Chiller
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LG ELECTRONICS INC
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-25
AI Technical Summary
Conventional chillers with independent cycles experience air flow interference and imbalance between heat exchangers, leading to reduced efficiency, overloading, noise, and vibration when connected in multiple installations.
A chiller design with parallel-connected heat exchangers and a fan system that promotes uniform air flow, allowing one cycle to heat and the other to defrost alternately, thereby balancing heat exchange and reducing frost formation.
The solution improves chiller efficiency by balancing heat exchange, reduces noise and vibration, and enables continuous heating by alternating defrosting cycles.
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Figure KR2025021822_25062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
chiller
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a chiller, and more specifically, to a chiller comprising two cycles.
[0002] A chiller is a device that provides heating or cooling by cooling or heating water through a heat exchange process using a refrigerant, and is used in buildings, industrial facilities, or large-scale spaces. Multiple chillers can be connected and installed to provide heating or cooling for large spaces.
[0003] Conventionally, chillers included two independent cycles. As a result, a pair of heat exchangers exchanged heat with the air.
[0004] However, when multiple conventional chillers are connected and installed, there was a problem where air flow between adjacent chillers interfered, or the air was stretched, reducing the amount of air flow to the heat exchanger located inside.
[0005] As a result, differences in the flow rate and velocity of air passing through the heat exchanger placed on the inside and the heat exchanger placed on the outside occurred, which caused an imbalance between the two cycles. In addition, there were problems such as reduced chiller efficiency, overloading of the heat exchange chamber, and noise and vibration.
[0006] The technical problem of the present disclosure is to provide a chiller capable of solving the various problems of the aforementioned prior art.
[0007] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a chiller capable of resolving the imbalance in heat exchange amounts between heat exchangers constituting each cycle.
[0008] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a chiller capable of delaying frost formation on the evaporator during heating operation.
[0009] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a chiller capable of continuous heating by alternately defrosting the evaporator.
[0010] The problems of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.
[0011] To solve the above problem, a chiller according to the present disclosure comprises: a first compressor for compressing a first refrigerant; a first main heat exchanger connected to the first compressor through which the first refrigerant passes; a first heat medium heat exchanger connected between the first main heat exchanger and the first compressor so that the first refrigerant passes through, and which exchanges heat with the first refrigerant and a predetermined heat medium; a second compressor for compressing a second refrigerant; a second main heat exchanger connected to the second compressor through which the second refrigerant passes; a second heat medium heat exchanger connected between the second main heat exchanger and the second compressor so that the second refrigerant passes through, and which exchanges heat with the second refrigerant and a predetermined heat medium; a first sub heat exchanger connected in parallel with the first main heat exchanger and disposed on one side of the second main heat exchanger; and a second sub heat exchanger connected in parallel with the second main heat exchanger and disposed on one side of the first main heat exchanger. and includes a fan that flows air to the first main heat exchanger and the second sub-heat exchanger, and to the second main heat exchanger and the first sub-heat exchanger to promote heat exchange between the first refrigerant and / or the second refrigerant and the air.
[0012] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.
[0013] According to the chiller of the present disclosure, there is one or more of the following effects.
[0014] By adding a heat exchanger connected in parallel to the heat exchangers constituting each cycle, the imbalance in heat exchange volume between the heat exchangers of each cycle can be resolved, the performance of the chiller can be improved, and noise or vibration can be reduced.
[0015] By diverting the flow of refrigerant through parallel-connected heat exchangers, frost formation on the evaporator is delayed, and long-term heating operation can be performed.
[0016] By controlling the flow of refrigerant so that one cycle performs heating and the other cycle performs defrosting, the evaporators constituting each cycle can be defrosted alternately, and heating can be performed continuously.
[0017] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description in the claims.
[0018] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a chiller by symbol according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a chiller according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a chiller according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a top view of a portion of a chiller according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates a chiller according to one embodiment of the present disclosure operating in a cooling mode.
[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates a chiller according to one embodiment of the present disclosure operating in a basic heating mode.
[0024] FIG. 7 illustrates a chiller according to one embodiment of the present disclosure operating in a first heating mode.
[0025] FIG. 8 illustrates that a chiller according to one embodiment of the present disclosure operates in a second heating mode.
[0026] FIG. 9 illustrates that a chiller according to one embodiment of the present disclosure operates in a third heating mode.
[0027] FIG. 10 illustrates that a control unit of a chiller according to one embodiment of the present disclosure controls each cycle.
[0028] FIG. 11 illustrates an operating mode of a chiller according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and a switching of a valve accordingly.
[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components are given the same reference number regardless of the drawing symbols, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.
[0030] The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the ease of drafting the specification, and do not inherently possess distinct meanings or roles.
[0031] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art may obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, such detailed description is omitted. Furthermore, the attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings; it should be understood that they include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the concept and technical scope of this disclosure.
[0032] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.
[0033] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.
[0034] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0035] In this application, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 1, the configuration of a chiller (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can be seen.
[0037] The chiller (1) may include a first cycle (10) and a second cycle (50). The first cycle (10) and the second cycle (50) may be configured and operated independently.
[0038] The first cycle (10) may be composed of a first compressor (11), a first main heat exchanger (14), a first sub heat exchanger (15), a first heat medium heat exchanger (17), a first four-way valve (13), a first discharge path (21), a first main path (22), a first intermediate path (23), a first chamber path (24), a first inlet path (25), a first-1 sub-path (31), a first-2 sub-path (32), a first bypass (33), and a first branch path (34), etc.
[0039] The first compressor (11) compresses the first refrigerant. The first compressor (11) can discharge the first refrigerant in gaseous form after compressing it. The compressed first refrigerant may be in a high-temperature, high-pressure superheated steam state.
[0040] The first main heat exchanger (14) is connected to the first compressor (11) and the first refrigerant passes through it. The first main heat exchanger (14) can exchange heat between the first refrigerant and air.
[0041] The first sub-heat exchanger (15) is connected in parallel with the first main heat exchanger (14). Accordingly, the first refrigerant can be divided and flowed through the first main heat exchanger (14) and the first sub-heat exchanger (15), and can be combined after each exchanging heat with air.
[0042] The first heat medium heat exchanger (17) is connected to allow the first refrigerant to pass between the first main heat exchanger (14) and the first compressor (11). The first heat medium heat exchanger (17) exchanges heat between the first refrigerant and a predetermined heat medium.
[0043] The first four-way valve (13) can switch the flow path of the chiller (1). The first four-way valve (13) can switch the flow direction of the first refrigerant.
