CN107532807B - Compressor unit, heat source unit and air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention proposes a compressor unit for an air conditioner, the compressor unit comprising: a compressor (37) provided in the first housing (44); and a first heat source heat exchanger unit port (42) and a second heat source heat exchanger unit port (43) configured to connect the compressor unit to a heat source heat exchanger (5) of a heat source heat exchanger unit (31) of the air conditioner, the heat source heat exchanger being provided in a second housing (2) separate from the first housing and configured to exchange heat with a heat source; a first indoor unit port (46) and a second indoor unit port (47) configured to connect the compressor unit to an indoor heat exchanger (53) of at least one indoor unit (50) of the air conditioner; a first refrigerant pipe (49) fluidly connecting the first heat source heat exchanger unit port (43) and the first indoor unit port (46); and a secondary cooling heat exchanger (40) disposed within the first housing and fluidly connected to the first refrigerant tube for heat transfer with refrigerant to be flowed through the first refrigerant tube.

Description

Compressor unit, heat source unit and air conditioner

technical field

The present invention relates to an air conditioner, in particular, the present invention relates to an air conditioner using outside air or circulating water as a heat source. Such air conditioners may also be referred to as heat pumps. Additionally, air conditioners can be used to cool and/or heat the space to be conditioned. More particularly, the present invention relates to a compressor unit for this air conditioner and a heat source unit for this air conditioner.

Background technique

Generally, an air conditioner consists of one or more outdoor units and one or more indoor units connected by refrigerant pipes. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit each comprise a heat exchanger which exchanges heat with the heat source on the one hand and with the space to be conditioned on the other hand. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner is mostly installed outside the building, for example, on the roof or on the facade. However, in some cases this is considered a disadvantage from an aesthetic point of view. Therefore, EP 2 108 897 A1 proposes to integrate the outdoor unit into the ceiling of the building so as to be hidden in it and not be noticed from outside the building.

However, the outdoor unit proposed in this document has certain disadvantages. One negative aspect is that outdoor units can generate disturbing noise that can be perceived by people inside the building. The second negative aspect is installation and maintenance, since the outdoor unit is relatively heavy and requires a relatively large installation space relative to its height due to its construction.

Citation List

Patent Literature

PTL 1: EP 2 108 897 A1

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

technical problem

To overcome these deficiencies, the applicant of the present application has considered dividing the heat source unit into a compressor unit and a heat source heat exchanger unit. In addition, some appliances require the secondary cooling section to be integrated into the refrigerant circuit to improve efficiency. However, integrating the sub-cooling section into the separate heat source unit requires installation of more pipes between the heat source heat exchanger unit and the compressor unit and the indoor unit, resulting in more complicated installation and high installation cost. Additionally, more tubing is required for the gaseous refrigerant to flow therethrough. Such tubing is more expensive due to the larger diameter required and therefore more material. Also, more time must be spent on installation. Finally, efficiency may be lost if the gaseous refrigerant tubing between the compressor unit and the heat source heat exchanger unit becomes too long. In the case of disposing the sub-cooling heat exchanger close to the heat source heat exchanger (ie, in the heat source heat exchanger unit), the above disadvantages have been recognized.

solution to the problem

Therefore, an object which the present invention intends to solve is to provide a compressor unit preferably as a part of the above-mentioned heat source unit and a heat source unit having this compressor unit, even if a sub cooling part is integrated, such a compressor unit and a heat source unit Plumbing can also be reduced, in particular gaseous refrigerant plumbing for connecting several of these units can be reduced to a minimum, thereby ensuring ease of installation and lower installation costs.

This object is solved by a compressor unit according to claim 1 or a heat source unit according to claim 5 . Embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims, the following description and the drawings.

