Refrigeration apparatus

Abstract

Refrigeration devices having refrigerant flow paths in which a mixture of refrigerant and adsorbent circulates require more reliable compressors. A refrigeration device (100) in which a refrigerant and an adsorbent circulate is provided with a compressor (131), a first heat exchanger (133), a second heat exchanger (134), an expansion mechanism (132), a separation unit (141), and a merging unit (151). The first heat exchanger (133) recovers heat generated when the adsorbent adsorbs the refrigerant. The second heat exchanger (134) recovers cold generated when the adsorbent desorbs the refrigerant. The expansion mechanism (132) depressurizes the refrigerant. The separation unit (141) separates the refrigerant and the adsorbent. The merging unit (151) causes the separated refrigerant and adsorbent to merge together. The separation unit (141) is connected to the second heat exchanger (134), an intake side of the compressor (131), and the merging unit (151). The merging unit (151) is connected to a discharge side of the compressor (131), the separation unit (141), and the first heat exchanger (133).

Description

Refrigeration device

[0001] It relates to a refrigeration device.

[0002] As disclosed in Patent Document 1 (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2023 / 0417459), a refrigeration device having a refrigeration cycle that utilizes the heat generated when a refrigerant is adsorbed and desorbed by an adsorbent such as a porous metal complex is used. As such a refrigeration device, a refrigeration device having a refrigerant flow path through which a mixture of a refrigerant and an adsorbent circulates is disclosed.

[0003] In a refrigeration device having a refrigerant flow path through which a mixture of a refrigerant and an adsorbent circulates, improvement in the reliability of the compressor is required.

[0004] The refrigeration device according to the first aspect is a refrigeration device in which a refrigerant and an adsorbent that adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant according to a change in the pressure of the refrigerant circulate. The refrigeration device includes a first compressor, a first heat recovery unit, a second heat recovery unit, a decompression unit, a separation unit, a confluence unit, and a control unit. The first heat recovery unit recovers the warm heat generated when the adsorbent adsorbs the refrigerant. The second heat recovery unit recovers the cold heat generated when the adsorbent desorbs the refrigerant. The decompression unit decompresses the refrigerant. The separation unit separates the refrigerant and the adsorbent. The confluence unit combines the refrigerant separated by the separation unit and the adsorbent separated by the separation unit. The control unit controls the first compressor. The separation unit has a first inflow portion, a first outflow portion, and a second outflow portion. The first inflow portion is connected to the second heat recovery unit. The first outflow portion is connected to the suction side of the first compressor. The second outflow portion is connected to the confluence unit. The confluence unit has a second inflow portion, a third inflow portion, and a third outflow portion. The second inflow portion is connected to the discharge side of the first compressor. The third inflow portion is connected to the second outflow portion. The third outflow portion is connected to the first heat recovery unit.

[0005] The refrigeration device according to the first aspect separates the adsorbent and the refrigerant by the separation unit, allows the separated refrigerant to flow out from the first outflow portion to the first compressor, and allows the separated adsorbent to flow out from the second outflow portion to the confluence unit. In the confluence unit, the refrigerant discharged from the first compressor and the separated adsorbent are combined. Thereby, the refrigeration device according to the first aspect can reduce the amount of the adsorbent inhaled into the compressor and improve the reliability of the compressor.

[0006] The refrigeration apparatus according to the second perspective is the refrigeration apparatus according to the first perspective, further comprising a control valve whose opening degree can be adjusted. The control unit further controls the control valve.

[0007] The refrigeration system in the second perspective adjusts the amount of circulating adsorbent using a control valve. This allows the refrigeration system in the second perspective to perform partial load operation.

[0008] The refrigeration apparatus of the third aspect is the refrigeration apparatus of the second aspect, wherein the confluence section has a casing, a nozzle, a suction chamber, and a mixing section. The nozzle is attached to the casing, and the refrigerant separated in the separation section flows into it. The suction chamber is formed inside the casing, and the adsorbent separated in the separation section flows into it. The mixing section is formed inside the casing, and the refrigerant and adsorbent merge into it.

[0009] The third-party refrigeration system includes a junction section that does not have a drive unit. This reduces the maintenance costs of the third-party refrigeration system.

[0010] The refrigeration system of the fourth aspect is the refrigeration system of the third aspect, wherein the control unit performs at least one of a first control and a second control. The first control is a control that changes the rotational speed of the first compressor to adjust the amount of refrigerant flowing into the nozzle. The second control is a control that changes the opening degree of the control valve to adjust the amount of adsorbent flowing into the suction chamber.

[0011] The refrigeration system in the fourth aspect adjusts the amount of adsorbent flowing into the confluence section using a control valve. This allows the refrigeration system in the fourth aspect to perform partial load operation.

[0012] A refrigeration apparatus according to the fifth aspect is a refrigeration apparatus according to the third or fourth aspect, comprising a plurality of junctions, including a first junction and a second junction. At least one of the nozzle, suction chamber, and mixing section of the first junction differs from that of the second junction.

[0013] The refrigeration apparatus of the sixth aspect is the refrigeration apparatus of the fifth aspect, comprising a plurality of control valves provided between the first confluence and the separation section, and between the second confluence and the separation section. The control unit adjusts the opening degree of at least one of the plurality of control valves.

[0014] The sixth-perspective refrigeration system adjusts the amount of circulating adsorbent by adjusting the opening degree of a control valve connected to a confluence selected from among several confluences. This allows the sixth-perspective refrigeration system to perform partial load operation.

[0015] The refrigeration apparatus of the seventh aspect is a refrigeration apparatus of any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the separator is positioned above the confluence.

[0016] The seventh-level refrigeration system supplies the adsorbent separated in the separator to the confluence section by gravity. This allows the seventh-level refrigeration system to efficiently supply the adsorbent to the confluence section.

[0017] The refrigeration system of the eighth aspect is a refrigeration system of any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the third outlet is configured such that the refrigerant and adsorbent flow out horizontally or downward.

[0018] The refrigeration apparatus of the ninth aspect is a refrigeration apparatus of any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the confluence section has an adjustment section that adjusts the pressure of the refrigerant flowing inside the nozzle.

[0019] The refrigeration system of the ninth perspective adjusts the amount of refrigerant ejected from the nozzle by an adjustment unit, thereby adjusting the pressure of the refrigerant flowing out from the confluence. This allows the refrigeration system of the ninth perspective to perform partial load operation.

[0020] The refrigeration apparatus of the tenth aspect is the refrigeration apparatus of the ninth aspect, wherein the adjustment unit includes a first member that is movably disposed inside the nozzle. The control unit adjusts the pressure of the refrigerant flowing inside the nozzle by changing the position of the first member.

[0021] The refrigeration system according to the tenth perspective adjusts the amount of refrigerant ejected from the nozzle by the first component, thereby adjusting the pressure of the refrigerant flowing out from the confluence. As a result, the refrigeration system according to the tenth perspective can perform partial load operation.

[0022] The refrigeration apparatus of the eleventh aspect is a refrigeration apparatus of any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the second heat recovery unit and the separation unit are integrated.

[0023] The refrigeration system of the twelfth aspect is a refrigeration system of any one of the first to eleventh aspects, further comprising a second compressor and a first flow path. The suction side of the second compressor is connected to a first outlet. The discharge side of the second compressor is connected to the suction side of the first compressor. The first flow path connects the space between the discharge side of the second compressor and the suction side of the first compressor to the space between the third outlet and the first heat recovery unit. The control unit further controls the second compressor.

[0024] The refrigeration apparatus of the 13th aspect is a refrigeration apparatus of any one of the first to 11 aspects, further comprising a second compressor. The suction side of the second compressor is connected between the first outlet and the suction side of the first compressor. The discharge side of the second compressor is connected between the third outlet and the first heat recovery unit. The control unit further controls the second compressor.

[0025] The refrigeration apparatus of the 14th aspect is a refrigeration apparatus of any one of the first to 13th aspects, wherein the adsorbent includes a metal-organic structure containing a metal ion and an organic ligand.

[0026] The refrigeration apparatus of the 15th aspect is a refrigeration apparatus according to any one of the first to 14th aspects, wherein the refrigerant includes at least one of carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, ammonia, water, HFCs, and HFOs.

[0027] This is a conceptual diagram of a refrigeration system equipped with a circulating refrigeration cycle. This is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of adsorption by the adsorbent and the pressure of the refrigerant. This is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of adsorption by the adsorbent and the enthalpy of the refrigerant. This is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration system 100 of the first embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the confluence section 151 of the first embodiment. This is a block diagram of the refrigeration system 100 of the first embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration system 200 of the second embodiment. This is a block diagram of the refrigeration system 200 of the second embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration system 300 of the third embodiment. This is a block diagram of the refrigeration system 300 of the third embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration system 400 of the fourth embodiment. This is a block diagram of the refrigeration system 400 of the fourth embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration system 500 of the fifth embodiment. This is a block diagram of the refrigeration system 500 of the fifth embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration system 600 of the sixth embodiment. This is a block diagram of the refrigeration system 600 of the sixth embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration system 700 of the seventh embodiment. This is a block diagram of the refrigeration system 700 of the seventh embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration system 100 of modification A. This is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration system 200 of modification A. This is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration system 200 of modification E. This is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration system 200 of modification F.

[0028] (1) Overview of the Refrigeration Cycle The refrigeration system of this embodiment is equipped with a refrigeration cycle that utilizes the heat generated when the adsorbent adsorbs the refrigerant and when the adsorbent desorbs the refrigerant. The refrigeration system is, for example, an air conditioning system. The adsorbent is a powder of an adsorbent material.

[0029] The refrigeration system of this embodiment is a circulating type refrigeration system in which an adsorbent and a refrigerant circulate. As shown in Figure 1, the circulating type refrigeration system 1 includes a refrigerant circuit 11 through which the refrigerant circulates, and an adsorption circuit 12 through which the adsorbent circulates. In Figure 1, the refrigerant circuit 11 and the adsorption circuit 12 are described as separate circuits. The refrigeration system 1 may also have a configuration in which the refrigerant circuit 11 and the adsorption circuit 12 merge into a flow path. In this case, the refrigeration system 1 is part of the refrigerant circuit 11 and the adsorption circuit 12 and has a flow path through which a mixture of the refrigerant and the adsorbent circulates. Alternatively, the refrigeration system 1 may have only one circuit through which a mixture of the refrigerant and the adsorbent circulates.

[0030] The refrigeration device 1 has an adsorption section 21 and a desorption section 22. Both the adsorption section 21 and the desorption section 22 include a part of the refrigerant circuit 11 and a part of the adsorption circuit 12. In the adsorption section 21, the refrigerant from the refrigerant circuit 11 is adsorbed onto the adsorbent material flowing through the adsorption circuit 12. In the desorption section 22, the refrigerant adsorbed in the adsorption section 21 is desorbed from the adsorbent material flowing through the adsorption circuit 12.

[0031] The refrigerant circuit 11 includes a compressor 31 and an expansion mechanism 32. The compressor 31 compresses the refrigerant circulating within the refrigerant circuit 11. The expansion mechanism 32 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant circulating within the refrigerant circuit 11. The compressor 31 is, for example, a rotary compressor. The expansion mechanism 32 is, for example, an electronic expansion valve. In the refrigerant circuit 11, the refrigerant is compressed by the compressor 31, passes through the adsorption section 21, is reduced in pressure by the expansion mechanism 32, passes through the desorption section 22, and is compressed again by the compressor 31.

[0032] The refrigerant circuit 11 has a high-pressure region and a low-pressure region. In the high-pressure region, the refrigerant flows after being compressed by the compressor 31 and before being depressurized by the expansion mechanism 32. In the low-pressure region, the refrigerant flows after being depressurized by the expansion mechanism 32 and before being compressed by the compressor 31. The high-pressure region is included in the adsorption section 21. The low-pressure region is included in the desorption section 22.

[0033] The refrigerant circulating within the refrigerant circuit 11 includes at least one of carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, ammonia, water, HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons), and HFOs (hydrofluoroolefins). The hydrocarbons are selected from the group consisting of, for example, propane, butane, and isobutane.