[0044] The first discharge passage (21) can connect the discharge port of the first compressor (11) and the first four-way valve (13).
[0045] The first inlet passage (25) can connect the inlet of the first compressor (11) and the first four-way valve (13).
[0046] The first main path (22) can connect the first four-way valve (13) and the first main heat exchanger (14).
[0047] The first chamber path (24) can connect the first four-way valve (13) and the first heat medium heat exchanger (17).
[0048] The first intermediate channel (23) can connect the first main heat exchanger (14) and the first heat medium heat exchanger (17). The first intermediate channel (23) may include a first-1 intermediate channel (23a) and a first-2 intermediate channel (23b). The first-1 intermediate channel (23a) and the first-2 intermediate channel (23b) may be separated based on the first subcooler (16) to be described later.
[0049] The first intermediate channel (23a) may refer to the part of the first intermediate channel (23) connecting the first main heat exchanger (14) and the first subcooler (16). The first intermediate channel (23b) may refer to the part of the first intermediate channel (23) connecting the first subcooler (16) and the first heat medium heat exchanger (17).
[0050] One end of the first sub-heat exchanger (15) can be connected to a first-1 sub-flow path (31) branched from the first main flow path (22). The other end of the first sub-heat exchanger (15) can be connected to a first-2 sub-flow path (32) branched from the first intermediate flow path (23). The first refrigerant can flow into the first sub-heat exchanger (15) through the first sub-flow paths (31, 32).
[0051] The first sub-valve (41) may be placed in the first-1 sub-flow path (31). The first sub-valve (41) may be a three-way valve. The first sub-valve (41) may be switched to connect the first main flow path (22) with the first sub-heat exchanger (15), or to connect the first sub-heat exchanger (15) with the first bypass (33) to be described later.
[0052] The first bypass (33) can connect the first sub-valve (41) and the first intermediate path (23). The first bypass (33) may include a first-1 bypass (33a) and a first-2 bypass (33b). The first-1 bypass (33a) and the first-2 bypass (33b) may be separated based on the first branch valve (42) to be described later.
[0053] By means of the first sub-valve (41) and the first bypass (33), the first refrigerant can flow through the first sub-heat exchanger (15) in various ways, and accordingly, the chiller (1) can operate in various modes. The above modes will be described later in FIGS. 7 to 9.
[0054] Sequence of the first refrigerant flowing through the first sub-heat exchanger? Flow method?
[0055] The first bypass (33a) may refer to the part of the first bypass (33) connecting the first sub-valve (41) and the first branch valve (42). The second bypass (33b) may refer to the part of the first bypass (33) connecting the first branch valve (42) and the first intermediate passage (23).
[0056] The first branch valve (42) may be placed in the first bypass (33). The first branch valve (42) may be switched to connect the first-1 bypass (33a) and the first-2 bypass (33b), or to connect the first-1 bypass (33a) and the first branch passage (34). The first branch valve (42) may be a three-way valve.
[0057] The first branch path (34) can connect the first branch valve (42) and the first inflow path (25).
[0058] The first branch valve (42) and the first branch path (34) can allow the first refrigerant to flow into the first compressor (11) without flowing into the first heat exchanger (17).
[0059] The first shut-off valve (43) may be positioned between the point where the first branch path (34) branches off from the first inlet path (25) and the first four-way valve (13). Unlike the drawing, the first shut-off valve (43) may also be positioned in the first chamber path (24).
[0060] The first shut-off valve (43) blocks the first refrigerant from flowing into the first heat medium heat exchanger (17), thereby enabling the chiller (1) to operate in a heating mode through the second cycle (50) while simultaneously performing defrosting of the first main heat exchanger (14).
[0061] The first cycle (10) may include a first oil separator (12), a first subcooler (16), a first accumulator (18), a first receiver (19), a first subcooling passage (26), a first-1 expansion valve (46), a first-2 expansion valve (47), a first-3 expansion valve (48), and a first-4 expansion valve (49).
[0062] The first oil separator (12) may be connected to the discharge port of the first compressor (11). The first oil separator (12) may be placed in the first discharge channel (21). The first compressor (11) may use oil to reduce friction occurring during the compression process of the first refrigerant. The oil may be discharged together with the compressed first refrigerant. The first oil separator (12) may separate and recover the oil discharged from the first compressor (11) from the first refrigerant.
[0063] The first subcooler (16) may be placed in the first intermediate channel (23). The first subcooler (16) may be placed in the first subcooling channel (26) to be described later. The first subcooler (16) may be arranged so that the first intermediate channel (23) and the first subcooling channel (26) pass through the first subcooler (16). The first subcooler (16) can further lower the temperature of the first refrigerant that has passed through the condenser, thereby improving the efficiency of the chiller (1).
[0064] The first subcooling passage (26) can connect the first compressor (11) and the first intermediate passage (23). The first subcooling passage (26) may include a first-1 subcooling passage (26a) and a first-2 subcooling passage (26b). The first-1 subcooling passage (26a) and the first-2 subcooling passage (26b) may be separated based on the subcooler.
[0065] The first-1 subcooling channel (26a) may refer to the part of the first subcooling channel (26) connecting the first subcooler (16) and the first intermediate channel (23). The first-2 subcooling channel (26b) may refer to the part of the first subcooling channel (26) connecting the first compressor (11) and the first subcooler (16).
[0066] The first accumulator (18) can be placed in the first inlet channel (25). The first accumulator (18) prevents the first refrigerant in gaseous form from flowing into the first compressor (11), thereby preventing the first compressor (11) from being damaged or the efficiency of the chiller (1) from decreasing.
[0067] The first receiver (19) can be connected to the first intermediate channel (23). The first receiver (19) can store the first refrigerant. The first receiver (19) can store or supply the first refrigerant depending on the operating mode of the chiller (1).
[0068] The first-1 expansion valve (46) may be placed in the first intermediate flow path (23). The first-1 expansion valve (46) may be placed between the first main heat exchanger (14) and the point in the first-1 intermediate flow path (23a) where the first-2 sub-flow path (32) is connected to the first-1 intermediate flow path (23a).
[0069] The first-2 expansion valve (47) can be placed in the first-2 sub-flow path (32).
[0070] The first-3 expansion valve (48) can be placed in the first-2 intermediate flow path (23b).
[0071] The first-4 expansion valve (49) can be placed in the first-2 subcooling passage (26b).
