 181 being desorbed from the adsorbent 181 is transferred to the heat medium in the second space 164b. Therefore, in the first adsorption device 121, heat is transferred from the refrigerant to the heat medium flowing through the first circulation flow path, and in the second adsorption device 122, heat is transferred from the heat medium flowing through the second circulation flow path to the refrigerant.

[0062] Thereafter, when the adsorption amount of the adsorbent 181 in the first adsorption device 121 reaches the second adsorption amount, it becomes difficult for the adsorbent 181 in the first adsorption device 121 to adsorb the refrigerant. When this state is reached, the refrigerant flow path 111 is switched from the first state to the second state, and the heat medium flow path 112 is switched from the third state to the fourth state.

[0063] When the refrigerant flow path 111 is in the second state and the heat medium flow path 112 is in the fourth state, in the second adsorption device 122, hot heat generated in the process of the adsorbent 181 adsorbing the refrigerant in the first space 164a is transferred to the heat medium in the second space 164b. On the other hand, in the first adsorption device 121, cold heat generated in the process of the refrigerant adsorbed to the adsorbent 181 being desorbed from the adsorbent 181 is transferred to the heat medium in the second space 164b. Therefore, in the first adsorption device 121, heat is transferred from the heat medium flowing through the second circulation flow path to the refrigerant, and in the second adsorption device 122, heat is transferred from the refrigerant to the heat medium flowing through the first circulation flow path.

[0064] Thereafter, when the adsorption amount of the adsorbent 181 in the second adsorption device 122 reaches the second adsorption amount, it becomes difficult for the adsorbent 181 in the second adsorption device 122 to adsorb the refrigerant. When this state is reached, the refrigerant flow path 111 is switched from the second state to the first state, and the heat medium flow path 112 is switched from the fourth state to the third state.

[0065] As described above, by alternately switching the refrigerant flow path 111 between the first state and the second state, it is possible to continuously adsorb the refrigerant to the adsorbent 181 in either the first adsorption device 121 or the second adsorption device 122. Furthermore, by alternately switching the heat medium flow path 112 between the third state and the fourth state in accordance with the switching between the first state and the second state, it is possible to continuously supply the heat generated when the refrigerant is adsorbed to the adsorbent 181 to the heat medium flowing through the first circulation flow path.

[0066] Therefore, the refrigeration apparatus 100 can continue to supply the heat medium heated by heat exchange with the refrigerant to the first heat exchanger 142 connected to the first circulation flow path. The air that has exchanged heat with the heat medium in the first heat exchanger 142 is sent to a predetermined location by the first fan 143.

[0067] (3) Features (3-1) In this embodiment, the adsorbent 181 is supported on the surface of the heat recovery member 160. The heat recovery member 160 and the casing 163 are arranged with a gap therebetween.

[0068] According to this configuration, the heat recovery member 160 does not come into contact with the casing 163. Therefore, the heat and cold caused by the adsorption or desorption of the refrigerant are less likely to be transferred to the casing 163 and more likely to be transferred to the heat medium. As a result, heat loss is suppressed.

[0069] (3-2) In this embodiment, the space between the heat recovery member 160 and the casing 163 is filled with a refrigerant.

[0070] This configuration ensures that the heat recovery member 160 does not come into contact with the casing 163 .

[0071] (3-3) In this embodiment, the fins 161 intersect with the vertical direction.

[0072] According to this configuration, the fins 161 are stacked in the horizontal direction, so that convection of the refrigerant can be suppressed.

[0073] -Modifications- (1) Modification A In the above embodiment, the heat recovery member 160 and the casing 163 are disposed with a gap therebetween, but this is not particularly limited.

[0074] 4, a heat insulating member 190 may be disposed between the heat recovery member 160 and the casing 163. According to this configuration, the heat insulating member 190 can suppress heat loss.

[0075] The heat insulating member 190 is disposed between the heat recovery member 160 and the casing 163. The heat insulating member 190 may be disposed so as to face all of the side, top, and bottom surfaces of the casing 163, or may be disposed so as to face one or more of the side, top, and bottom surfaces of the casing 163. The heat insulating member 190 disposed so as to face the side surface of the casing 163 is cylindrical.

[0076] The thermal conductivity of the heat insulating member 190 is lower than that of the material of the casing 163. The heat insulating member 190 is preferably made of a resin material. Resin materials have excellent heat resistance and chemical resistance. Examples of the resin material include one or more selected from the group consisting of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and polyether ether ketone (PEEK).

