Air conditioner

Abstract

An embodiment of an air conditioner may comprise: a compressor for compressing refrigerant; a condenser which is connected to the compressor via a pipe and condenses the refrigerant; an expansion valve which is connected to the condenser via a pipe and expands the refrigerant to lower the temperature of the refrigerant; an evaporator which is connected to the expansion valve and the compressor via pipes and evaporates the refrigerant; a refrigerant pump which is connected to the evaporator and the condenser via pipes and is arranged in parallel with the compressor via the pipe to pump the refrigerant; and a first control valve which is connected to the compressor, the evaporator, and the refrigerant pump via pipes and controls a direction in which the refrigerant flows.

Description

air conditioner

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner, and more specifically, to an air conditioner capable of reducing electricity consumption.

[0002] The content described in this section merely provides background information regarding the present invention and does not constitute prior art.

[0003] For example, indoor spaces such as computer rooms where heat is generated and it is necessary to maintain a temperature within a certain range can be cooled using an air conditioner to maintain the temperature of the indoor space within a certain range.

[0004] An air conditioner can operate using a vapor compression refrigeration cycle that utilizes a two-phase changing refrigerant. However, if cooling using a vapor compression refrigeration cycle (hereinafter referred to as steady cooling) is continuously performed, the electricity consumption of the air conditioner may increase. Therefore, by operating the air conditioner using so-called free cooling, the electricity consumption of the air conditioner can be reduced.

[0005] Free cooling can be carried out, for example, in winter when the required temperature range of the indoor space to be cooled is significantly higher than the temperature of the outdoor space.

[0006] Pre-cooling is a method in which the air conditioner stops operating a vapor compression refrigeration cycle using a phase-change refrigerant and circulates a secondary refrigerant without phase change between the indoor and outdoor spaces to achieve indoor cooling through heat transfer.

[0007] The secondary refrigerants used for free cooling generally include cooling water (water) and brine, excluding phase-change refrigerants.

[0008] However, compared to phase-change refrigerants used in vapor compression refrigeration cycles, water and brine have significantly lower heat transfer efficiency. Therefore, in the case of free cooling using secondary refrigerants such as water and brine, it is necessary to circulate a large amount of secondary refrigerant for cooling.

[0009] Consequently, a large amount of electric power is consumed to circulate a large amount of secondary refrigerant, and the overall equipment of the air conditioner becomes larger, which may result in disadvantages in terms of cost. In addition, although there are various types of brine among secondary refrigerants, most consist of substances harmful to the human body and the environment, which may cause environmental problems.

[0010] In addition, since the heat transfer medium used in normal cooling and free cooling is different, the air conditioner becomes larger and additionally requires various types of flow control devices, so they can be separated in terms of space efficiency and cost.

[0011] Improvements to this are required.

[0012] Related prior art is disclosed in Korean Published Patent No. 10-2021-0027574.

[0013] The objective of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner having a structure capable of performing normal cooling and pre-cooling using the same refrigerant.

[0014] In addition, the objective of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner having a structure capable of performing both normal cooling and pre-cooling by making simple modifications to the structure of an air conditioner performing a vapor compression refrigeration cycle.

[0015] In addition, the objective of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner having a structure that includes a capillary device and is capable of performing both normal cooling and pre-cooling.

[0016] The objects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned objects and advantages of the present invention may be understood from the following description and will be more clearly understood from the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the objects and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0017] One embodiment of an air conditioner may include: a compressor for compressing a refrigerant; a condenser connected to the compressor by piping and condensing the refrigerant; an expansion valve connected to the condenser by piping and expanding the refrigerant to lower the temperature of the refrigerant; an evaporator connected to the expansion valve and the compressor by piping and evaporating the refrigerant; a refrigerant pump connected to the evaporator and the condenser by piping, arranged in parallel with the compressor by piping, and pumping the refrigerant; and a first control valve connected to the compressor, the evaporator, and the refrigerant pump by piping and controlling the flow direction of the refrigerant.

[0018] In normal cooling, the compressor operates and the refrigerant pump stops, whereas in pre-cooling, the compressor stops and the refrigerant pump can operate. Accordingly, both normal cooling and pre-cooling can be performed using the same single refrigerant.

[0019] When the air conditioner operates in the first mode, the first control valve can control the flow direction of the refrigerant so that the refrigerant flows from the evaporator to the compressor.

[0020] When the air conditioner operates in the second mode, the first control valve can control the flow direction of the refrigerant so that the refrigerant flows from the refrigerant pump to the evaporator.

[0021] Therefore, the first valve can control the flow direction of the refrigerant in both the first mode, which is normal cooling, and the second mode, which is free cooling.

[0022] When the air conditioner operates in the first mode, the second control valve controls the flow direction of the refrigerant so that the refrigerant flows from the compressor to the condenser, and when the air conditioner operates in the second mode, the second control valve can control the flow direction of the refrigerant so that the refrigerant flows from the condenser to the refrigerant pump.

