Heat pump

Abstract

This disclosed heat pump may comprise: a compressor; an outdoor heat exchanger; a refrigerant-water heat exchanger; an indoor heat exchanger; a first fluid channel conversion valve for changing a fluid channel so that a compressed refrigerant is directed to the outdoor heat exchanger or the refrigerant-water heat exchanger; a second fluid channel conversion valve for changing the fluid channel of the compressed refrigerant to selectively face the indoor heat exchanger; a first opening and closing valve disposed on a connection pipe connecting the first fluid channel conversion valve and the outdoor heat exchanger; and a second opening and closing valve disposed on a connection pipe connecting the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger by bypassing the first fluid channel conversion valve, wherein the outdoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant-water heat exchanger, and the indoor heat exchanger are configured to operate differently according to the operation mode thereof.

Description

heat pump

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a heat pump.

[0002] A heat pump is a device that transports heat from a high-temperature source to a low-temperature source, absorbing it and raising it to a high-temperature source. Heat pumps utilize the heat generated and recovered during the cycle of refrigerant compression, condensation, and evaporation to cool or heat indoor air, or to heat water.

[0003] A heat pump according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a compressor for compressing a refrigerant; an outdoor heat exchanger for heat exchange between the refrigerant and outdoor air; a refrigerant-water heat exchanger for heat exchange between the refrigerant and water; an indoor heat exchanger for heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air; a first flow change valve for changing a flow path of compressed refrigerant toward the outdoor heat exchanger or the refrigerant-water heat exchanger; a second flow change valve for selectively changing a flow path of compressed refrigerant toward the outdoor heat exchanger; a first on-off valve disposed in a connecting pipe connecting between the first flow change valve and the outdoor heat exchanger; and a second on-off valve disposed in a connecting pipe connecting the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger by bypassing the first flow change valve.

[0004] The above heat pump can be configured so that the operation of the outdoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant-water heat exchanger, and the indoor heat exchanger varies depending on the operating mode.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a heat pump according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0006] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a heat pump according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a refrigerant cycle when a heat pump according to one embodiment is in hot water mode.

[0008] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a refrigerant cycle when a heat pump according to one embodiment is in cold water mode.

[0009] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a refrigerant cycle when a heat pump according to one embodiment is in cooling mode.

[0010] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a refrigerant cycle when a heat pump according to one embodiment is in heating mode.

[0011] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a refrigerant cycle when a heat pump according to one embodiment is in hot water and heating mode.

[0012] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a refrigerant cycle when a heat pump according to one embodiment is in hot water and cooling mode.

[0013] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a refrigerant cycle when a heat pump according to one embodiment is in cooling and heating mode.

[0014] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a refrigerant cycle when a heat pump according to one embodiment is in cold water and cooling mode.

[0015] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another example of a refrigerant cycle when a heat pump according to one embodiment is in hot water and cooling mode.

[0016] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating another example of a refrigerant cycle when a heat pump according to one embodiment is in hot water and cooling mode.

[0017] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another example of a refrigerant cycle when a heat pump according to one embodiment is in cooling and heating mode.

[0018] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a refrigerant cycle when a heat pump according to one embodiment is in a defrosting and heating mode.

[0019] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiments.

[0020] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0021] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0022] In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0023] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0024] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0025] The terms “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0026] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0027] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, one embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In addition, in the drawings, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted to clearly describe one embodiment of the present disclosure, and similar parts are designated with similar drawing reference numerals throughout the present disclosure.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a heat pump can be provided that can selectively or simultaneously provide a heating and cooling function for cooling or heating indoor air and a cooling and hot water function for cooling or heating water.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a heat pump can be provided that can perform a hot water function by recovering at least a portion of waste heat that is discharged to the outside when performing a cooling function, thereby improving energy efficiency.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, energy efficiency can be improved by changing the operating states of a plurality of heat exchangers according to the size of the load required for the heating and cooling function and the hot and cold water function.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a heat pump can be provided that provides a defrosting and heating mode that can continuously perform a heating function even during defrosting operation of an outdoor heat exchanger in winter.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a heat pump according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 1, a heat pump according to an embodiment includes a compressor (101), a plurality of heat exchangers, a plurality of flow conversion valves for converting the flow of a refrigerant, and a plurality of connecting pipes connecting them. The plurality of heat exchangers may include an outdoor heat exchanger (110), an indoor heat exchanger (201), and a refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120). In the embodiment, each of the outdoor heat exchanger (110), the indoor heat exchanger (201), and the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) is exemplified as a single unit, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be a plurality of units.

[0034] A compressor (101) may be installed inside the outdoor unit (10). The compressor (101) may compress a refrigerant. The compressor (101) may convert a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant into a high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The low-pressure gaseous refrigerant may be introduced into the inlet port of the compressor (101), and the high-pressure gaseous refrigerant may be discharged through the outlet port of the compressor (101). An accumulator (102) may be placed near the inlet port of the compressor (101).

[0035] An outdoor heat exchanger (110) may be installed inside the outdoor unit (10). The outdoor heat exchanger (110) may enable heat exchange between the refrigerant and outdoor air. The outdoor heat exchanger (110) may be a heat exchanger with a fin and tube structure. However, the structure of the outdoor heat exchanger (110) is not limited thereto, and may be modified in various ways as long as the structure facilitates heat exchange between the air and the refrigerant.

[0036] The outdoor heat exchanger (110) may be driven as a condenser that liquefies a gaseous refrigerant or as an evaporator that vaporizes a liquid refrigerant, depending on the operating mode of the heat pump. For example, the outdoor heat exchanger (110) may be driven as a condenser when the heat pump provides a cooling function that cools indoor air. For example, the outdoor heat exchanger (110) may be driven as an evaporator when the heat pump provides a heating function that heats indoor air. The outdoor unit (10) may include a compressor (101) and an outdoor heat exchanger (110).

[0037] An indoor heat exchanger (201) may be installed inside the indoor unit (20). The indoor heat exchanger (201) may enable heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air. The indoor heat exchanger (201) may be a heat exchanger with a finned tube structure. However, the structure of the indoor heat exchanger (201) is not limited thereto, and may be modified in various ways as long as the structure facilitates heat exchange between the air and the refrigerant.

[0038] The indoor heat exchanger (201) may be driven as a condenser that liquefies a gaseous refrigerant or as an evaporator that vaporizes a liquid refrigerant, depending on the operating mode of the heat pump. For example, the indoor heat exchanger (201) may be driven as an evaporator when the heat pump provides a cooling function that cools indoor air. For example, the indoor heat exchanger (201) may be driven as a condenser when the heat pump provides a heating function that heats indoor air.

[0039] The refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) can perform heat exchange between refrigerant and water. The refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) may be a plate heat exchanger. However, the structure of the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) is not limited thereto, and may be modified in various ways as long as the structure facilitates heat exchange between the refrigerant and water.

[0040] Water can flow into and out of the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) through a water pipe (31). The refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) can be installed inside the outdoor unit (10). In this way, when the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) is installed in the outdoor unit (10), a water pipe (31) and a heat storage tank (not shown) connected thereto can be arranged in the indoor space as a configuration for supplying cold and hot water. Since the water pipe (31) is connected to the heat storage tank, it can be installed even in a narrow indoor space. If a refrigerant pipe instead of a water pipe (31) is connected to the heat storage tank and a slightly flammable or combustible refrigerant moves through this refrigerant pipe, the heat storage tank cannot be installed in a narrow space to meet safety standards, and a refrigerant stabilization device must be added. In contrast, in the case of a system in which water pipes are connected to a storage tank, the storage tank can be installed in a narrow indoor space, so it can be installed in spaces where it was not possible to install a system using refrigerant pipes with slightly flammable or combustible refrigerants flowing in the past.

