Refrigeration apparatus

Abstract

In an adsorption refrigeration cycle, immediately after a flow path of the heat medium that exchanges heat with a refrigerant is switched, a low-temperature heat medium is supplied to a heat exchanger to which a high-temperature heat medium is supplied, and the high-temperature heat medium is supplied to the heat exchanger to which the low-temperature heat medium is supplied. A refrigeration apparatus (100) comprises a heat-source-side circuit (101), a use-side circuit (102), a first container (121), and a second container (122). The heat-source-side circuit (101) has a compressor (131) and a refrigerant flow path (111). The use-side circuit (102) has a first heat exchanger (142), a second heat exchanger (152), a heat medium flow path (112), and a switching mechanism. A heat medium from which hot heat or cold heat has been recovered is supplied to the first heat exchanger (142) and the second heat exchanger (152). The heat medium flow path (112) has a first state, a second state, and a third state. In the third state, the first container (121) and the second container (122) are connected. The control unit (105) controls the switching mechanism so as to repeatedly transition to the first state, the third state, the second state, and the third state in the stated order.

Description

Refrigeration equipment

[0001] Regarding refrigeration equipment.

[0002] Conventionally, refrigeration systems equipped with adsorption-type refrigeration cycles have been used. As such a refrigeration system, Patent Document 1 (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2023 / 0417459) discloses a refrigeration system comprising a heat source side circuit having a pair of containers in which refrigerant is adsorbed and desorbed alternately, and a utilization side circuit in which a heat transfer medium for recovering the heat of adsorption or desorption of the refrigerant is circulated. In the heat source side circuit, a mode in which the refrigerant is adsorbed in one container and desorbed in the other container is alternately switched between and a mode in which the refrigerant is desorbed in the one container and adsorbed in the other container. As a result, heat is continuously recovered from the heat source side circuit by the heat transfer medium in the utilization side circuit.

[0003] Assume the user-side circuit includes a first heat exchanger to which a high-temperature heat transfer medium, which recovers the heat of adsorption of the refrigerant, is supplied, and a second heat exchanger to which a low-temperature heat transfer medium, which recovers the heat of desorption of the refrigerant, is supplied. In this case, immediately after switching the mode of the heat source-side circuit, the first heat exchanger is supplied with a low-temperature heat transfer medium and the second heat exchanger is supplied with a high-temperature heat transfer medium, which may cause a temporary decrease in the capacity of the refrigeration system.

[0004] The refrigeration device of the first aspect includes a heat source side circuit, a utilization side circuit, a first container, a second container, and a control unit. The heat source side circuit has a compressor and a refrigerant flow path through which the refrigerant flows. The utilization side circuit has a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a heat medium flow path through which the heat medium flows, and a switching mechanism for switching the heat medium flow path. The first container and the second container have an adsorbent that adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant in response to a change in the pressure of the refrigerant. In the first container and the second container, the heat generated when the adsorbent adsorbs the refrigerant and the cold generated when the adsorbent desorbs the refrigerant are recovered. The first container and the second container are connected to the refrigerant flow path and the heat medium flow path. The compressor sucks in and compresses the low-pressure refrigerant and discharges it as high-pressure refrigerant. The first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are supplied with the heat medium that has recovered heat or cold in the first container and the second container. The heat medium flow path has a first state, a second state, and a third state. In the first state, the first container is connected to the first heat exchanger, and the second container is connected to the second heat exchanger. In the second state, the first container is connected to the second heat exchanger, and the second container is connected to the first heat exchanger. In the third state, the first container is connected to the second container. The control unit controls the switching mechanism so that the heat medium flow path repeatedly shifts in the order of the first state, the third state, the second state, and the third state.

[0005] The refrigeration device of the first aspect can suppress a temporary decrease in capacity immediately after switching the flow path through which the refrigerant that adsorbs and desorbs with respect to the adsorbent flows.

[0006] The refrigeration device of the second aspect is the refrigeration device of the first aspect, and the switching mechanism includes a first valve, a second valve, a third valve, a fourth valve, and a fifth valve. The first valve is disposed on the heat medium flow path connecting the first heat exchanger and the first container. The second valve is disposed on the heat medium flow path connecting the second heat exchanger and the second container. The third valve is disposed on the heat medium flow path connecting the first heat exchanger and the second container. The fourth valve is disposed on the heat medium flow path connecting the second heat exchanger and the first container. The fifth valve is disposed on the heat medium flow path connecting the first container and the second container.

[0007] The refrigeration device of the second aspect can switch the state of the heat medium flow path by controlling the opening and closing of the first to fifth valves.

[0008] The refrigeration apparatus in the third aspect is the refrigeration apparatus in the second aspect, wherein the control unit opens the first and second valves and closes the third, fourth, and fifth valves when the heat transfer medium flow path is in a first state. The control unit opens the third and fourth valves and closes the first, second, and fifth valves when the heat transfer medium flow path is in a second state. The control unit opens the fifth valve and closes the first, second, third, and fourth valves when the heat transfer medium flow path is in a third state.

[0009] The third type of refrigeration device can switch the state of the heat transfer medium flow path by controlling the opening and closing of the first to fifth valves.

[0010] The refrigeration apparatus of the fourth aspect is a refrigeration apparatus of any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the heat source side circuit further includes a bypass flow path and a bypass valve. The bypass flow path connects the first container and the second container without passing through the compressor. The bypass valve is provided in the bypass flow path. The control unit closes the bypass valve when the heat transfer medium flow path is in the first or second state. The control unit opens the bypass valve for part of the period when the heat transfer medium flow path is in the third state.

[0011] The refrigeration system in the fourth aspect can increase its capacity per unit time by controlling the opening and closing of the bypass valve, thereby shortening the time it takes for the pressure in the first and second containers to reach the adsorption pressure or desorption pressure.

[0012] The refrigeration system of the fifth aspect is a refrigeration system of any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the control unit drives the compressor when the heat transfer medium flow path is in the first or second state, and stops the compressor when the heat transfer medium flow path is in the third state.

[0013] The refrigeration apparatus of the sixth aspect is a refrigeration apparatus of any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the user-side circuit further includes at least two pumps arranged in the heat transfer medium flow path and supplying the heat transfer medium to the first and second containers.

[0014] The refrigeration apparatus of the seventh aspect is the refrigeration apparatus of the sixth aspect, wherein at least two pumps include a first pump, a second pump, and a third pump. The first and second pumps supply heat transfer fluid to the first and second containers when the heat transfer fluid flow path is in a first or second state. The third pump supplies heat transfer fluid to the first and second containers when the heat transfer fluid flow path is in a third state.

[0015] The refrigeration apparatus of the eighth aspect is the refrigeration apparatus of the sixth aspect, wherein at least two pumps include a first pump and a second pump. The first pump and the second pump deliver the heat transfer medium to the first container and the second container when the heat transfer medium flow path is in a first state or a second state. The first pump or the second pump delivers the heat transfer medium to the first container and the second container when the heat transfer medium flow path is in a third state.

[0016] The refrigeration system of the ninth aspect comprises a heat source side circuit, a utilization side circuit, a first container, a second container, a third container, a fourth container, and a control unit. The heat source side circuit has a compressor and a refrigerant flow path through which the refrigerant flows. The utilization side circuit has a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a heat medium flow path through which the heat medium flows, and a switching mechanism for switching the heat medium flow path. The first and second containers have an adsorbent that adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant in response to changes in the refrigerant pressure. The first and second containers recover the heat generated when the adsorbent adsorbs the refrigerant and the cold generated when the adsorbent desorbs the refrigerant. The first and second containers are connected to the refrigerant flow path and the heat medium flow path. The compressor sucks in low-pressure refrigerant, compresses it, and discharges it as high-pressure refrigerant. The first and second heat exchangers are supplied with the heat medium from which heat or cold has been recovered in the first, second, third, and fourth containers. The heat transfer medium flow path has a first state, a second state, a third state, and a fourth state. In the first state, the first container is connected to the second heat exchanger, the second container is connected to the first heat exchanger, and the third container is connected to the fourth container. In the second state, the third container is connected to the second heat exchanger, the fourth container is connected to the first heat exchanger, and the first container is connected to the second container. In the third state, the first container is connected to the first heat exchanger, the second container is connected to the second heat exchanger, and the third container is connected to the fourth container. In the fourth state, the third container is connected to the first heat exchanger, the fourth container is connected to the second heat exchanger, and the first container is connected to the second container. The control unit controls the switching mechanism so that the heat transfer fluid flow path repeatedly transitions through the first, second, third, and fourth states in that order.

[0017] The refrigeration system described in the ninth aspect can suppress the temporary decrease in capacity that occurs immediately after switching the flow path through which the refrigerant adsorbs and desorbs onto the adsorbent is transferred.

[0018] The refrigeration apparatus of the tenth aspect is the refrigeration apparatus of the ninth aspect, wherein the control unit continuously drives the compressor while the heat transfer medium flow path is in the first to fourth states.

[0019] The refrigeration system described in the tenth perspective does not require the compressor to be stopped during operation, thus suppressing a decrease in the reliability of the compressor.

[0020] The refrigeration system of the eleventh aspect comprises a heat source side circuit, a utilization side circuit, a first container, a second container, a third container, a fourth container, and a control unit. The heat source side circuit has a compressor and a refrigerant flow path through which the refrigerant flows. The utilization side circuit has a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, and a heat medium flow path through which the heat medium flows. The first container, the second container, the third container, and the fourth container each have an adsorbent that adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant in response to changes in the refrigerant pressure. The first container, the second container, the third container, and the fourth container recover the heat generated when the adsorbent adsorbs the refrigerant and the cold generated when the adsorbent desorbs the refrigerant. The first container, the second container, the third container, and the fourth container are connected to the refrigerant flow path and the heat medium flow path. In the user-side circuit, the first container is connected to the second and fourth containers, the second container is connected to the third container, and the third container is connected to the fourth container. In the heat transfer medium flow path, the heat transfer medium circulates between the first, second, third, and fourth containers.

[0021] The refrigeration system described in the eleventh perspective can increase the capacity per unit time by suppressing the temporary decrease in the heat exchange capacity of the heat exchanger.

[0022] The refrigeration system of the twelfth aspect is the refrigeration system of the eleventh aspect, and the control unit performs a first operation which sequentially switches the refrigeration system in the order of first state, second state, third state, fourth state, and back to first state. In the first state, the suction side of the compressor is connected to the first container and the discharge side of the compressor is connected to the third container. In the second state, the suction side of the compressor is connected to the second container and the discharge side of the compressor is connected to the fourth container. In the third state, the suction side of the compressor is connected to the third container and the discharge side of the compressor is connected to the first container. In the fourth state, the suction side of the compressor is connected to the fourth container and the discharge side of the compressor is connected to the second container.

[0023] The refrigeration apparatus of the twelfth perspective can be configured such that the suction and discharge sides of the compressor are sequentially connected to the first to fourth containers by sequentially switching between the first to fourth states.

[0024] The refrigeration apparatus of the 13th aspect is the refrigeration apparatus of the 12th aspect, wherein the heat source side circuit further includes a first flow path, a second flow path, a first valve, and a second valve. The first flow path connects a first container and a third container without passing through a compressor. The second flow path connects a second container and a fourth container without passing through a compressor. The first valve is provided in the first flow path. The second valve is provided in the second flow path.

[0025] The refrigeration apparatus of the 13th aspect can increase its capacity per unit time by controlling the opening and closing of the first and second valves, thereby shortening the time it takes for the pressure in the first to fourth containers to reach the adsorption pressure or desorption pressure.

[0026] The refrigeration device of the 14th aspect is the refrigeration device of the 13th aspect, wherein the control unit opens the second valve for part of the period during which the refrigeration device is in the first or third state. The control unit opens the first valve for part of the period during which the refrigeration device is in the second or fourth state.

[0027] The refrigeration apparatus of the 14th aspect can increase its capacity per unit time by controlling the opening and closing of the first and second valves, thereby shortening the time it takes for the pressure in the first to fourth containers to reach the adsorption pressure or desorption pressure.

[0028] The refrigeration apparatus of the 15th aspect is a refrigeration apparatus of any one of the 12th to 14th aspects, wherein the heat source side circuit further includes a four-way switching valve configured to switch the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant flow path.

[0029] The refrigeration apparatus of the 16th aspect is a refrigeration apparatus of any one of the 12th to 15th aspects, wherein in the first state, the heat transfer medium circulates in the order of the first heat exchanger, the fourth container, the first container, the second heat exchanger, the second container, the third container, and the first heat exchanger.

[0030] The refrigeration system described in the 16th perspective can suppress the temporary decrease in the heat exchange capacity of the heat exchanger and increase the capacity per unit time.

[0031] The refrigeration system of the 17th aspect is a refrigeration system of any one of the 12th to 16th aspects, wherein the control unit continuously drives the compressor during the execution of the first operation.

[0032] The refrigeration system described in the 17th perspective does not require the compressor to be stopped during operation, thus suppressing a decrease in the reliability of the compressor.

[0033] The refrigeration apparatus of the 18th aspect is a refrigeration apparatus of any one of the 12th to 17th aspects, wherein the user-side circuit further includes a discharge unit. The discharge unit delivers a heat transfer medium to the first container, the second container, the third container, and the fourth container. The control unit continuously drives the discharge unit during the execution of the first operation.

[0034] In the 18th aspect of the refrigeration system, if the discharge unit is a pump, there is no need to stop the discharge unit during operation, thus suppressing a decrease in the reliability of the discharge unit.

[0035] The refrigeration apparatus of the 19th aspect is a refrigeration apparatus according to any one of the first to 18th aspects, wherein the adsorbent includes a metal-organic structure containing a metal ion and an organic ligand.

[0036] The refrigeration apparatus of the 20th aspect is a refrigeration apparatus of any one of the first to 19 aspects, wherein the refrigerant includes at least one of carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, ammonia, water, HFCs, and HFOs.

[0037] This is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration device 100 of the first embodiment. This is a block diagram of the refrigeration device 100 of the first embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration device 100 in the first state of the first embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration device 100 in the second state of the first embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration device 100 in the third state of the first embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the first container 121 and the second container 122 of the first embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating the first to third states of the refrigeration device 100 of the first embodiment. This is a flowchart of the control of the refrigeration device 100 of the first embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration device 200 of the second embodiment. This is a block diagram of the refrigeration device 200 of the second embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration device 200 in the first state of the second embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration device 200 in the second state of the second embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration device 200 in the third state of the second embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration device 200 in the fourth state of the second embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating the first to fourth states of the refrigeration device 200 of the second embodiment. This figure illustrates the first to fourth states of the refrigeration system 200 of the second embodiment. This is a flowchart of the control 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 heat recovery process in the first state of the refrigeration system 300 of the third embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the pressure equalization process in the first state of the refrigeration system 300 of the third embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the heat recovery process in the second state of the refrigeration system 300 of the third embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the pressure equalization process in the second state of the refrigeration system 300 of the third embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the heat recovery process in the third state of the refrigeration system 300 of the third embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the pressure equalization process in the third state of the refrigeration system 300 of the third embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the heat recovery process in the fourth state of the refrigeration system 300 of the third embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the first container 121, second container 122, third container 123, and fourth container 124 of the third embodiment. This is a flowchart of the control of the refrigeration device 300 of the third embodiment. This is a table describing the first to fourth states of the refrigeration device 300 of the third embodiment. This is a table describing the first to fourth states of the refrigeration device 300 of the third embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration device 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 heat recovery process in the first state of the refrigeration system 400 of the fourth embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the pressure equalization process in the first state of the refrigeration system 400 of the fourth embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the heat recovery process in the second state of the refrigeration system 400 of the fourth embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the pressure equalization process in the second state of the refrigeration system 400 of the fourth embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the heat recovery process in the third state of the refrigeration system 400 of the fourth embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the heat recovery process in the fourth state of the refrigeration system 400 of the fourth embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the pressure equalization process in the fourth state of the refrigeration system 400 of the fourth embodiment. This is a table describing the first to fourth states of the refrigeration system 400 of the fourth embodiment. This is a table describing the first to fourth states 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 heat recovery process in the first state of the refrigeration system 500 of the fifth embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the pressure equalization process in the first state of the refrigeration system 500 of the fifth embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the heat recovery process in the second state of the refrigeration system 500 of the fifth embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the pressure equalization process in the second state of the refrigeration system 500 of the fifth embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the heat recovery process in the third state of the refrigeration system 500 of the fifth embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the heat recovery process in the fourth state of the refrigeration system 500 of the fifth embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the pressure equalization process in the fourth state of the refrigeration system 500 of the fifth embodiment. This is a table describing the first to fourth states of the refrigeration system 500 of the fifth embodiment. This is a table describing the first to fourth states of the refrigeration system 500 of the fifth embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration system 100 of modified example A. This is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration system 100 of modified example A in the first state. This is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration system 100 of modified example A in the second state. This is a schematic diagram of the third state of the refrigeration device 100 in modified example A.

[0038] —First Embodiment— (1) Overall Configuration of the Refrigeration System 100 The refrigeration system 100 of the first embodiment includes, as shown in Figure 1, a heat source side circuit 101, a utilization side circuit 102, a first fan 143, and a second fan 153. The heat source side circuit 101 has a refrigerant flow path 111 through which the refrigerant flows. The utilization side circuit 102 has a heat medium flow path 112 through which the heat medium flows. In Figure 1, the refrigerant flow path 111 is drawn with a dotted line, and the heat medium flow path 112 is drawn with a solid line. The refrigeration system 100 is, for example, an air conditioning system. When the refrigeration system 100 is an air conditioning system, one of the first fan 143 and the second fan 153 is provided in the indoor unit, and the other is provided in the outdoor unit.

[0039] The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant channel 111 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.

[0040] The heat transfer medium flowing through the heat transfer medium channel 112 is selected from the group consisting of, for example, water, brine, and air. Brine is a liquid with a freezing point of 0°C or lower.

[0041] The refrigeration system 100 further includes a control unit 105. As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 105 controls the operation of each element constituting the heat source side circuit 101 and the utilization side circuit 102. 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.

[0042] (1-1) Heat source side circuit 101 The heat source side circuit 101 constitutes a refrigeration cycle that functions as a heat pump that utilizes heat (heating or cooling) generated when the refrigerant is adsorbed or desorbed by the adsorbent. The adsorbent is a powder of an adsorbent material.

[0043] The heat source side circuit 101 includes a compressor 131, a first container 121, a second container 122, and a refrigerant flow path 111. The heat source side circuit 101 further includes a refrigerant valve R1-1, a refrigerant valve R1-2, a refrigerant valve R2-1, and a refrigerant valve R2-2. The refrigerant flow path 111 connects the compressor 131, the first container 121, and the second container 122. The refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R2-1, and R2-2 are provided on the refrigerant flow path 111.

[0044] The compressor 131 compresses the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path 111. The compressor 131 is, for example, a rotary compressor. The compressor 131 sucks in low-pressure refrigerant from the refrigerant flow path 111, compresses it, and discharges it as high-pressure refrigerant into the refrigerant flow path 111. The low-pressure refrigerant is the refrigerant in the refrigerant flow path 111 before being compressed by the compressor 131. The high-pressure refrigerant is the refrigerant in the refrigerant flow path 111 after being compressed by the compressor 131. During the operation of the compressor 131, lubricating oil enclosed in the refrigerant flow path 111 is supplied to the sliding part of the compressor 131. A part of the lubricating oil is stored at the bottom of the casing of the compressor 131.

[0045] The first container 121 and the second container 122 have an adsorbent that adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant. In the first container 121 and the second container 122, the adsorption heat or desorption heat is recovered by the heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 112. The adsorption heat is the heating generated when the adsorbent adsorbs the refrigerant. The desorption heat is the cooling generated when the adsorbent desorbs the refrigerant. Generating heating means that the temperature of the heat medium rises by absorbing heat. Generating cooling means that the temperature of the heat medium drops by absorbing heat from the heat medium.

[0046] The refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R2-1, and R2-2 are solenoid valves. The refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R2-1, and R2-2 change the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path 111. The refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R2-1, and R2-2 are arranged so that the refrigerant flow path 111 can be switched between the first mode and the second mode.

[0047] On the discharge side of the compressor 131, the refrigerant flow path 111 branches into a flow path where the refrigerant valve R1-1 is arranged and a flow path where the refrigerant valve R2-1 is arranged. On the suction side of the compressor 131, the refrigerant flow path 111 branches into a flow path where the refrigerant valve R1-2 is arranged and a flow path where the refrigerant valve R2-2 is arranged. The flow path where the refrigerant valve R1-1 is arranged and the flow path where the refrigerant valve R1-2 is arranged merge and are connected to the second container 122. The flow path where the refrigerant valve R2-1 is arranged and the flow path where the refrigerant valve R2-2 is arranged merge and are connected to the first container 121.

[0048] In FIG. 1, when the refrigerant flow path 111 is in the first mode, the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path 111 is indicated by a solid arrow. In FIG. 1, when the refrigerant flow path 111 is in the second mode, the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path 111 is indicated by a dashed arrow.

[0049] In the first mode, the discharge side of the compressor 131 and the first container 121 are connected via the refrigerant valve R2-1. In the first mode, the suction side of the compressor 131 and the second container 122 are connected via the refrigerant valve R1-2. In the first mode, the refrigerant valves R2-1 and R1-2 are opened, and the refrigerant valves R1-1 and R2-2 are closed.

[0050] In the second mode, the discharge side of the compressor 131 and the second container 122 are connected via the refrigerant valve R1-1. In the second mode, the suction side of the compressor 131 and the first container 121 are connected via the refrigerant valve R2-2. In the second mode, the refrigerant valves R2-1 and R1-2 are closed, and the refrigerant valves R1-1 and R2-2 are opened.

[0051] The heat source circuit 101 further includes a bypass flow path 210. The bypass flow path 210 connects the first container 121 and the second container 122 without passing through the compressor 131. The bypass flow path 210 connects the first container 121 and the second container 122 in the refrigerant flow path 111.

[0052] The heat source circuit 101 further includes a bypass valve R3, which is an opening and closing mechanism for the bypass flow path 210. The bypass valve R3 is, for example, a solenoid valve. The bypass valve R3 is attached to the piping through which the refrigerant flows in the bypass flow path 210.

[0053] The control unit 105 controls the compressor 131, refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R2-1, R2-2, and bypass valve R3. 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 and closing of the refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R2-1, and R2-2 to switch the refrigerant flow path 111 between the first mode and the second mode. The control unit 105 controls the opening and closing of the bypass valve R3 to allow or block the flow of refrigerant in the bypass flow path 210.

[0054] (1-2) Utilization-side circuit 102 The utilization-side circuit 102 functions as a heat transfer means for utilizing the heat generated in the heat source-side circuit 101 via a heat transfer medium. The heat transfer medium flowing through the heat transfer medium channel 112 transfers the heat of adsorption or desorption recovered in the first container 121 or the second container 122 to a predetermined location.

[0055] The user-side circuit 102 includes a first container 121, a second container 122, a first heat exchanger 142, a second heat exchanger 152, and a heat transfer medium flow path 112. The user-side circuit 102 further includes a first fluid pump 141, a second fluid pump 151, a third fluid pump 155, a heat transfer medium valve H1-1, a heat transfer medium valve H1-2, a heat transfer medium valve H1-3, a heat transfer medium valve H1-4, a heat transfer medium valve H2-1, a heat transfer medium valve H2-2, a heat transfer medium valve H2-3, a heat transfer medium valve H2-4, a heat transfer medium valve H3-1, and a heat transfer medium valve H3-2. The heat transfer medium flow path 112 connects the first container 121, the second container 122, the first fluid pump 141, the first heat exchanger 142, the second fluid pump 151, the second heat exchanger 152, and the third fluid pump 155. Heat transfer medium valves H1-1, H1-2, H1-3, H1-4, H2-1, H2-2, H2-3, H2-4, H3-1, and H3-2 are provided on the heat transfer medium flow path 112.

[0056] The first fluid pump 141 sends the heat transfer medium to the first heat exchanger 142. The first heat exchanger 142 performs heat exchange between the heat transfer medium and air. The first fan 143 generates an airflow that passes through the first heat exchanger 142 so that heat exchange can take place in the first heat exchanger 142.

[0057] The second fluid pump 151 sends the heat transfer medium to the second heat exchanger 152. The second heat exchanger 152 performs heat exchange between the heat transfer medium and air. The second fan 153 generates an airflow that passes through the second heat exchanger 152 so that heat exchange can take place in the second heat exchanger 152.

[0058] The third fluid pump 155 circulates the heat transfer medium between the first container 121 and the second container 122.

[0059] The heat transfer valves H1-1, H1-2, H1-3, H1-4, H2-1, H2-2, H2-3, H2-4, H3-1, and H3-2 are solenoid valves. The heat transfer valves H1-1, H1-2, H1-3, H1-4, H2-1, H2-2, H2-3, H2-4, H3-1, and H3-2 change the flow direction of the heat transfer medium flowing through the heat transfer medium passage 112. The heat transfer valves H1-1, H1-2, H1-3, H1-4, H2-1, H2-2, H2-3, H2-4, H3-1, and H3-2 are arranged so that the heat transfer medium passage 112 can be switched between a first state, a second state, and a third state. When the heat transfer medium passage 112 is in the first state, the refrigerant passage 111 is in the first mode. When the heat transfer fluid channel 112 is in the second state, the refrigerant channel 111 is in the second mode. When the heat transfer fluid channel 112 is in the third state, the refrigerant channel 111 is in the first or second mode.

[0060] On the discharge side of the first fluid pump 141, the heat transfer medium flow path 112 branches into a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H2-1 is located and a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H2-2 is located. On the suction side of the first fluid pump 141, the heat transfer medium flow path 112 branches into a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H2-3 is located and a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H2-4 is located. The first heat exchanger 142 is located between the suction side of the first fluid pump 141 and the heat transfer medium valves H2-3 and H2-4.

[0061] On the discharge side of the second fluid pump 151, the heat transfer medium flow path 112 branches into a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H1-1 is located and a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H1-2 is located. On the suction side of the second fluid pump 151, the heat transfer medium flow path 112 branches into a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H1-3 is located and a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H1-4 is located. The second heat exchanger 152 is located between the suction side of the second fluid pump 151 and the heat transfer medium valves H1-3 and H1-4.

[0062] The third fluid pump 155 is installed in the flow path where the heat transfer valve H3-1 is located.

[0063] The flow path where heat transfer valve H1-1 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H2-2 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H3-1 is located, and the flow path where the second container 122 is located are connected to each other. By opening and closing the heat transfer valves H1-1, H2-2, and H3-1, the heat transfer medium can flow from any one of the flow paths where heat transfer valve H1-1 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H2-2 is located, and the flow path where heat transfer valve H3-1 is located to the flow path where the second container 122 is located.

[0064] The flow path in which heat transfer valve H1-2 is located, the flow path in which heat transfer valve H2-1 is located, the flow path in which heat transfer valve H3-2 is located, and the flow path in which the first container 121 is located are connected to each other. By opening and closing the heat transfer valves H1-2, H2-1, and H3-2, the heat transfer medium can flow from any one of the flow paths in which heat transfer valve H1-2 is located, the flow path in which heat transfer valve H2-1 is located, and the flow path in which heat transfer valve H3-2 is located to the flow path in which the first container 121 is located.