[0023] Another embodiment of the air conditioner may include: a compressor that compresses the refrigerant; a condenser that is connected to the compressor by piping and condenses the refrigerant; an expansion valve that is connected to the condenser by piping and expands the refrigerant to lower the temperature of the refrigerant; an evaporator that is connected to the expansion valve and the compressor by piping and evaporates the refrigerant; a refrigerant pump that is connected to the evaporator and the condenser by piping, is arranged in parallel with the compressor by piping, and pumps the refrigerant; a first control valve that is connected to the compressor, the evaporator, and the refrigerant pump by piping and controls the direction of flow of the refrigerant; and a capillary tube device disposed between the expansion valve and the evaporator, through which the refrigerant flows from the expansion valve toward the evaporator.

[0024] By using a capillary device to uniformly diffuse the refrigerant into the evaporator, the heat exchange efficiency in the evaporator can be improved.

[0025] Another embodiment of the air conditioner is such that the capillary device includes a plurality of capillaries, the evaporator includes a plurality of tubes through which refrigerant flows, and the plurality of capillaries can be connected to each of the plurality of tubes.

[0026] Another embodiment of the air conditioner may include branch pipes each connected to one end of a plurality of capillary tubes of a capillary device, tubes of an evaporator, and header pipes.

[0027] Therefore, by using a branch pipe with a relatively simple structure, the flow direction and path of the refrigerant can be easily controlled in the first mode of normal cooling and the second mode of free cooling.

[0028] When the air conditioner operates in the first mode, the expansion valve is opened and the refrigerant flows sequentially through the expansion valve, branch pipe, and tube, and when the air conditioner operates in the second mode, the expansion valve is closed and the refrigerant can flow sequentially through the tube, branch pipe, and header pipe.

[0029] In the air conditioner according to the present invention, normal cooling can be performed by carrying out a vapor compression refrigeration cycle using a refrigerant that undergoes a phase change of one identical refrigerant, and pre-cooling can be performed by cooling using only a refrigerant in a liquid state.

[0030] Accordingly, compared to cases where the heat transfer mediums for normal cooling and free cooling are different, the size of the air conditioner and the number of air conditioner components can be reduced.

[0031] Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the air conditioner can be reduced, and the amount of electricity consumed to operate the air conditioner can be significantly reduced.

[0032] In addition, in the air conditioner according to the present invention, normal cooling and pre-cooling can be achieved by adding relatively small parts such as a control valve that controls the flow direction of one or two refrigerants, a refrigerant pump that pumps liquid refrigerants, and piping that connects these to other parts.

[0033] Therefore, the size of the air conditioner can be miniaturized, and its manufacturing costs can be effectively reduced.

[0034] In addition, in the air conditioner according to the present invention, the heat exchange efficiency in the evaporator can be improved by using a capillary device to uniformly diffuse the refrigerant into the evaporator.

[0035] When a capillary device is provided, the flow direction and path of the refrigerant can be easily controlled in the first mode of normal cooling and the second mode of free cooling by using a branch tube with a relatively simple structure.

[0036] Therefore, since there is no need to use separate devices and piping to control the flow direction and path of the refrigerant, the structure of the air conditioner can be simplified, which can effectively reduce the manufacturing cost of the air conditioner.

[0037] In addition to the effects described above, the specific effects of the present invention are described together with the specific details for implementing the invention below.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an air conditioner according to another embodiment.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining the case where the air conditioner of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 operates in the first mode.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining the case where the air conditioner of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 operates in a second mode.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining the case where an air conditioner of another embodiment operates in the first mode.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the case where the air conditioner shown in FIG. 5 operates in a second mode.

[0044] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining the case where an air conditioner of another embodiment operates in the first mode.

[0045] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the case where the air conditioner shown in FIG. 7 operates in a second mode.

[0046] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining the case where an air conditioner of another embodiment operates in the first mode.

[0047] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the case where the air conditioner shown in FIG. 9 operates in a second mode.

[0048] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining the case where an air conditioner of another embodiment operates in the first mode.

[0049] Figure 12 is an enlarged view of the area in Figure 11 where the branch pipe is arranged.

[0050] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the case where the air conditioner shown in FIG. 11 operates in a second mode.

[0051] The aforementioned objectives, features, and advantages are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to easily implement the technical concept of the present invention. In describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of known technologies related to the present invention are omitted if it is determined that such descriptions would unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate identical or similar components.

[0052] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, it goes without saying that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless specifically stated otherwise, the first component may also be the second component.

[0053] Throughout the specification, unless specifically stated otherwise, each component may be singular or plural.

[0054] Singular expressions used in this specification include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "composed of" or "comprising" should not be interpreted as necessarily including all of the various components or steps described in the specification, and should be interpreted as meaning that some of the components or steps may be omitted or additional components or steps may be included.