[0041] However, the placement of the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) is not necessarily limited to the outdoor unit (10) and may be changed as needed. For example, the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) may be installed outdoors or indoors separately from the outdoor unit (10), as shown in FIG. 2.

[0042] The refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) may be operated as a condenser that liquefies a gaseous refrigerant or as an evaporator that vaporizes a liquid refrigerant, depending on the operating mode of the heat pump. For example, the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) may be operated as a condenser to heat water when the heat pump provides hot water to a room. For example, the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) may be operated as an evaporator to cool water when the heat pump provides cold water to a room.

[0043] The heat pump according to the embodiment may have a refrigerant cycle in which at least one of the outdoor heat exchanger (110) and the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) can be used as an evaporator or a condenser, optionally or as needed. This allows the heat pump to overcome limitations due to heat source imbalance.

[0044] As an example, a heat pump includes a plurality of flow change valves that change the flow path of refrigerant moving to a plurality of heat exchangers, and a plurality of connecting pipes connecting the plurality of heat exchangers and the plurality of flow change valves. At least one on-off valve and at least one expansion valve may be arranged in some of the plurality of connecting pipes. The on-off valve may determine whether refrigerant moves in the connecting pipe where the on-off valve is installed. The expansion valve may determine whether refrigerant moves in the connecting pipe where the expansion valve is installed, and when the refrigerant moves, the flow rate of the refrigerant in the connecting pipe where the expansion valve is installed may be determined.

[0045] The plurality of Euro conversion valves may include a first Euro conversion valve (131).

[0046] The first flow change valve (131) can change the flow path of the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (101) so that the refrigerant flows toward the outdoor heat exchanger (110) or the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120). The first flow change valve (131) may be a four-way valve. The outlet port of the first flow change valve (131) and the compressor (101) may be connected by a first connecting pipe (141). The refrigerant compressed by the compressor (101) may move through the first connecting pipe (141).

[0047] The first flow conversion valve (131) can change the flow path of the refrigerant depending on the operation mode of the heat pump. Depending on the operation mode of the heat pump, the first flow conversion valve (131) can operate to direct the compressed refrigerant toward the outdoor heat exchanger (110) or to direct the compressed refrigerant toward the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120).

[0048] The first flow conversion valve (131) can be connected to the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) by the second connection pipe (142). Depending on the operation mode of the heat pump, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (101) can move along the first connection pipe (141), the first flow conversion valve (131), and the second connection pipe (142) and be delivered to the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120).

[0049] The first flow conversion valve (131) can be connected to the outdoor heat exchanger (110) by the third connection pipe (143). Depending on the operation mode of the heat pump, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (101) can move along the first connection pipe (141), the first flow conversion valve (131), and the third connection pipe (143) and be delivered to the outdoor heat exchanger (110).

[0050] A first opening / closing valve (V1) may be arranged in the third connecting pipe (143). The first opening / closing valve (V1) may be a solenoid valve, but is not necessarily limited thereto. Depending on the operation of the first opening / closing valve (V1), the movement of the refrigerant through the third connecting pipe (143) may vary. When the first opening / closing valve (V1) is in an open state, the high-pressure refrigerant may move from the first flow conversion valve (131) to the outdoor heat exchanger (110) through the third connecting pipe (143). Alternatively, when the first opening / closing valve (V1) is in an open state, the low-pressure gaseous refrigerant may move from the outdoor heat exchanger (110) to the first flow conversion valve (131) through the third connecting pipe (143). When the first opening / closing valve (V1) is closed, the high-pressure refrigerant can be blocked from moving to the outdoor heat exchanger (110) through the third connecting pipe (143).

[0051] The first euro conversion valve (131) can be connected to the inlet port of the compressor (101) by the fourth connection pipe (144). An accumulator (102) can be arranged in the fourth connection pipe (144). Through the fourth connection pipe (144), low-pressure refrigerant can move to the inlet port of the compressor (101).

[0052] The indoor heat exchanger (201) and the outdoor heat exchanger (110) can be connected by a fifth connecting pipe (145). A liquid refrigerant can move through the fifth connecting pipe (145). Depending on the operating mode of the heat pump, the direction of movement of the liquid refrigerant through the fifth connecting pipe (145) can vary. When the heat pump provides a heating function, the liquid refrigerant can move from the indoor heat exchanger (201) toward the outdoor heat exchanger (110). When the heat pump provides a cooling function, the liquid refrigerant can move from the outdoor heat exchanger (110) toward the indoor heat exchanger (201).

[0053] At least one first expansion valve (EV11, EV12) may be arranged in the fifth connecting pipe (145). The first expansion valve (EV11, EV12) may be an electronic expansion valve. However, the type of the first expansion valve (EV11, EV12) is not limited thereto and may be modified in various ways. For example, a plurality of first expansion valves (EV11, EV12) may be arranged in the fifth connecting pipe (145). One first expansion valve (EV11) may be arranged adjacent to the outdoor heat exchanger (110), and another first expansion valve (EV12) may be arranged adjacent to the indoor heat exchanger (201). By the at least one first expansion valve (EV11, EV12), the liquid refrigerant passing through the fifth connecting pipe (145) may be converted to a low-temperature, low-pressure state.

[0054] The fifth connecting pipe (145) and the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) may be connected by a sixth connecting pipe (146). Depending on the operation mode of the heat pump, the refrigerant passing through the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) may move to the fifth connecting pipe (145) through the sixth connecting pipe (146), or the refrigerant passing through the fifth connecting pipe (145) may move to the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) through the sixth heat connecting pipe. The sixth connecting pipe (146) may be connected to a portion of the fifth connecting pipe (145) arranged between the first expansion valve (EV11) arranged adjacent to the outdoor heat exchanger (110) and the first expansion valve (EV12) arranged adjacent to the indoor heat exchanger (201).

[0055] A second expansion valve (EV2) may be arranged in the sixth connection pipe (146). The second expansion valve (EV2) may be an electronic expansion valve. However, the type of the second expansion valve (EV2) is not limited thereto and may be modified in various ways. By means of the second expansion valve (EV2), the refrigerant passing through the sixth connection pipe (146) may be converted into a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant.

[0056] The plurality of euro conversion valves may include a second euro conversion valve (132). The second euro conversion valve (132) may be a four-way valve.

[0057] The second flow conversion valve (132) can change the flow path of the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (101) to selectively direct it toward the indoor heat exchanger (201). The second flow conversion valve (132) can change the flow path of the compressed refrigerant to direct it toward the indoor heat exchanger (201) or a closed path. The second flow conversion valve (132) can be placed in the outdoor unit (10).

[0058] The second euro changeover valve (132) may have one port connected to the indoor heat exchanger (201) and the other port closed to selectively move the compressed refrigerant to the indoor heat exchanger (201).

[0059] The second flow conversion valve (132) can change the flow path of the refrigerant depending on the operation mode of the heat pump. Depending on the operation mode of the heat pump, the second flow conversion valve (132) can operate to direct the compressed refrigerant toward the indoor heat exchanger (201) or to prevent the compressed refrigerant from moving to another heat exchanger.

[0060] The second flow conversion valve (132) can be connected to the indoor heat exchanger (201) via the seventh connection pipe (147). Depending on the operation mode of the heat pump, the compressed refrigerant can move to the indoor heat exchanger (201) via the seventh connection pipe (147). For example, when the heat pump provides a heating function, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (101) can move to the indoor heat exchanger (201) via the first connection pipe (141), the tenth connection pipe (150), the second flow conversion valve (132), and the seventh connection pipe (147).

