Refrigeration cycle device and refrigeration device

Abstract

Provided is a refrigeration cycle device having a refrigerant circuit in which equipment is connected by refrigerant piping and a refrigerant circulates, the refrigeration cycle device comprising: a load unit in which the equipment in the refrigerant circuit is mounted, and which is disposed in a target space to be loaded; a refrigerant leakage detection sensor that is disposed in the target space, that detects refrigerant which has leaked with respect to the load unit, and that sends a leakage signal; a load-side control device that is disposed outside the target space, and that controls the equipment in the load unit; and a leakage signal receiver that relays the leakage signal from the refrigerant leakage detection sensor, and that transmits the leakage signal to the load-side control device. The refrigerant leakage detection sensor and the leakage signal receiver are connected by a leakage signal line which is a signal line for transmitting a low-voltage signal, and the leakage signal receiver and the load-side control device are connected by a relay signal line which is a signal line for transmitting a high-voltage signal.

Description

Refrigeration cycle device and refrigeration device

[0001] This technology relates to a refrigeration cycle device and a refrigeration device, and in particular to refrigerant leakage detection.

[0002] Among refrigeration cycle devices with refrigerant circuits, there are refrigeration devices that cool and freeze food and other items. The refrigeration device configures a refrigerant circuit by connecting a heat source unit and a load unit with refrigerant piping. The load unit is installed in a target space that is the load target. Here, the target space is a low-temperature and corrosive environment for devices containing electrical and electronic circuits. Therefore, installing the devices in the target space increases the likelihood of malfunction. Furthermore, heat generated by the devices may impede cooling of the target space. Therefore, devices for controlling the devices in the load unit are generally installed in a space separate from the target space where the load unit is installed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this case, the wiring connecting the load-side control device and the devices in the load unit functions not only as a control line but also as a power supply line to the devices in the load unit. Therefore, the wiring is compatible with high-voltage, high-power output, such as 200V output.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-157070

[0004] Due to growing environmental awareness, there is a trend toward refrigerants with lower global warming potential (GWP). Refrigerants with low GWP have properties such as being slightly flammable. Therefore, when using such refrigerants in a refrigerant circuit, a refrigerant leak detection sensor that detects refrigerant leaks must be installed in the load unit or the target space. When a leak signal is transmitted from the refrigerant leak detection sensor, the load-side control device operates a load-side shutoff valve installed in the refrigerant circuit to stop the flow of refrigerant from the refrigerant piping in the load unit. For this reason, the load-side control device has the function of receiving the leak signal from the refrigerant leak detection sensor and the function of operating the load-side shutoff valve after receiving the signal.

[0005] However, sensor signals are typically transmitted using a low-voltage, weak power output, such as 5V. Therefore, if the distance between the refrigerant leak sensor and the load-side control device is long, the load-side control device may not be able to correctly receive the leak signal from the refrigerant leak sensor due to voltage drops in the signal lines. However, thicker signal lines are not practical due to installation and cost considerations. Furthermore, the inability to extend the signal lines between the refrigerant leak sensor and the load-side control device also affects the allowable length of the wiring between the load unit and the load-side control device. In particular, when installing multiple refrigerant leak sensors on multiple load units, the distance between the multiple refrigerant leak sensors and the load-side control device must be considered. While it is possible to transmit leak signals from the refrigerant leak sensor using a communication protocol and communicate in accordance with the standard, this increases the installation workload, such as setting an address for each refrigerant leak sensor.

[0006] Therefore, an object of this disclosure is to provide a refrigeration cycle device and a refrigeration device that can extend the signal transmission distance between a refrigerant leakage sensor and a load-side control device.

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the refrigeration cycle device disclosed herein is a refrigeration cycle device having a refrigerant circuit in which equipment is connected by refrigerant piping and through which refrigerant circulates, and is equipped with a load unit that is equipped with equipment in the refrigerant circuit and is installed in a target space to be loaded, a refrigerant leakage detection sensor that is installed in the target space and detects refrigerant leaking in the load unit and sends a leakage signal, a load side control device that is installed outside the target space and controls the equipment in the load unit, and a leakage signal receiver that relays the leakage signal from the refrigerant leakage detection sensor and sends it to the load side control device, and the refrigerant leakage detection sensor and the leakage signal receiver are connected by a leakage signal line that is a signal line that transmits a low-voltage signal, and the leakage signal receiver and the load side control device are connected by a relay signal line that is a signal line that transmits a high-voltage signal.

