Chiller

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a chiller. The chiller of the present disclosure comprises: a compressor for discharging a refrigerant; a first heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant discharged from the compressor and air; a third heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant discharged from the compressor and water; and a fourth heat exchanger spaced apart from the third heat exchanger, and for exchanging heat between the refrigerant discharged from the compressor and water. The third heat exchanger is complementarily operated with the fourth heat exchanger.

Description

chiller

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a chiller, and more specifically, to a chiller capable of simultaneously performing cooling and heating operations.

[0002] A chiller is a device that uses cooling water to cool air or equipment in buildings, factories, data centers, etc., and can be used primarily when large-scale cooling is required.

[0003] Chillers can cool water or air to cool building air conditioning systems or manufacturing equipment, or to maintain a constant temperature. Additionally, they can reduce power consumption by efficiently managing cooling in large-scale facilities.

[0004] There are various types of chillers, such as absorption chillers, air-cooled chillers, and water-cooled chillers. Additionally, chillers can have a structure that controls the water temperature by using a compressor to compress and evaporate a refrigerant.

[0005] However, chillers using compressors generally have a structure that makes it difficult to perform cooling and heating operations simultaneously in a single cycle.

[0006] Domestic registered patent KR 10-1542120 B1 discloses a chiller using a compressor.

[0007] When multiple such chillers are installed, simultaneous operation can be achieved by having some operate in cooling mode and others in heating mode. However, in this case, separate lines must be configured for cooling and heating within the common water piping system. This can lead to difficulties in configuring the piping, increased complexity in component installation, a larger installation footprint, and higher costs.

[0008] The present disclosure aims to solve the aforementioned problems and other problems.

[0009] Another objective is to provide a chiller capable of supplying both heated and cooled water simultaneously.

[0010] Another objective is to provide a chiller capable of simultaneously supplying heated and cooled water even when performing defrosting operations.

[0011] Another objective is to provide a chiller that reduces the time required to cool or heat the recovered water.

[0012] To achieve the above objective, a chiller according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a compressor that discharges a refrigerant, a first heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant discharged from the compressor and air, a third heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant discharged from the compressor and water, and a fourth heat exchanger that is spaced apart from the third heat exchanger and exchanges heat between the refrigerant discharged from the compressor and water. The third heat exchanger operates complementarily to the fourth heat exchanger.

[0013] The chiller includes a discharge connection pipe that sends a portion of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor to the fourth heat exchanger, and a suction connection pipe that sends the refrigerant flowing from the fourth heat exchanger to the compressor.

[0014] The chiller includes a three-way valve that connects the fourth heat exchanger and the discharge connection pipe, or connects the fourth heat exchanger and the suction connection pipe.

[0015] The chiller includes a liquid pipe connecting the first heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger, and an additional liquid pipe connecting the fourth heat exchanger and the liquid pipe.

[0016] The chiller includes an expansion valve disposed in the liquid pipe to expand the flowing refrigerant, and an additional expansion valve disposed in the additional liquid pipe.

[0017] The expansion valve comprises a first expansion valve that expands the refrigerant flowing to the first heat exchanger and a second expansion valve that expands the refrigerant flowing to the third heat exchanger. The additional liquid pipe is connected to the liquid pipe between the first expansion valve and the second expansion valve.

[0018] The above chiller operates in a first mode in which the above third heat exchanger is used as an evaporator.

[0019] In the first mode above, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor is supplied simultaneously to the first heat exchanger and the fourth heat exchanger.

[0020] In the first mode above, the first heat exchanger and the fourth heat exchanger are connected in parallel.

[0021] The above chiller operates in a second mode in which the above third heat exchanger is used as a condenser.

[0022] In the second mode above, the refrigerant flowing from the third heat exchanger is supplied simultaneously to the first heat exchanger and the fourth heat exchanger.

[0023] In the above second mode, the first heat exchanger and the fourth heat exchanger are connected in parallel.

[0024] The third heat exchanger has a larger capacity than the fourth heat exchanger.

[0025] The chiller includes a first supply pipe through which water heat-exchanged in the third heat exchanger is discharged, and a second supply pipe through which water heat-exchanged in the fourth heat exchanger is discharged. The diameter of the first supply pipe is formed to be larger than the diameter of the second supply pipe.

[0026] The chiller includes a preheating heat exchanger disposed on one side of the first heat exchanger and exchanging heat with air for water in the third heat exchanger or water in the fourth heat exchanger.

[0027] The chiller includes a first water pipe connecting the preheating heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger, and a third water pipe connecting the preheating heat exchanger and the fourth heat exchanger.

[0028] The chiller comprises a first compressor that discharges a first refrigerant, a second compressor that discharges a second refrigerant spaced apart from the first compressor, a first heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the first refrigerant discharged from the first compressor and air, a second heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the second refrigerant discharged from the second compressor and air, a third heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the first refrigerant discharged from the first compressor and the second refrigerant discharged from the second compressor with water, and a fourth heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the first refrigerant discharged from the first compressor and the second refrigerant discharged from the second compressor with water spaced apart from the third heat exchanger. The third heat exchanger operates complementarily to the fourth heat exchanger.