[0034] The adsorption circuit 12 includes a booster 41 and a pressure reducer 42. The booster 41 transports the adsorbent material to the adsorption section 21 in the adsorption circuit 12. The pressure reducer 42 transports the adsorbent material to the attachment / detachment section 22 in the adsorption circuit 12. The booster 41 is, for example, a powder pump. The pressure reducer 42 is, for example, a powder valve. In the adsorption circuit 12, the adsorbent material passes through the adsorption section 21 via the booster 41 and through the attachment / detachment section 22 via the pressure reducer 42.

[0035] The adsorption circuit 12 may further include a heat exchanger 43. The heat exchanger 43 performs heat exchange between the upstream side of the booster 41 and the upstream side of the depressurizer 42. The heat exchanger 43 transfers a portion of the heat from the adsorbent flowing between the adsorption section 21 and the depressurizer 42 to the adsorbent flowing between the desorption section 22 and the booster 41.

[0036] The adsorbent circulating in the adsorption circuit 12 includes a metal-organic structure containing metal ions and organic ligands. A metal-organic structure (MOF) is a porous material with a very large specific surface area obtained by the reaction of metal ions and organic ligands. In a metal-organic structure, a polymer structure with countless openings inside is obtained by the linkage of organic ligands with metal ions. The opening diameter and topology of the metal-organic structure can be adjusted by selecting and combining metal ions and organic ligands. By selecting and combining metal ions and organic ligands, the opening diameter of the metal-organic structure can be adjusted, making it possible to selectively adsorb target substances. For example, the metal-organic structure is used as a porous material having the function of selective storage and separation of molecules and ions. In this embodiment, the metal-organic structure is used as an adsorbent for adsorbing and desorbing a refrigerant. Examples of metal-organic structures include MOF-5, MOF-200, UiO-66, and MIL-101. The adsorbent is, for example, a powder of the metal-organic structure.

[0037] (2) Operation of the refrigeration system 1 The operation of the circulating refrigeration system 1 will be explained with reference to the drawings. The adsorbent adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 11. The adsorbent adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant in response to changes in the pressure of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 11. Specifically, the adsorbent adsorbs the refrigerant under high pressure and desorbs the refrigerant under low pressure.

[0038] Assume that the high-pressure region of the refrigerant circuit 11 is filled with refrigerant at pressure pH and temperature TH. Assume that the low-pressure region of the refrigerant circuit 11 is filled with refrigerant at pressure pL and temperature TL. Pressure pH is higher than pressure pL. Temperature TH is higher than temperature TL. The adsorbent adsorbs refrigerant in the high-pressure region of the refrigerant circuit 11. The adsorbent desorbs refrigerant in the low-pressure region of the refrigerant circuit 11. In the adsorption section 21, the refrigerant flowing in the high-pressure region of the refrigerant circuit 11 is adsorbed onto the adsorbent of the adsorption circuit 12. In the desorption section 22, the refrigerant is desorbed from the adsorbent flowing through the adsorption circuit 12.

[0039] The operation of the heat pump cycle of the refrigeration system 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 1-3. Figure 1-3 shows the refrigerant cycle a→b→c→d→a in the refrigerant circuit 11, and the adsorbent cycle a'→b'→c'→d'→a' in the adsorption circuit 12. The graph in Figure 2 shows the adsorption amount, which is the mass of refrigerant adsorbed on the adsorbent per unit mass, and the change in the pressure of the refrigerant adsorbed on the adsorbent, in the heat pump cycle. The graph in Figure 3 shows the adsorption amount of the adsorbent and the change in the enthalpy of the refrigerant adsorbed on the adsorbent, in the heat pump cycle. In the refrigeration system 1, it is assumed that heat can flow freely between the refrigerant circuit 11 and the adsorption circuit 12.

[0040] In the refrigerant circuit 11, the refrigerant is compressed by the compressor 31 (a→b). In the adsorption circuit 12, the adsorbent is circulated using the booster 41 (a'→b'). As a result, the pressure of the refrigerant rises from pL to pH. During this process, some of the heat Q1 generated by the adiabatic compression of the refrigerant is transferred to the adsorbent. In other words, the refrigerant is cooled by transferring heat to the adsorbent while being compressed. As a result, the temperature of the adsorbent rises from TL to TH.

[0041] Next, in the adsorption section 21, the refrigerant is gradually adsorbed onto the adsorbent while releasing heat Q2 (b'→c'). During this process, the amount of adsorption by the adsorbent increases from mL to mH. As a result, in the adsorption section 21, the refrigerant from the refrigerant circuit 11 is adsorbed onto the adsorbent of the adsorption circuit 12. In Figure 1, as indicated by the hatched arrows within the adsorption section 21, the refrigerant from the refrigerant circuit 11 is adsorbed onto the adsorbent circulating in the adsorption circuit 12.

[0042] Next, in the refrigerant circuit 11, the refrigerant is depressurized by the expansion mechanism 32 (c→d). In the adsorption circuit 12, the adsorbent circulates by the decompressor 42 (c´→d´). As a result, the pressure of the refrigerant drops from pH to pL. In this process, the temperature of the adsorbent drops from TH to TL due to the isenthalpic expansion of the refrigerant desorbed from the adsorbent. Further, due to the temperature difference between the refrigerant and the adsorbent, the adsorbent in the adsorption circuit 12 is cooled and gives heat Q3 to the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 11. Also, the heat exchanger 43 gives heat Q5 from the adsorbent before passing through the decompressor 42 to the adsorbent before passing through the compressor 41.

[0043] Next, in the desorption section 22, the refrigerant is gradually desorbed from the adsorbent while absorbing heat Q4 (d´→a´). In this process, the adsorption amount of the adsorbent drops from mH to mL. As a result, the refrigerant adsorbed on the adsorbent in the adsorption circuit 12 is desorbed. In FIG. 1, as shown by the hatched arrows in the desorption section 22, in the desorption section 22, the refrigerant is desorbed from the adsorbent in the adsorption circuit 12.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2, in the adsorption process (b´→c´) where the refrigerant is adsorbed on the adsorbent, the pressure of the refrigerant is pH, and the adsorption amount of the adsorbent increases from mL to mH. In the desorption process (d´→a´) where the refrigerant is desorbed from the adsorbent, the pressure of the refrigerant is pL, and the adsorption amount of the adsorbent drops from mH to mL. As shown in FIG. 3, in the adsorption process, the enthalpy drops by Δh1. In the desorption process, the enthalpy rises by Δh2. In the adsorption process, the heat Q2 released from the adsorption section 21 is proportional to Δh1. In the desorption process, the heat Q4 absorbed by the desorption section 22 is proportional to Δh2.

[0045] In the refrigeration device 1, heat Q2 is released in the adsorption section 21 (first heat recovery section), so waste heat is generated, and heat Q4 is absorbed in the desorption section 22 (second heat recovery section), so cold heat is generated. When the waste heat generated in the adsorption section 21 is recovered by another heat medium, the temperature of the heat medium rises. When the cold heat generated in the desorption section 22 is recovered by another heat medium, the temperature of the heat medium drops.

[0046] (3) Detailed Configuration (3-1) Specific Configuration of the First Embodiment The specific configuration of the cyclic refrigeration device 100 will be described while referring to the drawings.

[0047] (3-1-1) Configuration of the Refrigeration Device 100 The refrigeration device 100 of the first embodiment includes a refrigerant flow path 111 through which the refrigerant circulates, as shown in FIG. 4. The refrigerant flow path 111 has the functions of both the refrigerant circuit 11 and the adsorption circuit 12 in FIG. 1. The adsorbent circulates in the refrigerant flow path 111 together with the refrigerant. In other words, in the refrigeration device 100, a mixture of the refrigerant and the adsorbent (hereinafter referred to as "mixed fluid") flows in the refrigerant flow path 111.

[0048] The refrigeration device 100 includes a compressor 131, an expansion mechanism 132, a first heat exchanger 133, a second heat exchanger 134, a separation unit 141, and a confluence unit 151. The refrigeration device 100 further includes a switching mechanism 135, a first fan 136, a second fan 137, and a first regulating valve 161.

[0049] The compressor 131 has the function of the compressor 31 in FIG. 1. The expansion mechanism 132 has the function of the expansion mechanism 32 in FIG. 1. The expansion mechanism 132 has a function of adjusting the amount of the mixed fluid passing through the refrigerant flow path 111 by adjusting the opening degree. The expansion mechanism 132 is an example of a decompression unit, and for example, an electronic expansion valve.

[0050] The switching mechanism 135 switches the flow direction of the mixed fluid circulating in the refrigerant flow path 111. The switching mechanism 135 is, for example, a four-way switching valve. The switching mechanism 135 is configured to be able to switch the refrigerant flow path 111 between a first state in the flow direction shown by the solid line in FIG. 4 and a second state in the flow direction shown by the broken line in FIG. 4. When the refrigerant flow path 111 is in the first state, the discharge side of the compressor 131 and the first heat exchanger 133 are connected, and the suction side of the compressor 131 and the second heat exchanger 134 are connected. When the refrigerant flow path 111 is in the second state, the discharge side of the compressor 131 and the second heat exchanger 134 are connected, and the suction side of the compressor 131 and the first heat exchanger 133 are connected.

[0051] In the first heat exchanger 133, the refrigerant is adsorbed onto the adsorbent while the refrigerant flow path 111 is in the first state, and the refrigerant is desorbed from the adsorbent while the refrigerant flow path 111 is in the second state. In the second heat exchanger 134, the refrigerant is desorbed from the adsorbent while the refrigerant flow path 111 is in the first state, and the refrigerant is adsorbed onto the adsorbent while the refrigerant flow path 111 is in the second state.

[0052] While the refrigerant flow path 111 is in the first state, heat of adsorption is generated in the first heat exchanger 133, and heat of desorption is generated in the second heat exchanger 134. While the refrigerant flow path 111 is in the second state, heat of desorption is generated in the first heat exchanger 133, and heat of adsorption is generated in the second heat exchanger 134. Heat of adsorption is the thermal heat generated when the adsorbent material adsorbs the refrigerant. Heat of desorption is the cold heat generated when the adsorbent material desorbs the refrigerant.

[0053] The heat of adsorption or desorption generated in the first heat exchanger 133 and the second heat exchanger 134 is recovered into the air surrounding the first heat exchanger 133 and the second heat exchanger 134. As a result, the air surrounding the first heat exchanger 133 and the second heat exchanger 134 is heated by the heat of adsorption or cooled by the heat of desorption. The first fan 136 sends the air heated or cooled in the first heat exchanger 133 to a predetermined location. The second fan 137 sends the air heated or cooled in the second heat exchanger 134 to a predetermined location. The first heat exchanger 133 and the second heat exchanger 134 are, for example, microchannel heat exchangers or finned tube heat exchangers.

[0054] Thus, in the refrigeration system 100, as the mixed fluid circulates through the refrigerant flow path 111, air heated by adsorption heat or air cooled by cooling heat is sent to a predetermined location. If the refrigeration system 100 is an air conditioning system, for example, the first heat exchanger 133 corresponds to an indoor heat exchanger, and the second heat exchanger 134 corresponds to an outdoor heat exchanger. In this case, by switching the refrigerant flow path 111 to the first state, the refrigerant is adsorbed onto the adsorbent in the first heat exchanger 133, generating adsorption heat. The air heated by the adsorption heat is sent to a predetermined location by the first fan 136.

[0055] The separation unit 141 is a container or device that separates the mixed fluid that has passed through the first heat exchanger 133 or the second heat exchanger 134 into a refrigerant and an adsorbent. The separation unit 141 is, for example, a container that separates the mixed fluid into a refrigerant and an adsorbent using gravity, or a container that has a mechanism for centrifuging the adsorbent by swirling the mixed fluid inside. The adsorbent separated in the separation unit 141 falls due to gravity and is mainly accumulated in the first space 141a at the bottom of the container of the separation unit 141. In Figure 4, the adsorbent accumulated in the first space 141a is shown as a hatched area. The refrigerant separated in the separation unit 141 is mainly accumulated in the second space 141b above the first space 141a.

