Air conditioner

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air conditioner. The air conditioner, according to an embodiment of the present invention, may comprise: a heat recovery coil as a heat exchanger for recovering waste heat generated while operating a cycle unit; and a regeneration coil as a heat exchanger for regenerating a dehumidifying rotor by using waste heat generated while operating the cycle unit.

Description

air conditioner

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning device.

[0002] An air conditioner is a device that maintains the air in a given space at the most suitable condition for its intended use or purpose. Typically, the air conditioner includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator, and operates a refrigeration cycle that compresses, condenses, expands, and evaporates a refrigerant, thereby cooling or heating the space.

[0003] The above-mentioned designated space may be proposed in various ways depending on the location where the air conditioner is used. For example, if the air conditioner is placed in a home or office, the above-mentioned designated space may be an indoor space of the home or building.

[0004] When an air conditioner performs cooling operation, the outdoor heat exchanger provided in the outdoor unit functions as a condenser, and the indoor heat exchanger provided in the indoor unit functions as an evaporator. On the other hand, when the air conditioner performs heating operation, the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser, and the outdoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator.

[0005] Air conditioning units can be used as industrial air conditioning equipment. Typically, low-humidity air conditioning equipment used in industrial settings utilizes refrigerant or chilled water coils for primary cooling and dehumidification, followed by a dehumidifying rotor for secondary dehumidification to reduce the absolute humidity to the target level.

[0006] In addition, secondary cooling dehumidification is performed using a refrigerant or cold water coil to reduce the air temperature that has risen due to the high temperature during regeneration of the dehumidifying rotor back to the target level.

[0007] When operating the cooling cycle to perform the first and second cooling and dehumidification processes described above, high-temperature waste heat can be generated in the radiator, waste heat is also generated in the air discharged for ventilation, and a large amount of waste heat is also discharged through the exhaust after the dehumidifying rotor regenerates. This waste heat discharge increases energy consumption and reduces the operating efficiency of the device.

[0008] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning device having a cycle unit capable of supplying dehumidified air to an indoor space.

[0009] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning device comprising an outdoor unit for driving the cycle section, a heat recovery device connected to the outdoor unit, and an air treatment device fluidly connected to the heat recovery device to treat air flowing within a flow path section.

[0010] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning device having a heat recovery coil as a heat exchanger capable of recovering waste heat generated while operating the cycle unit.

[0011] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning device having a regeneration coil as a heat exchanger for performing regeneration of a dehumidifying rotor by using waste heat generated while operating a cycle unit.

[0012] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning device capable of improving dehumidification performance or heating efficiency by arranging a heat exchange coil as a heat exchanger for cooling, dehumidification, or heating in a supply side passage section.

[0013] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning device that arranges a plurality of heat exchange coils and can selectively operate some or all of the heat exchange coils among the plurality of heat exchange coils depending on the operation mode.

[0014] The present invention aims to provide an air conditioning device having a first flow path (supply air flow path) in which a plurality of heat exchange coils and dehumidifying rotors can be arranged to introduce outside air and dehumidify the introduced outside air.

[0015] The present invention aims to provide an air conditioning device having a second flow path (regeneration flow path) that forms a flow path for introducing outside air and regenerating a dehumidifying rotor using the introduced outside air.

[0016] The present invention aims to provide an air conditioning device capable of reducing the load of a steam or regeneration heater by providing a high-temperature extraction device in which a cascade cycle is operated between a heat recovery device and an air treatment device, thereby raising the regeneration temperature of a dehumidifying rotor to a high temperature.

[0017] The present invention aims to provide an air conditioning device capable of increasing the operating efficiency of a high-temperature extraction device by providing an intermediate heat exchanger capable of heat exchange between two refrigerants in the high-temperature extraction device.

[0018] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning device that, when the outdoor unit is operated in cooling mode, supplies a portion of the first high-pressure refrigerant compressed in the compressor of the outdoor unit to a high-temperature extraction device to evaporate the second refrigerant, thereby lowering the operating high pressure of the cycle in which the first refrigerant circulates and reducing the power consumption of the compressor.

[0019] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning device that, when the outdoor unit is operated in heating mode, supplies a high-pressure first refrigerant compressed in a compressor of the outdoor unit to a high-temperature extraction device to evaporate the second refrigerant, thereby increasing the regeneration temperature of a dehumidifying rotor and reducing the load of a steam or regeneration heater.

[0020] An air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cycle section in which a refrigerant circulates to dehumidify air.

[0021] The above cycle unit may include an air treatment device having an outdoor unit equipped with a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger, a heat recovery device connected to the outdoor unit, and a heat exchanger fluidly connected to the heat recovery device to recover heat or perform cooling, dehumidification, or heating.

[0022] The above heat exchanger may include a heat exchange coil.

[0023] The above outdoor unit can be selectively operated in cooling mode or heating mode.

[0024] The above heat recovery device can improve condensation efficiency by including an internal heat exchanger capable of further condensing the refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0025] The air treatment device includes a flow path forming an air path, and the heat exchange coil can be installed on the path of the flow path.

[0026] The above heat exchange coil may include a cooling dehumidifying coil for cooling and dehumidifying air or a heating coil for heating the air.

[0027] The above heat exchange coil may include a cooling and dehumidifying coil that is fluidly connected to the heat recovery device and can cool and dehumidify air flowing through the flow path through heat absorption.

[0028] The above cooling and dehumidifying coil can be installed in the first flow passage that introduces outside air and supplies it to the room.

[0029] The above heat exchange coil may include a heating coil that is fluidly connected to the heat recovery device and can heat the air flowing through the duct section through heat dissipation.

[0030] The above heating coil can be installed in the first duct section that introduces outside air and supplies it to the room.

[0031] The above cycle unit may further include a high-temperature extraction device including an intermediate heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the refrigerant of the heat recovery device.

[0032] The intermediate heat exchanger can perform heat exchange between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant so that the above high temperature extraction device can form a cascade cycle.

[0033] The first refrigerant may be a refrigerant circulating through the heat recovery device, and the second refrigerant may be a refrigerant circulating through an intermediate compressor provided in the high-temperature extraction device.

[0034] A dehumidifying rotor for dehumidifying the air supplied to the room may be installed in the above-mentioned euro section.

[0035] The dehumidification area of ​​the dehumidification rotor is arranged in the first flow path, and the regeneration area of ​​the dehumidification rotor is installed in the second flow path, so that dehumidification and regeneration operation of the dehumidification rotor can be easily performed.

[0036] A regeneration coil as a heat exchanger that can generate regeneration heat by introducing compressed refrigerant from the intermediate compressor may be installed in the second section.

[0037] A regeneration heater for regeneration of the dehumidifying rotor may be installed in the second euro section.

[0038] In the second section, a heat recovery coil is arranged at the outlet of the regeneration side area of ​​the dehumidifying rotor to evaporate using the high-temperature waste heat exhausted after regeneration of the dehumidifying rotor, so that the operating efficiency of the high-temperature extraction device can be improved.

[0039] The above heat recovery coil may be configured to allow at least a portion of the refrigerant condensed in the regeneration coil to be introduced after depressurization and evaporated.

[0040] The above air treatment device may include a first passage in which a plurality of heat exchange coils and dehumidifying rotors may be arranged to introduce outside air and dehumidify or heat the introduced outside air.

[0041] The above air treatment device may include a first passage section in which a cooling dehumidifying coil is arranged to introduce outside air and dehumidify the introduced outside air, a dehumidifying rotor, and a heating coil is arranged on the outlet side of the dehumidifying rotor to increase the temperature of air to be supplied to an indoor space.

[0042] The above air treatment device may include a third flow path that forms a flow path for introducing outside air and regenerating the dehumidifying rotor using the introduced outside air.

[0043] In one aspect of the present invention, an air conditioner may include an outdoor unit including a compressor for compressing a first refrigerant; an air treatment device including a regeneration path section for cooling or heating air using a heat source of the outdoor unit and in which a regeneration part of a dehumidifying rotor is arranged; and a high-temperature extraction device including an intermediate compressor for compressing a second refrigerant to provide regeneration heat to the dehumidifying rotor.

[0044] In the above regeneration path section, a regeneration coil that is arranged on the outlet side of the intermediate compressor and condenses the second refrigerant compressed in the intermediate compressor and a heat recovery coil into which at least a portion of the second refrigerant discharged from the regeneration coil is introduced and evaporated by air passing through the regeneration path section may be arranged.

[0045] The above regeneration coil section may be configured such that the regeneration coil is placed on the inlet side of the dehumidifying rotor based on the air flow so that the regeneration coil supplies heat to the dehumidifying rotor.