[0029] The chiller includes a first discharge connecting pipe that sends a portion of the first refrigerant discharged from the first compressor to the fourth heat exchanger, a first suction connecting pipe that sends the first refrigerant flowing from the fourth heat exchanger to the first compressor, a second discharge connecting pipe that sends a portion of the second refrigerant discharged from the second compressor to the fourth heat exchanger, and a second suction connecting pipe that sends the second refrigerant flowing from the fourth heat exchanger to the second compressor.

[0030] The chiller includes a first liquid pipe connecting the first heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger, a second liquid pipe connecting the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger, a first additional liquid pipe connecting the fourth heat exchanger and the first liquid pipe, and a second additional liquid pipe connecting the fourth heat exchanger and the second liquid pipe.

[0031] The chiller includes a first extension pipe connected to the third heat exchanger on one side other than the first liquid pipe, a second extension pipe connected to the third heat exchanger on the other side other than the second liquid pipe, a first bypass pipe connecting the first discharge connection pipe and the first extension pipe, a second bypass pipe connecting the second discharge connection pipe and the second extension pipe, a first bypass valve for opening and closing the first bypass pipe, and a second bypass valve for opening and closing the second bypass pipe.

[0032] It operates in a third mode in which the first heat exchanger is operated as either a condenser or an evaporator, and the second heat exchanger is operated as either a condenser or an evaporator.

[0033] In the above third mode, the water is operated as a condenser that heats the water through the third heat exchanger, and as an evaporator that cools the water through the fourth heat exchanger.

[0034] The above third mode includes a 3-1 mode in which the first heat exchanger is operated as an evaporator and the second heat exchanger is operated as a condenser, and a 3-2 mode in which the first heat exchanger is operated as a condenser and the second heat exchanger is operated as an evaporator. The 3-1 mode and the 3-2 mode operate alternately.

[0035] It operates in a third mode in which the first heat exchanger is operated as either a condenser or an evaporator, the second heat exchanger is operated as either a condenser or an evaporator, the third heat exchanger is operated as a condenser that heats water, and the fourth heat exchanger is operated as an evaporator that cools water.

[0036] In the above third mode, the first bypass valve opens the first bypass pipe, or the second bypass valve opens the second bypass pipe.

[0037] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0038] According to the chiller of the present disclosure, there is one or more of the following effects.

[0039] First, it has the advantage of being able to simultaneously supply heated and cooled water to heat demand centers through the third and fourth heat exchangers.

[0040] Second, there is also the advantage of being able to continuously supply heated and cooled water to heat demand points by operating the third and fourth heat exchangers even when performing defrosting operations.

[0041] Third, by additionally arranging a preheating heat exchanger, there is also the advantage of being able to preheat or dissipate heat from the water flowing to the third or fourth heat exchanger.

[0042] 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.

[0043] FIG. 1 is a system diagram for explaining the configuration of a chiller according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining a first mode according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in the structure of FIG. 1.

[0045] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a second mode according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in the structure of FIG. 1.

[0046] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a third-1 mode according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in the structure of FIG. 1.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a third-2 mode according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in the structure of FIG. 1.

[0048] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a chiller according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 7 is a side view of a chiller according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 8 is a system diagram for explaining the configuration of a chiller according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] The advantages and features of the present disclosure and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments below but may be implemented in various different forms. The embodiments provided are merely to make the present disclosure complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the disclosure. The present disclosure is defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, like reference numerals refer to like components.

[0052] The use of terms such as 'first, second, third,' etc., attached to the components mentioned below is intended solely to avoid confusion regarding the components being referred to, and is unrelated to the order, importance, or master-subordinate relationship among the components. For example, an invention including only the second component without the first component can be implemented.

[0053] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings for explaining a chiller according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0054] With reference to FIG. 1, the configuration of the chiller of the present invention will be explained.

[0055] The chiller includes a first compressor (102) that compresses a first refrigerant. The chiller includes a first heat exchanger (104) that exchanges heat between the first refrigerant discharged from the first compressor (102) and air.

[0056] The chiller includes a second compressor (202) that compresses a second refrigerant. The chiller includes a second heat exchanger (204) that exchanges heat between the second refrigerant discharged from the second compressor (202) and air.

[0057] The chiller includes a fan (300) that forms an airflow to a first heat exchanger (104) and a second heat exchanger (204). The chiller can form an airflow to each of the first heat exchanger (104) and the second heat exchanger (204) using a single fan (300).

[0058] The first refrigerant and the second refrigerant may be of the same type or different types. However, the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant flow so as not to mix with each other. The first refrigerant is circulated by the first compressor (102), and the second refrigerant is circulated by the second compressor (202).

[0059] The chiller includes a third heat exchanger (302) that exchanges heat with water and a first or second refrigerant. The third heat exchanger (302) may operate complementarily with the first heat exchanger (104) or the second heat exchanger (204). Here, complementary operation may mean opposite to use as a condenser or as an evaporator.

[0060] For example, when the third heat exchanger (302) is used as a condenser, the first heat exchanger (104) or the second heat exchanger (204) can be used as an evaporator. Also, when the third heat exchanger (302) is used as an evaporator, the first heat exchanger (104) or the second heat exchanger (204) can be used as a condenser.