[0008] A refrigeration device according to the present disclosure includes the above-described refrigeration cycle device in which an evaporator is mounted in a load unit as a component.

[0009] According to the refrigeration cycle device and refrigeration device disclosed herein, the distance between the refrigerant leakage sensor and the load-side control device can be extended without conforming to the allowable length of the low-voltage signal line.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a refrigeration device 1 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating control and communication of the refrigeration device 1 in embodiment 1. Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating a wiring check of a relay signal line 930 in embodiment 2. Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating operation in a wiring check mode of the refrigeration device 1 in embodiment 2. Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating control and communication in the refrigeration device 1 in embodiment 3.

[0011] Refrigeration cycle devices and the like according to embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, components with the same reference numerals are identical or equivalent and will be common throughout the following embodiments. The dimensional relationships between components in the drawings may differ from those in reality. The configurations of components shown throughout the specification are merely illustrative and are not limited to those described in the specification. In particular, the combinations of components are not limited to those in each embodiment; components described in other embodiments may be applied to other embodiments. Furthermore, the levels of pressure and temperature are not determined in relation to absolute values, but are determined relatively in terms of the state and operation of the device. When multiple similar devices are distinguished by subscripts, the subscripts may be omitted if there is no need to distinguish or identify them.

[0012] Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a refrigeration system 1 according to embodiment 1. Here, the refrigeration system 1 will be described as an example of a refrigeration cycle system. The refrigeration system 1 is a device that cools a space to be cooled, such as a room, a warehouse, a showcase, or a refrigerator. As shown in FIG. 1 , the refrigeration system 1 includes one heat source unit 100 and three load units 200 (load unit 200a, load unit 200b, and load unit 200c) connected by refrigerant piping 300 to form a refrigerant circuit through which a refrigerant circulates. The three load units 200 are connected in parallel to the heat source unit 100 via piping. The number of heat source units 100 and load units 200 connected is not particularly limited. Examples of refrigerants used in the refrigeration system 1 include fluorine-based refrigerants and hydrocarbon-based refrigerants with low global warming potential (GWP).

[0013] The heat source unit 100 supplies heat to the load unit 200 via a refrigerant. The heat source unit 100 includes a compressor 110, a heat source-side heat exchanger 120, a receiver 130, an accumulator 140, and a heat source-side fan 150. The compressor 110, the heat source-side heat exchanger 120, the receiver 130, and the accumulator 140 are connected by piping and constitute a refrigerant circuit. The heat source unit 100 also includes a heat source-side control device 500. The heat source-side control device 500 controls the devices included in the heat source unit 100. The heat source-side control device 500 includes, for example, a microcomputer serving as a control and arithmetic processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The heat source unit 100 also includes semiconductor components such as a power module used in an inverter device for driving the compressor 110 and the heat source-side fan 150.

[0014] The compressor 110 compresses and discharges the drawn refrigerant. The compressor 110 is, for example, a scroll compressor, a reciprocating compressor, or a vane compressor. The refrigeration system 1 in the first embodiment includes, for example, an inverter device (not shown) that can arbitrarily change the power supplied to the compressor 110. Therefore, the inverter device changes the drive frequency of the compressor 110 based on instructions from the heat source side control device 500 (described later), which causes the motor (not shown) of the compressor 110 to change its rotation speed and thereby change its drive capacity.

[0015] The heat source-side heat exchanger 120 in the first embodiment functions as a condenser that condenses the refrigerant by heat exchange with the outdoor air. The heat source-side heat exchanger 120 is, for example, a fin-and-tube heat exchanger configured with a plurality of heat transfer tubes and a plurality of fins.