[0061] The second flow conversion valve (132) can be connected to the fourth connection pipe (144) via the eighth connection pipe (148). Through the eighth connection pipe (148), low-pressure gaseous refrigerant can move. Depending on the operation mode of the heat pump, the low-pressure gaseous refrigerant can move to the fourth connection pipe (144) via the second flow conversion valve (132) and the eighth connection pipe (148).

[0062] The second euro conversion valve (132) can be connected to the first connection pipe (141) by the tenth connection pipe (150). The refrigerant compressed by the compressor (101) can pass through a portion of the first connection pipe (141) and move along the tenth connection pipe (150).

[0063] The second flow conversion valve (132) may be connected to a closed pipe (161) with a blocked end. In other words, some ports of the second flow conversion valve (132) may be closed. When the supply of compressed refrigerant to the indoor heat exchanger (201) through the second flow conversion valve (132) is not required, the second flow conversion valve (132) may change the flow path so that the refrigerant moving through the 10th connecting pipe (150) is directed toward the closed pipe (161).

[0064] The first connecting pipe (141) and the third connecting pipe (143) may be connected by a ninth connecting pipe (149). The ninth connecting pipe (149) may provide a bypass path through which the refrigerant moves without passing through the first flow conversion valve (131). The ninth connecting pipe (149) may be connected to a portion of the third connecting pipe (143) arranged between the first opening / closing valve (V1) and the outdoor heat exchanger (110).

[0065] A second opening / closing valve (V2) may be arranged in the ninth connecting pipe (149). The ninth connecting pipe (149) may be selectively opened by the second opening / closing valve (V2). When the second opening / closing valve (V2) is in an open state, the refrigerant may move to the outdoor heat exchanger (110) without passing through the first flow conversion valve (131). When the second opening / closing valve (V2) is in a closed state, the refrigerant in a high-pressure gaseous state may be prevented from flowing to the low-pressure gaseous state refrigerant side.

[0066] A heat pump having the above-described configuration can operate in various operating modes.

[0067] The operation modes of the heat pump according to one embodiment may include a hot water mode, a cold water mode, a cooling mode, a heating mode, a hot water and heating mode, a hot water and cooling mode, a cold water and heating mode, a cold water and cooling mode, and a defrost and heating mode. The heat pump according to one embodiment may operate in a hot water mode, a cold water mode, a cooling mode, a heating mode, a hot water and heating mode, a hot water and cooling mode, a cold water and heating mode, a cold water and cooling mode, and a defrost and heating mode.

[0068] When the heat pump is in hot water mode, the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) can heat water. When the heat pump is in cold water mode, the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) can cool water. When the heat pump is in cooling mode, the indoor heat exchanger (201) can cool indoor air. When the heat pump is in heating mode, the indoor heat exchanger (201) can heat indoor air. When the heat pump is in hot water and heating mode, the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) can heat water and the indoor heat exchanger (201) can heat indoor air. When the heat pump is in hot water and cooling mode, the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) can heat water and the indoor heat exchanger (201) can cool indoor air. When the heat pump is in cold water and heating mode, the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) can cool water and the indoor heat exchanger (201) can heat indoor air. When the heat pump is in the cold water and cooling mode, the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) can cool water, and the indoor heat exchanger (201) can cool indoor air. When the heat pump is in the defrosting and heating mode, the indoor heat exchanger (201) can continuously heat indoor air without stopping the heating function when the outdoor heat exchanger (110) heats the outdoor air to remove frost.

[0069] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a refrigerant cycle when a heat pump according to one embodiment is in hot water mode. In the following drawings, the arrow "high pressure gas phase" indicates that the refrigerant passing through the corresponding connection pipe is primarily in a high pressure gas phase, and may include some liquid phase. The arrow "low pressure gas phase" indicates that the refrigerant passing through the corresponding connection pipe is primarily in a low pressure gas phase, and may include some liquid phase. The arrow "liquid phase" indicates that the refrigerant passing through the corresponding connection pipe is primarily in a liquid phase, and may include some gas phase.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 3, when the heat pump is in hot water mode, the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (101) passes through the first flow change valve (131) and moves to the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120). The refrigerant compressed in the compressor (101) passes through the first connection pipe (141), the first flow change valve (131), and the second connection pipe (142) and moves to the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120).

[0071] Some of the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (101) moves to the 10th connecting pipe (150) and the second flow change valve (132), but its movement is restricted by the closed pipe (161). Accordingly, almost all of the compressed refrigerant passes through the first flow change valve (131) and moves to the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120).

[0072] The refrigerant that has passed through the first flow conversion valve (131) flows into the compressor (101) through the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120), the outdoor heat exchanger (110), and the first flow conversion valve (131).

[0073] The refrigerant is condensed by the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120), thereby causing heat exchange between the refrigerant and water. This heat exchange heats the water flowing into the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120), generating hot water. The generated hot water can be supplied directly to users for use in hot water supply, or for underfloor heating and other heating applications.

[0074] The refrigerant is changed into a liquid state by the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120). The liquid refrigerant moves to the outdoor heat exchanger (110) through the sixth connection pipe (146) and the fifth connection pipe (145) by the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120). The liquid refrigerant moves to the outdoor heat exchanger (110) through the second expansion valve (EV2) and the first expansion valve (EV11).

[0075] The liquid refrigerant is changed into a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant by the outdoor heat exchanger (110). The low-pressure gaseous refrigerant flows into the compressor (101) through the third connecting pipe (143), the first flow conversion valve (131), and the fourth connecting pipe (144). At this time, the first opening / closing valve (V1) is in the open state, and the second opening / closing valve (V2) is in the closed state. Since the second opening / closing valve (V2) is in the closed state, the high-pressure gaseous refrigerant does not flow to the low-pressure gaseous refrigerant side.

[0076] When the heat pump is in hot water mode, the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) operates as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger (110) operates as an evaporator.

[0077] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a refrigerant cycle when a heat pump according to one embodiment is in cold water mode.

[0078] Referring to Fig. 4, when the heat pump is in cold water mode, the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (101) passes through the first flow change valve (131) and moves to the outdoor heat exchanger (110). The refrigerant compressed in the compressor (101) passes through the first connection pipe (141), the first flow change valve (131), and the third connection pipe (143) and moves to the outdoor heat exchanger (110). At this time, the first opening / closing valve (V1) is in the open state.

[0079] The second switching valve (V2) may be in an open state. Accordingly, some of the refrigerant may move to the outdoor heat exchanger (110) through the ninth connecting pipe (149) and the third connecting pipe (143) without passing through the first flow conversion valve (131). However, the second switching valve (V2) is not necessarily limited to an open state and may be closed as needed.

[0080] Some of the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (101) moves to the 10th connecting pipe (150) and the second flow conversion valve (132), but its movement is restricted by the closed pipe (161). Accordingly, almost all of the compressed refrigerant moves to the outdoor heat exchanger (110).

[0081] The compressed refrigerant flows into the compressor (101) through the outdoor heat exchanger (110), the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120), and the first flow conversion valve (131).

[0082] The refrigerant is condensed by the outdoor heat exchanger (110), thereby causing heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outside air. The refrigerant is changed into a liquid state by the outdoor heat exchanger (110). The liquid refrigerant passes through a portion of the fifth connection pipe (145) and the sixth connection pipe (146) to the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120). The liquid refrigerant passes through the first expansion valve (EV11) and the second expansion valve (EV2) to the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120).

[0083] The liquid refrigerant is converted into a low-pressure gaseous state by the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120). Heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant and water in the water refrigerant heat exchanger. Through this heat exchange, the water flowing into the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) is cooled, producing chilled water. The chilled water thus produced can be supplied directly to the user or used in floor cooling or other cooling devices.

[0084] The low-pressure gaseous refrigerant flows into the compressor (101) through the second connecting pipe (142), the first euro changeover valve (131), and the fourth connecting pipe (144).