[0055] Throughout the specification, "A and / or B" means A, B, or A and B unless specifically stated otherwise, and "C to D" means C or more and D or less unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0056] In this specification, the first mode refers to the air conditioner operating in a normal cooling state in which the refrigerant undergoes a phase change and proceeds with a vapor compression refrigeration cycle to perform cooling, and the second mode refers to the air conditioner operating in a free cooling state in which cooling is performed in a liquid state without a phase change of the refrigerant.

[0057] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an air conditioner according to one embodiment. The air conditioner of one embodiment may include a compressor (100), a condenser (200), an expansion valve (300), an evaporator (400), a refrigerant pump (500), and a first control valve (610). The compressor (100) to the condenser (200) are described in terms of their roles when the air conditioner operates in a vapor compression refrigeration cycle, i.e., in a first mode.

[0058] The compressor (100) can increase the pressure of the refrigerant by compressing the refrigerant in a gaseous state. As the refrigerant passes through the evaporator (400), almost all of it vaporizes and flows into the compressor (100), and thus the compressor (100) can compress the vaporized refrigerant.

[0059] The condenser (200) is connected to the compressor (100) via piping and can condense the refrigerant. The refrigerant flowing from the compressor (100) into the condenser (200) can condense while transferring heat to the surroundings as it passes through the condenser (200). Therefore, the condenser (200) can serve to release heat to the surroundings from the air conditioner.

[0060] The expansion valve (300) is connected to the condenser (200) via piping and can expand the refrigerant to lower the temperature of the refrigerant. Almost all of the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser (200) can be liquefied and flow into the expansion valve (300).

[0061] The refrigerant expands as it passes through the expansion valve (300), and some of the refrigerant may vaporize due to the expansion. At this time, as some of the refrigerant vaporizes, it loses heat of vaporization, and the entire refrigerant is cooled, so that its temperature can be lowered.

[0062] The evaporator (400) is connected to the expansion valve (300) and the compressor (100) via piping and can evaporate the refrigerant. The refrigerant passing through the expansion valve (300) is in a saturated state where gas and liquid coexist, and can continue to evaporate as it passes through the evaporator (400).

[0063] As the refrigerant passes through the evaporator (400), the ratio of gas, that is, the quality of the refrigerant, is continuously increased, and almost all of it can be vaporized when discharged from the evaporator (400).

[0064] The evaporator (400) absorbs heat from the surroundings, and accordingly, the refrigerant can obtain heat of vaporization and evaporate. Therefore, the evaporator (400) can serve to cool the surroundings.

[0065] The refrigerant pump (500) is connected to the evaporator (400) and condenser (200) by piping and is positioned in parallel with the compressor (100) by piping and can pump refrigerant. The refrigerant pump (500) does not operate in the first mode and can operate in the second mode.

[0066] The refrigerant pump (500) can operate in a second mode to pump liquid refrigerant so that the refrigerant circulates through the air conditioner.

[0067] The first control valve (610) is connected to the compressor (100), evaporator (400), and refrigerant pump (500) via piping and can control the flow direction of the refrigerant. As shown in FIG. 1, the first control valve (610) can be placed at the point where three pipes connected to the refrigerant pump (500), compressor (100), and evaporator (400), respectively, meet.

[0068] The first control valve (610) can control the flow direction and flow path of the refrigerant so that the refrigerant flows from the evaporator (400) to the compressor (100) or from the pump to the evaporator (400).

[0069] The first control valve (610) may be provided as, for example, a 3-way valve or a 4-way valve. In the case of a 4-way valve, one of the four fluid passages may be closed to leave only three passages, and used as the first control valve (610).

[0070] When the first control valve (610) is configured with a four-way valve, costs can be saved compared to a three-way valve. In each drawing, a case is shown in which the first control valve (610) is configured by closing (marking X) one of the passages of the four-way valves.

[0071] Meanwhile, to increase heat transfer performance in the evaporator (400) and condenser (200), the air conditioner may include a first fan (910) and a second fan (920).

[0072] The first fan (910) is positioned adjacent to the condenser (200) to force the surrounding air to flow toward the condenser (200), thereby increasing the heat transfer performance of the condenser (200). The second fan (920) is positioned adjacent to the evaporator (400) to force the surrounding air to flow toward the evaporator (400), thereby increasing the heat transfer performance of the condenser (200).

[0073] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the evaporator (400) can be placed indoors to absorb heat from the indoors and cool the indoors. Additionally, the condenser (200) can be placed outdoors to release heat to the outdoors.

[0074] The air conditioner of the embodiment may include a bypass pipe (710) and a first check valve (720). The check valve illustrated in this specification allows fluid to flow only in the direction of the arrow and not in the opposite direction.