[0016] The heat source-side fan 150 is a blower that blows air to the heat source-side heat exchanger 120. The heat source-side fan 150 is disposed near the heat source-side heat exchanger 120. The heat source-side fan 150 is configured, for example, as a centrifugal fan or a multi-blade fan. The heat source-side fan 150 adjusts the blowing air volume by, for example, changing the rotation speed of a motor (not shown) in response to an instruction from the heat source-side control device 500, which will be described later.

[0017] The receiver 130 is a container that stores excess liquid refrigerant (hereinafter referred to as liquid refrigerant) generated in the refrigerant circuit. The accumulator 140 is a container that is installed on the suction side of the compressor 110. The accumulator 140 passes gaseous refrigerant (hereinafter referred to as gas refrigerant) on the suction side of the compressor 110 and stores the liquid refrigerant.

[0018] The load unit 200 is, for example, a unit installed in a space to be cooled. The load unit 200 includes a load expansion valve 210, a load heat exchanger 220, a load shutoff valve 230, and a load fan 240. The load expansion valve 210, the load heat exchanger 220, and the load shutoff valve 230 are connected by pipes and are installed as devices that constitute the main parts of a refrigerant circuit. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1 , the load unit 200a includes a load expansion valve 210a, a load shutoff valve 230a, a load heat exchanger 220a, and a load fan 240a. The load unit 200b includes a load expansion valve 210b, a load shutoff valve 230b, a load heat exchanger 220b, and a load fan 240b. The load unit 200c includes a load expansion valve 210c, a load shutoff valve 230c, a load heat exchanger 220c, and a load fan 240c.

[0019] The load-side expansion valve 210 adjusts the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant passing through the load-side heat exchanger 220. The load-side expansion valve 210 has a throttling device such as an electronic expansion valve or a temperature-sensitive expansion valve. Here, the refrigeration system 1 in the first embodiment will be described as having the load unit 200 having the load-side expansion valve 210, but the heat source unit 100 may have the load-side expansion valve 210, for example.

[0020] The load-side heat exchanger 220 in the first embodiment functions as an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant by heat exchange with the air in the space to be cooled. The load-side heat exchanger 220 is, for example, a fin-and-tube heat exchanger having a plurality of heat transfer tubes and a plurality of fins.

[0021] The load-side shutoff valve 230 is a valve that opens and closes based on instructions from a load-side control device 400 (described later) to control the passage of refrigerant through the load unit 200. For example, when the load-side shutoff valve 230 is closed, no refrigerant flows into or out of the load unit 200 via the refrigerant piping 300.

[0022] The load-side fan 240 is a blower that sends air to the load-side heat exchanger 220 and then sends the cooled air to the space to be cooled. The load-side fan 240 is provided near the load-side heat exchanger 220. The load-side fan 240 is configured, for example, as a centrifugal fan or a multi-blade fan. The load-side fan 240 is driven by a motor (not shown). The rotation speed of the motor of the load-side fan 240 is controlled by instructions from a load-side control device 400 (described later), and the amount of air sent to the load-side heat exchanger 220 is adjusted.

[0023] The load-side control device 400 also controls the devices included in the load unit 200. The load-side control device 400 controls the load unit 200, for example, by sending a control signal via a load-side control line 910 (described later). The load-side control device 400 in the first embodiment also determines whether a refrigerant leaks from the load unit 200 based on the detection of a refrigerant leak detection sensor 600 (described later). When the load-side control device 400 determines that a refrigerant leak has occurred, it sends an instruction to the load-side shutoff valve 230 to shut off the flow of the refrigerant, as described above. Here, the load-side control device 400 in the first embodiment is installed independently of the load unit 200 and outside the space to be cooled. Like the heat-source-side control device 500, the load-side control device 400 includes, as electronic devices, a microcomputer serving as a control and arithmetic processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The load-side control device 400 also includes semiconductor components for driving the load-side fan 240, the load-side shutoff valve 230, and the like.