[0085] When the heat pump is in cold water mode, the outdoor heat exchanger (110) operates as a condenser and the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) operates as an evaporator.

[0086] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a refrigerant cycle when a heat pump according to one embodiment is in cooling mode.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 5, when the heat pump is in cooling mode, the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (101) passes through the first flow change valve (131) and moves to the outdoor heat exchanger (110). The refrigerant compressed in the compressor (101) passes through the first connection pipe (141), the first flow change valve (131), and the third connection pipe (143) and moves to the outdoor heat exchanger (110). At this time, the first opening / closing valve (V1) is in the open state.

[0088] Some of the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (101) moves to the tenth connecting pipe (150) and the second flow conversion valve (132), but its movement is restricted by the closing pipe (161). Accordingly, almost all of the compressed refrigerant moves to the outdoor heat exchanger (110). The second opening / closing valve (V2) may be open or closed as needed.

[0089] The refrigerant flows into the compressor (101) through the outdoor heat exchanger (110), the indoor heat exchanger (201) and the first flow change valve (131).

[0090] The refrigerant is condensed by the outdoor heat exchanger (110), thereby causing heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outside air. The refrigerant is converted into a liquid state by the outdoor heat exchanger (110). The liquid refrigerant passes through the fifth connecting pipe (145) and moves to the indoor heat exchanger (201). The liquid refrigerant passes through a plurality of first expansion valves (EV11, EV12) and moves to the indoor heat exchanger (201).

[0091] The liquid refrigerant is converted into a low-pressure gaseous state by the indoor heat exchanger (201). In the indoor heat exchanger (201), heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant and indoor air. Through this heat exchange, the indoor air is cooled, thereby achieving indoor cooling.

[0092] The low-pressure gaseous refrigerant flows into the compressor (101) through the seventh connecting pipe (147), the second euro changeover valve (132), the eighth connecting pipe (148), and the fourth connecting pipe (144).

[0093] When the heat pump is in cooling mode, the outdoor heat exchanger (110) operates as a condenser and the indoor heat exchanger (201) operates as an evaporator.

[0094] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a refrigerant cycle when a heat pump according to one embodiment is in heating mode.

[0095] Referring to Fig. 6, when the heat pump is in heating mode, the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (101) passes through the second flow conversion valve (132) and moves to the indoor heat exchanger (201). The refrigerant compressed in the compressor (101) passes through a portion of the first connection pipe (141), the tenth connection pipe (150), the second flow conversion valve (132), and the seventh connection pipe (147) and moves to the indoor heat exchanger (201).

[0096] Some of the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (101) can move toward the first flow change valve (131), but since the second expansion valve (EV2) is closed, the movement of the refrigerant toward the first flow change valve (131) is limited. The second opening / closing valve (V2) is closed. Accordingly, most of the compressed refrigerant passes through the second flow change valve (132) and moves to the indoor heat exchanger (201).

[0097] The refrigerant flows into the compressor (101) through the indoor heat exchanger (201), the outdoor heat exchanger (110), and the first flow change valve (131). At this time, the first opening / closing valve (V1) is in the open state.

[0098] The refrigerant is condensed by the indoor heat exchanger (201), thereby causing heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air. Through this heat exchange, the indoor air is heated, thereby heating the room.

[0099] The refrigerant is converted to a liquid state by the indoor heat exchanger (201). The liquid refrigerant passes through the fifth connecting pipe (145) and moves to the outdoor heat exchanger (110). The liquid refrigerant passes through a plurality of first expansion valves (EV11, EV12) and moves to the outdoor heat exchanger (110).

[0100] The liquid refrigerant is changed into a low-pressure gaseous state by the outdoor heat exchanger (110). In the outdoor heat exchanger (110), heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

[0101] The low-pressure gaseous refrigerant flows into the compressor (101) through the third connecting pipe (143), the first flow conversion valve (131), and the fourth connecting pipe (144). Since the second opening / closing valve (V2) is closed, the high-pressure gaseous refrigerant does not flow to the low-pressure gaseous refrigerant side.

[0102] When the heat pump is in heating mode, the indoor heat exchanger (201) operates as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger (110) operates as an evaporator.

[0103] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a refrigerant cycle when a heat pump according to one embodiment is in hot water and heating mode.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 7, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (101) can move along two paths to the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) and the indoor heat exchanger (201).

[0105] A portion of the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (101) passes through the first flow change valve (131) and moves to the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120). For example, a portion of the compressed refrigerant may pass through the first connecting pipe (141), the first flow change valve (131), and the second connecting pipe (142) and move to the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120).

[0106] The remainder of the compressed refrigerant in the compressor (101) passes through the second flow change valve (132) and moves to the indoor heat exchanger (201). For example, the remainder of the compressed refrigerant may pass through a section of the first connection pipe (141), the tenth connection pipe (150), the second flow change valve (132), and the seventh connection pipe (147) and move to the indoor heat exchanger (201).

[0107] A portion of the compressed refrigerant is condensed in the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) and changes into a liquid refrigerant. In the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120), the introduced water is heated by heat exchange between the refrigerant and water, thereby generating hot water.

[0108] The remainder of the compressed refrigerant is condensed in the indoor heat exchanger (201) and changed into a liquid refrigerant. In the indoor heat exchanger (201), the indoor air is heated by heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air, thereby heating the room.

[0109] The liquid refrigerant discharged from the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) and the liquid refrigerant discharged from the indoor heat exchanger (201) move to the outdoor heat exchanger (110). The liquid refrigerant discharged from the indoor heat exchanger (201) moves to the outdoor heat exchanger (110) through the fifth connecting pipe (145). The liquid refrigerant discharged from the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) moves to the outdoor heat exchanger (110) through the sixth connecting pipe (146) and a portion of the fifth connecting pipe (145). The liquid refrigerant moves to the outdoor heat exchanger (110) through the first expansion valve (EV12) and the second expansion valve (EV2).

[0110] By means of the outdoor heat exchanger (110), the liquid refrigerant is changed into a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. In the outdoor heat exchanger (110), heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant and the outdoor air. The low-pressure refrigerant flows into the compressor (101) through the third connecting pipe (143), the first flow change valve (131), and the fourth connecting pipe (144). At this time, the first opening / closing valve (V1) is in the open state, and the second opening / closing valve (V2) is in the closed state.

[0111] When the heat pump is in hot water and heating mode, the indoor heat exchanger (201) and the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) operate as condensers, and the outdoor heat exchanger (110) operates as an evaporator.

[0112] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a refrigerant cycle when a heat pump according to one embodiment is in hot water and cooling mode.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 8, the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (101) passes through the first flow change valve (131) and moves to the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120). The refrigerant compressed in the compressor (101) passes through the first connecting pipe (141), the first flow change valve (131), and the second connecting pipe (142) and moves to the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120). Unlike the cooling mode described above, most of the compressed refrigerant can move to the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120).

[0114] Some of the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (101) moves to the 10th connecting pipe (150) and the second flow change valve (132), but its movement is restricted by the closed pipe (161). Accordingly, almost all of the compressed refrigerant passes through the first flow change valve (131) and moves to the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120).

[0115] The refrigerant can be introduced into the compressor (101) through the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120), the indoor heat exchanger (201) and the second flow conversion valve (132).

[0116] The refrigerant is condensed by the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120), thereby causing heat exchange between the refrigerant and water. Through this heat exchange, the water is heated, generating hot water. The heat pump can recover waste heat that is discharged to the outside through the outdoor heat exchanger (110) during cooling mode when in hot water and cooling mode, and use it to supply hot water. If a heat pump for cooling or heating and a heat pump for hot water are installed separately, heat cannot be recovered when these heat pumps operate in cooling (or heating) operation and hot water operation, respectively. In contrast, the heat pump according to the embodiment overcomes this drawback and can recover heat energy discharged to the outdoor unit during cooling operation and store it as hot water, thereby improving energy efficiency.