[0061] The third heat exchanger (302) can supply water that has been heat-exchanged with the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant to a water supply pipe (not shown). The third heat exchanger (302) may be a plate heat exchanger that heat-exchanges water and refrigerant.

[0062] The chiller includes a fourth heat exchanger (304) that exchanges heat with water and the first or second refrigerant. The fourth heat exchanger (304) can operate complementarily with the third heat exchanger (302).

[0063] The fourth heat exchanger (304) can supply water that has been heat-exchanged with the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant to a water supply pipe (not shown). The fourth heat exchanger (304) can use a plate heat exchanger.

[0064] The fourth heat exchanger (304) may have a capacity equal to or smaller than that of the third heat exchanger (302). Accordingly, the amount of water heat-exchanged through the fourth heat exchanger (304) may be equal to or smaller than the amount of water heat-exchanged through the third heat exchanger (302).

[0065] The chiller includes a first switching valve (106) that selectively sends a first refrigerant discharged from a first compressor (102) to a first heat exchanger (104) or a third heat exchanger (302).

[0066] The first switching valve (106) can send the first refrigerant discharged from the first compressor (102) to the first heat exchanger (104) and send the first refrigerant flowing from the third heat exchanger (302) to the first compressor (102). Additionally, the first switching valve (106) can send the first refrigerant discharged from the first compressor (102) to the third heat exchanger (302) and send the first refrigerant flowing from the first heat exchanger (104) to the first compressor (102).

[0067] The chiller includes a second switching valve (206) that selectively sends the second refrigerant discharged from the second compressor (202) to the second heat exchanger (204) or the third heat exchanger (302).

[0068] The second switching valve (206) can send the second refrigerant discharged from the second compressor (202) to the second heat exchanger (204) and send the second refrigerant flowing from the third heat exchanger (302) to the second compressor (202). Additionally, the second switching valve (206) can send the second refrigerant discharged from the second compressor (202) to the third heat exchanger (302) and send the second refrigerant flowing from the second heat exchanger (204) to the second compressor (202).

[0069] The chiller includes a first liquid pipe (130) connecting a first heat exchanger (104) and a third heat exchanger (302), and a first supercooler (108) disposed in the first liquid pipe (130).

[0070] A liquid first refrigerant may flow through the first liquid pipe (130). The first supercooler (108) may expand a portion of the first refrigerant flowing through the first liquid pipe (130) and exchange heat with the refrigerant flowing through the first liquid pipe (130). A portion of the first refrigerant that is branched out from the first liquid pipe (130), expanded, and heat-exchanged may flow to the first compressor (102).

[0071] The chiller includes a first accumulator (110) that separates the first refrigerant flowing to the first compressor (102) and sends the first refrigerant in gaseous form to the first compressor (102). The chiller includes a first receiver (112) that stores a portion of the first refrigerant flowing through the first compressor (102).

[0072] The chiller includes a second liquid pipe (230) connecting a second heat exchanger (204) and a third heat exchanger (302), and a second supercooler (208) disposed in the second liquid pipe (230).

[0073] A second liquid refrigerant may flow through the second liquid pipe (230). The second subcooler (208) may expand a portion of the second refrigerant flowing through the second liquid pipe (230) and exchange heat with the refrigerant flowing through the second liquid pipe (230). A portion of the second refrigerant that is branched out from the second liquid pipe (230), expanded, and heat-exchanged may flow to the second compressor (202).

[0074] The chiller includes a second accumulator (210) that separates the second refrigerant flowing to the second compressor (202) and sends the gaseous second refrigerant to the second compressor (202). The chiller includes a second receiver (212) that stores a portion of the second refrigerant flowing through the second compressor (202).

[0075] The chiller includes a first discharge pipe (134) through which a first refrigerant discharged from a first compressor (102) flows, and a first suction pipe (136) through which the first refrigerant is introduced into the first compressor (102). The first discharge pipe (134) is connected to a first switching valve (106). The first suction pipe (136) is connected to a first switching valve (106). A first accumulator (110) may be disposed in the first suction pipe (136).

[0076] The chiller includes a second discharge pipe (234) through which a second refrigerant discharged from a second compressor (202) flows, and a second suction pipe (236) through which the second refrigerant is introduced into the second compressor (202). The second discharge pipe (234) is connected to a second switching valve (206). The second suction pipe (236) is connected to a second switching valve (206). A second accumulator (210) may be disposed in the second suction pipe (236).

[0077] The chiller includes a first additional liquid pipe (132) connecting the fourth heat exchanger (304) and the first liquid pipe (130). The first additional liquid pipe (132) is connected to the first liquid pipe (130). Accordingly, the first refrigerant flowing from the fourth heat exchanger (304) can flow into the first liquid pipe (130). Additionally, a portion of the first refrigerant flowing through the first liquid pipe (130) can flow into the fourth heat exchanger (304) through the first additional liquid pipe (132).

[0078] The chiller includes a first discharge connection pipe (138) that sends a portion of the first refrigerant discharged from the first compressor (102) to the fourth heat exchanger, and a first suction connection pipe (140) that sends the first refrigerant flowing from the fourth heat exchanger (304) to the first compressor (102).