[0024] Furthermore, the refrigeration system 1 in the first embodiment has a refrigerant leak detection sensor 600 (refrigerant leak detection sensor 600a, refrigerant leak detection sensor 600b, and refrigerant leak detection sensor 600c) in each load unit 200. The refrigerant leak detection sensor 600 is a detection device that reacts to refrigerant components, etc. The refrigerant leak detection sensor 600 detects the refrigerant concentration at the installation location and outputs a leak signal based on the detection. Here, the refrigerant leak detection sensor 600 is described as being installed directly on the load unit 200, but it may also be installed at a representative location within the space to be cooled, for example. When the refrigerant leak detection sensor 600 is installed on the load unit 200, it is necessary to install one for each load unit 200. However, when the refrigerant leak detection sensor 600 is installed at a representative location within the space to be cooled, it is not necessary to install one for each load unit 200, and for example, the number of installations may be reduced.

[0025] The refrigeration system 1 in embodiment 1 also includes, as independent devices, leakage signal receivers 700 (leakage signal receivers 700a, 700b, and 700c) and an alarm device 800. Each leakage signal receiver 700 relays a leakage signal from a corresponding refrigerant leakage detection sensor 600 and sends it to the load-side control device 400. The leakage signal receivers 700 in the refrigeration system 1 are installed in a location outside the space to be cooled, such as in the attic or on an exterior wall, to accommodate cases where the space to be cooled is in a low-temperature range or where corrosive gases may be generated. The alarm device 800 issues an alarm based on an alarm signal from the load-side control device 400. In the refrigeration system 1 in embodiment 1, the alarm device 800 is assumed to issue an alarm using, for example, sound or light. The alarm device 800 will be described as issuing an alarm related to a refrigerant leak.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating control and communication of the refrigeration system 1 in embodiment 1. The following description focuses on the connection relationships of signal lines related to refrigerant leakage detection. As shown in FIG. 2, a relay signal line 930 connects each leakage signal receiver 700 to the load-side control device 400. Furthermore, leakage signal lines 940 (leakage signal line 940a, leakage signal line 940b, leakage signal line 940c) connect each refrigerant leakage detection sensor 600 to the corresponding leakage signal receiver 700.

[0027] Here, the load-side control device 400 and each leakage signal receiver 700 have a relay device for transmitting a high-power output signal, and are connected to a relay signal line 930. The relay device is a device that switches between communication connection and disconnection via the relay signal line 930. Each leakage signal receiver 700 has a receiver-side relay device 710 (receiver-side relay device 710a, receiver-side relay device 710b, receiver-side relay device 710c), and the load-side control device 400 has a load-side relay device 410.

[0028] Furthermore, the heat source side control line 900 connects the heat source side control device 500 and the load side control device 400. Furthermore, the load side control line 910 connects each load unit 200 and the load side control device 400. Furthermore, the alarm signal line 920 connects the alarm device 800 and the load side control device 400.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2 , the signal lines connecting the load-side control device 400 and the electrical equipment also serve as power lines for driving the operating equipment, and are therefore high-voltage signal lines of, for example, 200 V. In particular, in the refrigeration system 1 of embodiment 1, the relay signal lines 930 connecting each leakage signal receiver 700 and the load-side control device 400 are high-voltage signal lines to increase the transmission distance of the leakage signal. On the other hand, the leakage signal line 940 between the leakage signal receiver 700 and the refrigerant leak detection sensor 600 is a low-voltage signal line of 5 V. If a low-voltage signal line were to be used to directly connect the refrigerant leak detection sensor 600 and the load-side control device 400, the allowable length of the signal line would be shortened. Therefore, in the refrigeration system 1 of embodiment 1, the leakage signal receiver 700 is installed, the leakage signal line 940 is a low-voltage signal line, and the relay signal line 930 is a high-voltage signal line.

[0030] As described above, in the first embodiment, the leakage signal receiver 700 is installed, and the leakage signal line 940 between the leakage signal receiver 700 and the refrigerant leakage detection sensor 600, which is an electronic component, is a low-voltage signal line. On the other hand, the relay signal line 930 between the leakage signal receiver 700 and the load-side control device 400 is a high-voltage signal line. Therefore, the refrigeration system 1 in the first embodiment can increase the transmission distance of the leakage signal by combining the leakage signal line 940, the leakage signal receiver 700, and the relay signal line 930 installed in the load unit 200. Therefore, the refrigeration system 1 in the first embodiment can increase the distance between the load unit 200 and the load-side control device 400 without having to match the allowable length of the low-voltage signal line.