[0046] The above regeneration unit may be configured such that the heat recovery coil is positioned on the outlet side of the dehumidifying rotor based on the air flow so that the heat recovery coil cools the air passing through the dehumidifying rotor.

[0047] The intermediate compressor may further include a discharge pipe connected to the outlet side and extending to the regeneration coil, and a coil outlet pipe connected to the outlet side of the regeneration coil, wherein the coil outlet pipe may include a coil side branch portion to which a coil side branch pipe connected to the heat recovery coil is connected.

[0048] A coil-side expansion valve may be installed in the above coil-side branch pipe to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant to be introduced into the heat recovery coil.

[0049] The high-temperature extraction device may further include an intermediate expansion device installed in the coil-side outlet pipe for depressurizing the second refrigerant condensed in the regeneration coil; and a liquid separator provided on the outlet side of the intermediate expansion device for separating liquid refrigerant from the depressurized second refrigerant.

[0050] The above high-temperature extraction device further includes an intermediate heat exchanger provided on the outlet side of the liquid separator and heat-exchanging the liquid refrigerant separated from the liquid separator with the first refrigerant, and the outlet pipe of the intermediate heat exchanger can be connected to the suction side of the intermediate compressor.

[0051] The high-temperature extraction device may include an intermediate heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant; a heat exchanger outlet pipe connected to the outlet side of the intermediate heat exchanger and through which the heat-exchanged second refrigerant flows; and a coil-side low-pressure pipe connected to the outlet side of the heat recovery coil and connected to the heat exchanger outlet pipe.

[0052] The above air handling device further includes an air supply passage section in which a dehumidifying part of the dehumidifying rotor is arranged, and a first heat exchange coil may be arranged in the air supply passage section, which is provided on the inlet side of the dehumidifying part based on air flow and performs cooling and dehumidification of the air in the air supply passage section during the process in which the first refrigerant evaporates.

[0053] The high temperature extraction device includes an intermediate heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant, and includes a first branch pipe extending from the outlet side of the intermediate heat exchanger to the first heat exchange coil, and a first coil expansion valve that reduces the pressure of the first refrigerant flowing into the first heat exchange coil may be installed in the first branch pipe.

[0054] In the above air supply path section, a second heat exchange coil may be arranged on the outlet side of the dehumidifying part based on the air flow and performing cooling, dehumidification, or heating for the air in the first path section.

[0055] The high temperature extraction device includes an intermediate heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant, and includes a second branch pipe extending from the outlet side of the intermediate heat exchanger to the second heat exchange coil, and a second coil expansion valve that reduces the pressure of the first refrigerant flowing into the second heat exchange coil may be installed in the second branch pipe.

[0056] The outdoor unit and the high temperature extraction device are connected, and a heat recovery device having an internal heat exchanger and a valve device is included, and the outdoor unit and the heat recovery device can be connected by three pipes through which the first refrigerant flows.

[0057] The high temperature extraction device may include an intermediate heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant, the three pipes may include a liquid pipe connected to the internal heat exchanger and the valve device, and the liquid pipe may include a branch portion connected to the outlet pipe of the intermediate heat exchanger.

[0058] The above three pipes guide the first refrigerant compressed in the compressor and include a high-pressure engine connected to the valve device, and the high-pressure engine is connected to an intermediate heat exchanger provided in the high-temperature extraction device to introduce the first refrigerant.

[0059] The high temperature extraction device includes an intermediate heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant, and the condensation temperature of the second refrigerant may be higher than the condensation temperature of the first refrigerant, and the evaporation temperature of the second refrigerant may be higher than the evaporation temperature of the first refrigerant.

[0060] A regeneration heater is installed in the above regeneration vortex section to provide heat for regeneration of the regeneration part, and the regeneration heater can be positioned between the regeneration coil and the regeneration part of the dehumidifying rotor based on air flow.

[0061] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an air conditioning device having a cycle section is provided, so that air can be dehumidified and easily supplied to an indoor space.

[0062] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an outdoor unit is provided for driving the cycle section, and a heat recovery device connected to the outdoor unit and an air treatment device fluidly connected to the heat recovery device to treat air flowing within the flow path section are included, so that dehumidification performance can be improved.

[0063] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a heat recovery coil as a heat exchanger is provided to recover waste heat generated while operating a cycle unit, so that energy used for operating the device can be reduced.

[0064] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a regeneration coil is provided as a heat exchanger for performing regeneration of a dehumidifying rotor by using waste heat generated while operating a cycle unit, so that energy used for operating the device can be reduced.

[0065] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a heat exchange coil as a heat exchanger for cooling, dehumidification, or heating is arranged in the air supply side passage section, thereby improving the dehumidification performance.

[0066] According to an embodiment of the present invention, since a plurality of heat exchange coils are arranged and some or all of the heat exchange coils among the plurality of heat exchange coils can be selectively operated depending on the operation mode, optimal operation control according to external conditions can be achieved.

[0067] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a supply air passage section is provided in which a plurality of heat exchange coils and dehumidifying rotors can be arranged to introduce outside air and dehumidify the introduced outside air, so that dehumidifying performance can be improved.

[0068] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a regeneration flow path section is provided that introduces outside air and forms a flow path for regenerating the dehumidifying rotor using the introduced outside air, so that the operating performance of the dehumidifying rotor can be improved.

[0069] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a high-temperature extraction device in which a cascade cycle is operated is provided between a heat recovery device and an air treatment device to raise the regeneration temperature of the dehumidifying rotor to a high temperature, thereby reducing the load of the steam or regeneration heater.

[0070] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an intermediate heat exchanger capable of heat exchange between two refrigerants is provided in the high-temperature extraction device, thereby increasing the operating efficiency of the high-temperature extraction device.

[0071] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the outdoor unit is operated in cooling mode, some of the high-pressure first refrigerant compressed in the compressor of the outdoor unit is supplied to a high-temperature extraction device to evaporate the second refrigerant, thereby lowering the operating high pressure of the cycle in which the first refrigerant circulates and reducing the power consumption of the compressor.

[0072] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the outdoor unit is operated in heating mode, the high-pressure first refrigerant compressed in the compressor of the outdoor unit is supplied to a high-temperature extraction device to evaporate the second refrigerant, thereby increasing the regeneration temperature of the dehumidifying rotor and reducing the load of the steam or regeneration heater.

[0073] Figure 1 is a cycle diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Figure 2 is a cycle diagram showing the operation of the first mode of an air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Figure 3 is a cycle diagram showing the operation of the second mode of the air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Figure 4 is a cycle diagram showing the operation of the third mode of the air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Figure 5 is a cycle diagram showing the operation of the fourth mode of the air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. When designating components in each drawing, it should be noted that, where possible, identical components will be given the same reference numerals, even if they appear in different drawings. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of the present invention, detailed descriptions of related known structures or functions will be omitted if they are deemed to hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0079] Additionally, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used to describe components of embodiments of the present invention. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the components are not limited by the terms. When it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but another component may also be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" between each component.

[0080] Figure 1 is a cycle diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 1, an air conditioning device (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cycle section (1a) that forms a cycle in which a refrigerant circulates.

[0082] The above cycle unit (1a) may include an outdoor unit (20) and a heat recovery device (50).

[0083] The above air conditioning device (1) may include an air treatment device (70) for dehumidifying or heating air supplied indoors using the heat source of the cycle unit (1a). The air treatment device (70) may be called an air handling unit (AHU).

[0084] The air treatment device (70) may include a flow path (80, 95) that forms an air flow path. The flow path (80, 95) defines an air flow path formed inside the air treatment device (70), and a plurality of heat exchangers and dehumidifying rotors, etc. may be installed in the path of the flow path (80, 95).

[0085] The above-mentioned flow path may include a first flow path (80) that introduces outside air, dehumidifies or heats the introduced outside air, and then supplies the air to the room. The first flow path (80) may be called a “supply air flow path.”

[0086] One end of the first flow path (80) may form a first outdoor air introduction portion (81) into which outdoor air is introduced. The other end of the first flow path (80) may form an indoor supply portion (82) that supplies outdoor air to the room after processing it to remove moisture contained therein.

[0087] A first fan (83) may be installed in the first flow path (80) to generate air flow passing through the first flow path (80). For example, the first fan (83) may be installed adjacent to and inside the indoor supply section (82).

[0088] A plurality of heat exchangers constituting the cycle section (1a) may be installed inside the first flow section (80). For example, the plurality of heat exchangers may include a first heat exchange coil (361) and a second heat exchange coil (362) constituting the cycle section (1a).

[0089] Based on the flow path of air flowing through the first flow path (80), the second exchange coil (362) can be placed on the outlet side of the first heat exchange coil (361).