[0079] The first discharge connecting pipe (138) can be connected to the first discharge pipe (134). The first suction connecting pipe (140) can be connected to the first suction pipe (136).

[0080] The chiller includes a first three-way valve (120) that connects the fourth heat exchanger (304) and the first discharge connection pipe (138), or connects the fourth heat exchanger (304) and the first suction connection pipe.

[0081] The chiller includes a second additional liquid pipe (232) connecting the fourth heat exchanger (304) and the second liquid pipe (230). The second additional liquid pipe (232) is connected to the second liquid pipe (230). Accordingly, the second refrigerant flowing from the fourth heat exchanger (304) can flow into the second liquid pipe (230). Additionally, a portion of the second refrigerant flowing through the second liquid pipe (230) can flow into the fourth heat exchanger (304) through the second additional liquid pipe (232).

[0082] The chiller includes a second discharge connection pipe (238) that sends a portion of the second refrigerant discharged from the second compressor (202) to the fourth heat exchanger, and a second suction connection pipe (240) that sends the second refrigerant flowing from the fourth heat exchanger (304) to the second compressor (202).

[0083] The second discharge connecting pipe (238) can be connected to the second discharge pipe (234). The second suction connecting pipe (240) can be connected to the second suction pipe (236).

[0084] The chiller includes a second three-way valve (220) that connects the fourth heat exchanger (304) and the second discharge connecting pipe (238), or connects the fourth heat exchanger (304) and the second suction connecting pipe.

[0085] The chiller includes a first extension pipe (142) connecting the first switching valve (106) and the third heat exchanger (302), and a second extension pipe (242) connecting the second switching valve (206) and the third heat exchanger (302).

[0086] The chiller includes a first extension pipe (142) connected to a third heat exchanger (302) on one side other than the first liquid pipe (130), and a second extension pipe (242) connected to a third heat exchanger (302) on the other side other than the second liquid pipe (230).

[0087] The chiller includes a first bypass pipe (144) connecting the first discharge connection pipe (138) and the first extension pipe (142), and a first bypass valve (124) for opening and closing the first bypass pipe (144).

[0088] The chiller includes a second bypass pipe (244) connecting the second discharge connection pipe (238) and the second extension pipe (242), and a second bypass valve (224) for opening and closing the second bypass pipe (244).

[0089] The first bypass pipe (144) can send a portion of the first refrigerant discharged from the first compressor (102) to the third heat exchanger (302). The second bypass pipe (244) can send a portion of the second refrigerant discharged from the second compressor (202) to the third heat exchanger (302).

[0090] The chiller includes a first expansion valve (114) that expands a first refrigerant flowing in a first liquid pipe (130) and a second expansion valve (214) that expands a second refrigerant flowing in a second liquid pipe (230).

[0091] The first expansion valve (114) includes a first-1 expansion valve (116) positioned adjacent to the first heat exchanger (104) and a first-2 expansion valve (118) positioned adjacent to the third heat exchanger (302).

[0092] The first expansion valve (114) includes a first-1 expansion valve (116) that expands the first refrigerant flowing into the first heat exchanger (104), and a first-2 expansion valve (118) that expands the first refrigerant flowing into the third heat exchanger (302).

[0093] The second expansion valve (214) includes a second-1 expansion valve (216) positioned adjacent to the second heat exchanger (204) and a second-2 expansion valve (218) positioned adjacent to the third heat exchanger (302).

[0094] The second expansion valve (214) includes a second-1 expansion valve (216) that expands the second refrigerant flowing into the second heat exchanger (204), and a second-2 expansion valve (218) that expands the second refrigerant flowing into the third heat exchanger (302).

[0095] The chiller includes a first additional expansion valve (122) disposed in a first additional liquid pipe (132) and a second additional expansion valve (222) disposed in a second additional liquid pipe (232).

[0096] Referring to FIG. 2, the flow of the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant according to the first mode is explained.

[0097] In the first mode (M1), water can be cooled through the third heat exchanger (302) and water can be heated through the fourth heat exchanger (304). Thus, water cooled through the third heat exchanger (302) and water heated through the fourth heat exchanger (304) can be supplied.

[0098] In the first mode (M1), the first heat exchanger (104) and the fourth heat exchanger (304) are connected in parallel. In the first mode (M1), the second heat exchanger (204) and the fourth heat exchanger (304) are connected in parallel.

[0099] The first heat exchanger (104) and the fourth heat exchanger (304) are each used as condensers. The second heat exchanger (204) and the fourth heat exchanger (304) are each used as condensers.

[0100] The third heat exchanger (302) is used as an evaporator.

[0101] The first switching valve (106) sends the first refrigerant discharged from the first compressor (102) to the first heat exchanger (104). The first switching valve (106) sends the first refrigerant flowing from the third heat exchanger (302) to the first compressor (102).

[0102] The second switching valve (206) sends the second refrigerant discharged from the second compressor (202) to the second heat exchanger (204). The second switching valve (206) sends the second refrigerant flowing from the third heat exchanger (302) to the second compressor (202).

[0103] The first three-way valve (120) connects the first discharge connecting pipe (138) and the fourth heat exchanger (304). Accordingly, a portion of the first refrigerant discharged from the first compressor (102) and flowing through the first discharge pipe (134) is sent to the fourth heat exchanger (304).