[0031] 3 is a diagram illustrating a wiring check of the relay signal line 930 in embodiment 2. In embodiment 2, execution of a wiring check mode for checking whether the relay signal line 930 connecting each leakage signal receiver 700 and the load side control device 400 is correctly connected will be described.

[0032] In the wiring check mode, the load side control device 400 has a configuration used when executing the wiring check process, the load side control device 400 including a load side control board 420 , a control button 430 , and a monitor 440 .

[0033] The load-side control board 420 has a processing device such as a microcomputer and is a board that executes the processing performed by the load-side control device 400. The microcomputer performs processing based on input instructions, signals, etc., and controls the devices of the load unit 200. Here, the microcomputer performs a wiring check process to check whether the relay signal line 930 is correctly connected, based on instructions from an administrator. The wiring check process is a process of counting the number of wiring check signals sent from each leakage signal receiver 700 via the relay signal line 930. In the following, the wiring check process will be described as being performed by the load-side control board 420.

[0034] The control button 430 is an input device through which an administrator or the like inputs instructions to the load-side control device 400. In this example, it is assumed that the control button 430 has a button through which the administrator inputs instructions for the wiring check mode. The monitor 440 is a display device that displays numbers and the like based on a display signal sent from the load-side control board 420. Here, the monitor 440 displays information based on the counts of the load-side control board 420.

[0035] On the other hand, the leakage signal receiver 700 has a communication board 720 and a receiver switch 730. The communication board 720 is a board that executes processing related to the signal relay performed by the leakage signal receiver 700. Here, the communication board 720 functions as a confirmation indicator that sends a wiring confirmation signal in the wiring check mode. The receiver switch 730 is a switch that can be turned on and off by an administrator. Here, when the administrator turns on the receiver switch 730 to perform the wiring check mode, the wiring confirmation signal is sent via the relay signal line 930.

[0036] 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the refrigeration system 1 in the wiring check mode according to the second embodiment. In the wiring check mode, the load-side control board 420 of the load-side control device 400 is assumed to mainly perform processing. When the administrator presses the control button 430 to instruct the wiring check mode (step S1), the load-side control board 420 of the load-side control device 400 performs wiring confirmation processing (step S2).

[0037] In the wiring check mode, when the administrator turns on the receiver switch 730 of any of the leakage signal receivers 700 (step S11), the communication board 720 outputs a wiring check signal (step S12). The wiring check signal output by the communication board 720 is sent to the load-side control device 400 via the relay signal line 930. The administrator, for example, presses the control button 430 to end the wiring check mode.

[0038] When the load-side control board 420 receives the wiring check signal (step S3), it counts the number of signals (step S4). Then, the load-side control board 420 sends a display signal to the monitor 440 to display the count value (step S5). The monitor 440 displays the number based on the display signal (step S6).

[0039] In this way, in the wiring check mode, the administrator can check whether the leakage signal line 940 is wired correctly, whether it is broken, etc., by turning on the receiver switch 730 of each leakage signal receiver 700.

[0040] For example, in FIG. 4 , an administrator turns on the receiver switch 730 of each of three leakage signal receivers 700 in wiring check mode. The load-side control board 420 counts up, causing the number displayed on the monitor 440 to become "3." For example, if the number displayed on the monitor 440 is not "3," the administrator can confirm that a wiring error or the like has occurred. Here, the load-side control board 420 counts up and causes the monitor 440 to display the number, but this is not a limitation. For example, the load-side control board 420 may determine whether or not there is a wiring error and cause the monitor 440 to display the determination result.