[0075] The bypass pipe (710) may be provided so that the refrigerant bypasses the expansion valve (300). In the embodiment, the air conditioner expands by passing through the expansion valve (300) in the first mode, but in the second mode, it bypasses the expansion valve (300) without passing through it, so the bypass pipe (710) is required.

[0076] The bypass pipe (710) can have both ends connected to the upstream and downstream of the expansion valve (300). The first check valve (720) is positioned in the bypass pipe (710) and can control the refrigerant flowing through the bypass pipe (710) to flow in one direction.

[0077] Meanwhile, in another embodiment, the first check valve (720) may be replaced with an on / off valve. The operation of the on / off valve is controlled by a control unit provided in the air conditioner, so that the bypass pipe (710) is closed or opened to control the flow of refrigerant in the bypass pipe (710).

[0078] That is, when the refrigerant flows through the expansion valve (300), the on / off valve closes the bypass pipe (710), and when the refrigerant flows through the bypass pipe (710), the on / off valve can open the bypass pipe (710).

[0079] When the air conditioner operates in the first mode, the expansion valve (300) is opened so that the refrigerant passes sequentially through the condenser (200), the expansion valve (300), and the evaporator (400), and can be expanded while passing through the expansion valve (300).

[0080] When the air conditioner operates in the second mode, the expansion valve (300) is closed, and the refrigerant can flow through the bypass pipe (710). At this time, the refrigerant can sequentially pass through the evaporator (400), the bypass pipe (710), and the condenser (200).

[0081] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an air conditioner according to another embodiment. The air conditioner may include a gas-liquid separator (730) connected to a first control valve (610) via piping. As shown in FIG. 2, in an air conditioner of one embodiment, the gas-liquid separator (730) may be placed in piping connecting a compressor (100) and a first control valve (610).

[0082] The gas-liquid separator (730) can separate the liquid refrigerant and the gaseous refrigerant contained in the refrigerant that has passed through the evaporator (400). The gaseous refrigerant is discharged from the gas-liquid separator (730) and flows into the compressor (100), while the liquid refrigerant may not flow into the compressor (100).

[0083] Accordingly, the gas-liquid separator (730) prevents liquid refrigerant from flowing into the compressor (100), thereby preventing failure and damage to the compressor (100) caused by liquid refrigerant and increasing the durability of the compressor (100).

[0084] The air conditioner may include an oil separator (740), an oil recovery pipe (750), and a second check valve (760). The oil separator (740) is connected to the compressor (100) via piping and can separate oil mixed with the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (100) from the refrigerant.

[0085] The compressor (100) contains oil necessary for lubrication and sealing, and this oil can be mixed with the refrigerant and discharged from the compressor (100). The oil separator (740) separates the oil discharged from the compressor (100) from the refrigerant to prevent the oil from flowing into the condenser (200), thereby improving the performance of the air conditioner.

[0086] The oil recovery pipe (750) may be provided to connect the oil separator (740) and the compressor (100) and separated from the pipe through which the refrigerant flows. The oil separated from the oil separator (740) may be recirculated into the compressor (100) through the recovery pipe and used as lubricating oil or sealing oil.

[0087] The second check valve (760) is placed in the oil recovery pipe (750) and allows oil to flow from the oil separator (740) to the compressor (100), and prevents backflow from the compressor (100) to the oil separator (740), thereby preventing oil from being discharged from the compressor (100) through the oil recovery pipe (750) and entering the condenser (200).

[0088] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the case where the air conditioner of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 operates in a first mode. In FIG. 3 and subsequent drawings, closed piping is indicated by the symbol X for clarity. Additionally, in FIG. 3 and subsequent drawings, the direction of refrigerant flow in the piping is indicated by an arrow.

[0089] In the case of the first mode of normal cooling, the air conditioner operates in a vapor compression refrigeration cycle to cool the indoor space, and at this time, the refrigerant can change between two phases. In the first mode, the first control valve (610) can open the pipe connecting the evaporator (400) and the compressor (100) to allow the refrigerant to flow from the evaporator (400) to the compressor (100).

[0090] When the air conditioner operates in the first mode, the refrigerant is discharged from the compressor (100) and flows sequentially through the condenser (200), expansion valve (300), evaporator (400), and first control valve (610) to flow into the compressor (100).

[0091] In the first mode, the refrigerant passes sequentially through the compressor (100), condenser (200), expansion valve (300), evaporator (400), and first control valve (610), and then flows back into the compressor (100) from the first control valve (610) to circulate. Accordingly, the room where the evaporator (400) is located can be cooled.

[0092] When the air conditioner operates in the first mode, the first control valve (610) can control the flow direction of the refrigerant so that the refrigerant flows from the evaporator (400) to the compressor (100). In the first mode, the operation of the refrigerant pump (500) is stopped, so the refrigerant does not pass through the refrigerant pump (500).