[0072] The first-1 expansion valve (46), the first-2 expansion valve (47), the first-3 expansion valve (48), and the first-4 expansion valve (49) may be electronic expansion valves. As a result, the expansion of the first refrigerant can be controlled by controlling the degree of opening, whether fully open or closed.
[0073] The second cycle (50) may be composed of a second compressor (51), a second main heat exchanger (54), a second sub heat exchanger (55), a second heat medium heat exchanger (57), a second four-way valve (53), a second discharge path (61), a second main path (62), a second intermediate path (63), a second chamber path (64), a second inlet path (65), a second-1 sub-path (71), a second-2 sub-path (72), a second bypass (73), and a second branch path (74), etc.
[0074] The second compressor (51) compresses the second refrigerant. The second compressor (51) can discharge the gaseous second refrigerant after compressing it. The compressed second refrigerant may be in a high-temperature, high-pressure superheated steam state.
[0075] The first refrigerant and the second refrigerant may be the same refrigerant.
[0076] The second main heat exchanger (54) is connected to the second compressor (51) and the second refrigerant passes through it. The second main heat exchanger (54) can exchange heat between the second refrigerant and air.
[0077] The second sub-heat exchanger (55) is connected in parallel with the second main heat exchanger (54). Accordingly, the second refrigerant can be divided and flowed through the second main heat exchanger (54) and the second sub-heat exchanger (55), and can be combined after each exchanging heat with air.
[0078] The second heat medium heat exchanger (57) is connected to allow the second refrigerant to pass between the second main heat exchanger (54) and the second compressor (51). The second heat medium heat exchanger (57) exchanges heat between the second refrigerant and a predetermined heat medium.
[0079] The second four-way valve (53) can switch the flow path of the chiller (1). The second four-way valve (53) can switch the flow direction of the second refrigerant.
[0080] The second discharge passage (61) can connect the discharge port of the second compressor (51) and the second four-way valve (53).
[0081] The second inlet passage (65) can connect the inlet of the second compressor (51) and the second four-way valve (53).
[0082] The second main path (62) can connect the second four-way valve (53) and the second main heat exchanger (54).
[0083] The second chamber passage (64) can connect the second four-way valve (53) and the second heat medium heat exchanger (57).
[0084] The second intermediate channel (63) can connect the second main heat exchanger (54) and the second heat medium heat exchanger (57). The second intermediate channel (63) may include a second-1 intermediate channel (63a) and a second-2 intermediate channel (63b). The second-1 intermediate channel (63a) and the second-2 intermediate channel (63b) may be separated based on the second subcooler (56) to be described later.
[0085] The second-1 intermediate channel (63a) may refer to the part of the second intermediate channel (63) connecting the second main heat exchanger (54) and the second subcooler (56). The second-2 intermediate channel (63b) may refer to the part of the second intermediate channel (63) connecting the second subcooler (56) and the second heat medium heat exchanger (57).
[0086] One end of the second sub-heat exchanger (55) can be connected to a second-1 sub-flow path (71) branched from the second main flow path (62). The other end of the second sub-heat exchanger (55) can be connected to a second-2 sub-flow path (72) branched from the second intermediate flow path (63). The second refrigerant can flow into the second sub-heat exchanger (55) through the second sub-flow paths (71, 72).
[0087] The second sub-valve (81) may be placed in the second-1 sub-flow path (71). The second sub-valve (81) may be a three-way valve. The second sub-valve (81) may be switched to connect the second main flow path (62) with the second sub-heat exchanger (55), or to connect the second sub-heat exchanger (55) with the second bypass (73) to be described later.
[0088] The second bypass (73) can connect the second sub-valve (81) and the second intermediate path (63). The second bypass (73) may include a second-1 bypass (73a) and a second-2 bypass (73b). The second-1 bypass (73a) and the second-2 bypass (73b) may be separated based on the second branch valve (82) to be described later.
[0089] By means of the second sub-valve (81) and the second bypass (73), the second refrigerant can flow through the second sub-heat exchanger (55) in various ways, and accordingly, the chiller (1) can operate in various modes. The above modes will be explained later in FIGS. 7 to 9.
[0090] The second-1 bypass (73a) may refer to the part of the second bypass (73) connecting the second sub-valve (81) and the second branch valve (82). The second-2 bypass (73b) may refer to the part of the second bypass (73) connecting the second branch valve (82) and the second intermediate passage (63).
[0091] The second branch valve (82) may be placed in the second bypass (73). The second branch valve (82) may be switched to connect the second-1 bypass (73a) and the second-2 bypass (73b), or to connect the second-1 bypass (73a) and the second branch passage (74). The second branch valve (82) may be a three-way valve.
[0092] The second branch path (74) can connect the second branch valve (82) and the second inflow path (65).
[0093] The second branch valve (82) and the second branch path (74) can allow the second refrigerant to flow into the second compressor (51) without flowing into the second heat medium heat exchanger (57).
[0094] The second shut-off valve (83) may be positioned between the point where the second branch path (74) branches off from the second inlet path (65) and the second four-way valve (53). Unlike the drawing, the second shut-off valve (83) may also be positioned in the second chamber path (64).
[0095] The second shut-off valve (83) blocks the second refrigerant from flowing into the second heat medium heat exchanger (57), thereby enabling the chiller (1) to operate in heating mode through the first cycle (10) while simultaneously performing defrosting of the second main heat exchanger (54).
[0096] The second cycle (50) may include a second oil separator (52), a second subcooler (56), a second accumulator (58), a second receiver (59), a second subcooler passage (66), a second-1 expansion valve (86), a second-2 expansion valve (87), a second-3 expansion valve (88), and a second-4 expansion valve (89), which correspond respectively to the first oil separator (12), the first subcooler (16), the first accumulator (18), the first receiver (19), the first subcooler passage (26), the first-1 expansion valve (46), the first-2 expansion valve (47), the first-3 expansion valve (48), and the first-4 expansion valve (49) of the first cycle (10), and a detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0097] The first heat medium heat exchanger (17) and the second heat medium heat exchanger (57) may be placed inside a heat exchange chamber (7) in which a predetermined heat medium is received. Accordingly, the heat medium passing through the heat exchange chamber (7) may exchange heat with the first refrigerant and / or the second refrigerant, and the heat medium may be efficiently cooled or heated. The heat exchange chamber (7) may be a water-refrigerant heat exchanger (7).