[0041] Embodiment 3. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating control and communication in the refrigeration system 1 in embodiment 3. In the above-described embodiment 1, the load-side control device 400 and each leakage signal receiver 700 each have one load-side relay device 410 and one receiver-side relay device 710 that switch on and off electrical connection with the relay signal line 930. In embodiment 3, the load-side control device 400 and each leakage signal receiver 700 each have a plurality of load-side relay devices 410 and a plurality of receiver-side relay devices 710, which are installed in parallel with the relay signal line 930.

[0042] In Fig. 5, the load-side control device 400 and each leakage signal receiver 700 each have two relay devices installed in parallel to form a redundant configuration. In this case, both relay devices are normally kept in a closed state and connected to the relay signal line 930. Therefore, even if one relay device fails, the other relay device can continue to transmit the leakage signal. This reduces the risk of the leakage signal being unable to be transmitted due to a component failure or the like.

[0043] Embodiment 4 In the above-described first and second embodiments, when the load-side control device 400 receives a leakage signal, it sends an instruction to the load-side shutoff valve 230 to close it. However, this is not limited to this. For example, a relay contact for transmitting the leakage signal may be installed in the load-side control line 910. Then, the leakage signal may be physically interrupted from the load-side control device 400 to the load unit 200, and the load-side shutoff valve 230 that no longer receives the signal may close. Here, the contact may be included in the load-side control device 400. Also, for example, if the load-side shutoff valve 230 is not operated during normal operation but is operated only when a refrigerant leak occurs, the leakage signal receiver 700 may directly send an instruction to the load-side shutoff valve 230 to shut off the refrigerant. Furthermore, if a safety shutoff valve is installed in addition to the load-side shutoff valve 230 in case of a refrigerant leak, the refrigerant may be shut off by sending a command directly to the safety shutoff valve from the leakage signal receiver 700. Furthermore, if the load-side expansion valve 210 is an electronic expansion valve, for example, the leakage signal receiver 700 may control the opening of not only the load-side shutoff valve 230 but also the load-side expansion valve 210 to close it.

[0044] As described above, when a leak occurs, the leakage signal receiver 700 sends a command directly to the load-side shutoff valve 230 to shut off the refrigerant, eliminating the need to shut off the refrigerant 620 using the shutoff valve via the load-side control device 400. This shortens the wiring length of the signal line related to the refrigerant leakage, reducing wiring costs and workload. It also reduces the number of electrical and electronic components that must be passed through before the refrigerant is shut off. This reduces the risk of shutoff failure due to equipment failure, etc.

[0045] Furthermore, in the refrigeration system 1 of the first and second embodiments described above, the leakage signal receivers 700 are independently installed corresponding to the respective refrigerant leakage detection sensors 600, but this is not limited to this. For example, the leakage signal receivers 700 corresponding to the respective refrigerant leakage detection sensors 600 may be housed in a single housing. Furthermore, one leakage signal receiver 700 may receive and relay leakage signals from multiple refrigerant leakage detection sensors 600. By reducing the number of housings for the leakage signal receivers 700 and the number of leakage signal receivers 700, the risk of incorrect wiring of signal lines can be reduced. Furthermore, the cost of wiring and the workload for installation can be reduced.

[0046] Furthermore, in the refrigeration system 1 of the first and second embodiments described above, the leakage signal receiver 700 and the alarm device 800 are independent devices, but this is not limiting. For example, the leakage signal receiver 700 may be configured to have the functions of the alarm device 800 described in the first embodiment and elsewhere. For example, since there is no need to install the alarm device 800 independently, the workload associated with installation can be reduced. Furthermore, for example, an alarm can be issued without going through the load-side control device 400, reducing the number of electrical and electronic components that must be passed through before the alarm is activated. This reduces the risk of an alarm being disabled due to equipment failure or the like.

[0047] Here, particularly in the refrigeration system 1, there are many types of products that can be used as the load unit 200, such as showcases and freezers. For this reason, the heat source unit 100 and the load unit 200 may be combined using products from different manufacturers. For example, in the refrigeration system 1, the heat source unit 100, the leakage signal receiver 700, and the refrigerant leakage detection sensor 600 may be products of the same manufacturer, while the load unit 200 and the load-side control device 400 may be products of different manufacturers. Therefore, the leakage signal receiver 700 may be configured to have an external contact that can output an indication that a leakage signal has been received from the refrigerant leakage detection sensor 600. In this case, even if the load-side control device 400 is a product of a different manufacturer, the receipt of the leakage signal can be easily confirmed, and the load-side shutoff valve 230 in the load unit 200 can be closed.