[0104] The second three-way valve (220) connects the second discharge connecting pipe (238) and the fourth heat exchanger (304). Accordingly, a portion of the second refrigerant discharged from the second compressor (202) and flowing through the second discharge pipe (234) is sent to the fourth heat exchanger (304).

[0105] The first refrigerant discharged from the first compressor (102) can flow through the first heat exchanger (104) and the fourth heat exchanger (304), respectively, to undergo a phase change into a liquid refrigerant. That is, the first refrigerant can heat water by flowing through the fourth heat exchanger (304).

[0106] The first refrigerant flowing from the first heat exchanger (104) and the fourth heat exchanger (304) can flow through the third heat exchanger (302) and undergo a phase change into a gaseous refrigerant. That is, the first refrigerant can cool the water flowing through the third heat exchanger (302).

[0107] The second refrigerant discharged from the second compressor (202) can flow through the second heat exchanger (204) and the fourth heat exchanger (304), respectively, to undergo a phase change into a liquid refrigerant. That is, the second refrigerant can heat water by flowing through the fourth heat exchanger (304).

[0108] The second refrigerant flowing from the second heat exchanger (204) and the fourth heat exchanger (304) can flow through the third heat exchanger (302) and undergo a phase change into a gaseous refrigerant. That is, the second refrigerant can cool the water flowing through the third heat exchanger (302).

[0109] Accordingly, water cooled through the third heat exchanger (302) can be supplied, and water heated through the fourth heat exchanger (304) can be supplied.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 3, the flow of the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant according to the second mode is explained.

[0111] The second mode (M2) can heat water through the third heat exchanger (302) and cool water through the fourth heat exchanger (304). Thus, water heated through the third heat exchanger (302) and water cooled through the fourth heat exchanger (304) can be supplied.

[0112] In the second mode (M2), the first heat exchanger (104) and the fourth heat exchanger (304) are connected in parallel. In the first mode (M1), the second heat exchanger (204) and the fourth heat exchanger (304) are connected in parallel.

[0113] The first heat exchanger (104) and the fourth heat exchanger (304) are each used as evaporators. The second heat exchanger (204) and the fourth heat exchanger (304) are each used as evaporators.

[0114] The third heat exchanger (302) is used as a condenser.

[0115] The first switching valve (106) sends the first refrigerant discharged from the first compressor (102) to the third heat exchanger (302). The first switching valve (106) sends the first refrigerant flowing from the first heat exchanger (104) to the first compressor (102).

[0116] The second switching valve (206) sends the second refrigerant discharged from the second compressor (202) to the third heat exchanger (302). The second switching valve (206) sends the second refrigerant flowing from the second heat exchanger (204) to the second compressor (202).

[0117] The first three-way valve (120) connects the first suction connection pipe (140) and the fourth heat exchanger (304). Accordingly, the first refrigerant flowing from the fourth heat exchanger (304) can be sent to the first compressor (102) through the first suction connection pipe (140) and the first suction pipe (136).

[0118] The second three-way valve (220) connects the second suction connecting pipe (240) and the fourth heat exchanger (304). Accordingly, the second refrigerant flowing from the fourth heat exchanger (304) can be sent to the second compressor (202) through the second suction connecting pipe (240) and the second suction pipe (236).

[0119] The first refrigerant discharged from the first compressor (102) can flow through the third heat exchanger (302) and undergo a phase change into a liquid refrigerant. That is, the first refrigerant can heat water by flowing through the third heat exchanger (302).

[0120] The first refrigerant flowing from the third heat exchanger (302) can flow into the first heat exchanger (104) and the fourth heat exchanger (304), respectively, and undergo a phase change into a gaseous refrigerant. That is, the first refrigerant can cool the water flowing through the fourth heat exchanger (304).

[0121] The second refrigerant discharged from the second compressor (202) can flow through the third heat exchanger (302) and undergo a phase change into a liquid refrigerant. That is, the second refrigerant can heat water by flowing through the third heat exchanger (302).

[0122] The second refrigerant flowing from the third heat exchanger (302) can flow into the second heat exchanger (204) and the fourth heat exchanger (304), respectively, and undergo a phase change into a gaseous refrigerant. That is, the second refrigerant can cool the water flowing through the fourth heat exchanger (304).

[0123] Accordingly, heated water can be supplied through the third heat exchanger (302), and cooled water can be supplied through the fourth heat exchanger (304).

[0124] Referring to FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5, the flow of the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant according to the third mode is explained.

[0125] The third mode (M3) can heat water through the third heat exchanger (302) and cool water through the fourth heat exchanger (304). Thus, water heated through the third heat exchanger (302) and water cooled through the fourth heat exchanger (304) can be supplied.

[0126] In addition, defrosting operation can be performed by operating the first heat exchanger (104) and the second heat exchanger (204) in different ways.

[0127] That is, the first heat exchanger (104) can be operated as either a condenser or an evaporator, and the second heat exchanger (204) can be operated as either a condenser or an evaporator to perform defrosting operation.

[0128] The third mode (M3) can perform defrosting operations by supplying water heated through the third heat exchanger (302) and water cooled through the fourth heat exchanger (304).