[0056] The separation section 141 has a first inlet into which the mixed fluid flows, a first outlet out which the refrigerant accumulated in the second space 141b flows out, and a second outlet out which the adsorbent accumulated in the first space 141a flows out. The separation section 141 is connected to a first pipe 111a, a second pipe 111b, and a third pipe 111c. The first pipe 111a is connected to the second space 141b via the first inlet of the separation section 141. The second pipe 111b is connected to the second space 141b via the first outlet out of the separation section 141. The third pipe 111c is connected to the first space 141a via the second outlet out of the separation section 141. The first pipe 111a, the second pipe 111b, and the third pipe 111c are part of the refrigerant flow path 111. The first pipe 111a is connected to the switching mechanism 135. When the refrigerant flow path 111 is in the first state, the first pipe 111a communicates with the outlet side of the second heat exchanger 134 via the switching mechanism 135. When the refrigerant flow path 111 is in the second state, the first pipe 111a communicates with the outlet side of the first heat exchanger 133 via the switching mechanism 135. The second pipe 111b is connected to the suction side of the compressor 131. The third pipe 111c is connected to the junction 151. The third pipe 111c is provided with a first control valve 161.

[0057] The confluence section 151 is a mechanism for combining the refrigerant separated in the separation section 141 and compressed by the compressor 131 with the adsorbent separated in the separation section 141. The confluence section 151 has a second inlet into which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 131 flows, a third inlet into which the adsorbent separated by the separation section 141 flows, and a third outlet outlet from which the mixed fluid flows out. The confluence section 151 is connected to a third pipe 111c, a fourth pipe 111d, and a fifth pipe 111e. The fourth pipe 111d and the fifth pipe 111e are part of the refrigerant flow path 111. The fourth pipe 111d is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 131. The fifth pipe 111e is connected to the switching mechanism 135. When the refrigerant flow path 111 is in the first state, the fifth pipe 111e communicates with the inlet side of the first heat exchanger 133 via the switching mechanism 135. When the refrigerant flow path 111 is in the second state, the fifth pipe 111e communicates with the inlet side of the second heat exchanger 134 via the switching mechanism 135.

[0058] The confluence section 151 is, for example, an ejector mechanism. In this case, the confluence section 151 is configured to draw in an adsorbent by ejecting a refrigerant and causing it to expand under reduced pressure, and then mix the drawn-in adsorbent with the ejected refrigerant. When the confluence section 151 is an ejector mechanism, the orientation of the confluence section 151 is not particularly limited.

[0059] The confluence section 151, which is an ejector mechanism, comprises a casing 151a, a nozzle 151b, a suction chamber 151c, a mixing section 151d, and a diffuser section 151e, as shown in Figure 5. The nozzle 151b is mounted on the casing 151a. In the confluence section 151, which is an ejector mechanism, the second inlet section includes, for example, the nozzle 151b, the third inlet section includes, for example, the suction chamber 151c, and the third outlet section includes, for example, the mixing section 151d or the diffuser section 151e.

[0060] The nozzle 151b is connected to the fourth pipe 111d. The high-pressure refrigerant separated in the separation section 141 and compressed in the compressor 131 flows through the fourth pipe 111d and into the internal flow path 151f of the nozzle 151b.

[0061] The suction chamber 151c is formed inside the casing 151a. The suction chamber 151c is connected to the third pipe 111c. The low-pressure adsorbent separated in the separation section 141 flows through the third pipe 111c and into the suction chamber 151c.

[0062] The mixing section 151d is formed inside the casing 151a. The mixing section 151d communicates with the internal flow path 151f and the suction chamber 151c. The mixing section 151d is a space where the refrigerant and the adsorbent merge to generate a mixed fluid.

[0063] The diffuser section 151e is formed inside the casing 151a. The diffuser section 151e is connected to the fifth pipe 111e. The diffuser section 151e communicates with the mixing section 151d. The mixed fluid generated in the mixing section 151d passes through the diffuser section 151e and flows into the fifth pipe 111e.

[0064] In the internal flow path 151f, the pressure energy of the refrigerant is converted into kinetic energy. Therefore, the nozzle 151b has the function of reducing the pressure of the refrigerant. As the pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the internal flow path 151f decreases, the refrigerant is ejected from the nozzle 151b to the mixing section 151d. The ejection of the refrigerant from the nozzle 151b to the mixing section 151d causes the adsorbent to be drawn from the suction chamber 151c to the mixing section 151d. As a result, in the mixing section 151d, the refrigerant and the adsorbent merge to form a mixed fluid, which is supplied to the diffuser section 151e. In the diffuser section 151e, the kinetic energy of the mixed fluid is converted into pressure energy. Therefore, the pressure of the mixed fluid increases in the diffuser section 151e.

[0065] The first control valve 161 is provided between the separation section 141 and the confluence section 151. The first control valve 161 adjusts the amount of adsorbent flowing from the separation section 141 to the confluence section 151. The first control valve 161 has the function of adjusting the amount of adsorbent flowing through the third pipe 111c. The first control valve 161 is, for example, a powder valve whose opening degree can be adjusted. Adsorbent may flow through the third pipe 111c, or a mixed fluid which is a mixture of adsorbent and a small amount of refrigerant may flow through it. The adsorbent content of the mixed fluid flowing through the third pipe 111c is higher than the adsorbent content of the mixed fluid circulating through the refrigerant flow path 111.

[0066] When the first control valve 161 is open, the adsorbent in the first space 141a of the separation section 141 falls through the inside of the third pipe 111c due to gravity and is supplied to the suction chamber 151c of the confluence section 151. For example, the confluence section 151 is located below the separation section 141. In order for the adsorbent to fall through the inside of the third pipe 111c due to gravity, the angle between the direction in which the third pipe 111c extends and the vertical direction is preferably 30° or less. The adsorbent in the first space 141a of the separation section 141 may be supplied to the suction chamber 151c of the confluence section 151 using a pressure difference or power. The pressure difference is the difference between the pressure in the first space 141a and the pressure in the suction chamber 151c. Power is, for example, the power of a pump attached to the third pipe 111c.

[0067] The refrigeration system 100 further comprises a control unit 105. The control unit 105 controls the operation of each component of the refrigeration system 100. Here, a processor is given as an example of the control unit 105. The processor consists of various computing devices such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processor reads various programs of the device into memory and executes them. The processor loads the programs stored in memory into the working area of ​​the memory and executes them, and by controlling each component through the execution of the programs, it realizes functions that match a predetermined purpose.

[0068] As shown in Figure 6, the control unit 105 controls the compressor 131. The control unit 105 further controls the expansion mechanism 132, the switching mechanism 135, the first fan 136, the second fan 137, and the first control valve 161. The control unit 105 controls the rotational speed of the compressor 131. The control unit 105 controls the timing for starting the compressor 131 and the timing for stopping the compressor 131. The control unit 105 controls the opening degree of the expansion mechanism 132. The control unit 105 controls the switching mechanism 135 to switch the refrigerant flow path 111 between a first state and a second state. The control unit 105 controls the rotational speed of the first fan 136 and the second fan 137. The control unit 105 controls the opening degree of the first control valve 161.

[0069] (3-1-2) When the refrigerant flow path 111 of the refrigeration system 100 is in the first state, the discharge side of the compressor 131 is connected to the first heat exchanger 133 (first heat recovery unit) to create a high-pressure state inside the first heat exchanger 133, and the suction side of the compressor 131 is connected to the second heat exchanger 134 (second heat recovery unit) to create a low-pressure state inside the second heat exchanger 134. Therefore, the adsorbent flowing through the refrigerant flow path 111 mainly adsorbs refrigerant in the first heat exchanger 133 (first heat recovery unit) and mainly desorbs refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 134 (second heat recovery unit).

[0070] When the refrigerant flow path 111 is in the first state, the mixed fluid that has passed through the second heat exchanger 134 flows into the separation section 141 and is separated into refrigerant and adsorbent. The refrigerant separated in the separation section 141 flows from the second space 141b into the second pipe 111b, is compressed by the compressor 131, and is then supplied to the confluence section 151. The adsorbent separated in the separation section 141 flows from the first space 141a into the third pipe 111c, passes through the first control valve 161, and is then supplied to the confluence section 151.

[0071] When the refrigerant flow path 111 is in the first state, the refrigerant circulates by passing through the compressor 131, the confluence section 151, the first heat exchanger 133, the expansion mechanism 132, the second heat exchanger 134, the separation section 141, and the compressor 131 in that order. The adsorbent circulates by passing through the first control valve 161, the confluence section 151, the first heat exchanger 133, the expansion mechanism 132, the second heat exchanger 134, the separation section 141, and the first control valve 161 in that order.

[0072] When the refrigerant flow path 111 is in the second state, the suction side of the compressor 131 is connected to the first heat exchanger 133 (second heat recovery section) to create a low-pressure state inside the first heat exchanger 133, and the discharge side of the compressor 131 is connected to the second heat exchanger 134 (first heat recovery section) to create a high-pressure state inside the second heat exchanger 134. Therefore, the adsorbent flowing through the refrigerant flow path 111 mainly adsorbs refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 134 (first heat recovery section) and mainly desorbs refrigerant in the first heat exchanger 133 (second heat recovery section).

[0073] When the refrigerant flow path 111 is in the second state, the mixed fluid that has passed through the first heat exchanger 133 flows into the separation section 141 and is separated into refrigerant and adsorbent. The refrigerant separated in the separation section 141 flows from the second space 141b into the second pipe 111b, is compressed by the compressor 131, and is then supplied to the confluence section 151. The adsorbent separated in the separation section 141 flows from the first space 141a into the third pipe 111c, passes through the first control valve 161, and is then supplied to the confluence section 151.

[0074] When the refrigerant flow path 111 is in the second state, the refrigerant circulates by passing through the compressor 131, the confluence section 151, the second heat exchanger 134, the expansion mechanism 132, the first heat exchanger 133, the separation section 141, and the compressor 131 in that order. The adsorbent circulates by passing through the first control valve 161, the confluence section 151, the second heat exchanger 134, the expansion mechanism 132, the first heat exchanger 133, the separation section 141, and the first control valve 161 in that order.

[0075] (3-1-3) Details of the refrigeration system 100 The refrigeration system 100 is an air conditioning system in which the first heat exchanger 133 is an outdoor heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger 134 is an indoor heat exchanger. When the refrigerant flow path 111 is in the first state, the refrigeration system 100 performs cooling operation. When the refrigerant flow path 111 is in the second state, the refrigeration system 100 performs heating operation.

[0076] The control unit 105 controls at least one of the compressor 131 and the first control valve 161. The control unit 105 performs a first control to change the rotational speed of the compressor 131. The control unit 105 performs a second control to change the opening degree of the first control valve 161.

[0077] The control unit 105 can adjust the amount of refrigerant flowing into the confluence section 151 by performing a first control. If the confluence section 151 is the ejector mechanism shown in Figure 5, the control unit 105 can adjust the amount of refrigerant flowing from the fourth pipe 111d into the internal flow path 151f by performing a first control. The control unit 105 can increase the amount of refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path 111 by performing a first control that increases the rotational speed of the compressor 131, thereby increasing the amount of refrigerant flowing out of the confluence section 151. The control unit 105 can decrease the amount of refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path 111 by performing a first control that decreases the rotational speed of the compressor 131, thereby decreasing the amount of refrigerant flowing out of the confluence section 151.

[0078] The control unit 105 can adjust the amount of adsorbent flowing into the confluence section 151 by performing a second control. If the confluence section 151 is the ejector mechanism shown in Figure 5, the control unit 105 can adjust the amount of adsorbent flowing from the third pipe 111c to the suction chamber 151c by performing a second control. The control unit 105 can increase the amount of adsorbent flowing through the refrigerant flow path 111 by increasing the opening of the first control valve 161. The control unit 105 can decrease the amount of adsorbent flowing through the refrigerant flow path 111 by decreasing the opening of the first control valve 161.

[0079] (3-1-4) Features The refrigeration system 100 separates the adsorbent and refrigerant by the separation unit 141, discharges the separated refrigerant to the compressor 131, and discharges the separated adsorbent to the confluence unit 151, where the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 131 and the separated adsorbent are combined. As a result, the refrigeration system 100 can reduce the amount of adsorbent drawn into the compressor 131 and improve the reliability of the compressor 131.

[0080] Furthermore, in the refrigeration system 100, the control unit 105 can adjust the amount of refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant flow path 111 by performing a first control that changes the rotational speed of the compressor 131. The control unit 105 can also adjust the amount of adsorbent circulating in the refrigerant flow path 111, or the amount of adsorbent flowing into the confluence section 151, by performing a second control that changes the opening degree of the first control valve 161. Therefore, the refrigeration system 100 can perform partial load operation by adjusting the capacity of the first heat exchanger 133 and the second heat exchanger 134 through the control unit 105 performing at least one of the first and second controls.