According to one aspect, a compressor unit for an air conditioner is proposed. Air conditioners are configured to condition, heat or cool a space, such as a room within a building. The compressor unit includes a compressor disposed in the first housing. Thus, the first housing houses the compressor, preferably enclosing the compressor. In addition, sound insulation may be provided inside or outside the housing to avoid noise generated by the compressor from being transmitted to the environment in which the compressor unit is installed. In addition, a first heat source port and a second heat source port are provided, and preferably, the first heat source port and the second heat source port are accessible from outside the housing to facilitate connection. The first heat source port and the second heat source port are configured to connect the compressor to a heat source heat exchanger of the heat source unit of the air conditioner using refrigerant pipes. The first heat source port and the second heat source port may be any kind of ports capable of connecting the refrigerant tubing to the compressor (such as a pipe open at one end and having external threads at that end). However, so-called self-sealing connectors or quick fasteners can also be used. However, in most cases this will be due to the specifications required to use lace or raised connectors. The heat source heat exchanger is disposed in a second casing separate from the first casing and is configured to exchange heat with the heat source. In this context, "separate" means that the housings represent separate components or units and should not include the meaning that one housing is disposed within the other. In certain embodiments, the heat source heat exchanger unit uses outside air (ie, air outside the building) as a heat source. For this purpose, the second housing preferably has a first connection on one side of the heat exchanger and a second connection on the opposite side of the heat exchanger. The first and second connections are preferably connected to ducts in fluid communication with the outside of the building so that outside air can pass through the first heat exchanger. Further, the compressor unit includes a first indoor unit port and a second indoor unit port configured to connect the compressor to at least one indoor unit of the air conditioner by means of refrigerant pipes indoor heat exchanger. The first indoor unit port and the second indoor unit port may be of the same kind or different kinds as the first heat source port and the second heat source port. In addition, the compressor unit comprises a first refrigerant pipe preferably arranged within the first housing. The first refrigerant pipe fluidly connects the first heat source port and the first indoor unit port. Thus, the first heat source port and the first indoor unit port are used to fluidly connect the heat source heat exchanger unit to one or more indoor units using refrigerant tubing. Even if the connection between the heat source heat exchanger unit and the indoor unit can be conducted, it is on the one hand proposed to connect these units via the compressor unit so that the part of the refrigerant pipe connecting the units passes through the first housing of the compressor unit. In addition, a secondary cooling heat exchanger is disposed within the first housing and is fluidly connected to the first refrigerant pipe to allow the secondary cooling refrigerant to flow through the first refrigerant pipe. Since the first refrigerant pipe passes through the first casing, the secondary cooling heat exchanger can be integrated into the air conditioner without connecting the compressor unit and the heat source heat exchanger unit (especially, the heat source heat exchanger and the compressor) additional gaseous refrigerant tubing required for passing through the suction side of the secondary cooling heat exchanger). This additional long gaseous refrigerant tubing is integrated into the compressor unit and is therefore much shorter, requiring less material and requiring less installation time. Therefore, convenient installation is achieved and installation cost is reduced.

According to this embodiment, the compressor unit further includes a second refrigerant pipe. The second refrigerant pipe fluidly communicates or connects the second heat source port and the second indoor unit port. A compressor and preferably a four-way valve are interposed between the second heat source port and the second indoor unit port, or more specifically, a compressor and a preferably four-way valve are interposed between the second refrigerant connecting these ports in pipe fittings. A collector may be included on the suction side of the compressor. In addition, the bypass passage is connected to the second refrigerant pipe on the suction side of the compressor between the compressor and the four-way valve, and the secondary cooling heat exchanger is fluidly connected to the bypass passage so as to flow into the bypass passage at Heat transfer occurs between the refrigerant and the refrigerant flowing through the first refrigerant tube. Therefore, all the pipes related to the secondary cooling unit are accommodated in the first housing, so that in one embodiment, in order to connect the compressor unit, the heat source heat exchanger unit and an indoor unit, only the compressor unit needs to Four ports. In particular, by placing the sub-cooling heat exchanger in the compressor unit and looping the refrigerant pipes connecting the heat source heat exchanger module to the indoor unit via the compressor unit, it is possible to avoid the interaction between the heat source heat exchanger unit and the indoor unit. additional routes between. An additional advantage of locating the secondary cooling heat exchanger in the compressor module is that large diameter tubes normally required for gaseous refrigerant to flow therethrough can be avoided.

According to one aspect, the compressor unit does not include the main expansion valve of the air conditioner. The "main expansion valve" of an air conditioner is defined as the expansion valve through which all the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit passes during cooling.

During heating, the main expansion valve limits superheat after the heat source heat exchanger. During cooling, the main expansion valve remains fully open to avoid high pressure drop. During cooling, the entire refrigerant passes through the main expansion valve. During heating, the entire refrigerant is divided and flows between the sub-cooling heat exchanger and the heat source heat exchanger.

In heating operation, there is a relatively large pressure drop because of the relatively long refrigerant pipes connecting the secondary cooling heat exchanger to the heat source heat exchanger. Since the main expansion valve is not provided in the compressor unit, the refrigerant pressure drop between the compressor unit and the heat source heat exchanger unit can be compensated and the two-phase flow noise can be reduced.

According to one embodiment, the compressor unit may include an oil separator on the discharge side of the compressor between the compressor and the four-way valve.