[0090] A dehumidifying part forming a dehumidifying area of ​​the dehumidifying rotor (160) may be arranged between the first heat exchange coil (361) and the second heat exchange coil (362). For example, air passing through the first heat exchange coil (361) may pass through the second heat exchange coil (362) after passing through the dehumidifying part.

[0091] The above first heat exchange coil (361) can constitute a “cooling dehumidification coil” that performs dehumidification by cooling the air.

[0092] The above second heat exchange coil 362) may constitute a “cooling dehumidification coil” that performs dehumidification by cooling the air depending on the operation mode of the air conditioner (1), or may constitute a “heating coil” for increasing the temperature of the air.

[0093] The above-mentioned flow path may include a second flow path (95) that introduces outside air, processes the introduced outside air, and then exhausts the outside air. The second flow path (95) may be called a “regeneration flow path.”

[0094] One end of the second flow path (95) may form a second outside air introduction portion (96) into which outside air is introduced. The other end of the second flow path (95) may form an exhaust portion (97) that performs regeneration of the dehumidifying rotor (160) using the introduced outside air and then exhausts the regenerated air to the outside.

[0095] A second fan (98) may be installed in the second flow path (95) to generate air flow passing through the second flow path (95). For example, the second fan (98) may be installed adjacent to and inside the exhaust part (97).

[0096] A heat exchanger constituting the cycle section (1a) may be installed inside the second flow section (95). For example, the heat exchanger may include a regeneration coil (140).

[0097] The above cycle unit (1a) may include a high-temperature extraction device (100) for supplying regeneration heat to the air flowing through the second flow path (95). The high-temperature extraction device (100) circulates a second refrigerant that exchanges heat with the first refrigerant circulating through the outdoor unit (20), and supplies high-pressure refrigerant to the regeneration coil (140) to condense the refrigerant in the regeneration coil (140). Therefore, the temperature of the air passing through the regeneration coil (140) may rise for the regeneration of the dehumidifying rotor.

[0098] Below, the detailed configuration of the above cycle section (1a) will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 1, a cycle unit (1a) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an outdoor unit (20) through which refrigerant circulates and a heat recovery device (50) fluidly connected to the outdoor unit (20) and having an internal heat exchanger (52).

[0100] The above outdoor unit (20) may include a compressor (310) for compressing refrigerant to a high pressure. An accumulator (305) may be installed on the suction side of the compressor (310) to separate gaseous refrigerant from the low pressure refrigerant and guide it to the compressor (310).

[0101] The above outdoor unit (20) is installed on the outlet side of the compressor (310) and may include a flow control valve (320, 322) that controls the flow direction of the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (310) and flows therein.

[0102] The above flow control valve (320, 322) may include a first valve (320) and a second valve (322). For example, the first and second valves (320, 322) may include a four-way valve.

[0103] The above first and second valves (320, 322) can be configured so that three of the four ports are open and connected to the refrigerant pipe, and the remaining one port is closed.

[0104] A discharge pipe (312) is connected to the outlet of the compressor (310), and the discharge pipe (312) can be connected to a valve connection pipe (324) that connects the first valve (320) and the second valve (322).

[0105] In detail, the valve connection pipe (324) includes a joint portion (324a), and the discharge pipe (312) can be connected to the joint portion (324a). The refrigerant of the discharge pipe (312) flows into the valve connection pipe (324) through the joint portion (324a), and can be branched into the first and second valves (320, 322) and flowed into the second valve (222).

[0106] For example, when the outdoor unit (20) is operated in cooling mode, some of the refrigerant flowing into the valve connection pipe (324) may flow into the outdoor heat exchanger (330) through the first valve (320). The remaining refrigerant may flow into the heat recovery device (50) through the second valve (322).

[0107] An outdoor fan that blows air into the outdoor heat exchanger (330) may be provided on one side of the outdoor heat exchanger (330).

[0108] The above outdoor unit (20) may include a heat exchanger connecting pipe (326) extending from the first valve (320) to the outdoor heat exchanger (330).

[0109] The outdoor unit (20) may include a high-pressure pipe (327) extending from the second valve (322) to the heat recovery device (50). A high-pressure gaseous refrigerant flows through the high-pressure pipe (327), and may extend to the outside of the outdoor unit (20) and be connected to the heat recovery device (50).

[0110] The high pressure engine (327) is connected to the third valve (340) of the heat recovery device (50), and can be extended from the third valve (340) to be connected to the intermediate heat exchanger (130) of the high temperature extraction device (100).

[0111] The third valve (340) may include, for example, a four-way valve. The third valve (340) may fluidly connect the outdoor unit (20) and the high-temperature exhaust device (100), or the outdoor unit (20) and the heat exchange coil (361, 362) of the air treatment device (70) with the refrigerant.

[0112] The outdoor unit (20) may include an outdoor heat exchanger (330). In the cooling mode of the outdoor unit (20), the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (310) may be condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (330). That is, the second outdoor heat exchanger (330) may function as a condenser.

[0113] On the other hand, in the heating mode of the outdoor unit (20), the refrigerant introduced into the outdoor unit (20) from the heat recovery device (50) is depressurized in the outdoor expansion valve (334) and then introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger (330), and can be evaporated while passing through the outdoor heat exchanger (330). That is, the outdoor heat exchanger (330) can function as an evaporator.

[0114] Based on the cooling mode of the outdoor unit (20), a liquid pipe (335) may be connected to the outlet side of the outdoor heat exchanger (330). A liquid refrigerant flows through the liquid pipe (335), and may extend to the outside of the outdoor unit (20) and be connected to the heat recovery device (50).

[0115] An outdoor expansion valve (334) may be installed in the above liquid pipe (335). The outdoor expansion valve (334) may be configured as, for example, an electronic expansion valve (EEV) whose opening can be adjusted to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant.

[0116] The outdoor unit (20) may include a passage (364a, 364b) through which a gaseous refrigerant flows. The passage (364a, 364b) may extend to the outside of the outdoor unit (20) and be connected to the heat recovery device (50).

[0117] When the refrigerant evaporated in the first and second heat exchange coils (361, 362) flows through the engine (364a, 364b), the engine (364a, 364b) can form a “low-pressure engine.”

[0118] When the refrigerant condensed in the second heat exchange coil (362) flows through the engine (364b), the engine (364b) can form a “high-pressure engine.”

[0119] The above-mentioned organs (364a, 364b) may include a first organ (364a) connected to a first heat exchange coil (361) and a second organ (364b) connected to a second heat exchange coil (362).

[0120] The first engine (364a) and the second engine (364b) can be connected at the branch (365). That is, the second engine (364b) is connected to the third valve (340) of the heat recovery device (50) and can extend further from the third valve (340) to the branch (365).

[0121] Accordingly, the low-pressure refrigerant flowing through the second engine (364b) can flow to the branch section (365) via the third valve (340) and be combined with the refrigerant of the first engine (364a).

[0122] The organ (364a, 364b) combined in the above branch section (365) extends to the outdoor unit (20) via the internal heat exchanger (52) and can be connected to the inlet side of the accumulator (305).

[0123] In other words, it may be understood that the first engine (364a) extends to the outdoor unit (20) through the internal heat exchanger (52) of the heat recovery device (50), and the second engine (364b) is joined to the first engine (364a) at the branch portion (365).

[0124] The outdoor unit (20) and the heat recovery device (50) can be connected by three pipes. In detail, the outdoor unit (20) and the heat recovery device (50) are connected by the high pressure engine (327), the liquid pipe (335), and the engine (364a, 364b), so that the refrigerant can circulate between the outdoor unit (20) and the heat recovery device (50).

[0125] The above heat recovery device (50) may include an internal heat exchanger (52). The internal heat exchanger (52) may constitute a heat exchanger in which heat exchange occurs between refrigerants.

[0126] The internal heat exchanger (52) may be configured to allow heat exchange between the medium-temperature, high-pressure two-phase refrigerant flowing through the liquid pipe (335) and the low-temperature refrigerant flowing through the engine (364a, 364b). In this process, the refrigerant in the liquid pipe (335) may be further condensed.

[0127] When the cycle unit (1a) operates in the cooling mode of the outdoor unit (20), at least a portion of the high-pressure refrigerant compressed in the compressor (310) is branched to the intermediate heat exchanger (130) through the high-pressure engine (327), so the high pressure of the cycle unit (1a) is lowered, and thus heat dissipation in the outdoor heat exchanger (330) may not be smooth.

[0128] To solve this problem, the heat recovery device (50) may be provided with an internal heat exchanger (52) to further condense the refrigerant in the liquid pipe (335), thereby improving the condensation performance of the cycle.

[0129] The heat recovery device (50) may include a third valve (340) connected to the high-pressure engine (327). The third valve (340) may transfer the refrigerant of the high-pressure engine (327) to the intermediate heat exchanger (130) of the high-temperature extraction device (100) and condense it. That is, the intermediate heat exchanger (130) may function as a condenser.