[0081] Furthermore, in the refrigeration system 100, the ejector mechanism shown in Figure 5 does not have a drive unit. Therefore, when the confluence section 151 is an ejector mechanism, the maintenance costs of the refrigeration system 100 can be reduced compared to when the confluence section 151 is a mechanical pump.

[0082] Furthermore, in the refrigeration device 100, the adsorbent separated in the separation section 141 falls due to gravity and is supplied to the confluence section 151. This allows the refrigeration device 100 to efficiently supply the adsorbent to the confluence section 151.

[0083] (3-2) The specific configuration of the second embodiment of the circulating refrigeration system 200 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0084] (3-2-1) Configuration of the Refrigeration System 200 The refrigeration system 200 of the second embodiment includes a refrigerant flow path 211 through which the refrigerant circulates, as shown in Figure 7. The refrigerant flow path 211 has the functions of both the refrigerant circuit 11 and the adsorption circuit 12 of Figure 1. The adsorbent flows together with the refrigerant through a portion of the refrigerant flow path 211. In other words, in the refrigeration system 200, the mixed fluid flows through the refrigerant flow path 211.

[0085] The refrigeration system 200 includes a compressor 231, an expansion mechanism 232, a first container 233 (first heat recovery section), a second container 234 (second heat recovery section), and a confluence section 251. The refrigeration system 200 further includes a first utilization section 236, a second utilization section 237, a first control valve 261, and a second control valve 262.

[0086] The compressor 231 has the function of the compressor 31 in Figure 1. The expansion mechanism 232 has the function of the expansion mechanism 32 in Figure 1. The expansion mechanism 232 has the function of adjusting the amount of mixed fluid passing through the refrigerant passage 211 by adjusting the opening degree. The expansion mechanism 232 is an example of a pressure reducing section, for example, an electronic expansion valve.

[0087] The first container 233 separates the high-pressure mixed refrigerant in the refrigerant flow path 211 into high-pressure refrigerant and adsorbent. The first container 233 has, for example, a mechanism for centrifuging the adsorbent by swirling the mixed fluid inside. The first container 233 has a first lower space 233a where the separated adsorbent is stored and a first upper space 233b where the separated refrigerant is stored. The first upper space 233b is located above the first lower space 233a. In the first container 233, the refrigerant is adsorbed onto the adsorbent, generating heat of adsorption, which is thermal energy. The heat of adsorption generated in the first container 233 is recovered and utilized by the first utilization unit 236. The first utilization unit 236 has a first utilization circuit 236a through which a heat transfer medium for recovering the heat of adsorption flows. A first heat exchanger 233c is located in the first lower space 233a of the first container 233 for transferring adsorbed heat to the heat transfer medium flowing through the first utilization circuit 236a. The first heat exchanger 233c is, for example, a finned tube type heat exchanger. In this case, the first heat exchanger 233c includes a tube connected to the first utilization circuit 236a.

[0088] The second container 234 separates the low-pressure mixed refrigerant in the refrigerant flow path 211 into low-pressure refrigerant and adsorbent. The second container 234 has, for example, a mechanism for centrifuging the adsorbent by swirling the mixed fluid inside. The second container 234 has a second lower space 234a where the separated adsorbent is stored, and a second upper space 234b where the separated refrigerant is stored. The second upper space 234b is located above the second lower space 234a. The second container 234 has a first inlet into which the mixed fluid flows, a first outlet out which the refrigerant stored in the second upper space 234b flows out, and a second outlet out which the adsorbent stored in the second lower space 234a flows out. In the second container 234, the refrigerant desorbs from the adsorbent, generating desorption heat, which is cold heat. The heat of desorption generated in the second container 234 is recovered and utilized by the second utilization unit 237. The second utilization unit 237 has a second utilization circuit 237a through which a heat transfer medium for recovering the heat of desorption flows. A second heat exchanger 234c is arranged in the second lower space 234a of the second container 234 to transfer the heat of desorption to the heat transfer medium flowing through the second utilization circuit 237a. The second heat exchanger 234c is, for example, a finned tube type heat exchanger. In this case, the second heat exchanger 234c includes tubes connected to the second utilization circuit 237a.

[0089] The discharge side of the compressor 231 is connected to the first upper space 233b of the first container 233 via the confluence section 251. The suction side of the compressor 231 is connected to the first upper space 233b of the first container 233 via the expansion mechanism 232. The suction side of the compressor 231 is connected to the second upper space 234b of the second container 234.

[0090] The first lower space 233a of the first container 233 is connected to the second upper space 234b of the second container 234 by the first pipe 211a. The first pipe 211a is part of the refrigerant flow path 211. A second control valve 262 is provided in the first pipe 211a.

[0091] The second control valve 262 is provided between the first container 233 and the second container 234. The second control valve 262 adjusts the amount of adsorbent flowing from the first container 233 to the second container 234. The second control valve 262 has the function of adjusting the amount of adsorbent flowing through the first piping 211a. The second control valve 262 is, for example, a powder valve whose opening degree can be adjusted. A mixed fluid, which is a mixture of adsorbent and a small amount of refrigerant, flows through the first piping 211a. The adsorbent content of the mixed fluid flowing through the first piping 211a is higher than the adsorbent content of the mixed fluid circulating through the refrigerant flow path 211.

[0092] The pressure in the first lower space 233a of the first container 233 is higher than the pressure in the second upper space 234b of the second container 234. Therefore, when the opening of the second control valve 262 is not zero (fully closed), the adsorbent in the first lower space 233a flows through the first piping 211a due to the pressure difference between the first container 233 and the second container 234 and is supplied to the second upper space 234b.

[0093] The first container 233 and the second container 234 may be arranged such that, when the second control valve 262 is open, the adsorbent in the first lower space 233a of the first container 233 falls through the first pipe 211a due to gravity and is supplied to the second upper space 234b of the second container 234. For example, the second container 234 is positioned below the first container 233. Preferably, the angle between the direction in which the first pipe 211a extends and the vertical direction is 30° or less, so that the adsorbent falls through the first pipe 211a due to gravity.

[0094] The confluence section 251 is a mechanism for confluence the refrigerant separated in the first container 233 and the second container 234 and compressed by the compressor 231 with the adsorbent separated in the second container 234. The confluence section 251 has a second inlet into which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 231 flows, a third inlet into which the adsorbent separated by the second container 234 flows, and a third outlet outlet from which the mixed fluid flows out. The confluence section 251 is connected to the second pipe 211b, the third pipe 211c, and the fourth pipe 211d. The second pipe 211b, the third pipe 211c, and the fourth pipe 211d are part of the refrigerant flow path 211. The second pipe 211b is connected to the second lower space 234a of the second container 234. The third pipe 211c is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 231. The fourth pipe 211d is connected to the first upper space 233b of the first container 233. The second pipe 211b is provided with a first control valve 261.

[0095] The confluence section 251 is, for example, an ejector mechanism having the same configuration as the confluence section 151 shown in Figure 5. In this case, the confluence section 251 is configured to suck in an adsorbent by spraying out a refrigerant and causing it to expand under reduced pressure, and then mix the sucked adsorbent with the sprayed refrigerant. When the confluence section 251 is the ejector mechanism shown in Figure 5, the second pipe 211b corresponds to the third pipe 111c in the first embodiment, the third pipe 211c corresponds to the fourth pipe 111d in the first embodiment, and the fourth pipe 211d corresponds to the fifth pipe 111e in the first embodiment. In other words, the second pipe 211b is connected to the suction chamber 151c of the confluence section 251, the third pipe 211c is connected to the internal flow path 151f of the confluence section 251, and the fourth pipe 211d is connected to the diffuser section 151e of the confluence section 251. In this case, the high-pressure refrigerant separated in the first container 233 and the second container 234 and compressed in the compressor 231 flows through the third pipe 211c and into the internal flow path 151f of the confluence section 251. The adsorbent separated in the second container 234 flows through the second pipe 211b and into the suction chamber of the confluence section 251. The mixed fluid generated by the refrigerant and adsorbent converging in the mixing section of the confluence section 251 flows into the fourth pipe 211d.

[0096] The first control valve 261 is provided between the second container 234 and the confluence 251. The first control valve 261 adjusts the amount of adsorbent flowing from the second container 234 to the confluence 251. The first control valve 261 has the function of adjusting the amount of adsorbent flowing through the second pipe 211b. The first control valve 261 is, for example, a powder valve whose opening degree can be adjusted. A mixed fluid, which is a mixture of adsorbent and a small amount of refrigerant, flows through the second pipe 211b. The adsorbent content of the mixed fluid flowing through the second pipe 211b is higher than the adsorbent content of the mixed fluid circulating through the refrigerant flow path 211.

[0097] The second container 234 and the confluence section 251 are arranged such that when the first control valve 261 is open, the adsorbent material in the second lower space 234a of the second container 234 falls through the inside of the second pipe 211b due to gravity and is supplied to the confluence section 251. For example, the confluence section 251 is located below the second container 234. In order for the adsorbent material to fall through the inside of the second pipe 211b due to gravity, the angle between the direction in which the second pipe 211b extends and the vertical direction is preferably 30° or less.

[0098] The refrigerant flow path 211 includes a fifth pipe 211e and a sixth pipe 211f. The second upper space 234b of the second container 234 is connected to the fifth pipe 211e. The fifth pipe 211e connects the second upper space 234b of the second container 234 to the suction side of the compressor 231. The first upper space 233b of the first container 233 is connected to the sixth pipe 211f. The sixth pipe 211f connects the first upper space 233b of the first container 233 to the fifth pipe 211e. An expansion mechanism 232 is provided in the sixth pipe 211f.

[0099] The high-pressure refrigerant in the first upper space 233b of the first container 233 flows through the sixth pipe 211f, is depressurized by the expansion mechanism 232, and flows into the fifth pipe 211e. The adsorbent in the first lower space 233a of the first container 233 passes through the second control valve 262 together with the high-pressure refrigerant. The high-pressure refrigerant is depressurized as it passes through the second control valve 262. The fifth pipe 211e is connected to the sixth pipe 211f through which the refrigerant depressurized by the expansion mechanism 232 flows. Therefore, the second upper space 234b of the second container 234 is a space where low-pressure refrigerant exists.

[0100] The refrigeration system 200 further comprises a control unit 205. The control unit 205 corresponds to the control unit 105 of the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, the control unit 205 controls the compressor 231. The control unit 205 further controls the expansion mechanism 232, the first control valve 261, and the second control valve 262. The control unit 205 controls the rotational speed of the compressor 231. The control unit 205 controls the timing for starting the compressor 231 and the timing for stopping the compressor 231. The control unit 205 controls the opening degree of the expansion mechanism 232. The control unit 205 controls the opening degree of the first control valve 261. The control unit 205 controls the opening degree of the second control valve 262.

[0101] (3-2-2) Operation of the refrigeration device 200 The refrigeration device 200 includes a first utilization unit 236 that utilizes the heat generated in the first container 233, and a second utilization unit 237 that utilizes the cold heat generated in the second container 234. When the refrigeration device 200 is an air conditioning device, the first utilization unit 236 is used during heating operation, and the second utilization unit 237 is used during cooling operation.

[0102] The adsorbent flowing through the refrigerant channel 211 primarily adsorbs the refrigerant in the first container 233 (first heat recovery unit). The heat of adsorption generated inside the first container 233 is transferred to the heat transfer medium supplied from the first utilization circuit 236a in the first heat exchanger 233c. As a result, the first utilization unit 236 recovers thermal energy.

[0103] The adsorbent flowing through the refrigerant channel 211 primarily desorbs the refrigerant in the second container 234 (second heat recovery unit). The heat of desorption generated inside the second container 234 is transferred to the heat transfer medium supplied from the second utilization circuit 237a in the second heat exchanger 234c. As a result, the second utilization unit 237 recovers the cold energy.

[0104] The mixed fluid that flows into the first container 233 is separated into refrigerant and adsorbent. The refrigerant separated in the first container 233 flows from the first upper space 233b into the sixth pipe 211f and is depressurized by the expansion mechanism 232. The refrigerant depressurized by the expansion mechanism 232 flows through the fifth pipe 211e, is compressed by the compressor 231, and is then supplied to the confluence section 251. The adsorbent separated in the first container 233, along with a small amount of refrigerant, flows from the first lower space 233a into the first pipe 211a, passes through the second control valve 262, and is then supplied to the second container 234.