[0093] In the first mode, the flow of refrigerant from the condenser (200) to the evaporator (400) through the first bypass pipe (710) is blocked by the first check valve (720).

[0094] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the case where the air conditioner of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 operates in a second mode. For example, in winter when the outdoor temperature is lower than the indoor temperature setting range, the indoor space can be cooled by circulating a liquid refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor spaces without using a vapor compression refrigeration cycle.

[0095] In the case of the second mode of pre-cooling, the refrigerant may sequentially pass through the refrigerant pump (500), the first control valve (610), the evaporator (400), the bypass pipe (710), and the condenser (200), and then flow back into the refrigerant pump (500) to circulate. When the air conditioner operates in the second mode, the first control valve (610) can control the flow direction of the refrigerant so that the refrigerant flows from the refrigerant pump (500) to the evaporator (400).

[0096] In the second mode, the refrigerant pump (500) operates so that the refrigerant can circulate through the air conditioner while maintaining a liquid state. In the second mode, the first control valve (610) can connect the refrigerant pump (500) and the evaporator (400) through piping.

[0097] When the air conditioner operates in the second mode, the refrigerant is discharged from the refrigerant pump (500), flows sequentially through the first control valve (610), the evaporator (400), and the condenser (200), and flows into the refrigerant pump (500), and can be configured to bypass the expansion valve (300).

[0098] In the second mode, the expansion valve (300) is closed, and thus the refrigerant can flow through the first bypass pipe (710) and enter the condenser (200).

[0099] In the second mode, a portion of the refrigerant discharged from the condenser (200) may flow into the oil separator (740) or the compressor (100), but since the compressor (100) is stopped and the refrigerant is in a state of backflow from the compressor (100), it cannot pass through the compressor (100). Accordingly, the refrigerant may flow into the refrigerant pump (500) without passing through the compressor (100).

[0100] In the embodiment, normal cooling can be performed by carrying out a vapor compression refrigeration cycle using a refrigerant that undergoes a phase change, and free cooling can be performed by cooling using only the refrigerant in a liquid state.

[0101] Accordingly, compared to cases where the heat transfer mediums for normal cooling and free cooling are different, the size of the air conditioner and the number of air conditioner components can be reduced.

[0102] Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the air conditioner can be reduced, and the amount of electricity consumed to operate the air conditioner can be significantly reduced.

[0103] In addition, in the embodiment, normal cooling and pre-cooling can be achieved by adding relatively small parts such as a control valve that controls the flow direction of one or two refrigerants, a refrigerant pump (500) that pumps liquid refrigerants, and piping that connects these to other parts.

[0104] Therefore, the size of the air conditioner can be miniaturized, and its manufacturing costs can be effectively reduced.

[0105] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining the case where an air conditioner of another embodiment operates in the first mode.

[0106] The air conditioner may include a second control valve (620) that controls the flow direction of the refrigerant, which is positioned at the point where the pipe connecting the compressor (100) and the condenser (200) and the pipe connecting to the refrigerant pump (500) meet.

[0107] The second control valve (620) may be provided as a three-way valve or a four-way valve, just like the first control valve (610). The second control valve (620) can further improve the operating performance of the air conditioner by blocking the refrigerant from flowing into the refrigerant pump (500) in the first mode and blocking the refrigerant from flowing into the compressor (100) or oil separator (740) in the second mode.

[0108] As illustrated in FIG. 5, when the air conditioner is operating in the first mode, the second control valve (620) can control the flow direction of the refrigerant so that the refrigerant flows from the compressor (100) to the condenser (200).

[0109] In the first mode, the second control valve (620) can open the piping connected to the compressor (100) and the condenser (200) and close the piping connected to the refrigerant pump (500). Thus, the refrigerant can flow from the compressor (100) to the condenser (200). The operation of other devices and the flow of the refrigerant are the same as described in the first mode above.

[0110] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the case where the air conditioner shown in FIG. 5 operates in a second mode.

[0111] As illustrated in FIG. 6, when the air conditioner operates in the second mode, the second control valve (620) can control the flow direction of the refrigerant so that the refrigerant flows from the condenser (200) to the refrigerant pump (500).

[0112] In the second mode, the second control valve (620) can open the piping connected to the refrigerant pump (500) and the condenser (200), and close the piping connected to the compressor (100). Thus, the refrigerant can flow from the condenser (200) to the refrigerant pump (500). The operation of other devices and the flow of the refrigerant are the same as described in the second mode above.

[0113] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating the case where an air conditioner of another embodiment operates in the first mode. The arrangement positions of the first control valve (610) and the gas-liquid separator (730) in the air conditioner may differ from the structure described above.

[0114] As illustrated in FIG. 7, in an air conditioner of one embodiment, a gas-liquid separator (730) may be placed in the piping connecting the evaporator (400) and the first control valve (610). That is, the gas-liquid separator (730) may be placed between the evaporator (400) and the first control valve (610) and connected to the evaporator (400) and the first control valve (610) by piping.