[0098] The heat transfer medium heat exchangers (17, 57) can operate as condensers or evaporators. When the first heat transfer medium heat exchanger (17) and / or the second heat transfer medium heat exchanger (57) operates as condensers, it may be referred to as a heating mode. When the first heat transfer medium heat exchanger (17) and / or the second heat transfer medium heat exchanger (57) operates as evaporators, it may be referred to as a cooling mode.
[0099] The fan (90) flows air to the first main heat exchanger (14) and the second sub-heat exchanger (55), and to the second main heat exchanger (54) and the first sub-heat exchanger (15), thereby promoting heat exchange between the first refrigerant and / or the second refrigerant and the air.
[0100] Referring to FIG. 2, the external appearance of a chiller (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can be seen.
[0101] The chiller (1) may include a frame (2). The frame (2) may be made of metal. The frame (2) may accommodate the components of the chiller (1) and form the exterior shape.
[0102] A fan (90) can be placed on the upper part of the chiller (1). A fan (90) can be placed on the frame (2). Multiple fans (90) can be installed. The rotation axis of the fan (90) can be positioned to face upward and downward. The fan (90) can form an upward or downward airflow.
[0103] The main heat exchanger (14, 54, see FIG. 3) and the sub heat exchanger (15, 55, see FIG. 3) can be placed below the fan (90).
[0104] The side panel (4) may form part of the side of the chiller (1). The side panel (4) may be placed below the fan (90). The side panel (4) may be placed on both sides of the main heat exchanger (14, 54) and the sub-heat exchanger (15, 55).
[0105] The inlet pipe (8) and the outlet pipe (9) can be connected to the heat exchange chamber (7). A predetermined heat medium can be introduced into the heat exchange chamber (7) through the inlet pipe (8). A predetermined heat medium can be discharged out of the heat exchange chamber (7) through the outlet pipe (9). The predetermined heat medium may be water.
[0106] The heat medium introduced into the inlet pipe (8) exchanges heat with the first refrigerant passing through the first heat medium heat exchanger (17, see FIG. 1) and / or the second refrigerant passing through the second heat medium heat exchanger (57, see FIG. 1), and can be discharged through the discharge pipe (9).
[0107] When the chiller (1) operates in cooling mode, the temperature of the heat medium exiting the discharge pipe (9) may be lower than the temperature of the heat medium entering the inlet pipe (8). When the chiller (1) operates in heating mode, the temperature of the heat medium exiting the discharge pipe (9) may be higher than the temperature of the heat medium entering the inlet pipe (8).
[0108] Referring to FIG. 3, a cross-section of a chiller (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can be seen.
[0109] The first main heat exchanger (14) and the second sub-heat exchanger (55), and the second main heat exchanger (54) and the first sub-heat exchanger (15) may be spaced apart horizontally from each other and arranged opposite each other. The first main heat exchanger (14) and the second sub-heat exchanger (55), and the second main heat exchanger (54) and the first sub-heat exchanger (15) may be arranged symmetrically in a V-shape with respect to the fan (90).
[0110] As a result, even if the amount of air flow to both sides of the chiller (1) is different, the imbalance in the amount of heat exchange between the first cycle (10) and the second cycle (50) can be resolved.
[0111] The fan (90) can be positioned above the central portion between the first main heat exchanger (14) and the second main heat exchanger (54). Accordingly, the air flow to the first main heat exchanger (14) and the second main heat exchanger (54) can be formed evenly.
[0112] The space enclosed by the first main heat exchanger (14), the second main heat exchanger (54), the fan (90), and the side panel (4) can be referred to as the space (5). The fan (90) can flow air into the space (5). Since air cannot pass through the side panel (4), the airflow generated by the fan (90) can be guided to pass through the first main heat exchanger (14) and the second main heat exchanger (54).
[0113] The first sub-heat exchanger (15) is positioned on one side of the second main heat exchanger (54). The first sub-heat exchanger (15) may be positioned on the outside of the second main heat exchanger (54) when the space (5) is viewed from the inside. Accordingly, the first sub-heat exchanger (15) and the second main heat exchanger (54) may be placed in the same or similar air flow conditions.
[0114] The locations where the first sub-heat exchanger (15) and the first main heat exchanger (14) are positioned may differ, and the flow rate and velocity of the air passing through each heat exchanger may differ from one another. Accordingly, the amount of heat exchange between the first refrigerant and the air passing through the first sub-heat exchanger (15) and the first main heat exchanger (14), respectively, may differ. Even if the heat exchange efficiency of one heat exchanger decreases, the other heat exchanger can compensate for this through a parallel connection structure.
[0115] For example, multiple chillers (1) may be connected so that a first main heat exchanger (14) is positioned inside. Accordingly, the flow rate of air passing through the first main heat exchanger (14) may be less than the flow rate of air passing through the second main heat exchanger (54). However, since a first sub-heat exchanger (15) connected in parallel with the first main heat exchanger (14) is positioned on one side of the second main heat exchanger (54) to exchange heat with the air, the difference between the amount of heat exchange between the first refrigerant and the air and the amount of heat exchange between the second refrigerant and the air can be reduced.
[0116] If the difference between the amount of heat exchange between the first refrigerant and air and the amount of heat exchange between the second refrigerant and air is reduced, the imbalance in the amount of heat exchange between the first cycle (10) and the second cycle (50) can be resolved, thereby improving the efficiency of the chiller (1).
[0117] For example, the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant, which have exchanged heat with air, can exchange heat with a heat medium in the heat exchange chamber (7). If the difference between the amount of heat exchange between the first refrigerant and air and the amount of heat exchange between the second refrigerant and air is reduced, the temperature difference between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant can be reduced, and the heat medium that enters the heat exchange chamber (7) through the inlet pipe (8, see FIG. 2) is efficiently heated or cooled and discharged, thereby improving the efficiency of the chiller (1).
[0118] In addition, when the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant exchange heat with the heat medium in the heat exchange chamber (7), the load applied to the heat exchange chamber (7) can be reduced, and noise and vibration generated in the chiller (1) can be reduced.
[0119] The second sub-heat exchanger (55) is positioned on one side of the first main heat exchanger (14). The second sub-heat exchanger (55) may be positioned on the outside of the first main heat exchanger (14) when the space (5) is viewed from the inside. Accordingly, the second sub-heat exchanger (55) and the first main heat exchanger (14) may be placed in the same or similar air flow conditions. Unlike the drawing, the first sub-heat exchanger (15) may be positioned on the inside of the second main heat exchanger (54), and the second sub-heat exchanger (55) may be positioned on the inside of the first main heat exchanger (14).