[0077] (2) Modification B In the above modification A, the heat insulating member 190 is disposed as a separate member between the heat recovery member 160 and the casing 163, but is not limited to this. The heat insulating member 190 may be coated on the inner surface of the casing 163.

[0078] (3) Modification C In the above embodiment, the heat recovery member 160 and the casing 163 are disposed with a gap therebetween, but this is not particularly limited.

[0079] 5, the casing 163 may have a double structure made up of an inner casing 163x and an outer casing 163y. The inner casing 163x does not contact the heat recovery member 160. The casing 163 may have a double structure on all of its side, bottom, and top surfaces, or on one or more of its side, bottom, and top surfaces.

[0080] (4) Modification D As shown in FIG. 6 , the first adsorption device 121 and the second adsorption device 122 may have partition plates 191. The partition plates 191 are disk-shaped members. In this modification D, three partition plates 191 are arranged. The partition plates 191 are arranged between the heat recovery member 160 and the casing 163. The main surfaces of the partition plates 191 intersect with the vertical direction. The main surfaces of the partition plates 191 extend along horizontal planes.

[0081] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 7, the partition plate 191 may be attached to the inner surface of the casing 163 and extend from the inner surface of the casing 163. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II in Fig. 6. In this case, the inner peripheral edge of the partition plate 191 is a rectangle that follows the outer peripheral edge of the fins 161 when viewed from above. However, the inner peripheral edge of the partition plate 191 is larger than the outer peripheral edge of the fins 161. Therefore, there is a gap between the partition plate 191 and the fins 161.

[0082] The partition plate 191 may have a shape different from that shown in Fig. 7 . As shown in Fig. 8 , the partition plate 191 may be attached to the fins 161 of the heat recovery member 160 and extend from the fins 161 of the heat recovery member 160. In this case, when viewed from above, the outer circumferential edge of the partition plate 191 is a circle that follows the inner circumferential surface of the casing 163. However, the outer circumferential edge of the partition plate 191 is a circle that is smaller than the inner circumferential surface of the casing 163. Therefore, there is a gap between the outer circumferential edge of the partition plate 191 and the inner circumferential surface of the casing 163.

[0083] 7 and 8, the number of heat transfer tubes 162 is simplified.

[0084] The partition plate 191 prevents the refrigerant from convection in the casing 163 .

[0085] (5) Modification E In the above embodiment, the casings 163 of the first adsorption device 121 and the second adsorption device 122 have the refrigerant inlet 163a and the refrigerant outlet 163b connected to the refrigerant flow path 111. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this.

[0086] 9 , the refrigerant inlet 163a and outlet 163b connected to the refrigerant flow path 111 may be the same in the casing 163. In this case, the refrigerant in the refrigerant flow path 111 passes through the inlet 163a, flows into the casing 163, and flows out from the casing 163. The inlet 163a functions as both the inlet and outlet for the refrigerant of the first adsorption device 121 and the second adsorption device 122.

[0087] (6) Modification F The adsorbent 181 may be filled in at least a portion of the space through which the refrigerant flows.

[0088] The metal-organic framework used as the adsorbent 181 is a porous solid. The gaseous refrigerant can be adsorbed to and desorbed from the adsorbent 181 while easily passing through the adsorbent 181. Therefore, the pressure loss when the refrigerant passes through the adsorbent 181 is small enough that its effect does not need to be considered. Therefore, in this modification, a larger amount of adsorbent 181 is used compared to when the adsorbent 181 is supported on the first surface 182, and therefore the amount of heat generated from the adsorbent 181 during refrigerant adsorption can be increased. As a result, the efficiency of recovering hot and cold energy by the heat transfer medium can be improved.

[0089] (7) Modification G The adsorbent 181 is preferably supported on the first surface 182 so that the amount of heat or cold generated from the adsorbent 181 when the refrigerant is adsorbed onto or desorbed from the adsorbent 181 is increased along the second direction in which the heat medium flows through the second space 164b.

[0090] Specifically, the adsorbent 181 is supported on the first surface 182 such that the amount of the adsorbent 181 supported on the first surface 182 varies along the second direction. For example, the adsorbent 181 is supported on the first surface 182 such that the thickness of the adsorbent 181 supported on the first surface 182 varies along the second direction. Furthermore, the adsorbent 181 is supported on the first surface 182 such that the type of the adsorbent 181 supported on the first surface 182 varies along the second direction.

[0091] The amount of heat generated when the metal organic framework used as the adsorbent 181 adsorbs a refrigerant varies depending on the types of metal ions and organic ligands constituting the metal organic framework and the amount of the metal organic framework used. Therefore, by appropriately selecting the amount and type of the metal organic framework used, it is possible to improve the efficiency of recovering hot and cold energy by the heat medium.