[0065] The flow path where heat transfer valve H1-3 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H2-4 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H3-2 is located, and the flow path where the second container 122 is located are connected to each other. By opening and closing the heat transfer valves H1-3, H2-4, and H3-2, the heat transfer medium can flow from the flow path where the second container 122 is located to any one of the flow paths where heat transfer valve H1-3 is located, where heat transfer valve H2-4 is located, and where heat transfer valve H3-2 is located.

[0066] The flow path where heat transfer valve H1-4 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H2-3 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H3-1 is located, and the flow path where the first container 121 is located are connected to each other. By opening and closing the heat transfer valves H1-4, H2-3, and H3-1, the heat transfer medium can flow from the flow path where the first container 121 is located to one of the flow paths where heat transfer valve H1-4 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H2-3 is located, and the flow path where heat transfer valve H3-1 is located.

[0067] In Figure 3, when the heat transfer medium channel 112 is in the first state, the flow path of the refrigerant through the refrigerant channel 111 is shown by a thick dashed line, and the flow path of the heat transfer medium through the heat transfer medium channel 112 is shown by a thick solid line. In Figure 4, when the heat transfer medium channel 112 is in the second state, the flow path of the refrigerant through the refrigerant channel 111 is shown by a thick dashed line, and the flow path of the heat transfer medium through the heat transfer medium channel 112 is shown by a thick solid line. In Figure 5, when the heat transfer medium channel 112 is in the third state, the flow path of the heat transfer medium through the heat transfer medium channel 112 is shown by a thick solid line. In Figures 3 to 5, among the refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R2-1, and R2-2, the valves that are open to allow the refrigerant to pass through are shown as filled in black. In Figures 3 to 5, among the heat transfer fluid valves H1-1, H1-2, H1-3, H1-4, H2-1, H2-2, H2-3, H2-4, H3-1, and H3-2, the valves that are open to allow the heat transfer fluid to pass through are shown as filled in black.

[0068] When the heat transfer medium channel 112 is in the first state, as shown in Figure 3, the heat transfer medium channel 112 has two independent channels, a first circulation channel C1 and a second circulation channel C2. The heat transfer medium circulates through the first circulation channel C1 and the second circulation channel C2, respectively.

[0069] In the first state, the heat transfer medium circulating in the first circulation channel C1 passes through the first fluid pump 141, the heat transfer valve H2-1, the first container 121, the heat transfer valve H2-3, and the first heat exchanger 142 in that order. In the first state, the heat transfer medium circulating in the second circulation channel C2 passes through the second fluid pump 151, the heat transfer valve H1-1, the second container 122, the heat transfer valve H1-3, and the second heat exchanger 152 in that order. In the first state, the first fluid pump 141 circulates the heat transfer medium in the first circulation channel C1. In the first state, the second fluid pump 151 circulates the heat transfer medium in the second circulation channel C2.

[0070] When the heat transfer medium channel 112 is in the second state, as shown in Figure 4, the heat transfer medium channel 112 has two independent channels, a third circulation channel C3 and a fourth circulation channel C4. The heat transfer medium circulates through the third circulation channel C3 and the fourth circulation channel C4, respectively.

[0071] In the second state, the heat transfer medium circulating in the third circulation channel C3 passes through the first fluid pump 141, the heat transfer valve H2-2, the second container 122, the heat transfer valve H2-4, and the first heat exchanger 142 in that order. In the second state, the heat transfer medium circulating in the fourth circulation channel C4 passes through the second fluid pump 151, the heat transfer valve H1-2, the first container 121, the heat transfer valve H1-4, and the second heat exchanger 152 in that order. In the second state, the first fluid pump 141 circulates the heat transfer medium in the third circulation channel C3. In the second state, the second fluid pump 151 circulates the heat transfer medium in the fourth circulation channel C4.

[0072] When the heat transfer medium channel 112 is in the third state, as shown in Figure 5, the heat transfer medium channel 112 has a fifth circulation channel C5. The heat transfer medium circulates through the fifth circulation channel C5.

[0073] In the third state, the heat transfer medium circulating in the fifth circulation channel C5 passes through the third fluid pump 155, the heat transfer medium valve H3-1, the second container 122, the heat transfer medium valve H3-2, and the first container 121 in this order. In the third state, the third fluid pump 155 circulates the heat transfer medium in the fifth circulation channel C5.

[0074] The control unit 105 controls the first fluid pump 141, the first fan 143, the second fluid pump 151, the second fan 153, the third fluid pump 155, and the heat transfer valves H1-1, H1-2, H1-3, H1-4, H2-1, H2-2, H2-3, H2-4, H3-1, and H3-2. The control unit 105 controls the capacity of the first fluid pump 141, the second fluid pump 151, and the third fluid pump 155. The control unit 105 controls the rotational speed of the first fan 143 and the second fan 153. The control unit 105 controls the opening and closing of the heat transfer fluid valves H1-1, H1-2, H1-3, H1-4, H2-1, H2-2, H2-3, H2-4, H3-1, and H3-2 to switch the heat transfer fluid flow path 112 between a first state, a second state, and a third state.

[0075] (1-3) First container 121 and second container 122 The first container 121 and the second container 122 each comprise a heat recovery member, an adsorbent, and a casing. The first container 121 and the second container 122 each have a first space through which a refrigerant flows and a second space through which a heat transfer medium flows. The first space is part of the refrigerant flow path 111. The second space is part of the heat transfer medium flow path 112. The first space and the second space do not communicate with each other.

[0076] The heat recovery member separates the first space from the second space. The adsorbent is provided in the first space. The adsorbent adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant in the first space in response to changes in the pressure of the refrigerant in the first space. The adsorbent is supported on the first surface, which is the surface of the heat recovery member.

[0077] The adsorbent supported on the first surface includes a metal-organic framework (MOF) containing metal ions and organic ligands. A metal-organic framework 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 framework, the organic ligands bind to the metal ions, resulting in a polymeric structure with countless openings inside. The opening diameter and topology of the metal-organic framework can be adjusted by selectively combining the metal ions and organic ligands. Therefore, the opening diameter of the metal-organic framework can be adjusted by selecting and combining the metal ions and organic ligands, and it can selectively adsorb target substances. For example, metal-organic frameworks are used as porous materials that have the function of selective storage and separation of molecules and ions.

[0078] In the refrigeration system 100, the metal-organic structure is used as an adsorbent for adsorbing and desorbing the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant channel 111. Examples of metal-organic structures include MOF-5, MOF-200, UiO-66, and MIL-101. The adsorbent used in the refrigeration system 100 is, for example, a powder of the metal-organic structure or a molded article of the metal-organic structure. In this case, the adsorbent is supported on the first surface by adhering a mixture of the adsorbent and a binder to the first surface. Examples of binders include acrylic resins, polyester resins, polyolefin resins, and polyurethane resins.

[0079] The heat recovery member is of the cross-fin type. As shown in Figure 6, the heat recovery member includes a plurality of fins 161 and a heat transfer tube 162. The heat transfer tube 162 has a plurality of straight pipe sections 162a extending in a straight line and a folded section 162b connecting two straight pipe sections 162a. In Figure 6, the thickness of the heat transfer tube 162 is omitted. The plurality of fins 161 have through holes in their thickness direction through which the straight pipe sections 162a of the heat transfer tube 162 pass. The plurality of fins 161 are arranged around the straight pipe sections 162a of the heat transfer tube 162 so as to be stacked at predetermined intervals along the direction in which the straight pipe sections 162a extend. The first end 162c and the second end 162d of the heat transfer tube 162 are connected to the heat transfer medium flow path 112. The plurality of fins 161 and the heat transfer tube 162 are housed in a casing 163. The casing 163 has a first opening 163a connected to the refrigerant flow path 111 and a second opening 163b connected to the bypass flow path 210.

[0080] The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant channel 111 flows into the casing 163 through the first opening 163a and flows out of the casing 163 through the first opening 163a. ​​The heat transfer medium flowing through the heat transfer medium channel 112 flows into the heat transfer tube 162 through the first end 162c and flows out of the heat transfer tube 162 through the second end 162d.

[0081] The bypass channel 210 connects the second opening 163b of the first container 121 and the second opening 163b of the second container 122. The bypass channel 210 also connects the first space 164a of the first container 121 and the first space 164a of the second container 122.

[0082] As shown in Figure 6, the first space 164a through which the refrigerant flows is the space inside the casing 163 and outside the heat transfer tube 162. The second space 164b through which the heat transfer medium flows is the space inside the casing 163 and inside the heat transfer tube 162. The first surface 182 on which the adsorbent 181, which adsorbs and desorbs, is supported includes at least a portion of the outer surfaces of the multiple fins 161 and the heat transfer tube 162. The first surface 182 is, for example, the surface of the multiple fins 161 and the outer surface of the heat transfer tube 162. The first surface 182 is in contact with the first space 164a. Therefore, the refrigerant in the first space 164a is in contact with the adsorbent 181 supported on the first surface 182.

[0083] The adsorbent 181 adsorbs the refrigerant in the first space 164a when the pressure of the refrigerant in the first space 164a is equal to or greater than the adsorption pressure. The adsorbent 181 desorbs the refrigerant in the first space 164a when the pressure of the refrigerant in the first space 164a is equal to or less than the desorption pressure. The adsorption pressure is the minimum pressure range in which the adsorbent 181 can adsorb the refrigerant at the temperature of the first space 164a. The desorption pressure is the maximum pressure range in which the adsorbent 181 can desorb the refrigerant at the temperature of the first space 164a. The adsorption pressure and desorption pressure vary depending on the type of adsorbent 181 and the refrigerant.

[0084] (2) Operation of the refrigeration system 100 The operation of the refrigeration system 100 will be explained in the case where the refrigeration system 100 is an air conditioning system. In this case, the first heat exchanger 142 is an indoor heat exchanger, and the second heat exchanger 152 is an outdoor heat exchanger.

[0085] The adsorbent material 181 of the first container 121 and the second container 122 adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant in the refrigerant flow path 111. The adsorbent material 181 adsorbs the refrigerant when it is in contact with refrigerant in the first space 164a whose pressure is equal to or greater than the adsorption pressure. The adsorbent material 181 desorbs the refrigerant when it is in contact with refrigerant in the first space 164a whose pressure is equal to or less than the desorption pressure.

[0086] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the first state, it is possible to connect the discharge side of the compressor 131 to the first container 121 to create a high-pressure state inside the first container 121, and to connect the suction side of the compressor 131 to the second container 122 to create a low-pressure state inside the second container 122. When the first container 121 is in a high-pressure state, the adsorbent 181 of the first container 121 is in contact with the high-pressure refrigerant in the first space 164a. When the second container 122 is in a low-pressure state, the adsorbent 181 of the second container 122 is in contact with the low-pressure refrigerant in the first space 164a.

[0087] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the second state, it is possible to connect the suction side of the compressor 131 to the first container 121 to create a low-pressure state inside the first container 121, and to connect the discharge side of the compressor 131 to the second container 122 to create a high-pressure state inside the second container 122. When the first container 121 is in a low-pressure state, the adsorbent 181 of the first container 121 is in contact with the low-pressure refrigerant in the first space 164a. When the second container 122 is in a high-pressure state, the adsorbent 181 of the second container 122 is in contact with the high-pressure refrigerant in the first space 164a.

[0088] The following describes the change in the adsorption amount, which is the amount of refrigerant adsorbed on the adsorbent 181, when the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the first state. Assume that when the first state starts after the second state has ended, the adsorption amount of the adsorbent 181 in the first container 121 is the first adsorption amount, and the adsorption amount of the adsorbent 181 in the second container 122 is the second adsorption amount. The second adsorption amount is greater than the first adsorption amount. The second adsorption amount is the maximum amount of refrigerant that the adsorbent 181 can adsorb. The second adsorption amount includes not only the theoretical maximum amount, but also an amount that can change depending on the high pressure or the time the high pressure state is maintained. The pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant is greater than or equal to the adsorption pressure, and the pressure of the low-pressure refrigerant is less than or equal to the desorption pressure.

[0089] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the first state, the adsorbent 181 in the first container 121 is in contact with the high-pressure refrigerant, and the adsorbent 181 in the second container 122 is in contact with the low-pressure refrigerant. In the first container 121, the adsorbent 181 gradually adsorbs the refrigerant, and in the process, the adsorbent 181 releases heat. In the second container 122, the adsorbent 181 gradually desorbs the refrigerant, and in the process, the adsorbent 181 absorbs heat. Therefore, the amount of adsorbent 181 in the first container 121 increases from the first adsorption amount to the second adsorption amount, and the amount of adsorbent 181 in the second container 122 decreases from the second adsorption amount to the first adsorption amount.

[0090] The change in the amount of refrigerant adsorbed on the adsorbent 181 when the heat transfer fluid channel 112 is in the second state will be explained. Assume that when the second state starts after the first state has ended, the amount of adsorbed refrigerant on the adsorbent 181 in the first container 121 is the second adsorbed amount, and the amount of adsorbed refrigerant on the adsorbent 181 in the second container 122 is the first adsorbed amount.

[0091] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the second state, the adsorbent 181 in the first container 121 is in contact with the low-pressure refrigerant, and the adsorbent 181 in the second container 122 is in contact with the high-pressure refrigerant. In the first container 121, the adsorbent 181 gradually desorbs the refrigerant, and in the process, the adsorbent 181 absorbs heat. In the second container 122, the adsorbent 181 gradually adsorbs the refrigerant, and in the process, the adsorbent 181 releases heat. Therefore, the amount of adsorbent 181 in the first container 121 decreases from the second adsorption amount to the first adsorption amount, and the amount of adsorbent 181 in the second container 122 increases from the first adsorption amount to the second adsorption amount.

[0092] When the heat transfer medium channel 112 is in the first state, the heat generated in the first container 121 during the process of the adsorbent 181 adsorbing the refrigerant in the first space 164a is recovered into the heat transfer medium in the second space 164b. On the other hand, in the second container 122, the cold energy generated in the process of the adsorbent 181 desorbing the refrigerant adsorbed on it is recovered into the heat transfer medium in the second space 164b. Therefore, in the first container 121, heat is recovered into the heat transfer medium flowing through the first circulation channel C1, and in the second container 122, cold energy is recovered into the heat transfer medium flowing through the second circulation channel C2.

[0093] Subsequently, when the adsorption amount of the adsorbent material 181 in the first container 121 reaches the second adsorption amount, the adsorbent material 181 in the first container 121 becomes less adsorbent of the refrigerant. Also, when the adsorption amount of the adsorbent material 181 in the second container 122 reaches the first adsorption amount, the adsorbent material 181 in the second container 122 becomes less adsorbent of the refrigerant.

[0094] When the heat transfer medium channel 112 is in the second state, the heat generated in the second container 122 during the process of the adsorbent 181 adsorbing the refrigerant in the first space 164a is recovered into the heat transfer medium in the second space 164b. On the other hand, in the first container 121, the cold energy generated in the process of the adsorbent 181 desorbing the refrigerant adsorbed on it is recovered into the heat transfer medium in the second space 164b. Therefore, in the first container 121, cold energy is recovered into the heat transfer medium flowing through the fourth circulation channel C4, and in the second container 122, heat energy is recovered into the heat transfer medium flowing through the third circulation channel C3.

[0095] Subsequently, when the adsorption amount of the adsorbent 181 in the second container 122 reaches a second adsorption amount, the adsorbent 181 in the second container 122 becomes less adsorbent of the refrigerant. Also, when the adsorption amount of the adsorbent 181 in the first container 121 reaches a first adsorption amount, the adsorbent 181 in the first container 121 becomes less adsorbent of the refrigerant.

[0096] As described above, by alternately repeating the first state and the second state in the heat transfer medium flow path 112, the refrigerant can be continuously adsorbed or desorbed onto the adsorbent 181 in either the first container 121 or the second container 122. The refrigeration device 100 can continuously recover the heat generated when the adsorbent 181 adsorbs the refrigerant using the heat transfer medium flowing through the first circulation flow path C1 and the third circulation flow path C3. The refrigeration device 100 can continuously recover the cold generated when the adsorbent 181 desorbs the refrigerant using the heat transfer medium flowing through the second circulation flow path C2 and the fourth circulation flow path C4.

[0097] Therefore, the refrigeration device 100 can continue to supply the heat transfer medium heated by the recovered thermal energy to the first heat exchanger 142, and can continue to supply the heat transfer medium cooled by the recovered cold energy to the second heat exchanger 152. The air heated by heat exchange with the heat transfer medium in the first heat exchanger 142 is sent to a predetermined location by the first fan 143. The air cooled by heat exchange with the heat transfer medium in the second heat exchanger 152 is sent to a predetermined location by the second fan 153.

[0098] (3) The control unit 105 of the refrigeration system 100 controls the compressor 131, refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R2-1, R2-2, bypass valve R3, first fluid pump 141, second fluid pump 151, third fluid pump 155, and heat transfer valves H1-1, H1-2, H1-3, H1-4, H2-1, H2-2, H2-3, H2-4, H3-1, H3-2 so that when the refrigeration system 100 is in operation the heat transfer fluid flow path 112 repeatedly transitions in the order of first state, third state, second state, and third state.

[0099] In the first state, as shown in Figure 3, the first container 121 is connected to the first heat exchanger 142, and the second container 122 is connected to the second heat exchanger 152. In the second state, as shown in Figure 4, the first container 121 is connected to the second heat exchanger 152, and the second container 122 is connected to the first heat exchanger 142. In the third state, as shown in Figure 5, the first container 121 is connected to the second container 122.

[0100] Figure 7 is a table showing the state of each controlled object of the control unit 105 in the first state, second state, and third state. In Figure 7, the compressor 131, first fluid pump 141, second fluid pump 151, and third fluid pump 155 operate when "ON" and stop when "OFF". In Figure 7, the refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R2-1, R2-2, bypass valve R3, and heat transfer valves H1-1, H1-2, H1-3, H1-4, H2-1, H2-2, H2-3, H2-4, H3-1, H3-2 are open when "ON" and closed when "OFF".

[0101] The control unit 105 performs the following control as shown in Figure 7. The control unit 105 operates the compressor 131 in the first and second states and stops the compressor 131 in the third state. The control unit 105 opens refrigerant valves R1-1 and R2-2 in the second state and closes refrigerant valves R1-1 and R2-2 in the first and third states. The control unit 105 opens refrigerant valves R1-2 and R2-1 in the first state and closes refrigerant valves R1-2 and R2-1 in the second and third states. The control unit 105 opens the bypass valve R3 for a predetermined period of time in the third state and closes the bypass valve R3 in the first and second states. The control unit 105 operates the first fluid pump 141 and the second fluid pump 151 in the first and second states and stops the first fluid pump 141 and the second fluid pump 151 in the third state. The control unit 105 operates the third fluid pump 155 for a predetermined period of time when in the third state, and stops the third fluid pump 155 when in the first and second states. The control unit 105 opens heat transfer valves H1-1, H1-3, H2-1, and H2-3 when in the first state, and closes heat transfer valves H1-1, H1-3, H2-1, and H2-3 when in the second and third states. The control unit 105 opens heat transfer valves H1-2, H1-4, H2-2, and H2-4 when in the second state, and closes heat transfer valves H1-2, H1-4, H2-2, and H2-4 when in the first and third states. The control unit 105 opens heat transfer valves H3-1 and H3-2 when in the third state, and closes heat transfer valves H3-1 and H3-2 when in the first and second states.

[0102] As shown in Figure 7, the third state consists of a heat recovery state and a pressure equalization state. In the heat recovery state, the control unit 105 operates the third fluid pump 155 and closes the bypass valve R3. In the pressure equalization state, the control unit 105 stops the third fluid pump 155 and opens the bypass valve R3. In the pressure equalization state, the control unit 105 may also close the heat transfer valve H3-1 and the heat transfer valve H3-2.

[0103] When the refrigeration system 100 is in operation, the control unit 105 controls each of its controlled objects so that the heat transfer medium flow path 112 repeatedly transitions in the order of a first state (step S11), a third state (steps S12-S13), a second state (step S14), and a third state (steps S15-S16), as shown in Figure 8. In the third state, it first transitions to a heat recovery state (steps S12, S15), and then to a pressure equalization state (steps S13, S16).

[0104] (3-1) Heat Recovery State In the third heat recovery state, the first container 121 and the second container 122 are disconnected from the first heat exchanger 142 and the second heat exchanger 152. In other words, in the heat recovery state, the first container 121 and the second container 122 are not in communication with the first heat exchanger 142 and the second heat exchanger 152. In the heat recovery state, the first container 121 and the second container 122 are connected to each other to form the fifth circulation channel C5. In the heat recovery state, heat exchange takes place between the high-temperature heat transfer medium and the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the heat transfer medium channel 112.

[0105] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the first state, a high-temperature heat transfer medium heated by adsorption heat flows through the second space 164b of the first container 121, and a low-temperature heat transfer medium cooled by desorption heat flows through the second space 164b of the second container 122. Therefore, in the first state shown in Figure 3, a high-temperature heat transfer medium is present in the flow path between heat transfer medium valves H2-1 and H2-3 of the first circulation flow path C1, and a low-temperature heat transfer medium is present in the flow path between heat transfer medium valves H1-1 and H1-3 of the second circulation flow path C2. In the heat recovery state of the third state shown in Figure 5, which is the state that follows the first state, the third fluid pump 155 is operated to circulate the heat transfer medium in the fifth circulation flow path C5, thereby performing heat exchange between the high-temperature heat transfer medium in the first container 121 and the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the second container 122. As a result, the heat transfer medium in the first container 121 is cooled and the heat transfer medium in the second container 122 is heated. As a result, in the heat recovery state, the temperature of the high-temperature heat transfer medium in the first container 121 decreases, and the temperature of the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the second container 122 increases, thereby reducing the temperature difference between the heat transfer medium in the first container 121 and the heat transfer medium in the second container 122. In the heat recovery state, it is more preferable that the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the fifth circulation channel C5 becomes approximately uniform.

[0106] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the second state, a low-temperature heat transfer medium cooled by desorption heat flows through the second space 164b of the first container 121, and a high-temperature heat transfer medium heated by adsorption heat flows through the second space 164b of the second container 122. Therefore, in the second state shown in Figure 4, a high-temperature heat transfer medium is present in the flow path between heat transfer medium valves H2-2 and H2-4 of the third circulation flow path C3, and a low-temperature heat transfer medium is present in the flow path between heat transfer medium valves H1-2 and H1-4 of the fourth circulation flow path C4. In the heat recovery state of the third state shown in Figure 5, which is the transition after the second state, the third fluid pump 155 is operated to circulate the heat transfer medium in the fifth circulation flow path C5, thereby performing heat exchange between the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the first container 121 and the high-temperature heat transfer medium in the second container 122. As a result, the heat transfer medium in the first container 121 is heated and the heat transfer medium in the second container 122 is cooled. As a result, in the heat recovery state, the temperature of the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the first container 121 rises and the temperature of the high-temperature heat transfer medium in the second container 122 falls, thereby reducing the temperature difference between the heat transfer medium in the first container 121 and the heat transfer medium in the second container 122. In the heat recovery state, it is more preferable that the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the fifth circulation channel C5 becomes approximately uniform.

[0107] (3-2) Equal Pressure State In the third equal pressure state, with the compressor 131 stopped, the first space 164a of the first container 121 and the first space 164a of the second container 122 are connected. As a result, in the equal pressure state, the difference between the refrigerant pressure in the first container 121 and the refrigerant pressure in the second container 122 decreases.

[0108] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the first state, the first space 164a of the first container 121 is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 131, and the first space 164a of the second container 122 is connected to the suction side of the compressor 131. Therefore, in the first state, the pressure of the refrigerant in the first container 121 is higher than the pressure of the refrigerant in the second container 122. In the third state, the equalized pressure state which follows the first state, the bypass valve R3 is opened, and the first space 164a of the first container 121 and the first space 164a of the second container 122 communicate with each other. As a result, the pressure in the first space 164a of the first container 121 decreases, and the pressure in the first space 164a of the second container 122 increases.

[0109] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the second state, the first space 164a of the first container 121 is connected to the suction side of the compressor 131, and the first space 164a of the second container 122 is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 131. Therefore, in the second state, the pressure of the refrigerant in the first container 121 is lower than the pressure of the refrigerant in the second container 122. In the third state, the equalized pressure state which follows the second state, the bypass valve R3 is opened, and the first space 164a of the first container 121 and the first space 164a of the second container 122 communicate with each other. As a result, the pressure in the first space 164a of the first container 121 increases, and the pressure in the first space 164a of the second container 122 decreases.

[0110] Therefore, in a pressure-equalized state, the difference between the pressure in the first container 121 and the pressure in the second container 122 after opening the bypass valve R3 is smaller than the difference between the pressure in the first container 121 and the pressure in the second container 122 before opening the bypass valve R3. As a result, in a pressure-equalized state, the refrigerant pressure in the first container 121 eventually becomes the same as the refrigerant pressure in the second container 122.

[0111] (4) Features (4-1) The heat transfer medium flow path 112 has a first state in which thermal energy is recovered in the first container 121 and cold energy is recovered in the second container 122, and a second state in which cold energy is recovered in the first container 121 and thermal energy is recovered in the second container 122. The first heat exchanger 142 is supplied with a high-temperature heat transfer medium from which thermal energy has been recovered. The second heat exchanger 152 is supplied with a low-temperature heat transfer medium from which cold energy has been recovered.

[0112] The heat transfer medium flow path 112 further has a third state in which the heat transfer medium is circulated between the first container 121 and the second container 122. The control unit 105 of the refrigeration device 100 transitions to the third state by temporarily disconnecting the first container 121 and the second container 122 from the first heat exchanger 142 and the second heat exchanger 152. When transitioning from the first state to the second state via the third state, in the third state, the high-temperature heat transfer medium in the first container 121 is cooled and the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the second container 122 is heated. When transitioning from the second state to the first state via the third state, in the third state, the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the first container 121 is heated and the high-temperature heat transfer medium in the second container 122 is cooled. This prevents the temporary supply of low-temperature heat transfer medium to the first heat exchanger 142 and the temporary supply of high-temperature heat transfer medium to the second heat exchanger 152 immediately after switching to the first or second state.

[0113] If a low-temperature heat transfer medium is temporarily supplied to the first heat exchanger 142, which is supplied with a high-temperature heat transfer medium from which thermal energy has been recovered, the time required for the first heat exchanger 142 to heat up to a predetermined temperature will be extended. If a high-temperature heat transfer medium is temporarily supplied to the second heat exchanger 152, which is supplied with a low-temperature heat transfer medium from which cold energy has been recovered, the time required for the second heat exchanger 152 to cool down to a predetermined temperature will be extended. Therefore, by having a third state in the heat transfer medium flow path 112, the refrigeration system 100 can suppress a temporary decrease in capacity immediately after switching the heat transfer medium flow path 112 to the first or second state.

[0114] Therefore, the refrigeration device 100 can increase its capacity per unit time compared to the case where it does not have a fifth circulation channel C5 for circulating the heat transfer medium between the first container 121 and the second container 122.

[0115] (4-2) In the third state, the control unit 105 of the refrigeration device 100 temporarily opens the bypass valve R3 to equalize the pressure and reduce the difference between the refrigerant pressure in the first container 121 and the refrigerant pressure in the second container 122.