According to another aspect, a heat source unit for an air conditioner is proposed, the heat source unit comprising the above-mentioned compressor unit and a heat source heat exchanger unit. As described above, the heat source heat exchanger unit has the heat source heat exchanger provided in the second casing separate from the first casing. The heat source heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat with a heat source, particularly outside air, and is in fluid connection or communication with the compressor unit via the first heat source port and the second heat source port. In this context, since the first refrigerant pipe connects the first heat source port and the first indoor unit port, the connection of the heat source heat exchanger unit and the indoor unit forms a ring via the compressor unit (first casing). Thereby, the secondary cooling unit can be integrated into the compressor unit without the need for additional piping required to connect the compressor unit to the heat source heat exchanger unit.

As previously described, the main expansion valve of the air conditioner is provided in the second casing, that is, in the heat source heat exchanger unit. Thus, the pressure drop between the compressor unit and the heat source heat exchanger unit is kept as low as possible and two-phase flow noise can be avoided.

As previously mentioned, one or more indoor units may be in fluid connection or communication with the compressor unit via the first indoor unit port and the second indoor unit port. In this context, the first indoor unit port is used to connect the indoor unit (in particular, the indoor heat exchanger) to the heat source heat exchanger unit (in particular, the heat source heat exchanger). The second indoor unit port is used to connect the indoor unit (in particular, the indoor heat exchanger) to the second refrigerant pipe and thus to the compressor. If more than one indoor unit is provided, the indoor units can be connected in parallel.

Other features and effects of the heat source unit can be obtained from the following description of the embodiments. In describing these embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings.

Description of drawings

[Fig. 1] Fig. 1 shows a schematic circuit diagram of an air conditioner,

[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a schematic sketch of the air conditioner shown in Fig. 1 installed in a building,

[ Fig. 3] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a heat source heat exchanger unit,

[Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a compressor unit,

[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 shows a longitudinal section of the heat source heat exchanger unit of Fig. 3, and

[ Fig. 6] Fig. 6 shows a schematic circuit diagram of an air conditioner according to a modification of the configuration shown in Fig. 1 .

Detailed ways

Figure 1 shows a circuit diagram of an air conditioner. The air conditioner has a heat source unit 30 including a heat source heat exchanger unit 31 and a compressor unit 32 .

The heat source heat exchanger unit 31 comprises a heat exchanger 5 consisting of an upper heat exchanger element 6 and a lower heat exchanger element 7 arranged relative to each other to form a "V" shape in side or cross-sectional view (see Figure 5). The heat source heat exchanger unit 31 also includes a main expansion valve 33 of the refrigerant circuit. As becomes clear in FIG. 1 , the entire amount of refrigerant contained in the circuit also passes through the main expansion valve 33 during cooling. In other words, the entire refrigerant delivered or supplied from the compressor 37 flows through the main expansion valve 33 during cooling.

The heat source heat exchanger unit is also shown in more detail in FIGS. 3 and 5 .

3 and 5 show heat source heat exchanger unit 31 which may be part of heat source unit 30 .

The heat source heat exchanger unit 31 includes the casing 2 (second casing) configured to be connected to the outside air duct of the air conditioner. In particular, the heat source heat exchanger unit is configured as an "outdoor" unit of the air conditioner, however, the outdoor unit is particularly arranged in the ceiling of the building. Therefore, a first connector 3 is provided on the housing 2, and the first connector 3 is connected with the air duct, thereby communicating the heat source heat exchanger unit 31 with the outside of the building and enabling outdoor air to be brought into the housing 2 . At the opposite ends of the housing 2, connecting pieces 4 (see FIG. 5 ) are provided, which are provided for reconnecting the heat source heat exchanger unit 31 to the air duct leading to the outside of the building, and enabling the passing of heat The air of the exchanger 5 is discharged to the outside.

The housing 2 is generally rectangular and flat, which means that the height H is smaller than the width W and the length L. In one embodiment, the height H is no greater than 50 cm, preferably no greater than 45 cm, more preferably no greater than 40 cm and most preferably no greater than 35 cm.

The heat source heat exchanger unit 31 also includes a heat exchanger 5 (heat source heat exchanger) also visible in FIG. 3 . However, the configuration of the heat exchanger 5 can be best seen in FIG. 5 . FIG. 5 also shows a side view of the heat exchanger 5 in the sense of the present application.

The heat exchanger 5 comprises an upper heat exchanger element 6 and a lower heat exchanger element 7 . Both the upper heat exchanger element 6 and the lower heat exchanger element 7 are flat or plane shaped and positioned at an angle α therebetween. As can be seen from Figure 1, the upper heat exchanger element 6 and the lower heat exchanger element 7 are fluidly connected in parallel with the refrigerant pipes. Thus, the heat exchanger 5 has a V-shape, wherein the "V" is oriented horizontally. The line CL passing through the vertex 8 of the "V" is oriented horizontally, that is, elongated along the length L of the heat source heat exchanger unit 31 . Line CL is also the centerline of heat exchanger 5 , or in other words, the line of symmetry with respect to heat exchanger elements 6 , 7 .