[0120] The positions where the second sub-heat exchanger (55) and the second main heat exchanger (54) are arranged may differ, and the flow rate, velocity, etc. of the air passing through each heat exchanger may differ from one another. Accordingly, there may be differences in the amount of heat exchange and heat exchange efficiency of the second refrigerant and air passing through each heat exchanger. Even if the heat exchange efficiency of one heat exchanger decreases, another heat exchanger can compensate for this through a parallel connection structure.
[0121] The first sub-heat exchanger (15) can be arranged in parallel with the second main heat exchanger (54). Accordingly, the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant passing through the first sub-heat exchanger (15) and the second main heat exchanger (54), respectively, can uniformly exchange heat with air.
[0122] The second sub-heat exchanger (55) can be arranged parallel to the first main heat exchanger (14). Accordingly, the second refrigerant and the first refrigerant passing through the second sub-heat exchanger (55) and the first main heat exchanger (14), respectively, can uniformly exchange heat with air.
[0123] The first main heat exchanger (14) and the second sub-heat exchanger (55), and the second main heat exchanger (54) and the first sub-heat exchanger (15) can be arranged at an angle so that they become closer as they go downward. Accordingly, even if multiple chillers (1) are installed adjacent to each other, the heat exchangers can be spaced apart from each other, and air can be introduced into each heat exchanger.
[0124] The first refrigerant passing through the first sub-heat exchanger (15) and the second refrigerant passing through the second main heat exchanger (54) can exchange heat with each other through air passing through the two heat exchangers.
[0125] The first sub-heat exchanger (15) may be arranged to be in contact with the second main heat exchanger (54). Accordingly, heat exchange between the first refrigerant passing through the first sub-heat exchanger (15) and the second refrigerant passing through the second main heat exchanger (54) may be promoted.
[0126] The second refrigerant passing through the second sub-heat exchanger (55) and the first refrigerant passing through the first main heat exchanger (14) can exchange heat with each other through the air passing through the two heat exchangers.
[0127] The second sub-heat exchanger (55) may be arranged to be in contact with the first main heat exchanger (14). Accordingly, heat exchange between the second refrigerant passing through the second sub-heat exchanger (55) and the first refrigerant passing through the first main heat exchanger (14) may be promoted.
[0128] The sizes of the first main heat exchanger (14) and the second main heat exchanger (54) may be the same. The size of the first main heat exchanger (14) may be the same as or larger than the size of the first sub-heat exchanger (15). The size of the second main heat exchanger (54) may be the same as or larger than the size of the second sub-heat exchanger (55).
[0129] Unlike the drawing, the sizes of the first main heat exchanger (14), the second main heat exchanger (54), the first sub-heat exchanger (15), and the second sub-heat exchanger (55) may be the same. In this case, the difference between the amount of heat exchange between air and the first refrigerant in the first main heat exchanger (14) and the first sub-heat exchanger (15) and the amount of heat exchange between air and the second refrigerant in the second main heat exchanger (54) and the second sub-heat exchanger (55) can be reduced, and the performance of the chiller (1) can be improved.
[0130] Referring to FIG. 4, a view from above can be seen of a portion of the configuration of a chiller (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0131] The control box (3) may include a mode input section (91, see FIG. 10) and a control section (92, see FIG. 10). The power, mode, etc. of the chiller (1) can be controlled through the control box (3).
[0132] The components constituting the first cycle (10) and the components constituting the second cycle (50) may be positioned on opposite sides of each other with respect to the heat exchange chamber (7) or the inlet pipe (8).
[0133]
[0134] Referring to FIG. 5, the chiller (1) can operate in a cooling mode.
[0135] In cooling mode, the first four-way valve (13) can be switched to connect the first discharge passage (21) and the first main passage (22), and to connect the first chamber passage (24) and the first inflow passage (25). The second four-way valve (53) can be switched to connect the second discharge passage (61) and the second main passage (62), and to connect the second chamber passage (64) and the second inflow passage (65).
[0136] The first sub-valve (41) can be switched to connect the first main flow path (22) and the first sub-heat exchanger (15). The second sub-valve (81) can be switched to connect the second main flow path (62) and the second sub-heat exchanger (55).
[0137] The first-1 expansion valve (46), the first-2 expansion valve (47), the second-1 expansion valve (86), and the second-2 expansion valve (87) can be fully opened.
[0138] The first-3 expansion valve (48) and the first-4 expansion valve (49) can be adjusted to expand the first refrigerant, and the second-3 expansion valve (88) and the second-4 expansion valve (89) can be adjusted to expand the second refrigerant.
[0139] The first shut-off valve (43) and the second shut-off valve (83) can be opened.
[0140] The first refrigerant discharged from the first compressor (11) moves to the first four-way valve (13) through the first discharge path (21) and can flow divided into the first main heat exchanger (14) and the first sub heat exchanger (15). At this time, the first main heat exchanger (14) and the first sub heat exchanger (15) can each function as condensers.
[0141] The first refrigerant, which has exchanged heat with air in the first main heat exchanger (14) and the first sub heat exchanger (15), can be combined in the first-1 intermediate flow path (23a) and flow into the first subcooler (16). A portion of the first refrigerant that has passed through the first subcooler (16) passes through the first-4 expansion valve (49) and the first subcooler (16) in sequence, becoming the first refrigerant in gaseous form, and can flow into the first compressor (11).
[0142] The remaining portion of the first refrigerant that has passed through the first subcooler (16) can expand as it passes through the first-third expansion valve (48) and evaporate as it passes through the first heat medium heat exchanger (17).
[0143] The first refrigerant exiting the first heat medium heat exchanger (17) is sent to the first accumulator (18) along the first chamber path (24) and the first inlet path (25), and the first refrigerant in gaseous form is introduced into the first compressor (11) so that the first refrigerant can continuously circulate.
[0144] The second refrigerant discharged from the second compressor (51) is also circulated in the same manner as above, so that the second main heat exchanger (54) and the second sub heat exchanger (55) function as condensers, and the second heat medium heat exchanger (57) functions as an evaporator, and a detailed explanation thereof is omitted.
[0145] Referring to FIG. 6, the chiller (1) can operate in a basic heating mode.
[0146] In the basic heating mode, the first four-way valve (13) can be switched to connect the first discharge passage (21) and the first chamber passage (24), and to connect the first main passage (22) and the first inflow passage (25). The second four-way valve (53) can be switched to connect the second discharge passage (61) and the second chamber passage (64), and to connect the second main passage (62) and the second inflow passage (65).