[0105] The mixed fluid that flows into the second container 234 from the first pipe 211a is separated into refrigerant and adsorbent. The adsorbent separated in the second container 234, along with a small amount of refrigerant, flows from the second lower space 234a into the second pipe 211b, passes through the first control valve 261, and is then supplied to the junction 251.

[0106] The refrigerant circulates by passing through the compressor 231, the confluence section 251, the first container 233, the expansion mechanism 232, and the compressor 231 in that order. The adsorbent circulates by passing through the first control valve 261, the confluence section 251, the first container 233, the second control valve 262, the second container 234, and the first control valve 261 in that order.

[0107] (3-2-3) Details of the Refrigeration System 200 The first container 233 and the second container 234 are elements that are integrally formed from the first heat exchanger 133 or the second heat exchanger 134 of the first embodiment and the separation unit 141 of the first embodiment. In other words, the first container 233 and the second container 234 have the function of recovering heat of adsorption or desorption and the function of separating the mixed fluid into a refrigerant and an adsorbent. The first container 233 and the second container 234 each have a first heat exchanger 233c and a second heat exchanger 234c inside. The first container 233 and the second container 234 have, for example, a mechanism for centrifugally separating the adsorbent by swirling the mixed fluid inside.

[0108] The control unit 205 controls at least one of the compressor 231, the first control valve 261, and the second control valve 262. The control unit 205 performs, for example, a first control to change the rotational speed of the compressor 231. The control unit 205 performs, for example, a second control to change the opening degree of the second control valve 262. The control unit 205 performs, for example, a third control to change the opening degree of the first control valve 261.

[0109] The control unit 205 can adjust the amount of refrigerant flowing into the confluence section 251 by performing a first control. If the confluence section 251 is the ejector mechanism shown in Figure 5, the control unit 205 can adjust the amount of refrigerant flowing from the third pipe 211c into the internal flow path 151f by performing a first control. The control unit 205 can increase the amount of refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path 211 by performing a first control that increases the rotational speed of the compressor 231, thereby increasing the amount of refrigerant flowing out of the confluence section 251. The control unit 205 can decrease the amount of refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path 211 by performing a first control that decreases the rotational speed of the compressor 231, thereby decreasing the amount of refrigerant flowing out of the confluence section 251.

[0110] The control unit 205 can adjust the amount of adsorbent flowing into the second container 234 by performing a second control. The control unit 205 can adjust the amount of adsorbent accumulated in the first lower space 233a of the first container 233 by performing a second control. The control unit 205 can increase the amount of adsorbent flowing through the refrigerant flow path 211 by increasing the opening degree of the second control valve 262. The control unit 205 can decrease the amount of adsorbent flowing through the refrigerant flow path 211 by decreasing the opening degree of the second control valve 262.

[0111] The control unit 205 can adjust the amount of adsorbent flowing into the confluence section 251 by performing a third control. If the confluence section 251 is the ejector mechanism shown in Figure 5, the control unit 205 can adjust the amount of adsorbent flowing from the second pipe 211b into the suction chamber 151c by performing a third control. The control unit 205 can increase the amount of adsorbent flowing through the refrigerant flow path 211 by performing a third control that increases the opening degree of the first control valve 261, thereby increasing the amount of adsorbent flowing out of the confluence section 251. The control unit 205 can decrease the amount of adsorbent flowing through the refrigerant flow path 211 by performing a third control that decreases the opening degree of the first control valve 261, thereby decreasing the amount of adsorbent flowing out of the confluence section 251.

[0112] (3-2-4) Features In the refrigeration system 200, the control unit 205 can adjust the amount of refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant flow path 211 by performing a first control that changes the rotational speed of the compressor 231. The control unit 205 can adjust the amount of adsorbent circulating in the refrigerant flow path 211, or the amount of adsorbent flowing into the confluence section 251, by performing a second control that changes the opening degree of the second control valve 262, or a third control that changes the opening degree of the first control valve 261. Therefore, the refrigeration system 200 can perform partial load operation by adjusting the capacity of the first heat exchanger 233c and the second heat exchanger 234c through the control unit 205 performing at least one of the first, second, and third controls.

[0113] Furthermore, the refrigeration device 200 has a fifth pipe 211e that connects the second upper space 234b of the second container 234 to the suction side of the compressor 231. Therefore, the refrigeration device 200 can prevent the pressure in the second upper space 234b of the second container 234 from rising to a predetermined value.

[0114] Furthermore, in the refrigeration system 200, the ejector mechanism shown in Figure 5 does not have a drive unit. Therefore, when the confluence section 251 is an ejector mechanism, the maintenance costs of the refrigeration system 200 can be reduced compared to when the confluence section 251 is a mechanical pump.

[0115] Furthermore, in the refrigeration device 200, the adsorbent separated in the second container 234 falls due to gravity and is supplied to the confluence section 251. This allows the refrigeration device 200 to efficiently supply the adsorbent to the confluence section 251.

[0116] (3-3) The specific configuration of the circulating refrigeration system 300 of the third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The basic configuration and operation of the refrigeration system 300 of the third embodiment are the same as those of the refrigeration system 200 of the second embodiment, so the differences between the refrigeration system 200 and the refrigeration system 300 will be explained in detail.

[0117] (3-3-1) Configuration of the Refrigeration System 300 The refrigeration system 300 of the third embodiment includes a refrigerant flow path 311 through which the refrigerant circulates, as shown in Figure 9. The refrigerant flow path 311 has the functions of both the refrigerant circuit 11 and the adsorption circuit 12 of Figure 1. The adsorbent flows together with the refrigerant through a portion of the refrigerant flow path 311. In other words, in the refrigeration system 300, the mixed fluid flows through the refrigerant flow path 311.

[0118] The refrigeration system 300 includes a compressor 231, an expansion mechanism 232, a first container 233, a second container 234, and a plurality of confluence sections 251. The refrigeration system 300 further includes a first utilization section 236, a second utilization section 237, a plurality of first control valves 261, a second control valve 262, and a plurality of third control valves 263. The number of first control valves 261 is the same as the number of confluence sections 251. The number of third control valves 263 is the same as the number of confluence sections 251. The refrigeration system 300 shown in Figure 9 includes three confluence sections 251, three first control valves 261, and three third control valves 263.

[0119] The refrigeration system 200 of the second embodiment has one junction 251 and one first control valve 261, but does not have a third control valve 263. The refrigeration system 300 of the third embodiment has multiple junction 251s, multiple first control valves 261s, and multiple third control valves 263. The compressor 231, expansion mechanism 232, first container 233, second container 234, first utilization section 236, second utilization section 237, and second control valve 262 are the same elements in the refrigeration system 200 and the refrigeration system 300. Each junction 251 of the refrigeration system 300 is the same element as the junction 251 of the refrigeration system 200.

[0120] In the refrigerant flow path 311, the discharge side of the compressor 231 is connected in parallel to a plurality of third pipes 211c. In Figure 9, the flow path through which the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 231 flows is divided into three, and the refrigerant flows through each of the three third pipes 211c. Each of the third pipes 211c is connected to a single, different junction 251.

[0121] In the refrigerant flow path 311, the second lower space 234a of the second container 234 is connected in parallel to a plurality of second pipes 211b. In Figure 9, the flow path through which the adsorbent material flows out of the second lower space 234a is divided into three, and the adsorbent material flows through each of the three second pipes 211b. Each second pipe 211b is connected to a single junction 251 that is different from each other. Each second pipe 211b is provided with a first control valve 261.

[0122] In the refrigerant flow path 311, the first upper space 233b of the first container 233 is connected in parallel with a plurality of fourth pipes 211d. In Figure 9, the mixed refrigerant flowing out from each of the three junctions 251 flows through each of the three fourth pipes 211d before merging into one and being supplied to the first upper space 233b. Each of the fourth pipes 211d is provided with a third control valve 263.

[0123] The multiple junctions 251 have different capabilities. In other words, the multiple junctions 251 are designed such that at least one of the following is different: the pressure of the refrigerant flowing in from the third pipe 211c, the amount of adsorbent flowing in from the second pipe 211b, and the pressure of the mixed fluid flowing out into the fourth pipe 211d. If the junction 251 is an ejector mechanism as shown in Figure 5, the multiple junctions 251 have at least one of the nozzle 151b, suction chamber 151c, mixing section 151d, and diffuser section 151e have different shapes. For example, if multiple junctions 251 are used in which the pressure of the mixed fluid flowing out into the fourth pipe 211d is different, the multiple junctions 251 have at least different flow path areas or shapes inside the nozzle 151b.

[0124] The refrigeration system 300 further comprises a control unit 305. As shown in Figure 10, the control unit 305 controls the compressor 231. The control unit 305 further controls the expansion mechanism 232, a plurality of first control valves 261, a second control valve 262, and a plurality of third control valves 263. The control unit 305 controls the rotational speed of the compressor 231. The control unit 305 controls the timing for starting the compressor 231 and the timing for stopping the compressor 231. The control unit 305 controls the opening degree of the expansion mechanism 232. The control unit 305 controls the opening degree of each first control valve 261. The control unit 305 controls the opening degree of the second control valve 262. The control unit 305 controls the opening degree of each third control valve 263.

[0125] The control unit 305 performs a fourth control, which involves opening some of the multiple first control valves 261 and closing others, and opening some of the multiple third control valves 263 and closing others. The second piping 211b, which is provided with the first control valves 261 that are opened by the fourth control, and the fourth piping 211d, which is provided with the third control valves 263 that are opened by the fourth control, are connected to a common junction 251. In other words, the control unit 305 controls the opening degrees of the first control valves 261 and the third control valves 263 so that a mixed fluid is generated when the refrigerant and adsorbent are drawn in at some of the multiple junctions 251. Alternatively, the control unit 305 may control the opening degrees of all the first control valves 261 and all the third control valves 263 so that a mixed fluid is generated when the refrigerant and adsorbent are drawn in at all of the multiple junctions 251.

[0126] (3-3-2) Details of the refrigeration device 300 Similar to the second embodiment, the control unit 305 can adjust the amount of refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant passage 311 by performing a first control that changes the rotational speed of the compressor 231. The control unit 305 can adjust the amount of adsorbent flowing through the refrigerant passage 311 by performing a second control that changes the opening degree of the second control valve 262. The control unit 305 can adjust the amount of adsorbent flowing through the refrigerant passage 311 by performing a third control that changes the opening degree of the first control valve 261.

[0127] In this embodiment, the control unit 305 can further perform a fourth control to select and use one junction 251 having a predetermined capacity from among the multiple junctions 251. When performing the fourth control, the control unit 305 may select and use multiple junctions 251 having a predetermined capacity from among the multiple junctions 251. In other words, the control unit 305 may control the opening degrees of the first control valve 261 and the third control valve 263 so that a mixed fluid is generated when the refrigerant and adsorbent are drawn in at two or more junctions 251 selected from the multiple junctions 251. For example, in Figure 9, the opening degrees of the first control valve 261 and the third control valve 263 connected to two junctions 251 selected from three junctions 251 may be controlled so that a mixed fluid is generated when the refrigerant and adsorbent are drawn in at the two selected junctions 251.

[0128] If the confluence section 251 is the ejector mechanism shown in Figure 5, the control unit 305 can adjust the amount of refrigerant flowing into the internal flow path 151f of the confluence section 251, which was selected by the fourth control, by performing the first control.

[0129] If the confluence section 251 is the ejector mechanism shown in Figure 5, the control unit 305 can adjust the amount of adsorbent flowing into the suction chamber 151c of the confluence section 251 selected by the fourth control by performing at least one of the second control and the third control.

[0130] (3-3-3) Features The refrigeration system 300 has a refrigerant flow path 311 in which a plurality of confluence sections 251 with different capacities are connected in parallel. The control unit 305 further performs a fourth control by selecting one or more confluence sections 251 according to the load required for the refrigeration system 300 and adjusting the opening degree of the first control valve 261 and the third control valve 263 connected to the selected confluence section 251. By the control unit 305 further performing the fourth control, the refrigeration system 300 can perform partial load operation by adjusting the capacities of the first heat exchanger 233c and the second heat exchanger 234c.

[0131] (3-4) The specific configuration of the circulating refrigeration system 400 of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The basic configuration and operation of the refrigeration system 400 of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the refrigeration system 200 of the second embodiment, so the differences between the refrigeration system 200 and the refrigeration system 400 will be explained in detail.