The heat exchanger 5 is arranged within the air duct formed by the housing 2 so that all air drawn in through the openings at the connections 3 flows through the heat exchanger 5 in the width direction at the top or bottom or sides of the heat exchanger 5 , without any air bypassing the heat exchanger 5 .

The upper heat exchanger element 6 and the lower heat exchanger element 7 are connected to each other at the vertex 8 by connecting elements 9 . The connecting element is impermeable to air and also serves to connect the upper heat exchanger element 6 and the lower heat exchanger element 7 mechanically or physically. Each of the upper heat exchanger element 6 and the lower heat exchanger element 7 includes a heat exchanger coil 10 (a circuit of pipes) and fins 11 disposed therebetween. The heat exchanger of this embodiment is suitable for outdoor applications, that is, as part of a heat source unit of an air conditioner. In this case, the fins of the upper heat exchanger element 6 and the lower heat exchanger element 7 are preferably pie-shaped fins. Even though louvered fins are preferred for good air flow through the heat exchanger due to the presence of several holes that allow air to flow through the fins, condensate water can accumulate in these holes and when the ambient temperature is below about 7 At degrees Celsius, it can cause problems with frost formation during heating operations. In order to prevent these problems, in these cases, it is preferable to use pie-type fins.

Two backward curved centrifugal fans 20 are provided in the housing. These backward curved centrifugal fans 20 each have a suction opening 21 . In the side view ( FIG. 5 ), the central axis of the suction opening 21 and thus the fan 20 is substantially coincident or aligned with the central line CL of the heat exchanger 5 . However, in some appliances, it may be sufficient in the depicted embodiment that the central axis of the suction opening 21 and the central line CL of the heat exchanger 5 are parallel, but horizontally displaced relative to each other.

In use, the fan 20 generates suction at the suction opening 21, thereby causing fluid flow (air flow) in direction F. Thus, air, in particular outside air, is introduced through the connection 3 towards the open end 12 of the heat exchanger 5, through the upper heat exchanger element 6 and the lower heat exchanger element 7, and is drawn in through the suction opening 21 to pass the connection Piece 4 flows out. Thus, the housing 2 defines a duct leading from the connection 3 to the connection 4 via the heat exchanger 5 and the fan 20 . In this context, the connection piece 3 and the connection piece 4 define an inlet opening 13 and an outlet opening 14 .

Further, a drain pan 15 is provided in the housing. The drain pan 15 is divided into two halves 16 , 17 along the length L of the housing 2 in side view. In Figure 5, the two halves 16, 17 are identified by dashed lines, half to the left and half to the right of the dashed line. The drain pan 15 has the lowest position 18 at which the drain port 19 is provided. The bottom of the drain pan 15 slopes towards the drain opening 19 and thus towards the lowest position 18 . Thus, water falling into the drain pan from any component is directed directly to the drain opening 19 and the lowest point 18 furthest away from the fan 20 . Therefore, the water accumulated in the drain pan is prevented from being drawn into the fan 20 and thus into the duct through the opening 14 . The drain opening 19 is directly connected to the drain system so that the water is drained directly.

Furthermore, within the housing 2, on the side facing the drain pan 15 with respect to the line CL, a sound and/or thermal insulation 22 is provided. In cross section and thus in side view ( FIG. 5 ), the inner surfaces of drain pan 15 and spacer 22 , respectively directed towards heat exchanger 15 , should be approximated so that the conduits formed in housing 2 are as symmetrical as possible.

In addition, the distance between the vertex 8 and the inlet of the suction opening 21 should be as short as possible to reduce the length. In particular, the high velocity area of the fan should not overlap the heat exchanger 5 and/or the drain pan 15 in side view.

On one side of the housing 2, a first refrigerant pipe connection 34 and a second refrigerant pipe connection 35 for connecting the heat source heat exchanger unit 31 to the refrigerant pipes of the refrigerant circuit can be seen. In addition, a connection port 36 for connecting the drain opening 19 to a drain system (not shown) extends from the same side surface of the housing 2 as the refrigerant pipe connections 34 and 35 .

The housing 2 is completely closed except for the connections 3 and 4 and the refrigerant line connections 34 and 35 and the connection 36 to the drainage system. Thus, as can be seen from Figure 5, the housing may be soundproof and therefore enclosed to prevent any noise, eg from a fan, from being transmitted to the space to be conditioned. In addition, since the compressor 37 is not provided in the housing 2 but in the compressor unit 32 as described below, no air transfer is caused and via the heat source heat exchanger unit 31 flowing into the air duct connected to the outside of the building. compressor noise.