[0092] (8) Modification H In the above embodiment, the first adsorption device 121 and the second adsorption device 122 have the same type of heat recovery member 160. However, the first adsorption device 121 and the second adsorption device 122 may have different types of heat recovery member 160.

[0093] (9) Modification I The adsorbent 181 used in the refrigeration device 100 is a metal organic framework. However, a material other than a metal organic framework may be used as the adsorbent. Examples of the material other than a metal organic framework include activated carbon, a zeolite-based material, a silica-based material, and an alumina-based material.

[0094] (10) Modification J In the above embodiment, the heat recovery member 160 is of a cross-fin type. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0095] The heat recovery member 160 may be, for example, a corrugated fin type, a shell and heat transfer tube type, a double tube type, or a plate type.

[0096] For example, when the heat recovery member 160 is a corrugated fin type, the basic configuration and operation of the refrigeration device 100 of Modification J are the same as those of the refrigeration device 100 of the above embodiment. The main difference between the refrigeration device 100 of the second embodiment and the refrigeration device 100 of the above embodiment is the heat recovery member 160.

[0097] In this modified example, the heat recovery member 160 is a corrugated fin type. As shown in FIG. 10 , the corrugated fin type heat recovery member includes a plurality of fins 261, a plurality of heat transfer tubes 262, and a casing 263. The plurality of heat transfer tubes 262 are flat tubes arranged at equal intervals along a predetermined direction so as not to contact each other. The plurality of fins 261 are arranged between the plurality of heat transfer tubes 262. The plurality of fins 261 are formed in a corrugated shape when viewed from the direction of air flow passing through the plurality of fins 261. The longitudinal direction of the plurality of fins 261 coincides with the longitudinal direction of the plurality of heat transfer tubes 262. Both ends of the plurality of heat transfer tubes 262 are connected to a first header 264a and a second header 264b. The first header 264a and the second header 264b are connected to the utilization side circuit 102. The casing 263 houses the plurality of fins 261 and the plurality of heat transfer tubes 262. The casing 263 has an inlet 263 a and an outlet 263 b connected to the heat source side circuit 101 .

[0098] In this modification, the first adsorption device 121 and the second adsorption device 122 may have, instead of the heat transfer tube 162, a plurality of heat transfer tubes 262, a first header 264a, and a second header 264b of this modification.

[0099] In this modification, the heat transfer tubes 162 and 262 may be flat multi-hole tubes.

[0100] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined in the claims.

[0101] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100: Refrigeration device 101: Heat source side circuit 102: Use side circuit 121: First adsorption device (adsorption device) 122: Second adsorption device (adsorption device) 160: Heat recovery member 161: Multiple fins 162: Heat transfer tube 163: Casing 163a: Inlet 163b: Outlet 163x: Inner casing 163y: Outer casing 181: Adsorption material 182: First surface 190: Heat insulating member 191: Partition plate

[0102] US Patent Application Publication No. 2023 / 0417459

Claims

1. An adsorber (121, 122) used in a refrigeration device in which a refrigerant circulates, comprising: a casing (163) into which the refrigerant flows; an adsorbent (181) that adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant in response to changes in the pressure of the refrigerant; and a heat recovery member (160) that is disposed inside the casing, supports the adsorbent, and comes into contact with a heat medium, wherein the heat recovery member and the casing are disposed with a gap therebetween.

2. The adsorber according to claim 1, further comprising a heat insulating member (190) disposed between the heat recovery member and the casing, wherein the heat insulating member has a thermal conductivity lower than that of the material of the casing.

3. The adsorber according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the refrigerant fills the space between the heat recovery member and the casing.

4. The adsorber according to claim 2, wherein the heat insulating member is coated on the inner surface of the casing.

5. The adsorber according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the casing has a double structure consisting of an inner casing (163x) and an outer casing (163y).

6. The adsorber according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the heat recovery member has fins (161) that cross the vertical direction.

7. The adsorber according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a partition plate (191) disposed between the heat recovery member and the casing.

8. The adsorber according to claim 7, wherein the partition plate intersects with the vertical direction.

9. The adsorber according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the inlet and outlet (163a) for the refrigerant in the casing are the same.

10. The adsorber according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the adsorbent has a metal-organic framework containing metal ions and organic ligands.

11. The adsorber of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the refrigerant is selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide, hydrocarbon refrigerants, ammonia, and water.

12. A refrigeration system (100) comprising an adsorber according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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