[0129] In the third mode (M3), the fourth heat exchanger (304) is used as an evaporator, and the third heat exchanger (302) is used as a condenser.

[0130] In the third mode (M3), the first heat exchanger (104) and the second heat exchanger (204) operate with opposite functions. That is, in the case of FIG. 4, the first heat exchanger (104) is used as an evaporator, and the second heat exchanger (204) is used as a condenser. Also, in the case of FIG. 5, the first heat exchanger (104) is used as a condenser, and the second heat exchanger (204) is used as an evaporator.

[0131] The third mode can operate as a third-1 mode (M31) as in FIG. 4 and a third-2 mode (M32) as in FIG. 5. The third-1 mode (M31) and the third-2 mode (M32) operate alternately.

[0132] First, the 3-1 mode will be explained with reference to Fig. 4.

[0133] The first switching valve (106) sends the first refrigerant discharged from the first compressor (102) to the third heat exchanger (302). The first three-way valve (120) connects the fourth heat exchanger (304) and the first suction connection pipe (140).

[0134] The first heat exchanger (104) and the fourth heat exchanger (304) are connected in parallel.

[0135] To explain the flow of the first refrigerant, the first refrigerant discharged from the first compressor (102) flows to the third heat exchanger (302). The first refrigerant flowing from the third heat exchanger (302) flows to the first heat exchanger (104) and the fourth heat exchanger (304), respectively. The first refrigerant flowing from the first heat exchanger (104) and the fourth heat exchanger (304) flows to the first compressor (102).

[0136] The second switching valve (206) sends the second refrigerant discharged from the first compressor (102) to the third heat exchanger (302). The second three-way valve (220) connects the second suction connecting pipe (240) and the fourth heat exchanger (304).

[0137] The second bypass valve (224) opens the second bypass pipe (244), so that a portion of the second refrigerant flowing through the second discharge pipe (234) flows into the third heat exchanger (302). Since the second bypass pipe (244) is opened, a portion of the second refrigerant flowing through the second discharge pipe (234) can flow into the second bypass pipe (244) through the second discharge connection pipe (238). That is, a portion of the second refrigerant discharged from the second compressor (202) can flow into the third heat exchanger (302).

[0138] To explain the flow of the second refrigerant, the second refrigerant discharged from the second compressor (202) flows to the second heat exchanger (204) and the third heat exchanger (302).

[0139] The second refrigerant flowing from the second heat exchanger (204) and the third heat exchanger (302), respectively, flows into the fourth heat exchanger (304). The second refrigerant flowing from the fourth heat exchanger (304) flows into the second compressor (202).

[0140] Referring to Fig. 5, the 3-2 mode is explained.

[0141] The first switching valve (106) sends the first refrigerant discharged from the first compressor (102) to the third heat exchanger (302). The first three-way valve (120) connects the first suction connecting pipe (140) and the fourth heat exchanger (304).

[0142] The first bypass valve (124) opens the first bypass pipe (144), so that a portion of the first refrigerant flowing through the first discharge pipe (134) flows to the third heat exchanger (302). Since the first bypass pipe (144) is opened, a portion of the first refrigerant flowing through the first discharge pipe (134) can flow to the first bypass pipe (144) through the first discharge connection pipe (138).

[0143] That is, a portion of the first refrigerant discharged from the first compressor (102) can flow into the third heat exchanger (302).

[0144] To explain the flow of the first refrigerant, the first refrigerant discharged from the first compressor (102) flows to the first heat exchanger (104) and the first heat exchanger (104).

[0145] The first refrigerant flowing from each of the first heat exchanger (104) and the third heat exchanger (302) flows into the fourth heat exchanger (304). The first refrigerant flowing from the fourth heat exchanger (304) flows into the first compressor (102).

[0146] The second switching valve (206) sends the second refrigerant discharged from the second compressor (202) to the third heat exchanger (302). The second three-way valve (220) connects the fourth heat exchanger (304) and the second suction connecting pipe (240).

[0147] The second heat exchanger (204) and the fourth heat exchanger (304) are connected in parallel.

[0148] To explain the flow of the second refrigerant, the second refrigerant discharged from the second compressor (202) flows to the third heat exchanger (302). The second refrigerant flowing from the third heat exchanger (302) flows to the second heat exchanger (204) and the fourth heat exchanger (304), respectively. The second refrigerant flowing from the second heat exchanger (204) and the fourth heat exchanger (304) flows to the second compressor (202).

[0149] With reference to FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 7, the configuration and arrangement of the chiller according to the present embodiment will be explained.

[0150] The chiller includes a plurality of frames (310) that form an external shape and maintain the arrangement of a plurality of components. Each of the plurality of frames (310) is arranged vertically and spaced apart in the front-rear, left-right, and right directions.

[0151] The chiller includes a base (312) positioned at the lower end of a plurality of frames (310). The chiller includes a top plate (314) positioned at the upper end of a plurality of frames (310). A fan (300) is positioned on the top plate (314).

[0152] In the chiller according to the present embodiment, each of the two fans (300) may be placed between the first heat exchanger (104) and the second heat exchanger (204).

[0153] The chiller includes a middle plate (316) that is connected to each of the plurality of frames (310) and positioned between the base (312) and the top plate (314).