[0132] (3-4-1) Configuration of the Refrigeration System 400 The refrigeration system 400 of the fourth embodiment includes a refrigerant flow path 411 through which the refrigerant circulates, as shown in Figure 11. The refrigerant flow path 411 has the functions of both the refrigerant circuit 11 and the adsorption circuit 12 of Figure 1. The adsorbent flows together with the refrigerant through a portion of the refrigerant flow path 411. In other words, in the refrigeration system 400, the mixed fluid flows through the refrigerant flow path 411.

[0133] The refrigeration system 400 includes a first compressor 431, a second compressor 432, a first container 233, a second container 234, a first confluence section 451, and a second confluence section 452. The refrigeration system 400 further includes a first utilization section 236, a second utilization section 237, a first control valve 261, and a second control valve 262.

[0134] The refrigeration system 200 of the second embodiment has one compressor 231, one junction 251, and an expansion mechanism 232. The refrigeration system 400 of the fourth embodiment has two compressors (first compressor 431 and second compressor 432), two junctions (first junction 451 and second junction 452), and does not have an expansion mechanism 232. The first container 233, the second container 234, the first utilization section 236, the second utilization section 237, the first control valve 261, and the second control valve 262 are the same elements in the refrigeration system 200 and the refrigeration system 400. The first compressor 431 and the second compressor 432 of the refrigeration system 400 are the same elements as the compressor 231 of the refrigeration system 200. The first junction 451 and the second junction 452 of the refrigeration unit 400 are the same elements as the junction 251 of the refrigeration unit 200.

[0135] The refrigerant flow path 411 includes a seventh pipe 211g, an eighth pipe 211h, a ninth pipe 211i, and a tenth pipe 211j. The seventh pipe 211g connects the second upper space 234b of the second container 234 to the first junction 451. The eighth pipe 211h connects the seventh pipe 211g to the suction side of the first compressor 431. The ninth pipe 211i connects the discharge side of the first compressor 431 to the first junction 451. The tenth pipe 211j connects the first junction 451 to the suction side of the second compressor 432. The second compressor 432 corresponds to the compressor 231 of the second embodiment. The second junction 452 corresponds to the junction 251 of the second embodiment.

[0136] If the first confluence section 451 is the ejector mechanism shown in Figure 5, the seventh pipe 211g is connected to the suction chamber 151c of the first confluence section 451, the ninth pipe 211i is connected to the internal flow path 151f of the first confluence section 451, and the tenth pipe 211j is connected to the diffuser section 151e of the first confluence section 451.

[0137] The refrigeration system 400 further includes a control unit 405. As shown in Figure 12, the control unit 405 controls the first compressor 431 and the second compressor 432. The control unit 405 further controls the first control valve 261 and the second control valve 262. The control unit 405 controls the rotational speed of the first compressor 431. The control unit 405 controls the timing for starting the first compressor 431 and the timing for stopping the first compressor 431. The control unit 405 controls the rotational speed of the second compressor 432. The control unit 405 controls the timing for starting the second compressor 432 and the timing for stopping the second compressor 432. The control unit 405 controls the opening degree of the first control valve 261. The control unit 405 controls the opening degree of the second control valve 262.

[0138] (3-4-2) Operation of the Refrigeration System 400 In the refrigeration system 400, the high-pressure refrigerant in the first container 233 flows into the second container 234 through the first pipe 211a together with the adsorbent. The high-pressure refrigerant in the first container 233 is depressurized by the second control valve 262 as it passes through the first pipe 211a. The low-pressure refrigerant separated from the adsorbent in the second container 234 flows into the seventh pipe 211g. A portion of the low-pressure refrigerant flowing through the seventh pipe 211g is diverted to the eighth pipe 211h, then compressed by the first compressor 431 to become the first intermediate-pressure refrigerant, which is then discharged into the ninth pipe 211i. At the first junction 451, the first intermediate-pressure refrigerant in the ninth pipe 211i and the low-pressure refrigerant in the seventh pipe 211g merge and mix to become the second intermediate-pressure refrigerant. The second intermediate pressure is higher than the first intermediate pressure. The refrigerant at the second intermediate pressure that flows out from the first junction 451 into the tenth pipe 211j is compressed by the second compressor 432 to become high-pressure refrigerant, which is then discharged into the third pipe 211c.

[0139] In this way, the first confluence section 451 combines the first intermediate-pressure refrigerant, which is separated in the second container 234 and compressed in the first compressor 431, with the low-pressure refrigerant separated in the second container 234 to produce a second intermediate-pressure refrigerant. The second intermediate-pressure refrigerant is further compressed in the second compressor 432 to become a high-pressure refrigerant. The high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the second compressor 432 combines with the adsorbent in the second container 234 in the second confluence section 452 to form a mixed fluid.

[0140] (3-4-3) Features In the second embodiment, if the confluence section 251 is an ejector mechanism, depending on the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the confluence section 251, the refrigerant and the adsorbent may not be sufficiently mixed in the confluence section 251. The refrigeration system 400 has a two-stage compression mechanism that compresses the low-pressure refrigerant in the second container 234 using the first compressor 431 and the second compressor 432. Therefore, the refrigeration system 400 can suppress a decrease in performance caused by insufficient pressure of the refrigerant flowing in the high-pressure region of the refrigerant flow path 411.

[0141] (3-5) The specific configuration of the circulating refrigeration system 500 of the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The basic configuration and operation of the refrigeration system 500 of the fifth embodiment are the same as those of the refrigeration system 200 of the second embodiment, so the differences between the refrigeration system 200 and the refrigeration system 500 will be explained in detail.

[0142] (3-5-1) Configuration of the Refrigeration System 500 The refrigeration system 500 of the fifth embodiment includes a refrigerant flow path 511 through which the refrigerant circulates, as shown in Figure 13. The refrigerant flow path 511 has the functions of both the refrigerant circuit 11 and the adsorption circuit 12 of Figure 1. The adsorbent flows together with the refrigerant through a portion of the refrigerant flow path 511. In other words, in the refrigeration system 500, the mixed fluid flows through the refrigerant flow path 511.

[0143] The refrigeration system 500 includes a compressor 231, a first container 233, a second container 234, a first confluence section 551, and a second confluence section 552. The refrigeration system 500 further includes a first utilization section 236, a second utilization section 237, a first control valve 261, and a second control valve 262.

[0144] The refrigeration device 200 of the second embodiment has one junction 251 and an expansion mechanism 232. The refrigeration device 500 of the fifth embodiment has two junctions (a first junction 551 and a second junction 552) and does not have an expansion mechanism 232. The compressor 231, the first container 233, the second container 234, the first utilization section 236, the second utilization section 237, the first control valve 261, and the second control valve 262 are the same elements in the refrigeration device 200 and the refrigeration device 500. The first junction 551 and the second junction 552 of the refrigeration device 500 are the same elements as the junction 251 of the refrigeration device 200.

[0145] The refrigerant flow path 511 includes an eleventh pipe 211k, a twelfth pipe 211l, and a thirteenth pipe 211m. The eleventh pipe 211k connects the second upper space 234b of the second container 234 to the first junction 551. The twelfth pipe 211l connects the first upper space 233b of the first container 233 to the first junction 551. The thirteenth pipe 211m connects the first junction 551 to the suction side of the compressor 231. The second junction 552 corresponds to the junction 251 of the second embodiment.

[0146] If the first confluence 551 is the ejector mechanism shown in Figure 5, the 11th pipe 211k is connected to the suction chamber 151c of the first confluence 551, the 12th pipe 211l is connected to the internal flow path 151f of the first confluence 551, and the 13th pipe 211m is connected to the diffuser section 151e of the first confluence 551.

[0147] The refrigeration system 500 further includes a control unit 505. As shown in Figure 14, the control unit 405 controls the compressor 231. The control unit 505 further controls the first control valve 261 and the second control valve 262. The control unit 505 controls the rotational speed of the compressor 231. The control unit 505 controls the timing for starting the compressor 231 and the timing for stopping the compressor 231. The control unit 505 controls the opening degree of the first control valve 261. The control unit 505 controls the opening degree of the second control valve 262.

[0148] (3-5-2) Operation of the refrigeration system 500 In the refrigeration system 500, the high-pressure refrigerant separated from the adsorbent in the first container 233 flows into the 12th pipe 211l. The low-pressure refrigerant separated from the adsorbent in the second container 234 flows into the 11th pipe 211k. At the first junction 551, the high-pressure refrigerant in the 12th pipe 211l and the low-pressure refrigerant in the 11th pipe 211k merge and mix to become an intermediate-pressure refrigerant. The intermediate-pressure refrigerant that flows out from the first junction 551 into the 13th pipe 211m is compressed by the compressor 231 to become a high-pressure refrigerant and discharged into the 3rd pipe 211c.

[0149] In this manner, the first confluence section 551 combines the high-pressure refrigerant in the first container 233 with the low-pressure refrigerant in the second container 234 to generate an intermediate-pressure refrigerant. The intermediate-pressure refrigerant is further compressed by the compressor 231 to become a high-pressure refrigerant. The high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 231 combines with the adsorbent in the second container 234 at the second confluence section 552 to form a mixed fluid.

[0150] (3-5-3) Features In the second embodiment, if the confluence section 251 is an ejector mechanism, depending on the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the confluence section 251, the refrigerant and the adsorbent may not be sufficiently mixed in the confluence section 251. The refrigeration device 500 has a two-stage compression mechanism that increases the pressure of the low-pressure refrigerant in the second container 234 at the first confluence section 551 and further compresses it with the compressor 231. Therefore, the refrigeration device 500 can suppress a decrease in performance caused by insufficient pressure of the refrigerant flowing in the high-pressure region of the refrigerant flow path 511.

[0151] (3-6) The specific configuration of the circulating refrigeration system 600 of the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The basic configuration and operation of the refrigeration system 600 of the sixth embodiment are the same as those of the refrigeration system 100 of the first embodiment, so the differences between the refrigeration system 100 and the refrigeration system 600 will be explained in detail.

[0152] (3-6-1) Configuration of the Refrigeration System 600 The refrigeration system 600 of the sixth embodiment includes a refrigerant flow path 611 through which the refrigerant circulates, as shown in Figure 15. The refrigerant flow path 611 has the functions of both the refrigerant circuit 11 and the adsorption circuit 12 of Figure 1. The adsorbent flows together with the refrigerant through a portion of the refrigerant flow path 611. In other words, in the refrigeration system 600, the mixed fluid flows through the refrigerant flow path 611.

[0153] The refrigeration system 600 includes a first compressor 631, a second compressor 632, an expansion mechanism 132, a first heat exchanger 133, a second heat exchanger 134, a separation section 141, and a merging section 151. The refrigeration system 600 further includes a switching mechanism 135, a first fan 136, a second fan 137, and a first control valve 161.

[0154] The refrigeration system 100 of the first embodiment has one compressor 131. The refrigeration system 600 of the sixth embodiment has two compressors, consisting of a first compressor 631 and a second compressor 632. The expansion mechanism 132, the first heat exchanger 133, the second heat exchanger 134, the separation section 141, the merging section 151, the switching mechanism 135, the first fan 136, the second fan 137, and the first control valve 161 are the same elements in the refrigeration system 100 and the refrigeration system 600.

[0155] The refrigerant flow path 611 has the first pipes 111a to 5th pipes 111e of the refrigerant flow path 111 of the first embodiment. The refrigerant flow path 611 further has a 14th pipe 111f and a 15th pipe 111g. The 14th pipe 111f connects the discharge side of the second compressor 632 to the suction side of the first compressor 631. The 15th pipe 111g connects the 14th pipe 111f and the 5th pipe 111e. The second pipe 111b is connected to the suction side of the second compressor 632. The fourth pipe 111d is connected to the discharge side of the first compressor 631.

[0156] The suction side of the second compressor 632 is connected to the first outlet of the separation unit 141. The discharge side of the second compressor 632 is connected to the suction side of the first compressor 631. The discharge side of the first compressor 631 is connected to the second inlet (nozzle 151b) of the confluence unit 151. Therefore, in the refrigerant flow path 611, the second compressor 632 and the first compressor 631 are connected in series. The second compressor 632 is the lower-stage compressor. The first compressor 631 is the higher-stage compressor.

[0157] The 15th pipe 111g connects the discharge side of the second compressor 632 and the suction side of the first compressor 631 to the third outlet (mixing section 151d or diffuser section 151e) of the confluence section 151 and the first heat exchanger 133. Therefore, the 15th pipe 111g forms a flow path that bypasses the first compressor 631 and the confluence section 151.