[0130] The above intermediate heat exchanger (130) can be understood as a refrigerant-refrigerant heat exchanger that allows heat exchange between the first refrigerant circulating through the outdoor unit (20) and the heat recovery device (50) and the second refrigerant circulating through the high-temperature extraction device (100).

[0131] For example, the intermediate heat exchanger (130) may be configured as a plate heat exchanger. That is, a plurality of first flow paths through which the first refrigerant flows and a plurality of second flow paths through which the second refrigerant flows are arranged alternately, and heat exchange can occur between these first and second flow paths.

[0132] The first refrigerant and the second refrigerant may be composed of different refrigerants. For example, the first refrigerant may be R410A and the second refrigerant may be R134a.

[0133] The condensation temperature of the first refrigerant may be approximately 45°C, and the evaporation temperature may be approximately 6°C. On the other hand, the condensation temperature of the second refrigerant may be approximately 80°C, and the evaporation temperature may be approximately 40°C.

[0134] Due to the nature of the refrigerant, the first refrigerant may have high density and high efficiency. Therefore, by using the first refrigerant as the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor unit (20), a compact configuration of the outdoor unit is possible, while improving cycle performance.

[0135] The second refrigerant, although relatively low in efficiency, has a high saturation temperature at the same pressure, thereby helping to provide regenerative heat to the dehumidifying rotor. Therefore, the second refrigerant can be used as the refrigerant circulating in the high-temperature extraction device (100).

[0136] In the intermediate heat exchanger (130), the temperature of the first refrigerant flowing through the high-pressure engine (327) may be formed higher than the temperature of the low-temperature, low-pressure second refrigerant discharged from the liquid separator (120). Therefore, during the heat exchange process in the intermediate heat exchanger (130), the first refrigerant may be condensed and the second refrigerant may be evaporated.

[0137] The intermediate heat exchanger (130) may be connected to a heat exchanger outlet pipe (135) through which the heat-exchanged first refrigerant is discharged. The first refrigerant may be discharged through the heat exchanger outlet pipe (135) after being evaporated in the intermediate heat exchanger (130).

[0138] An expansion valve (329) may be installed in the above heat exchanger outlet pipe (135). The expansion valve (329) may be configured as an electronic expansion valve (EEV) whose opening can be adjusted.

[0139] The refrigerant in the liquid pipe (335) that is additionally condensed in the internal heat exchanger (52) can be introduced into the first and second heat exchange coils (361, 362). That is, the cycle section (1a) can include a first heat exchange coil (361) and a second heat exchange coil (362) that are connected to the liquid pipe (335).

[0140] The above first and second heat exchange coils (361, 362) are installed in the first flow path (80) and can cool the outside air introduced from the first outside air introduction part (81) to remove moisture.

[0141] The first and second heat exchange coils (361, 362) may be arranged in series on the side of the air flow path of the first flow path (80). Accordingly, the air may be cooled and dehumidified while passing through the first and second heat exchange coils (361, 362).

[0142] The second heat exchange coil (362) may be placed on the outlet side of the first heat exchange coil (361). Therefore, air cooled and dehumidified while passing through the first heat exchange coil (361) may be further cooled and dehumidified while passing through the second heat exchange coil (362).

[0143] Between the first heat exchange coil (361) and the second heat exchange coil (362), at least a portion of the dehumidifying rotor (160), i.e., a dehumidifying region, may be arranged. Based on the air flow in the first flow path (80), the air cooled and dehumidified (primary dehumidification) in the first heat exchange coil (361) may be further dehumidified (secondary dehumidification) while passing through the dehumidifying region of the dehumidifying rotor (160), and may be further cooled and dehumidified (tertiary dehumidification) while passing through the second heat exchange coil (362).

[0144] The above liquid pipe (335) is heat-radiated from the internal heat exchanger (52) and can extend from the internal heat exchanger (52) to the first and second heat exchange coils (361, 362).

[0145] The above heat exchanger outlet pipe (135) can be connected to the above liquid pipe (335). In detail, the above liquid pipe (235) forms a branch portion (335a), and the above heat exchanger outlet pipe (135) can be connected to the above liquid pipe (335) through the branch portion (335a).

[0146] The above cycle section (1a) may include a first branch pipe (338a) and a second branch pipe (338b) extending from the branch section (335a) to the first and second heat exchange coils (361, 362). The first branch pipe (338a) may extend from the branch section (335a) and be connected to the first heat exchange coil (361). The second branch pipe (338b) may extend from the branch section (335a) and be connected to the second heat exchange coil (362).

[0147] That is, the liquid pipe (335), the heat exchanger outlet pipe (135), and the first and second branch pipes (338a, 338b) can be connected in the branch section (335a).

[0148] When the cycle unit (1a) is operated in the cooling mode of the outdoor unit (20), the first refrigerant of the liquid pipe (335) that has passed through the internal heat exchanger (52) and the first refrigerant of the heat exchanger outlet pipe (135) that has passed through the intermediate heat exchanger (130) can be combined in the first branch unit (335a).

[0149] Some of the refrigerant combined in the branch section (335a) may be introduced into the first heat exchange coil (361) through the first branch pipe (338a), and the remaining refrigerant may be introduced into the second heat exchange coil (362) through the second branch pipe (338b).

[0150] A first coil expansion valve (336) for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant to be introduced into the first heat exchange coil (361) may be installed in the first branch pipe (338a). The first coil expansion valve (336) may be configured as, for example, an electronic expansion valve (EEV) capable of controlling the opening for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant.

[0151] A second coil expansion valve (337) for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant to be introduced into the second heat exchange coil (362) may be installed in the second branch pipe (338b). The second coil expansion valve (337) may be configured as, for example, an electronic expansion valve (EEV) capable of controlling the opening for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant.

[0152] The refrigerant depressurized in the first coil expansion valve (336) can flow into the first heat exchange coil (361) and evaporate, and the refrigerant depressurized in the second coil expansion valve (337) can flow into the second heat exchange coil (362) and evaporate.

[0153] The first and second heat exchange coils (361, 362) above can be connected to engines (364a, 364b). In detail, a first engine (364a) can be connected to the outlet side of the first heat exchange coil (361), and a second engine (364b) can be connected to the outlet side of the second heat exchange coil (362).

[0154] Accordingly, the refrigerant evaporated in the first heat exchange coil (361) can flow in the first engine (364a), and the refrigerant evaporated in the second heat exchange coil (362) can flow in the second engine (364b).

[0155] The above second engine (364b) is combined with the first engine (364a) at the branch (365), and the first refrigerant combined at the branch (365) can be introduced into the outdoor unit (20) through the internal heat exchanger (52).

[0156] The above-mentioned organs (364a, 364b) can extend into the interior of the outdoor unit (20) and be connected to the inlet side of the accumulator (305). Among the low-pressure refrigerants introduced into the accumulator (305) from the organs (364a, 364b), gaseous refrigerants can be sucked into the compressor (310).

[0157] In this way, in the cycle section (1a), circulation of the first refrigerant to drive the first and second heat exchange coils (361, 362) can be performed to process air inside the first flow section (80).

[0158] The above high temperature extraction device (100) may include an intermediate compressor (110) for compressing a second refrigerant. A discharge pipe (112) extending to a regeneration coil (140) is installed on the outlet side of the intermediate compressor (110).

[0159] A check valve (113) may be installed in the discharge pipe (112) to prevent reverse flow of refrigerant. The check valve (113) may be configured to prevent the liquid refrigerant from flowing back from the regeneration coil (140) and flowing into the intermediate compressor (110) when the intermediate compressor (110) is stopped, thereby ensuring the reliability of the compressor.

[0160] The second refrigerant compressed in the intermediate compressor (110) may be introduced into the regeneration coil (140) through the discharge pipe (112). The regeneration coil (140) may be understood as a heat exchanger installed in the second flow path (95) and providing regeneration heat of the dehumidifying rotor (160).

[0161] During the process of the second refrigerant condensing in the regeneration coil (140), heat is dissipated, and the air flowing through the second flow path (95) can be heated and raised in temperature.

[0162] A coil outlet pipe (142) may be connected to the outlet side of the above regeneration coil (140). The liquid refrigerant condensed in the above regeneration coil (140) may flow through the coil outlet pipe (142).

[0163] An intermediate expansion device (145) may be installed in the coil outlet pipe (142). Some of the refrigerant flowing in the coil outlet pipe (142) may be decompressed to a low pressure in the intermediate expansion device (145) and introduced into the liquid separator (120). The liquid separator (120) may be connected to the outlet end of the coil outlet pipe (142).