[0117] The refrigerant is changed into a liquid state by the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120). The liquid refrigerant passes through a portion of the sixth connecting pipe (146) and the fifth connecting pipe (145) and moves to the indoor heat exchanger (201). The liquid refrigerant passes through the second expansion valve (EV2) and the first expansion valve (EV12) and moves to the indoor heat exchanger (201).

[0118] The liquid refrigerant is converted into a low-pressure gaseous state by the indoor heat exchanger (201). In the indoor heat exchanger (201), heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant and indoor air. Through this heat exchange, the indoor air is cooled, thereby achieving indoor cooling.

[0119] The low-pressure gaseous refrigerant flows into the compressor (101) through the seventh connecting pipe (147), the second flow conversion valve (132), the eighth connecting pipe (148), and the fourth connecting pipe (144). At this time, the second opening / closing valve (V2) is closed. The first expansion valve (EV11) adjacent to the outdoor heat exchanger (110) is closed. The first opening / closing valve (V1) may be closed or open.

[0120] When the heat pump is in hot water and cooling mode, the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) operates as a condenser and the indoor heat exchanger (201) operates as an evaporator. At this time, the outdoor heat exchanger (110) may not operate. In hot water and cooling mode, instead of wasting waste heat by the outdoor heat exchanger (110) in cooling mode, hot water can be generated using the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120).

[0121] However, the operation of the outdoor heat exchanger (110) may vary depending on the load required for hot water and cooling, depending on the heat pump's hot water and cooling modes. This will be described later in FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0122] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a refrigerant cycle when a heat pump according to one embodiment is in cooling and heating mode.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 9, the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (101) passes through the second flow conversion valve (132) and moves to the indoor heat exchanger (201). The refrigerant compressed in the compressor (101) passes through a section of the first connection pipe (141), the tenth connection pipe (150), the second flow conversion valve (132), and the seventh connection pipe (147) and moves to the indoor heat exchanger (201).

[0124] Some of the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (101) may move to the first connecting pipe (141) and the first flow conversion valve (131). At this time, the first opening / closing valve (V1) and the second opening / closing valve (V2) may be closed. Accordingly, most of the compressed refrigerant passes through the second flow conversion valve (132) and moves to the indoor heat exchanger (201).

[0125] The refrigerant can be introduced into the compressor (101) through the indoor heat exchanger (201), the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120), and the first flow conversion valve (131).

[0126] The refrigerant is condensed by the indoor heat exchanger (201), thereby causing heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air. Through this heat exchange, the indoor air is heated, thereby heating the room.

[0127] The refrigerant is changed into a liquid state by the indoor heat exchanger (201). The liquid refrigerant passes through a portion of the fifth connection pipe (145) and the sixth connection pipe (146) to the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120). The liquid refrigerant passes through the first expansion valve (EV12) and the second expansion valve (EV2) adjacent to the indoor heat exchanger (201) to the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120).

[0128] The liquid refrigerant is converted into a low-pressure gaseous state by the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120). In the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120), heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant and water. Through this heat exchange, the introduced water is cooled, producing cold water.

[0129] The low-pressure gaseous refrigerant flows into the compressor (101) through the second connecting pipe (142), the first euro changeover valve (131), and the fourth connecting pipe (144).

[0130] When the heat pump is in chilled water and heating mode, the indoor heat exchanger (201) operates as a condenser and the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) operates as an evaporator. At this time, the outdoor heat exchanger (110) may not operate.

[0131] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a refrigerant cycle when a heat pump according to one embodiment is in cold water and cooling mode.

[0132] Referring to Fig. 10, the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (101) passes through the first flow conversion valve (131) and moves to the outdoor heat exchanger (110). At this time, the first opening / closing valve (V1) is in the open state. The refrigerant compressed in the compressor (101) passes through the first connection pipe (141), the first flow conversion valve (131), and the third connection pipe (143) and moves to the outdoor heat exchanger (110).

[0133] The second switching valve (V2) may be in an open state. Accordingly, some of the refrigerant may move to the outdoor heat exchanger (110) through the ninth connecting pipe (149) and the third connecting pipe (143) without passing through the first flow conversion valve (131). However, the second switching valve (V2) is not necessarily limited to an open state and may be closed as needed.

[0134] Some of the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (101) moves to the 10th connecting pipe (150) and the second flow conversion valve (132), but its movement is restricted by the closed pipe (161). Accordingly, almost all of the compressed refrigerant moves to the outdoor heat exchanger (110).

[0135] The refrigerant is condensed by the outdoor heat exchanger (110) and can change into a liquid state. A portion of the liquid refrigerant moves to the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120), and the remainder of the liquid refrigerant moves to the indoor heat exchanger (201).

[0136] A portion of the refrigerant in a liquid state moves to the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) through a portion of the fifth connection pipe (145) and the sixth connection pipe (146). A portion of the refrigerant in a liquid state moves to the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) through the first expansion valve (EV11) and the second expansion valve (EV2). The remainder of the refrigerant in a liquid state moves to the indoor heat exchanger (201) through the fifth connection pipe (145). The refrigerant in a liquid state moves to the indoor heat exchanger (201) through a plurality of first expansion valves (EV11, EV12).

[0137] A portion of the liquid refrigerant is evaporated by the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120), thereby causing heat exchange between the refrigerant and water. Through this heat exchange, the water is cooled, producing cold water. Through the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120), the refrigerant is converted into a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant.

[0138] The remaining liquid refrigerant is evaporated by the indoor heat exchanger (201), thereby causing heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air. Through this heat exchange, the indoor air is cooled, thereby cooling the room. The refrigerant is converted into a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant by the indoor heat exchanger (201).

[0139] The refrigerant discharged by the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) flows into the compressor (101) through the second connecting pipe (142), the first flow conversion valve (131), and the fourth connecting pipe (144). The refrigerant discharged by the indoor heat exchanger (201) flows into the compressor (101) through the seventh connecting pipe (147), the second flow conversion valve (132), the eighth connecting pipe (148), and the fourth connecting pipe (144).

[0140] When the heat pump is in chilled water and cooling mode, the outdoor heat exchanger (110) operates as a condenser, and the indoor heat exchanger (201) and refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) operate as evaporators.

[0141] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another example of a refrigerant cycle when a heat pump according to one embodiment is in hot water and cooling mode. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating another example of a refrigerant cycle when a heat pump according to one embodiment is in hot water and cooling mode.

[0142] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, when the heat pump operates in hot water and cooling modes, the operation of the outdoor heat exchanger (110) can vary to correspond to various loads required for hot water and cooling.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 11, when the heat pump operates in hot water and cooling modes, the outdoor heat exchanger (110) may operate as an evaporator to accommodate high hot water loads. In this case, the energy required for the hot water function may be greater than the energy required for the cooling function.

[0144] As an example for this, the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (101) passes through the first flow change valve (131) and moves to the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120). At this time, the first opening / closing valve (V1) is in the open state. The refrigerant compressed in the compressor (101) passes through the first connecting pipe (141), the first flow change valve (131), and the second connecting pipe (142) and moves to the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120).

[0145] Some of the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (101) moves to the 10th connecting pipe (150) and the second flow change valve (132), but its movement is restricted by the closed pipe (161). Accordingly, almost all of the compressed refrigerant passes through the first flow change valve (131) and moves to the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120).

[0146] The refrigerant is condensed by the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) and can change into a liquid state. Through this heat exchange, the water is heated, producing hot water.

[0147] A portion of the liquid refrigerant may move to the indoor heat exchanger (201). The remainder of the liquid refrigerant may move to the outdoor heat exchanger (110).