[0048] In the above-described first to fourth embodiments, the refrigeration system 1 has been described as an example of a refrigeration cycle system, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to other refrigeration cycle systems such as air conditioners and refrigerators.

[0049] REFRIGERATION SYSTEM, 100 HEAT SOURCE UNIT, 110 COMPRESSOR, 120 HEAT SOURCE SIDE HEAT EXCHANGER, 130 RECEIVER, 140 ACCUMULATOR, 150 HEAT SOURCE SIDE FAN, 200, 200a, 200b, 200c LOAD UNIT, 210, 210a, 210b, 210c LOAD SOURCE EXPANSION VALVE, 220, 220a, 220b, 220c LOAD SOURCE HEAT EXCHANGER, 230, 230a, 230b, 230c LOAD SOURCE SHUTDOWN VALVE, 240, 240a, 240b, 240c LOAD SOURCE FAN, 300 REFRIGERANTIC PIPING, 400 LOAD SOURCE CONTROL DEVICE, 410 LOAD SOURCE RELAY DEVICE, 420 LOAD SOURCE CONTROL BOARD, 430 CONTROL BUTTON, 440 MONITOR, 500 Heat source side control device, 600, 600a, 600b, 600c Refrigerant leakage detection sensors, 700, 700a, 700b, 700c Leakage signal receiver, 710, 710a, 710b, 710c Receiver side relay device, 720 Communication board, 730 Receiver switch, 800 Alarm, 900 Heat source side control line, 910 Load side control line, 920 Alarm signal line, 930 Relay signal line, 940 Leakage signal line, 940a Leakage signal line, 940b Leakage signal line, 940c Leakage signal line.

Claims

1. A refrigeration cycle device having a refrigerant circuit in which equipment is connected by refrigerant piping and through which refrigerant circulates, comprising: a load unit that is equipped with the equipment in the refrigerant circuit and is installed in a target space to be loaded; a refrigerant leakage detection sensor that is installed in the target space and detects refrigerant that has leaked in the load unit and sends a leakage signal; a load-side control device that is installed outside the target space and controls the equipment in the load unit; and a leakage signal receiver that relays the leakage signal from the refrigerant leakage detection sensor and sends it to the load-side control device, wherein the refrigerant leakage detection sensor and the leakage signal receiver are connected by a leakage signal line that is a signal line that transmits a low-voltage signal, and the leakage signal receiver and the load-side control device are connected by a relay signal line that is a signal line that transmits a high-voltage signal.

2. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 1, wherein the leakage signal receiver has a confirmation indicator that sends a wiring confirmation signal to the load side control device, and the load side control device has a display that counts the wiring confirmation signals sent from the leakage signal receiver via the relay signal line and displays the count value on the display.

3. A refrigeration cycle device as described in claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a load-side shut-off valve installed within the load unit that, when closed, shuts off the flow of refrigerant through the refrigerant piping in the load unit, and the leakage signal receiver closes the load-side shut-off valve based on the leakage signal from the refrigerant leakage detection sensor.

4. A refrigeration cycle device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the leakage signal receiver has an alarm, and issues an alarm based on the leakage signal from the refrigerant leakage detection sensor.

5. A refrigeration cycle device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the leakage signal receiver is installed outside the target space.

6. A refrigeration cycle device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the load side control device and the load unit are connected by a load side control line, which is a signal line for transmitting high voltage signals.

7. A refrigeration cycle device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the leakage signal receiver and the load side control device each have a relay device that switches between connection and disconnection with the relay signal line, and wherein a plurality of the relay devices are connected in parallel to the relay signal line to provide redundancy.

8. A refrigeration system comprising the refrigeration cycle device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the load unit is equipped with an evaporator as the equipment.

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