[0115] At this time, when the air conditioner operates in the first mode, the refrigerant flows sequentially through the compressor (100), condenser (200), expansion valve (300), evaporator (400), gas-liquid separator (730), and first control valve (610), and then flows back into the compressor (100) to circulate and cool the indoor space.

[0116] At this time, in the first mode, the refrigerant can pass through the evaporator (400) and the gas-liquid separator (730) and flow into the first control valve (610). The operation of other devices and the flow of the refrigerant are the same as described in the first mode above.

[0117] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the case where the air conditioner shown in FIG. 7 operates in a second mode.

[0118] At this time, when the air conditioner operates in the second mode, the refrigerant flows sequentially through the refrigerant pump (500), the first control valve (610), the gas-liquid separator (730), the evaporator (400), the bypass pipe (710), and the condenser (200), and then flows back into the refrigerant pump (500) to circulate and cool the indoor space.

[0119] At this time, in the second mode, the refrigerant passes through the first control valve (610) and the gas-liquid separator (730) and flows into the evaporator (400) to cool the room where the evaporator (400) is placed. The operation of other devices and the flow of the refrigerant are the same as described in the second mode above.

[0120] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining the case where an air conditioner of another embodiment operates in a first mode. The air conditioner may include a second control valve (620) that controls the flow direction of the refrigerant, which is positioned at the point where the pipe connecting the compressor (100) and the condenser (200) and the pipe connecting the refrigerant pump (500) meet each other in the air conditioner shown in FIG. 7.

[0121] At this time, when the air conditioner operates in the first mode, the refrigerant flows sequentially through the compressor (100), the second control valve (620), the condenser (200), the expansion valve (300), the evaporator (400), the gas-liquid separator (730), and the first control valve (610), and then flows back into the compressor (100) to circulate and cool the indoor space.

[0122] In the first mode, the flow of refrigerant into the refrigerant pump (500) can be blocked by the first control valve (610) and the second control valve (620). The operation of other devices and the flow of refrigerant are the same as described in the first mode above.

[0123] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the case where the air conditioner shown in FIG. 9 operates in a second mode.

[0124] At this time, when the air conditioner operates in the second mode, the refrigerant flows sequentially through the refrigerant pump (500), the first control valve (610), the gas-liquid separator (730), the evaporator (400), the bypass pipe (710), the condenser (200), and the refrigerant pump (500), and then flows back into the refrigerant pump (500) to circulate and cool the indoor space.

[0125] In the second mode, the flow of refrigerant into the compressor (100) and oil separator (740) can be blocked by the first control valve (610) and the second control valve (620). The operation of other devices and the flow of refrigerant are the same as described in the second mode above.

[0126] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the case where an air conditioner of another embodiment operates in a first mode. In the first mode, the refrigerant expanded by the expansion valve (300) may be introduced into the evaporator (400) with a portion of it vaporized but a large portion remaining as liquid.

[0127] Meanwhile, the evaporator (400) may include a plurality of tubes (410) through which a refrigerant flows. By having the evaporator (400) equipped with a plurality of tubes (410), the total surface area of ​​the evaporator (400) increases, and accordingly, the heat transfer efficiency with the surroundings can be improved.

[0128] Meanwhile, unlike gas, liquid is difficult to disperse evenly among multiple tubes (410) of the evaporator (400). If the liquid refrigerant in the evaporator (400) is not dispersed evenly among multiple tubes (410) and non-uniformity occurs where it is concentrated in specific parts, the heat transfer efficiency in the evaporator (400) may be lowered.

[0129] To solve these problems, an air conditioner of one embodiment may include a capillary device (810) disposed between an expansion valve (300) and an evaporator (400), through which refrigerant flows from the expansion valve (300) toward the evaporator (400).

[0130] The capillary device (810) includes a plurality of capillaries (811), and the plurality of capillaries (811) can be manufactured to be connected to a plurality of tubes (410) respectively. Due to this structure, the refrigerant discharged from the expansion valve (300) can be evenly distributed to a plurality of tubes (410) inside the evaporator (400) through the plurality of capillaries (811).

[0131] Accordingly, the refrigerant is evenly distributed throughout the evaporator (400) and transfers heat to the surroundings, so the heat transfer efficiency of the evaporator (400) can be improved.

[0132] Meanwhile, in the case where a capillary tube device (810) is provided in the air conditioner of the embodiment, when the air conditioner operates in a second mode, a structure is required to bypass the refrigerant from the capillary tube (811) and the expansion valve (300).

[0133] To solve this problem, the embodiment specifically describes below a structure that changes the flow path of the refrigerant in the first mode and the second mode using a branch pipe (840).