[0116] When pressure equalization occurs in the third state during the transition from the first state to the second state, the pressure in the first space 164a of the first container 121 decreases, and the pressure in the first space 164a of the second container 122 increases. As a result, the time it takes for the pressure in the first space 164a of the first container 121 to decrease and reach the desorption pressure, and the time it takes for the pressure in the first space 164a of the second container 122 to increase and reach the adsorption pressure are shortened after the transition to the second state.

[0117] When pressure equalization occurs in the third state during the transition from the second state to the first state, the pressure in the first space 164a of the first container 121 increases, and the pressure in the first space 164a of the second container 122 decreases. As a result, the time it takes for the pressure in the first space 164a of the first container 121 to rise and reach the adsorption pressure, and the time it takes for the pressure in the first space 164a of the second container 122 to fall and reach the desorption pressure are shortened after the transition to the first state.

[0118] Until the pressure inside the first container 121 or the second container 122 rises to reach the adsorption pressure, no heat is generated in the first container 121 or the second container 122. Until the pressure inside the first container 121 or the second container 122 falls to reach the desorption pressure, no cold is generated in the first container 121 or the second container 122. By equalizing the pressure, the refrigeration device 100 can shorten the time it takes for the pressure inside the first container 121 and the second container 122 to reach the adsorption pressure or desorption pressure.

[0119] Therefore, the refrigeration system 100 can increase its capacity per unit time compared to the case where the heat source side circuit 101 does not have a bypass flow path 210 and a bypass valve R3.

[0120] —Second Embodiment— (1) Overall Configuration of the Refrigeration System 200 The refrigeration system 200 of the second embodiment includes, as shown in Figure 9, a heat source side circuit 101, a utilization side circuit 102, a first fan 143, and a second fan 153. The heat source side circuit 101 has a refrigerant flow path 111 through which the refrigerant flows. The utilization side circuit 102 has a heat medium flow path 112 through which the heat medium flows. In Figure 9, the refrigerant flow path 111 is drawn with a dotted line, and the heat medium flow path 112 is drawn with a solid line. The refrigeration system 200 is, for example, an air conditioning system. When the refrigeration system 200 is an air conditioning system, one of the first fan 143 and the second fan 153 is provided in the indoor unit, and the other is provided in the outdoor unit.

[0121] The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant channel 111 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.

[0122] The heat transfer medium flowing through the heat transfer medium channel 112 is selected from the group consisting of, for example, water, brine, and air. Brine is a liquid with a freezing point of 0°C or lower.

[0123] The refrigeration system 200 further includes a control unit 105. As shown in Figure 10, the control unit 105 controls the operation of each element constituting the heat source side circuit 101 and the utilization side circuit 102. 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.

[0124] (1-1) Heat source side circuit 101 The heat source side circuit 101 constitutes a refrigeration cycle that functions as a heat pump that utilizes the heat (warmth or coldness) generated when the refrigerant is adsorbed or desorbed onto the adsorbent.

[0125] The heat source circuit 101 includes a compressor 131, a first container 121, a second container 122, a third container 123, a fourth container 124, and a refrigerant flow path 111. The heat source circuit 101 further includes a four-way switching valve 135, refrigerant valve R1-1, refrigerant valve R1-2, refrigerant valve R1-3, and refrigerant valve R1-4. The refrigerant flow path 111 connects the compressor 131, the four-way switching valve 135, the first container 121, the second container 122, the third container 123, and the fourth container 124. The refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R1-3, and R1-4 are provided on the refrigerant flow path 111.

[0126] The compressor 131 compresses the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant passage 111. The compressor 131 is, for example, a rotary compressor. The compressor 131 draws in low-pressure refrigerant from the refrigerant passage 111, compresses it, and discharges it back into the refrigerant passage 111 as high-pressure refrigerant. Low-pressure refrigerant is the refrigerant in the refrigerant passage 111 before it is compressed by the compressor 131. High-pressure refrigerant is the refrigerant in the refrigerant passage 111 after it has been compressed by the compressor 131. During operation of the compressor 131, lubricating oil sealed in the refrigerant passage 111 is supplied to the sliding parts of the compressor 131. A portion of the lubricating oil is stored at the bottom of the compressor 131 casing.

[0127] The first container 121, the second container 122, the third container 123, and the fourth container 124 each have an adsorbent that adsorbs and desorbs a refrigerant. In the first container 121, the second container 122, the third container 123, and the fourth container 124, the heat of adsorption or the heat of desorption is recovered in the heat medium flowing through the heat medium channel 112. The heat of adsorption is the warmth generated when the adsorbent adsorbs the refrigerant. The heat of desorption is the coldness generated when the adsorbent desorbs the refrigerant. The generation of warmth means that the temperature of the heat medium rises as the heat medium absorbs heat. The generation of coldness means that the temperature of the heat medium decreases as it absorbs heat from the heat medium.

[0128] The four-way switching valve 135 switches the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant passage 111. The four-way switching valve 135 is configured to switch the refrigerant passage 111 between a first mode, which is shown by the solid line in Figure 9, and a second mode, which is shown by the dashed line in Figure 9. In the first mode, the discharge side of the compressor 131 is connected to the second container 122 or the fourth container 124, and the suction side of the compressor 131 is connected to the first container 121 or the third container 123. In the second mode, the discharge side of the compressor 131 is connected to the first container 121 or the third container 123, and the suction side of the compressor 131 is connected to the second container 122 or the fourth container 124.

[0129] Refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R1-3, and R1-4 are solenoid valves. In the first mode, the refrigerant flow path 111 on the discharge side of the compressor 131 branches into a flow path where refrigerant valve R1-2 is located and a flow path where refrigerant valve R1-4 is located. In the first mode, the refrigerant flow path 111 on the suction side of the compressor 131 branches into a flow path where refrigerant valve R1-1 is located and a flow path where refrigerant valve R1-3 is located. In the second mode, the refrigerant flow path 111 on the discharge side of the compressor 131 branches into a flow path where refrigerant valve R1-1 is located and a flow path where refrigerant valve R1-3 is located. In the second mode, the refrigerant flow path 111 on the suction side of the compressor 131 branches into a flow path where refrigerant valve R1-2 is located and a flow path where refrigerant valve R1-4 is located. The flow path where refrigerant valve R1-1 is located is connected to the first container 121. The flow path in which refrigerant valve R1-2 is located is connected to the second container 122. The flow path in which refrigerant valve R1-3 is located is connected to the third container 123. The flow path in which refrigerant valve R1-4 is located is connected to the fourth container 124.

[0130] In Figure 9, the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant channel 111 when the refrigerant channel 111 is in the first mode is indicated by a solid arrow. In Figure 9, the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant channel 111 when the refrigerant channel 111 is in the second mode is indicated by a dashed arrow.

[0131] In the first mode, the discharge side of the compressor 131 and the second container 122 are connected via refrigerant valve R1-2. In the first mode, the discharge side of the compressor 131 and the fourth container 124 are connected via refrigerant valve R1-4. In the first mode, the suction side of the compressor 131 and the first container 121 are connected via refrigerant valve R1-1. In the first mode, the suction side of the compressor 131 and the third container 123 are connected via refrigerant valve R1-3.

[0132] In the second mode, the discharge side of the compressor 131 and the first container 121 are connected via refrigerant valve R1-1. In the second mode, the discharge side of the compressor 131 and the third container 123 are connected via refrigerant valve R1-3. In the second mode, the suction side of the compressor 131 and the second container 122 are connected via refrigerant valve R1-2. In the second mode, the suction side of the compressor 131 and the fourth container 124 are connected via refrigerant valve R1-4.

[0133] The heat source side circuit 101 further includes a first bypass flow path 211 and a second bypass flow path 212. The first bypass flow path 211 connects the first container 121 and the second container 122 without passing through the compressor 131. The first bypass flow path 211 connects the first container 121 and the second container 122 in the refrigerant flow path 111. The second bypass flow path 212 connects the third container 123 and the fourth container 124 without passing through the compressor 131. The second bypass flow path 212 connects the third container 123 and the fourth container 124 in the refrigerant flow path 111.

[0134] The heat source side circuit 101 further includes a bypass valve R3-1, which is an opening and closing mechanism for the first bypass passage 211, and a bypass valve R3-2, which is an opening and closing mechanism for the second bypass passage 212. The bypass valves R3-1 and R3-2 are, for example, solenoid valves. Bypass valve R3-1 is attached to the piping through which the refrigerant flows in the first bypass passage 211. Bypass valve R3-2 is attached to the piping through which the refrigerant flows in the second bypass passage 212.

[0135] The control unit 105 controls the compressor 131, the four-way switching valve 135, the refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R1-3, R1-4, the bypass valve R3-1, and the bypass valve R3-2. 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 four-way switching valve 135 to switch between the first mode and the second mode of the refrigerant flow path 111. The control unit 105 controls the opening and closing of the refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R1-3, and R1-4 to allow or block the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant flow path 111. The control unit 105 controls the opening and closing of the bypass valve R3-1 to allow or block the flow of refrigerant in the first bypass flow path 211. The control unit 105 controls the bypass valve R3-2 to open and close, thereby allowing or blocking the flow of refrigerant in the second bypass passage 212.

[0136] (1-2) Utilization-side circuit 102 The utilization-side circuit 102 functions as a heat transfer means for utilizing the heat generated in the heat source-side circuit 101 via a heat transfer medium. The heat transfer medium flowing through the heat transfer medium channel 112 transfers the heat of adsorption or desorption recovered in the first container 121, second container 122, third container 123, or fourth container 124 to a predetermined location.

[0137] The user-side circuit 102 includes a first container 121, a second container 122, a third container 123, a fourth container 124, a first heat exchanger 142, a second heat exchanger 152, and a heat transfer medium flow path 112. The user-side circuit 102 further includes a first fluid pump 141, a second fluid pump 151, a third fluid pump 155, a heat transfer valve H1-1, a heat transfer valve H1-2, a heat transfer valve H1-3, a heat transfer valve H1-4, a heat transfer valve H2-1, a heat transfer valve H2-2, a heat transfer valve H2-3, a heat transfer valve H2-4, a heat transfer valve H3-1, a heat transfer valve H3-2, a heat transfer valve H3-3, a heat transfer valve H3-4, a heat transfer valve H4-1, a heat transfer valve H4-2, a heat transfer valve H4-3, a heat transfer valve H4-4, a heat transfer valve H5-1, a heat transfer valve H5-2, a heat transfer valve H5-3, a heat transfer valve H6-1, a heat transfer valve H6-2, and a heat transfer valve H6-3. Hereafter, these 22 heat transfer valves will be collectively referred to as "heat transfer valves H1-1 to H6-3" as needed. The heat transfer flow path 112 connects the first container 121, the second container 122, the third container 123, the fourth container 124, the first fluid pump 141, the first heat exchanger 142, the second fluid pump 151, the second heat exchanger 152, and the third fluid pump 155. The heat transfer valves H1-1 to H6-3 are installed on the heat transfer flow path 112.

[0138] The first fluid pump 141 sends the heat transfer medium to the first heat exchanger 142. The first heat exchanger 142 performs heat exchange between the heat transfer medium and air. The first fan 143 generates an airflow that passes through the first heat exchanger 142 so that heat exchange can take place in the first heat exchanger 142.

[0139] The second fluid pump 151 sends the heat transfer medium to the second heat exchanger 152. The second heat exchanger 152 performs heat exchange between the heat transfer medium and air. The second fan 153 generates an airflow that passes through the second heat exchanger 152 so that heat exchange can take place in the second heat exchanger 152.

[0140] The third fluid pump 155 circulates the heat transfer medium between the first container 121 and the second container 122, or between the third container 123 and the fourth container 124.

[0141] The heat transfer valves H1-1 to H6-3 are solenoid valves. The heat transfer valves H1-1 to H6-3 change the flow direction of the heat transfer medium flowing through the heat transfer medium passage 112. The heat transfer valves H1-1 to H6-3 are arranged so that the heat transfer medium passage 112 can be switched between a first state, a second state, a third state, and a fourth state. When the heat transfer medium passage 112 is in the first and second states, the refrigerant passage 111 is in the first mode. When the heat transfer medium passage 112 is in the third and fourth states, the refrigerant passage 111 is in the second mode.

[0142] On the discharge side of the first fluid pump 141, the heat transfer medium flow path 112 branches into a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H3-1 is located, a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H3-2 is located, a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H3-3 is located, and a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H3-4 is located. On the suction side of the first fluid pump 141, the heat transfer medium flow path 112 branches into a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H4-1 is located, a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H4-2 is located, a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H4-3 is located, and a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H4-4 is located. The first heat exchanger 142 is located between the suction side of the first fluid pump 141 and the heat transfer medium valves H4-1, H4-2, H4-3, and H4-4.

[0143] On the discharge side of the second fluid pump 151, the heat transfer medium flow path 112 branches into a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H1-1 is located, a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H1-2 is located, a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H1-3 is located, and a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H1-4 is located. On the suction side of the second fluid pump 151, the heat transfer medium flow path 112 branches into a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H2-1 is located, a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H2-2 is located, a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H2-3 is located, and a flow path where heat transfer medium valve H2-4 is located. The second heat exchanger 152 is located between the suction side of the second fluid pump 151 and the heat transfer medium valves H2-1, H2-2, H2-3, and H2-4.

[0144] On the discharge side of the third fluid pump 155, the heat transfer medium passage 112 branches into a passage where the heat transfer medium valve H5-1 is located and a passage where the heat transfer medium valve H6-1 is located. On the suction side of the third fluid pump 155, the heat transfer medium passage 112 branches into a passage where the heat transfer medium valve H5-3 is located and a passage where the heat transfer medium valve H6-3 is located.

[0145] The flow path where heat transfer valve H1-1 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H3-1 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H5-1 is located, and the flow path where the first container 121 is located are connected to each other. By opening and closing the heat transfer valves H1-1, H3-1, and H5-1, the heat transfer medium can flow from any one of the flow paths where heat transfer valve H1-1 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H3-1 is located, and the flow path where heat transfer valve H5-1 is located to the flow path where the first container 121 is located.

[0146] The flow path where heat transfer valve H1-2 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H3-2 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H5-2 is located, and the flow path where the second container 122 is located are connected to each other. By opening and closing the heat transfer valves H1-2, H3-2, and H5-2, the heat transfer medium can flow from any one of the flow paths where heat transfer valve H1-2 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H3-2 is located, and the flow path where heat transfer valve H5-2 is located to the flow path where the second container 122 is located.

[0147] The flow path where heat transfer valve H1-3 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H3-3 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H6-1 is located, and the flow path where the third container 123 is located are connected to each other. By opening and closing the heat transfer valves H1-3, H3-3, and H6-1, the heat transfer medium can flow from any one of the flow paths where heat transfer valve H1-3 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H3-3 is located, and the flow path where heat transfer valve H6-1 is located to the flow path where the third container 123 is located.

[0148] The flow path where heat transfer valve H1-4 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H3-4 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H6-2 is located, and the flow path where the fourth container 124 is located are all connected to each other. By opening and closing the heat transfer valves H1-4, H3-4, and H6-2, the heat transfer medium can flow from any one of the flow paths where heat transfer valve H1-4 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H3-4 is located, and the flow path where heat transfer valve H6-2 is located to the flow path where the fourth container 124 is located.

[0149] The flow path in which heat transfer valve H2-1 is located, the flow path in which heat transfer valve H4-1 is located, the flow path in which heat transfer valve H5-2 is located, and the flow path in which the first container 121 is located are connected to each other. By opening and closing the heat transfer valves H2-1, H4-1, and H5-2, the heat transfer medium can flow from the flow path in which the first container 121 is located to any one of the flow paths in which heat transfer valve H2-1 is located, the flow path in which heat transfer valve H4-1 is located, and the flow path in which heat transfer valve H5-2 is located.

[0150] The flow path where heat transfer valve H2-2 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H4-2 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H5-3 is located, and the flow path where the second container 122 is located are connected to each other. By opening and closing the heat transfer valves H2-2, H4-2, and H5-3, the heat transfer medium can flow from the flow path where the second container 122 is located to any one of the flow paths where heat transfer valve H2-2 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H4-2 is located, and the flow path where heat transfer valve H5-3 is located.

[0151] The flow path where heat transfer valve H2-3 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H4-3 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H6-2 is located, and the flow path where the third container 123 is located are connected to each other. By opening and closing the heat transfer valves H2-3, H4-3, and H6-2, the heat transfer medium can flow from the flow path where the third container 123 is located to any one of the flow paths where heat transfer valve H2-3 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H4-3 is located, and the flow path where heat transfer valve H6-2 is located.

[0152] The flow path in which heat transfer valve H2-4 is located, the flow path in which heat transfer valve H4-4 is located, the flow path in which heat transfer valve H6-3 is located, and the flow path in which the fourth container 124 is located are connected to each other. By opening and closing the heat transfer valves H2-4, H4-4, and H6-3, the heat transfer medium can flow from the flow path in which the fourth container 124 is located to any one of the flow paths in which heat transfer valve H2-4 is located, the flow path in which heat transfer valve H4-4 is located, and the flow path in which heat transfer valve H6-3 is located.

[0153] In Figure 11, when the heat transfer medium channel 112 is in the first state, the flow path of the refrigerant through the refrigerant channel 111 is shown by a thick dashed line, and the flow path of the heat transfer medium through the heat transfer medium channel 112 is shown by a thick solid line. In Figure 12, when the heat transfer medium channel 112 is in the second state, the flow path of the refrigerant through the refrigerant channel 111 is shown by a thick dashed line, and the flow path of the heat transfer medium through the heat transfer medium channel 112 is shown by a thick solid line. In Figure 13, when the heat transfer medium channel 112 is in the third state, the flow path of the refrigerant through the refrigerant channel 111 is shown by a thick dashed line, and the flow path of the heat transfer medium through the heat transfer medium channel 112 is shown by a thick solid line. In Figure 14, when the heat transfer medium channel 112 is in the fourth state, the flow path of the refrigerant through the refrigerant channel 111 is shown by a thick dashed line, and the flow path of the heat transfer medium through the heat transfer medium channel 112 is shown by a thick solid line. In Figures 11 to 14, among the refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R1-3, and R1-4, the valves that are open to allow the refrigerant to pass through are shown as filled in black. In Figures 11 to 14, among the heat transfer fluid valves H1-1 to H6-3, the valves that are open to allow the heat transfer fluid to pass through are shown as filled in black.

[0154] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the first state, as shown in Figure 11, the heat transfer medium flow path 112 has three independent flow paths: a first circulation flow path C1, a second circulation flow path C2, and a ninth circulation flow path C9. The heat transfer medium circulates through each of the first circulation flow path C1, the second circulation flow path C2, and the ninth circulation flow path C9.

[0155] In the first state, the heat transfer medium circulating in the first circulation channel C1 passes through the first fluid pump 141, the heat transfer valve H3-2, the second container 122, the heat transfer valve H4-2, and the first heat exchanger 142 in this order. In the first state, the heat transfer medium circulating in the second circulation channel C2 passes through the second fluid pump 151, the heat transfer valve H1-1, the first container 121, the heat transfer valve H2-1, and the second heat exchanger 152 in this order. In the first state, the heat transfer medium circulating in the ninth circulation channel C9 passes through the third fluid pump 155, the heat transfer valve H6-1, the third container 123, the heat transfer valve H6-2, the fourth container 124, and the heat transfer valve H6-3 in this order. In the first state, the first fluid pump 141 circulates the heat transfer medium in the first circulation channel C1. In the first state, the second fluid pump 151 circulates the heat transfer medium in the second circulation channel C2. In the first state, the third fluid pump 155 circulates the heat transfer medium in the ninth circulation channel C9.

[0156] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the second state, as shown in Figure 12, the heat transfer medium flow path 112 has three independent flow paths: a third circulation flow path C3, a fourth circulation flow path C4, and a tenth circulation flow path C10. The heat transfer medium circulates through each of the third circulation flow path C3, the fourth circulation flow path C4, and the tenth circulation flow path C10.

[0157] In the second state, the heat transfer medium circulating in the third circulation channel C3 passes through the first fluid pump 141, the heat transfer valve H3-4, the fourth container 124, the heat transfer valve H4-4, and the first heat exchanger 142 in that order. In the second state, the heat transfer medium circulating in the fourth circulation channel C4 passes through the second fluid pump 151, the heat transfer valve H1-3, the third container 123, the heat transfer valve H2-3, and the second heat exchanger 152 in that order. In the second state, the heat transfer medium circulating in the tenth circulation channel C10 passes through the third fluid pump 155, the heat transfer valve H5-1, the first container 121, the heat transfer valve H5-2, the second container 122, and the heat transfer valve H5-3 in that order. In the second state, the first fluid pump 141 circulates the heat transfer medium in the third circulation channel C3. In the second state, the second fluid pump 151 circulates the heat transfer medium in the fourth circulation channel C4. In the second state, the third fluid pump 155 circulates the heat transfer medium in the tenth circulation channel C10.

[0158] When the heat transfer medium channel 112 is in the third state, as shown in Figure 13, the heat transfer medium channel 112 has three independent channels: a fifth circulation channel C5, a sixth circulation channel C6, and a ninth circulation channel C9. The heat transfer medium circulates through each of the fifth circulation channel C5, the sixth circulation channel C6, and the ninth circulation channel C9.

[0159] In the third state, the heat transfer medium circulating in the fifth circulation channel C5 passes through the first fluid pump 141, the heat transfer valve H3-1, the first container 121, the heat transfer valve H4-1, and the first heat exchanger 142 in that order. In the third state, the heat transfer medium circulating in the sixth circulation channel C6 passes through the second fluid pump 151, the heat transfer valve H1-2, the second container 122, the heat transfer valve H2-2, and the second heat exchanger 152 in that order. In the third state, the first fluid pump 141 circulates the heat transfer medium in the fifth circulation channel C5. In the third state, the second fluid pump 151 circulates the heat transfer medium in the sixth circulation channel C6. In the third state, the third fluid pump 155 circulates the heat transfer medium in the ninth circulation channel C9.

[0160] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the fourth state, as shown in Figure 14, the heat transfer medium flow path 112 has three independent flow paths: a seventh circulation flow path C7, an eighth circulation flow path C8, and a tenth circulation flow path C10. The heat transfer medium circulates through each of the seventh circulation flow path C7, the eighth circulation flow path C8, and the tenth circulation flow path C10.

[0161] In the fourth state, the heat transfer medium circulating in the seventh circulation channel C7 passes through the first fluid pump 141, the heat transfer valve H3-3, the third container 123, the heat transfer valve H4-3, and the first heat exchanger 142 in that order. In the fourth state, the heat transfer medium circulating in the eighth circulation channel C8 passes through the second fluid pump 151, the heat transfer valve H1-4, the fourth container 124, the heat transfer valve H2-4, and the second heat exchanger 152 in that order. In the fourth state, the first fluid pump 141 circulates the heat transfer medium in the seventh circulation channel C7. In the fourth state, the second fluid pump 151 circulates the heat transfer medium in the eighth circulation channel C8. In the fourth state, the third fluid pump 155 circulates the heat transfer medium in the tenth circulation channel C10.

[0162] The control unit 105 controls the first fluid pump 141, the first fan 143, the second fluid pump 151, the second fan 153, the third fluid pump 155, and the heat transfer valves H1-1 to H6-3. The control unit 105 controls the capacity of the first fluid pump 141, the second fluid pump 151, and the third fluid pump 155. The control unit 105 controls the rotation speed of the first fan 143 and the second fan 153. The control unit 105 controls the opening and closing of the heat transfer valves H1-1 to H6-3 to switch the heat transfer flow path 112 between the first state, the second state, the third state, and the fourth state. The control unit 105 controls the heat transfer valves H1-1 to H6-3 so that the heat transfer flow path 112 repeatedly transitions in the order of the first state, the second state, the third state, and the fourth state.

[0163] (1-3) First container 121, second container 122, third container 123, and fourth container 124 The first container 121, second container 122, third container 123, and fourth container 124 have the same structure as the first container 121 and second container 122 of the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 6.

[0164] The first bypass channel 211 of the heat source circuit 101 connects the second opening 163b of the first container 121 and the second opening 163b of the second container 122. The first bypass channel 211 also connects the first space 164a of the first container 121 and the first space 164a of the second container 122.

[0165] The second bypass channel 212 of the heat source circuit 101 connects the second opening 163b of the third container 123 and the second opening 163b of the fourth container 124. The second bypass channel 212 also connects the first space 164a of the third container 123 and the first space 164a of the fourth container 124.

[0166] (2) Operation of the refrigeration system 200 The operation of the refrigeration system 200 will be explained in the case where the refrigeration system 200 is an air conditioning system. In this case, the first heat exchanger 142 is an indoor heat exchanger, and the second heat exchanger 152 is an outdoor heat exchanger.

[0167] The adsorbent material 181 of the first container 121, the second container 122, the third container 123, and the fourth container 124 adsorbs and desorbs refrigerant in the refrigerant flow path 111. The adsorbent material 181 adsorbs refrigerant when it is in contact with refrigerant in the first space 164a at a pressure equal to or greater than the adsorption pressure. The adsorbent material 181 desorbs refrigerant when it is in contact with refrigerant in the first space 164a at a pressure equal to or less than the desorption pressure.

[0168] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the first state, it is possible to connect the suction side of the compressor 131 to the first container 121 to create a low-pressure state inside the first container 121, and to connect the discharge side of the compressor 131 to the second container 122 to create a high-pressure state inside the second container 122. When the first container 121 is in a low-pressure state, the adsorbent 181 of the first container 121 is in contact with the low-pressure refrigerant in the first space 164a. When the second container 122 is in a high-pressure state, the adsorbent 181 of the second container 122 is in contact with the high-pressure refrigerant in the first space 164a.

[0169] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the second state, it is possible to connect the suction side of the compressor 131 to the third container 123 to create a low-pressure state inside the third container 123, and to connect the discharge side of the compressor 131 to the fourth container 124 to create a high-pressure state inside the fourth container 124. When the third container 123 is in a low-pressure state, the adsorbent 181 of the third container 123 is in contact with the low-pressure refrigerant in the first space 164a. When the fourth container 124 is in a high-pressure state, the adsorbent 181 of the fourth container 124 is in contact with the high-pressure refrigerant in the first space 164a.

[0170] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the third state, it is possible to connect the suction side of the compressor 131 to the second container 122 to create a low-pressure state inside the second container 122, and to connect the discharge side of the compressor 131 to the first container 121 to create a high-pressure state inside the first container 121. When the second container 122 is in a low-pressure state, the adsorbent 181 of the second container 122 is in contact with the low-pressure refrigerant in the first space 164a. When the first container 121 is in a high-pressure state, the adsorbent 181 of the first container 121 is in contact with the high-pressure refrigerant in the first space 164a.

[0171] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the fourth state, it is possible to connect the suction side of the compressor 131 to the fourth container 124 to create a low-pressure state inside the fourth container 124, and to connect the discharge side of the compressor 131 to the third container 123 to create a high-pressure state inside the third container 123. When the fourth container 124 is in a low-pressure state, the adsorbent 181 of the fourth container 124 is in contact with the low-pressure refrigerant in the first space 164a. When the third container 123 is in a high-pressure state, the adsorbent 181 of the third container 123 is in contact with the high-pressure refrigerant in the first space 164a.