[0164] The above liquid separator (120) can be understood as a configuration for separating liquid refrigerant from among refrigerants and supplying the separated liquid refrigerant to the intermediate heat exchanger (130). The intermediate heat exchanger (130) can be connected to the outlet side of the liquid separator (120).

[0165] The advantages of the above liquid separator (120) are as follows.

[0166] First, by minimizing the gaseous refrigerant before the second refrigerant is introduced into the intermediate heat exchanger (130) and introducing mainly liquid refrigerant into the intermediate heat exchanger (130), the refrigerant can be evenly distributed to a number of passages within the intermediate heat exchanger (130), thereby improving heat transfer performance.

[0167] Second, by minimizing the inlet enthalpy of the intermediate heat exchanger (130) and maximizing the evaporation enthalpy difference in the intermediate heat exchanger (130), the cooling capacity can be improved.

[0168] Third, the performance of the cycle can be improved by reducing the gaseous refrigerant flowing into the intermediate heat exchanger (130) and minimizing the pressure loss in the intermediate heat exchanger (130).

[0169] The internal volume of the liquid separator (120) may be formed to be smaller than the internal volume of the regenerative coil (140). For example, the internal volume of the liquid separator (120) may be formed in a range of 20 to 40% of the internal volume of the regenerative coil (140).

[0170] When the cycle unit (1a) is stopped or in the initial state of starting, the refrigerant charge distributed in the refrigerant pipe may be unstable, and when the cycle unit starts to operate in this state, the refrigerant amount may be concentrated toward the low pressure side, which may cause the compressor to suck in liquid refrigerant. In order to prevent this problem, the internal volume of the liquid separator (120) may be formed small so that it can act as a buffer for the refrigerant flow.

[0171] The liquid refrigerant separated in the liquid separator (120) is evaporated in the intermediate heat exchanger (130), and can be introduced into the intermediate accumulator (105) and then sucked into the intermediate compressor (110).

[0172] The liquid separator (120) may be connected to a bypass pipe (180) through which the gaseous refrigerant separated from the liquid separator (120) is discharged. For example, the bypass pipe (180) may be connected to the upper portion of the liquid separator (120), and a pipe through which the liquid refrigerant separated from the liquid separator (120) is discharged may be connected to the lower portion of the liquid separator (120).

[0173] One end of the above bypass pipe (180) can be connected to the liquid separator (120), and the other end can be connected to the outlet pipe of the intermediate heat exchanger (130), i.e., the inlet pipe of the intermediate accumulator (105).

[0174] Accordingly, the second refrigerant that has been heat-exchanged in the intermediate heat exchanger (130) and the second refrigerant that has been bypassed through the bypass pipe (180) are combined in the outlet pipe of the intermediate heat exchanger (130), and the combined second refrigerant can be introduced into the intermediate accumulator (105).

[0175] The diameter of the bypass pipe (180) may be formed smaller than the diameter of the coil outlet pipe (142) and the diameter of the liquid refrigerant outlet pipe of the liquid separator (120). For example, the diameter of the bypass pipe (180) may be formed at a level of 50 to 60% of the diameter of the coil outlet pipe (142) or the diameter of the liquid refrigerant outlet pipe of the liquid separator (120).

[0176] According to this configuration, the amount of refrigerant bypassed through the bypass pipe (180) can be limited to a certain level or less, and the diameter of the bypass pipe (180) can be prevented from being too large, preventing liquid refrigerant from flowing into the bypass pipe (180).

[0177] A bypass valve (182) for controlling the discharge amount of the gaseous refrigerant may be installed in the bypass pipe (180). The bypass pipe (180) is connected to the intermediate accumulator (105), and the gaseous refrigerant flowing through the bypass pipe (180) may be introduced into the intermediate accumulator (105) and sucked into the intermediate compressor (110).

[0178] A coil-side branch portion (142a) may be formed in the coil outlet pipe (142). A coil-side branch pipe (143) is connected to the coil-side branch portion (142a), and the coil-side branch pipe (143) may extend from the coil-side branch portion (142a) to the heat recovery coil (170).

[0179] A coil-side expansion valve (144) may be installed in the coil-side branch pipe (143). The coil-side expansion valve (144) may be configured as an electronic expansion valve (EEV) whose opening can be adjusted to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant. The coil-side expansion valve (144) may be provided at the inlet side of the heat recovery coil (170).

[0180] Some of the refrigerant condensed in the regeneration coil (140) may be depressurized in the first intermediate expansion device (145) and introduced into the liquid separator (120). The remaining refrigerant may be introduced into the coil-side branch pipe (143) from the coil-side branch portion (142a) and depressurized in the coil-side expansion valve (144) and introduced into the heat recovery coil (170).

[0181] The above heat recovery coil (170) may be installed in the second flow path (95). For example, the heat recovery coil (170) may be placed on the outlet side of the dehumidifying rotor (160) based on the air flow.

[0182] The above second refrigerant is evaporated in the heat recovery coil (170), and during the evaporation process, the temperature of the air flowing through the second flow path (95) can decrease.

[0183] In this way, by arranging a heat recovery coil (170) inside the second flow path (95) and using the waste heat of indoor air exhausted through the second flow path (95) to evaporate the refrigerant of the heat recovery coil (170), the operating performance of the cycle can be improved.

[0184] A coil-side low-pressure pipe (172) is connected to the outlet side of the heat recovery coil (170), and the refrigerant evaporated in the heat recovery coil (170) can be introduced into the intermediate accumulator (105) through the coil-side low-pressure pipe (172) and sucked into the intermediate compressor (110).

[0185] The high temperature extraction device (100) may include a heat exchanger outlet pipe (148) extending from the outlet side of the intermediate heat exchanger (130) to the intermediate accumulator (105). The second refrigerant heat-exchanged in the intermediate heat exchanger (130) may be discharged from the intermediate heat exchanger (130) through the heat exchanger outlet pipe (148).

[0186] The heat exchanger outlet pipe (148) may include a branch portion (148a) to which the coil-side low-pressure pipe (172) is connected. Low-pressure refrigerant flowing through the coil-side low-pressure pipe (172) may flow into the heat exchanger outlet pipe (148) from the branch portion (148a) and into the intermediate accumulator (105).

[0187] The above heat exchanger outlet pipe (148) may include a branch portion (148b) to which the bypass pipe (180) is connected. The refrigerant flowing through the bypass pipe (180) may flow into the heat exchanger outlet pipe (148) from the branch portion (148b) and into the intermediate accumulator (105).

[0188] For convenience of explanation, the branch portion (148a) may be named “first branch portion” and the branch portion (148b) may be named “second branch portion”.

[0189] The above air conditioner (1) may further include a dehumidifying rotor (160) provided to dehumidify air flowing through the first flow path (80).

[0190] The above dehumidifying rotor (160) may include a dehumidifying area (dehumidifying part) arranged in the first flow path (80) and a regeneration area (regeneration part) arranged in the second flow path (95).

[0191] For example, the dehumidifying rotor (160) is provided to be rotatable around a central axis, and the positions of the dehumidifying region and the regeneration region can be switched. For example, a motor and a belt are included as a mechanism for driving the dehumidifying rotor (160), and the belt is connected to the central axis of the dehumidifying rotor to rotate the dehumidifying rotor (160).

[0192] When moisture is filtered in the dehumidification area located in the first flow path (80) for a predetermined period of time, the dehumidification rotor (160) rotates, and the dehumidification area is located in the second flow path (95) so that regeneration can take place. In addition, the regeneration area located in the second flow path (95) can be located in the first flow path (80) so that dehumidification can be performed.

[0193] A regeneration heater (150) for regeneration of the dehumidifying rotor (160) may be installed in the second flow path (95). The regeneration heater (150) may be configured to supply regeneration heat to the dehumidifying rotor (160). For example, the regeneration heater (150) may be placed on the inlet side of the dehumidifying rotor (160) based on the air flow.

[0194] The regeneration coil (140) may be installed on the inlet side of the regeneration heater (150). Accordingly, the air flowing through the second flow path (95) is first heated while passing through the regeneration coil (140) and is additionally heated in the regeneration heater (150) to regenerate the regeneration area of ​​the dehumidifying rotor (160).

[0195] Figure 2 is a cycle diagram showing the operation of the first mode of an air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0196] Referring to FIG. 2, the air conditioning device (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention can be operated in a first mode. The first mode can be understood as a mode in which the device operates under conditions in which the outside temperature is relatively high. For example, the first mode can be operated in the summer or inter-seasonal period when the outside temperature is approximately 10°C or higher, and the first mode can be referred to as a "summer mode."

[0197] In the above first mode, the outdoor unit (20) of the cycle unit (1a) can be operated in cooling mode.