[0134] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the area where the branch pipe (840) is positioned in FIG. 11. In order to form a structure that bypasses the expansion valve (300), the air conditioner of the embodiment may include a header pipe (820) and a third check valve (830).

[0135] The header tube (820) bypasses the expansion valve (300) and the capillary device (810) to connect the expansion valve (300) and the evaporator (400), and at least a portion of the multiple tubes (410) can be connected.

[0136] Since the evaporator (400) is equipped with a plurality of tubes (410) for heat transfer to the surroundings, a plurality of branch tubes are provided such that one end of the header tube (820) is connected to at least a portion of the plurality of tubes (410), and these plurality of branch tubes are connected to a single tube, and a third check valve (830) can be disposed in this single tube.

[0137] The third check valve (830) is positioned in a section of the header pipe (820) that is provided as a single pipe, and can control the flow direction of the refrigerant. In the first mode, the flow of the refrigerant into the header pipe (820) is blocked by the third check valve (830), and the refrigerant can flow through the open expansion valve (300).

[0138] In the second mode, the expansion valve (300) is blocked, so the refrigerant can pass through the header pipe (820) that bypasses without being obstructed by the third check valve (830).

[0139] The air conditioner may include branch pipes (840) each connected to one end of a plurality of capillary tubes (811) of a capillary device (810), tubes (410) of an evaporator (400), and header pipes (820).

[0140] The branch tube (840) is generally formed in a Y shape, and thus can have a form in which three tubes are joined together at one end. One tube of the branch tube (840) can be connected to the tube (410) of the evaporator (400), another tube can be connected to the branch tube of the header, and yet another tube can be connected to the capillary tube (811) of the capillary device (810).

[0141] In the first mode, the refrigerant can flow from the capillary tube (811) of the capillary device (810) through the branch tube (840) into the tube (410) of the evaporator (400). In the second mode, the refrigerant can flow from the tube (410) of the evaporator (400) through the branch tube (840) into the header tube (820).

[0142] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the case where the air conditioner shown in FIG. 11 operates in a second mode.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 11, when the air conditioner is operating in the first mode, the refrigerant can sequentially flow through the condenser (200), expansion valve (300), capillary device (810), and evaporator (400).

[0144] In the first mode, the expansion valve (300) is opened, and the third check valve (830) can block the refrigerant from flowing into the header pipe (820). Therefore, in the first mode, the refrigerant can flow through the expansion valve (300). The operation of other devices and the flow of the refrigerant are the same as described in the first mode above.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 13, when the air conditioner operates in the second mode, the refrigerant can sequentially flow through the evaporator (400), header tube (820), third check valve (830), and condenser (200).

[0146] In the second mode, the expansion valve (300) is closed, and the refrigerant can pass through the header tube (820) and the third check valve (830) without obstruction by the third check valve (830). Therefore, in the second mode, the refrigerant can flow through the header tube (820) without flowing into the capillary device (810) closed by the expansion valve (300). The operation of other devices and the flow of the refrigerant are the same as described in the second mode above.

[0147] Referring to FIG. 12, when the air conditioner is operating in the first mode, the expansion valve (300) is opened and the refrigerant can sequentially flow through the expansion valve (300), the branch pipe (840), and the tube (410).

[0148] In the first mode, the branch tube (840) connects the capillary tube (811) of the capillary device (810) and the tube (410) of the evaporator (400), so the refrigerant can flow sequentially through the evaporator (400), the capillary tube (811), the branch tube (840), and the tube (410).

[0149] Meanwhile, when the air conditioner operates in the second mode, the expansion valve (300) is closed and the refrigerant can flow sequentially through the tube (410), branch pipe (840), and header pipe (820).

[0150] In the second mode, the branch pipe (840) connects the tube (410) of the evaporator (400) and the branch pipe of the header pipe (820), so the refrigerant can flow sequentially through the tube (410), the branch pipe (840), and the header pipe (820).

[0151] In the embodiment, the heat exchange efficiency in the evaporator (400) can be improved by using a capillary device (810) to uniformly diffuse the refrigerant into the evaporator (400).

[0152] When a capillary device (810) is provided, the flow direction and path of the refrigerant can be easily controlled in the first mode of normal cooling and the second mode of free cooling by using a branch tube (840) having a relatively simple structure.

[0153] Therefore, since there is no need to use separate devices and piping to control the flow direction and path of the refrigerant, the structure of the air conditioner can be simplified, which can effectively reduce the manufacturing cost of the air conditioner.

[0154] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the illustrated drawings, the present invention is not limited by the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this specification, and it is obvious that various modifications can be made by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, even if the effects of the configuration according to the present invention were not explicitly described while explaining the embodiments of the present invention above, it is natural to acknowledge that the effects predictable by said configuration should also be recognized.