[0172] The change in the adsorption amount, which is the amount of refrigerant adsorbed on the adsorbent 181, when the heat transfer fluid channel 112 is in the first state will be explained. In the state when switched from the fourth state to the first state, the adsorption amount of the adsorbent 181 in the second container 122 is the first adsorption amount, and the adsorption amount of the adsorbent 181 in the first container 121 is the second adsorption amount. The second adsorption amount is greater than the first adsorption amount. The second adsorption amount is the maximum amount of refrigerant that the adsorbent 181 can adsorb. The second adsorption amount includes not only the theoretical maximum amount, but also an amount that can change depending on the high pressure or the time the high pressure state is maintained. The pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant is greater than or equal to the adsorption pressure, and the pressure of the low-pressure refrigerant is less than or equal to the desorption pressure.

[0173] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the first state, the adsorbent 181 in the second container 122 is in contact with the high-pressure refrigerant, and the adsorbent 181 in the first container 121 is in contact with the low-pressure refrigerant. In the second container 122, the adsorbent 181 gradually adsorbs the refrigerant, and in the process, the adsorbent 181 releases heat. In the first container 121, the adsorbent 181 gradually desorbs the refrigerant, and in the process, the adsorbent 181 absorbs heat. Therefore, the amount of adsorbent 181 in the second container 122 increases from the first adsorption amount to the second adsorption amount, and the amount of adsorbent 181 in the first container 121 decreases from the second adsorption amount to the first adsorption amount.

[0174] The change in the amount of refrigerant adsorbed on the adsorbent 181 when the heat transfer fluid channel 112 is in the second state will be explained. When the system is switched from the first state to the second state, the amount of adsorption on the adsorbent 181 in the third container 123 is the second adsorption amount, and the amount of adsorption on the adsorbent 181 in the fourth container 124 is the first adsorption amount.

[0175] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the second state, the adsorbent 181 in the third container 123 is in contact with the low-pressure refrigerant, and the adsorbent 181 in the fourth container 124 is in contact with the high-pressure refrigerant. In the third container 123, the adsorbent 181 gradually desorbs the refrigerant, and in the process, the adsorbent 181 absorbs heat. In the fourth container 124, the adsorbent 181 gradually adsorbs the refrigerant, and in the process, the adsorbent 181 releases heat. Therefore, the amount of adsorbent 181 in the third container 123 decreases from the second adsorption amount to the first adsorption amount, and the amount of adsorbent 181 in the fourth container 124 increases from the first adsorption amount to the second adsorption amount.

[0176] The change in the amount of refrigerant adsorbed on the adsorbent 181 when the heat transfer fluid channel 112 is in the third state will be explained. In the state when switching from the second state to the third state, the amount of adsorption on the adsorbent 181 in the second container 122 is the second adsorption amount, and the amount of adsorption on the adsorbent 181 in the first container 121 is the first adsorption amount.

[0177] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the third state, the adsorbent 181 in the second container 122 is in contact with the low-pressure refrigerant, and the adsorbent 181 in the first container 121 is in contact with the high-pressure refrigerant. In the second container 122, the adsorbent 181 gradually desorbs the refrigerant, and in the process, the adsorbent 181 absorbs heat. In the first container 121, the adsorbent 181 gradually adsorbs the refrigerant, and in the process, the adsorbent 181 releases heat. Therefore, the amount of adsorbent 181 in the second container 122 decreases from the second adsorption amount to the first adsorption amount, and the amount of adsorbent 181 in the first container 121 increases from the first adsorption amount to the second adsorption amount.

[0178] The change in the amount of refrigerant adsorbed on the adsorbent 181 when the heat transfer fluid channel 112 is in the fourth state will be explained. In the state when switching from the third state to the fourth state, the amount of adsorption on the adsorbent 181 in the fourth container 124 is the second adsorption amount, and the amount of adsorption on the adsorbent 181 in the third container 123 is the first adsorption amount.

[0179] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the fourth state, the adsorbent 181 in the fourth container 124 is in contact with the low-pressure refrigerant, and the adsorbent 181 in the third container 123 is in contact with the high-pressure refrigerant. In the fourth container 124, the adsorbent 181 gradually desorbs the refrigerant, and in the process, the adsorbent 181 absorbs heat. In the third container 123, the adsorbent 181 gradually adsorbs the refrigerant, and in the process, the adsorbent 181 releases heat. Therefore, the amount of adsorbent 181 in the fourth container 124 decreases from the second adsorption amount to the first adsorption amount, and the amount of adsorbent 181 in the third container 123 increases from the first adsorption amount to the second adsorption amount.

[0180] When the heat transfer medium channel 112 is in the first state, the heat generated in the second container 122 during the process of the adsorbent 181 adsorbing the refrigerant in the first space 164a is recovered into the heat transfer medium in the second space 164b. On the other hand, in the first container 121, the cold energy generated in the process of the adsorbent 181 desorbing the refrigerant adsorbed on it is recovered into the heat transfer medium in the second space 164b. Therefore, in the second container 122, heat is recovered into the heat transfer medium flowing through the first circulation channel C1, and in the first container 121, cold energy is recovered into the heat transfer medium flowing through the second circulation channel C2.

[0181] Subsequently, when the adsorption amount of the adsorbent 181 in the second container 122 reaches a second adsorption amount, the adsorbent 181 in the second container 122 becomes less adsorbent of the refrigerant. Also, when the adsorption amount of the adsorbent 181 in the first container 121 reaches a first adsorption amount, the adsorbent 181 in the first container 121 becomes less adsorbent of the refrigerant.

[0182] When the heat transfer medium channel 112 is in the second state, in the fourth container 124, the heat generated during the process in which the adsorbent 181 adsorbs the refrigerant in the first space 164a is recovered into the heat transfer medium in the second space 164b. On the other hand, in the third container 123, the cold energy generated during the process in which the adsorbent 181 desorbs the refrigerant adsorbed on it is recovered into the heat transfer medium in the second space 164b. Therefore, in the fourth container 124, heat is recovered into the heat transfer medium flowing through the third circulation channel C3, and in the third container 123, cold energy is recovered into the heat transfer medium flowing through the fourth circulation channel C4.

[0183] Subsequently, when the adsorption amount of the adsorbent 181 in the fourth container 124 reaches the second adsorption amount, the adsorbent 181 in the fourth container 124 becomes less adsorbent of the refrigerant. Also, when the adsorption amount of the adsorbent 181 in the third container 123 reaches the first adsorption amount, the adsorbent 181 in the third container 123 becomes less adsorbent of the refrigerant.

[0184] When the heat transfer medium channel 112 is in the third state, in the first container 121, the heat generated during the process in which the adsorbent 181 adsorbs the refrigerant in the first space 164a is recovered into the heat transfer medium in the second space 164b. On the other hand, in the second container 122, the cold energy generated during the process in which the adsorbent 181 desorbs the refrigerant adsorbed on it is recovered into the heat transfer medium in the second space 164b. Therefore, in the first container 121, heat is recovered into the heat transfer medium flowing through the fifth circulation channel C5, and in the second container 122, cold energy is recovered into the heat transfer medium flowing through the sixth circulation channel C6.

[0185] Subsequently, when the adsorption amount of the adsorbent material 181 in the first container 121 reaches the second adsorption amount, the adsorbent material 181 in the first container 121 becomes less adsorbent of the refrigerant. Also, when the adsorption amount of the adsorbent material 181 in the second container 122 reaches the first adsorption amount, the adsorbent material 181 in the second container 122 becomes less adsorbent of the refrigerant.

[0186] When the heat transfer medium channel 112 is in the fourth state, in the third container 123, the heat generated during the process in which the adsorbent 181 adsorbs the refrigerant in the first space 164a is recovered into the heat transfer medium in the second space 164b. On the other hand, in the fourth container 124, the cold energy generated during the process in which the adsorbent 181 desorbs the refrigerant adsorbed on it is recovered into the heat transfer medium in the second space 164b. Therefore, in the third container 123, heat is recovered into the heat transfer medium flowing through the seventh circulation channel C7, and in the fourth container 124, cold energy is recovered into the heat transfer medium flowing through the eighth circulation channel C8.

[0187] Subsequently, when the adsorption amount of the adsorbent 181 in the third container 123 reaches the second adsorption amount, the adsorbent 181 in the third container 123 becomes less adsorbent of the refrigerant. Also, when the adsorption amount of the adsorbent 181 in the fourth container 124 reaches the first adsorption amount, the adsorbent 181 in the fourth container 124 becomes less adsorbent of the refrigerant.

[0188] As described above, by repeatedly transitioning the heat transfer medium flow path 112 through the first, second, third, and fourth states in that order, the refrigerant can be continuously adsorbed or desorbed onto the adsorbent 181 in any one of the first container 121, second container 122, third container 123, and fourth container 124. The refrigeration device 200 can continuously recover the heat generated when the adsorbent 181 adsorbs the refrigerant using the heat transfer medium flowing through the first circulation flow path C1, third circulation flow path C3, fifth circulation flow path C5, and seventh circulation flow path C7. The refrigeration device 200 can continuously recover the cold generated when the adsorbent 181 desorbs the refrigerant using the heat transfer medium flowing through the second circulation flow path C2, fourth circulation flow path C4, sixth circulation flow path C6, and eighth circulation flow path C8.

[0189] Therefore, the refrigeration system 200 can continue to supply the heat transfer medium heated by the recovered thermal energy to the first heat exchanger 142, and can continue to supply the heat transfer medium cooled by the recovered cold energy to the second heat exchanger 152. The air heated by heat exchange with the heat transfer medium in the first heat exchanger 142 is sent to a predetermined location by the first fan 143. The air cooled by heat exchange with the heat transfer medium in the second heat exchanger 152 is sent to a predetermined location by the second fan 153.

[0190] (3) The control unit 105 of the refrigeration system 200 controls the compressor 131, four-way switching valve 135, refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R1-3, R1-4, bypass valves R3-1, R3-2, first fluid pump 141, second fluid pump 151, third fluid pump 155, and heat transfer valves H1-1 to H6-3 so that the heat transfer fluid flow path 112 repeatedly transitions through the first state, second state, third state, and fourth state when the refrigeration system 200 is in operation.

[0191] In the first state, as shown in Figure 11, the second container 122 is connected to the first heat exchanger 142, the first container 121 is connected to the second heat exchanger 152, and the third container 123 is connected to the fourth container 124.

[0192] In the second state, as shown in Figure 12, the fourth container 124 is connected to the first heat exchanger 142, the third container 123 is connected to the second heat exchanger 152, and the first container 121 is connected to the second container 122.

[0193] In the third state, as shown in Figure 13, the first container 121 is connected to the first heat exchanger 142, the second container 122 is connected to the second heat exchanger 152, and the third container 123 is connected to the fourth container 124.

[0194] In the fourth state, as shown in Figure 14, the third container 123 is connected to the first heat exchanger 142, the fourth container 124 is connected to the second heat exchanger 152, and the first container 121 is connected to the second container 122.

[0195] Figures 15 and 16 are tables showing the states of each controlled object of the control unit 105 in the first, second, third, and fourth states. In Figure 15, the compressor 131, first fluid pump 141, second fluid pump 151, and third fluid pump 155 operate when "ON" and stop when "OFF". In Figure 15, the four-way switching valve 135 has the refrigerant flow path 111 in first mode when "first mode" is activated, and the refrigerant flow path 111 in second mode when "second mode" is activated. In "first mode", the discharge side of the compressor 131 is connected to refrigerant valves R1-2 and R1-4, and the suction side of the compressor 131 is connected to refrigerant valves R1-1 and R1-3. In "second mode", the discharge side of the compressor 131 is connected to refrigerant valves R1-1 and R1-3, and the suction side of the compressor 131 is connected to refrigerant valves R1-2 and R1-4. In Figure 15, the refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R1-3, R1-4, and the bypass valves R3-1, R3-2 are open when "ON" and closed when "OFF". For bypass valves R3-1, R3-2, "OFF→ON" means that they are "OFF" at the start of each state and switch to "ON" before the end of each state. In Figure 16, the heat transfer valves H1-1 to H6-3 are open when "ON" and closed when "OFF".

[0196] The control unit 105 performs the following control as shown in Figure 15. The control unit 105 continuously drives the compressor 131 while the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the first to fourth states. The control unit 105 controls the four-way switching valve 135 so that the refrigerant flow path 111 is in the first mode when it is in the first and second states, and in the second mode when it is in the third and fourth states. The control unit 105 opens refrigerant valves R1-1 and R1-2 when it is in the first and third states, and closes refrigerant valves R1-1 and R1-2 when it is in the second and fourth states. The control unit 105 closes refrigerant valves R1-3 and R1-4 when it is in the first and third states, and opens refrigerant valves R1-3 and R1-4 when it is in the second and fourth states. The control unit 105 closes bypass valve R3-1 when it is in the first and third states. The control unit 105 closes the bypass valve R3-1 at the start of the second and fourth states, and opens the bypass valve R3-1 after a predetermined period has elapsed from the start of the second and fourth states. The control unit 105 closes the bypass valve R3-2 when in the second and fourth states. The control unit 105 closes the bypass valve R3-2 at the start of the first and third states, and opens the bypass valve R3-2 after a predetermined period has elapsed from the start of the first and third states. The control unit 105 continuously drives the first fluid pump 141, the second fluid pump 151, and the third fluid pump 155 while the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the first to fourth states.

[0197] The control unit 105 performs the following control as shown in Figure 16. The control unit 105 opens heat transfer valves H1-1, H2-1, H3-2, and H4-2 when in the first state, and closes heat transfer valves H1-1, H2-1, H3-2, and H4-2 when in the second, third, and fourth states. The control unit 105 opens heat transfer valves H1-2, H2-2, H3-1, and H4-1 when in the third state, and closes heat transfer valves H1-2, H2-2, H3-1, and H4-1 when in the first, second, and fourth states. The control unit 105 opens heat transfer valves H1-3, H2-3, H3-4, and H4-4 when in the second state, and closes heat transfer valves H1-3, H2-3, H3-4, and H4-4 when in the first, third, and fourth states. The control unit 105 opens heat transfer valves H1-4, H2-4, H3-3, and H4-3 when in the fourth state, and closes heat transfer valves H1-4, H2-4, H3-3, and H4-3 when in the first, second, and third states. The control unit 105 opens heat transfer valves H5-1, H5-2, and H5-3 in the second and fourth states, and closes heat transfer valves H5-1, H5-2, and H5-3 in the first and third states. The control unit 105 opens heat transfer valves H6-1, H6-2, and H6-3 in the first and third states, and closes heat transfer valves H6-1, H6-2, and H6-3 in the second and fourth states.

[0198] When the refrigeration system 200 is in operation, the control unit 105 controls each of its controlled objects so that the heat transfer medium flow path 112 repeatedly transitions through the following states in order: first state (steps S21-S22), second state (steps S23-S24), third state (steps S25-S26), and fourth state (steps S27-S28), as shown in Figure 17.

[0199] (3-1) In steps S21 to S28 of the heat recovery state diagram 17, the first to fourth states are the heat recovery states described below.

[0200] In the first and third states, the third container 123 and the fourth container 124 are disconnected from the first heat exchanger 142 and the second heat exchanger 152. In other words, in the first and third states, the third container 123 and the fourth container 124 are not in communication with the first heat exchanger 142 and the second heat exchanger 152. In the first and third states, the third container 123 and the fourth container 124 are connected to each other to form a ninth circulation channel C9. In the first and third states, heat exchange takes place in the ninth circulation channel C9 between the high-temperature heat transfer medium and the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the heat transfer medium channel 112.

[0201] In the second and fourth states, the first container 121 and the second container 122 are disconnected from the first heat exchanger 142 and the second heat exchanger 152. In other words, in the second and fourth states, the first container 121 and the second container 122 are not in communication with the first heat exchanger 142 and the second heat exchanger 152. In the second and fourth states, the first container 121 and the second container 122 are connected to each other to form the tenth circulation channel C10. In the second and fourth states, heat exchange takes place in the tenth circulation channel C10 between the high-temperature heat transfer medium and the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the heat transfer medium channel 112.

[0202] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the first state, a high-temperature heat transfer medium heated by adsorption heat flows through the second space 164b of the second container 122, and a low-temperature heat transfer medium cooled by desorption heat flows through the second space 164b of the first container 121. Therefore, in the first state shown in Figure 11, a high-temperature heat transfer medium is present in the flow path between heat transfer medium valves H3-2 and H4-2 of the first circulation flow path C1, and a low-temperature heat transfer medium is present in the flow path between heat transfer medium valves H1-1 and H2-1 of the second circulation flow path C2. In the second state shown in Figure 12, which follows the first state, heat exchange occurs between the high-temperature heat transfer medium in the second container 122 and the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the first container 121 by circulating the heat transfer medium in the tenth circulation flow path C10. As a result, the heat transfer medium in the second container 122 is cooled and the heat transfer medium in the first container 121 is heated. As a result, in the second state, the temperature of the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the first container 121 rises and the temperature of the high-temperature heat transfer medium in the second container 122 falls, thereby reducing the temperature difference between the heat transfer medium in the first container 121 and the heat transfer medium in the second container 122. In the second state, it is more preferable that the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the tenth circulation channel C10 becomes approximately uniform.

[0203] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the second state, a high-temperature heat transfer medium heated by adsorption heat flows through the second space 164b of the fourth container 124, and a low-temperature heat transfer medium cooled by desorption heat flows through the second space 164b of the third container 123. Therefore, in the second state shown in Figure 12, a high-temperature heat transfer medium is present in the flow path between heat transfer medium valves H3-4 and H4-4 of the third circulation flow path C3, and a low-temperature heat transfer medium is present in the flow path between heat transfer medium valves H1-3 and H2-3 of the fourth circulation flow path C4. In the third state shown in Figure 13, which follows the second state, heat exchange occurs between the high-temperature heat transfer medium in the fourth container 124 and the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the third container 123 by circulating the heat transfer medium in the ninth circulation flow path C9. As a result, the heat transfer medium in the fourth container 124 is cooled and the heat transfer medium in the third container 123 is heated. As a result, in the third state, the temperature of the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the third container 123 rises and the temperature of the high-temperature heat transfer medium in the fourth container 124 falls, thereby reducing the temperature difference between the heat transfer medium in the third container 123 and the heat transfer medium in the fourth container 124. In the third state, it is more preferable that the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the ninth circulation channel C9 becomes approximately uniform.

[0204] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the third state, a high-temperature heat transfer medium heated by adsorption heat flows through the second space 164b of the first container 121, and a low-temperature heat transfer medium cooled by desorption heat flows through the second space 164b of the second container 122. Therefore, in the third state shown in Figure 13, a high-temperature heat transfer medium is present in the flow path between heat transfer medium valve H3-1 and heat transfer medium valve H4-1 of the fifth circulation flow path C5, and a low-temperature heat transfer medium is present in the flow path between heat transfer medium valve H1-2 and heat transfer medium valve H2-2 of the sixth circulation flow path C6. In the fourth state shown in Figure 14, which follows the third state, heat exchange occurs between the high-temperature heat transfer medium in the first container 121 and the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the second container 122 by circulating the heat transfer medium in the tenth circulation flow path C10. As a result, the heat transfer medium in the first container 121 is cooled and the heat transfer medium in the second container 122 is heated. As a result, in the fourth state, the temperature of the high-temperature heat transfer medium in the first container 121 decreases, and the temperature of the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the second container 122 increases, thereby reducing the temperature difference between the heat transfer medium in the first container 121 and the heat transfer medium in the second container 122. In the fourth state, it is more preferable that the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the tenth circulation channel C10 becomes approximately uniform.

[0205] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the fourth state, a high-temperature heat transfer medium heated by adsorption heat flows through the second space 164b of the third container 123, and a low-temperature heat transfer medium cooled by desorption heat flows through the second space 164b of the fourth container 124. Therefore, in the fourth state shown in Figure 14, a high-temperature heat transfer medium is present in the flow path between heat transfer medium valves H3-3 and H4-3 of the seventh circulation flow path C7, and a low-temperature heat transfer medium is present in the flow path between heat transfer medium valves H1-4 and H2-4 of the eighth circulation flow path C8. In the first state shown in Figure 11, which follows the fourth state, heat exchange occurs between the high-temperature heat transfer medium in the third container 123 and the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the fourth container 124 by circulating the heat transfer medium in the ninth circulation flow path C9. As a result, the heat transfer medium in the third container 123 is cooled and the heat transfer medium in the fourth container 124 is heated. As a result, in the first state, the temperature of the high-temperature heat transfer medium in the third container 123 decreases, and the temperature of the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the fourth container 124 increases, thereby reducing the temperature difference between the heat transfer medium in the third container 123 and the heat transfer medium in the fourth container 124. In the first state, it is more preferable that the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the ninth circulation channel C9 becomes approximately uniform.

[0206] (3-2) After opening the bypass valves R3-1 and R3-2 in steps S22, S24, S26, and S28 of the equalized pressure state diagram 17, the first to fourth states become the equalized pressure state described below.

[0207] In the first and third states, the third container 123 and the fourth container 124 are disconnected from the first heat exchanger 142 and the second heat exchanger 152. In the first and third states, when the bypass valve R3-2 is opened, the first space 164a of the third container 123 and the first space 164a of the fourth container 124 are connected. As a result, the difference between the refrigerant pressure in the third container 123 and the refrigerant pressure in the fourth container 124 decreases.

[0208] In the second and fourth states, the first container 121 and the second container 122 are disconnected from the first heat exchanger 142 and the second heat exchanger 152. In the second and fourth states, when the bypass valve R3-1 is opened, the first space 164a of the first container 121 and the first space 164a of the second container 122 are connected. As a result, the difference between the refrigerant pressure in the first container 121 and the refrigerant pressure in the second container 122 decreases.

[0209] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the first state, the first space 164a of the second container 122 is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 131, and the first space 164a of the first container 121 is connected to the suction side of the compressor 131. Therefore, in the first state, the pressure of the refrigerant in the second container 122 is higher than the pressure of the refrigerant in the first container 121. In the second state, which follows the first state, when the bypass valve R3-1 is opened, the first space 164a of the second container 122 and the first space 164a of the first container 121 communicate with each other. As a result, the pressure in the first space 164a of the second container 122 decreases, and the pressure in the first space 164a of the first container 121 increases. Therefore, the difference between the pressure in the first container 121 and the pressure in the second container 122 after opening the bypass valve R3-1 is smaller than the difference between the pressure in the first container 121 and the pressure in the second container 122 before opening the bypass valve R3-1. As a result, in the second state, the refrigerant pressure in the first container 121 eventually becomes the same as the refrigerant pressure in the second container 122.

[0210] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the second state, the first space 164a of the fourth container 124 is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 131, and the first space 164a of the third container 123 is connected to the suction side of the compressor 131. Therefore, in the second state, the pressure of the refrigerant in the fourth container 124 is higher than the pressure of the refrigerant in the third container 123. In the third state, which follows the second state, when the bypass valve R3-2 is opened, the first space 164a of the fourth container 124 and the first space 164a of the third container 123 communicate with each other. As a result, the pressure in the first space 164a of the fourth container 124 decreases, and the pressure in the first space 164a of the third container 123 increases. Therefore, the difference between the pressure in the third container 123 and the pressure in the fourth container 124 after opening the bypass valve R3-2 is smaller than the difference between the pressure in the third container 123 and the pressure in the fourth container 124 before opening the bypass valve R3-2. As a result, in the third state, the refrigerant pressure in the third container 123 eventually becomes the same as the refrigerant pressure in the fourth container 124.

[0211] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the third state, the first space 164a of the first container 121 is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 131, and the first space 164a of the second container 122 is connected to the suction side of the compressor 131. Therefore, in the third state, the pressure of the refrigerant in the first container 121 is higher than the pressure of the refrigerant in the second container 122. In the fourth state, which follows the third state, when the bypass valve R3-1 is opened, the first space 164a of the first container 121 and the first space 164a of the second container 122 communicate with each other. As a result, the pressure in the first space 164a of the first container 121 decreases, and the pressure in the first space 164a of the second container 122 increases. Therefore, the difference between the pressure in the first container 121 and the pressure in the second container 122 after opening the bypass valve R3-1 is smaller than the difference between the pressure in the first container 121 and the pressure in the second container 122 before opening the bypass valve R3-1. As a result, in the third state, the refrigerant pressure in the first container 121 eventually becomes the same as the refrigerant pressure in the second container 122.

[0212] When the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the fourth state, the first space 164a of the third container 123 is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 131, and the first space 164a of the fourth container 124 is connected to the suction side of the compressor 131. Therefore, in the fourth state, the pressure of the refrigerant in the third container 123 is higher than the pressure of the refrigerant in the fourth container 124. In the first state, which follows the fourth state, when the bypass valve R3-2 is opened, the first space 164a of the third container 123 and the first space 164a of the fourth container 124 communicate with each other. As a result, the pressure in the first space 164a of the third container 123 decreases, and the pressure in the first space 164a of the fourth container 124 increases. Therefore, the difference between the pressure in the third container 123 and the pressure in the fourth container 124 after opening the bypass valve R3-2 is smaller than the difference between the pressure in the third container 123 and the pressure in the fourth container 124 before opening the bypass valve R3-2. As a result, in the first state, the refrigerant pressure in the third container 123 eventually becomes the same as the refrigerant pressure in the fourth container 124.

[0213] (4) Features (4-1) The heat transfer medium flow path 112 has a first state in which thermal energy is recovered in the second container 122 and cold energy is recovered in the first container 121, a second state in which thermal energy is recovered in the fourth container 124 and cold energy is recovered in the third container 123, a third state in which thermal energy is recovered in the first container 121 and cold energy is recovered in the second container 122, and a fourth state in which thermal energy is recovered in the third container 123 and cold energy is recovered in the fourth container 124. The first heat exchanger 142 is supplied with a high-temperature heat transfer medium from which thermal energy has been recovered. The second heat exchanger 152 is supplied with a low-temperature heat transfer medium from which cold energy has been recovered.

[0214] In the first state, the heat transfer medium flow path 112 circulates the heat transfer medium in the ninth circulation flow path C9, which includes the third container 123 and the fourth container 124. As a result, in the first state, the high-temperature heat transfer medium in the third container 123 is cooled and the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the fourth container 124 is heated. Therefore, immediately after switching from the first state to the second state, the supply of low-temperature heat transfer medium to the first heat exchanger 142 and the temporary supply of high-temperature heat transfer medium to the second heat exchanger 152 are suppressed.

[0215] In the second state, the heat transfer medium flow path 112 circulates the heat transfer medium in the tenth circulation flow path C10, which includes the first container 121 and the second container 122. As a result, in the second state, the high-temperature heat transfer medium in the second container 122 is cooled and the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the first container 121 is heated. Therefore, immediately after switching from the second state to the third state, the supply of low-temperature heat transfer medium to the first heat exchanger 142 and the temporary supply of high-temperature heat transfer medium to the second heat exchanger 152 are suppressed.

[0216] In the third state, the heat transfer medium flow path 112 circulates the heat transfer medium in the ninth circulation flow path C9, which includes the third container 123 and the fourth container 124. As a result, in the third state, the high-temperature heat transfer medium in the fourth container 124 is cooled and the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the third container 123 is heated. Therefore, immediately after switching from the third state to the fourth state, the supply of low-temperature heat transfer medium to the first heat exchanger 142 and the temporary supply of high-temperature heat transfer medium to the second heat exchanger 152 are suppressed.