[0148] A portion of the refrigerant in a liquid state moves to the indoor heat exchanger (201) through a portion of the sixth connection pipe (146) and the fifth connection pipe (145). A portion of the refrigerant in a liquid state moves to the indoor heat exchanger (201) through the second expansion valve (EV2) and the first expansion valve (EV12).

[0149] A portion of the liquid refrigerant is evaporated by the indoor heat exchanger (201), thereby causing heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air. Through this heat exchange, the indoor air is cooled, thereby achieving indoor cooling. The indoor heat exchanger (201) converts the refrigerant into a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant.

[0150] The remainder of the refrigerant in liquid state moves to the outdoor heat exchanger (110) through another section of the sixth connection pipe (146) and the fifth connection pipe (145). The remainder of the refrigerant in liquid state moves to the outdoor heat exchanger (110) through the second expansion valve (EV2) and the first expansion valve (EV11).

[0151] The remainder of the refrigerant in a liquid state can be evaporated by the outdoor heat exchanger (110). By the outdoor heat exchanger (110), the refrigerant changes into a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant.

[0152] The refrigerant discharged by the indoor heat exchanger (201) flows into the compressor (101) through the seventh connection pipe (147), the second flow conversion valve (132), the eighth connection pipe (148), and the fourth connection pipe (144). The refrigerant discharged by the outdoor heat exchanger (110) flows into the compressor (101) through the second connection pipe (142), the first flow conversion valve, and the fourth connection pipe (144). At this time, the second opening / closing valve (V2) is closed.

[0153] When the heat pump is in hot water and cooling mode, the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) operates as a condenser, and the indoor heat exchanger (201) and the outdoor heat exchanger (110) operate as evaporators. In particular, when the heat pump is subject to a high load on the hot water function and a low load on the cooling function, the refrigerant can be operated to move along the refrigerant cycle as described above.

[0154] Referring to FIG. 12, when the heat pump operates in hot water and cooling modes, the outdoor heat exchanger (110) may operate as a condenser to accommodate high cooling loads. In this case, the energy required for the cooling function may be greater than the energy required for the hot water function.

[0155] As an example for this, a portion of the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (101) passes through the first flow change valve (131) and moves to the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120). A portion of the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (101) passes through the first connecting pipe (141), the first flow change valve (131), and the second connecting pipe (142) and moves to the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120).

[0156] Another portion of the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (101) may bypass the first flow conversion valve (131) and move to the outdoor heat exchanger (110). For example, by opening the second on-off valve (V2) disposed in the ninth connection pipe (149), another portion of the refrigerant may move to the outdoor heat exchanger (110) through the ninth connection pipe (149) and the third connection pipe (143).

[0157] A portion of the refrigerant is condensed by the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) and can be changed into a liquid state. Through this heat exchange, the water is heated, producing hot water. The liquid refrigerant moves to the indoor heat exchanger (201). The liquid refrigerant passes through a portion of the sixth connecting pipe (146) and the fifth connecting pipe (145) and moves to the indoor heat exchanger (201).

[0158] Another portion of the refrigerant may be condensed by the outdoor heat exchanger (110) and changed into a liquid state. Another portion of the liquid refrigerant may move to the indoor heat exchanger (201). Another portion of the liquid refrigerant may move to the indoor heat exchanger (201) through the fifth connecting pipe (145). The liquid refrigerant moves to the indoor heat exchanger (201) through the first expansion valve (EV11) and the first expansion valve (EV12) adjacent to the indoor heat exchanger (201).

[0159] The liquid refrigerant is evaporated by the indoor heat exchanger (201), thereby causing heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air. Through this heat exchange, the indoor air is cooled, thereby cooling the indoor air. The refrigerant is converted into a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant by the indoor heat exchanger (201).

[0160] The refrigerant discharged by the indoor heat exchanger (201) flows into the compressor (101) through the seventh connecting pipe (147), the second flow conversion valve (132), the eighth connecting pipe (148), and the fourth connecting pipe (144). At this time, the first opening / closing valve (V1) is closed.

[0161] When the heat pump described above is in hot water and cooling mode, the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) and the outdoor heat exchanger (110) operate as condensers, and the indoor heat exchanger (201) operates as an evaporator. In particular, when the heat pump is subject to a low load on the hot water function and a high load on the cooling function, the heat pump can operate so that the refrigerant moves along the refrigerant cycle as described above.

[0162] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another example of a refrigerant cycle when a heat pump according to one embodiment is in cooling and heating mode.

[0163] Referring to FIG. 13, when the heat pump according to the embodiment operates in both cooling and heating modes, the outdoor heat exchanger (110) may operate as a condenser to accommodate high cooling loads. In this case, the energy required for the cooling function may be greater than the energy required for the heating function.

[0164] As an example for this, a portion of the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (101) passes through the first flow change valve (131) and moves to the outdoor heat exchanger (110). At this time, the first opening / closing valve (V1) is in an open state. A portion of the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (101) passes through the first connecting pipe (141), the first flow change valve (131), and the third connecting pipe (143) and moves to the outdoor heat exchanger (110).

[0165] The remainder of the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (101) passes through the second flow conversion valve (132) and moves to the indoor heat exchanger (201). The remainder of the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (101) passes through a section of the first connection pipe (141), the tenth connection pipe (150), the second flow conversion valve (132), and the seventh connection pipe (147) and moves to the indoor heat exchanger (201).

[0166] A portion of the refrigerant may be condensed by the outdoor heat exchanger (110) and changed into a liquid state. A portion of the refrigerant in the liquid state may move to the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120). A portion of the refrigerant in the liquid state may pass through a portion of the fifth connecting pipe (145) and the sixth connecting pipe (146) and move to the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120).

[0167] Another portion of the refrigerant may be condensed by the indoor heat exchanger (201) and changed into a liquid state. Heat exchange may occur between indoor air and the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger (201). Another portion of the refrigerant in a liquid state may move to the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120). Another portion of the refrigerant in a liquid state may pass through a portion of the fifth connecting pipe (145) and the sixth connecting pipe (146) to the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120).

[0168] The liquid refrigerant is evaporated by the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120), thereby causing heat exchange between the refrigerant and water. Through this heat exchange, the water is cooled, producing cold water. Through the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120), the refrigerant is converted into a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant.

[0169] The refrigerant discharged by the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) flows into the compressor (101) through the second connecting pipe (142), the first flow conversion valve (131), and the fourth connecting pipe (144). At this time, the second opening / closing valve (V2) may be in the closed or open state.

[0170] When the heat pump described above is in cooling and heating mode, the outdoor heat exchanger (110) and the indoor heat exchanger (201) operate as condensers, and the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) operates as an evaporator. In particular, when the cooling function of the heat pump is subject to a high load and the heating function is subject to a low load, the heat pump can operate so that the refrigerant moves along the refrigerant cycle as described above.

[0171] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a refrigerant cycle when a heat pump according to one embodiment is in a defrosting and heating mode.

[0172] Referring to FIG. 14, the heat pump according to the embodiment can continuously perform indoor heating without stopping in the indoor heat exchanger (201) when the defrosting function is performed in the outdoor heat exchanger (110).

[0173] A portion of the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (101) passes through the first flow conversion valve (131) and moves to the outdoor heat exchanger (110). At this time, the first opening / closing valve (V1) is in the open state. A portion of the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (101) passes through the first connection pipe (141), the first flow conversion valve (131), and the third connection pipe (143) and moves to the outdoor heat exchanger (110).

[0174] The remainder of the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (101) passes through the second flow conversion valve (132) and moves to the indoor heat exchanger (201). The remainder of the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (101) passes through a section of the first connection pipe (141), the tenth connection pipe (150), the second flow conversion valve (132), and the seventh connection pipe (147) and moves to the indoor heat exchanger (201).