[0158] The refrigeration system 600 further includes a control unit 605. As shown in Figure 16, the control unit 605 controls the first compressor 631 and the second compressor 632. The control unit 605 further controls the expansion mechanism 132, the switching mechanism 135, the first fan 136, the second fan 137, and the first control valve 161. The control unit 605 controls the rotational speed of the first compressor 631 and the second compressor 632. The control unit 605 controls the timing for starting the first compressor 631 and the second compressor 632, and the timing for stopping the first compressor 631 and the second compressor 632. The control unit 605 controls the opening degree of the expansion mechanism 132. The control unit 605 controls the switching mechanism 135 to switch the refrigerant flow path 611 between a first state and a second state. The control unit 605 controls the rotational speed of the first fan 136 and the second fan 137. The control unit 605 controls the opening degree of the first regulating valve 161.

[0159] (3-6-2) Details of the refrigeration system 600 In the refrigeration system 600, the low-pressure refrigerant flowing through the second pipe 111b is compressed by the second compressor 632 to become an intermediate-pressure refrigerant and discharged into the 14th pipe 111f. A portion of the intermediate-pressure refrigerant flowing through the 14th pipe 111f is compressed by the first compressor 631 to become a high-pressure refrigerant and discharged into the 4th pipe 111d. At the confluence section 151, the high-pressure refrigerant flowing through the 4th pipe 111d and the adsorbent separated at the separation section 141 and flowing through the 3rd pipe 111c merge and mix to form a mixed fluid. The mixed fluid that flows out from the confluence section 151 flows through the 5th pipe 111e. A portion of the intermediate-pressure refrigerant flowing through the 14th pipe 111f flows through the 15th pipe 111g and merges with the mixed fluid flowing through the 5th pipe 111e.

[0160] The control unit 605 performs a first control to independently change the rotational speed of the first compressor 631 and the rotational speed of the second compressor 632. If the confluence 151 is an ejector mechanism as shown in Figure 5, the control unit 605 can adjust the amount of refrigerant flowing from the fourth pipe 111d to the confluence 151 by performing the first control. The control unit 605 can increase the amount of mixed fluid flowing through the refrigerant passage 611 by performing a first control to increase the rotational speed of the first compressor 631, thereby increasing the amount of mixed fluid flowing out of the confluence 151. The control unit 605 can decrease the amount of mixed fluid flowing through the refrigerant passage 611 by performing a first control to decrease the rotational speed of the first compressor 631, thereby decreasing the amount of mixed fluid flowing through the refrigerant passage 611.

[0161] (3-6-3) Features The refrigerant flow path 611 of the refrigeration device 600 has a 15th pipe 111g that bypasses the first compressor 631 and the confluence section 151. A portion of the intermediate-pressure refrigerant flowing through the 14th pipe 111f is compressed by the first compressor 631 and then mixed with the adsorbent at the confluence section 151 to become a mixed fluid. A portion of the intermediate-pressure refrigerant flowing through the 14th pipe 111f flows into the 15th pipe 111g and merges with the mixed fluid that has flowed out from the confluence section 151.

[0162] The control unit 605 adjusts the amount of intermediate-pressure refrigerant flowing from the 14th pipe 111f to the 15th pipe 111g by performing a first control. For example, the control unit 605 reduces the amount of refrigerant drawn into the first compressor 631 and increases the amount of refrigerant flowing from the 14th pipe 111f to the 15th pipe 111g by performing a first control to decrease the rotational speed of the first compressor 631 and / or a first control to increase the rotational speed of the second compressor 632. Alternatively, the control unit 605 increases the amount of refrigerant drawn into the first compressor 631 and decreases the amount of refrigerant flowing from the 14th pipe 111f to the 15th pipe 111g by performing a first control to increase the rotational speed of the first compressor 631 and / or a first control to decrease the rotational speed of the second compressor 632.

[0163] In the confluence section 151, the high-pressure refrigerant and the adsorbent separated from the low-pressure refrigerant in the separation section 141 are mixed. Therefore, the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the second inlet of the confluence section 151 is higher than the pressure of the mixed fluid flowing out from the third outlet of the confluence section 151. The higher the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the second inlet of the confluence section 151, the greater the power consumption of the refrigeration system 600.

[0164] The refrigeration system 600 can adjust the amount of refrigerant drawn into the first compressor 631 by performing a first control, such that only the amount of refrigerant necessary to mix the refrigerant and adsorbent at the confluence 151 flows into the second inlet of the confluence 151. Specifically, the refrigeration system 600 can adjust the amount of refrigerant drawn into the first compressor 631 by allowing a portion of the intermediate-pressure refrigerant discharged from the second compressor 632 to flow into the 15th pipe 111g by performing the first control. Therefore, the refrigeration system 600 can reduce power consumption compared to the case where all of the intermediate-pressure refrigerant discharged from the second compressor 632 is compressed by the first compressor 631 and flows into the second inlet of the confluence 151.

[0165] (3-7) The specific configuration of the circulating refrigeration system 700 of the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The basic configuration and operation of the refrigeration system 700 of the seventh embodiment are the same as those of the refrigeration system 100 of the first embodiment, so the differences between the refrigeration system 100 and the refrigeration system 700 will be explained in detail.

[0166] (3-7-1) Configuration of the Refrigeration System 700 The refrigeration system 700 of the seventh embodiment includes a refrigerant flow path 711 through which the refrigerant circulates, as shown in Figure 17. The refrigerant flow path 711 has the functions of both the refrigerant circuit 11 and the adsorption circuit 12 of Figure 1. The adsorbent flows together with the refrigerant through a portion of the refrigerant flow path 711. In other words, in the refrigeration system 700, the mixed fluid flows through the refrigerant flow path 711.

[0167] The refrigeration system 700 includes a first compressor 731, a second compressor 732, an expansion mechanism 132, a first heat exchanger 133, a second heat exchanger 134, a separation section 141, and a merging section 151. The refrigeration system 700 further includes a switching mechanism 135, a first fan 136, a second fan 137, and a first control valve 161.

[0168] The refrigeration system 100 of the first embodiment has one compressor 131. The refrigeration system 700 of the seventh embodiment has two compressors, consisting of a first compressor 731 and a second compressor 732. The expansion mechanism 132, the first heat exchanger 133, the second heat exchanger 134, the separation section 141, the merging section 151, the switching mechanism 135, the first fan 136, the second fan 137, and the first control valve 161 are the same elements in the refrigeration system 100 and the refrigeration system 700.

[0169] The refrigerant flow path 711 has the first pipes 111a to 5th pipes 111e of the refrigerant flow path 111 of the first embodiment. The refrigerant flow path 711 further has a 16th pipe 111h and a 17th pipe 111i. The 16th pipe 111h connects the 2nd pipe 111b and the suction side of the 2nd compressor 732. The 17th pipe 111i connects the discharge side of the 2nd compressor 732 and the 5th pipe 111e. The 2nd pipe 111b is connected to the suction side of the 1st compressor 731. The 4th pipe 111d is connected to the discharge side of the 1st compressor 731.

[0170] The suction sides of the first compressor 731 and the second compressor 732 are connected to the first outlet of the separation section 141. The suction side of the first compressor 731 is connected to the second pipe 111b. The suction side of the second compressor 732 is connected to the 16th pipe 111h, which branches off from the second pipe 111b. The discharge side of the first compressor 731 is connected to the 5th pipe 111e via the 4th pipe 111d and the junction section 151. The discharge side of the second compressor 732 is connected to the 5th pipe 111e via the 17th pipe 111i. Therefore, in the refrigerant flow path 711, the first compressor 731 and the second compressor 732 are connected in parallel.

[0171] The suction side of the second compressor 732 is connected between the first outlet of the separation section 141 and the suction side of the first compressor 731. The discharge side of the second compressor 732 is connected between the third outlet of the confluence section 151 (mixing section 151d or diffuser section 151e) and the first heat exchanger 133. Therefore, the 16th pipe 111h and the 17th pipe 111i form a flow path that bypasses the first compressor 731 and the confluence section 151.

[0172] The refrigeration system 700 further includes a control unit 705. As shown in Figure 18, the control unit 705 controls the first compressor 731 and the second compressor 732. The control unit 705 further controls the expansion mechanism 132, the switching mechanism 135, the first fan 136, the second fan 137, and the first control valve 161. The control unit 705 controls the rotational speed of the first compressor 731 and the second compressor 732. The control unit 705 controls the timing for starting the first compressor 731 and the second compressor 732, and the timing for stopping the first compressor 731 and the second compressor 732. The control unit 705 controls the opening degree of the expansion mechanism 132. The control unit 705 controls the switching mechanism 135 to switch the refrigerant flow path 711 between a first state and a second state. The control unit 705 controls the rotational speed of the first fan 136 and the second fan 137. The control unit 705 controls the opening degree of the first regulating valve 161.

[0173] (3-7-2) Details of the refrigeration system 700 In the refrigeration system 700, a portion of the low-pressure refrigerant flowing through the second pipe 111b is compressed by the first compressor 731 to become high-pressure refrigerant and discharged into the fourth pipe 111d. At the confluence section 151, the high-pressure refrigerant flowing through the fourth pipe 111d and the adsorbent separated by the separation section 141 and flowing through the third pipe 111c merge and mix to form a mixed fluid. The mixed fluid that flows out from the confluence section 151 flows through the fifth pipe 111e. A portion of the low-pressure refrigerant flowing through the second pipe 111b is compressed by the second compressor 732 to become high-pressure refrigerant and discharged into the seventeenth pipe 111i. The high-pressure refrigerant flowing through the seventeenth pipe 111i merges with the mixed fluid flowing through the fifth pipe 111e.

[0174] The control unit 705 performs a first control to independently change the rotational speed of the first compressor 731 and the rotational speed of the second compressor 732. If the confluence 151 is an ejector mechanism as shown in Figure 5, the control unit 705 can adjust the amount of refrigerant flowing from the fourth pipe 111d to the confluence 151 by performing the first control. The control unit 705 can increase the amount of mixed fluid flowing through the refrigerant passage 711 by performing a first control to increase the rotational speed of the first compressor 731, thereby increasing the amount of mixed fluid flowing out of the confluence 151. The control unit 705 can decrease the amount of mixed fluid flowing through the refrigerant passage 711 by performing a first control to decrease the rotational speed of the first compressor 731, thereby decreasing the amount of mixed fluid flowing through the refrigerant passage 711.

[0175] (3-7-3) Features The refrigerant flow path 711 of the refrigeration device 700 has a 16th pipe 111h and a 17th pipe 111i that bypass the first compressor 731 and the confluence section 151. A portion of the intermediate-pressure refrigerant flowing through the second pipe 111b is compressed by the first compressor 731 and then mixed with the adsorbent at the confluence section 151 to become a mixed fluid. A portion of the intermediate-pressure refrigerant flowing through the second pipe 111b flows into the 16th pipe 111h, is compressed by the second compressor 732, then flows through the 17th pipe 111i, and merges with the mixed fluid that has flowed out from the confluence section 151.

[0176] The control unit 705 adjusts the amount of intermediate-pressure refrigerant flowing from the second pipe 111b to the 16th pipe 111h by performing a first control. For example, the control unit 705 reduces the amount of refrigerant drawn into the first compressor 731 and increases the amount of refrigerant flowing from the second pipe 111b to the 16th pipe 111h by performing a first control to decrease the rotational speed of the first compressor 731 and / or a first control to increase the rotational speed of the second compressor 732. Alternatively, the control unit 705 increases the amount of refrigerant drawn into the first compressor 731 and decreases the amount of refrigerant flowing from the second pipe 111b to the 16th pipe 111h by performing a first control to increase the rotational speed of the first compressor 731 and / or a first control to decrease the rotational speed of the second compressor 732.

[0177] In the confluence section 151, the high-pressure refrigerant is mixed with the adsorbent separated from the low-pressure refrigerant in the separation section 141. Therefore, the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the second inlet of the confluence section 151 is higher than the pressure of the mixed fluid flowing out from the third outlet of the confluence section 151. The higher the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the second inlet of the confluence section 151, the greater the power consumption of the refrigeration system 700.

