Multi-Relay Air Conditioning with Heat-Medium Circuits for Low Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air-conditioning apparatuses for building use face issues such as refrigerant leakage, energy inefficiency, and inability to use flammable refrigerants due to circulation path length and indoor unit configurations, leading to high energy consumption and noise from pump systems.
Innovation Solution
The air-conditioning apparatus connects multiple refrigerant circuits to a heat medium circulation circuit, allowing for individual refrigerant circuits to provide cooling and heating capacity, which can be shared, optimizing operation and reducing energy consumption by controlling the heat medium circulation effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the heat medium circulation path is extended to connect outdoor heat source unit with indoor units, then cooling and heating capacity can be provided to multiple indoor units, but energy consumption by transportation power becomes significantly larger
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the heat medium circulation into multiple independent circuits, each serving specific indoor units. The first heat medium circulation circuit connects the outdoor heat source unit to first indoor units, while the second heat medium circulation circuit connects to second indoor units. This segmentation allows independent control and optimization of each circulation path, reducing unnecessary energy consumption in the overall system.
2Productivity
If refrigerant is circulated to indoor units in conventional multi-air-conditioning apparatus, then cooling and heating operations can be performed, but refrigerant leakage becomes a safety concern preventing use of flammable refrigerants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heat medium (water or non-freezing fluid) as an intermediary substance between the outdoor heat source unit and indoor units. The refrigerant circulates only in the outdoor unit, transferring heat to or from the heat medium, which then circulates to indoor units via heat exchangers. This intermediary approach eliminates refrigerant leakage risks indoors while maintaining cooling and heating operations.
3Use of energy by moving object
If heat exchangers for primary and secondary refrigerants are disposed near indoor units, then heat exchange efficiency improves, but refrigerant leakage risk indoors increases preventing use of flammable refrigerants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a heat medium as an intermediary to transfer thermal energy between the outdoor heat source unit and indoor heat exchangers. The primary refrigerant exchanges heat with the heat medium in the outdoor unit, and the heat medium then circulates to indoor heat exchangers to provide cooling or heating. This approach maintains efficient heat exchange while keeping refrigerant containment entirely outdoors, eliminating leakage risks.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple indoor units are connected to share heat medium circulation, then system versatility improves, but pump systems generate large noises and high energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heat medium circulation system into multiple independent circuits, with each circuit serving specific indoor units. The first heat medium circulation circuit serves first indoor units, while the second heat medium circulation circuit serves second indoor units. This segmentation allows for optimized pump placement and operation, reducing noise and energy consumption compared to a single large circulation system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances operational efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and allows for the use of flammable refrigerants by minimizing refrigerant leakage and optimizing energy use across multiple indoor units.
Implementation Method 1
heat exchangers related to heat medium which exchange heat between the refrigerant and heat medium
Implementation Method 2
use side heat exchangers for exchanging heat between the heat medium and air of an air-conditioning target space
Implementation Method 3
compressor for compressing a refrigerant
Implementation Method 4
expansion device for adjusting the pressure of the refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
An air-conditioning apparatus includes refrigerating cycle systems each connecting a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, a refrigerant flow path switching device, a heat source side heat exchanger for exchanging heat for the refrigerant, an expansion device for adjusting the pressure of the refrigerant, and heat exchangers related to heat medium which exchanges heat between the refrigerant and heat medium different from the refrigerant, by piping so as to constitute refrigerant circuits; and heat medium side systems each connecting pumps for circulating the heat medium for the heat exchangers related to heat medium, use side heat exchangers for exchange heat between the heat medium and air of an air-conditioning target space and heat medium flow switching systems for switching the heat medium which passes through each heat exchangers related to heat medium to each use side heat exchanger, by piping so as to constitute a heat medium circulation circuit.