[0147] The first sub-valve (41) can be switched to connect the first main flow path (22) and the first sub-heat exchanger (15). The second sub-valve (81) can be switched to connect the second main flow path (62) and the second sub-heat exchanger (55).
[0148] The first-3 expansion valve (48) and the second-3 expansion valve (88) can be fully opened.
[0149] The first-1 expansion valve (46), the first-2 expansion valve (47), and the first-4 expansion valve (49) can be adjusted in opening to expand the first refrigerant, and the second-1 expansion valve (86), the second-2 expansion valve (87), and the second-4 expansion valve (89) can be adjusted in opening to expand the second refrigerant.
[0150] The first shut-off valve (43) and the second shut-off valve (83) can be opened.
[0151] The first refrigerant discharged from the first compressor (11) moves to the first four-way valve (13) through the first discharge path (21) and can flow to the first heat medium heat exchanger (17) along the first chamber path (24). The first heat medium heat exchanger (17) can function as a condenser.
[0152] A portion of the first refrigerant that has passed through the first heat medium heat exchanger (17) can pass through the first-4 expansion valve (49) and the first subcooler (16) in sequence along the first-1 subcooling path (26a), and can flow to the first compressor (11) as gaseous first refrigerant.
[0153] The remaining portion of the first refrigerant can pass through the first subcooler (16) and then flow separately into the first main heat exchanger (14) and the first sub heat exchanger (15). At this time, the first main heat exchanger (14) and the first sub heat exchanger (15) can each function as evaporators.
[0154] The first refrigerant, which has exchanged heat with air in the first main heat exchanger (14) and the first sub-heat exchanger (15), can be combined in the first main flow path (22) and sent to the first accumulator (18) along the first inlet flow path (25). In the first accumulator (18), the gaseous first refrigerant is introduced into the first compressor (11), and the first refrigerant can be continuously circulated.
[0155] The second refrigerant discharged from the second compressor (51) is also circulated in the same manner as above, so that the second main heat exchanger (54) and the second sub heat exchanger (55) can function as evaporators, and the second heat medium heat exchanger (57) can function as a condenser, and a detailed explanation thereof is omitted.
[0156] Referring to FIG. 7, the chiller (1) can operate in a first heating mode in which the first heat transfer medium heat exchanger (17) and the second heat transfer medium heat exchanger (57) function as condensers. The first heating mode can be called a continuous heating mode.
[0157] In the first heating mode, the first four-way valve (13) can be switched to connect the first discharge passage (21) and the first chamber passage (24), and to connect the first main passage (22) and the first inflow passage (25). The second four-way valve (53) can be switched to connect the second discharge passage (61) and the second chamber passage (64), and to connect the second main passage (62) and the second inflow passage (65).
[0158] The first sub-valve (41) can be switched to connect the first sub-heat exchanger (15) and the first bypass (33), and the first branch valve (42) can be switched to connect the first-1 bypass (33a) and the first-2 bypass (33b).
[0159] The second sub-valve (81) can be switched to connect the second sub-heat exchanger (55) and the second bypass (73), and the second branch valve (82) can be switched to connect the second-1 bypass (73a) and the second-2 bypass (73b).
[0160] The first-2 expansion valve (47) and the second-2 expansion valve (87) can be fully opened.
[0161] The first-1 expansion valve (46), the first-3 expansion valve (48), and the first-4 expansion valve (49) can be adjusted in opening to expand the first refrigerant, and the second-1 expansion valve (86), the second-3 expansion valve (88), and the second-4 expansion valve (89) can be adjusted in opening to expand the second refrigerant.
[0162] The first shut-off valve (43) and the second shut-off valve (83) can be opened.
[0163] The first refrigerant discharged from the first compressor (11) moves along the first discharge path (21) to the first four-way valve (13) and can flow along the first chamber path (24) to the first heat medium heat exchanger (17). The first heat medium heat exchanger (17) can function as a condenser.
[0164] A portion of the first refrigerant that has passed through the first heat medium heat exchanger (17) may pass through the first-4 expansion valve (49) and the first subcooler (16) in sequence along the first-1 subcooling path (26a), become the first refrigerant in gaseous form, and flow to the first compressor (11). The remaining portion of the first refrigerant may pass through the first subcooler (16) and flow to the first-2 intermediate path (23b).
[0165] A portion of the first refrigerant may flow to the first sub-heat exchanger (15) through the first bypass (33). The first refrigerant passing through the first sub-heat exchanger (15) may exchange heat with the second refrigerant passing through the second main heat exchanger (54).
[0166] At this time, the second refrigerant passing through the second main heat exchanger (54) is at a lower temperature than the first refrigerant passing through the first sub heat exchanger (15), so the temperature of the first refrigerant can be lowered further. Accordingly, the heat exchange efficiency between the first refrigerant and air can be increased, and the efficiency of the chiller (1) can be increased.
[0167] In addition, the first refrigerant can transfer heat to the second main heat exchanger (54) and delay the occurrence of frost during the process in which the second main heat exchanger (54) operates as an evaporator. Therefore, the first heating mode can be operated for a longer period of time compared to the basic heating mode.
[0168] The first refrigerant that has passed through the first sub-heat exchanger (15) is joined to the first-1 intermediate flow path (23a) through the first-2 sub-flow path (32), and can evaporate while passing through the first main heat exchanger (14) together with the remaining first refrigerant.
[0169] The first refrigerant that has passed through the first main heat exchanger (14) is sent to the first accumulator (18) along the first main path (22) and the first inflow path (25), and the first refrigerant in gaseous form is introduced into the first compressor (11), so that the first refrigerant can continuously circulate.
[0170] The second refrigerant discharged from the second compressor (51) can also be circulated in the same manner as above. A portion of the second refrigerant that has passed through the second heat medium heat exchanger (57) and the second subcooler (56) in sequence can flow to the second sub-heat exchanger (55) through the second bypass (73). The second refrigerant passing through the second sub-heat exchanger (55) can exchange heat with the first refrigerant passing through the first main heat exchanger (14).
[0171] At this time, the first refrigerant passing through the first main heat exchanger (14) is at a lower temperature than the second refrigerant passing through the second sub-heat exchanger (55), so the temperature of the second refrigerant can be lowered further. Accordingly, the heat exchange efficiency between the second refrigerant and air can be increased, and the efficiency of the chiller (1) can be increased.