[0175] The high temperature and high pressure refrigerant is moved to the outdoor heat exchanger (110) to remove the frost formed in the outdoor heat exchanger (110). A portion of the liquid refrigerant passes through a portion of the fifth connecting pipe (145) and the sixth connecting pipe (146) and moves to the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120).

[0176] Another portion of the refrigerant may be condensed by the indoor heat exchanger (201) and changed into a liquid state. Heat exchange may occur between indoor air and the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger (201). Another portion of the refrigerant in a liquid state may move to the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120). Another portion of the refrigerant in a liquid state may pass through a portion of the fifth connecting pipe (145) and the sixth connecting pipe (146) to the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120).

[0177] The liquid refrigerant is evaporated by the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120), thereby causing heat exchange between the refrigerant and water. As the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) operates as an evaporator, the indoor heat exchanger (201) can perform a heating function even if the outdoor heat exchanger (110) performs a defrosting function.

[0178] The refrigerant discharged by the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) flows into the compressor (101) through the second connecting pipe (142), the first flow conversion valve (131), and the fourth connecting pipe (144).

[0179] When the heat pump described above is in defrosting and heating mode, the outdoor heat exchanger (110) and the indoor heat exchanger (201) operate as condensers, and the refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) operates as an evaporator. In particular, when the defrosting function of the outdoor heat exchanger (110) and the indoor heating function of the indoor heat exchanger (201) are simultaneously required in winter, the heat pump can be operated so that the refrigerant moves along the refrigerant cycle as described above. Through this, the heat pump according to the embodiment can continuously provide a heating function even when the outdoor heat exchanger is in defrosting operation in winter.

[0180] For the purpose of understanding the invention, reference numerals have been given to preferred embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific terms have been used to describe the embodiments, but the invention is not limited by the specific terms, and the invention may include all components that can be commonly conceived by those skilled in the art.

[0181] The specific implementations described in the invention are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the invention in any way. For the sake of brevity, descriptions of conventional electronic components, control systems, software, and other functional aspects of the systems may be omitted. In addition, the lines connecting or connecting members between components depicted in the drawings are merely examples of functional connections and / or physical or circuit connections, and may be replaced or represented as various additional functional connections, physical connections, or circuit connections in an actual device. In addition, unless specifically stated as “essential,” “important,” etc., a component may not be absolutely necessary for the application of the invention. As used herein, expressions such as “comprising,” “having,” etc. are used to be understood as terms of the open-ended part of the technology.

[0182] The use of the term "above" and similar referential terms in the specification of the invention (especially in the claims) may refer to both singular and plural. Furthermore, if a range is described in the invention, it includes inventions that apply individual values ​​within the range (unless otherwise stated), and is equivalent to describing each individual value constituting the range in the detailed description of the invention. Finally, unless the order of the steps constituting the method according to the present invention is explicitly stated or otherwise stated to the contrary, the steps may be performed in any appropriate order. The invention is not necessarily limited by the order in which the steps are described. The use of all examples or exemplary terms (e.g., "for example," etc.) in the present invention is merely to further illustrate the invention, and the scope of the invention is not limited by the examples or exemplary terms unless otherwise defined by the claims. Furthermore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be readily made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0183] A heat pump according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can selectively or simultaneously provide a heating and cooling function for cooling or heating indoor air and a cooling and hot water function for cooling or heating water.

[0184] A heat pump according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can perform a hot water function by recovering at least a portion of waste heat that is discharged to the outside when performing a cooling function, thereby improving energy efficiency.

[0185] A heat pump according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can improve energy efficiency by changing the operating states of a plurality of heat exchangers according to the size of the load required for the heating and cooling function and the hot and cold water function.

[0186] A heat pump according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can provide a defrosting and heating mode that can continuously perform a heating function even during the defrosting operation of an outdoor heat exchanger in winter.

[0187] A heat pump according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a compressor for compressing a refrigerant; an outdoor heat exchanger for heat exchange between the refrigerant and outdoor air; a refrigerant-water heat exchanger for heat exchange between the refrigerant and water; an indoor heat exchanger for heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air; a first flow change valve for changing a flow path of compressed refrigerant so that it is directed toward the outdoor heat exchanger or the refrigerant-water heat exchanger; a second flow change valve for selectively changing a flow path of compressed refrigerant so that it is directed toward the indoor heat exchanger; a first opening / closing valve arranged in a connecting pipe connecting between the first flow change valve and the outdoor heat exchanger; and a second opening / closing valve arranged in a connecting pipe connecting the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger by bypassing the first flow change valve; wherein, depending on an operating mode, operations of the outdoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant-water heat exchanger, and the indoor heat exchanger can be configured to vary.

[0188] The second flow conversion valve can change the flow path of the compressed refrigerant to the indoor heat exchanger or a closed path.

[0189] When the above refrigerant-water heat exchanger operates in a hot water mode to heat water, the outdoor heat exchanger operates as an evaporator and the above refrigerant-water heat exchanger can operate as a condenser.

[0190] When the above refrigerant-water heat exchanger operates in a cold water mode to cool water, the outdoor heat exchanger operates as a condenser and the above refrigerant-water heat exchanger can operate as an evaporator.

[0191] When the above refrigerant-water heat exchanger operates in hot water and heating mode in which the indoor heat exchanger heats indoor air, the outdoor heat exchanger operates as an evaporator, and the refrigerant-water heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger operate as condensers.

[0192] When the above refrigerant-water heat exchanger operates in hot water and cooling mode, where the indoor heat exchanger heats water and cools indoor air, the operation of the outdoor heat exchanger can vary to accommodate various loads required for hot water and cooling.

[0193] When operating in the above hot water and cooling mode, the outdoor heat exchanger can operate as an evaporator to cope with high hot water loads.

[0194] When operating in the above hot water and cooling mode, the outdoor heat exchanger can operate as a condenser to cope with high cooling loads.

[0195] When the refrigerant-water heat exchanger operates in a cooling and heating mode in which the refrigerant-water heat exchanger cools water and the indoor heat exchanger heats indoor air, the refrigerant-water heat exchanger may operate as an evaporator and the indoor heat exchanger may operate as a condenser.

[0196] When the above refrigerant-water heat exchanger operates in a chilled water and heating mode in which the indoor heat exchanger cools water and heats indoor air, the outdoor heat exchanger can operate as a condenser to cope with high chilled water loads.

[0197] When the above refrigerant-water heat exchanger is operated in a chilled water and cooling mode in which the indoor heat exchanger cools indoor air, the outdoor heat exchanger may operate as a condenser, and the refrigerant-water heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger may operate as evaporators.

[0198] When the outdoor heat exchanger heats the outdoor air and the indoor heat exchanger operates in a defrosting and heating mode to heat the indoor air, the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger may operate as condensers, and the refrigerant-water heat exchanger may operate as an evaporator.