[0217] In the fourth state, the heat transfer medium flow path 112 circulates the heat transfer medium in the tenth circulation flow path C10, which includes the first container 121 and the second container 122. As a result, in the fourth state, the high-temperature heat transfer medium in the first container 121 is cooled and the low-temperature heat transfer medium in the second container 122 is heated. Therefore, immediately after switching from the fourth state to the first state, the supply of low-temperature heat transfer medium to the first heat exchanger 142 and the temporary supply of high-temperature heat transfer medium to the second heat exchanger 152 are suppressed.

[0218] If a low-temperature heat transfer medium is temporarily supplied to the first heat exchanger 142, which is supplied with a high-temperature heat transfer medium from which thermal energy has been recovered, the time required for the first heat exchanger 142 to heat up to a predetermined temperature will be extended. If a high-temperature heat transfer medium is temporarily supplied to the second heat exchanger 152, which is supplied with a low-temperature heat transfer medium from which cold energy has been recovered, the time required for the second heat exchanger 152 to cool down to a predetermined temperature will be extended. Therefore, by circulating the heat transfer medium in the ninth circulation channel C9 or the tenth circulation channel C10, the refrigeration system 200 can suppress a temporary decrease in capacity immediately after switching the state of the heat transfer medium channel 112.

[0219] Therefore, the refrigeration system 200 can increase its capacity per unit time compared to the case where it does not have the ninth circulation channel C9 and the tenth circulation channel C10.

[0220] (4-2) The control unit 105 of the refrigeration device 200 temporarily opens the bypass valve R3-2 in the first and third states to equalize the pressure and reduce the difference between the refrigerant pressure in the third container 123 and the refrigerant pressure in the fourth container 124. The control unit 105 temporarily opens the bypass valve R3-1 in the second and fourth states to equalize the pressure and reduce the difference between the refrigerant pressure in the first container 121 and the refrigerant pressure in the second container 122.

[0221] If pressure equalization occurs before transitioning from the first state to the second state, the pressure in the first space 164a of the third container 123 decreases, and the pressure in the first space 164a of the fourth container 124 increases. Therefore, after transitioning to the second state, the time it takes for the pressure in the first space 164a of the third container 123 to decrease and reach the desorption pressure, and the time it takes for the pressure in the first space 164a of the fourth container 124 to increase and reach the adsorption pressure are shortened.

[0222] If pressure equalization occurs before transitioning from the second state to the third state, the pressure in the first space 164a of the second container 122 decreases, and the pressure in the first space 164a of the first container 121 increases. Therefore, after transitioning to the third state, the time it takes for the pressure in the first space 164a of the second container 122 to decrease and reach the desorption pressure, and the time it takes for the pressure in the first space 164a of the first container 121 to increase and reach the adsorption pressure are shortened.

[0223] If pressure equalization occurs before transitioning from the third state to the fourth state, the pressure in the first space 164a of the fourth container 124 decreases, and the pressure in the first space 164a of the third container 123 increases. Therefore, after transitioning to the fourth state, the time it takes for the pressure in the first space 164a of the fourth container 124 to decrease and reach the desorption pressure, and the time it takes for the pressure in the first space 164a of the third container 123 to increase and reach the adsorption pressure are shortened.

[0224] If pressure equalization occurs before transitioning from the fourth state to the first state, the pressure in the first space 164a of the first container 121 decreases, and the pressure in the first space 164a of the second container 122 increases. Therefore, after transitioning to the first state, the time it takes for the pressure in the first space 164a of the first container 121 to decrease and reach the desorption pressure, and the time it takes for the pressure in the first space 164a of the second container 122 to increase and reach the adsorption pressure are shortened.

[0225] Until the pressure inside the first container 121, second container 122, third container 123, or fourth container 124 rises to reach the adsorption pressure, no heat is generated in the first container 121, second container 122, third container 123, or fourth container 124. Until the pressure inside the first container 121, second container 122, third container 123, or fourth container 124 falls to reach the desorption pressure, no cold is generated in the first container 121, second container 122, third container 123, or fourth container 124. By equalizing the pressure, the refrigeration device 200 can shorten the time it takes for the pressure inside the first container 121, second container 122, third container 123, and fourth container 124 to reach the adsorption pressure or desorption pressure.

[0226] Therefore, the refrigeration system 200 can increase its capacity per unit time compared to the case where the heat source side circuit 101 does not have the first bypass flow path 211, the second bypass flow path 212, and the bypass valves R3-1 and R3-2.

[0227] (4-3) The control unit 105 of the refrigeration system 200 drives the compressor 131 continuously while the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the first to fourth states. Since the refrigeration system 200 does not need to stop the compressor 131 during operation, a decrease in the reliability of the compressor 131 can be suppressed.

[0228] —Third Embodiment— (1) Overall Configuration of the Refrigeration System 300 The refrigeration system 300 of the third embodiment includes, as shown in Figure 18, a heat source side circuit 101, a utilization side circuit 102, a first fan 143, and a second fan 153. The heat source side circuit 101 has a refrigerant flow path 111 through which the refrigerant flows. The utilization side circuit 102 has a heat medium flow path 112 through which the heat medium flows. In Figure 18, the refrigerant flow path 111 is drawn with a dotted line, and the heat medium flow path 112 is drawn with a solid line. The refrigeration system 300 is, for example, an air conditioning system. When the refrigeration system 300 is an air conditioning system, one of the first fan 143 and the second fan 153 is provided in the indoor unit, and the other is provided in the outdoor unit.

[0229] The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant channel 111 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.

[0230] The heat transfer medium flowing through the heat transfer medium channel 112 is selected from the group consisting of, for example, water, brine, and air. Brine is a liquid with a freezing point of 0°C or lower.

[0231] The refrigeration system 300 further includes a control unit 105. As shown in Figure 19, the control unit 105 controls the operation of each element constituting the heat source side circuit 101 and the utilization side circuit 102. 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 ​​memory and executes them, and by controlling each component through the execution of the programs, it realizes functions that match a predetermined purpose.

[0232] (1-1) Heat source circuit 101 The heat source circuit 101 constitutes a refrigeration cycle that functions as a heat pump utilizing the heat (warmth or coldness) generated when the refrigerant is adsorbed or desorbed onto the adsorbent. The adsorbent is a powder of an adsorbent material.

[0233] The heat source side circuit 101 includes a compressor 131, a first container 121, a second container 122, a third container 123, a fourth container 124, and a refrigerant flow path 111. The heat source side circuit 101 further includes refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R1-3, R1-4, R2-1, R2-2, R2-3, R2-4, a first bypass flow path 211, a second bypass flow path 212, a bypass valve R3-1, and a bypass valve R3-2. Hereafter, as necessary, refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R1-3, R1-4, R2-1, R2-2, R2-3, and R2-4 will be collectively referred to as "refrigerant valves R1-1 to R2-4". The refrigerant flow path 111 connects the compressor 131, the first container 121, the second container 122, the third container 123, and the fourth container 124. Refrigerant valves R1-1 to R2-4 are installed on the refrigerant flow path 111.

[0234] The compressor 131 compresses the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant passage 111. The compressor 131 is, for example, a rotary compressor. The compressor 131 draws in low-pressure refrigerant from the refrigerant passage 111, compresses it, and discharges it back into the refrigerant passage 111 as high-pressure refrigerant. Low-pressure refrigerant is the refrigerant in the refrigerant passage 111 before it is compressed by the compressor 131. High-pressure refrigerant is the refrigerant in the refrigerant passage 111 after it has been compressed by the compressor 131. During operation of the compressor 131, lubricating oil sealed in the refrigerant passage 111 is supplied to the sliding parts of the compressor 131. A portion of the lubricating oil is stored at the bottom of the compressor 131 casing.

[0235] The first container 121, the second container 122, the third container 123, and the fourth container 124 each have an adsorbent that adsorbs and desorbs a refrigerant. In the first container 121, the second container 122, the third container 123, and the fourth container 124, the heat of adsorption or the heat of desorption is recovered by the heat medium flowing through the heat medium channel 112. The heat of adsorption is the warmth generated when the adsorbent adsorbs the refrigerant. The heat of desorption is the cold energy generated when the adsorbent desorbs the refrigerant. When the heat medium recovers the heat of adsorption, the temperature of the heat medium rises. When the heat medium recovers the heat of desorption, the temperature of the heat medium falls.

[0236] Refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R1-3, and R1-4 are solenoid valves. The refrigerant flow path 111 on the suction side of the compressor 131 branches into a flow path where refrigerant valve R1-1 is located, a flow path where refrigerant valve R1-2 is located, a flow path where refrigerant valve R1-3 is located, and a flow path where refrigerant valve R1-4 is located.

[0237] Refrigerant valves R2-1, R2-2, R2-3, and R2-4 are solenoid valves. The refrigerant flow path 111 on the discharge side of the compressor 131 branches into a flow path where refrigerant valve R2-1 is located, a flow path where refrigerant valve R2-2 is located, a flow path where refrigerant valve R2-3 is located, and a flow path where refrigerant valve R2-4 is located.

[0238] The suction side of the compressor 131 and the first container 121 are connected via a refrigerant valve R1-1. The discharge side of the compressor 131 and the first container 121 are connected via a refrigerant valve R2-1. The flow path where refrigerant valve R1-1 is located merges with the flow path where refrigerant valve R2-1 is located.

[0239] The suction side of the compressor 131 and the second container 122 are connected via a refrigerant valve R1-2. The discharge side of the compressor 131 and the second container 122 are connected via a refrigerant valve R2-2. The flow path where the refrigerant valve R1-2 is located merges with the flow path where the refrigerant valve R2-2 is located.

[0240] The suction side of the compressor 131 and the third container 123 are connected via refrigerant valve R1-3. The discharge side of the compressor 131 and the third container 123 are connected via refrigerant valve R2-3. The flow path where refrigerant valve R1-3 is located merges with the flow path where refrigerant valve R2-3 is located.

[0241] The suction side of the compressor 131 and the fourth container 124 are connected via refrigerant valve R1-4. The discharge side of the compressor 131 and the fourth container 124 are connected via refrigerant valve R2-4. The flow path where refrigerant valve R1-4 is located merges with the flow path where refrigerant valve R2-4 is located.

[0242] The first bypass channel 211 connects the first container 121 and the third container 123 without passing through the compressor 131.

[0243] The second bypass channel 212 connects the second container 122 and the fourth container 124 without passing through the compressor 131.

[0244] The bypass valve R3-1 is an opening and closing mechanism that opens and closes the first bypass passage 211. The bypass valve R3-1 is installed in the piping through which the refrigerant flows in the first bypass passage 211. The bypass valve R3-1 is a solenoid valve.

[0245] The bypass valve R3-2 is an opening and closing mechanism that opens and closes the second bypass passage 212. The bypass valve R3-2 is installed in the piping through which the refrigerant flows in the second bypass passage 212. The bypass valve R3-2 is a solenoid valve.

[0246] The control unit 105 controls the compressor 131, the refrigerant valves R1-1 to R2-4, the bypass valve R3-1, and the bypass valve R3-2. 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 and closing of each of the refrigerant valves R1-1 to R2-4 to allow or block the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant passage 111. The control unit 105 controls the opening and closing of the bypass valve R3-1 to allow or block the flow of refrigerant in the first bypass passage 211. The control unit 105 controls the opening and closing of the bypass valve R3-2 to allow or block the flow of refrigerant in the second bypass passage 212.

[0247] (1-2) Utilization-side circuit 102 The utilization-side circuit 102 functions as a heat transfer means for utilizing the heat generated in the heat source-side circuit 101 via a heat transfer medium. The heat transfer medium flowing through the heat transfer medium channel 112 transfers the heat of adsorption or desorption recovered in the first container 121, second container 122, third container 123, or fourth container 124 to a predetermined location.

[0248] The user-side circuit 102 includes a first container 121, a second container 122, a third container 123, a fourth container 124, a first heat exchanger 142, a second heat exchanger 152, and a heat transfer medium flow path 112. The user-side circuit 102 further includes a fluid pump 156, and heat transfer valves H1-2, H1-5, H1-6, H2-3, H2-5, H2-6, H3-4, H3-5, H3-6, H4-1, H4-5, H4-6, H5-1, H5-2, H5-3, H5-4, H6-1, H6-2, H6-3, and H6-4. Hereafter, these 20 heat transfer valves will be collectively referred to as "heat transfer valves H1-2 to H6-4" as needed. The heat transfer medium flow path 112 connects the first container 121, the second container 122, the third container 123, the fourth container 124, the first heat exchanger 142, the second heat exchanger 152, and the fluid pump 156. Heat transfer medium valves H1-2 to H6-4 are installed on the heat transfer medium flow path 112.

[0249] The fluid pump 156 delivers the heat transfer medium to the first container 121, the second container 122, the third container 123, and the fourth container 124. The heat transfer medium delivered by the fluid pump 156 circulates through the heat transfer medium flow path 112 by passing through the first container 121, the second container 122, the third container 123, the fourth container 124, the first heat exchanger 142, and the second heat exchanger 152 in a predetermined order.

[0250] The heat transfer valves H1-2 to H6-4 are solenoid valves. The heat transfer valves H1-2 to H6-4 change the flow direction of the heat transfer medium flowing through the heat transfer medium passage 112. The heat transfer valves H1-2 to H6-4 are arranged so that the refrigeration device 300 can be switched between a first state, a second state, a third state, and a fourth state.

[0251] The flow path where heat transfer valve H1-2 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H1-5 is located, and the flow path where heat transfer valve H1-6 is located merge and connect to the flow path where the first container 121 is located.

[0252] The flow path where heat transfer valve H2-3 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H2-5 is located, and the flow path where heat transfer valve H2-6 is located merge and connect to the flow path where the second container 122 is located.

[0253] The flow path where heat transfer valve H3-4 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H3-5 is located, and the flow path where heat transfer valve H3-6 is located merge and connect to the flow path where the third container 123 is located.

[0254] The flow path where heat transfer valve H4-1 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H4-5 is located, and the flow path where heat transfer valve H4-6 is located merge and connect to the flow path where the fourth container 124 is located.

[0255] The flow path where heat transfer valve H5-1 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H5-2 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H5-3 is located, and the flow path where heat transfer valve H5-4 is located merge and connect to the flow path where the second heat exchanger 152 is located.

[0256] The flow path where heat transfer valve H6-1 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H6-2 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H6-3 is located, and the flow path where heat transfer valve H6-4 is located merge and connect to the flow path where the first heat exchanger 142 is located.

[0257] The flow path where heat transfer valve H4-1 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H5-1 is located, and the flow path where heat transfer valve H6-1 is located merge and connect to the flow path where the first container 121 is located.

[0258] The flow path where heat transfer valve H1-2 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H5-2 is located, and the flow path where heat transfer valve H6-2 is located merge and connect to the flow path where the second container 122 is located.

[0259] The flow path where heat transfer valve H2-3 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H5-3 is located, and the flow path where heat transfer valve H6-3 is located merge and connect to the flow path where the third container 123 is located.

[0260] The flow path where heat transfer valve H3-4 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H5-4 is located, and the flow path where heat transfer valve H6-4 is located merge and connect to the flow path where the fourth container 124 is located.

[0261] The flow path where heat transfer valves H1-5 are located, the flow path where heat transfer valves H2-5 are located, the flow path where heat transfer valves H3-5 are located, and the flow path where heat transfer valves H4-5 are located merge and connect to the flow path where the second heat exchanger 152 is located.

[0262] The flow path where heat transfer valve H1-6 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H2-6 is located, the flow path where heat transfer valve H3-6 is located, and the flow path where heat transfer valve H4-6 is located merge and connect to the flow path where the first heat exchanger 142 is located.

[0263] The fluid pump 156 is installed in the flow path where the second container 122 is located. The suction side of the fluid pump 156 is connected to the second container 122. The discharge side of the fluid pump 156 is connected to the flow path where the heat transfer valve H2-3 is located, the flow path where the heat transfer valve H2-5 is located, and the flow path where the heat transfer valve H2-6 is located.

[0264] In Figures 20 and 21, when the refrigeration system 300 is in the first state, the refrigerant flow path 111 is shown by a thick dashed line, and the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is shown by a thick solid line. In Figures 22 and 23, when the refrigeration system 300 is in the second state, the refrigerant flow path 111 is shown by a thick dashed line, and the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is shown by a thick solid line. In Figures 24 and 25, when the refrigeration system 300 is in the third state, the refrigerant flow path 111 is shown by a thick dashed line, and the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is shown by a thick solid line. In Figures 26 and 27, when the refrigeration system 300 is in the fourth state, the refrigerant flow path 111 is shown by a thick dashed line, and the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is shown by a thick solid line. In Figures 20 to 27, among the refrigerant valves R1-1 to R2-4, those that are open to allow the refrigerant to pass through are shown as filled in black. In Figures 20 to 27, among the heat transfer fluid valves H1-2 to H6-4, those that are open to allow the heat transfer fluid to pass through are shown as filled in black.

[0265] When the refrigeration device 300 is in the first state, as shown in Figures 20 and 21, the heat transfer medium flow path 112 has a first circulation flow path C1 through which the heat transfer medium circulates. The heat transfer medium circulating in the first circulation flow path C1 passes through the fluid pump 156, the heat transfer medium valve H2-3, the third container 123, the heat transfer medium valve H3-6, the first heat exchanger 142, the heat transfer medium valve H6-4, the fourth container 124, the heat transfer medium valve H4-1, the first container 121, the heat transfer medium valve H1-5, the second heat exchanger 152, the heat transfer medium valve H5-2, the second container 122, and the fluid pump 156 in this order. In the first state, the fluid pump 156 circulates the heat transfer medium in the first circulation flow path C1.

[0266] When the refrigeration device 300 is in the second state, as shown in Figures 22 and 23, the heat transfer medium flow path 112 has a second circulation flow path C2 through which the heat transfer medium circulates. The heat transfer medium circulating in the second circulation flow path C2 passes through the fluid pump 156, the heat transfer medium valve H2-5, the second heat exchanger 152, the heat transfer medium valve H5-3, the third container 123, the heat transfer medium valve H3-4, the fourth container 124, the heat transfer medium valve H4-6, the first heat exchanger 142, the heat transfer medium valve H6-1, the first container 121, the heat transfer medium valve H1-2, the second container 122, and the fluid pump 156 in this order. In the second state, the fluid pump 156 circulates the heat transfer medium in the second circulation flow path C2.

[0267] When the refrigeration device 300 is in the third state, as shown in Figures 24 and 25, the heat transfer medium flow path 112 has a third circulation flow path C3 through which the heat transfer medium circulates. The heat transfer medium circulating in the third circulation flow path C3 passes through the fluid pump 156, the heat transfer medium valve H2-3, the third container 123, the heat transfer medium valve H3-5, the second heat exchanger 152, the heat transfer medium valve H5-4, the fourth container 124, the heat transfer medium valve H4-1, the first container 121, the heat transfer medium valve H1-6, the first heat exchanger 142, the heat transfer medium valve H6-2, the second container 122, and the fluid pump 156 in this order. In the third state, the fluid pump 156 circulates the heat transfer medium in the third circulation flow path C3.

[0268] When the refrigeration device 300 is in the fourth state, as shown in Figures 26 and 27, the heat transfer medium flow path 112 has a fourth circulation flow path C4 through which the heat transfer medium circulates. The heat transfer medium circulating in the fourth circulation flow path C4 passes through the fluid pump 156, the heat transfer medium valve H2-6, the first heat exchanger 142, the heat transfer medium valve H6-3, the third container 123, the heat transfer medium valve H3-4, the fourth container 124, the heat transfer medium valve H4-5, the second heat exchanger 152, the heat transfer medium valve H5-1, the first container 121, the heat transfer medium valve H1-2, the second container 122, and the fluid pump 156 in this order. In the fourth state, the fluid pump 156 circulates the heat transfer medium in the fourth circulation flow path C4.

[0269] In the first circulation path C1, the second circulation path C2, the third circulation path C3, and the fourth circulation path C4, the first container 121 is connected to the second container 122 and the fourth container 124, the second container 122 is connected to the third container 123, and the third container 123 is connected to the fourth container 124. In the first circulation path C1, the second circulation path C2, the third circulation path C3, and the fourth circulation path C4, the heat transfer medium circulates between the first container 121, the second container 122, the third container 123, and the fourth container 124.

[0270] The control unit 105 controls the first fan 143, the second fan 153, the fluid pump 156, and the heat transfer valves H1-2 to H6-4. The control unit 105 controls the capacity of the fluid pump 156. The control unit 105 controls the rotational speed of the first fan 143 and the second fan 153. The control unit 105 controls the heat transfer valves H1-2 to H6-4 to switch the refrigeration system 300 between the first state, the second state, the third state, and the fourth state.

[0271] (1-3) First container 121, second container 122, third container 123, and fourth container 124 Each of the first container 121, second container 122, third container 123, and fourth container 124 comprises a heat recovery member, an adsorbent, and a casing. Each of the first container 121, second container 122, third container 123, and fourth container 124 has a first space through which a refrigerant flows and a second space through which a heat transfer medium flows. The first space is part of the refrigerant flow path 111. The second space is part of the heat transfer medium flow path 112. The first space and the second space are not in communication with each other.

[0272] The heat recovery member separates the first space from the second space. The adsorbent is provided in the first space. The adsorbent adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant in the first space in response to changes in the pressure of the refrigerant in the first space. The adsorbent is supported on the first surface, which is the surface of the heat recovery member.

[0273] The adsorbent supported on the first surface includes a metal-organic framework (MOF) containing metal ions and organic ligands. A metal-organic framework 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 framework, the organic ligands bind to the metal ions, resulting in a polymeric structure with countless openings inside. The opening diameter and topology of the metal-organic framework can be adjusted by selectively combining the metal ions and organic ligands. Therefore, the opening diameter of the metal-organic framework can be adjusted by selecting and combining the metal ions and organic ligands, and it can selectively adsorb target substances. For example, metal-organic frameworks are used as porous materials that have the function of selective storage and separation of molecules and ions.

[0274] In the refrigeration system 300, the metal-organic structure is used as an adsorbent for adsorbing and desorbing the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant channel 111. Examples of metal-organic structures include MOF-5, MOF-200, UiO-66, and MIL-101. The adsorbent used in the refrigeration system 300 is, for example, a powder of the metal-organic structure or a molded article of the metal-organic structure. In this case, the adsorbent is supported on the first surface by adhering a mixture of the adsorbent and a binder to the first surface. Examples of binders include acrylic resins, polyester resins, polyolefin resins, and polyurethane resins.

[0275] The heat recovery member is of the cross-fin type. As shown in Figure 28, the heat recovery member includes a plurality of fins 161 and a heat transfer tube 162. The heat transfer tube 162 has a plurality of straight pipe sections 162a that extend in a straight line and a folded section 162b that connects two straight pipe sections 162a. In Figure 28, the thickness of the heat transfer tube 162 is omitted. The plurality of fins 161 have through holes in their thickness direction through which the straight pipe sections 162a of the heat transfer tube 162 pass. The plurality of fins 161 are arranged around the straight pipe sections 162a of the heat transfer tube 162 so as to be stacked at predetermined intervals along the direction in which the straight pipe sections 162a extend. The first end 162c and the second end 162d of the heat transfer tube 162 are connected to the heat transfer medium flow path 112. The plurality of fins 161 and the heat transfer tube 162 are housed in a casing 163. The casing 163 has a first opening 163a connected to the refrigerant flow path 111 and a second opening 163b connected to the first bypass flow path 211 or the second bypass flow path 212.

[0276] The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant channel 111 flows into the casing 163 through the first opening 163a and flows out of the casing 163 through the first opening 163a. ​​The heat transfer medium flowing through the heat transfer medium channel 112 flows into the heat transfer tube 162 through the first end 162c and flows out of the heat transfer tube 162 through the second end 162d.

[0277] The first bypass channel 211 connects the second opening 163b of the first container 121 and the second opening 163b of the third container 123. The first bypass channel 211 also connects the first space 164a of the first container 121 and the first space 164a of the third container 123.

[0278] The second bypass channel 212 connects the second opening 163b of the second container 122 and the second opening 163b of the fourth container 124. The second bypass channel 212 also connects the first space 164a of the second container 122 and the first space 164a of the fourth container 124.

[0279] As shown in Figure 28, the first space 164a through which the refrigerant flows is the space inside the casing 163 and outside the heat transfer tube 162. The second space 164b through which the heat transfer medium flows is the space inside the casing 163 and inside the heat transfer tube 162. The first surface 182 on which the adsorbent 181, which adsorbs and desorbs, is supported includes at least a portion of the outer surfaces of the multiple fins 161 and the heat transfer tube 162. The first surface 182 is, for example, the surface of the multiple fins 161 and the outer surface of the heat transfer tube 162. The first surface 182 is in contact with the first space 164a. Therefore, the refrigerant in the first space 164a is in contact with the adsorbent 181 supported on the first surface 182.

[0280] The adsorbent 181 adsorbs the refrigerant in the first space 164a when the pressure of the refrigerant in the first space 164a is equal to or greater than the adsorption pressure. The adsorbent 181 desorbs the refrigerant in the first space 164a when the pressure of the refrigerant in the first space 164a is equal to or less than the desorption pressure. The adsorption pressure is the minimum pressure range in which the adsorbent 181 can adsorb the refrigerant at the temperature of the first space 164a. The desorption pressure is the maximum pressure range in which the adsorbent 181 can desorb the refrigerant at the temperature of the first space 164a. The adsorption pressure and desorption pressure vary depending on the type of adsorbent 181 and the refrigerant.

[0281] (2) Operation of the refrigeration system 300 The operation of the refrigeration system 300 will be explained in the case where the refrigeration system 300 is an air conditioning system. The first heat exchanger 142 is an outdoor heat exchanger, and the second heat exchanger 152 is an indoor heat exchanger.

[0282] The adsorbent material 181 of the first container 121, the second container 122, the third container 123, and the fourth container 124 adsorbs and desorbs refrigerant in the refrigerant flow path 111. The adsorbent material 181 adsorbs refrigerant when it is in contact with refrigerant in the first space 164a at a pressure equal to or greater than the adsorption pressure. The adsorbent material 181 desorbs refrigerant when it is in contact with refrigerant in the first space 164a at a pressure equal to or less than the desorption pressure.

[0283] When the refrigeration device 300 is in the first state, it is possible to connect the suction side of the compressor 131 to the first container 121 to create a low-pressure state inside the first container 121, and to connect the discharge side of the compressor 131 to the third container 123 to create a high-pressure state inside the third container 123. When the first container 121 is in a low-pressure state, the adsorbent 181 of the first container 121 is in contact with the low-pressure refrigerant in the first space 164a. When the third container 123 is in a high-pressure state, the adsorbent 181 of the third container 123 is in contact with the high-pressure refrigerant in the first space 164a.

[0284] When the refrigeration device 300 is in the second state, it is possible to connect the suction side of the compressor 131 to the second container 122 to create a low-pressure state inside the second container 122, and to connect the discharge side of the compressor 131 to the fourth container 124 to create a high-pressure state inside the fourth container 124. When the second container 122 is in a low-pressure state, the adsorbent 181 of the second container 122 is in contact with the low-pressure refrigerant in the first space 164a. When the fourth container 124 is in a high-pressure state, the adsorbent 181 of the fourth container 124 is in contact with the high-pressure refrigerant in the first space 164a.

[0285] When the refrigeration device 300 is in the third state, it is possible to connect the suction side of the compressor 131 to the third container 123 to create a low-pressure state inside the third container 123, and to connect the discharge side of the compressor 131 to the first container 121 to create a high-pressure state inside the first container 121. When the third container 123 is in a low-pressure state, the adsorbent 181 of the third container 123 is in contact with the low-pressure refrigerant in the first space 164a. When the first container 121 is in a high-pressure state, the adsorbent 181 of the first container 121 is in contact with the high-pressure refrigerant in the first space 164a.