[0172] In addition, the second refrigerant can transfer heat to the first main heat exchanger (14) and can delay the occurrence of frost during the process in which the first main heat exchanger (14) operates as an evaporator.
[0173] The second refrigerant that has passed through the second sub-heat exchanger (55) is joined to the second-1 intermediate flow path (63a) through the second-2 sub-flow path (72), and can evaporate while passing through the second main heat exchanger (54) together with the remaining second refrigerant.
[0174] The second refrigerant that has passed through the second main heat exchanger (54) is sent to the second accumulator (58) along the second main path (62) and the second inflow path (65), and the gaseous second refrigerant is introduced into the second compressor (51), so that the second refrigerant can continuously circulate.
[0175] Referring to FIG. 8, the chiller (1) can operate in a second heating mode in which the second heat exchanger (57) functions as a condenser.
[0176] In the second heating mode, the first four-way valve (13) can be switched to connect the first discharge passage (21) and the first main passage (22), and to connect the first inflow passage (25) and the first chamber passage (24). The second four-way valve (53) can be switched to connect the second discharge passage (61) and the second chamber passage (64), and to connect the second main passage (62) and the second inflow passage (65).
[0177] The first sub-valve (41) can be switched to communicate with the first sub-heat exchanger (15) and the first bypass (33), and the first branch valve (42) can be switched to communicate with the first-1 bypass (33a) and the first branch path (34).
[0178] The first-1 expansion valve (46) or the first-2 expansion valve (47) can be adjusted to an opening such that the first refrigerant expands. The first-3 expansion valve (48) can be closed.
[0179] The first shut-off valve (43) can be closed. The second shut-off valve (83) can be opened.
[0180] The first refrigerant discharged from the first compressor (11) moves along the first discharge path (21) to the first four-way valve (13) and can flow along the first main path (22) to the first main heat exchanger (14). At this time, the first main heat exchanger (14) functions as a condenser and can perform defrosting of the first main heat exchanger (14).
[0181] The first refrigerant that has passed through the first main heat exchanger (14) can flow to the first sub-heat exchanger (15) through the first-2 sub-flow path (32). The first sub-heat exchanger (15) can function as an evaporator.
[0182] The first refrigerant that has passed through the first sub-heat exchanger (15) may flow into the first accumulator (18) along the first-1 bypass (33a) and the first branch path (34). At this time, the first-3 expansion valve (48) and / or the first shut-off valve (43) may be closed so that the first refrigerant does not flow into the first heat medium heat exchanger (17).
[0183] In the first accumulator (18), the first refrigerant in the gas phase flows into the first compressor (11), and the first refrigerant can be continuously circulated.
[0184] The refrigerant discharged from the second compressor (51) can be circulated so that the second heat medium heat exchanger (57) functions as a condenser. Accordingly, even if defrosting is performed in the first main heat exchanger (14), the second heat medium heat exchanger (57) functions as a condenser, allowing the chiller to continuously perform heating.
[0185] At this time, in order to control the temperature of the heat medium discharged through the discharge pipe (9, see FIG. 2) by heat exchange with the second refrigerant to a high temperature, the frequency of the second compressor (51) or the flow rate of the heat medium introduced through the inlet pipe (8, see FIG. 2) can be controlled.
[0186] Referring to FIG. 9, the chiller (1) can operate in a third heating mode in which the first heat transfer medium heat exchanger (17) functions as a condenser.
[0187] In the third heating mode, the second four-way valve (53) can be switched to connect the second discharge passage (61) and the second main passage (62), and to connect the second inflow passage (65) and the second chamber passage (64). The first four-way valve (13) can be switched to connect the first discharge passage (21) and the first chamber passage (24), and to connect the first main passage (22) and the first inflow passage (25).
[0188] The second sub-valve (81) can be switched to communicate with the second sub-heat exchanger (55) and the second bypass (73), and the second branch valve (82) can be switched to communicate with the second-1 bypass (73a) and the second branch path (74).
[0189] The second-1 expansion valve (86) or the second-2 expansion valve (87) can be adjusted to an opening such that the second refrigerant expands. The second-3 expansion valve (88) can be closed.
[0190] The second shut-off valve (83) can be closed. The first shut-off valve (43) can be opened.
[0191] The second refrigerant discharged from the second compressor (51) moves along the second discharge path (61) to the second four-way valve (53) and can flow along the second main path (62) to the second main heat exchanger (54). At this time, the second main heat exchanger (54) functions as a condenser and can perform defrosting of the second main heat exchanger (54).
[0192] The second refrigerant that has passed through the second main heat exchanger (54) can flow to the second sub-heat exchanger (55) through the second-2 sub-flow path (72). The second sub-heat exchanger (55) can function as an evaporator.
[0193] The second refrigerant passing through the second sub-heat exchanger (55) can flow into the second accumulator (58) along the second-1 bypass (73a) and the second branch path (74). At this time, the second-3 expansion valve (88) and / or the second shut-off valve (83) may be closed so that the second refrigerant does not flow into the second heat medium heat exchanger (57).
[0194] In the second accumulator (58), the second refrigerant in the gas phase flows into the second compressor (51), and the second refrigerant can be continuously circulated.
[0195] The refrigerant discharged from the first compressor (11) can be circulated so that the first heat medium heat exchanger (17) functions as a condenser. Accordingly, even if defrosting is performed in the second main heat exchanger (54), the first heat medium heat exchanger (17) functions as a condenser, allowing the chiller to continuously perform heating.
[0196] At this time, in order to control the temperature of the heat medium discharged through the discharge pipe (9, see FIG. 2) by heat exchange with the first refrigerant to a high temperature, the frequency of the first compressor (11) or the flow rate of the heat medium introduced through the inlet pipe (8, see FIG. 2) can be controlled.
[0197] The chiller (1) can alternately perform a second heating mode and a third heating mode. In this case, the defrosting of the first main heat exchanger (14) and the second main heat exchanger (54) can be alternately performed, and the chiller (1) can continuously perform heating.
[0198] Referring to FIG. 10, the first cycle (10) and the second cycle (50) can be controlled through the mode input unit (91) and the control unit (92).
[0199] When a user inputs an operating mode of the chiller (1) through the mode input unit (91), the mode input unit (91) can transmit a control signal to the control unit (92).
[0200] By means of a signal transmitted to the control unit (92), the control unit (92) can control the first cycle (10) and the second cycle (50).