[0198] In detail, in the cycle section (1a), when the compressor (310) of the outdoor unit (20) is driven, at least a portion of the first refrigerant compressed in the compressor (310) flows into the outdoor heat exchanger (330) through the first valve (320), and the first refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (330) can flow into the internal heat exchanger (52) through the liquid pipe (335).

[0199] The first refrigerant of the above liquid pipe (335) can be further condensed by exchanging heat with the first refrigerant of the engine (364a, 364b) in the internal heat exchanger (52). The additionally condensed first refrigerant can be combined with the refrigerant of the heat exchanger outlet pipe (135) that has passed through the intermediate heat exchanger (130) in the branch section (335a).

[0200] At least a portion of the first refrigerant combined in the above branch section (335a) flows through the first branch pipe (338a), is depressurized in the first coil expansion valve (336), and then flows into the first heat exchange coil (361) to evaporate.

[0201] Among the first refrigerants combined in the above branch section (335a), the remaining first refrigerant flows through the second branch pipe (338b), is depressurized in the second coil expansion valve (337), and then flows into the second heat exchange coil (362) to evaporate.

[0202] The first refrigerant evaporated in the first heat exchange coil (361) flows through the first engine (364a), and the first refrigerant evaporated in the second heat exchange coil (362) flows through the second engine (364b) and passes through the third valve (340) before being combined with the first engine (364a).

[0203] The above-mentioned combined low-pressure first refrigerant can exchange heat (additionally evaporate) with the refrigerant of the liquid pipe (335) in the internal heat exchanger (52).

[0204] The first refrigerant evaporated in the second internal heat exchanger (52) is introduced into the outdoor unit (20), and after passing through the accumulator (305), can be sucked into the compressor (310).

[0205] Meanwhile, another portion of the first refrigerant compressed in the compressor (310) may be introduced into the heat recovery device (50) through the second valve (322) and into the intermediate heat exchanger (130) through the third valve (340). The first refrigerant is condensed in the intermediate heat exchanger (130), and the condensed first refrigerant may be combined with the liquid pipe (335) through the branch portion (335a).

[0206] At this time, the expansion valve (329) installed in the heat exchanger outlet pipe (135) may be fully open and may not allow the depressurization of the refrigerant.

[0207] The first refrigerant combined with the liquid pipe (335) in the branch section (335a) is divided into the first branch pipe (338a) and the second branch pipe (338b) as described above, and after being depressurized in the first and second coil expansion valves (336, 337), respectively, can be evaporated in the first and second heat exchange coils (361, 362).

[0208] The above cycle section (1a) may include a high-temperature extraction device (100). The second refrigerant compressed in the intermediate compressor (110) of the high-temperature extraction device (100) may flow through the discharge pipe (112) and enter the regeneration coil (140) through the check valve (113) to be condensed. The air in the second flow path (95) passing through the regeneration coil (140) may be heated and utilized as regeneration heat of the dehumidifying rotor (160).

[0209] The second refrigerant condensed in the above regeneration coil (140) flows through the coil outlet pipe (142), and some of the second refrigerant in the coil outlet pipe (142) can be depressurized in the intermediate expansion device (145) and then flow into the liquid separator (120).

[0210] The liquid refrigerant separated in the liquid separator (120) flows into the intermediate heat exchanger (130) and can be evaporated by exchanging heat with the first refrigerant in the intermediate heat exchanger (130). The evaporated second refrigerant can be sucked into the intermediate compressor (110) through the intermediate accumulator (105).

[0211] The gaseous refrigerant separated in the liquid separator (120) flows through the bypass pipe (180) to bypass the intermediate heat exchanger (130), and is combined with the refrigerant of the heat exchanger outlet pipe (148) through the branch section (148b) and can be introduced into the intermediate accumulator (105).

[0212] Meanwhile, another portion of the second refrigerant in the coil outlet pipe (142) condensed in the regeneration coil (140) may flow through the coil-side branch pipe (143) in the coil-side branch portion (142a) and, after being depressurized in the coil-side expansion valve (144), may be introduced into the heat recovery coil (170).

[0213] Based on the air flow in the second flow path (95), the heat recovery coil (170) is placed on the outlet side of the dehumidifying rotor (160), so that heat exchange can occur between the air used for regeneration in the dehumidifying rotor (160) and the second refrigerant in the heat recovery coil (170). Through the heat exchange, the second refrigerant can be evaporated.

[0214] The above-mentioned evaporated second refrigerant flows into the branch section (148a) through the coil-side low-pressure pipe (172) and into the heat exchanger outlet pipe (148), passes through the intermediate accumulator (105), and can be sucked into the intermediate compressor (110).

[0215] Meanwhile, if a failure occurs in the outdoor unit (20), the operation of the second compressor (310) may be stopped. Accordingly, heat exchange between the first and second refrigerants in the intermediate heat exchanger (130) may not occur. In addition, the intermediate expansion device (145), the bypass valve (182), and the expansion valve (329) may be closed.

[0216] However, the intermediate compressor (110) of the high-temperature extraction device (100) is driven, and the second refrigerant compressed in the intermediate compressor (110) passes through the discharge pipe (112) and is condensed in the regeneration coil (140) and flows into the heat recovery coil (170) to be evaporated. The evaporated second refrigerant can be sucked into the intermediate compressor (110) through the intermediate accumulator (105).

[0217] The dehumidification area of ​​the dehumidification rotor (160) may be arranged in the first flow path (80) and may be arranged on the outlet side of the first heat exchange coil (361). The dehumidification area of ​​the dehumidification rotor (160) may be arranged on the inlet side of the second heat exchange coil (362). Therefore, the air cooled and dehumidified in the first heat exchange coil (361) may be additionally dehumidified for the first time while passing through the dehumidification area of ​​the dehumidification rotor (160), and may be additionally dehumidified for the second time in the second heat exchange coil (362).

[0218] The regeneration area of ​​the dehumidifying rotor (160) is arranged in the second passage (95) and can be regenerated by air flowing through the second passage (95). A regeneration heater (150) is installed at the inlet side of the dehumidifying rotor (160) to heat the air, and the heated air can be used for regeneration by acting on the regeneration area of ​​the dehumidifying rotor (160).

[0219] Based on the air flow in the second flow path (95), the regeneration heater (150) is placed between the regeneration coil (140) and the dehumidifying rotor (160), and the air that has been first heated in the regeneration coil (140) can be secondarily heated while passing through the regeneration heater (150). By this configuration, the regeneration efficiency can be improved.

[0220] Describes air flow.

[0221] The outside air introduced from the first outside air introduction section (81) of the first flow path (80) is cooled and dehumidified as it passes through the first heat exchange coil (361), is further dehumidified as it passes through the dehumidification area of ​​the dehumidification rotor (160), and can be further cooled and dehumidified as it passes through the second heat exchange coil (362). The additionally cooled and dehumidified air can be supplied indoors through the indoor supply section (82) via the first fan (83).

[0222] The outside air introduced from the second outside air introduction section (96) of the second flow path (95) is first heated while passing through the regeneration coil (140) and can be secondarily heated while passing through the regeneration heater (150). Then, the heated air is regenerated while passing through the regeneration area of ​​the dehumidifying rotor (160).

[0223] The air that has undergone the above regeneration can be cooled while passing through the heat recovery coil (170), and then passed through the second fan (98) and discharged to the outside through the exhaust port (97).

[0224] Figure 3 is a cycle diagram showing the operation of the second mode of the air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0225] Referring to FIG. 3, the air conditioning device (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention can be operated in a second mode. The second mode can be understood as a mode in which the device operates under conditions in which the outside temperature and humidity are relatively low. For example, the second mode can be operated in winter when the outside temperature is in the range of approximately 4 to 10°C, and the second mode can be referred to as a "general winter mode."

[0226] In the above second mode, the outdoor unit (20) of the cycle unit (1a) can be operated in heating mode.

[0227] When the compressor (310) of the outdoor unit (20) is driven, the first refrigerant compressed in the compressor (310) can flow into the heat recovery device (50) through the second valve (322) and into the intermediate heat exchanger (130) through the third valve (340). The first refrigerant is condensed in the intermediate heat exchanger (130), and the condensed first refrigerant can flow into the liquid pipe (335) through the branch portion (335a).

[0228] At this time, the expansion valve (329) installed in the heat exchanger outlet pipe (135) may be fully open and may not allow the depressurization of the refrigerant.

[0229] Among the refrigerants introduced into the above liquid pipe (335), some of the first refrigerant may flow through the first branch pipe (338a), be depressurized in the first coil expansion valve (336), and then evaporate in the first heat exchange coil (361). Another portion of the first refrigerant may flow through the second branch pipe (338b), be depressurized in the second coil expansion valve (337), and then evaporate in the second heat exchange coil (362).