[0286] When the refrigeration system 300 is in the fourth state, it is possible to connect the suction side of the compressor 131 to the fourth container 124 to create a low-pressure state inside the fourth container 124, and to connect the discharge side of the compressor 131 to the second container 122 to create a high-pressure state inside the second container 122. When the fourth container 124 is in a low-pressure state, the adsorbent 181 of the fourth container 124 is in contact with the low-pressure refrigerant in the first space 164a. When the second container 122 is in a high-pressure state, the adsorbent 181 of the second container 122 is in contact with the high-pressure refrigerant in the first space 164a.

[0287] When the refrigeration device 300 is in the first state, the adsorbent 181 in the third container 123 is in contact with the high-pressure refrigerant, and the adsorbent 181 in the first container 121 is in contact with the low-pressure refrigerant. In the third container 123, the adsorbent 181 gradually adsorbs the refrigerant, and in the process, the adsorbent 181 releases heat. In the first container 121, the adsorbent 181 gradually desorbs the refrigerant, and in the process, the adsorbent 181 absorbs heat. In the third container 123, the heat generated in the process of the adsorbent 181 adsorbing the refrigerant in the first space 164a is recovered in the heat transfer medium in the second space 164b. In the first container 121, the cold generated in the process of the adsorbent 181 desorbing the refrigerant adsorbed on it is recovered in the heat transfer medium in the second space 164b. Therefore, in the third container 123, thermal energy is recovered into the heat transfer medium flowing through the first circulation channel C1, and in the first container 121, cold energy is recovered into the heat transfer medium flowing through the first circulation channel C1.

[0288] When the refrigeration device 300 is in the second state, the adsorbent 181 in the fourth container 124 is in contact with the high-pressure refrigerant, and the adsorbent 181 in the second container 122 is in contact with the low-pressure refrigerant. In the fourth container 124, the adsorbent 181 gradually adsorbs the refrigerant, and in the process, the adsorbent 181 releases heat. In the second container 122, the adsorbent 181 gradually desorbs the refrigerant, and in the process, the adsorbent 181 absorbs heat. In the fourth container 124, the heat generated in the process of the adsorbent 181 adsorbing the refrigerant in the first space 164a is recovered in the heat transfer medium in the second space 164b. In the second container 122, the cold generated in the process of the adsorbent 181 desorbing the refrigerant adsorbed on it is recovered in the heat transfer medium in the second space 164b. Therefore, in the fourth container 124, thermal energy is recovered into the heat transfer medium flowing through the second circulation channel C2, and in the second container 122, cold energy is recovered into the heat transfer medium flowing through the second circulation channel C2.

[0289] When the refrigeration device 300 is in the third state, the adsorbent 181 in the first container 121 is in contact with the high-pressure refrigerant, and the adsorbent 181 in the third container 123 is in contact with the low-pressure refrigerant. In the first container 121, the adsorbent 181 gradually adsorbs the refrigerant, and in the process, the adsorbent 181 releases heat. In the third container 123, the adsorbent 181 gradually desorbs the refrigerant, and in the process, the adsorbent 181 absorbs heat. In the first container 121, the heat generated in the process of the adsorbent 181 adsorbing the refrigerant in the first space 164a is recovered in the heat transfer medium in the second space 164b. In the third container 123, the cold generated in the process of the adsorbent 181 desorbing the refrigerant adsorbed on it is recovered in the heat transfer medium in the second space 164b. Therefore, in the first container 121, thermal energy is recovered into the heat transfer medium flowing through the third circulation channel C3, and in the third container 123, cold energy is recovered into the heat transfer medium flowing through the third circulation channel C3.

[0290] When the refrigeration device 300 is in the fourth state, the adsorbent 181 in the second container 122 is in contact with the high-pressure refrigerant, and the adsorbent 181 in the fourth container 124 is in contact with the low-pressure refrigerant. In the second container 122, the adsorbent 181 gradually adsorbs the refrigerant, and in the process, the adsorbent 181 releases heat. In the fourth container 124, the adsorbent 181 gradually desorbs the refrigerant, and in the process, the adsorbent 181 absorbs heat. In the second container 122, the heat generated in the process of the adsorbent 181 adsorbing the refrigerant in the first space 164a is recovered in the heat transfer medium in the second space 164b. In the fourth container 124, the cold generated in the process of the adsorbent 181 desorbing the refrigerant adsorbed on it is recovered in the heat transfer medium in the second space 164b. Therefore, in the second container 122, thermal energy is recovered into the heat transfer medium flowing through the fourth circulation channel C4, and in the fourth container 124, cold energy is recovered into the heat transfer medium flowing through the fourth circulation channel C4.

[0291] The refrigeration system 300 performs a first operation in which it repeatedly transitions through the first state, second state, third state, fourth state, and back to the first state.

[0292] When the refrigeration system 300 is in the first state, the heat transfer medium circulates through the first circulation channel C1, passing through the first heat exchanger 142, the fourth container 124, the first container 121, the second heat exchanger 152, the second container 122, the third container 123, and the first heat exchanger 142 in that order. The fourth container 124 is the container from which cold energy was recovered into the heat transfer medium when the refrigeration system 300 was in the previous fourth state. The first container 121 is the container from which cold energy was recovered into the heat transfer medium. The second container 122 is the container from which warm energy was recovered into the heat transfer medium when the refrigeration system 300 was in the previous fourth state. The third container 123 is the container from which warm energy was recovered into the heat transfer medium.

[0293] When the refrigeration system 300 is in the second state, the heat transfer medium circulates through the second circulation channel C2, passing through the first heat exchanger 142, the first container 121, the second container 122, the second heat exchanger 152, the third container 123, the fourth container 124, and the first heat exchanger 142 in that order. The first container 121 is the container from which cold energy was recovered into the heat transfer medium when the refrigeration system 300 was in the previous first state. The second container 122 is the container from which cold energy is recovered into the heat transfer medium. The third container 123 is the container from which warm energy was recovered into the heat transfer medium when the refrigeration system 300 was in the previous first state. The fourth container 124 is the container from which warm energy is recovered into the heat transfer medium.

[0294] When the refrigeration system 300 is in the third state, the heat transfer medium circulates through the third circulation channel C3, passing through the first heat exchanger 142, the second container 122, the third container 123, the second heat exchanger 152, the fourth container 124, the first container 121, and the first heat exchanger 142 in that order. The second container 122 is the container from which cold energy was recovered into the heat transfer medium when the refrigeration system 300 was in the previous second state. The third container 123 is the container from which cold energy was recovered into the heat transfer medium. The fourth container 124 is the container from which warm energy was recovered into the heat transfer medium when the refrigeration system 300 was in the previous second state. The first container 121 is the container from which warm energy was recovered into the heat transfer medium.

[0295] When the refrigeration system 300 is in the fourth state, the heat transfer medium circulates through the fourth circulation channel C4, passing through the first heat exchanger 142, the third container 123, the fourth container 124, the second heat exchanger 152, the first container 121, the second container 122, and the first heat exchanger 142 in that order. The third container 123 is the container from which cold energy was recovered into the heat transfer medium when the refrigeration system 300 was in the previous third state. The fourth container 124 is the container from which cold energy is recovered into the heat transfer medium. The first container 121 is the container from which warm energy was recovered into the heat transfer medium when the refrigeration system 300 was in the previous third state. The second container 122 is the container from which warm energy is recovered into the heat transfer medium.

[0296] Therefore, while the refrigeration system 300 is performing its first operation, the heat transfer medium flowing through the heat transfer medium channel 112 circulates by passing through the first heat exchanger 142, the container from which cold energy has been recovered, the container from which cold energy is being recovered, the second heat exchanger 152, the container from which heat energy has been recovered, the container from which heat is being recovered, and the first heat exchanger 142 again. The container from which cold energy has been recovered is one of the first container 121, the second container 122, the third container 123, and the fourth container 124 from which cold energy has been recovered into the heat transfer medium in the state immediately preceding the refrigeration system 300. The container from which cold energy is being recovered is one of the first container 121, the second container 122, the third container 123, and the fourth container 124 from which cold energy is being recovered into the heat transfer medium in the current state of the refrigeration system 300. A container from which heat has been recovered is one of the first container 121, second container 122, third container 123, and fourth container 124 from which heat has been recovered into the heat transfer medium in the state immediately preceding the refrigeration device 300. A container from which heat is currently being recovered is one of the first container 121, second container 122, third container 123, and fourth container 124 from which heat is being recovered into the heat transfer medium in the current state of the refrigeration device 300. If the current state of the refrigeration device 300 is the first state, second state, third state, and fourth state, then the state immediately preceding the refrigeration device 300 is the fourth state, first state, second state, and third state, respectively.

[0297] When the refrigeration device 300 is in the first state, the container from which cold energy has been recovered is the fourth container 124, the container from which cold energy is being recovered is the first container 121, the container from which heat has been recovered is the second container 122, and the container from which heat is being recovered is the third container 123.

[0298] When the refrigeration device 300 is in the second state, the container from which cold energy has been recovered is the first container 121, the container from which cold energy is being recovered is the second container 122, the container from which heat has been recovered is the third container 123, and the container from which heat is being recovered is the fourth container 124.

[0299] When the refrigeration device 300 is in the third state, the container from which cold energy has been recovered is the second container 122, the container from which cold energy is being recovered is the third container 123, the container from which heat has been recovered is the fourth container 124, and the container from which heat is being recovered is the first container 121.

[0300] When the refrigeration device 300 is in the fourth state, the container from which cold energy has been recovered is the third container 123, the container from which cold energy is being recovered is the fourth container 124, the container from which heat has been recovered is the first container 121, and the container from which heat is being recovered is the second container 122.

[0301] By performing a first operation, the refrigeration system 300 can maintain a state in which the refrigerant is adsorbed onto the adsorbent 181 in one of the first container 121, second container 122, third container 123, and fourth container 124, and the refrigerant is desorbed from the adsorbent 181 in the other one. During the first operation, the refrigeration system 300 can continue to recover heat and cold through the heat transfer medium flowing through the first circulation channel C1, second circulation channel C2, third circulation channel C3, and fourth circulation channel C4.

[0302] Therefore, the refrigeration system 300 can continue to supply the heat transfer medium heated by the recovered thermal energy to the first heat exchanger 142, and can continue to supply the heat transfer medium cooled by the recovered cold energy to the second heat exchanger 152. The air heated by heat exchange with the heat transfer medium in the first heat exchanger 142 is sent to a predetermined location by the first fan 143. The air cooled by heat exchange with the heat transfer medium in the second heat exchanger 152 is sent to a predetermined location by the second fan 153.

[0303] (3) When the first operation of the refrigeration system 300 is performed, the control unit 105 controls the compressor 131, the refrigerant valves R1-1 to R2-4, the bypass valve R3-1, the bypass valve R3-2, the fluid pump 156, and the heat transfer valves H1-2 to H6-4 so that the refrigeration system 300 repeatedly transitions through the first state, the second state, the third state, the fourth state, and the first state.

[0304] When the first operation of the refrigeration system 300 is performed, the control unit 105 controls each controlled object so that it repeatedly transitions in the order of first state (steps S31 to S32), second state (steps S33 to S34), third state (steps S35 to S36), fourth state (steps S37 to S38), and first state (steps S31 to S32), as shown in Figure 29.

[0305] The first to fourth states each consist of a heat recovery process and a pressure equalization process. Step S31 is the heat recovery process of the first state, as shown in Figure 20. Step S32 is the pressure equalization process of the first state, as shown in Figure 21. Step S33 is the heat recovery process of the second state, as shown in Figure 22. Step S34 is the pressure equalization process of the second state, as shown in Figure 23. Step S35 is the heat recovery process of the third state, as shown in Figure 24. Step S36 is the pressure equalization process of the third state, as shown in Figure 25. Step S37 is the heat recovery process of the fourth state, as shown in Figure 26. Step S38 is the pressure equalization process of the fourth state, as shown in Figure 27.

[0306] The pressure equalization process for the first state is the process immediately preceding the transition of the refrigeration device 300 from the first state to the second state. In other words, the pressure equalization process for the first state is the process from a predetermined period before the transition from the first state to the second state until the transition occurs.

[0307] The pressure equalization process for the second state is the process immediately preceding the transition of the refrigeration device 300 from the second state to the third state. In other words, the pressure equalization process for the second state is the process from a predetermined period before the transition from the second state to the third state until the transition occurs.

[0308] The pressure equalization process for the third state is the process immediately preceding the transition of the refrigeration device 300 from the third state to the fourth state. In other words, the pressure equalization process for the third state is the process from a predetermined period before the transition from the third state to the fourth state until the transition occurs.

[0309] The fourth-state pressure equalization process is the process immediately preceding the transition of the refrigeration device 300 from the fourth state to the first state. In other words, the fourth-state pressure equalization process is the process from a predetermined period before the transition from the fourth state to the first state until the transition occurs.

[0310] Figure 30 is a table showing the state of the compressor 131, refrigerant valves R1-1 to R2-4, bypass valve R3-1, and bypass valve R3-2 in each of the heat recovery and pressure equalization processes for the first to fourth states. Figure 31 is a table showing the state of the fluid pump 156 and heat transfer valves H1-2 to H6-4 in the first to fourth states. In Figure 31, the state of the fluid pump 156 and heat transfer valves H1-2 to H6-4 is the same in the heat recovery process and the pressure equalization process.

[0311] In Figures 30 and 31, the compressor 131 and the fluid pump 156 operate when "ON" and stop when "OFF". In Figure 30, the refrigerant valves R1-1 to R2-4, bypass valve R3-1, and bypass valve R3-2 are open when "ON" and closed when "OFF". In Figure 31, the heat transfer fluid valves H1-2 to H6-4 are open when "ON" and closed when "OFF".

[0312] The control unit 105 performs the following control as shown in Figure 30.

[0313] The control unit 105 continuously drives the compressor 131 while the refrigeration system 300 is performing the first operation. In other words, the control unit 105 does not stop the operation of the compressor 131 while the refrigeration system 300 is in the first to fourth states.

[0314] The control unit 105 keeps refrigerant valves R1-1 and R2-3 open, and refrigerant valves R1-2, R1-3, R1-4, R2-1, R2-2, R2-4, and bypass valve R3-1 closed while the refrigeration unit 300 is in the first state. The control unit 105 keeps bypass valve R3-2 closed while the refrigeration unit 300 is in the first state heat recovery process. The control unit 105 keeps bypass valve R3-2 open while the refrigeration unit 300 is in the first state pressure equalization process.

[0315] The control unit 105 keeps refrigerant valves R1-2 and R2-4 open, and refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-3, R1-4, R2-1, R2-2, R2-3, and bypass valve R3-2 closed while the refrigeration unit 300 is in the second state. The control unit 105 keeps bypass valve R3-1 closed while the refrigeration unit 300 is in the second state heat recovery process. The control unit 105 keeps bypass valve R3-1 open while the refrigeration unit 300 is in the second state pressure equalization process.

[0316] The control unit 105 keeps refrigerant valves R1-3 and R2-1 open, and refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R1-4, R2-2, R2-3, R2-4, and bypass valve R3-1 closed while the refrigeration unit 300 is in the third state. The control unit 105 keeps bypass valve R3-2 closed while the refrigeration unit 300 is in the third state heat recovery process. The control unit 105 keeps bypass valve R3-2 open while the refrigeration unit 300 is in the third state pressure equalization process.

[0317] The control unit 105 keeps refrigerant valves R1-4 and R2-2 open, and refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R1-3, R2-1, R2-3, R2-4, and bypass valve R3-2 closed while the refrigeration unit 300 is in the fourth state. The control unit 105 keeps bypass valve R3-1 closed while the refrigeration unit 300 is in the fourth state, the heat recovery process. The control unit 105 keeps bypass valve R3-1 open while the refrigeration unit 300 is in the fourth state, the pressure equalization process.

[0318] The control unit 105 performs the following control as shown in Figure 31.

[0319] The control unit 105 continuously drives the fluid pump 156 while the refrigeration unit 300 is performing the first operation. In other words, the control unit 105 does not stop the operation of the fluid pump 156 while the refrigeration unit 300 is in the first to fourth states.

[0320] The control unit 105 ensures that while the refrigeration device 300 is in the first state, the heat transfer valves H1-5, H2-3, H3-6, H4-1, H5-2, and H6-4 are open, and the heat transfer valves H1-2, H1-6, H2-5, H2-6, H3-4, H3-5, H4-5, H4-6, H5-1, H5-3, H5-4, H6-1, H6-2, and H6-3 are closed.

[0321] The control unit 105 ensures that while the refrigeration device 300 is in the second state, the heat transfer valves H1-2, H2-5, H3-4, H4-6, H5-3, and H6-1 are open, and the heat transfer valves H1-5, H1-6, H2-3, H2-6, H3-5, H3-6, H4-1, H4-5, H5-1, H5-2, H5-4, H6-2, H6-3, and H6-4 are closed.

[0322] The control unit 105 ensures that while the refrigeration device 300 is in the third state, the heat transfer valves H1-6, H2-3, H3-5, H4-1, H5-4, and H6-2 are open, and the heat transfer valves H1-2, H1-5, H2-5, H2-6, H3-4, H3-6, H4-5, H4-6, H5-1, H5-2, H5-3, H6-1, H6-3, and H6-4 are closed.

[0323] The control unit 105 ensures that while the refrigeration device 300 is in the fourth state, heat transfer valves H1-2, H2-6, H3-4, H4-5, H5-1, and H6-3 are open, and heat transfer valves H1-5, H1-6, H2-3, H2-5, H3-5, H3-6, H4-1, H4-6, H5-2, H5-3, H5-4, H6-1, H6-2, and H6-4 are closed.

[0324] Next, the heat recovery process and pressure equalization process for each of the first to fourth states will be described.

[0325] (3-1) Heat recovery process When the refrigeration device 300 is in the first state, the heat transfer medium circulating in the first circulation channel C1 recovers thermal energy in the third container 123 and cold energy in the first container 121. Therefore, while the refrigeration device 300 is in the first state, the third container 123 is heated by the heat transfer medium from which thermal energy has been recovered, and the first container 121 is cooled by the heat transfer medium from which cold energy has been recovered.

[0326] When the refrigeration device 300 is in the second state, the heat transfer medium circulating in the second circulation channel C2 recovers warmth in the fourth container 124 and coldness in the second container 122. Therefore, while the refrigeration device 300 is in the second state, the fourth container 124 is heated by the heat transfer medium from which warmth has been recovered, and the second container 122 is cooled by the heat transfer medium from which coldness has been recovered.

[0327] When the refrigeration device 300 is in the third state, the heat transfer medium circulating in the third circulation channel C3 recovers thermal energy in the first container 121 and cold energy in the third container 123. Therefore, while the refrigeration device 300 is in the third state, the first container 121 is heated by the heat transfer medium from which thermal energy has been recovered, and the third container 123 is cooled by the heat transfer medium from which cold energy has been recovered.

[0328] When the refrigeration device 300 is in the fourth state, the heat transfer medium circulating in the fourth circulation channel C4 recovers warmth in the second container 122 and coldness in the fourth container 124. Therefore, while the refrigeration device 300 is in the fourth state, the second container 122 is heated by the heat transfer medium from which warmth has been recovered, and the fourth container 124 is cooled by the heat transfer medium from which coldness has been recovered.

[0329] When the refrigeration system 300 transitions from the first state to the second state, in the second circulation channel C2, the heat transfer medium that has passed through the second heat exchanger 152 is heated by heat exchange with the third container 123 (heat recovery container) which was heated when the refrigeration system 300 was in the previous first state. After that, heat is recovered in the fourth container 124 (heat recovery container) and flows into the first heat exchanger 142. Also, when the refrigeration system 300 transitions from the first state to the second state, in the second circulation channel C2, the heat transfer medium that has passed through the first heat exchanger 142 is cooled by heat exchange with the first container 121 (coldness recovery container) which was cooled when the refrigeration system 300 was in the previous first state. After that, coldness is recovered in the second container 122 (coldness recovery container) and flows into the second heat exchanger 152.

[0330] When the refrigeration system 300 transitions from the second state to the third state, in the third circulation channel C3, the heat transfer medium that has passed through the second heat exchanger 152 is heated by heat exchange with the fourth container 124 (heat recovery container) which was heated when the refrigeration system 300 was in the previous second state. After that, heat is recovered in the first container 121 (heat recovery container) and flows into the first heat exchanger 142. Also, when the refrigeration system 300 transitions from the second state to the third state, in the third circulation channel C3, the heat transfer medium that has passed through the first heat exchanger 142 is cooled by heat exchange with the second container 122 (cold energy recovery container) which was cooled when the refrigeration system 300 was in the previous second state. After that, cold energy is recovered in the third container 123 (cold energy recovery container) and flows into the second heat exchanger 152.

[0331] When the refrigeration system 300 transitions from the third state to the fourth state, in the fourth circulation channel C4, the heat transfer medium that has passed through the second heat exchanger 152 is heated by heat exchange with the first container 121 (heat recovery container) which was heated when the refrigeration system 300 was in the previous third state. After that, heat is recovered in the second container 122 (heat recovery container) and flows into the first heat exchanger 142. Also, when the refrigeration system 300 transitions from the third state to the fourth state, in the fourth circulation channel C4, the heat transfer medium that has passed through the first heat exchanger 142 is cooled by heat exchange with the third container 123 (cold energy recovery container) which was cooled when the refrigeration system 300 was in the previous third state. After that, cold energy is recovered in the fourth container 124 (cold energy recovery container) and flows into the second heat exchanger 152.

[0332] When the refrigeration system 300 transitions from the fourth state to the first state, in the first circulation channel C1, the heat transfer medium that has passed through the second heat exchanger 152 is heated by heat exchange with the second container 122 (heat recovery container) which was heated when the refrigeration system 300 was in the previous fourth state. After that, heat is recovered in the third container 123 (heat recovery container) and flows into the first heat exchanger 142. Also, when the refrigeration system 300 transitions from the fourth state to the first state, in the first circulation channel C1, the heat transfer medium that has passed through the first heat exchanger 142 is cooled by heat exchange with the fourth container 124 (cold energy recovery container) which was cooled when the refrigeration system 300 was in the previous fourth state. After that, cold energy is recovered in the first container 121 (cold energy recovery container) and flows into the second heat exchanger 152.

[0333] Therefore, while the refrigeration system 300 is performing its first operation, the heat transfer medium that has passed through the second heat exchanger 152 is heated in the heat recovery container, then heated in the heat recovery container, and then flows into the first heat exchanger 142. Also, while the refrigeration system 300 is performing its first operation, the heat transfer medium that has passed through the first heat exchanger 142 is cooled in the cold energy recovery container, then cooled in the cold energy recovery container, and then flows into the second heat exchanger 152.

[0334] (3-2) Pressure Equalization Process In the pressure equalization process, similar to the heat recovery process, the heat transfer medium that has passed through the second heat exchanger 152 is heated in the container where heat has been recovered and the container where heat is being recovered, and flows into the first heat exchanger 142. The heat transfer medium that has passed through the first heat exchanger 142 is cooled in the container where cold energy has been recovered and the container where cold energy is being recovered, and flows into the second heat exchanger 152.

[0335] The pressure equalization process is a process to reduce the difference between the pressure of the refrigerant in the container from which heat has been recovered and the pressure of the refrigerant in the container from which cold energy has been recovered. The control unit 105 opens bypass valve R3-1 or bypass valve R3-2 at the start of the pressure equalization process and closes bypass valve R3-1 or bypass valve R3-2 at the end of the pressure equalization process.

[0336] When the refrigeration system 300 is in the first state, the first space 164a of the third container 123 is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 131, and the first space 164a of the first container 121 is connected to the suction side of the compressor 131. Therefore, in the first state, the pressure of the refrigerant in the third container 123 is higher than the pressure of the refrigerant in the first container 121. When the bypass valve R3-1 is opened during the equalization process of the second state following the first state, the first space 164a of the third container 123 (heat recovery container) and the first space 164a of the first container 121 (cold recovery container) become connected to each other. As a result, the pressure in the first space 164a of the third container 123 decreases, and the pressure in the first space 164a of the first container 121 increases. Therefore, the difference between the pressure in the third container 123 and the pressure in the first container 121 after opening the bypass valve R3-1 is smaller than the difference between the pressure in the third container 123 and the pressure in the first container 121 before opening the bypass valve R3-1. In the second state equalization process, the refrigerant pressure in the third container 123 may ultimately become the same as the refrigerant pressure in the first container 121.

[0337] When the refrigeration system 300 is in the second state, the first space 164a of the fourth container 124 is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 131, and the first space 164a of the second container 122 is connected to the suction side of the compressor 131. Therefore, in the second state, the refrigerant pressure in the fourth container 124 is higher than the refrigerant pressure in the second container 122. When the bypass valve R3-2 is opened during the equalization process of the third state following the second state, the first space 164a of the fourth container 124 (heat recovery container) and the first space 164a of the second container 122 (cold energy recovery container) become connected to each other. As a result, the pressure in the first space 164a of the fourth container 124 decreases, and the pressure in the first space 164a of the second container 122 increases. Therefore, the difference between the pressure in the fourth container 124 and the pressure in the second container 122 after opening the bypass valve R3-2 is smaller than the difference between the pressure in the fourth container 124 and the pressure in the second container 122 before opening the bypass valve R3-2. In the third state equalization process, the refrigerant pressure in the fourth container 124 may ultimately become the same as the refrigerant pressure in the second container 122.

[0338] When the refrigeration system 300 is in the third state, the first space 164a of the first container 121 is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 131, and the first space 164a of the third container 123 is connected to the suction side of the compressor 131. Therefore, in the third state, the pressure of the refrigerant in the first container 121 is higher than the pressure of the refrigerant in the third container 123. When the bypass valve R3-1 is opened during the equalization process of the fourth state following the third state, the first space 164a of the first container 121 (heat recovery container) and the first space 164a of the third container 123 (cold recovery container) become connected to each other. As a result, the pressure in the first space 164a of the first container 121 decreases, and the pressure in the first space 164a of the third container 123 increases. Therefore, the difference between the pressure in the first container 121 and the pressure in the third container 123 after opening the bypass valve R3-1 is smaller than the difference between the pressure in the first container 121 and the pressure in the third container 123 before opening the bypass valve R3-1. In the fourth state equalization process, the refrigerant pressure in the first container 121 may ultimately become the same as the refrigerant pressure in the third container 123.

[0339] When the refrigeration system 300 is in the fourth state, the first space 164a of the second container 122 is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 131, and the first space 164a of the fourth container 124 is connected to the suction side of the compressor 131. Therefore, in the fourth state, the refrigerant pressure in the second container 122 is higher than the refrigerant pressure in the fourth container 124. When the bypass valve R3-2 is opened during the equalization step of the first state following the fourth state, the first space 164a of the second container 122 (heat recovery container) and the first space 164a of the fourth container 124 (cold recovery container) become connected to each other. As a result, the pressure in the first space 164a of the second container 122 decreases, and the pressure in the first space 164a of the fourth container 124 increases. Therefore, the difference between the pressure in the second container 122 and the pressure in the fourth container 124 after opening the bypass valve R3-2 is smaller than the difference between the pressure in the second container 122 and the pressure in the fourth container 124 before opening the bypass valve R3-2. In the pressure equalization process of the first state, the refrigerant pressure in the second container 122 may ultimately become the same as the refrigerant pressure in the fourth container 124.