The compressor unit 32 has a casing 44 (first casing), wherein, in FIG. 4 , the front wall of the casing 44 and the corresponding sound insulation have been removed to partially show the interior of the casing 44 . The compressor 37 (see FIG. 1 ) is provided in the housing 44 . In addition, all other components of the compressor unit described below (if any) will also be located in the housing 44 . Additionally, the compressor unit may include an optional collector 38 and a four-way valve 39 .

In addition, the compressor unit 32 includes a sub-cooling heat exchanger 40 and a sub-cooling expansion valve 41 . The secondary cooling heat exchanger is a tubular heat exchanger.

The compressor unit 32 also includes a first refrigerant pipe connection 42 and a second refrigerant pipe connection 43 (first heat source heat exchanger unit port and second heat source heat exchanger unit port) as shown in FIG. 4 .

Stop valves 45 (two stop valves, one for each connection piece 42 , 43 ) may be provided adjacent to the first refrigerant line connection piece 42 and the second refrigerant line connection piece 43 , respectively.

In addition, a third refrigerant pipe connection 46 and a fourth refrigerant pipe connection 47 (the first indoor unit port and the second indoor unit port) are provided for connecting one or more of the one or more provided in fluid communication with the space to be conditioned Indoor unit 50 (in this embodiment, one). Shut-off valves 48 (two shut-off valves, one for each connection piece 46 , 47 ) are also provided adjacent to the first refrigerant line connection piece 46 and the second refrigerant line connection piece 47 , respectively.

Ports 42, 43 and 46, 47 are all located near the front of the compressor unit to improve serviceability. In particular, as shown in Figure 4, if the front wall of the housing 44 and corresponding insulator are removed, the ports are easily accessible.

In addition, the refrigerant pipe 80 (second refrigerant pipe) connects the refrigerant pipe connection 42 and the refrigerant pipe connection 47 with the four-way valve 39, the compressor 37, the collector 38, the refrigerant pipe 57 inserted in this order The connecting piece 81 , the connecting piece 82 leading to the refrigerant pipe piece 52 are connected with the four-way valve 39 .

Considering the cooling operation (solid arrows in FIG. 1 ), the above components are arranged in the following order from the refrigerant pipe connection 47 to the refrigerant pipe connection 42 : four-way valve 39 , collector 38 , compressor 37 , The four-way valve 39 and the refrigerant pipe connection 42 . Considering the heating operation (dotted arrows in FIG. 1 ), the above components are arranged in the following order from the refrigerant pipe connection 42 to the refrigerant pipe connection 47 : four-way valve 39 , collector 38 , compressor 37 , four Through valve 39 and refrigerant pipe connection 47 .

Furthermore, the refrigerant pipe 49 connects the first refrigerant pipe connection 43 with the third refrigerant pipe connection 46 . The sub-cooling heat exchanger 40 is configured for heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant pipe 49 and the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant pipe 52 . The sub-cooling expansion valve 41 is provided in the refrigerant pipe 52 between the sub-cooling heat exchanger and the refrigerant pipe connection 43 . In other words, the sub-cooling expansion valve 41 is provided between the refrigerant pipe 52 and the connection of the refrigerant pipe 49 and the sub-cooling heat exchanger 40 . In any event, the secondary cooling expansion valve 41 is provided upstream of the secondary cooling heat exchanger 40 of the refrigerant pipe 52 during heating and cooling operations.

The refrigerant pipe 51 connects the collector 38 and the four-way valve 39 . In addition, one end of the refrigerant pipe 52 (gaseous refrigerant pipe) is connected to the refrigerant pipe 49 , and the other end is connected to the refrigerant pipe 51 . In addition, the refrigerant pipe 57 connects the refrigerant pipe 49 and the refrigerant pipe 51 so that the pressure regulating valve 58 is integrated into the intermediate position at the refrigerant pipe 57 .

The housing 44 of the compressor unit 32 may be soundproofed so that the noise generated by the compressor 37 may be prevented from leaking out of the housing and disturbing people in the building. Furthermore, the housing 44 can be placed on the floor due to its compact size for ease of installation and maintenance, even under cabinets in kitchens or other technical equipment rooms. The housing 44 may also include legs 59 as shown in FIG. 4 for positioning and securing the housing 44 on a horizontal support surface. The dimensions of the housing 44, in particular in relation to its height, width and depth, conform to DIN EN 1116 for kitchen furniture and kitchen appliances.