[0154] The middle plate (316) can separate the chiller into upper and lower sections.

[0155] A first heat exchanger (104) and a second heat exchanger (204) may be placed on top of the middle plate (316). The first heat exchanger (104) and the second heat exchanger (204) may be arranged at an angle symmetrical to each other. A fan (300) is placed on top of the first heat exchanger (104) and the second heat exchanger (204).

[0156] A first compressor (102) and a second compressor (202) are positioned below the middle plate (316). The configuration positioned below the middle plate (316) can be fixedly positioned on the base (312).

[0157] The chiller further includes a control box (306) in which a control device for controlling the first compressor (102) or the second compressor (202) is placed. The control device placed in the control box (306) can control the operation of the fan (300). The control device placed in the control box (306) can control the operation of a plurality of valves.

[0158] The control box (306) is placed under the middle plate (316).

[0159] A third heat exchanger (302) is placed below the middle plate (316). A fourth heat exchanger (304) is placed above the middle plate (316).

[0160] The third heat exchanger (302) is connected to a first supply pipe (303a) through which water is discharged from the third heat exchanger (302) and a first return pipe (303b) through which water flows into the third heat exchanger (302).

[0161] The fourth heat exchanger (304) is connected to a second supply pipe (305a) through which water is discharged from the fourth heat exchanger (304) and a second return pipe (305b) through which water flows into the fourth heat exchanger (304).

[0162] The third heat exchanger (302) has a larger capacity than the fourth heat exchanger (304). The capacity of water that the third heat exchanger (302) heat exchanges may be larger than the capacity of water that the fourth heat exchanger (304) heat exchanges.

[0163] Accordingly, the diameters of the first recovery pipe (303b) and the first supply pipe (303a) are formed to be larger than the diameters of the second recovery pipe (305b) and the second supply pipe (305a).

[0164] Referring to FIG. 8, a chiller according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0165] The chiller according to the second embodiment is configured to have a cooling water pipe connecting a heat dissipation pipe added to the chiller shown in FIG. 1.

[0166] The description is based on the configuration added to the chiller described in Fig. 1.

[0167] The chiller includes a first preheating heat exchanger (150) that dissipates heat from the water of the third heat exchanger (302) or the water of the fourth heat exchanger (304), and a second preheating heat exchanger (250).

[0168] The first preheating heat exchanger (150) is positioned below the first heat exchanger (104). The second preheating heat exchanger (250) is positioned below the second heat exchanger (204).

[0169] Each of the first preheating heat exchanger (150) and the second preheating heat exchanger (250) can preheat or precool the water flowing through the third heat exchanger (302) or the fourth heat exchanger (304). Each of the first preheating heat exchanger (150) and the second preheating heat exchanger (250) can preheat or precool the water flowing through the third heat exchanger (302) or the fourth heat exchanger (304) depending on the external temperature.

[0170] The chiller includes a first water pipe (152) connecting a first preheating heat exchanger (150) and a third heat exchanger (302), and a second water pipe (252) connecting a second preheating heat exchanger (250) and a third heat exchanger (302).

[0171] The chiller includes a third water pipe (154) connecting the first preheating heat exchanger (150) and the fourth heat exchanger (304), and a fourth water pipe (254) connecting the second preheating heat exchanger (250) and the fourth heat exchanger (304).

[0172] The first water pipe (152) and the third water pipe (154) can be connected to each other. Thus, water from the third heat exchanger (302) can flow to the fourth heat exchanger (304) or vice versa.

[0173] The second water pipe (252) and the fourth water pipe (254) can be connected to each other. Thus, water from the third heat exchanger (302) can flow to the fourth heat exchanger (304) or vice versa.

[0174] Each of the first water pipe (152), second water pipe (252), third water pipe (154), and fourth water pipe (254) may be provided with a pair having a different flow direction.

[0175] Through the first water pipe (152) and the third water pipe (154), water from the third heat exchanger (302) can flow to the fourth heat exchanger (304) or vice versa. Thus, in the third mode (M3), water is circulated to the third heat exchanger (302) or the fourth heat exchanger (304), thereby filling in the parts where the capacity of the cycle in which the first refrigerant flows or the cycle in which the second refrigerant flows is insufficient.

[0176] In addition, the first preheating heat exchanger (150) or the second preheating heat exchanger (250) can change the water inlet temperature of the third heat exchanger (302) or the fourth heat exchanger (304) through preheating or precooling. This can contribute to improving system efficiency.

[0177] 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 compressor that discharges refrigerant; A first heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant discharged from the above compressor and the air; A third heat exchanger that exchanges heat with water for the refrigerant discharged from the above compressor; and It includes a fourth heat exchanger spaced apart from the third heat exchanger and heat-exchanging the refrigerant discharged from the compressor with water, and The above third heat exchanger is a chiller that operates complementarily to the above fourth heat exchanger.

2. In Paragraph 1, A discharge connection pipe that sends a portion of the refrigerant discharged from the above compressor to the above fourth heat exchanger, and An air conditioner comprising a suction connection pipe that sends the refrigerant flowing from the fourth heat exchanger to the compressor.

3. In Paragraph 2, A chiller comprising a three-way valve connecting the fourth heat exchanger and the discharge connection pipe, or connecting the fourth heat exchanger and the suction connection pipe.