[0340] (4) Features (4-1) While the refrigeration system 300 is performing the first operation, the heat transfer medium that has passed through the second heat exchanger 152 is heated by heat exchange with the heat recovery container, then heat is recovered in the heat recovery container and flows into the first heat exchanger 142. Therefore, immediately after the transition between the first to fourth states, the refrigeration system 300 can use the heat received by the heat transfer medium through heat exchange with the heat recovery container to raise the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing into the heat recovery container. The lower the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing into the heat recovery container immediately after the transition between the first to fourth states, the longer the time it takes for adsorption heat to be generated in the heat recovery container, and the longer the time required for the first heat exchanger 142 to be heated to a predetermined temperature. Therefore, the refrigeration system 300 can suppress a temporary decrease in the heat exchange capacity of the first heat exchanger 142 immediately after the transition between the first to fourth states.

[0341] While the refrigeration system 300 is performing the first operation, the heat transfer medium that has passed through the first heat exchanger 142 is cooled by heat exchange with the container that has recovered cold energy, then recovers cold energy in the container that is recovering cold energy, and flows into the second heat exchanger 152. Therefore, immediately after the transition between the first to fourth states, the refrigeration system 300 can use the cold energy received by the heat transfer medium through heat exchange with the container that has recovered cold energy to lower the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing into the container that is recovering cold energy. The higher the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing into the container that is recovering cold energy immediately after the transition between the first to fourth states, the longer the time it takes for desorption heat to be generated in the container that is recovering cold energy, and the longer the time it takes for the second heat exchanger 152 to cool to a predetermined temperature. Therefore, the refrigeration system 300 can suppress a temporary decrease in the heat exchange capacity of the second heat exchanger 152 immediately after the transition between the first to fourth states.

[0342] As described above, by performing the first operation, the refrigeration system 300 can suppress a temporary decrease in the heat exchange capacity of the first heat exchanger 142 and the second heat exchanger 152, thereby increasing the capacity per unit time.

[0343] (4-2) In the pressure equalization process for the first and third states, the control unit 105 temporarily opens the bypass valve R3-2 to reduce the difference between the refrigerant pressure in the second container 122 and the refrigerant pressure in the fourth container 124.

[0344] During the pressure equalization process in the second and fourth states, the control unit 105 temporarily opens the bypass valve R3-1 to reduce the difference between the refrigerant pressure in the first container 121 and the refrigerant pressure in the third container 123.

[0345] In the first state's pressure equalization process, the pressure in the first space 164a of the second container 122 decreases, and the pressure in the first space 164a of the fourth container 124 increases. Therefore, after transitioning to the second state, the time it takes for the pressure in the first space 164a of the second container 122 to decrease and reach the desorption pressure, and the time it takes for the pressure in the first space 164a of the fourth container 124 to increase and reach the adsorption pressure are shortened.

[0346] In the second state's pressure equalization process, the pressure in the first space 164a of the third container 123 decreases, while the pressure in the first space 164a of the first container 121 increases. As a result, after transitioning to the third state, the time it takes for the pressure in the first space 164a of the third container 123 to decrease and reach the desorption pressure, and the time it takes for the pressure in the first space 164a of the first container 121 to increase and reach the adsorption pressure are shortened.

[0347] In the third state's pressure equalization process, the pressure in the first space 164a of the fourth container 124 decreases, and the pressure in the first space 164a of the second container 122 increases. As a result, after transitioning to the fourth state, the time it takes for the pressure in the first space 164a of the fourth container 124 to decrease and reach the desorption pressure, and the time it takes for the pressure in the first space 164a of the second container 122 to increase and reach the adsorption pressure are shortened.

[0348] In the fourth state's pressure equalization process, the pressure in the first space 164a of the first container 121 decreases, and the pressure in the first space 164a of the third container 123 increases. As a result, after transitioning to the first state, the time it takes for the pressure in the first space 164a of the first container 121 to decrease and reach the desorption pressure, and the time it takes for the pressure in the first space 164a of the third container 123 to increase and reach the adsorption pressure are shortened.

[0349] Until the pressure inside the first container 121, second container 122, third container 123, or fourth container 124 rises to reach the adsorption pressure, no heat is generated in the first container 121, second container 122, third container 123, or fourth container 124. Until the pressure inside the first container 121, second container 122, third container 123, or fourth container 124 falls to reach the desorption pressure, no cold is generated in the first container 121, second container 122, third container 123, or fourth container 124. The refrigeration device 300 can shorten the time it takes for the pressure inside the first container 121, second container 122, third container 123, and fourth container 124 to reach the adsorption pressure or desorption pressure by performing a pressure equalization process in the first to fourth states.

[0350] Therefore, the refrigeration system 300 can increase its capacity per unit time compared to the case where the heat source side circuit 101 does not have the first bypass flow path 211, the second bypass flow path 212, the bypass valve R3-1, and the bypass valve R3-2.

[0351] (4-3) The control unit 105 of the refrigeration system 300 drives the compressor 131 continuously while the refrigeration system 300 is in the first to fourth states. Since the refrigeration system 300 does not need to stop the compressor 131 during operation, a decrease in the reliability of the compressor 131 can be suppressed.

[0352] (4-4) The control unit 105 of the refrigeration system 300 drives the fluid pump 156 continuously while the refrigeration system 300 is in the first to fourth states. Since the refrigeration system 300 does not need to stop the fluid pump 156 during operation, a decrease in the reliability of the fluid pump 156 can be suppressed.

[0353] —Fourth Embodiment— The basic configuration and operation of the refrigeration system 400 of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the refrigeration system 300 of the third embodiment, so the differences between the refrigeration system 300 and the refrigeration system 400 will be explained in detail. The same reference numerals are used for elements common to the third and fourth embodiments.

[0354] (1) Overall configuration of the refrigeration system 400 The refrigeration system 400 of the fourth embodiment, as shown in Figure 32, comprises a heat source side circuit 101, a utilization side circuit 102, a first fan 143, and a second fan 153. The heat source side circuit 101 has a refrigerant flow path 111 through which the refrigerant flows. The utilization side circuit 102 has a heat medium flow path 112 through which the heat medium flows. In Figure 32, the refrigerant flow path 111 is drawn with a dotted line, and the heat medium flow path 112 is drawn with a solid line. The refrigeration system 400 is, for example, an air conditioning system. When the refrigeration system 400 is an air conditioning system, one of the first fan 143 and the second fan 153 is provided in the indoor unit, and the other is provided in the outdoor unit.

[0355] The refrigeration system 400 further includes a control unit 105. As shown in Figure 33, the control unit 105 controls the operation of each element constituting the heat source side circuit 101 and the utilization side circuit 102.

[0356] (1-1) Heat source side circuit 101 The heat source side circuit 101 constitutes a refrigeration cycle that functions as a heat pump that utilizes the heat (warmth or coldness) generated when the refrigerant is adsorbed or desorbed onto the adsorbent.

[0357] The heat source side circuit 101 includes a compressor 131, a first container 121, a second container 122, a third container 123, a fourth container 124, and a refrigerant flow path 111. The heat source side circuit 101 further includes refrigerant valves R1-1 to R2-4. The heat source side circuit 101 of the refrigeration system 400 has a configuration in which the first bypass flow path 211, the second bypass flow path 212, the bypass valve R3-1, and the bypass valve R3-2 are removed from the heat source side circuit 101 of the refrigeration system 300.

[0358] The control unit 105 controls the compressor 131 and the refrigerant valves R1-1 to R2-4. 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 and closing of each of the refrigerant valves R1-1 to R2-4 to allow or block the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant passage 111.

[0359] (1-2) Utilization-side circuit 102 The utilization-side circuit 102 functions as a heat transfer means for utilizing the heat generated in the heat source-side circuit 101 via a heat transfer medium. The heat transfer medium flowing through the heat transfer medium channel 112 transfers the heat of adsorption or desorption recovered in the first container 121, second container 122, third container 123, or fourth container 124 to a predetermined location.

[0360] The user-side circuit 102 includes a first container 121, a second container 122, a third container 123, a fourth container 124, a first heat exchanger 142, a second heat exchanger 152, and a heat transfer medium flow path 112. The user-side circuit 102 further includes a fluid pump 156 and heat transfer medium valves H1-2 to H6-4. The heat transfer medium valves H1-2 to H6-4 are arranged to allow the refrigeration system 400 to switch between a first state, a second state, a third state, and a fourth state. The user-side circuit 102 of the refrigeration system 400 has the same configuration as the user-side circuit 102 of the refrigeration system 300.

[0361] When the refrigeration device 400 is in the first state, the heat transfer medium flow path 112 has a first circulation flow path C1 through which the heat transfer medium circulates, as shown in Figures 34 and 35. The first circulation flow path C1 in Figures 34 and 35 is the same as the first circulation flow path C1 in Figures 20 and 21.

[0362] When the refrigeration device 400 is in the second state, the heat transfer medium flow path 112 has a second circulation flow path C2 through which the heat transfer medium circulates, as shown in Figures 36 and 37. The second circulation flow path C2 in Figures 36 and 37 is the same as the second circulation flow path C2 in Figures 22 and 23.

[0363] When the refrigeration device 400 is in the third state, the heat transfer medium flow path 112 has a third circulation flow path C3 through which the heat transfer medium circulates, as shown in Figures 38 and 39. The third circulation flow path C3 in Figures 38 and 39 is the same as the third circulation flow path C3 in Figures 24 and 25.

[0364] When the refrigeration device 400 is in the fourth state, the heat transfer medium flow path 112 has a fourth circulation flow path C4 through which the heat transfer medium circulates, as shown in Figures 40 and 41. The fourth circulation flow path C4 in Figures 40 and 41 is the same as the fourth circulation flow path C4 in Figures 26 and 27.

[0365] The control unit 105 controls the first fan 143, the second fan 153, the fluid pump 156, and the heat transfer valves H1-2 to H6-4. The control unit 105 controls the capacity of the fluid pump 156. The control unit 105 controls the rotational speed of the first fan 143 and the second fan 153. The control unit 105 controls the heat transfer valves H1-2 to H6-4 to switch the refrigeration system 400 between the first state, the second state, the third state, and the fourth state.

[0366] (2) Operation of the refrigeration unit 400 The refrigeration unit 400 performs a first operation in the same manner as the refrigeration unit 300, repeatedly transitioning through the first state, second state, third state, fourth state, and first state in that order. The first to fourth states of the refrigeration unit 400 correspond to the first to fourth states of the refrigeration unit 300, respectively.

[0367] While the refrigeration system 400 is performing its first operation, the heat transfer medium flowing through the heat transfer medium channel 112 circulates by passing through the first heat exchanger 142, the container where cold energy has been recovered, the container where cold energy is being recovered, the second heat exchanger 152, the container where heat energy has been recovered, the container where heat energy is being recovered, and then back to the first heat exchanger 142.

[0368] (3) When the first operation of the refrigeration system 400 is performed, the control unit 105 controls the compressor 131, the refrigerant valves R1-1 to R2-4, the fluid pump 156, and the heat transfer valves H1-2 to H6-4 so that the refrigeration system 400 repeatedly transitions through the first state, second state, third state, fourth state, and back to the first state.

[0369] When the first operation of the refrigeration system 400 is performed, the control unit 105 controls each control target so that it repeatedly transitions in the order of first state (steps S31 to S32), second state (steps S33 to S34), third state (steps S35 to S36), fourth state (steps S37 to S38), and first state (steps S31 to S32), as shown in Figure 29.

[0370] The first to fourth states each consist of a heat recovery process and a pressure equalization process. Step S31 is the heat recovery process of the first state, as shown in Figure 34. Step S32 is the pressure equalization process of the first state, as shown in Figure 35. Step S33 is the heat recovery process of the second state, as shown in Figure 36. Step S34 is the pressure equalization process of the second state, as shown in Figure 37. Step S35 is the heat recovery process of the third state, as shown in Figure 38. Step S36 is the pressure equalization process of the third state, as shown in Figure 39. Step S37 is the heat recovery process of the fourth state, as shown in Figure 40. Step S38 is the pressure equalization process of the fourth state, as shown in Figure 41.

[0371] The pressure equalization process in the first state is the process immediately preceding the transition of the refrigeration device 400 from the first state to the second state. In other words, the pressure equalization process in the first state refers to the state from a predetermined period before the transition from the first state to the second state until the transition occurs.

[0372] The pressure equalization process in the second state is the process immediately preceding the transition of the refrigeration unit 400 from the second state to the third state. In other words, the pressure equalization process in the second state refers to the state from a predetermined period before the transition from the second state to the third state until the transition occurs.

[0373] The pressure equalization process in the third state is the process immediately preceding the transition of the refrigeration unit 400 from the third state to the fourth state. In other words, the pressure equalization process in the third state refers to the state from a predetermined period before the transition from the third state to the fourth state until the transition occurs.

[0374] The fourth-state pressure equalization process is the process immediately preceding the transition of the refrigeration unit 400 from the fourth state to the first state. In other words, the fourth-state pressure equalization process refers to the state from a predetermined period before the transition from the fourth state to the first state until the transition from the fourth state to the first state.

[0375] Figure 42 is a table showing the state of the compressor 131 and the refrigerant valves R1-1 to R2-4 in each of the heat recovery and pressure equalization processes for the first to fourth states. Figure 43 is a table showing the state of the fluid pump 156 and the heat transfer valves H1-2 to H6-4 in the first to fourth states. In Figure 43, the state of the fluid pump 156 and the heat transfer valves H1-2 to H6-4 is the same in the heat recovery process and the pressure equalization process.

[0376] In Figures 42 and 43, the compressor 131 and the fluid pump 156 operate when "ON" and stop when "OFF". In Figure 42, the refrigerant valves R1-1 to R2-4 are open when "ON" and closed when "OFF". In Figure 43, the heat transfer fluid valves H1-2 to H6-4 are open when "ON" and closed when "OFF".

[0377] The control unit 105 performs the following control as shown in Figure 42.

[0378] The control unit 105 continuously drives the compressor 131 while the refrigeration system 400 is performing the first operation. In other words, the control unit 105 does not stop the operation of the compressor 131 while the refrigeration system 400 is in the first to fourth states.

[0379] The control unit 105 ensures that while the refrigeration system 400 is in the first state heat recovery process, refrigerant valves R1-1 and R2-3 are open, and refrigerant valves R1-2, R1-3, R1-4, R2-1, R2-2, and R2-4 are closed. The control unit 105 ensures that while the refrigeration system 400 is in the first state pressure equalization process, refrigerant valves R1-2, R1-4, R2-2, and R2-4 are open, and refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-3, R2-1, and R2-3 are closed. While the refrigeration system 400 is in the first state pressure equalization process, one of the pairs of refrigerant valves R1-2 and R1-4, and the other pair of refrigerant valves R2-2 and R2-4, may be closed.

[0380] The control unit 105 ensures that while the refrigeration system 400 is in the second state heat recovery process, refrigerant valves R1-2 and R2-4 are open, and refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-3, R1-4, R2-1, R2-2, and R2-3 are closed. The control unit 105 ensures that while the refrigeration system 400 is in the second state pressure equalization process, refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-3, R2-1, and R2-3 are open, and refrigerant valves R1-2, R1-4, R2-2, and R2-4 are closed. While the refrigeration system 400 is in the second state pressure equalization process, one of the pairs of refrigerant valves R1-1 and R1-3, and the other pair of refrigerant valves R2-1 and R2-3 may be closed.

[0381] The control unit 105 ensures that while the refrigeration system 400 is in the third state (heat recovery process), refrigerant valves R1-3 and R2-1 are open, and refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R1-4, R2-2, R2-3, and R2-4 are closed. The control unit 105 ensures that while the refrigeration system 400 is in the third state (pressure equalization process), refrigerant valves R1-2, R1-4, R2-2, and R2-4 are open, and refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-3, R2-1, and R2-3 are closed. While the refrigeration system 400 is in the third state (pressure equalization process), one of the pairs of refrigerant valves R1-2 and R1-4, and the other of the pairs of refrigerant valves R2-2 and R2-4, may be closed.

[0382] The control unit 105 ensures that while the refrigeration system 400 is in the fourth state (heat recovery process), refrigerant valves R1-4 and R2-2 are open, and refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2, R1-3, R2-1, R2-3, and R2-4 are closed. While the refrigeration system 400 is in the fourth state (pressure equalization process), the control unit 105 ensures that refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-3, R2-1, and R2-3 are open, and refrigerant valves R1-2, R1-4, R2-2, and R2-4 are closed. While the refrigeration system 400 is in the fourth state (pressure equalization process), one of the pairs of refrigerant valves R1-1 and R1-3, and the other pair of refrigerant valves R2-1 and R2-3, may be closed.

[0383] The control unit 105 performs the control shown in Figure 43. The control shown in Figure 43 is the same as the control shown in Figure 31 for the refrigeration unit 300.

[0384] Next, the heat recovery process and pressure equalization process for each of the first to fourth states will be described.

[0385] (3-1) Heat recovery process The heat recovery process of the refrigeration unit 400 is the same as the heat recovery process of the refrigeration unit 300.

[0386] While the refrigeration system 400 is performing its first operation, the heat transfer medium that has passed through the second heat exchanger 152 is heated in the heat recovery container, then heated in the heat recovery container, and then flows into the first heat exchanger 142. Also, while the refrigeration system 400 is performing its first operation, the heat transfer medium that has passed through the first heat exchanger 142 is cooled in the cold energy recovery container, then cooled in the cold energy recovery container, and then flows into the second heat exchanger 152.

[0387] (3-2) Pressure Equalization Process In the pressure equalization process, similar to the heat recovery process, the heat transfer medium that has passed through the second heat exchanger 152 is heated in the container where heat has been recovered and the container where heat is being recovered, and flows into the first heat exchanger 142. The heat transfer medium that has passed through the first heat exchanger 142 is cooled in the container where cold energy has been recovered and the container where cold energy is being recovered, and flows into the second heat exchanger 152.

[0388] The pressure equalization process is a process that reduces the difference between the pressure of the refrigerant in the container from which heat has been recovered and the pressure of the refrigerant in the container from which cold energy has been recovered.

[0389] When the refrigeration system 400 is in the first state, the first space 164a of the third container 123 is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 131, and the first space 164a of the first container 121 is connected to the suction side of the compressor 131. Therefore, in the first state, the pressure of the refrigerant in the third container 123 is higher than the pressure of the refrigerant in the first container 121. In the equalization process of the second state following the first state, when the refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-3, R2-1, and R2-3 are opened, the first space 164a of the third container 123 (heat recovery container) and the first space 164a of the first container 121 (cold recovery container) become connected to each other. As a result, the pressure in the first space 164a of the third container 123 decreases, and the pressure in the first space 164a of the first container 121 increases. Therefore, the difference between the pressure in the third container 123 and the pressure in the first container 121 after opening refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-3, R2-1, and R2-3 is smaller than the difference between the pressure in the third container 123 and the pressure in the first container 121 before opening refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-3, R2-1, and R2-3. In the second state equalization process, the refrigerant pressure in the third container 123 may ultimately become the same as the refrigerant pressure in the first container 121.

[0390] When the refrigeration system 400 is in the second state, the first space 164a of the fourth container 124 is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 131, and the first space 164a of the second container 122 is connected to the suction side of the compressor 131. Therefore, in the second state, the pressure of the refrigerant in the fourth container 124 is higher than the pressure of the refrigerant in the second container 122. In the equalization process of the third state following the second state, when the refrigerant valves R1-2, R1-4, R2-2, and R2-4 are opened, the first space 164a of the fourth container 124 (heat recovery container) and the first space 164a of the second container 122 (cold recovery container) come into communication with each other. As a result, the pressure in the first space 164a of the fourth container 124 decreases, and the pressure in the first space 164a of the second container 122 increases. Therefore, the difference between the pressure in the fourth container 124 and the pressure in the second container 122 after opening refrigerant valves R1-2, R1-4, R2-2, and R2-4 is smaller than the difference between the pressure in the fourth container 124 and the pressure in the second container 122 before opening refrigerant valves R1-2, R1-4, R2-2, and R2-4. In the third state equalization process, the refrigerant pressure in the fourth container 124 may ultimately become the same as the refrigerant pressure in the second container 122.

[0391] When the refrigeration system 400 is in the third state, the first space 164a of the first container 121 is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 131, and the first space 164a of the third container 123 is connected to the suction side of the compressor 131. Therefore, in the third state, the pressure of the refrigerant in the first container 121 is higher than the pressure of the refrigerant in the third container 123. When the refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-3, R2-1, and R2-3 are opened during the equalization process of the fourth state following the third state, the first space 164a of the first container 121 (heat recovery container) and the first space 164a of the third container 123 (cold recovery container) are connected to each other. As a result, the pressure in the first space 164a of the first container 121 decreases, and the pressure in the first space 164a of the third container 123 increases. Therefore, the difference between the pressure in the first container 121 and the pressure in the third container 123 after opening refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-3, R2-1, and R2-3 is smaller than the difference between the pressure in the first container 121 and the pressure in the third container 123 before opening refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-3, R2-1, and R2-3. In the fourth state equalization process, the refrigerant pressure in the first container 121 may ultimately become the same as the refrigerant pressure in the third container 123.

[0392] When the refrigeration system 400 is in the fourth state, the first space 164a of the second container 122 is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 131, and the first space 164a of the fourth container 124 is connected to the suction side of the compressor 131. Therefore, in the fourth state, the pressure of the refrigerant in the second container 122 is higher than the pressure of the refrigerant in the fourth container 124. When the refrigerant valves R1-2, R1-4, R2-2, and R2-4 are opened during the equalization process of the first state following the fourth state, the first space 164a of the second container 122 (heat recovery container) and the first space 164a of the fourth container 124 (cold recovery container) are connected to each other. As a result, the pressure in the first space 164a of the second container 122 decreases, and the pressure in the first space 164a of the fourth container 124 increases. Therefore, the difference between the pressure in the second container 122 and the pressure in the fourth container 124 after opening refrigerant valves R1-2, R1-4, R2-2, and R2-4 is smaller than the difference between the pressure in the second container 122 and the pressure in the fourth container 124 before opening refrigerant valves R1-2, R1-4, R2-2, and R2-4. In the pressure equalization process of the first state, the refrigerant pressure in the second container 122 may ultimately become the same as the refrigerant pressure in the fourth container 124.

[0393] (4) Features (4-1) Similar to the refrigeration system 300, the refrigeration system 400 can increase its capacity per unit time by suppressing a temporary decrease in the heat exchange capacity of the first heat exchanger 142 and the second heat exchanger 152 when performing the first operation.

[0394] (4-2) In the pressure equalization process for the first and third states, the control unit 105 temporarily opens refrigerant valves R1-2, R1-4, R2-2, and R2-4 to reduce the difference between the refrigerant pressure in the second container 122 and the refrigerant pressure in the fourth container 124.

[0395] In the pressure equalization process for the second and fourth states, the control unit 105 temporarily opens refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-3, R2-1, and R2-3 to reduce the difference between the refrigerant pressure in the first container 121 and the refrigerant pressure in the third container 123.

[0396] Therefore, the pressure equalization process of the refrigeration device 400 has the same effect as the pressure equalization process of the refrigeration device 300. By performing the pressure equalization process in the first to fourth states, the refrigeration device 400 can shorten the time it takes for the pressure inside the first container 121, the second container 122, the third container 123, and the fourth container 124 to reach the adsorption pressure or desorption pressure.

[0397] Therefore, the refrigeration system 400 can increase its capacity per unit time compared to the case where the pressure equalization process is not performed in the first to fourth states.

[0398] —Fifth Embodiment— The basic configuration and operation of the refrigeration system 500 of the fifth embodiment are the same as those of the refrigeration system 300 of the third embodiment, so the differences between the refrigeration system 300 and the refrigeration system 500 will be explained in detail. The same reference numerals are used for elements common to the third and fifth embodiments.

[0399] (1) Overall configuration of the refrigeration system 500 The refrigeration system 500 of the fifth embodiment, as shown in Figure 44, comprises a heat source side circuit 101, a utilization side circuit 102, a first fan 143, and a second fan 153. The heat source side circuit 101 has a refrigerant flow path 111 through which the refrigerant flows. The utilization side circuit 102 has a heat medium flow path 112 through which the heat medium flows. In Figure 44, the refrigerant flow path 111 is drawn with a dotted line, and the heat medium flow path 112 is drawn with a solid line. The refrigeration system 500 is, for example, an air conditioning system. When the refrigeration system 500 is an air conditioning system, one of the first fan 143 and the second fan 153 is provided in the indoor unit, and the other is provided in the outdoor unit.

[0400] The refrigeration device 500 further includes a control unit 105. As shown in Figure 45, the control unit 105 controls the operation of each element constituting the heat source side circuit 101 and the utilization side circuit 102.

[0401] (1-1) Heat source side circuit 101 The heat source side circuit 101 constitutes a refrigeration cycle that functions as a heat pump that utilizes the heat (warmth or coldness) generated when the refrigerant is adsorbed or desorbed onto the adsorbent.

[0402] The heat source side circuit 101 includes a compressor 131, a first container 121, a second container 122, a third container 123, a fourth container 124, and a refrigerant flow path 111. The heat source side circuit 101 further includes a four-way switching valve 135, refrigerant valve R4-1, refrigerant valve R4-2, refrigerant valve R4-3, refrigerant valve R4-4, a first bypass flow path 211, a second bypass flow path 212, a bypass valve R3-1, and a bypass valve R3-2. The refrigerant flow path 111 connects the compressor 131, the first container 121, the second container 122, the third container 123, the fourth container 124, and the four-way switching valve 135. Refrigerant valves R4-1, R4-2, R4-3, and R4-4 are provided on the refrigerant flow path 111.

[0403] The four-way switching valve 135 switches the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant passage 111. The four-way switching valve 135 is configured to switch the refrigerant passage 111 between a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the discharge side of the compressor 131 is connected to the second container 122 or the third container 123, and the suction side of the compressor 131 is connected to the first container 121 or the fourth container 124. In the second mode, the discharge side of the compressor 131 is connected to the first container 121 or the fourth container 124, and the suction side of the compressor 131 is connected to the second container 122 or the third container 123.

[0404] Refrigerant valves R4-1, R4-2, R4-3, and R4-4 are solenoid valves. In the first mode, the refrigerant flow path 111 on the discharge side of the compressor 131 branches into a flow path where refrigerant valve R4-2 is located and a flow path where refrigerant valve R4-3 is located. In the first mode, the refrigerant flow path 111 on the suction side of the compressor 131 branches into a flow path where refrigerant valve R4-1 is located and a flow path where refrigerant valve R4-4 is located. In the second mode, the refrigerant flow path 111 on the discharge side of the compressor 131 branches into a flow path where refrigerant valve R4-1 is located and a flow path where refrigerant valve R4-4 is located. In the second mode, the refrigerant flow path 111 on the suction side of the compressor 131 branches into a flow path where refrigerant valve R4-2 is located and a flow path where refrigerant valve R4-3 is located. The flow path where refrigerant valve R4-1 is located is connected to the first container 121. The flow path in which refrigerant valve R4-2 is located is connected to the second container 122. The flow path in which refrigerant valve R4-3 is located is connected to the third container 123. The flow path in which refrigerant valve R4-4 is located is connected to the fourth container 124.