[0199] The above operation modes may include a hot water mode in which the refrigerant-water heat exchanger heats water, a cold water mode in which the refrigerant-water heat exchanger cools water, a cooling mode in which the indoor heat exchanger cools indoor air, a heating mode in which the indoor heat exchanger heats indoor air, a hot water and heating mode in which the refrigerant-water heat exchanger heats water and the indoor heat exchanger heats indoor air, a hot water and cooling mode in which the refrigerant-water heat exchanger heats water and the indoor heat exchanger cools indoor air, a cold water and heating mode in which the refrigerant-water heat exchanger cools water and the indoor heat exchanger heats indoor air, a cold water and cooling mode in which the refrigerant-water heat exchanger cools water and the indoor heat exchanger cools indoor air, and a defrosting and heating mode in which the indoor heat exchanger heats indoor air when removing frost from the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0200] A plurality of connecting pipes connecting the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant-water heat exchanger, the indoor heat exchanger, the first flow conversion valve, and the second flow conversion valve, wherein the plurality of connecting pipes include: a first connecting pipe connecting the first flow conversion valve and an outlet port of the compressor; a second connecting pipe connecting the first flow conversion valve and the refrigerant-water heat exchanger; a third connecting pipe connecting the first flow conversion valve and the outdoor heat exchanger, and having the first opening / closing valve arranged thereon; a fourth connecting pipe connecting the first flow conversion valve and an inlet port of the compressor; a fifth connecting pipe connecting the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger; a sixth connecting pipe connecting the fifth connecting pipe and the refrigerant-water heat exchanger; a seventh connecting pipe connecting the second flow conversion valve and the indoor heat exchanger; an eighth connecting pipe connecting the second flow conversion valve and the fourth connecting pipe; a ninth connecting pipe connecting the first connecting pipe and the third connecting pipe, and having the second opening / closing valve arranged thereon; and a 10th connecting pipe connecting the first connecting pipe and the second euro conversion valve.

[0201] It may include at least one first expansion valve disposed in the fifth connecting pipe; and a second expansion valve disposed in the sixth connecting pipe.

[0202] The at least one first expansion valve may include a first expansion valve disposed adjacent to the outdoor heat exchanger and a first expansion valve disposed adjacent to the indoor heat exchanger.

[0203] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a heat pump can be provided that can selectively or simultaneously provide a heating and cooling function for cooling or heating indoor air and a cooling and hot water function for cooling or heating water.

[0204] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a heat pump can be provided that can perform a hot water function by recovering at least a portion of waste heat that is discharged to the outside when performing a cooling function, thereby improving energy efficiency.

[0205] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, energy efficiency can be improved by changing the operating states of a plurality of heat exchangers according to the size of the load required for the heating and cooling function and the hot and cold water function.

[0206] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a heat pump can be provided that provides a defrosting and heating mode that can continuously perform a heating function even during defrosting operation of an outdoor heat exchanger in winter.

Claims

1. Compressor (101) for compressing refrigerant; An outdoor heat exchanger (110) in which heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant and the outdoor air; A refrigerant-water heat exchanger (120) in which heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant and water; An indoor heat exchanger (201) in which heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant and indoor air; A first flow change valve (131) for changing the flow path of the compressed refrigerant toward the outdoor heat exchanger or the refrigerant-water heat exchanger; A second flow change valve (132) for selectively changing the flow path of the compressed refrigerant toward the indoor heat exchanger; A first opening / closing valve (V1) arranged in a connecting pipe connecting the first euro conversion valve and the outdoor heat exchanger; and A second opening / closing valve (V2) is disposed in a connecting pipe connecting the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger by bypassing the first euro conversion valve; A heat pump configured such that the operation of the outdoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant-water heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger differs depending on the driving mode.

2. In paragraph 1, The second euro change valve (132) is a heat pump that changes the flow path of the compressed refrigerant so that it goes toward the indoor heat exchanger or a closed path.

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, When the above refrigerant-water heat exchanger operates in hot water mode to heat water, the outdoor heat exchanger operates as an evaporator and the above refrigerant-water heat exchanger operates as a condenser. A heat pump in which the outdoor heat exchanger operates as a condenser and the refrigerant-water heat exchanger operates as an evaporator when the refrigerant-water heat exchanger operates in a chilled water mode to cool water.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, A heat pump in which the outdoor heat exchanger operates as an evaporator and the refrigerant-water heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger operate as condensers when the outdoor heat exchanger operates as an evaporator and the indoor heat exchanger operates as a condenser, wherein the outdoor heat exchanger operates as an evaporator and the indoor heat exchanger operates as a condenser.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, A heat pump in which the operation of the outdoor heat exchanger varies to correspond to various loads required for hot water and cooling, when the refrigerant-water heat exchanger operates in a hot water and cooling mode in which the indoor heat exchanger cools indoor air.

6. In paragraph 5, A heat pump in which the outdoor heat exchanger operates as an evaporator to cope with high hot water loads when operating in the above hot water and cooling modes.

7. In paragraph 5 or 6, A heat pump in which the outdoor heat exchanger operates as a condenser to cope with high cooling loads when operating in the above hot water and cooling modes.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, A heat pump in which the refrigerant-water heat exchanger operates as an evaporator and the indoor heat exchanger operates as a condenser when the refrigerant-water heat exchanger operates in a cooling and heating mode to cool water and the indoor heat exchanger heats indoor air.

9. In paragraph 8, A heat pump in which the outdoor heat exchanger operates as a condenser to cope with high chilled water loads when the refrigerant-water heat exchanger operates in chilled water and heating mode, in which the indoor heat exchanger heats indoor air.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, A heat pump in which the outdoor heat exchanger operates as a condenser and the refrigerant-water heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger operate as evaporators when the refrigerant-water heat exchanger operates in a chilled water and cooling mode in which the indoor heat exchanger cools indoor air.

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, A heat pump in which the outdoor heat exchanger operates in a defrosting and heating mode to remove frost from the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger operates as a condenser and the refrigerant-water heat exchanger operates as an evaporator when the indoor heat exchanger operates in a heating and defrosting mode to heat indoor air.

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 11, The above driving mode is, The above refrigerant-water heat exchanger has a hot water mode in which water is heated, The above refrigerant-water heat exchanger has a cold water mode in which it cools water, A cooling mode in which the above indoor heat exchanger cools indoor air, A heating mode in which the above indoor heat exchanger heats indoor air, A hot water and heating mode in which the refrigerant-water heat exchanger heats water and the indoor heat exchanger heats indoor air; A hot water and cooling mode in which the refrigerant-water heat exchanger heats water and the indoor heat exchanger cools indoor air; A chilled water and heating mode in which the refrigerant-water heat exchanger cools water and the indoor heat exchanger heats indoor air; A chilled water and cooling mode in which the refrigerant-water heat exchanger cools water and the indoor heat exchanger cools indoor air; A heat pump comprising a defrosting and heating mode in which the indoor heat exchanger heats indoor air while the outdoor heat exchanger removes frost.

13. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 12, It includes a plurality of connecting pipes connecting the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant-water heat exchanger, the indoor heat exchanger, the first flow conversion valve, and the second flow conversion valve, The above multiple connecting pipes are, A first connecting pipe (141) connecting the first euro conversion valve and the outlet port of the compressor; A second connecting pipe (142) connecting the first euro conversion valve and the refrigerant-water heat exchanger; A third connecting pipe (143) connecting the first euro conversion valve and the outdoor heat exchanger, and having the first opening / closing valve arranged therein; A fourth connecting pipe (144) connecting the first euro conversion valve and the inlet port of the compressor; A fifth connecting pipe (145) connecting the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger; A sixth connecting pipe (146) connecting the fifth connecting pipe and the refrigerant-water heat exchanger; A seventh connecting pipe (147) connecting the second euro conversion valve and the indoor heat exchanger; An eighth connecting pipe (148) connecting the second euro conversion valve and the fourth connecting pipe; A ninth connecting pipe (149) connecting the first connecting pipe and the third connecting pipe and having the second opening / closing valve arranged therein; and A heat pump comprising a 10th connecting pipe (150) connecting the first connecting pipe and the second euro conversion valve.

14. In paragraph 13, At least one first expansion valve (EV11, EV12) arranged in the fifth connecting pipe; and A heat pump comprising a second expansion valve (EV2) disposed in the sixth connecting pipe.

15. In paragraph 14, A heat pump, wherein said at least one first expansion valve comprises a first expansion valve disposed adjacent to said outdoor heat exchanger and a first expansion valve disposed adjacent to said indoor heat exchanger.

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