[0230] The first refrigerant evaporated in the first heat exchange coil (361) can flow through the first engine (364a), and the first refrigerant evaporated in the second heat exchange coil (362) can flow through the second engine (364b).

[0231] The refrigerants of the first and second engines (364a, 364b) are combined in the branch section (365), and the combined low-pressure first refrigerant can exchange heat (additionally evaporate) with the refrigerant of the liquid pipe (335) in the internal heat exchanger (52).

[0232] Meanwhile, another portion of the first refrigerant from the branch section (335a) flows into the internal heat exchanger (52) through the liquid pipe (335) and can exchange heat with the first refrigerant of the engine (364a, 364b).

[0233] The refrigerant of the engine (364a, 364b) that has been heat-exchanged in the internal heat exchanger (52) is introduced into the outdoor unit (20), and after passing through the accumulator (305), can be sucked into the compressor (310).

[0234] The refrigerant in the liquid tube (335) that has been heat-exchanged in the internal heat exchanger (52) is depressurized in the outdoor expansion valve (334), evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger (330), and can be sucked into the second compressor (310) after passing through the accumulator (305).

[0235] Meanwhile, the second refrigerant compressed in the intermediate compressor (110) of the high-temperature extraction device (100) flows through the discharge pipe (112) and passes through the check valve (113) into the regeneration coil (140) to be condensed. The air in the second flow path (95) passing through the regeneration coil (140) is heated and can be utilized as regeneration heat of the dehumidifying rotor (160).

[0236] The second refrigerant condensed in the above regeneration coil (140) flows through the coil outlet pipe (142), and some of the second refrigerant in the coil outlet pipe (142) can be depressurized in the intermediate expansion device (145) and then flow into the liquid separator (120).

[0237] The liquid refrigerant separated in the liquid separator (120) flows into the intermediate heat exchanger (130) and can be evaporated by exchanging heat with the first refrigerant in the intermediate heat exchanger (130). The evaporated second refrigerant can be discharged through the heat exchanger outlet pipe (148) and sucked into the intermediate compressor (110) through the intermediate accumulator (105).

[0238] The gaseous refrigerant separated in the liquid separator (120) flows through the bypass pipe (180) to bypass the intermediate heat exchanger (130) and is combined with the heat exchanger outlet pipe (148) to be introduced into the intermediate accumulator (105).

[0239] Meanwhile, another portion of the second refrigerant in the coil outlet pipe (142) condensed in the regeneration coil (140) may flow through the coil-side branch pipe (143) in the coil-side branch portion (142a) and, after being depressurized in the coil-side expansion valve (144), may be introduced into the heat recovery coil (170).

[0240] The second refrigerant evaporated in the heat recovery coil (170) flows through the coil-side low-pressure pipe (172) into the heat exchanger outlet pipe (148) at the branch section (148a), passes through the intermediate accumulator (105), and can be sucked into the intermediate compressor (110).

[0241] Meanwhile, if a failure occurs in the outdoor unit (20), the operation of the second compressor (310) may be stopped. Accordingly, heat exchange between the first and second refrigerants in the intermediate heat exchanger (130) may not occur. In addition, the intermediate expansion device (145), the bypass valve (182), and the expansion valve (329) may be closed.

[0242] However, the intermediate compressor (110) of the high-temperature extraction device (100) is driven, and the second refrigerant compressed in the intermediate compressor (110) passes through the discharge pipe (112) and is condensed in the regeneration coil (140) and flows into the heat recovery coil (170) to be evaporated. The evaporated second refrigerant can be sucked into the intermediate compressor (110) through the intermediate accumulator (105).

[0243] Describes air flow.

[0244] The outside air introduced from the first outside air introduction portion (81) of the first flow path (80) is cooled and dehumidified as it passes through the first heat exchange coil (361), and the air can be further dehumidified as it passes through the dehumidification area of ​​the dehumidification rotor (160). In addition, the air can be further cooled and dehumidified as it passes through the second heat exchange coil (362). The additionally cooled and dehumidified air can be supplied indoors through the indoor supply portion (82) via the first fan (83).

[0245] The outside air introduced from the second outside air introduction section (96) of the second flow path (95) is first heated while passing through the regeneration coil (140) and can be secondarily heated while passing through the regeneration heater (150). The heated air is regenerated while passing through the regeneration area of ​​the dehumidifying rotor (160).

[0246] The air that has undergone the above regeneration can be cooled while passing through the heat recovery coil (170), and then passed through the second fan (98) and discharged to the outside through the exhaust port (97).

[0247] Figure 4 is a cycle diagram showing the operation of the third mode of the air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0248] Referring to FIG. 4, the air conditioning device (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention can be operated in a third mode. The third mode can be understood as a mode that operates under conditions of low outdoor temperature and humidity. For example, the third mode can be operated during low-temperature winter when the outdoor temperature is approximately -8°C or higher and below 4°C, and the third mode can be referred to as a "low-temperature winter mode."

[0249] In the low-temperature winter season mentioned above, the outside temperature is low, but the humidity is relatively not high, so the dehumidification load may not be large.

[0250] In the third mode, the outdoor unit (20) of the cycle unit (1a) can be stopped. To stop the outdoor unit (20), the compressor (310) can be stopped, and the outdoor expansion valve (334) and the expansion valve (329) can be closed.

[0251] Accordingly, circulation of the first refrigerant in the outdoor unit (20) and heat recovery device (50) may not occur. And, cooling and dehumidifying action in the first heat exchange coil (361) and second heat exchange coil (362) may not occur.

[0252] Meanwhile, the intermediate compressor (110) of the high-temperature extraction device (100) may be operated. The second refrigerant compressed in the intermediate compressor (110) may flow through the discharge pipe (112) and enter the regeneration coil (140) via the check valve (113) to be condensed. The air in the second flow path (95) passing through the regeneration coil (140) may be heated and utilized as regeneration heat of the dehumidifying rotor (160).

[0253] The second refrigerant condensed in the regeneration coil (140) flows through the coil outlet pipe (142) and can flow into the coil side branch pipe (143) from the coil side branch portion (142a). For this purpose, the intermediate expansion device (145) and the bypass valve (182) can be closed.

[0254] The second refrigerant in the coil-side branch pipe (143) may be depressurized in the coil-side expansion valve (144) and may flow into the heat recovery coil (170) to evaporate. The evaporated second refrigerant may flow into the heat exchanger outlet pipe (148) from the branch section (148a) via the coil-side low-pressure pipe (172), pass through the intermediate accumulator (105), and be sucked into the intermediate compressor (110).

[0255] Describes air flow.

[0256] The outside air introduced from the first outside air introduction section (81) of the first flow path (80) can pass through the first heat exchange coil (361). Since the first heat exchange coil (361) is stationary, a cooling and dehumidifying action may not be performed.

[0257] The air that has passed through the first heat exchange coil (361) can be dehumidified as it passes through the dehumidification area of ​​the dehumidification rotor (160).

[0258] And, the air may not be cooled or dehumidified while passing through the stationary second heat exchange coil (362). The air passing through the second heat exchange coil (362) may be supplied to the room through the first fan (83) and the indoor supply unit (82).

[0259] The outside air introduced from the second outside air introduction section (96) of the second flow path (95) is first heated while passing through the regeneration coil (140) and can be secondarily heated while passing through the regeneration heater (150). The heated air is regenerated while passing through the regeneration area of ​​the dehumidifying rotor (160).

[0260] The air that has undergone the above regeneration can be cooled while passing through the heat recovery coil (170), and then passed through the second fan (98) and discharged to the outside through the exhaust port (97).

[0261] Figure 5 is a cycle diagram showing the operation of the fourth mode of the air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0262] Referring to FIG. 5, the air conditioning device (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention can be operated in a fourth mode. The fourth mode can be understood as a mode in which the device is operated under conditions where the outside temperature is very low and the humidity is also low. For example, the fourth mode can be operated in a temperature range where the outside temperature is below approximately -8°C, and the fourth mode can be referred to as an "ultra-low temperature winter mode."

[0263] In the above fourth mode, since it is a low humidity condition, the dehumidification load is not large and operation for heating can be performed.

[0264] In detail, the outdoor unit (20) of the above cycle unit (1a) can be operated in heating mode.

[0265] When the compressor (310) of the above outdoor unit (20) is driven, the first refrigerant compressed in the compressor (310) can flow into the heat recovery device (50) through the second valve (322), and can flow into the second heat exchange coil (362) through the second engine (364b) through the third valve (340).

[0266] The first refrigerant is condensed in the second heat exchange coil (362), and the condensed first refrigerant can flow through the second branch pipe (338b). At this time, the second coil expansion valve (337) installed in the second branch pipe (338b) is fully open, so that the first refrigerant may not be depressurized while passing through the second coil expansion valve (337).