[0405] In the first mode, the discharge side of the compressor 131 and the second container 122 are connected via the refrigerant valve R4-2. In the first mode, the discharge side of the compressor 131 and the third container 123 are connected via the refrigerant valve R4-3. In the first mode, the suction side of the compressor 131 and the first container 121 are connected via the refrigerant valve R4-1. In the first mode, the suction side of the compressor 131 and the fourth container 124 are connected via the refrigerant valve R4-4.

[0406] In the second mode, the discharge side of the compressor 131 and the first container 121 are connected via the refrigerant valve R4-1. In the second mode, the discharge side of the compressor 131 and the fourth container 124 are connected via the refrigerant valve R4-4. In the second mode, the suction side of the compressor 131 and the second container 122 are connected via the refrigerant valve R4-2. In the second mode, the suction side of the compressor 131 and the third container 123 are connected via the refrigerant valve R4-3.

[0407] The control unit 105 controls the compressor 131, the four-way switching valve 135, the refrigerant valve R4-1, the refrigerant valve R4-2, the refrigerant valve R4-3, the refrigerant valve R4-4, the bypass valve R3-1, and the bypass valve R3-2. 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 four-way switching valve 135 to switch between the first mode and the second mode of the refrigerant flow path 111. The control unit 105 controls the opening and closing of the refrigerant valves R4-1, R4-2, R4-3, and R4-4 to allow or block the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant flow path 111. The control unit 105 controls the bypass valve R3-1 to open or close, thereby allowing or blocking the flow of refrigerant in the first bypass passage 211. The control unit 105 also controls the bypass valve R3-2 to open or close, thereby allowing or blocking the flow of refrigerant in the second bypass passage 212.

[0408] (1-2) Utilization-side circuit 102 The utilization-side circuit 102 functions as a heat transfer means for utilizing the heat generated in the heat source-side circuit 101 via a heat transfer medium. The heat transfer medium flowing through the heat transfer medium channel 112 transfers the heat of adsorption or desorption recovered in the first container 121, second container 122, third container 123, or fourth container 124 to a predetermined location.

[0409] The user-side circuit 102 includes a first container 121, a second container 122, a third container 123, a fourth container 124, a first heat exchanger 142, a second heat exchanger 152, and a heat transfer medium flow path 112. The user-side circuit 102 further includes a fluid pump 156 and heat transfer medium valves H1-2 to H6-4. The heat transfer medium valves H1-2 to H6-4 are arranged to allow the refrigeration system 500 to switch between a first state, a second state, a third state, and a fourth state. The user-side circuit 102 of the refrigeration system 500 has the same configuration as the user-side circuit 102 of the refrigeration system 300.

[0410] When the refrigeration device 500 is in the first state, the heat transfer medium flow path 112 has a first circulation flow path C1 through which the heat transfer medium circulates, as shown in Figures 46 and 47. The first circulation flow path C1 in Figures 46 and 47 is the same as the first circulation flow path C1 in Figures 20 and 21.

[0411] When the refrigeration device 500 is in the second state, the heat transfer medium flow path 112 has a second circulation flow path C2 through which the heat transfer medium circulates, as shown in Figures 48 and 49. The second circulation flow path C2 in Figures 48 and 49 is the same as the second circulation flow path C2 in Figures 22 and 23.

[0412] When the refrigeration device 500 is in the third state, the heat transfer medium flow path 112 has a third circulation flow path C3 through which the heat transfer medium circulates, as shown in Figures 50 and 51. The third circulation flow path C3 in Figures 50 and 51 is the same as the third circulation flow path C3 in Figures 24 and 25.

[0413] When the refrigeration device 500 is in the fourth state, the heat transfer medium flow path 112 has a fourth circulation flow path C4 through which the heat transfer medium circulates, as shown in Figures 52 and 53. The fourth circulation flow path C4 in Figures 52 and 53 is the same as the fourth circulation flow path C4 in Figures 26 and 27.

[0414] The control unit 105 controls the first fan 143, the second fan 153, the fluid pump 156, and the heat transfer valves H1-2 to H6-4. The control unit 105 controls the capacity of the fluid pump 156. The control unit 105 controls the rotational speed of the first fan 143 and the second fan 153. The control unit 105 controls the heat transfer valves H1-2 to H6-4 to switch the refrigeration system 500 between the first state, the second state, the third state, and the fourth state.

[0415] (2) Operation of the refrigeration unit 500 The refrigeration unit 500 performs a first operation in the same manner as the refrigeration unit 300, repeatedly transitioning in the order of first state, second state, third state, fourth state, and first state. The first to fourth states of the refrigeration unit 500 correspond to the first to fourth states of the refrigeration unit 300, respectively.

[0416] While the refrigeration system 500 is performing its first operation, the heat transfer medium flowing through the heat transfer medium channel 112 circulates by passing through the first heat exchanger 142, the container where cold energy has been recovered, the container where cold energy is being recovered, the second heat exchanger 152, the container where heat energy has been recovered, the container where heat energy is being recovered, and the first heat exchanger 142 in that order.

[0417] (3) When the first operation of the refrigeration system 500 is performed, the control unit 105 controls the compressor 131, the four-way switching valve 135, the refrigerant valve R4-1, the refrigerant valve R4-2, the refrigerant valve R4-3, the refrigerant valve R4-4, the bypass valve R3-1, the bypass valve R3-2, the fluid pump 156, and the heat transfer fluid valves H1-2 to H6-4 so that the refrigeration system 500 repeatedly transitions through the first state, the second state, the third state, the fourth state, and the first state.

[0418] When the first operation of the refrigeration system 500 is performed, the control unit 105 controls each control target so that it repeatedly transitions in the order of first state (steps S31 to S32), second state (steps S33 to S34), third state (steps S35 to S36), fourth state (steps S37 to S38), and first state (steps S31 to S32), as shown in Figure 29.

[0419] The first to fourth states each consist of a heat recovery process and a pressure equalization process. Step S31 is the heat recovery process of the first state, as shown in Figure 46. Step S32 is the pressure equalization process of the first state, as shown in Figure 47. Step S33 is the heat recovery process of the second state, as shown in Figure 48. Step S34 is the pressure equalization process of the second state, as shown in Figure 49. Step S35 is the heat recovery process of the third state, as shown in Figure 50. Step S36 is the pressure equalization process of the third state, as shown in Figure 51. Step S37 is the heat recovery process of the fourth state, as shown in Figure 52. Step S38 is the pressure equalization process of the fourth state, as shown in Figure 53.

[0420] The pressure equalization process in the first state is the process immediately preceding the transition of the refrigeration device 500 from the first state to the second state. In other words, the pressure equalization process in the first state refers to the state from a predetermined period before the transition from the first state to the second state until the transition occurs.

[0421] The second state pressure equalization process is the process immediately preceding the transition of the refrigeration device 500 from the second state to the third state. In other words, the second state pressure equalization process refers to the state from a predetermined period before the transition from the second state to the third state until the transition occurs.

[0422] The pressure equalization process in the third state is the process immediately preceding the transition of the refrigeration device 500 from the third state to the fourth state. In other words, the pressure equalization process in the third state refers to the state from a predetermined period before the transition from the third state to the fourth state until the transition occurs.

[0423] The fourth-state pressure equalization process is the process immediately preceding the transition of the refrigeration device 500 from the fourth state to the first state. In other words, the fourth-state pressure equalization process refers to the state from a predetermined period before the transition from the fourth state to the first state until the transition from the fourth state to the first state.

[0424] Figure 54 is a table showing the state of the compressor 131, the four-way switching valve 135, the refrigerant valve R4-1, the refrigerant valve R4-2, the refrigerant valve R4-3, the refrigerant valve R4-4, the bypass valve R3-1, and the bypass valve R3-2 in each of the heat recovery and pressure equalization processes for the first to fourth states. Figure 55 is a table showing the state of the fluid pump 156 and the heat transfer valves H1-2 to H6-4 in the first to fourth states. In Figure 55, the state of the fluid pump 156 and the heat transfer valves H1-2 to H6-4 is the same in the heat recovery process and the pressure equalization process.

[0425] In Figures 54 and 55, the compressor 131 and the fluid pump 156 operate when "ON" and stop when "OFF". In Figure 54, the four-way switching valve 135 has the refrigerant flow path 111 in first mode when "first mode" is activated, and the refrigerant flow path 111 in second mode when "second mode" is activated. In Figure 54, the refrigerant valves R4-1, R4-2, R4-3, R4-4, bypass valves R3-1, and R3-2 are open when "ON" and closed when "OFF". In Figure 55, the heat transfer valves H1-2 to H6-4 are open when "ON" and closed when "OFF".

[0426] The control unit 105 performs the following control as shown in Figure 54.

[0427] The control unit 105 continuously drives the compressor 131 while the refrigeration system 500 is performing the first operation. In other words, the control unit 105 does not stop the operation of the compressor 131 while the refrigeration system 500 is in the first to fourth states.

[0428] The control unit 105 controls the four-way switching valve 135 such that the refrigerant flow path 111 enters the first mode when the refrigeration system 500 is in the first or fourth state, and the refrigerant flow path 111 enters the second mode when the refrigeration system 500 is in the second or third state.

[0429] The control unit 105 keeps refrigerant valves R4-1 and R4-3 open and refrigerant valves R4-2, R4-4 and bypass valve R3-1 closed while the refrigeration unit 500 is in the first or third state. The control unit 105 keeps bypass valve R3-2 closed while the refrigeration unit 500 is in the heat recovery process of the first or third state. The control unit 105 keeps bypass valve R3-2 open while the refrigeration unit 500 is in the pressure equalization process of the first or third state.

[0430] The control unit 105 keeps refrigerant valves R4-2 and R4-4 open and refrigerant valves R4-1, R4-3 and bypass valve R3-2 closed while the refrigeration unit 500 is in the second or fourth state. The control unit 105 keeps bypass valve R3-1 closed while the refrigeration unit 500 is in the heat recovery process of the second or fourth state. The control unit 105 keeps bypass valve R3-1 open while the refrigeration unit 500 is in the pressure equalization process of the second or fourth state.

[0431] The control unit 105 performs the control shown in Figure 55. The control shown in Figure 55 is the same as the control of the refrigeration unit 300 shown in Figure 31.

[0432] Next, the heat recovery process and pressure equalization process for each of the first to fourth states will be described.

[0433] (3-1) Heat recovery process The heat recovery process of the refrigeration unit 500 is the same as the heat recovery process of the refrigeration unit 300.

[0434] While the refrigeration system 500 is performing its first operation, the heat transfer medium that has passed through the second heat exchanger 152 is heated in the heat recovery container, then heated in the heat recovery container, and then flows into the first heat exchanger 142. Also, while the refrigeration system 500 is performing its first operation, the heat transfer medium that has passed through the first heat exchanger 142 is cooled in the cold energy recovery container, then cooled in the cold energy recovery container, and then flows into the second heat exchanger 152.

[0435] (3-2) Pressure equalization process The pressure equalization process of the refrigeration device 500 is the same as the pressure equalization process of the refrigeration device 300.

[0436] In the pressure equalization process, similar to the heat recovery process, the heat transfer medium that has passed through the second heat exchanger 152 is heated in the container where heat has been recovered and the container where heat is being recovered, and flows into the first heat exchanger 142. The heat transfer medium that has passed through the first heat exchanger 142 is cooled in the container where cold energy has been recovered and the container where cold energy is being recovered, and flows into the second heat exchanger 152.

[0437] (4) Features (4-1) Similar to the refrigeration system 300, the refrigeration system 500 can increase its capacity per unit time by suppressing a temporary decrease in the heat exchange capacity of the first heat exchanger 142 and the second heat exchanger 152 when performing the first operation.

[0438] (4-2) In the pressure equalization process for the first and third states, the control unit 105 temporarily opens the bypass valve R3-2 to reduce the difference between the refrigerant pressure in the second container 122 and the refrigerant pressure in the fourth container 124.

[0439] During the pressure equalization process in the second and fourth states, the control unit 105 temporarily opens the bypass valve R3-1 to reduce the difference between the refrigerant pressure in the first container 121 and the refrigerant pressure in the third container 123.

[0440] Therefore, the pressure equalization process of the refrigeration device 500 has the same effect as the pressure equalization process of the refrigeration device 300. By performing the pressure equalization process in the first to fourth states, the refrigeration device 500 can shorten the time it takes for the pressure inside the first container 121, the second container 122, the third container 123, and the fourth container 124 to reach the adsorption pressure or desorption pressure.

[0441] Therefore, the refrigeration device 500 can increase its capacity per unit time compared to the case where the pressure equalization process is not performed in the first to fourth states.

[0442] —Modified Versions— (1) Modified Version A The basic configuration and operation of the refrigeration device 100 of this modified version are the same as those of the refrigeration device 100 of the first embodiment. The main difference between the refrigeration device 100 of this modified version and the refrigeration device 100 of the first embodiment is the user-side circuit 102.

[0443] In this modified example, as shown in Figure 56, the user-side circuit 102 does not have the third fluid pump 155 of the first embodiment. In the user-side circuit 102, a heat transfer valve H3-3 is provided between the first fluid pump 141 and the outlet side of the first heat exchanger 142. In the first embodiment, the flow path in which the heat transfer valve H3-2 is located is connected to the flow path in which the heat transfer valve H1-2 is located, the flow path in which the heat transfer valve H2-1 is located, and the flow path in which the first container 121 is located. In this modified example, the flow path in which the heat transfer valve H3-2 is located is not connected to the flow path in which the heat transfer valve H1-2 is located, the flow path in which the heat transfer valve H2-1 is located, and the flow path in which the first container 121 is located. The flow path in which the heat transfer valve H3-2 is located is connected to the flow path between the first fluid pump 141 and the heat transfer valve H3-3. The control unit 105 further controls the opening and closing of the heat transfer valve H3-3 to switch the heat transfer flow path 112 between the first state, the second state, and the third state.

[0444] In this modified example, as shown in Figures 57 and 58, the flow path of the heat transfer medium when the heat transfer medium flow path 112 is in the first and second states is substantially the same as in the first embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4. The control unit 105 controls the opening of the heat transfer medium valve H3-3 in the first and second states.

[0445] In this modified example, as shown in FIG. 59, the flow path of the heat medium when the heat medium flow path 112 is in the third state is different from that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5. In this modified example, in the third state, the first fluid pump 141 functions as the third fluid pump 155 of the first embodiment. Specifically, in the third state, the heat medium circulating through the fifth circulation flow path C5 passes through the first fluid pump 141, the heat medium valve H2-1, the first container 121, the heat medium valve H3-1, the second container 122, and the heat medium valve H3-2 in this order. In the third state, the first fluid pump 141 circulates the heat medium in the fifth circulation flow path C5. The control unit 105 performs control to close the heat medium valve H3-3 in the third state.

[0446] The refrigeration device 100 of this modified example has the same effect as the refrigeration device 100 of the first embodiment. Further, in this modified example, in the third state, the utilization side circuit 102 may be configured such that the second fluid pump 151 functions as the third fluid pump 155 of the first embodiment.

[0447] (2) Modified Example B In the first embodiment, the bypass flow path 210 connects the first container 121 and the second container 122 in the refrigerant flow path 111. In other words, the bypass flow path 210 directly communicates the first space 164a of the first container 121 and the first space 164a of the second container 122.

[0448] However, if the bypass flow path 210 connects the first container 121 and the second container 122 without passing through the compressor 131, the position of the bypass flow path 210 is not limited. For example, the bypass flow path 210 may not directly communicate the first space 164a of the first container 121 and the first space 164a of the second container 122. For example, the bypass flow path 210 may connect the flow path between the first container 121 and the refrigerant valves R2-1, R2-2 and the flow path between the second container 122 and the refrigerant valves R1-1, R1-2 in the refrigerant flow path 111. In this case, the casings 163 of the first container 121 and the second container 122 do not have the second opening 163b.

[0449] This modified example can also be applied to the first bypass flow path 211 and the second bypass flow path 212 of the second embodiment.

[0450] (3) Variant Example C In the third and fifth embodiments, the first bypass flow path 211 directly connects the first space 164a of the first container 121 and the first space 164a of the third container 123.

[0451] However, if the first bypass flow path 211 connects the first container 121 and the third container 123 without passing through the compressor 131, the position of the first bypass flow path 211 is not limited. The first bypass flow path 211 does not necessarily directly connect the first space 164a of the first container 121 and the first space 164a of the third container 123. For example, in the refrigerant flow path 111, the first bypass flow path 211 may connect the flow path between the first container 121 and the refrigerant valve R1-1 and the flow path between the third container 123 and the refrigerant valve R1-3. Also, in the refrigerant flow path 111, the first bypass flow path 211 may connect the flow path between the first container 121 and the refrigerant valve R2-1 and the flow path between the third container 123 and the refrigerant valve R2-3. In this case, the casings 163 of the first container 121 and the third container 123 do not have the second opening 163b.

[0452] In the third and fifth embodiments, the second bypass flow path 212 directly connects the first space 164a of the second container 122 and the first space 164a of the fourth container 124.

[0453] However, if the second bypass flow path 212 connects the second container 122 and the fourth container 124 without passing through the compressor 131, the position of the second bypass flow path 212 is not limited. The second bypass flow path 212 does not necessarily directly connect the first space 164a of the second container 122 and the first space 164a of the fourth container 124. For example, in the refrigerant flow path 111, the second bypass flow path 212 may connect the flow path between the second container 122 and the refrigerant valve R1-2 and the flow path between the fourth container 124 and the refrigerant valve R1-4. Also, in the refrigerant flow path 111, the second bypass flow path 212 may connect the flow path between the second container 122 and the refrigerant valve R2-2 and the flow path between the fourth container 124 and the refrigerant valve R2-4. In this case, the casings 163 of the second container 122 and the fourth container 124 do not have the second opening 163b.

[0454] (4) Modification D In the third to fifth embodiments, the fluid pump 156 is provided in the flow path in which the second container 122 is located. However, the fluid pump 156 may also be provided in the flow path in which the first container 121, the third container 123, or the fourth container 124 is located.

[0455] In the third to fifth embodiments, the suction side of the fluid pump 156 is connected to the second container 122. However, the discharge side of the fluid pump 156 may also be connected to the second container 122.

[0456] When the fluid pump 156 is installed in a flow path where the first container 121, the third container 123, or the fourth container 124 is located, the suction side or discharge side of the fluid pump 156 is connected to the first container 121, the third container 123, or the fourth container 124.

[0457] (5) Modification E In the first to fifth embodiments, the adsorbent 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.

[0458] 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.

[0459] 100: Refrigeration device 101: Heat source side circuit 102: Utilization side circuit 105: Control unit 111: Refrigerant flow path 112: Heat transfer medium flow path 121: First container 122: Second container 123: Third container 124: Fourth container 131: Compressor 141: First fluid pump (first pump) 142: First heat exchanger 151: Second fluid pump (second pump) 152: Second heat exchanger 155: Third fluid pump (third pump) 156: Fluid pump (discharge section) 181: Adsorbent 200: Refrigeration device 210: Bypass flow path 300: Refrigeration device H1-1: Heat transfer medium valve (second valve) H1-2: Heat transfer medium valve (fourth valve) H1-3 : Heat transfer valve (valve 2) H1-4 : Heat transfer valve (valve 4) H2-1 : Heat transfer valve (valve 1) H2-2 : Heat transfer valve (valve 3) H2-3 : Heat transfer valve (valve 1) H2-4 : Heat transfer valve (valve 3) H3-1 : Heat transfer valve (valve 5) H3-2 : Heat transfer valve (valve 5) R3 : Bypass valve R3-1 : Bypass valve (valve 1) R3-2 : Bypass valve (valve 2)

[0460] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2023 / 0417459

Claims

1. A heat source side circuit (101) having a compressor (131) and a refrigerant flow path (111) through which the refrigerant flows; a user side circuit (102) having a first heat exchanger (142), a second heat exchanger (152), a heat medium flow path (112) through which the heat medium flows, and a switching mechanism for switching the heat medium flow path; a first container (121) and a second container (122) having an adsorbent (181) that adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant in accordance with changes in the pressure of the refrigerant, and recovering the heat generated when the adsorbent adsorbs the refrigerant and the cold generated when the adsorbent desorbs the refrigerant, and connected to the refrigerant flow path and the heat medium flow path; a control unit (105); wherein the compressor inhales and compresses low-pressure refrigerant and discharges it as high-pressure refrigerant; Refrigeration apparatus (100), wherein the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are supplied with the heat transfer medium from which the heat or cold energy has been recovered in the first container and the second container, and the heat transfer medium flow path has a first state in which the first container and the first heat exchanger are connected and the second container and the second heat exchanger are connected; a second state in which the first container and the second heat exchanger are connected and the second container and the first heat exchanger are connected; and a third state in which the first container and the second container are connected, and the control unit controls the switching mechanism so that the heat transfer medium flow path repeatedly transitions in the order of the first state, the third state, the second state, and the third state.

2. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the switching mechanism includes: a first valve (H2-1, H2-3) disposed on the heat medium flow path connecting the first heat exchanger and the first container; a second valve (H1-1, H1-3) disposed on the heat medium flow path connecting the second heat exchanger and the second container; a third valve (H2-2, H2-4) disposed on the heat medium flow path connecting the first heat exchanger and the second container; a fourth valve (H1-2, H1-4) disposed on the heat medium flow path connecting the second heat exchanger and the first container; and a fifth valve (H3-1, H3-2) disposed on the heat medium flow path connecting the first container and the second container.

3. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit opens the first valve and the second valve and closes the third valve, the fourth valve and the fifth valve when the heat transfer medium flow path is in the first state, opens the third valve and the fourth valve and closes the first valve, the second valve and the fifth valve when the heat transfer medium flow path is in the second state, and opens the fifth valve and closes the first valve, the second valve, the third valve and the fourth valve when the heat transfer medium flow path is in the third state.

4. The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heat source side circuit further comprises a bypass passage (210) that connects the first container and the second container without passing through the compressor, and a bypass valve (R3) provided in the bypass passage, and the control unit closes the bypass valve when the heat medium passage is in the first or second state, and opens the bypass valve for part of the period when the heat medium passage is in the third state.

5. The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit drives the compressor when the heat transfer medium flow path is in the first state or the second state, and stops the compressor when the heat transfer medium flow path is in the third state.

6. The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the user-side circuit further comprises at least two pumps arranged in the heat transfer medium flow path and supplying the heat transfer medium to the first container and the second container.

7. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the at least two pumps include a first pump (141) and a second pump (151) that supply the heat transfer medium to the first container and the second container when the heat transfer medium flow path is in the first state or the second state, and a third pump (155) that supplies the heat transfer medium to the first container and the second container when the heat transfer medium flow path is in the third state.

8. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the at least two pumps include a first pump (141) and a second pump (151) that deliver the heat transfer medium to the first and second containers when the heat transfer medium flow path is in the first or second state, and the first pump or the second pump delivers the heat transfer medium to the first and second containers when the heat transfer medium flow path is in the third state.

9. A heat source side circuit (101) having a compressor (131) and a refrigerant flow path (111) through which the refrigerant flows; a user side circuit (102) having a first heat exchanger (142), a second heat exchanger (152), a heat medium flow path (112) through which the heat medium flows, and a switching mechanism for switching the heat medium flow path; a first container (121), a second container (122), a third container (123), and a fourth container (124) having an adsorbent (181) that adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant in accordance with changes in the pressure of the refrigerant, and recovering the heat generated when the adsorbent adsorbs the refrigerant and the cold generated when the adsorbent desorbs the refrigerant, and connected to the refrigerant flow path and the heat medium flow path; a control unit (105); wherein the compressor inhales and compresses low-pressure refrigerant and discharges it as high-pressure refrigerant; The first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are supplied with the heat transfer medium from which the heat or cold energy has been recovered in the first container, the second container, the third container, and the fourth container, and the heat transfer medium flow path has a first state in which the first container and the second heat exchanger are connected, the second container and the first heat exchanger are connected, and the third container and the fourth container are connected; a second state in which the third container and the second heat exchanger are connected, the fourth container and the first heat exchanger are connected, and the first container and the second container are connected; and a third state in which the first container and the first heat exchanger are connected, the second container and the second heat exchanger are connected, and the third container and the fourth container are connected. A refrigeration apparatus (200) having a fourth state in which the third container and the first heat exchanger are connected, the fourth container and the second heat exchanger are connected, and the first container and the second container are connected, wherein the control unit controls the switching mechanism so that the heat transfer medium flow path repeatedly transitions in the order of the first state, the second state, the third state, and the fourth state.

10. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the control unit continuously drives the compressor while the heat transfer medium flow path is in the first to fourth states.

11. A heat source side circuit (101) having a compressor (131) and a refrigerant flow path (111) through which a refrigerant flows; a utilization side circuit (102) having a first heat exchanger (142), a second heat exchanger (152), and a heat medium flow path (112) through which a heat medium flows; a first container (121), a second container (122), a third container (123), and a fourth container (124) having an adsorbent (181) that adsorbs and desorbs the refrigerant in accordance with changes in the pressure of the refrigerant, and recovering the heat generated when the adsorbent adsorbs the refrigerant and the cold generated when the adsorbent desorbs the refrigerant, and connected to the refrigerant flow path and the heat medium flow path; a control unit (105); wherein in the utilization side circuit, the first container is connected to the second container and the fourth container, and the second container is connected to the third container. The third container is connected to the fourth container, and in the heat transfer medium flow path, the heat transfer medium circulates between the first container, the second container, the third container, and the fourth container, in a refrigeration apparatus (300).

12. The control unit performs a first operation which sequentially switches the refrigeration apparatus in the order of a first state, a second state, a third state, a fourth state, and the first state, wherein in the first state, the suction side of the compressor is connected to the first container and the discharge side of the compressor is connected to the third container; in the second state, the suction side of the compressor is connected to the second container and the discharge side of the compressor is connected to the fourth container; in the third state, the suction side of the compressor is connected to the third container and the discharge side of the compressor is connected to the first container; and in the fourth state, the suction side of the compressor is connected to the fourth container and the discharge side of the compressor is connected to the second container, the refrigeration apparatus according to claim 11.

13. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the heat source side circuit further comprises: a first flow path (211) connecting the first container and the third container without passing through the compressor; a second flow path (212) connecting the second container and the fourth container without passing through the compressor; a first valve (R3-1) provided in the first flow path; and a second valve (R3-2) provided in the second flow path.

14. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the control unit opens the second valve during a portion of the period in which the refrigeration apparatus is in the first state or the third state, and opens the first valve during a portion of the period in which the refrigeration apparatus is in the second state or the fourth state.

15. The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the heat source side circuit further comprises a four-way switching valve (135) configured to switch the flow of the refrigerant in the refrigerant flow path.

16. The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein in the first state, the heat transfer medium circulates in the order of the first heat exchanger, the fourth container, the first container, the second heat exchanger, the second container, the third container, and the first heat exchanger.

17. The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the control unit continuously drives the compressor during the execution of the first operation.

18. The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the user-side circuit further includes a delivery unit (156) that delivers the heat transfer medium to the first container, the second container, the third container, and the fourth container, and the control unit continuously drives the delivery unit during the execution of the first operation.

19. The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the adsorbent comprises a metal-organic structure containing a metal ion and an organic ligand.

20. The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the refrigerant comprises at least one of carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, ammonia, water, HFCs, and HFOs.

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