An example of an indoor unit 50 includes a third refrigerant connection 46 and a fourth refrigerant connection 47 to the compressor unit 32 via a third refrigerant pipe connection 54 and a fourth refrigerant pipe connection 55, respectively. The indoor heat exchangers 53 (second heat exchangers) to which the refrigerant pipes are respectively connected. Alternatively, the indoor unit 50 may include an indoor expansion valve 56 disposed between the indoor heat exchanger 53 and the third refrigerant pipe connection 54 . In principle, the indoor unit 50 can in principle be configured as a common indoor unit used in these air conditioners.

As can be best seen in FIG. 2 , an air conditioner may be installed in a building 70 . In a possible embodiment, the heat source heat exchanger unit 31 may be provided in the ceiling 71 of the space to be conditioned 72 and hidden in the ceiling 71 . The connections 3 and 4 are preferably connected to the air duct 73 such that the housing 2 of the heat source heat exchanger unit 31 forms part of the air duct 73 . The ends of the air duct 73 are exposed to the outside of the building at both ends 74 and 75 so that outside air can be drawn in through the end 74, through the heat exchanger 5 of the heat source heat exchanger unit 31 and through the ends 75 discharge.

The heat source heat exchanger unit 31 is connected to the compressor unit 32 through the refrigerant pipe fittings 76 using the refrigerant pipe connections 34, 35 and 43, 42, respectively. The compressor unit 32 is again connected to the indoor unit 50 using the third refrigerant pipe connection to the fourth refrigerant pipe connection 46, 47 and 54, 55, respectively.

The operation of the above-described air conditioner is as follows. During refrigeration operation (solid arrows in FIG. 1 ), refrigerant flow into compressor unit 32 at refrigerant pipe connection 47 passes through four-way valve 39 and is directed into collector 38 . When passing through the collector, the associated liquid refrigerant is separated from the gaseous refrigerant and the liquid refrigerant is temporarily stored in the collector 38 .

Subsequently, the gaseous refrigerant is introduced into the compressor 37 and compressed. The compressed refrigerant is introduced into the heat source heat exchanger unit 31 via the first refrigerant pipe connections 42 , 35 and the refrigerant pipe 71 . The refrigerant passes through the heat exchanger 5 having the plates 6, 7 of the heat source heat exchanger unit 31, whereby the refrigerant is condensed (the heat exchanger 5 acts as a condenser). Thus, heat is transferred to the outside air passing through the heat exchanger elements 6 , 7 of the heat exchanger 5 in parallel. The expansion valve 33 is fully open to avoid high pressure drop during cooling. The refrigerant then flows into the compressor unit 32 via the third refrigerant pipe connections 34, 43 and the refrigerant pipes. In the compressor unit 32 , the refrigerant flows partly through the refrigerant pipe fitting 52 , then through the secondary cooling expansion valve 41 and the secondary cooling heat exchanger 40 , and partly through the refrigerant introduced via the third refrigerant pipe fitting 46 . The refrigerant pipe 49 , the refrigerant pipe and the third refrigerant connection 54 enter the indoor unit 50 . Then, the refrigerant is further expanded by the indoor expansion valve 56, evaporated in the heat exchanger 53 (the heat exchanger 53 serves as an evaporator), thereby cooling the space to be conditioned 72. Therefore, heat is transferred from the air in the space to be conditioned to the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger 53 . During cooling, the main purpose of the sub-cooling heat exchanger 40 is to sub-cool the liquid refrigerant flowing to the indoor unit 50 through the refrigerant pipe 49 . Finally, the refrigerant is again introduced into the compressor unit 32 via the fourth refrigerant pipe connections 55, 47 and the refrigerant pipe.

It is well known that the performance of an indoor air conditioner is equal to the product of enthalpy flow and mass flow. Therefore, when the enthalpy flow is increased, a reduced mass flow can be used. The secondary cooling heat exchanger is used to increase the enthalpy flow in the room. Therefore, mass flow can be reduced without compromising performance. As a result, the pressure drop in the liquid line can be reduced so that the compressor 37 needs to transfer less work, thereby increasing the efficiency of the overall system.

During heating, the circuit is reversed, wherein heating is shown by the dashed arrows in FIG. 1 . The process is the same in principle. However, during heating, the first heat exchanger 5 acts as an evaporator and the second heat exchanger 53 acts as a condenser. In particular, the refrigerant is introduced into the compressor unit 32 via the first refrigerant pipe connection 42, flows into the collector 38 via the four-way valve 39, is compressed in the compressor 37, then flows into the four-way valve 39 and Through the fourth refrigerant pipe connections 47, 55 and the refrigerant pipes, the indoor unit 50 (specifically, the indoor heat exchanger 53) in which the refrigerant is condensed (the indoor heat exchanger 53 serves as a condenser) is entered. The refrigerant is then expanded by the expansion valve 56 and then reintroduced via the third refrigerant tube interconnection 54, 46 into the compressor unit 32 where it flows into the tube 49 and through the secondary The heat exchanger 40 is cooled.