[0267] The refrigerant of the second branch pipe (338b) can flow into the liquid pipe (335) from the branch portion (335a). The first coil expansion valve (336) can be closed so that the first refrigerant can be restricted from flowing into the first branch pipe (338a) from the branch portion (335a). Accordingly, the first heat exchange coil (361) can be stopped.

[0268] The refrigerant introduced into the above liquid pipe (335) may be introduced into the outdoor unit (20) via the internal heat exchanger (52). Meanwhile, heat exchange between refrigerants may not occur in the internal heat exchanger (52).

[0269] The first refrigerant introduced into the outdoor unit (20) is depressurized in the outdoor expansion valve (334) and then evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger (330). The evaporated refrigerant can be sucked into the compressor (310) through the accumulator (305).

[0270] The above high-temperature extraction device (100) may be stopped. Accordingly, the intermediate compressor (110) stops operating, the temperature of the air is not increased through the regeneration coil (140), and the regeneration heater (150) may also stop. The dehumidifying action in the dehumidifying area of ​​the dehumidifying rotor (160) and the regeneration action in the regeneration area may not be performed.

[0271] Describes air flow.

[0272] The outside air introduced from the first outside air introduction section (81) of the first flow path (80) can pass through the first heat exchange coil (361). Since the first heat exchange coil (361) is stationary, a cooling and dehumidifying action may not be performed.

[0273] The air that has passed through the first heat exchange coil (361) passes through the dehumidification area of ​​the dehumidification rotor (160), but since the dehumidification rotor is stationary, the dehumidification action may not be performed.

[0274] The air passing through the dehumidification area of ​​the dehumidifying rotor (160) can be heated as it passes through the second heat exchange coil (362). Accordingly, heating can be achieved in the first flow path (80). The air passing through the second heat exchange coil (362) can be supplied indoors through the indoor supply section (82) via the first fan (83).

[0275] The above second fan (98) is stopped, and air flow in the second flow path (95) may not occur.

[0276] The present invention relates to an air conditioning device, and provides an air conditioning device having a cycle section, thereby enabling the device to dehumidify air and easily supply it to an indoor space. Therefore, the present invention has significant industrial applicability.

Claims

1. An outdoor unit including a compressor that compresses a first refrigerant; An air treatment device that cools or heats air using the heat source of the outdoor unit and includes a regeneration path section in which a regeneration part of a dehumidifying rotor is arranged; and A high temperature extraction device including an intermediate compressor that compresses a second refrigerant to provide regenerative heat to the dehumidifying rotor, In the above playback euro section, A regeneration coil arranged on the outlet side of the intermediate compressor and condensing the second refrigerant compressed in the intermediate compressor; and An air conditioning device having a heat recovery coil into which at least a portion of the second refrigerant discharged from the regeneration coil is introduced and evaporated by air passing through the regeneration path.

2. In paragraph 1, The above regenerative euro part is, An air conditioning device configured such that the regenerative coil supplies heat to the dehumidifying rotor, and the regenerative coil is arranged on the inlet side of the dehumidifying rotor based on the air flow.

3. In paragraph 1, The above regenerative euro part is, An air conditioning device configured such that the heat recovery coil is positioned on the outlet side of the dehumidifying rotor based on air flow so that the heat recovery coil cools the air passing through the dehumidifying rotor.

4. In paragraph 1, It further includes a discharge pipe connected to the outlet side of the intermediate compressor and extending to the regenerative coil, and a coil outlet pipe connected to the outlet side of the regenerative coil. An air conditioning device including a coil side branch section to which a coil side branch pipe connected to the above coil outlet pipe is connected to the above heat recovery coil.

5. In paragraph 4, An air conditioning device in which a coil-side expansion valve is installed in the above coil-side branch pipe to reduce the pressure of refrigerant to be introduced into the heat recovery coil.

6. In paragraph 4, The above high temperature extraction device, An intermediate expansion device installed in the coil side outlet pipe and for reducing the pressure of the second refrigerant condensed in the regeneration coil; and An air conditioning device further comprising a liquid separator provided on the outlet side of the intermediate expansion device for separating liquid refrigerant from the depressurized second refrigerant.

7. In paragraph 6, The above high temperature extraction device, It further includes an intermediate heat exchanger provided on the outlet side of the above liquid separator and exchanging heat between the liquid refrigerant separated from the above liquid separator and the first refrigerant. An air conditioning device in which the outlet pipe of the above intermediate heat exchanger is connected to the suction side of the above intermediate compressor.

8. In paragraph 1, The above high temperature extraction device, An intermediate heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant; A heat exchanger outlet pipe connected to the outlet side of the above intermediate heat exchanger and through which the heat-exchanged second refrigerant flows; and An air conditioning device including a coil-side low-pressure pipe connected to the outlet side of the heat recovery coil and connected to the heat exchanger outlet pipe.

9. In paragraph 1, The above air handling device further includes an air supply passage section in which the dehumidifying part of the dehumidifying rotor is arranged, An air conditioning device in which a first heat exchange coil is provided on the inlet side of the dehumidifying part based on air flow and performs cooling and dehumidification of the air in the supply air passage section during the process in which the first refrigerant evaporates.

10. In paragraph 9, The above high temperature extraction device includes an intermediate heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant, An air conditioning device comprising a first branch pipe extending from the outlet side of the intermediate heat exchanger to the first heat exchange coil, and a first coil expansion valve installed in the first branch pipe to reduce the pressure of the first refrigerant flowing into the first heat exchange coil.

11. In paragraph 9, An air conditioning device in which a second heat exchange coil is provided on the outlet side of the dehumidifying part based on air flow and performs cooling, dehumidification, or heating of the air in the first flow path.

12. In paragraph 11, The above high temperature extraction device includes an intermediate heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant, An air conditioning device comprising a second branch pipe extending from the outlet side of the intermediate heat exchanger to the second heat exchange coil, and a second coil expansion valve installed in the second branch pipe to reduce the pressure of the first refrigerant flowing into the second heat exchange coil.

13. In paragraph 1, It includes a heat recovery device that connects the outdoor unit and the high-temperature extraction device and has an internal heat exchanger and valve device. An air conditioning device in which the outdoor unit and the heat recovery device are connected by three pipes through which the first refrigerant flows.

14. In paragraph 13, The above high temperature extraction device includes an intermediate heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant, An air conditioning device wherein the three pipes include a liquid pipe connected to the internal heat exchanger and the valve device, and the liquid pipe includes a branch portion connected to the outlet pipe of the intermediate heat exchanger.

15. In paragraph 13, The above three pipes guide the first refrigerant compressed in the compressor and include a high-pressure engine connected to the valve device, An air conditioning device in which the high pressure engine is connected to an intermediate heat exchanger provided in the high temperature extraction device and introduces a first refrigerant.

16. An outdoor unit including a compressor for compressing the first refrigerant; An air treatment device that cools or heats air using the heat source of the outdoor unit and includes a regeneration path section in which a regeneration part of a dehumidifying rotor is arranged; A high temperature extraction device including an intermediate compressor that compresses a second refrigerant to provide regenerative heat to the dehumidifying rotor; and It includes a heat recovery device that connects the outdoor unit and the high-temperature extraction device and has an internal heat exchanger and valve device. In the above regeneration section, a regeneration coil is arranged to condense the second refrigerant compressed in the intermediate compressor, An air conditioning device in which the regenerative coil is configured to be placed on the inlet side of the dehumidifying rotor based on air flow to supply heat to the dehumidifying rotor.

17. In paragraph 16, In the above regeneration section, a heat recovery coil is arranged into which at least a portion of the second refrigerant discharged from the regeneration coil is introduced, An air conditioning device in which the heat recovery coil is configured to be positioned on the outlet side of the dehumidifying rotor based on air flow to cool the air passing through the dehumidifying rotor.

18. In paragraph 17, A coil outlet pipe is connected to the outlet side of the above-mentioned regeneration coil and includes a coil-side branch portion for connection to a coil-side branch pipe, An air conditioning device in which a coil-side expansion valve is installed in the above coil-side branch pipe to reduce the pressure of refrigerant to be introduced into the heat recovery coil.

19. In paragraph 16, The above high temperature extraction device includes an intermediate heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant, An air conditioning device wherein the condensation temperature of the second refrigerant is higher than the condensation temperature of the first refrigerant, and the evaporation temperature of the second refrigerant is higher than the evaporation temperature of the first refrigerant.

20. In paragraph 16, A regeneration heater is installed in the above regeneration euro section to provide heat for regeneration of the above regeneration part, An air conditioning device in which the above regenerative heater is located between the regenerative coil and the regenerative part of the dehumidifying rotor based on air flow.

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