[0178] The refrigeration system 700 can adjust the amount of refrigerant drawn into the first compressor 731 by performing a first control, such that only the amount of refrigerant necessary to mix the refrigerant and the adsorbent at the confluence 151 flows into the second inlet of the confluence 151. Specifically, the refrigeration system 700 can adjust the amount of refrigerant drawn into the first compressor 731 by performing the first control, such as allowing a portion of the refrigerant flowing through the second pipe 111b to flow into the 16th pipe 111h. Therefore, the refrigeration system 700 can reduce power consumption compared to the case where all of the refrigerant flowing through the second pipe 111b is compressed by the first compressor 731 and flows into the second inlet of the confluence 151.

[0179] (4) Modified Examples (4-1) Modified Example A The refrigeration system 100 of the first embodiment includes a first control valve 161 provided between the separation section 141 and the confluence section 151. As shown in Figure 19, the refrigeration system 100 does not need to include the first control valve 161. In this case, the control unit 105 performs only a first control to change the rotational speed of the compressor 131, thereby adjusting the pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant supplied to the confluence section 151 and performing partial load operation.

[0180] The refrigeration system 200 of the second embodiment includes a first control valve 261 provided between the second container 234 and the confluence section 251, and a second control valve 262 provided between the first container 233 and the second container 234. The refrigeration system 200 does not need to include at least one of the first control valve 261 and the second control valve 262. In this case, the control unit 205 does not perform at least one of the second control, which changes the opening degree of the second control valve 262, and the third control, which changes the opening degree of the first control valve 261. For example, the refrigeration system 200 shown in Figure 20 does not include both the first control valve 261 and the second control valve 262. In this case, the control unit 205 performs only the first control, which changes the rotational speed of the compressor 231, to adjust the pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant supplied to the confluence section 251 and perform partial load operation.

[0181] Similar to the second embodiment, the refrigeration device 300 of the third embodiment does not need to be equipped with a second control valve 262.

[0182] Similar to the second embodiment, the refrigeration device 400 of the fourth embodiment and the refrigeration device 500 of the fifth embodiment do not need to include at least one of the first control valve 261 and the second control valve 262.

[0183] Similar to the first embodiment, the refrigeration device 600 of the sixth embodiment and the refrigeration device 700 of the seventh embodiment do not need to be equipped with the first control valve 161.

[0184] (4-2) Modification B In the refrigeration apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, if the confluence section 151 is the ejector mechanism shown in Figure 5, the confluence section 151 may have a pressure adjustment mechanism for adjusting the pressure of the fluid passing through the internal flow path 151f. For example, the confluence section 151 may further have a first member as a pressure adjustment mechanism, which is arranged inside the nozzle 151b so as to be able to move back and forth on the central axis of the nozzle 151b. The first member is, for example, a needle-shaped member. In this case, by changing the position of the first member, the flow path area of ​​the internal flow path 151f changes, and the pressure of the fluid passing through the internal flow path 151f changes. For example, if the position of the first member is changed so as to decrease the flow path area of ​​the internal flow path 151f, the degree of decrease in the pressure of the refrigerant passing through the internal flow path 151f increases.

[0185] In this modified example, the control unit 105 further controls the pressure adjustment mechanism of the confluence section 151. For example, the control unit 105 controls the amount of refrigerant ejected from the nozzle 151b to the mixing section 151d by changing the position of the first member, which is the pressure adjustment mechanism. By performing this control, the refrigeration system 100 can adjust the pressure of the mixed fluid flowing out of the confluence section 151 and perform partial load operation.

[0186] This modified example is also applicable to the merging section 251 of the second and third embodiments, the first merging section 451 and the second merging section 452 of the fourth embodiment, the first merging section 551 and the second merging section 552 of the fifth embodiment, and the merging section 151 of the sixth and seventh embodiments.

[0187] (4-3) Modified Example C In the refrigeration system 100 of the first embodiment, if the confluence section 151 is the ejector mechanism shown in Figure 5, the confluence section 151 may have a member that changes the cross-sectional area of ​​the diffuser section 151e as a pressure adjustment mechanism as in Modified Example B. For example, the confluence section 151 may have an annular member made of an elastic material such as rubber and resin placed in the diffuser section 151e as a pressure adjustment mechanism. The annular member is installed, for example, at the point where the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the diffuser section 151e is smallest or at the point where the flow path cross-sectional area is largest. The annular member is configured, for example, to expand as the pressure in the diffuser section 151e increases. In this case, the amount of refrigerant passing through the annular member increases as the pressure in the diffuser section 151e increases. By using a member such as this annular member, the refrigeration system 100 can adjust the pressure of the mixed fluid flowing out of the confluence section 151 and perform partial load operation.

[0188] This modified example is also applicable to the merging section 251 of the second and third embodiments, the first merging section 451 and the second merging section 452 of the fourth embodiment, the first merging section 551 and the second merging section 552 of the fifth embodiment, and the merging section 151 of the sixth and seventh embodiments.

[0189] (4-4) Modification D In the refrigeration devices 200, 300, 400, and 500 of the second to fifth embodiments, the second container 234 does not have to be located below the first container 233. For example, the second container 234 may be located at the same height as the first container 233. Even in this case, when the second control valve 262 is open, the adsorbent in the first lower space 233a of the first container 233 flows through the first piping 211a due to the pressure difference between the inside of the first container 233 and the inside of the second container 234 and is supplied to the second upper space 234b of the second container 234.

[0190] (4-5) Modified Example E The refrigeration system 600 of the sixth embodiment has a refrigerant flow path 611 in which two compressors (a first compressor 631 and a second compressor 632) are connected in series.

[0191] Similar to the refrigeration system 600 of the sixth embodiment, the refrigeration system 200 of the second embodiment may have a refrigerant flow path 211 in which two compressors are connected in series. In this case, as shown in Figure 21, the refrigerant flow path 211 further includes a first compressor 231a, a second compressor 231b, an 18th pipe 211n, and a 19th pipe 211o. The first compressor 231a and the second compressor 231b are connected in series. The second compressor 231b is the lower-stage compressor. The first compressor 231a is the higher-stage compressor. The first compressor 231a corresponds to the compressor 231 of the second embodiment. The 18th pipe 211n connects the discharge side of the second compressor 231b to the suction side of the first compressor 231a. The 19th pipe 211o connects the 18th pipe 211n to the fourth pipe 211d.

[0192] Similarly, the refrigeration system 300 of the third embodiment may have a refrigerant flow path 311 in which two compressors are connected in series. In this case, the 19th pipe 211o connects the 18th pipe 211n and the downstream pipe at the point where the three 4th pipes 211d merge.

[0193] Modifications A to D are applicable to the refrigeration apparatus 200 and 300 of this modification.

[0194] (4-6) Modified Example F The refrigeration system 700 of the seventh embodiment has a refrigerant flow path 711 in which two compressors (a first compressor 731 and a second compressor 732) are connected in parallel.

[0195] Similar to the refrigeration system 700 of the seventh embodiment, the refrigeration system 200 of the second embodiment may have a refrigerant flow path 211 in which two compressors are connected in parallel. In this case, as shown in Figure 22, the refrigerant flow path 211 further includes a first compressor 231a, a second compressor 231b, a 20th pipe 211p, and a 21st pipe 211q. The first compressor 231a and the second compressor 231b are connected in parallel. The first compressor 231a corresponds to the compressor 231 of the second embodiment. The 20th pipe 211p connects the 5th pipe 211e to the suction side of the second compressor 231b. The 21st pipe 211q connects the discharge side of the second compressor 231b to the 4th pipe 211d.

[0196] Similarly, the refrigeration system 300 of the third embodiment may have a refrigerant flow path 311 in which two compressors are connected in parallel. In this case, the 21st pipe 211q connects the discharge side of the second compressor 231b to the downstream pipe at the point where the three 4th pipes 211d merge.

[0197] Modifications A to D are applicable to the refrigeration apparatus 200 and 300 of this modification.

[0198] (4-7) Modification G The adsorbent used in the refrigeration apparatus 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 of the first to seventh embodiments is a metal-organic structure. However, materials other than metal-organic structures may be used as the adsorbent. Examples of materials other than metal-organic structures include activated carbon, zeolite-based materials, silica-based materials, and alumina-based materials.

[0199] While embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that various modifications to the form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as described in the claims.

[0200] 100: Refrigeration device 111g: 15th piping (first flow path) 105: Control unit 131: Compressor (first compressor) 132: Expansion mechanism (pressure reduction section) 133: First heat exchanger (first heat recovery section, second heat recovery section) 134: Second heat exchanger (first heat recovery section, second heat recovery section) 141: Separation section 151: Confluence section 151a: Casing 151b: Nozzle 151c: Suction chamber 151d: Mixing section 161: First control valve (control valve) 200: Refrigeration device 205: Control unit 231: Compressor (first compressor) 232: Expansion mechanism (pressure reduction section) 233: First container (first heat recovery section) 234: Second container (second heat recovery section) 251: Confluence section 261: First control valve (control valve) 262: Second control valve (control valve) 300: Refrigeration unit 305: Control unit 400: Refrigeration unit 405: Control unit 500: Refrigeration unit 505: Control unit 600: Refrigeration unit 631: First compressor 632: Second compressor 700: Refrigeration unit 731: First compressor 732: Second compressor

[0201] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2023 / 0417459

Claims

1. A refrigeration system in which a refrigerant and an adsorbent that adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant in accordance with changes in the pressure of the refrigerant are circulated, comprising: a first compressor (131, 231, 631, 731); a first heat recovery unit (133, 134, 233) for recovering the heat generated when the adsorbent adsorbs the refrigerant; a second heat recovery unit (133, 134, 234) for recovering the cold generated when the adsorbent desorbs the refrigerant; a pressure reduction unit (132, 232) for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant; a separation unit (141) for separating the refrigerant and the adsorbent; a confluence unit (151, 251) for confluence the refrigerant separated in the separation unit and the adsorbent separated in the separation unit; and a control unit (105, 205, 305, 405, 505) for controlling the first compressor. The separation section has a first inlet connected to the second heat recovery section, a first outlet connected to the suction side of the first compressor, and a second outlet connected to the confluence section, and the confluence section has a second inlet connected to the discharge side of the first compressor, a third inlet connected to the second outlet section, and a third outlet connected to the first heat recovery section, thus a refrigeration system (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700).

2. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising control valves (161, 261, 262) whose opening degree can be adjusted, wherein the control unit further controls the control valves.

3. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the confluence section comprises: a casing (151a); a nozzle (151b) attached to the casing into which the refrigerant separated in the separation section flows; a suction chamber (151c) formed inside the casing into which the adsorbent separated in the separation section flows; and a mixing section (151d) formed inside the casing into which the refrigerant and the adsorbent merge.

4. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit performs at least one of the following: a first control that changes the rotational speed of the first compressor to adjust the amount of refrigerant flowing into the nozzle, and a second control that changes the opening degree of the adjustment valve to adjust the amount of adsorbent flowing into the suction chamber.

5. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, comprising a plurality of junctions, including a first junction and a second junction, wherein at least one of the nozzle, the suction chamber, and the mixing section of the first junction is different from that of the second junction.

6. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 5, comprising a plurality of control valves provided between the first confluence and the separation section, and between the second confluence and the separation section, wherein the control unit adjusts the opening degree of at least one of the plurality of control valves.

7. The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the separator is positioned above the confluence section.

8. The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the third outlet is configured to allow the refrigerant and the adsorbent to flow out horizontally or downward.

9. The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the confluence section has an adjustment section for adjusting the pressure of the refrigerant flowing inside the nozzle.

10. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the adjustment unit includes a first member movably disposed inside the nozzle, and the control unit adjusts the pressure of the refrigerant flowing inside the nozzle by changing the position of the first member.

11. The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the second heat recovery unit and the separation unit are integrated.

12. A refrigeration apparatus (600) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a second compressor (632) and a first flow path (111g), wherein the suction side of the second compressor is connected to the first outlet, the discharge side of the second compressor is connected to the suction side of the first compressor (631), the first flow path connects the space between the discharge side of the second compressor and the suction side of the first compressor to the space between the third outlet and the first heat recovery unit, and the control unit further controls the second compressor.

13. A refrigeration apparatus (700) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a second compressor (732), wherein the suction side of the second compressor is connected between the first outlet and the suction side of the first compressor (731), the discharge side of the second compressor is connected between the third outlet and the first heat recovery unit, and the control unit further controls the second compressor.

14. The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the adsorbent comprises a metal-organic structure containing a metal ion and an organic ligand.

15. The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the refrigerant comprises at least one of carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, ammonia, water, HFCs, and HFOs.

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