Claims

1. A compressor that compresses refrigerant; A condenser connected to the above compressor via piping and condensing the refrigerant; An expansion valve connected to a condenser via piping, which expands the refrigerant to lower its temperature; An evaporator connected to the above expansion valve and the above compressor via piping, and which evaporates the refrigerant; A refrigerant pump connected to the evaporator and the condenser by piping, arranged in parallel with the compressor by piping, and pumping refrigerant; and A first control valve connected to the compressor, the evaporator, and the refrigerant pump via piping, and controlling the direction of refrigerant flow. including Air conditioner.

2. In Paragraph 1, When the above air conditioner operates in the first mode, The first control valve above controls the flow direction of the refrigerant so that the refrigerant flows from the evaporator to the compressor. Air conditioner.

3. In Paragraph 1, When the above air conditioner operates in the first mode, The refrigerant is discharged from the compressor and flows sequentially through the condenser, the expansion valve, the evaporator, and the first control valve to enter the compressor. Air conditioner.

4. In Paragraph 1, When the above air conditioner operates in the second mode, The first control valve above controls the flow direction of the refrigerant so that the refrigerant flows from the refrigerant pump to the evaporator. Air conditioner.

5. In Paragraph 1, When the above air conditioner operates in the second mode, The refrigerant is discharged from the refrigerant pump and flows sequentially through the first control valve, the evaporator, and the condenser to flow into the refrigerant pump, and is configured to bypass the expansion valve. Air conditioner.

6. In Paragraph 5, A bypass pipe with both ends connected to the upstream and downstream of the expansion valve; and A first check valve placed in the above bypass piping Includes, When the above air conditioner operates in the second mode, The above expansion valve is closed, and the refrigerant flows through the above bypass pipe, Air conditioner.

7. In Paragraph 1, A second control valve that controls the flow direction of the refrigerant, positioned at the point where the piping connecting the compressor and the condenser and the piping connecting to the refrigerant pump meet. including, Air conditioner.

8. In Paragraph 7, When the above air conditioner operates in the first mode, the second control valve controls the flow direction of the refrigerant so that the refrigerant flows from the compressor to the condenser, and When the above air conditioner operates in a second mode, the second control valve controls the flow direction of the refrigerant so that the refrigerant flows from the condenser to the refrigerant pump. Air conditioner.

9. In Paragraph 1, A gas-liquid separator connected to the above-mentioned first control valve and piping, Air conditioner.

10. In Paragraph 9, The above gas-liquid separator is disposed in the piping connecting the compressor and the first control valve, Air conditioner.

11. In Paragraph 9, The above gas-liquid separator is disposed in the piping connecting the above evaporator and the above first control valve, Air conditioner.

12. In Paragraph 1, An oil separator connected to the above compressor and piping; An oil recovery pipe connected to the above oil separator and the above compressor, and separated from the pipe through which the refrigerant flows; and A second check valve placed in the above oil recovery pipe including, Air conditioner.

13. A compressor that compresses refrigerant; A condenser connected to the above compressor via piping and condensing the refrigerant; An expansion valve connected to a condenser via piping, which expands the refrigerant to lower its temperature; An evaporator connected to the above expansion valve and the above compressor via piping, and which evaporates the refrigerant; A refrigerant pump connected to the evaporator and the condenser via piping, arranged in parallel with the compressor via piping, and pumping refrigerant; A first control valve connected to the compressor, the evaporator, and the refrigerant pump via piping and controlling the flow direction of the refrigerant; and A capillary device disposed between the expansion valve and the evaporator, through which refrigerant flows from the expansion valve toward the evaporator. including, Air conditioner.

14. In Paragraph 13, The above-mentioned capillary device includes a plurality of capillaries, and The above evaporator includes a plurality of tubes through which refrigerant flows, and A plurality of the above-mentioned capillaries are each connected to a plurality of the above-mentioned tubes, Air conditioner.

15. In Paragraph 14, A header tube that bypasses the expansion valve and the capillary device to connect the expansion valve and the evaporator, and at least a portion thereof is connected to a plurality of the tubes; and A third check valve disposed in the header tube above including, Air conditioner.

16. In Paragraph 15, When the above air conditioner operates in the first mode, the refrigerant flows sequentially through the condenser, the expansion valve, the capillary device, and the evaporator, and When the above air conditioner operates in the second mode, the refrigerant flows sequentially through the evaporator, the header tube, the third check valve, and the condenser. Air conditioner.

17. In Paragraph 15, Branch tubes each connected to one end of a plurality of the capillary tube of the above-mentioned capillary device, the tube of the above-mentioned evaporator, and the header tube. including, Air conditioner.

18. In Paragraph 17, When the above air conditioner operates in the first mode, the expansion valve is opened and the refrigerant flows sequentially through the expansion valve, the branch pipe, and the tube, and When the above air conditioner operates in a second mode, the expansion valve is closed and the refrigerant flows sequentially through the tube, the branch pipe, and the header pipe. Air conditioner.

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