4. In Paragraph 3, A liquid pipe connecting the first heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger; A chiller comprising an additional liquid pipe connecting the above-mentioned fourth heat exchanger and the above-mentioned liquid pipe.

5. In Paragraph 4, An expansion valve disposed in the above liquid pipe to expand the flowing refrigerant; A chiller comprising an additional expansion valve disposed in the additional liquid pipe above.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above expansion valve includes a first expansion valve for expanding the refrigerant flowing to the first heat exchanger and a second expansion valve for expanding the refrigerant flowing to the third heat exchanger. The above additional liquid pipe is a chiller connected to the liquid pipe between the above first expansion valve and the above second expansion valve.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above chiller operates in a first mode in which the above third heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, and In the first mode above, A chiller in which the refrigerant discharged from the above compressor is simultaneously supplied to the above first heat exchanger and the above fourth heat exchanger.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above chiller operates in a second mode in which the above third heat exchanger is used as a condenser, and In the above second mode, A chiller in which the refrigerant flowing from the third heat exchanger is simultaneously supplied to the first heat exchanger and the fourth heat exchanger.

9. In Paragraph 8 or Paragraph 9, In the above second mode or the above first mode, the first heat exchanger and the fourth heat exchanger are connected in parallel in a chiller.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above third heat exchanger is a chiller having a larger capacity than the above fourth heat exchanger.

11. In Paragraph 1, A first supply pipe through which water heat-exchanged in the above-mentioned third heat exchanger is discharged; It includes a second supply pipe through which water heat-exchanged in the above-mentioned fourth heat exchanger is discharged, and A chiller in which the diameter of the first supply pipe is formed to be larger than the diameter of the second supply pipe.

12. In Paragraph 1, A chiller comprising a preheating heat exchanger disposed on one side of the first heat exchanger, which exchanges heat with air using water from the third heat exchanger or water from the fourth heat exchanger.

13. In Paragraph 12, A first water pipe connecting the above preheating heat exchanger and the above third heat exchanger, and A chiller comprising a third water pipe connecting the above preheating heat exchanger and the above fourth heat exchanger.

14. A first compressor that discharges the first refrigerant; A second compressor spaced apart from the first compressor and discharging a second refrigerant; A first heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the first refrigerant discharged from the first compressor and air; A second heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the second refrigerant discharged from the second compressor and air; A third heat exchanger that exchanges heat with water for the first refrigerant discharged from the first compressor and the second refrigerant discharged from the second compressor; and It includes a fourth heat exchanger spaced apart from the third heat exchanger and heat-exchanging water with the first refrigerant discharged from the first compressor and the second refrigerant discharged from the second compressor, and The above third heat exchanger is a chiller that operates complementarily to the above fourth heat exchanger.

15. In Paragraph 14, A first discharge connecting pipe that sends a portion of the first refrigerant discharged from the first compressor to the fourth heat exchanger, and A first suction connecting pipe that sends the first refrigerant flowing from the above-mentioned fourth heat exchanger to the above-mentioned first compressor, and A second discharge connecting pipe that sends a portion of the second refrigerant discharged from the second compressor to the fourth heat exchanger, and A chiller comprising a second suction connecting pipe that sends a second refrigerant flowing from the fourth heat exchanger to the second compressor.

16. In Paragraph 15, A first liquid pipe connecting the first heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger; A second liquid pipe connecting the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger; A first additional liquid pipe connecting the above-mentioned fourth heat exchanger and the above-mentioned first liquid pipe; A chiller comprising a second additional liquid pipe connecting the fourth heat exchanger and the second liquid pipe.

17. In Paragraph 16, A first extension pipe connected to the third heat exchanger on the other side of the first liquid pipe; A second extension pipe connected to the third heat exchanger on the other side of the second liquid pipe; A first bypass pipe connecting the first discharge connecting pipe and the first extension pipe; A second bypass pipe connecting the second discharge connecting pipe and the second extension pipe; A first bypass valve for opening and closing the first bypass pipe; A chiller comprising a second bypass valve that opens and closes the second bypass pipe.

18. In Paragraph 14, The first heat exchanger is operated as either a condenser or an evaporator, and the second heat exchanger is operated as either a condenser or an evaporator in a third mode. In the above third mode, A chiller that operates as a condenser to heat water through the third heat exchanger and as an evaporator to cool water through the fourth heat exchanger.

19. In Paragraph 18, The above third mode is, A 3-1 mode in which the first heat exchanger is operated as an evaporator and the second heat exchanger is operated as a condenser, and It includes a 3-2 mode in which the first heat exchanger is operated as a condenser and the second heat exchanger is operated as an evaporator, and The above 3-1 mode and the above 3-2 mode are alternately operated chiller.

20. In Paragraph 17, The first heat exchanger is operated as either a condenser or an evaporator, the second heat exchanger is operated as either a condenser or an evaporator, the third heat exchanger is operated as a condenser that heats water, and the fourth heat exchanger is operated as an evaporator that cools water, operating in a third mode. In the above third mode, A chiller in which the first bypass valve opens the first bypass pipe or the second bypass valve opens the second bypass pipe.

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