Suction superheat before the compressor can be optimized by refrigerant injection after the evaporator. As a result, the discharge temperature can be lowered, with the consequent benefits of better system efficiency and longer life. When heating, the secondary cooling heat exchanger 40 is used to improve the refrigerant quality at the compressor inlet via the refrigerant pipe 52 connected to the refrigerant pipe 51 upstream of the compressor 37 at the suction of the refrigerant pipe 52 side. In addition, the sub-cooling heat exchanger 40 is used to evaporate the two-phase refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe 49 as required.

Part of the refrigerant then flows into the refrigerant pipe 52, expands in the secondary cooling expansion valve 41 and flows through the secondary cooling heat exchanger 40, before being reintroduced into the refrigerant pipe 51 upstream of the collector 38, thereby convecting Precooling is performed by the refrigerant passing through the refrigerant pipe 49 of the sub-cooling heat exchanger 40 . The remainder flows into the heat source heat exchanger unit 31 via the second refrigerant pipe connections 43, 34 and the refrigerant pipe. The refrigerant is further expanded by the main expansion valve 33 in the heat source heat exchanger unit 31 and then evaporated in the heat exchanger 5 (the heat exchanger 5 acts as an evaporator) before passing through the first refrigerant pipe connections 35 and 42 and The refrigerant tubing is reintroduced into the compressor unit 32 .

Because of the separation of the compressor unit 32 and the heat source heat exchanger unit 31, the compressor unit 32 can be installed in an area insensitive to noise, so that even if it is installed indoors, noise disturbance due to the compressor is not caused. In addition, the housing 44 of the compressor unit 32 can be well insulated with sound insulation. In addition, due to the separation concept between the heat source heat exchanger unit 31 and the compressor unit 32 which can be transferred into the space to be conditioned, there is no compressor noise in the air flowing through the heat source heat exchanger unit 31 .

Since the unit weight of the heat source heat exchanger unit 31 and the compressor unit 32 is lighter, installation is improved. Additionally, the compressor unit 32 can be floor mounted so that there is no need to lift the heavy compressor unit. Because of the relatively small footprint (width and depth) of the compressor unit 32 and the low height of the compressor unit 32, especially its housing, the compressor unit 32 can even be hidden when it is arranged in the room to be conditioned, such as under a cabinet or counter.

The heat source heat exchanger unit 31 also has the advantage of not being disturbed by noise. Because the compressor is not included in the heat source heat exchanger unit 31, the only sound that can be entrained in the airflow is the noise of the fan, so that the noise in the airflow is drastically reduced. Furthermore, the housing 2 can be completely enclosed as the space to be adjusted 72 so that no sound is transmitted into the space. In addition, the housing can be well insulated with sound insulation. Because the height of the heat source heat exchanger unit 31 is low, it is easy to hide the unit in, for example, a ceiling. Therefore, the unit 31 is invisible from the outside. Installation is also improved because the height of the heat source heat exchanger unit 31 is lower compared to a unit having a compressor in the same housing. In particular, the lower height is assisted by the use of a "V" shaped heat exchanger 5, enabling high efficiency and a relatively low height.

Because the secondary cooling unit, especially the secondary cooling heat exchanger, is integrated into the compressor unit and not the heat source heat exchanger unit, one long gaseous refrigerant line connecting the heat source heat exchanger to the suction side of the compressor can be compressed The shorter line 52 contained in the machine unit is replaced. Therefore, the large-diameter piping required to flow the gaseous refrigerant can be shortened. In other words, the heat source heat exchanger unit and the indoor unit can be avoided by placing the secondary cooling heat exchanger in the compressor unit and connecting the refrigerant pipes connecting the heat source heat exchanger module to the indoor unit through the compressor unit in a loop. Additional routes between units.

If the secondary cooling heat exchanger is provided in the heat source heat exchanger module and the fluid connection between units 31 and 50 will not be looped through the casing 44 of the compressor unit 32 but directly connected, the third heat source heat exchanger must be There is an additional line at the compressor unit 32 connecting the compressor unit 32 and the heat source heat exchanger unit 31 to realize the line 52 . Therefore, the present embodiment is improved compared to the present case, with the result that installation is simpler and less expensive to install.