[0201] The first four-way valve (13), the first sub-valve (41), the first branch valve (42), the first opening / closing valve (43), and the first expansion valve (46, 47, 48, 49) constituting the first cycle (10) can open / close or switch the flow path according to a control signal from the control unit (92).
[0202] The second four-way valve (53), second sub-valve (81), second branch valve (82), second opening / closing valve (83), and second expansion valve (86, 87, 88, 89) constituting the second cycle (50) can open / close or switch the flow path according to a control signal from the control unit (92).
[0203] Referring to FIG. 11, the open / closed state and flow path switching of the valve constituting the first cycle (10) and the valve constituting the second cycle (50) can be checked according to the operating mode of the chiller (1).
[0204] Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Various modifications are possible by those skilled in the art without departing from the essence of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical spirit or perspective of the present disclosure.
Claims
1. A first compressor that compresses the first refrigerant; A first main heat exchanger connected to the first compressor through which the first refrigerant passes; A first heat medium heat exchanger connected between the first main heat exchanger and the first compressor so that the first refrigerant passes through it, and which exchanges heat with the first refrigerant and a predetermined heat medium; A second compressor that compresses the second refrigerant; A second main heat exchanger connected to the second compressor, through which the second refrigerant passes; A second heat exchanger connected between the second main heat exchanger and the second compressor so that the second refrigerant passes through it, and which exchanges heat with the second refrigerant and a predetermined heat medium; A first sub-heat exchanger connected in parallel with the first main heat exchanger and positioned on one side of the second main heat exchanger; A second sub-heat exchanger connected in parallel with the second main heat exchanger and disposed on one side of the first main heat exchanger; and A chiller comprising a fan that flows air through the first main heat exchanger and the second sub-heat exchanger, and the second main heat exchanger and the first sub-heat exchanger to promote heat exchange between the first refrigerant and / or the second refrigerant and the air.
2. In Paragraph 1, The first heat medium heat exchanger and the second heat medium heat exchanger are chillers disposed inside a heat exchange chamber in which the predetermined heat medium is received.
3. In Paragraph 1, A chiller comprising the first main heat exchanger and the second sub-heat exchanger, wherein the second main heat exchanger and the first sub-heat exchanger are spaced apart horizontally from each other and arranged oppositely.
4. In Paragraph 3, The first sub-heat exchanger is positioned on the outer side of the second main heat exchanger and parallel to the second main heat exchanger, and The second sub-heat exchanger is a chiller positioned parallel to the first main heat exchanger on the outer side of the first main heat exchanger.
5. In Paragraph 4, The first main heat exchanger and the second sub-heat exchanger, and the second main heat exchanger and the first sub-heat exchanger are arranged at an angle so as to become closer towards the lower side, in a chiller.
6. In Paragraph 4, The first sub-heat exchanger is arranged to be in contact with the second main heat exchanger, and The above second sub-heat exchanger is a chiller arranged to be in contact with the above first main heat exchanger.
7. In Paragraph 5, The above fan is a chiller positioned above the central portion between the first main heat exchanger and the second main heat exchanger.
8. In Paragraph 1, It includes a first four-way valve and a second four-way valve for switching the flow path of the above chiller, and The discharge port of the first compressor and the first four-way valve are connected to the first discharge path, and The inlet of the first compressor and the first four-way valve are connected to the first inlet passage, and The first four-way valve and the first main heat exchanger are connected to the first main flow path, and The first main heat exchanger and the first heat medium heat exchanger are connected by a first intermediate flow path, and The first heat transfer medium heat exchanger and the first four-way valve are connected to the first chamber flow path, and The discharge port of the second compressor and the second four-way valve are connected to the second discharge path, and The inlet of the second compressor and the second four-way valve are connected to the second inlet passage, and The above-mentioned second four-way valve and the above-mentioned second main heat exchanger are connected to the second main flow path, and The second main heat exchanger and the second heat medium heat exchanger are connected by a second intermediate flow path, and The above second heat medium heat exchanger and the above second four-way valve are a chiller connected to the second chamber flow path.
9. In Paragraph 8, One end of the first sub-heat exchanger is connected to a first-1 sub-flow path branched from the first main flow path, and the other end is connected to a first-2 sub-flow path branched from the first intermediate flow path. One end of the second sub-heat exchanger is connected to a second-1 sub-flow path branched from the second main flow path, and the other end is connected to a second-2 sub-flow path branched from the second intermediate flow path.
10. In Paragraph 9, A first subvalve is disposed in the above 1-1 sub-euro, and A second sub-valve is disposed in the above 2-1 sub-euro, and The first sub-valve and the first intermediate path are connected to the first bypass, and The chiller connected to the second sub-valve and the second intermediate path by the second bypass.
11. In Paragraph 10, A first branch valve is disposed in the first bypass above, and A second branch valve is disposed in the second bypass above, and The above first branch valve and the above first inflow path are connected to the first branch path, and A chiller in which the above-mentioned second branch valve and the above-mentioned second inlet path are connected to the second branch path.
12. In Paragraph 11, Among the first inflow paths, a first opening / closing valve is disposed between the point where the first branch path branches and the first four-way valve, and A chiller in which a second opening / closing valve is disposed between the point where the second branching path branches off and the second four-way valve among the second inlet paths.
13. In Paragraph 10, The above chiller operates in a first heating mode in which the first heat transfer medium heat exchanger and the second heat transfer medium heat exchanger function as condensers, and In the above first heating mode, The first sub-valve is switched to communicate with the first sub-heat exchanger and the first bypass, and The above second sub-valve is a chiller that is switched to communicate with the above second sub-heat exchanger and the above second bypass.
14. In Paragraph 12, The above chiller operates in a second heating mode in which the second heat transfer medium heat exchanger functions as a condenser, and In the above second heating mode, The first four-way valve is switched to communicate with the first discharge path and the first main path, and The first sub-valve is switched to communicate with the first sub-heat exchanger and the first bypass, and The first branch valve is switched to communicate with the first sub-heat exchanger and the first branch path, and The above first shut-off valve is a chiller that is closed.
15. In Paragraph 14, The above chiller operates in a third heating mode in which the first heat transfer medium heat exchanger functions as a condenser, and In the above third heating mode, The above second four-way valve is switched to communicate the above second discharge path and the above second main path, and The second sub-valve is switched to communicate with the second sub-heat exchanger and the second bypass, and The second branch valve is switched to communicate with the second sub-heat exchanger and the second branch path, and The above second shut-off valve is a chiller that is closed.
16. In Paragraph 15, A chiller that alternately performs the above second heating mode and the above third heating mode.