In addition, since the main expansion valve 33 is provided in the heat source heat exchanger unit 31, it is possible to compensate for the refrigerant pressure drop caused by the relatively long refrigerant pipe between the compressor unit 32 and the heat source heat exchanger unit 31 and two-phase flow Noise can be reduced to at least some degree.

FIG. 6 shows a circuit diagram of an air conditioner according to a modification of the configuration shown in FIG. 1 . The difference between the configurations in Figures 1 and 6 is that a heat source heat exchanger module 31' configured to utilize a water heat source is used.

The air conditioner according to this modification has a heat source unit 30 including a heat source heat exchanger unit 31', a cooling tower 90, and a compressor unit 32. The heat source heat exchanger unit 31' works in cooperation with the cooling tower 90 to serve as a source of hot water.

During the cooling operation (solid arrows in FIG. 8 ), gaseous refrigerant is introduced into the compressor 37 and compressed. The compressed refrigerant is introduced into the heat source heat exchanger unit 31' via the first refrigerant pipe connections 42, 43 and the refrigerant pipe 76. The refrigerant passes through the coolant circuit portion of the water-refrigerant heat exchanger 5' of the heat source heat exchanger unit 31', whereby the refrigerant is condensed (the water-refrigerant heat exchanger 5' acts as a condenser). Thus, heat is transferred to the water passing through the water circuit portion of the water-refrigerant heat exchanger 5'. The expansion valve 33 is fully open to avoid high pressure drop during cooling. The refrigerant then flows into the compressor unit 32 via the third refrigerant pipe connections 34, 43 and the refrigerant pipes.

The water circulates through the water circuit including the cooling tower 90 and the water circuit portion of the water-refrigerant heat exchanger 5'. At cooling tower 90, the circulating water releases heat and is cooled.

Regarding installation, the heat source heat exchanger unit 31' may be arranged in the ceiling of the space to be conditioned, while the cooling tower 90 may be arranged, for example, on the roof of a building.

Boiler equipment (not shown) for heating circulating water may also be employed in place of or in addition to the cooling tower 90 for heating operations.

Claims (7)

1. A compressor unit (32) for an air conditioner, the compressor unit (32) comprising: a compressor (37) disposed in the first housing (44), and A first heat source heat exchanger unit port (43) and a second heat source heat exchanger unit port (42) configured to convert the compression The machine unit is connected to the heat source heat exchanger (5) of at least one heat source heat exchanger unit (31) of the air conditioner, and the heat source heat exchanger is arranged in a second shell separate from the first shell (2) and configured to exchange heat with a heat source, A first indoor unit port (46) and a second indoor unit port (47) configured to connect the compressor unit to at least one of the air conditioners the indoor heat exchanger (53) of the indoor unit (50), a first refrigerant pipe (49) fluidly connecting the first heat source heat exchanger unit port (43) and the first indoor unit port (46), and A secondary cooling heat exchanger (40) disposed within the first housing and fluidly connected to the first refrigerant tubing for cooling with refrigerant to flow through the first refrigerant tubing agent for heat transfer. 2. The compressor unit of claim 1, further comprising: A second refrigerant pipe (80) that fluidly connects the second heat source heat exchanger unit port (42) and the second indoor unit port (47), where the second refrigerant In the pipe fitting, the compressor (37) and the four-way valve (39) are interposed between the port of the second heat source heat exchanger unit and the port of the second refrigerant unit, and a bypass passage (52) fluidly connected to the second refrigerant pipe on the suction side of the compressor (37) between the compressor and the four-way valve (39), The secondary cooling heat exchanger (40) is fluidly connected to the bypass passage (52) for the refrigerant flowing into the bypass passage and the refrigerant flowing into the first refrigerant pipe (49) heat transfer between. 3. Compressor unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the compressor unit (32) does not comprise a main expansion valve (33) of the air conditioner. 4. A compressor unit according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an oil separation on the discharge side of the compressor (37) between the compressor and the four-way valve (39) device. 5. A heat source unit for an air conditioner, the heat source unit comprising: A compressor unit (32) according to any one of the preceding claims, and A heat source heat exchanger unit (31) having a heat source heat exchanger (5) provided in a second casing (2) separate from the first casing (44) ) and is configured to exchange heat with a heat source, wherein the heat source heat exchanger unit is fluidly connected via the first heat source heat exchanger unit port (43) and the second heat source heat exchanger unit port (42) to the compressor unit. 6. The heat source unit according to claim 5, wherein a main expansion valve (33) of the air conditioner is provided in the second casing (2). 7. An air conditioner having the heat source unit according to claim 5 or 6, wherein at least one indoor unit (50) passes through the first indoor unit port (46) and the second indoor unit An indoor unit port (47) is fluidly connected to the compressor unit (32).

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